×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Guatemala | What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guatemala? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Guatemala City, Guatemala

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guatemala?

Answer this Question

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

We asked people in Guatemala if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"Sure, such as being at the cash register and telling the cashier when she was bagging the carton of eggs,"Ten cuidado con mis huevos" which translates to be careful with my balls. Foreigners tend to put the possessive on things, like my car and my eyes and my this and that which translates certain phrases differently in Spanish as noted in my example," explained one expat living in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala.

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health
Get Quote

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
Get Quote

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Guatemala. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English loudly in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making jokes or comments that could be seen as offensive," said another expat in Guatemala.

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guatemala?

If you live in Guatemala, newcomers to Guatemala would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Guatemala, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.

Guatemala City, Guatemala
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Award winning International Health Insurance for Individuals and families living abroad
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Award winning International Health Insurance for Individuals and families living abroad
Get Quote

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides