Hi Ya'll, considering Guatemala as next step of life adventure. Would love to get real information regarding ex pat lifestyle there, costs of living and community & social life. Have no desire to buy any real estate, would like to explore country maybe stay a few months at a time in different areas. So far interested in Antigua, Lake Atitlan area, maybe Monterrico Beach. Although currently healthy, would like some information on medical care.
Lifestyle, cost of living and social life
julylee
19 August 2012 20:27:10
3
armandatitlan
19 August 2012 20:57:17
91
I live in Lake Atitlan.. life is cheap..compare to the US for sure.. rentals might be high but you can find good ones for bargain price also if you are not too regarding with house style..
Expats gather mostly in Panajachel.. couple of hang out places...
Mostly the lake is for people looking for quietness and nature.
Monterrico is hot, mosquitos, black sand, ocean dangerous.. not much to do...
Antigua.. great colonial town with a lot of social life, art, theatre, restaurant, bars...
You should check also Quetzaltenango also referred as Xela.. a cooler area.. higher in altitude, with also an interesting social life...
Have a great stay
A...
Aurélie
20 August 2012 15:20:31
22735
Hello julylee.
Welcome to Expat.com! 
A new thread has been created on the Guatemala forum from your post for more visibility.
Thank you,
Aurélie
julylee
20 August 2012 15:52:24
3
I appreciate your time and answers. I have a few Guatemalan friends that are working here in Tennessee and they are sweet hard working people which is one of the reasons I would like to explore Expat status. I find it interesting that for the most part they do not drive. Is that the cost of the cars? Road conditions?
PatrickinGuatemala
22 August 2012 03:18:23
15
I am living already 19 years in QUETZALTENANGO ... a city (in fact the second biggest city in Guatemala) where you can find everything without feeling in a real tourist place ! Healthcare is amazing , because the city holds most of the clinics , hospitals and specialist after the capital . There is also a group of doctors involved in medical tourism and very helpfull .. medicaltourismxela.com . Always welcome if you would like to know more ... [email protected]
TheDQ
13 November 2012 21:16:08
0
Well, the exchange rate is certainly awesome -- almost 8 qtz to 1 usd, so that's a great start
I am also heading towards La Antigua; slower pace of life, no gmo foods, no chem spraying, no police-state, alternative health options abound, fresh healthy food and air... the list goes on.
Every single country on the planet has it's good parts and bad parts; just be awake and aware of where you are going and with whom. Enjoy yourself and be sure to update us here
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