Living in Guatemala After 20 Years in Costa Rica.

On a personal note, I should mention again that I have lived in eleven countries before I moved to Guatemala - this is my twelfth country - so I am familiar with the challenges of living abroad, but I've never felt more at home than I do here in Guatemala.
I've never felt more peace, more peace of mind. 'más tranquilidad', I'm more tranquil than I've ever been in my life and this is coming from a guy that was born in Scotland so I'm a very LONG way - worlds away - from my birthplace in Glasgow in Scotland.
Consider Living in Guatemala?
I don't know if it's going to be the same for you, but I would certainly encourage you to consider living or retiring in Guatemala.
The climate truly is magnificent and if you can enjoy the same peace of mind that my wife and I are enjoying right now, I know that you're going to be extremely happy living in Guatemala.
Living in a new, affordable sub-tropical country like Guatemala - the 'Land of Eternal Spring' - and exploring a colorful and different culture can be an incredibly satisfying and enjoyable experience.
However, having lived in 11 different countries before making my final move to Guatemala, I also appreciate that it can be a challenge starting a new life abroad.
"Our goal at LivingInGuatemala.com is to help make the transition to your new life in Guatemala as simple and trouble-free as possible." Scott Oliver
After living in Costa Rica for 20 years, Guatemala is now our home and will be for the rest of our happy days.
Inside our private community, you'll find articles and video interviews with English speaking experts - which you will not find anywhere else - to help you answer the following important questions:
1. Where's the best place for us to live in Guatemala?
2. How do we take our beloved pets with us to Guatemala?
3. Where do we find the most recommended Doctors, Surgeons and Dentists?
4. How would we apply for residency in Guatemala?
5. Which is the best moving company to ship our belongings to Guatemala?
6. What are the best internationals schools for our children?
7. How do I open a bank account?
8. Who can we trust to advise me on private health insurance?
9. What taxes would I pay living in Guatemala?
10. Should we rent or buy a home in Guatemala?
When do you want to start your new life in Guatemala?
The Advantages of Buying a U.S. Embassy Approved Apartment in Guatemala?
Want to know how to enjoy a secure, long-term, monthly U.S Dollar real estate income paid to you by the U.S. Government?
Buy a new apartment in Ciudad Cayalá with the professional help of my trusted, English speaking real estate professional Carlos and his team will rent it for you to the U.S. Government for their new U.S. Embassy, Guatemala employees.
See more at: www.livinginguatemala.com/cayala
1. Our website 👉 www.livinginguatemala.com/ for exclusive articles and videos about living in Guatemala.
2. KZbin 👉 / @livinginguatemala
3. Instagram 👉 / livinginguatemala
4. Twitter 👉 / guatemalaescape
5. Vimeo 👉 vimeo.com/scottoliver
6. Contact us 👉 www.livinginguatemala.com/pub...

[@contractorleadscoach]

The cost of living in Guatemala is far more affordable than the U.S. and Costa Rica so your dollar goes a LOT further living in Guatemala. I don't know if you'll love Guatemala as much as we do, but I would certainly encourage you to consider living or retiring in Guatemala.

[@rocknroller4251]

I am interested in realestate in Guatemala. Please help me get in contact with the specialist as you said in this video.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@rocknroller4251 Please use our simple contact form at: www.livinginguatemala.com/public/7.cfm

[@rocknroller4251]

​​@@contractorleadscoachI tried that already and it just says error every time. I also sent a message in whatsapp to the number associated with that link but my message was read without an answer.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@rocknroller4251 That's very strange, I just tested it and it worked but can you please WhatsApp me? 502 5460 0628

[@mariomaldonado1313]

As a guatemalan living in Canada for the last 34 years, I am flattered and happy to know your feelings about my beautiful country!. All the best to you!

[@contractorleadscoach]

Con mucho gusto Don Mario!

[@truthteller6743]

I’m Canadian. Are you now thinking of going back? Life has changed here in Canada. Canadians are trying to get out.

[@mariomaldonado1313]

@@truthteller6743 actually I am, I am retiring this year and I am planning to spend around 6 months of the year there

[@truthteller6743]

@@mariomaldonado1313 Same here. Planning on going there winter 2025. Trying to make a life of only staying here in Canada for 6 months and 6 months there. At least till my parents pass. When they pass, I'll be gone for good.

[@porsinolosabes...8598]

Revista VOGUE eligió a Guatemala como uno de los 12 mejores destinos turísticos del mundo para 2023. Otros son Roma Málaga Japón Edimburgo Singapur Portugal el Yucon canadiense la Patagonia chilena Groenlandia 🇬🇹

[@JosephLavinge]

The only thing I want to say is thank you for all the good words about Guatemala. Thank you for choosing our country. ¡Bienvenidos!

[@contractorleadscoach]

Con mucho gusto...

[@marimorales2475]

Wow 👏😮👏GUATEMALA 🇬🇹is sooooo beautiful

[@mazkaibil9108]

This is so beautiful to hear from a foreigner who loves living in my country! You made my day!

[@contractorleadscoach]

Con mucho gusto... Do you have any connection to the kaibiles?

[@mazkaibil9108]

LOL. Not at all. Just a gamertag.@@contractorleadscoach

[@willl7134]

I live in Texas but I've been to Cayala multiple times since I have family in Guatemala. Its a beautiful area of the city. It contains nice restaurants, plenty of shopping stores, and even a church that the Pope had a part in designing. If you are thinking about going, definitely do I don't think it will disappoint. Just be sure to figure out ways of transportation out before arriving. Hope you have a splendid time in the beautiful country of Guatemala.

[@albertoshernandez5251]

Cayalà city guatemala looks so beautiful and safe,.👍nice video and very interesting 🇺🇸👍🇬🇹

[@contractorleadscoach]

Thank you Alberto, as you well know like any city, there are safe areas and there are unsafe areas. Cayalá is probably the safest place to live in all of Central America.

[@aldomendoza1341]

Hi, and thank you for this awesome information about Guatemala. I am a Guatemalan American and I never thought I was going to say this, but after living in beautiful California for 33 years my wife and I, we are planing to retire in Guatemala, and we're looking into Cayala.

[@contractorleadscoach]

You would be surprised at how many people from California have contacted me in the last few months, we just had a couple (she's a gringa and he's a Chapin like you who has lived in CA for many years) who bought a new apartment in Cayalá to be delivered in 2024. I would be happy to speak with you Don Aldo, please see how to contact me at www.mejorescondominios.com/public/7.cfm

[@jaws2003]

I've been looking at Paraguay a lot, but I've been looking at a few backup places, and Guatemala is on that list. I can easily fly there from Orlando as they have many direct flights. Also, what I've been reading is that residency is pretty simple to get. I'm not sure about citizenship.

[@contractorleadscoach]

Paraguay's elections are about to be rigged by the WEF and their NWO minions in the exact same way as they did in Brazil, I would probably strike that one off your list.

[@christopherhouse7937]

@@contractorleadscoach I was also looking at Paraguay! But I will look into Guatemala. How long does it take to get residency? Is there a minimum age or does it just go off of income requirements.

[@IsaiDiaz-sp2di]

❤Guatemala is quality I know exactly what you meant in your statement bravo men 👌🏾‼️

[@odettegates579]

OMG traffic 🚥 😢 😅bendiciones Guatemala 🇬🇹 Linda ❤

[@jaypalmerittas4607]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@alexanderseliunyn3424]

Great video ❤I’m considering to live in Guatemala 🇬🇹 so this video encouraged me more to move down there 👍👍👍👍

[@MoshehYinon26]

Wow, interesting info.

[@GabrielLopez-fl5rq]

Thanks for the information, very interesting.

[@contractorleadscoach]

What other questions do you have that we can try to answer for you?

[@barbarapelaez5307]

I´m Glad that you enjoy my beautiful country, the weather it´s just perfect most of the time.

[@contractorleadscoach]

Thank you Doña Barbara... As an former Royal Marines Commando from a LONG time ago, I thank you and your military family.

[@markdickenson3714]

I have been living in Costa Rica for the last 2.5 years in the central valley and really like it but I think Antigua or the place you are in might have more to offer than the central valley here. Only thing holding me back is I've made a lot of friends with the locals here.

[@contractorleadscoach]

As you well know friends are incredibly important and hard to find. But there's nothing stopping you from spending month in Guatemala to look around, right?

[@gloriaarevalo9163]

Guatemalans are known for been the most welcome and friendly in the world, you’d make friends in day one; they’re so warm and hospitalarian, very loving sweet cult people, especially in like Tikal, Pana/Panajachel and Antigua.

[@monicacordon2813]

❤Nice words about our country thanks you

[@contractorleadscoach]

Con mucho gusto...

[@ubaldoperez1845]

Dichoso Ud y su familia q tienen la oportunidad de vivir en ese paraiso de Guatemala. Nos alegramos mucho por Uds. Felicitaciones, q DIOS LOS BENDIGA

[@contractorleadscoach]

Gracias Don Ubaldo, nos sentimos bendecidos viviendo aquí.

[@vicenteou1971]

Thanks you for ensenar Guatemala ..muy bonito lugar saludes desde California

[@abinadinavas4314]

Great video, bringing facts to the audience for making an strategic decision. Plus the area is only getting better and more developed. Enjoy your time there!

[@franciscofranco8089]

Keep in mind, Cayala is one of the most expensive, residential, private places to live in Guatemala. Not everyone can afford to by or rent in Cayala and enjoy all the first-class services and amenities offered in Cayala and/or in any other afluent areas in Guatemala. Of course, afluent expats can afford to live wherever they chose to do so. As it is usually the case in most countries, USA included, where I reside now, a vast majority of the population lives in average, less affluent areas. Never the less, thank you for the positive PR about Cayala.

[@rudolphparedes9856]

Metropolitan aerea of Guatemala has 5 million people….. plenty people can afford living in Cayala, but they already live in some of the many condominiums in the area…….

[@JoseMorales-ld2lg]

Great presentation, I have visited many countries including three American Ex Pat favorites such as Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica (live in Laguna Hills CA now) but I would say you are very correct about Guatemala. Besides Cayalá, I would definitely retire near Antigua Guatemala, Zones 15, 14, 10, 4, 16, even 11 and near El Zapote in zone 1 all in Guatemala City as well as some really great places near Monterrico Santa Rosa, Xela/Atitlan, Huehuetenango, Rethalhuleu, Chiquimula and for adventure even Izabal though it is very hot and humid up there. Great video, enjoy paradise! 🙏🌴🌳🌲🇬🇹

[@Ivanslav1]

thank you for the information

[@luiss1gt]

im so glad to saw your video, and it make me so proud the way how improve you language from english to spanish which is so amazing... thank you for that video and thank you for all good things that are you said about my country

[@contractorleadscoach]

Con mucho gusto Luis....

[@victorluna625]

I would love more information on purchasing an apartment in cayala... gracias

[@contractorleadscoach]

Hi Victor, thank you for your interest, please see the contact information for Carlos in the link below... He's the best qualified person to help you... www.livinginguatemala.com/cayala

[@rufobondanza4306]

EL SALVADOR 🇸🇻 IS A GOOD CHOICE ❤ TOO

[@matlm]

This is a great video. What Zone is that at the start of the video with the zoom out from the mountain?

[@ronyc3270]

I am in my late 40's looking for early retirement for my wife and I. I would be going back to my country of birth and have actively been looking for areas around (not in Antigua) and did consider Cayala as we were blown away when we visited.

[@contractorleadscoach]

In that case welcome home Rony! If you need to contact me, please see www.livinginguatemala.com/public/7.cfm

[@freddieruiz7282]

I was born in the US, from Guatemalan parents, and I have traveled to Guate since a child. I'm in my late forties and moving there soon for good.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@freddieruiz7282 Don’t wait too long Freddie! The U.S. is being deliberately destroyed from within… The U.S. real estate markets in most places is declining fast and long-term, the US Dollar is well and truly screwed.

[@Rittlesleo]

We lived in Antigua for a while and loved it. We will be returning soon and hopefully for good. Your comment about Paraguay and their elections is interesting. I have concerns about Guatemala going down this path as well.

[@contractorleadscoach]

All Western countries are unfortunately facing the same globally coordinated and truly diabolical plan...

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

We think we may like Xela. We are traveling to many countries in search of our favorite retirement city. The only issue we have with Guatemala in general is healthcare. Countries like Colombia rank way higher. We have traveled a lot and lived in CR and Nicaragua in addition to the US, and we speak Spanish.

[@polarbearsrus6980]

Cayala seems beautiful but a bit "cold"... too much pavement. I have too much of that in the USA. Thanks for sharing... I'm looking for a place to go and need all the information I can get.🤔🤔🤔

[@contractorleadscoach]

Cayalá is certainly “city living” but there are lots of green areas for residents…

[@contractorleadscoach]

Just for you…. kzbin.infoJ5PSzoLRViU?si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

[@FreeSpeechJohnny]

Hello, interesting

[@christinaherren]

What do you to pass the security to get into the city. I.e. a rental agreement. I want to check it out first, maybe rent an airbnb or something.

[@contractorleadscoach]

Hi Christina, forgive me but I don't understand the question about passing "security to get into the city"? There is no security that you need to pass to get into the public areas of Cayalá but you do need to be a resident or a guest of a resident to enter the secure residential areas... PS. There are no Airbnbs available in the private city of Ciudad Cayalá, they are not allowed.

[@christinaherren]

@@contractorleadscoach oh, ok. I saw some short term rentasl on airbnb/vrbo, but perhaps they were not in cayala, rather right near it. I asked about security because I have family in the guatemala city, so if I stay there in the cayala, I want them to be able to come join me for a few days. I heard the entire city was 'gated'.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@christinaherren Not at all, we have tens of thousands of people visiting the many restaurants and stores each day.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@christinaherren You're probably referring to apartments called 'Shift' which are on the other side of the street from Cayalá. Airbnb is NOT allowed in Cayalá. As mentioned previously, the entire city is NOT gated but the residential areas are secure and not open to the public.

[@kenjohnson7796]

Please tell me more. I am living here with $1500 month retired

[@KerrySomewhere]

Hey, your video popped up on my recommendations, and I'm just here to say that I live in Cayalá. I love it here! That's great that you feel at home here and at peace! Will you stay here for a while?

[@contractorleadscoach]

Hi Kerry Somewhere, after living in Costa Rica for the last 20 years, Guatemala is now my permanent home. If you have time for coffee one day in Cayalá, my treat! I gotta' find out how on earth a Florida gal becomes a Liverpool fan! 🙂

[@expat8460]

is 3700 US dollar pension a month enough to live in Cayala ? Thanks

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@expat8460 Certainly! Like a king!

[@expat8460]

@@contractorleadscoach would love to see how Cayala properties look like.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@expat8460 Please contact Carlos. www.livinginguatemala.com/carlos

[@Atitlan1222]

Wait.....how many countries have you lived in? Didn't catch it the first two times.

[@contractorleadscoach]

Ja! Ja! Good to see some quality sarcasm here…

[@julioarrecis5444]

🇬🇹🇺🇸👍😁

[@luckybearsoap]

What is the price of a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in that area?

[@contractorleadscoach]

Please feel free to contact Carlos who has all the up to date details: www.livinginguatemala.com/carlos

[@josecantu8195]

Could I live in Cayala in Guatemala city with my boyfriend and still work as a scientist there?

[@contractorleadscoach]

Hi José, sorry but I do not know where you live now or what nationality you are, so have no idea about your or your boyfriend's immigration status. I also have no idea if you are currently working as a 'remote' scientist.

[@josecantu8195]

@@contractorleadscoach Good questions ! I'm a U.S. citizen. My boyfriend is Guatemalan and he's with me on a visa in the US. Currently I work in a wet lab environment in biology. But I do plan on going to grad school to become a bioinformatician (data science+ biology) and work remotely then live in Guatemala due to my boyfriends suggestions for living there with him.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@josecantu8195 If you live in Guatemala but are employed and paid by a U.S. company, you will live well. On the other hand, if you work for a Guatemalan company you will a: Need the correct residency to allow you to work and B: 'If' you are then fortunate enough to find a suitable job in your field here, you'll be lucky to earn $1,000 per month which would not be great... Good luck on whatever you decide!

[@josecantu8195]

@@contractorleadscoach Thanks for informing me I'll keep this in mind! 🙏

[@anidarvaldez2685]

This is best place in Central America

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

So how much does it cost to live in Cayala?

[@contractorleadscoach]

It's an impossible question to answer without knowing more about your preferred lifestyle and accommodation requirements.

[@cindyclampitt8335]

How much do you need to live in Cayala

[@contractorleadscoach]

How long is a ball of string? Without knowing anything about you, your family whether you have children or not, whether you're working or retired, whether you need a dar or not, what sort of 'lifestyle' you're accustomed to its impossible for me to answer.

[@New-bw4kz]

Guatemalan here, of course you love it if you live in Cayala because its completely private and you have anything you need on a daily basis. Now doing errands outside of it, dealing with government bureaucracy etc, its another story. For example you can’t drive with your windows down in other areas etc. Trust me I know…

[@contractorleadscoach]

Dealing with immigration officials in New York City was frickin' nightmare when I did that. If I can possibly avoid it, I REFUSE to waste my time dealing with 'government bureacracy' anywhere in the world. These not so 'civil' servants are not paid for efficiency and they don't give a sh*t about customer service. But the immigration people in Guatemala were 100 times more efficient, polite and helpful than the cretins at immigration in Costa Rica. Lastly there are many places where I wouldn't drive with my windows down in London, in NYC, in Paris or Madrid - cities I know quite well.

[@Cobra-gl7or]

Welcome to our christian country of Guatemala my brotha! Relax and forget about western politics.

[@carlosvega4704]

Hi.. I saw you in May year 23. Sitting on a bench. Didn't want to disturb your peace so I didn't approach you to say hi.

[@contractorleadscoach]

Sitting but not sleeping on the bench. :-)

[@carlosvega4704]

Lol.. nah , not sleeping. Maybe if you woulda look my way I woulda said hi..seenya on YT. I told my friend that I was with see ya on YT. I live in Colorado. I go to guate a lot. In oct ill be close to Scotland..London. ty for taking the time to respond.

[@rolandosoto4403]

Hello can you put me on touch with someone so i can buy in apt in cayala please

[@contractorleadscoach]

Sure! You can see how to contact Carlos at www.livinginguatemala.com/public/The-Real-Estate-Investors-Dream-Apartment-With-Your-Rent-Guaranteed-by-The-US-Government.cfm

[@iaminfowars673]

So it's a 15min city like UN and WEF want

[@contractorleadscoach]

In a way you would be correct in saying that except that Cayalá is a PRIVATE city and recognising that totalitarian technocracy is fast approaching in many of the world's most 'developed' nations, one of the reasons I moved here from Costa Rica is that whatever is planned for the USA, UK, Europe and even Costa Rica will happen many years later in Guatemala.

[@mrbill0626]

Is it all over Guatemala that one cannot flush toilet paper down the commode but need to put it into a trash can?

[@contractorleadscoach]

In many of the older buildings in Antigua for example where the sewer systems are hundreds of years old, they do not want you putting toilet paper in the toilet but I don't know of that being the case anywhere in the capital.

[@user-lx1nf7ud8l]

Does guatemala tax retirement accounts? What about social securitt?

[@contractorleadscoach]

No! If you're income is derived from outside of Guatemala they will not tax it. If your income is earned from activities inside Guatemala, yes it will be taxed.

[@expat8460]

I am a 38 years old US ARMY veteran with monthly pension of 3700 US Dollars a month. I wonder if I could live in Cayala comfortably.

[@contractorleadscoach]

You can live very comfortably on that amount anywhere in Guatemala and also here in Ciudad Cayalá which some locals refer to as the 'Beverly Hills' of Guatemala

[@expat8460]

@@contractorleadscoach I live in Texas and was wondering if I could move by traveling in my car. It’s 32 hours drive but my concern is the safety of driving over there and how safe Guatemala is.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@expat8460 There are people who have moved here by car and who are understandably concerned about their safety. I believe there is a Facebook group for people driving through Mexico which you might want to look for… From what I’ve heard, as long as you have a reliable car and only drive during the day, you should be fine. I do not know anything about the ownership/insurance legalities of driving your car across the border to Mexico and then Guatemala

[@expat8460]

@@contractorleadscoach thanks a lot for replying.

[@expat8460]

@@contractorleadscoach thats crazy because I be watching videos about Cayala being the city of the rich. Just surreal that I can have the quality of life in Cayala were I cant here in Texas. Guess 3700 does go a long way. Would love to see how much is rental over there in Cayala and the cost of living.

[@JS-jh4cy]

How is the safety factor, robbing, muggings and petty thefts

[@contractorleadscoach]

As in any city, if at all possible you choose where you want to live. Every city has higher crime areas than others. The Cayalá area is a private city with zero crime.

[@ocelotjazzz]

@@contractorleadscoach 3 people just got shot and killed there. Karol G concert.

[@contractorleadscoach]

@@ocelotjazzz It is certainly a tragic event. I know nothing about the type of people that attend Karol G's concerts. I'm guessing people are still visiting Las Vegas even though 59 people were killed and 500 were hurt during the Jason Aldean performance.

[@JS-jh4cy]

Cheaper real estate

[@paulmarmol9205]

Guatemala City is more modern than Costa Rica

[@contractorleadscoach]

Without a doubt. When our Tica daughter in law first visited she was blown away. My brother in law here in Guatemala calls San José “Un cafetal con luces.” :-)

[@rocharocha8199]

San José is changing and will continue change. Saying that a Costa Rican would be surprised by Guatemala city is a joke. I mean, I really like that Guatemala has a nice and modern city, but I San José also has nice areas like Nunciatura, Barrio Escalante, Escazú, Santa Ana, Curridabat, etc

[@contractorleadscoach]

Thank for stating the obvious, every city "is changing and will continue to change." I lived in Altos de Nunciatura and after 20 years in San José, Escazu and Santa Ana, I know the area quite well and no! It's not a joke: In comparison with Guatemala City, San José is indeed "un cafetal con luces." @@rocharocha8199

[@BibleSamurai]

seems boring in terms of nature and outdoors

[@contractorleadscoach]

Have you ever visited Guatemala?

[@gloriaarevalo9163]

You have the slightest idea of what you’re talking about. But let me give you a hint. Just google “Guatemala, land of the eternal spring. It’s a rich cultural country with ancient history and the most natural beauty of the world; not my words but the UNESCO’s. Search for Tikal, Panajachel/Lake Atitlan, Antigua, just to mention a few. Lots of ancient American history, their foods, the colonial and pre Hispanic structures, famous for producing the best caffe in the world, cacao, cane sugar, bananas. It’s climate is as it’s called of eternal spring and of unique beauty.

[@rudymaldonado1693]

I certainly hope very few folks fell for this obvious phony sales pitch.

[@contractorleadscoach]

There's absolutely NOTHING phony or false about what I said. But thanks for visiting Rudy. And sales pitch for what? I have NOTHING to sell.

[@LA-js4jc]

Gentrificación, si no sabes lo que es búscalo.

[@contractorleadscoach]

Estoy bastante familiarizado con la palabra "gentrificación", gracias. Entonces, ¿cuál es su solución 'LA'?

[@elchaposexcitingadventures1674]

Advertisement.

[@contractorleadscoach]

What does that mean?