9+ Pros And Cons Of Living In Guatemala (Expat Advice)

Guatemala is one of the most interesting places to live.

We have explored it inside and out during our travels and find it to be an exemplary option for expats. It’s exciting, offers beautiful scenery, and is ideal for those who want to make the most of the lower cost of living.

Expats living in Guatemala state it is one of the better decisions they have made.

Before diving into this, it’s best to know the pros and cons of moving to Guatemala. Is this the country of your dreams?

We will help shed light on this matter for you.

Pros Of Living In Guatemala

Friendly People

The one thing we appreciate about Guatemala is the people.

This is integral to your experience living in a new country. You are going to want to fit in and that’s not going to be an issue as long as you are taking the time to pick up a bit of the local lingo.

The people are receptive and are going to be more than willing to help. This helps with the transition and is also going to make it fun when you are there.

We always recommend expats moving to Guatemala to consider reaching out to other expats. This will help the transition.

Good Weather

The weather is mild in Guatemala when it is not raining.

This makes it ideal for those who are looking to enjoy warmer conditions and don’t want to deal with things such as snow.

If you are coming from a colder climate, you are going to appreciate this part of living in Central America.

Low Cost Of Living

If you want to start a new life in a new country then Guatemala is an intriguing option. It’s common for digital nomads to come here due to its low cost of living.

There is nothing worse than having to deal with unwanted expenses when you are living in a new country. This is not going to be an issue for those who want to make the most of a lower cost of living.

It is affordable to live in Guatemala.

This is essential for those who want to stay happy with their investment.

Whether you are buying property in Guatemala or looking at groceries, everything is going to be cost-efficient here. This is useful for those who want to make the most of their income.

Beautiful Scenery

When you are walking around Guatemala and the area you reside in, the one thing people often notice is the natural beauty all around you.

If you take the time to head out to the local parks and/or check out the beaches, the natural beauty is going to be intriguing. It is going to showcase what makes Guatemala special for those who are living in this paradise.

It is an exemplary location and that is why it attracts tourists during the year too.

Lots Of History

The ancient ruins in Guatemala are exceptional and a great dose of history for those who want to learn more about the region.

We wanted to explore the region to see all of its historic sights. This is one of the better parts of being in Guatemala because it is not just what is in the present but also how historic the place is. This is going to help expand your knowledge of what transpired in the region in years past.

If you are a history buff, this is something that will win you over.

You are going to fall in love with the region’s history and that’s what matters most.

Cons Of Living In Guatemala

Average Healthcare

It’s also important to think about the negatives of living in Guatemala.

One issue that we have noticed would be the healthcare system. It’s not as robust as what you would see in other parts of the world.

This not only includes the cost of healthcare in Guatemala but also the overall experience you are going to get by going down this path. This includes the doctors that are going to be seeing you and how experienced they are.

We don’t find this to be a top-tier system and only some pockets have good options. You will have to be selective to see appropriate results.

Pollution

This is often noticed in some parts of Guatemala.

Most people are going to notice it’s unclean in specific areas and you will have to be picky about which neighborhood you’re staying in.

We recommend starting in areas where there are more expats as this will help with the transition. It will also likely be a place that is going to be less polluted and that is essential during your move.

Lots Of Noise

A lot of people don’t notice this but there is considerable noise in Guatemala.

When it comes to the negatives of living in Guatemala, you are going to realize there is always noise being made during the day or night. This is okay when you are going about your day, but not as pleasant when you are looking to get a good night’s sleep.

It’s essential to be prepared when it comes to ensuring you are handling the noise as required. This includes living in area that has less traffic.

Periods Of Constant Rain

There are times during the year when it’s going to rain more.

Based on our experience, it starts to rain more between May and October. This is when you are going to see greater bursts of rain and that does get tedious after a while.

As a result, we would recommend being prepared for the rain.

Final Thoughts

It’s best to consider these pros and cons of living in Guatemala before moving here.

This is one of the most beautiful places to live in. You are going to find it to be enthralling and there is lots to do as soon as you settle in.

You can read more about the positives of living in Costa Rica, living in Belize, and going to Argentina.