MIssTrudy
American expat in Guatemala
Forum posts
38
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in Guatemala City
Speaks English, Spanish, French
Registration: 18 March 2009
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 ...
Also, I forgot to add, if a person has a teaching certificate or experience, even, private schools here in the capital are always in great need of English teachers, especially if they are native speakers. 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 ...
I have taught in two master programs here, one in Universidad Landivar and another in FLACSO, a research/think tank organization. I have my DPI and work permits, though. I also teach at the School of Professional Translation at IGA and am a ... Read More
Free and low-cost leisure activities in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding leisure activities that are free or low-cost in Guatemala. This information will give future expats (or even current expats) an idea regarding some of leisure activities that they might not ...
I enjoy going to the markets, many different markets, rather than buying my produce at the supermarkets. I live in the city and sometimes I will drive to a market over an hour away, just to go see a new one. As per cultural entertainment, we go out ... Read More
Raising kids in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, How is raising kids in Guatemala different from raising kids in your home country? What are the activities that your kids seem to enjoy the most in Guatemala? Do you feel that the country is "family-friendly"? Do you ...
I did not really raise my kids here except when they were very young, then we went back to the US and they grew up there and remain there. We returned to Guate decades later. But here they had a nanny and went to an American-style private school, ... Read More
Traffic in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Guatemala, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people to ...
I live in Guate City and traffic is horrendous. It can take over an hour to drive through 4 kilometers or less than 2 miles during peak hours. I live in zona 10 and can walk to most places, thank goodness, because I hate to drive in this traffic. ... 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 ...
In my case, and this was around 2008 when shipping rates were really very cheap because the government had not yet entered to clean up the corruption in Guatemalan customs, I shipped way too much furniture and books I should not have. Because I ... Read More
What are the dos and don'ts of finding a job in Guatemala? by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Where is the best place to start when looking for a job in Guatemala? Is it better to job-hunt by directly contacting the company of your interest, or should job-seekers rely on a recruitment agency, for example? Are there any ...
My experience may be a little different, because I have a DPI (legal residency) and it includes a work permit. I have met several foreigners who came with an English teaching job that they got through the websites of private schools and language ... Read More
Recognition of foreign qualifications in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Were your professional qualifications recognised in Guatemala? What country did you complete your qualifications in? What profession are you in? Did you have to go through any formalities to get your qualifications recognised, ...
All my degrees are from US universities (BA, 2 masters and a doctorate, among others). They were acknowledged by private universities but if one wants to teach at the State university or work for government projects, it is necessary to become ... Read More
Naturalisation and citizenship in Guatemala by Bhavna
Hello everyone, What are the requirements for acquiring citizenship in Guatemala? For example, length of residence, language requirements, employment etc.. What formalities are involved in the process? What is the policy on dual-citizenship ...
You do not have to give up your former nationality. That I know, even though I have a legal residence, not a naturalization. That is, I am legally allowed to work here, I do not have to travel out of the country to renew a visa, and so on. As far ... Read More
The holiday season in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Guatemala? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Guatemala? How do Guatemalans celebrate this very ...
In Guatemala, there are so many parties! I am invited to Christmas parties and events practically every single night of each week, starting towards mid-November. Christmas "convivios" (gatherings or parties), friendly get-together, ... Read More
Are you happy in Guatemala?
I agree with Armand, being able to go back to the US and spend a few months there with my children and their children makes a big difference. I don't know if I would be as happy if I could not go visit back home as frequently as I do. It makes ... Read More
Are you happy in Guatemala?
I am very happy here. Very. However, it may also have much to do with this state in my life. The kids are grown and gone, have formed their own families and are happy themselves, and I am working in what I love to do. I have the time for personal ... Read More
New members of the Guatemala forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Guatemala forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
I shipped a lot of my furniture and books and the service was good, but if I had to do it again, I would just get most of the furniture here. There is everything one needs and you'll save yourself the hassle with customs. Bring those pieces ... Read More
Your new local habits in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Guatemala is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Guatemala? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
I had to change my expectations about punctuality and am still working on not getting unduly irritated by the fact that most people here--from traders and providers, to my own students--do not have the same sense of punctuality that I have. In ... Read More
Expand your social circle in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to Guatemala means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one develop ...
For me it was not all that difficult, because I speak Spanish and because some of the circles I move in speak fluent English, either because they are expats or because they are Guatemalans educated in private schools with good enough English taught. ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Guatemala? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Guatemala, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Yes, I would move here again. Even though I have been mugged a couple times while driving my car. I cannot think of anything I would do all that differently. Everything was a learning experience, even the bad things, which were not all that much. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Guatemala? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
In my personal experience, adaptation is largely contingent on an individual's personality. Some people are less open to new experiences than others and there is nothing particularly wrong with that, it is just a personality factor. It becomes a ... Read More
Essentials to live in Guatemala by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Guatemala, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Guatemala? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
I live in the capital city and I used to import a couple big boxes every year with all my favorite shampoos and conditioners, spices, etc. However, in the last 5 years I have found you can get almost any product in the supermarkets, big stores ... Read More
Best cities to live in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Guatemala. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
It is hard to determine a "best" city, because so much is contingent on your lifestyle, your preferences, your work, etc. To me there are several cities and towns in which life could be good or else, horrible, depending upon a wide array ... Read More
Working as a freelancer in Guatemala
I work as a freelancer for editorials and publishers in the US and Britain. One of the questions I am most often asked by people is how to manage to transfer payment. In general, I prefer that people who hire me as a writer or translator, to pay me ... 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 have lived here off and on for many years and never had a vaccination except for tetanus and that was a while back, after I stepped over a rusty nail. However, if it has been recommended, can't hurt to get them. I know my son got a malaria ... Read More
Healthcare in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Guatemala ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Guatemala? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I was talking about the public (government) hospitals when I said that about the bureaucracy and the lines, etc., as per what my employees have to go through every time they use the system. If you had a different experience, good for you, but my ... Read More
Healthcare in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Guatemala ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Guatemala? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I believe it behooves everybody to have health insurance. This includes Guatemala, even though the services are so inexpensive, compared to the US, for example, that many feel it is not worth it. My experience in Guatemala has been with the private ... Read More
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 ...
I don't know about the 1970s, but I got my resident visa without all that much ado. Yes, there were standing in line moments (mostly sit and wait for them to call your number, no real "standing" in line as in olden times... you can take or an iPad ... Read More
The other side of the Guatemalan postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Living and working here is a whole different ballgame than the US in some aspects, but in others, it isn't all that different. People are people everywhere, and once you get over the superficial, cultural differences, most people want the same ... Read More
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 ...
Costa Rica has in common with Guatemala that they are on the same isthmus and the language. Other than that, not all that much. Just the fact that Costa Rica has no military and Guatemala is a highly militaristic society says a lot. Costa Rica has ... Read More
motos.. general info? by vesti
Hi everyone. I am seeking basic needs info about Guate and wonder if as is the case elsewhere in latin am people can purchase a moto and drive it away, with placas, marchamo etc.. are there dealers in GC or anywhere that do this, how hard for a non ...
Going north on 7th avenue, these small stores would be to your left. Read More
motos.. general info? by vesti
Hi everyone. I am seeking basic needs info about Guate and wonder if as is the case elsewhere in latin am people can purchase a moto and drive it away, with placas, marchamo etc.. are there dealers in GC or anywhere that do this, how hard for a non ...
There are all kinds. In zona 10 they are bigger agencies. One is on Proceres almost in front of Cemaco, a large dealership. And the other one is smaller and I think just scooters, on Reforma. In zona 9, just right past the Torre Reformador tower, ... Read More
motos.. general info? by vesti
Hi everyone. I am seeking basic needs info about Guate and wonder if as is the case elsewhere in latin am people can purchase a moto and drive it away, with placas, marchamo etc.. are there dealers in GC or anywhere that do this, how hard for a non ...
PS: I meant to say that motorcycles with TWO or more occupants whiz around the city, undisturbed. Or robbing drivers stuck in traffic, too. But that happens much more on Roosevelt highway. Read More
motos.. general info? by vesti
Hi everyone. I am seeking basic needs info about Guate and wonder if as is the case elsewhere in latin am people can purchase a moto and drive it away, with placas, marchamo etc.. are there dealers in GC or anywhere that do this, how hard for a non ...
I know they are not strict about one person per motorcycle because motorcycles keep whizzing around the streets in Guatemala City even in front of indifferent police officers who do nothing about it. But you do have to purchase one of those ... Read More
Moving to Guate
I directed a young expat friend from California to one of the top language schools int he City, located in Zona 10, and he got hired almost immediately and told me the wages were pretty decent. I think the name of the place is Academia Europea. ... Read More
Just how dangerous is Guate nowadays? by BasiaAlm
I have to go to Belize for 6 months to a year and during summer I would like to visit Guate, especially highlands, as it is cooler. Found a lovely house on Lake Atitlan to rent for 2-3 months, but how about getting there? I heard the maras target ...
I don't think any more dangerous, nowadays, than Belize. You have to be prudent, educate yourself as to where it is safest and where it is unsafe, knowing that no place in the whole area is completely safe. And I include large regions of Mexico and ... Read More
Receiving mail (post) safely in Guatemala? by JamesB
I am asking this for a friend of mine from the states: If someone moves from the U.S. to Guatemala and they want to receive mail safely and securely, is there a courier service from the states that sends the accumulated mail via FEDEX once per ...
I have had stuff sent to me via Fedex and DHL with no problem, directly from the USA. I also keep a P.O. Box in the USA but travel back home often, so most of the time, just bring back my own mail. Read More
How to make friends in Guatemala by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals and other expats) when you're living in Guatemala :top: [b]Which are your best ...
Sign up for an art class or something. There are some pretty great ones VERY cheap in Centro Cultural Metropolitano, a beautiful art school sponsored by the City, surrounded by cafes frequented by artsy people. You can find lots of information ... Read More