Living in Guatemala: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Guatemala.
Guatemala is a Central American country attracting expatriates wishing to discover its strong historic heritage. Its rich and unique culture has been shaped by Maya traditions and Spanish influences. With great landscapes diversity, it offers a pleasant quality of living.
Expat professionals looking for work opportunities can find positions in language teaching and the tourist sector.
History of Guatemala
Guatemala is historically a Mayan territory. After being colonised by Spain, Guatemala gained its independence in the 19th century. The country was then plagued by decades of political turmoil, with a series of military coups facing guerrilla opposition, which escalated into civil war. Guatemala finally achieved peace and transformed into a democratic regime at the end of the 20th century, and has ever since steadily been recovering.
Since 1986, Guatemala is a constitutional sovereign democratic republic.
Geography of Guatemala
Located in Central America, Guatemala shares borders with Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, and is bounded by the Gulf of Honduras and the Pacific Ocean.
Although fairly small, with a surface area of 108,889km2, the country is geographically very diverse: its southern parts are home to a string of 27 volcanoes, three of them active, while the north is comprised of a dense rainforest and savanna grasslands.
The ongoing deforestation process has somewhat depleted the region's exuberant wildlife, formed of mammals, reptiles and birds, including the gaudy quetzal, the national symbol.
Located within the tropics, Guatemala experiences constant temperatures throughout the year, ranging from about 14 °C in the highest areas to 24 °C at sea level.
As for precipitations, Guatemala has a dry season between the months of November and April but is likely to face strong, windy tropical storms causing floods in September and October.
The country's population of roughly 15 million inhabitants lives half in rural settlements, and half in large cities like capital city Guatemala City or Quetzaltenango, heartland of the Indian community.
Economy of Guatemala
The country's climatic variety allows a wide array of crops to thrive, and Guatemala boasts significant agricultural riches. Commodities such as coffee, sugar, and bananas are in fact pillars of Guatemala's external trade.
After weathering severe economic and currency in the 1980s, the government has endeavoured to revive the national economy and stabilise its balance of payment by encouraging crop diversification, promoting the cultivation of flowers or snow peas for export purposes.
When it comes to industrial activities, the leading sectors include textile manufacture, food processing (and particularly sugar processing) and beverage production. Assembly plants have also been set up in a bid to leverage the country's proximity to the US and Mexican territories.
The service sector is rapidly gaining steam and already makes the largest contribution to Guatemala's GDP. Tourism in particular is an important driver of growth.
Culture of Guatemala
Guatemala is home to two main ethnic groups: the so-called Ladinos, of mixed Maya and Hispanic origins, and the indigenous Maya Indians.
Spanish is Guatemala's official language, but dozens of Mayan languages are spoken and even used for administration and business purposes. While most Ladinos do not speak Mayan, many Mayas are fluent in Spanish.
Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are dominant in the country, sometimes mixed with pre-Columbian beliefs.
Guatemala is marked by sharp inequalities in about every realm. Urban, affluent households live just like one does in New York city, in stark contrast to rural indigenous people who have retained a traditional, almost pre-industrial lifestyle.
Whatever their background, Guatemalans are generally optimistic, positive and joyful people more than willing to welcome and include newcomers.
Useful link:
Visit Guatemala
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Guatemala.
Work
Dive into the Guatemala labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Guatemala.
Finding work in Guatemala
Guatemala has a stable economy driven by the primary and tertiary sectors. Although foreigners are only rarely employed in agriculture and industry, ...
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Guatemala. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Guatemala
Guatemala being a country of stark contrasts, the choice of a place to live deserves careful thinking. The accommodation in Guatemala is plentiful, ...
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Guatemala.
Study in Guatemala
Facing one of the lowest adult literacy rate in Central America, Guatemala's higher education system has many challenges to tackle, and its ...
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Guatemala: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Guatemala: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Guatemala.
The tax system in Guatemala
Taxation in Guatemala is all but excessive; the country's revenue from tax, at 12.3% of GDP, is one of the lowest in the region according to the ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Guatemala.
Travelling around Guatemala
Without passenger trains running on the national railways, air and road transport are the main means of transportation available to get around ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Guatemala, driver's license exchange and international permits.
How to drive in Guatemala
The majority of public means of transportation in Guatemala is notoriously uncomfortable, so being able to drive is essential and offers much-needed ...
Removal
Moving to Guatemala? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Guatemala.
Phones and internet in Guatemala
Guatemala enjoys extensive and modern telecommunications networks, encompassing cellular and land lines, broadband internet and cable TV. Still, ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Guatemala.
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Guatemala looks like? Here's a taste.
Childcare and family activities in Guatemala
Guatemalans tend to have large families, especially in rural areas, so your children will not lack company, and moving there as a family can even ...
Articles from the magazine
From a writer's perspective: Expat David Anicetti on Guatemala
Expat and author David Anicetti expatriated in Guatemala 24 years ago from the US to set up his business. But the country of the epic Mayan civilisation and scenic nature made an impact on David, and he has called it home ever since. He talks to Expat.com about the country, its people and the lifestyle, and how he conceived the idea for his book 'Living in Guatemala', a practical guide to the country. Join us in a journey to Central America to find out more about the everyday life of a long-term expat in Guatemala.
Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.
How different countries approach midday breaks
Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.
Understanding inheritance law and taxes
The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.
Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important
Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?
How to manage international teams and overcome cultural barriers
Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?
Why pursue a Master's degree overseas?
More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.
How to save on your US expat tax return
Managing your tax obligations can be complicated for US expats. As a US citizen living abroad, you still have to file a US tax return, and you may have to pay local taxes in your country of residence, too. Fortunately, the IRS and local governments have put provisions in place to help alleviate this burden. Knowing about and claiming these provisions is the key to saving money as an American living overseas, as they can not only help reduce or even eliminate your US tax bill, but sometimes you can even claim a refund you didn't know about!
