Living In Guatemala

More and more people who visit Guatemala are deciding they would like to extend their stays, and some are even making the big move. It's easy to see why: Guatemala entices travelers with natural beauty, colonial charm, and a low cost of living. Who wouldn't want to stay for awhile?

Antigua is the most popular place for ex-patriots to move. There is a budding expat community here, as well as plenty of Spanish schools and cheap housing. You can live rather luxuriously here for relatively cheap: a room with private bath can be rented for around $120 a month, or a private, one bedroom apartment with all the best amenities will cost around $200 a month. Food is cheap, too—meals average between $2 and $5, and you could live on much less if you shop in markets and cook at home.

If you do plan on relocating to Guatemala, whether for a short or long period of time, you should be aware of the visa requirements. Tourist visas are only valid for a period of up to 90 days, but there is a loophole: you can leave to Mexico or Belize for a period of 72 hours and then renew your visa for another three months. Work, student and volunteer visas can also be issued, usually for a period of six months. Check the requirements put in place by your local consulate for more information.

Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Guatemala: History and Politics, Tour Operators Overview, Restaurant Summary, Studying Spanish, Study Spanish, Health, Overview restaurant, Safety, Guatemala Facts and Accommodation overview.