

SpiralCee
Canadian expat in Guatemala
Forum posts
23
Contacts
2
About me
Canadian
Lives in Panajachel
Speaks English, French (some), Spanish (some)
Registration: 18 April 2015
Activity


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 ...

Hey, guys! Great discussion. I moved from Canada to Panajachel 3 years ago and I enjoy it here, although there are some cultural differences that take some getting used to. The Lake Atitlan area is very beautiful and has a lovely moderate climate. ... Read More


Cooking like a local in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in Guatemala. What are some of the most popular local dishes that are easy ...

I've tried to make my own tortillas and it's harder than it looks! HA HA! There are several local cooking classes here at Lake Atitlan. I usually see them posted in the Facebook groups for the towns, such as the San Pedro la Laguna ... Read More


Intercultural relationships in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Guatemala. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships and ...

I personally don't have an intercultural relationship with a Guatemalan but I know others who do, mostly men. Unfortunately, I have heard of many instances of foreign men being targeted by "golddiggers". The women want a better life ... 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 ...

Here are the most common ways I've seen expats making money in Guatemala: 1. Retired, don't need to work because they're on a pension. 2. Disability or other government-funded income, a check that comes every month 3. Teaching English, ... Read More


Online shopping in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Shopping online can be far more convenient and offer greater choice than going into shops, be it grocery shopping or retail. Are there options for online shopping in Guatemala? Which sites or apps do you use most frequently ...

Online shopping used to be easy...until the postal service shut down last year. It has yet to be fully restored. I lost two parcels that were in transit. The only options for shipping parcels right now are courier services such as DHL, GuateEx, etc. ... 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 ...

Learn as much Spanish as you can before you get here. Google everything! Find out as much as you can before you come. Ask questions on these forums or on Facebook forums. Find real blogs by real people who have done it. You can find anything you ... Read More


Expat vs Expat by SpiralCee
Has anyone else experienced displays of hostility from expats towards other expats? Most often this is from expats who have lived in a community for a long time against newer expats, like myself, who are questioning the status quo. I am hearing ...

Thank you, all, for your thoughtful responses. :) Read More


Cost of living in Guatemala - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Guatemala, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices ...

I live in Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. I have been here almost two years. In my experience, the cost of living here is much lower than Canada, although it it getting more expensive due to rising prices and the effects of foreign exchange. I will ... Read More


Speaking Spanish in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Guatemala. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...

Oh gosh YES! I tell this to everyone over and over -- learn as much Spanish as you can before you come here! And even then, be prepared to be stumped. :P It's helpful to carry a pen and paper with you for impromptu Pictionary. Draw what ... Read More


Expat vs Expat by SpiralCee
Has anyone else experienced displays of hostility from expats towards other expats? Most often this is from expats who have lived in a community for a long time against newer expats, like myself, who are questioning the status quo. I am hearing ...

See?? You just did it! You told me to go home. "Live with it or book a flight." THAT is what I'm asking about. I'm not asking about opinions on gringo pricing or whatever. I'm asking about this EXACT thing -- expats telling ... Read More

Expat vs Expat
Has anyone else experienced displays of hostility from expats towards other expats? Most often this is from expats who have lived in a community for a long time against newer expats, like myself, who are questioning the status quo. I am hearing ... Read More


Pets in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Many of us in Guatemala have four-legged friends. What about you? Do you have one or more pets? Share your experience with us! What are the formalities to import pets in Guatemala? What about pet adoption procedures in the ...

This is such a big topic! I will share what I know from my personal experience moving from Canada to Panajachel, Guatemala. I currently have two cats, one dog, and one foster puppy. I'll answer the above questions as best I can and encourage you to ... Read More


Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Guatemala can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Guatemala? What are ...

Did you have a biased view of the country before moving there? What is your view now? Before moving here, I thought Guatemala was truly and entirely a third world country. I thought the whole country was mired in desperate poverty and that I would ... Read More


Dealing with homesickness in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being an expat in Guatemala can turn out to be a wonderful human, social or professional adventure... with potential moments of nostalgia and homesickness along the way. What are your personal tips to prevent ...

I have been living in Guatemala at Lake Atitlan for a year and a half. I am lucky in that there are many places here to satisfy my cravings for food from "back home". As much as I love the local food, sometimes I just need a bacon ... Read More


Dealing with emergency situations in Guatemala by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in Guatemala face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and experience. What ...

There is 911 here to call in emergencies. I also went to my local tourist office and got the numbers of the police and fire in my town. Proatur is a service that helps tourists. They can connect you to lawyers, translators, and such. Their number ... Read More