Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala
Last updated on Jan 04, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Guatemala include its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and affordable cost of living. Guatemala is home to a variety of Mayan ruins, colonial cities, and stunning beaches, making it a great destination for travelers and expats alike. Additionally, the country has a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. The cons of living in Guatemala include its high crime rate, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare. Guatemala has one of the highest crime rates in Latin America, and the government has been unable to effectively address the issue. Additionally, the country's infrastructure is lacking, making it difficult to access basic services such as reliable electricity and running water. Finally, access to healthcare is limited, and the quality of care is often subpar.
What are the pros and cons of living in Guatemala?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Guatemala responded:
"It's a beautiful country with great people and food. There is not good affordable education for children," said one in Guatemala.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Guatemala. The cost of living is much lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the country is home to a diverse range of cultures and landscapes, from the colonial cities of Antigua and Quetzaltenango to the lush jungles of the Petén. Expats and digital nomads also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, who are often eager to share their culture and customs with visitors. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure in Guatemala to be lacking, with unreliable public transportation and limited access to high-speed internet. Additionally, the country has a high crime rate, which can be a deterrent for some," explained one expat in Guatemala.
AGS Worldwide MoversGet Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
AGS Worldwide MoversRelocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What do expats in Guatemala appreciate most about the local culture?
"The people's willingness to SMILE. Old people who are still active and friendly. The busy cultural norm of walking. The noise of vehicles can be annoying to me as its constant... from morning until night....," explained one expat living in Quetzaltenango.
"If anything the rebelliousness towards their corrupt government and their acceptance of a day to day optimism of life. I found that the poorest of people generally seemed to be the happiest," said one expat in San Pedro La Laguna.
"Expats in Guatemala appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the variety of traditional foods, the colorful markets, and the unique architecture. Additionally, they appreciate the country's rich history and the opportunity to explore the many archaeological sites. Finally, expats enjoy the relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture," said a person living in Guatemala.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Guatemala often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Guatemala. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the pace of life to be slower than what they are accustomed to, as well as the lack of modern amenities and infrastructure. Finally, the safety and security situation in Guatemala can be a concern for expats, as crime and violence are prevalent in some areas," said a person living in Guatemala.
"Security (18 murders per day, many robberies), understanding people (learning a new language), not working," explained one expat living in Guatemala City.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Guatemala Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Guatemala
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Guatemala
- Best Places to Live in Guatemala
- Guide to Real Estate in Guatemala
- Pros & Cons of Living in Guatemala
- Cost of Living in Guatemala
- Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala
- 5 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Guatemala
- 7 Things to Know Before You Move to Guatemala
- The 5 Best Places to Live in Guatemala
- 2025 Guide to Living in Guatemala
- Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Guatemala