Most “how to move to Guatemala” guides are written by people who showed up with a backpack and figured it out. This is the guide I’d write for a friend.
I’ve helped half a dozen friends and colleagues make the move from the US to Guatemala. Here’s everything I tell them — the planning, the logistics, the cultural shock, and the things nobody warns you about.
Before You Go: The Planning Phase
3-6 Months Before
- Visit first. Spend at least 2 weeks. Visit Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlán. You need to feel the pace of life before committing.
- Start learning Spanish. You don’t need to be fluent, but basic conversational Spanish will transform your experience (and save you money).
- Research visas. Most Americans enter on a 90-day tourist visa, which is fine for starting out. Read our visa guide for long-term options.
- Get medical checkups done. Dental work, eye exams, prescriptions — do it all while you still have US insurance.
- Apostille important documents. Birth certificate, marriage certificate, university diploma. You’ll need these for residency applications.
1-3 Months Before
- Set up banking. Open a Charles Schwab or Fidelity account (no foreign ATM fees). Set up a Wise account for currency transfers.
- Ship your belongings. If shipping more than two suitcases, use a courier service like Aeropost or Trans Express.
- Book your flight and first accommodation. Don’t sign a lease before arriving. Book an Airbnb or hostel for your first 2-4 weeks.
- Declutter ruthlessly. You won’t need most of what you own.
What to Bring vs. What to Buy There
BRING:
- Electronics (laptops, phones — they’re more expensive here)
- Specific medications (prescriptions from your US doctor)
- Professional tools or equipment
- Sentimental items that can’t be replaced
BUY THERE:
- Furniture (good quality, much cheaper locally)
- Kitchen supplies and bedding
- Basic clothing
- Household items
DON’T BOTHER:
- Heavy furniture (shipping cost exceeds replacement cost)
- Bulky appliances (different voltage, expensive to ship)
- A car (buy locally or use Uber)
Choosing Your Base
| Factor | Guatemala City | Antigua | Lake Atitlán |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$ | $-$$ |
| Safety | Zone-dependent | High | Moderate |
| Internet | Excellent | Good | Variable |
| Walkability | Low (need car/Uber) | High | Village-dependent |
| Social scene | Large but spread out | Active expat community | Laid-back, smaller |
| Best for | Career-focused, families | Most first-time expats | Budget-conscious, creatives |
My recommendation: Start in Antigua for your first 3 months. It’s the safest, most walkable, and has the most established expat community. Once you know what you want, you can move anywhere.
Your First Week
- Get a SIM card at the airport. Tigo or Claro — both work. Tigo has slightly better data coverage.
- Get to your accommodation via Uber. Do NOT take a random taxi from the airport.
- Exchange money or use an ATM. The currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). Current rate: ~Q7.8 per $1 USD.
- Buy water. Never drink tap water. Buy garrafones (5-gallon jugs) or bottled water.
- Find your closest supermarket and pharmacy. La Torre and PriceSmart are the main chains.
What Nobody Tells You
You will get sick your first month. Different water, different bacteria, different food preparation. It’s almost a rite of passage. Bring Imodium and electrolyte packets.
Bureaucracy is slow. Everything takes longer than the official website says. “15 business days” means 2-3 months. Patience is not optional.
The pace of life is different. Things happen when they happen. Meetings start late. Deliveries arrive in windows, not at specific times. This will frustrate you at first. Then you’ll love it.
Making local friends takes effort. The expat bubble is comfortable but limiting. Take Spanish classes, join local activities, eat where locals eat. Guatemala opens up when you speak the language.
Ready for the next step? Check our First 30 Days Checklist or dive into the cost of living breakdown.