I feel safer here than anywhere else I've lived. In terms of crime, it's true that there are certain dangerous zones in Guatemala City and some border towns, but Antigua and other touristic areas are considered very safe. As always - use common sense and don't wander around intoxicated in the middle of the night or buy drugs from strangers (or anyone else!) ;-)

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The most dangerous aspect of living here I would say is the traffic. If you're walking, do not cross the street and expect anyone to stop for you. If someone does stop for you, make sure the car or motorcycle behind them also stops for you. If you decide to drive - be aware that traffic rules are much different here than in other parts of the world and always, always expect the unexpected.

Foreigners live all over Guatemala, but the most popular areas are Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Quetzaltenango (Xela) and certain zones of Guatemala City. We chose Antigua because it's safe, beautiful and there's so much to do and see. We also find it to be the most family-friendly, and it's central so we have easy access to visit other parts of the country anytime. Want to visit different areas to help you decide? Happy to help you plan your travels too!

Many are surprised to find that prices in Antigua have risen dramatically in recent years, especially when it comes to rent and home purchases. Even so, our overall budget here is still about half of what it was in Canada or the USA and the quality of life we enjoy here would not otherwise be attainable. Dental and medical costs are also incredibly affordable here. If budget is a concern, you can save a lot by shopping in the local markets and choosing local service providers. To get an idea of housing costs and for help to find your perfect home, send me a message anytime!

Truthfully - there is a mix of excellent, great, and not so great options. Local hospitals offer free care, but it is not necessarily the highest quality. Private clinics can be on the pricey side (by Guatemalan standards) but offer top-notch service. Personally, healthcare here has exceeded my expectations. Our son will be getting braces for a fraction of the cost we would pay abroad. I personally had an MRI ordered, completed, and interpreted within three days - for only a few hundred dollars. There are also 24-hour walk-in clinics with access to most services you might need.

No, tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Guatemala, but it is safe to bathe in. Some areas have discolored water or a slight odor, which can be surprising at first but is not uncommon here. Most homes use filtered water systems, especially EcoFilter, which is affordable and widely available. We use filtered water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. You can learn more about EcoFilter here: Ecofiltro Guatemala

Housing costs range from very low to very high, with something for everyone. For short term rentals (less than 6 months) you can search Airbnb or Facebook Marketplace (using caution against scams). Foreigners on a tourist visa can also purchase a home or business here - even without residency. Local financing is available - although the process is neither simple nor cheap. Interest rates are high and the list of requirements is long, so cash is best if possible. For long term rentals (6 months or longer) you can ask a real estate professional (like me!) for help. Housing costs are the biggest expense to plan for, especially in Antigua. Prices have increased significantly, and good properties move quickly. Still, even with rising costs, our family's total cost of living remains far lower than in North America. Understanding neighborhoods and pricing takes local knowledge, so reach out anytime to find out more. I work in real estate here (including short and long-term rentals) so reach out anytime to find out more.

Yes! Many people live and work remotely here full time. Guatemala City and Antigua have the best options for speed and reliability (including Starlink and fibre optics), while other areas are still catching up. If you need help to choose a provider and navigate having it setup, I offer this as a relocation service. Send me a message anytime.

Yes, foreigners can legally buy property in Guatemala - even on a tourist visa. I’m a realtor and work with a large network of trusted local agents. This allows me to help clients find the right home, not just whatever happens to be listed. Due diligence is essential, and I guide people through that process from first search to final contracts. Find out more about real estate in Guatemala then reach out anytime. I'd love to work with you to find the perfect place!

Many people live here long-term on renewable tourist visas while buying property or starting a business. You can also apply for temporary or permanent residency if that makes more sense for your situation. There are several paths to temporary and permanent residency here and I'm happy to walk you through your options and help you apply. Ask for more information!

Yes! This is one of the biggest reasons we’re here. My son attends Antigua Guatemala Global Explorers, and it’s been a great fit for our family. There are also international, bilingual, private, and local school options. Providing school information and recommendations is one of the relocations services I offer. Send me a message and ask how I can help.

We don't own a car here and it's perfectly fine for us. We walk as much as possible around Antigua. If it’s a bit too far to walk, we take a bus or use Uber or Indrive within town. For longer trips, private drivers are our first choice for safety and reliability. Here is a list of private drivers in Guatemala (information provided directly by the drivers - I have not personally met all of them, so please do you own due diligence). Or you can send me a message to ask for three of my personal favourites that we know and trust.

In Guatemala we have two seasons: Rainy and dry. May - October: The dry season = high season with the highest number of foreign visitors who come to hike volcanoes and enjoy spring temperatures without the rain. November - April: The rainy season = low season with fewer foreign visitors who enjoy lower prices and warm, sunny days with heavy rain showers most afternoons. Mosquito repellant is highly recommended to prevent Dengue and Zika. We love both seasons for different reasons and are grateful to live here year-round.

For sure! We brought our cats with us and the process is very doable with the right guidance. If you'd like some help with it, I can connect you to an expert in this area as part of my relocation services.

We opened a bank account here with the help of our lawyer. Requirements vary and can change depending on the bank and person you talk to that day - so having guidance helps. This is another area where local support saves time and frustration and is another part of the relocation services I can offer.

You actually can and it's pretty easy. I work legally here, and so can you, even while on a tourist visa depending on how your work is structured. This is an area where misinformation is common so I work closely with lawyers to help clients do this correctly. There are legitimate legal paths, and I help people navigate them as a relocation service.

Hey it's me Christy! I’m a mom and a grandma from Canada who helps people find their way and feel at home in Guatemala. I know from experience how stressful and time-consuming it can be to learn the ins and out of moving to a new place. I love sharing what I've learned to make the transition easier for others. Whatever you need - I can either help you myself or connect you with someone else who can. Reach out and ask me anything!