Expat Community > Guatemala

DRThomas
Joined 2013
Posts: 118

so many questions about Antigua

10 years ago

For the past nine years I have lived outside the US, hanging up my hat in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama. I am very interested in moving to Guatemala. Antigua seems to offer the most of the many towns and cities I have visited. I have not been in Guatemala for a couple years, but I plan to travel there in January 2014. Hopefully someone will take the time to answer a few questions for me.

(1) Does Guatemala tax foreign pensions? Some countries do, some do not.

(2) Does Guatemala have national health plan to which holders of a visa de pensionado can belong?

(3) Do US expats use a mailing address in the US to facilitate the receipt of packages, correspondence, magazines, etc.?

In Panama many people, foreigners and Panamanians, use a service such as Airbox Express. If they buy something on the internet, the package is sent to a Miami address, forwarded to Panama, and finally delivered to the buyer at the office that services his area. A small packet costs about USD$10.00. Panama does not charge import duty on items valued at less than USD$100. If the item is of greater value, Airbox collects the custom fees from the buyer, avoiding long lines at Customs and lengthy paperwork. All items sent to a Panamanian POB, on the other hand, pass through Customs regardless of the declared value.

(4) What does Guatemala charge on imported items?

(5) About how much does a law firm charge for submitting the paperwork for a visa de pensionado? A ballpark figure?

(6) Between date of the request for a visa and the receipt of the visa, can an applicant leave Guatemala for a short trip?

In Costa Rica, a letter from an attorney verifying that a visa has been requested is sufficient to leave and re-enter the country. In Panama, a multi-entry visa is required (about USD$50).

(7) How is the taxi service in Antigua?

I do not recall using a taxi in Antigua. I think I took a tuktuk everywhere. The bus service to other cities and towns was quite adequate. Are there cooperativas (a central office for taxis)? Costa Rica has a very good taxi system, Panama has no system at all.

(8) Are there Lions and/or Rotarians in Antigua?

(9) Can you recommend a good practical book about Guatemala for a potential immigrant?

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Living in Guatemala Guide

Expats are very forthcoming about the pros and cons of living in Guatemala. Pros include the spring-like weather, the low cost of living and the lifestyle.

Guatemala Forum
Join our Guatemala forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Guatemala.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Guatemala.

Best Places to Live in Guatemala

If you're dreaming about living in Guatemala, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Guatemala in 2023.

Healthcare in Guatemala

Expats in Guatemala have a variety of healthcare options available to them. Understanding what is available is a critical part of preparing to move there.

Cost of Living in Guatemala

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Guatemala.

Moving to Guatemala Guide

Expats that move to Guatemala do so to enjoy a beautiful country where the cost of living can be dramatically different than the rest of the world. However, it's important to understand all of the details of living in Guatemala before moving there.