Guatemala has a thriving expat population that sought the easy and affordable life in this Central American country. The country’s mix jungles, Mayan architecture and colonial remnants make for a vibrant culture. If you’re planning on staying a while in Guatemala, have a look at some useful information to help you get by.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Guatemala and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
The American School of Guatemala
The mission of the American School of Guatemala is to empower its students to achieve their full potential and to inspire them to lead meaningful lives as responsible members of a global society.
Curriculum: American
Address: 11 calle 15-79 Zona 15 Vista Hermosa III , 01015-Guatemala City, Guatemala
Tel: +502 25009595
Fax: +502 23698335
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cag.edu.gt
Colegio Maya
Colegio Maya serves a diverse international community, preparing responsible global citizens through a rigorous U.S. accredited college preparatory program. Colegio Maya develops ethical values and inspires all students to achieve their unique potential for excellence through challenging academics, arts, sports, leadership, and committed participation in social service.
Curriculum: American, AP
Address: KM. 12.5 Carretera a El Salvador, Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala 01051
Tel: +502 6644 1200
Fax: +502 2365 0706
Email: [email protected]
FB: www.facebook.com/colegiomayaguatemala
Website: www.cm.edu.gt
Equity American School
Equity American School of Guatemala has been operating for twenty-four years, is accredited in the U.S. by AdvancED and NIPSA, and approved by the U.S. Department of State for overseas dependents. We provide a challenging academic environment, a U.S. accredited program that prepares students for U.S. Universities, a school year calendar from early August through May, and direct community service involvement for our students and staff through hands-on service for the needy in a developing country.
Curriculum: American
Address: 15 Avenida A 21-00, Zona 13, Guatemala, 01013
Tel: +502 2390 6800
Fax: +502 2390 6804
Website: www.equity.edu.gt
Country Information
Location: Central America
Capital City: Guatemala City
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Quetzal
Language: Spanish
Calling Code: +502
Internet TLD: .gt
Electricity: The country runs on 120V 60Hz. The major distributor of electricity in the country is Empresa Electrica de Guatemala.
Website: www.eegsa.com/index.php
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 120
Fire: 123
Police: 110
Embassy Information
www.anyworkanywhere.com/emb_gt.html
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Visitors from certain countries may enter and stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days. The Guatemalan Ministry of External Relations has a list of visa exemptions and regulations that apply for each country: www.minex.gob.gt/Visor_Pagina.aspx?PaginaID=22. Countries who do not fall under the visa exemption must apply for a visa at the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in their home or host country.
Accommodation
Apart from the luxury hotels in the touristy areas of Guatemala City and Antigua, mid-size hotels can be found in Chichicastenago, Coban, Puerto Barrios and Panajchel. These are reasonably priced accommodations. Bed and breakfasts are also scattered in the main towns.
For budget travelers, hostels or hospedajes are available in every town. These are private rooms, communal bathrooms. Homestays are also available, cheap yet adequate. These facilities are for those who want to take in the culture of everyday Guatemalan life.
ReservaElHotel is an accommodation booking site to help you cut your search short: guatemala.reservaelhotel.com/?language=english
Driving License
Expats may use their domestic license to drive legally in Guatemala for up to 30 days. For longer stays, an international driving license will be valid. For more information, please visit: www.adcidl.com/Driving-in-Guatemala.html.
Healthcare
Standards of medical treatment and facilities vary from cities. The best ones are in major areas like Guatemala City. Expats prefer going to private hospitals where waiting lines are short. It is necessary to have medical insurance as most hospitals will proof of insurance before treatment. Dengue fever is also prevalent in the region so precautionary vaccination is highly advised.
Insurance Companies
Pan-American Life Insurance Group
Since 1911, Pan-American Life has been dedicated to being the first-choice partner for top rated life, accident and health insurance and employee benefits for local and multi-national companies, as well as individuals seeking trusted financial security.
Address: Avenida La Reforma 9-00, Zona 9, Edificio Plaza Panamericana, 10 Nivel, Ciudad Guatemala, Guatemala
Tel: +502 2 338 9800
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.palig.com/contact-us
Hospitals
Guatemala City
Hospital Centro Médico
Hospital Medical Center integrates all services and medical specialties to be the largest in Guatemala Hospital.
Address: Medical Center on the 6th. Avenida 3-47 Zona 10
Tel: +502 2279 4949
Website: centromedico.com.gt/
Hospital Herrera Llerandi
HOSPITAL HERRERA LLERANDI has been a pioneer in the most outstanding technological and scientific advancements in Guatemala; and keeps on developing all those needed activities to satisfy our patients with the most demanding modern requirements and achieving this way a maximum efficiency.
Address: 6a Avenida 8-71, Zona 10, Guatemala
Tel: +502 2384 5959
Fax: +502 2331 5192
Website: herrerallerandi.com/index_eng.asp
Hospital Las Américas
MEDAX GROUP was established in 1996 in the city of Guatemala in less than 20 years, has worked to improve the health of thousands of Guatemalans, providing excellent medical services, currently has 7 hospitals:
Address: 10a. calle 2-31 zona 14, Guatemala
Tel: +502 2384 3535
Website: www.grupomedax.com/undefined/
