SpiralCee
Canadian expat in Guatemala
Forum posts
23
Contacts
2
About me
Canadian
Lives in Panajachel
Speaks English, French (some), Spanish (some)
Registration: 18 April 2015
Considering retirement in Guatemala by luv2travel
So we FINALLY retired and we can live anywhere. Guatemala looks like an awesome place to learn Spanish, make friends and enjoy life. Any tips on moving, bringing a car, pets, etc. would be appreciated. We love to travel and look forward to our ...
Hey, guys! Great discussion. I moved from Canada to Panajachel 3 years ago and I enjoy it here, although there are some cultural differences that take some getting used to. The Lake Atitlan area is very beautiful and has a lovely moderate climate. ... Read More
Cooking like a local in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in Guatemala. What are some of the most popular local dishes that are easy ...
I've tried to make my own tortillas and it's harder than it looks! HA HA! There are several local cooking classes here at Lake Atitlan. I usually see them posted in the Facebook groups for the towns, such as the San Pedro la Laguna ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Guatemala. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships and ...
I personally don't have an intercultural relationship with a Guatemalan but I know others who do, mostly men. Unfortunately, I have heard of many instances of foreign men being targeted by "golddiggers". The women want a better life ... Read More
The jobs that are the most in-demand for expats in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding the job market for expats in Guatemala. This information will be incredibly helpful to anyone considering moving there, so we're very grateful for your contribution. What are the types ...
Here are the most common ways I've seen expats making money in Guatemala: 1. Retired, don't need to work because they're on a pension. 2. Disability or other government-funded income, a check that comes every month 3. Teaching English, ... Read More
Online shopping in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Shopping online can be far more convenient and offer greater choice than going into shops, be it grocery shopping or retail. Are there options for online shopping in Guatemala? Which sites or apps do you use most frequently ...
Online shopping used to be easy...until the postal service shut down last year. It has yet to be fully restored. I lost two parcels that were in transit. The only options for shipping parcels right now are courier services such as DHL, GuateEx, etc. ... Read More
Paying bills in Guatemala
The electric (luz) bill comes once monthly. You can pay it in person at their office or you can pay it online if you have a Guatemalan bank account. There are significant penalties for not paying on time, and they are very prompt with turning off ... Read More
What to expect when moving to Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Is there anything you wish you had known before moving to Guatemala? For example, transportation, internet speeds, types of housing, aspects of the culture or social life. In your opinion, what's the most important thing to ...
Learn as much Spanish as you can before you get here. Google everything! Find out as much as you can before you come. Ask questions on these forums or on Facebook forums. Find real blogs by real people who have done it. You can find anything you ... Read More
friends living in panajechel guatemala
I've been living in Panajachel for two and a half years now. It is a lovely town with a thriving expat community. Super easy to meet new friends! Finding the right place to live is probably the hardest part, but once you settle in, I'm sure ... Read More
Importing a pet cat into Guatemala
I brought my cat from Canada to Guatemala in 2015. I blogged about it here. http://chasingmarbles.blogspot.com/2015/04/taking-cat-from-canada-to-guatemala.html The process is a bit complex but should be similar for your country. Write to the ... Read More
Cost of living in Guatemala - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Guatemala, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices ...
I live in Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. I have been here almost two years. In my experience, the cost of living here is much lower than Canada, although it it getting more expensive due to rising prices and the effects of foreign exchange. I will ... Read More
Speaking Spanish in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Guatemala. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Oh gosh YES! I tell this to everyone over and over -- learn as much Spanish as you can before you come here! And even then, be prepared to be stumped. :P It's helpful to carry a pen and paper with you for impromptu Pictionary. Draw what ... Read More
Pets in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Many of us in Guatemala have four-legged friends. What about you? Do you have one or more pets? Share your experience with us! What are the formalities to import pets in Guatemala? What about pet adoption procedures in the ...
This is such a big topic! I will share what I know from my personal experience moving from Canada to Panajachel, Guatemala. I currently have two cats, one dog, and one foster puppy. I'll answer the above questions as best I can and encourage you to ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clich茅s about life in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clich茅s die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Guatemala can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Guatemala? What are ...
Did you have a biased view of the country before moving there? What is your view now? Before moving here, I thought Guatemala was truly and entirely a third world country. I thought the whole country was mired in desperate poverty and that I would ... Read More
Dealing with homesickness in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in Guatemala can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent ...
I have been living in Guatemala at Lake Atitlan for a year and a half. I am lucky in that there are many places here to satisfy my cravings for food from "back home". As much as I love the local food, sometimes I just need a bacon ... Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in Guatemala
There is 911 here to call in emergencies. I also went to my local tourist office and got the numbers of the police and fire in my town. Proatur is a service that helps tourists. They can connect you to lawyers, translators, and such. Their number ... Read More
Working "remotely" advice? by languagetraveler
Hi everyone- I聮m new to the forum and I have a few questions if anyone can help. I live in the states and have no immediate plans to permanently move to Guatemala, but would like to plan some 聯extended stays聰 of 1-2 months here and there. I聮ve ...
I also work online and moved from Canada to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan in April. The internet is fine but does cut out a LOT. I get brief outages almost every day: sometimes just a flicker and a reboot, sometimes five minutes. Longer outages happen ... Read More
Health concerns - Regarding Vaccinations by tiosam
Hello to all. My name is Garry and my spouse and I will be moving to Guatemala in Nov., probably to Antigua. I have a question regarding vaccinations. I know they are not required, but many health sites recommend typhus and yellow fever vaccinations ...
I moved from Canada to Lake Atitlan in April. I got my twinrix vaccinations at a travel clinic before I left Canada. They protect against Hepatitis A & B. They are given in a series, so you need to plan ahead! I think I started the series six months ... Read More
Volunteering in Guatemala
I have found the best way to find a place to volunteer is to ask around in the town you are in. Look for posters put up at bars, restaurants, and the market. Join some Facebook groups for the area you are living in and ask the members where is a ... Read More
Getting Through Customs for a Long Stay by maryrossi
Hola! My husband and I (late 60s) are coming to Guat in 3 weeks for a long stay, maybe 6 months, maybe permanent. We're in the process of regenerating after getting physically depleted, and since we're using the all natural approach of herbs ...
I brought six months worth of prescription medication with me when I arrived in April. I put it in my checked luggage and had no problems. I brought my prescription from my doctor, just in case. Recent posts on the Facebook group,Guatemala Expats ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Guatemala by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Guatemala. What recommendations would you ...
1. Learn Spanish. As much as you can before arriving. Then be prepared to not understand a word. Smile and try again. 2. Connect with other expats, either online or in person. Find a gringo hangout and talk to people. They are your best source of ... Read More