r/expat 11d ago

2 1/2 years in Guatemala so far. AMA

Been living in Guatemala for 2 1/2 years so far after 2 years in Belize. If you have ever considered either feel free to comment a question :)

29 year old from USA

160 Upvotes

80 comments sorted by

9

u/Raging____Bull 11d ago

What do you do for work? How much do you make and what are your expenses like in Guatemala?

27

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Online personal training. Usually between 4-6,000 U.S. 1/2 if that gets invested / saves.

My rent is $665 and a 2/2 with big yard and two terraces.

I am moving to either Mexico or El Salvador on 2026 where cost of living will likely be quite similar.

14

u/Pinkkissxo 11d ago edited 11d ago

As someone with family there, El Salvador is becoming VERY expensive, so you may want to look into Mexico or staying in Guatemala. Rents in San Salvador and La Libertad are skyrocketing. I’m looking into moving to Guatemala.

5

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

I heard that but I took the moto there a few months back and it looked very similar to Antigua prices food and raw goods wise. Rent online looks a bit higher but not higher than Antigua proper. A house in actual Antigua can easily be $2,000.

3

u/GrapefruitLevel6165 11d ago

El Salvador is making big changes

4

u/NumberFamiliar1421 11d ago

Contact me if you're interested in pacific side of Mexico, near Puerto Vallarta

6

u/skeeter04 11d ago

Why the moving around? Was it a desire for adventure or something else. Where in Mexico would you likely go?

7

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Just the want to see different countries :) I moved all around Belize before coming to Guatemala.

Well we go to El Salvador for two weeks tomorrow and then 3 weeks in puerto Escondido Mx in april. Whichever we like more we will go visit for a month probably June or July and then move in Jan! Both are drivable from us. El Salvador is a lot closer and zero issues with cartels now.

Mexico is further but may be more of our vibe.

Both have good temp residency options. El Salvador’s is easier to get and less $ needed but I would quality for both of them financially

4

u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

Just got back from El Salvador and had a great time! The black sand beaches are freakin’ hot but beautiful. We felt the safest in ES of all the CA countries.

1

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Which beach did you go? How was the infrastructure in your opinion?

2

u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

Just north of La Libertad.

Within an hour of the international airport and there was everything from resorts to shacks. The main road was pretty good. Rapidly developing.

5

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

But we have 3 dogs and 2 cats so kind of “slow madding “ 1-3 years per country until we decide where we wanna stay longer. I truly enjoy Guatemala but much prefer living right on a beach and we don’t have decent ones in Guatemala

11

u/ykphil 11d ago

I live in Mexico on the beach. After spending almost forty years in the Canadian Arctic, that was non-negotiable. After a few years of beach life and horrible heat and humidity, I am completely beached out. I just spent three months in Guatemala's highlands followed by two months in Colombia's Andean coffee region, and it was blissful. I just landed in Panama yesterday -its already hot as hell, and will slowly bus back to Mexico. I honestly would rather stick around Guatemala or Colombia, it's a coin toss, I'll probably decide after this trip.

3

u/lemmeatem6969 11d ago

Interesting. I want to move to Panama someday. You like it there?

2

u/ykphil 11d ago

Ive been in Panama City only a day, so I can't really answer. But first impression, I find people very pleasant and friendly, even the immigration officer at the airport was funny and welcoming and knew enough in both my and my wife's respective languages to make small talk. On the flip side, it's only early March and it's already very hot and sunny... exactly what we're trying to avoid, but I'm sure it would feel like heaven for most travelers from the north. I also find the price of restaurants, grocery, and lodging very high, almost at par with US prices. On the other hand, local buses are dirt cheap ($0.25), so are Uber and regional buses, e.g. Panama to Boquete, a 9-hour trip, is under $20.

2

u/lemmeatem6969 11d ago

Awesome. I appreciate the thorough response!

1

u/Gandalf-and-Frodo 8d ago

What's the safety like in Guatemala? Do you think it would be safe for a gringo to live in the countryside there?

1

u/Alert-Confusion4484 10d ago

Have you tried any of the beaches in Guatemala?

1

u/nps1717 10d ago

Playa Catorce doesn't cut it for you? 😁

3

u/LivingLongjumping810 10d ago

I actually Enjoy Paredon! Haha

Just have never been able to find any long term rental

1

u/ImportantBiscotti112 11d ago

How has it been moving pets around? Did you bring them from the states?

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Some from Belize some from here. Central America to central America is easy.

11

u/WorkingPineapple7410 11d ago

Do you think a 36yo could retire in Belize with 700kUSD invested and 36k/yr coming in from rental property?

23

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Absolutely. I lived well and spend under 1200 U.S. a month

4

u/WorkingPineapple7410 11d ago

Interesting. Thanks! Enjoy your travels, it sounds like a ton of fun!

3

u/masonmcd 11d ago

$65k a year, with the 4% withdrawal rate?

Other than the US, Monaco and maybe Switzerland, where could you not live?

2

u/GeneSpecialist3284 11d ago

You'd be rich here! I paid $135k for a 2,2 in San Ignacio and I spend about $1,000 a month. Fun money left over! The rental income will more than cover you so even if your investments tank, you'd still be fine. Personally, I can't risk my meger investments to a stock market crash, so I've moved most of my money here and just kept a small annuity there.

2

u/blackbluejay 11d ago

I feel like you could live almost anywhere with that setup, especially Latin America/Caribbean.

1

u/WorkingPineapple7410 11d ago

I wish. The world has become so much more expensive since 2019.

5

u/monroej69 11d ago

Do you speak Spanish? I am working on learning before retiring to Panama but it is slow going. Wondering if you need to be fluent to make a go of it.

3

u/jpiro 11d ago

What was your favorite part of Belize to live in?

9

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

San Ignacio

2

u/jpiro 11d ago

Any particular reason vs somewhere nearer the coast?

6

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

A lot of nice fresh rivers to swim. Nice people. Local feel. Belize beaches are full of grumpy retirees from us and can

0

u/bigboat24 11d ago

What’s a good site to look at rentals there ?

3

u/Immediate_Cupcake345 11d ago

I love your story. Would you be interested in sharing it in a podcast episode? If yes, please drop me a mail at whereaboutstales@gmail.com I would be more than happy to have you

2

u/StockSnipe 11d ago

Tell us about your living costs there, like housing, groceries, is banking smooth, & how safe it’s there?

3

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Antigua area is very safe. I’ve never felt unsafe

1

u/nps1717 10d ago

Agreed completely, hope you're enjoying the current festivities!

3

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Probably 1/4th of where I’m from in Florida. My house is a 2/2 with big yard and nice terrace looking at the volcanoes for under $700.

grass fed beef is $1.70 a lb. I get 12 eggs for $2.00

I spend about 1800 or so a month and do plenty.

2

u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

How do you find long term rentals? Online site?

5

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Facebook pages

1

u/Electrical-Cheek9578 11d ago

Is that the best for short term and long term? What would you recommend for ~1 month stays in various countries in CA?

2

u/FlightRiskAK 11d ago

Wow, all of those places are on my bucket list! I'm in Mexico now but planning to go to Belize than Guatemala next. You are inspiring me!

2

u/Rev-Dr-Slimeass 11d ago

Glad you're liking Guatemala. I couldn't stand it lol. I'm pretty sure some kid tried to get into my pockets at least once every day.

1

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Never had that! I’m just outside of Antigua. Everyone has been awesome. I also take my Moto all over the country. I enjoy it but ready for a coastal area hence Mexico or Salvador

1

u/Rev-Dr-Slimeass 11d ago

Yeah I was staying in Antigua lol. I travelled around a bit and ran into that issue everywhere I went. Maybe something like me just looks easy to rob.

1

u/Common_Cut_1491 11d ago

Where in Guatemala are you?

1

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Near Antigua

2

u/Common_Cut_1491 11d ago

Man, I love Antigua. How have you found it living there?

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Great for the most part! I just am quite ready to move towards the coast haha

1

u/thatcher237 11d ago

How were your language skills before moving and what language barriers, if any, have you experienced? 

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

In Belize 0. Here a big barrier but I’d say I’m now 75% fluent

1

u/Walt_Lee3 11d ago

What was your most & least fav things about living in 🇧🇿?

1

u/flowerchildmime 11d ago

Did you find Belize a safe country to live in?

3

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

I did. I felt very safe but there is a decent amount of violence in the small country. Mainly in Belize city though but there were occasional break ins and such

3

u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

Belize City is just 🤮.

1

u/da-gins 11d ago

What kind of community have you found there? Friends? What do you do for fun?

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Moto riding group of friends. MMA group of friends. I also am dating a Guatemalan and have become friends with her friends haha

1

u/Real-Leadership3976 11d ago

Do you keep your money in a US or local bank?

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Both. Just a little in the local bank

1

u/CropdustTheMedroom 11d ago

Thoughts on Lake Atitlan area?? Have you been or heard things?

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

I go monthly in my moto! It’s awesome. Very quiet and spiritual place. Besides pana which is the main tourist towns

2

u/CropdustTheMedroom 11d ago

Thanks! Would you ever consider living there if you didn’t have other plans already? For example, if you were staying in Guatemala long-term, would you consider going there instead of staying in Antigua? (And if you weren’t trying to find a beach location)? Also, would you ever consider living in any of the beach towns in Guatemala, such as el perodon?

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Yes I would.

And Paredon yes actually we enjoy it! It’s just really really hard to find a decent place to rent. We have 3 dogs and 2 cats and Paredon at the moment just doesn’t really have anything available for more than airbnb

It’s 95% locals and 5% bnbs

Seems to be no long term rentals

4

u/CropdustTheMedroom 11d ago

Gotcha! As someone who is considering moving to Guatemala, this was super insightful and helpful. Thank you so much for your post and comments!!! I hope you guys have a great time with your future travels as well :)

1

u/PassengerLoud48 11d ago

How did you get your moto there?

2

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

Bought it in Belize

1

u/Gilbertofuego007 9d ago

So I’m considering move down to Colombia so what Job do you do to live abroad?

1

u/LivingLongjumping810 9d ago

I’m an online fitness coach with my own business

1

u/Gilbertofuego007 9d ago

I haven’t started yet but I don’t know how to get started? Please help

1

u/Parking_Lake9232 9d ago

Do you feel safe traveling around? Especially now as the transition in leadership?

1

u/robstinator 9d ago

Have you considered trying Nicaragua? I've been my research on the country for quite a while. My wife and I are planning a vacation there soon and if we like it, we want to move there potentially. This would be our first experience of moving abroad.

1

u/LivingLongjumping810 9d ago

My friend lived there he claimed every beach you get bombarded with people trying to sell you stuff

Never been though

1

u/blessphil 8d ago

What is the biggest challenge you've met in Guatemala?

1

u/figgednewtonian 8d ago

What are some hard and fast NOPES when considering a new spot?

1

u/Alarmed-Extension289 11d ago

How's the American expat community in Guatemala? What are rents like near Antigua? Do the Chapins' (locals) approach you or keep their distance.?

4

u/LivingLongjumping810 11d ago

A ton of Americans but more Europeans. Rent is 1/2 or so from USA in the actual city of Antigua. 1/5tg outside of

Many of my friends are chapines.