Guatemala City, Guatemala 🇬🇹
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Guatemala City is the capital and largest city of Guatemala, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 1 million within the city and over 3 million in the metropolitan area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 30 Mbps; some coworking spaces offer faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.8 GTQ. Major banks include Banco Industrial, BAC Credomatic, and Scotiabank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Tigo and Claro; prepaid SIM cards are accessible at the airport. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include Visa, Mastercard, and local debit cards. Banco Industrial offers services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rentals in neighborhoods like Zona 1, Zona 10, and Zona 15 are popular among digital nomads. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept cards, but it is good to carry some cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies offer options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Guatemala Hostal and Monkey Hostal provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Möbius Coworking, located in Zona 14, offers a vibrant community and good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Saúl in Zona 10 is known for its ambiance and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetings and entrepreneurial events are hosted regularly at venues like Cuatro Grados Norte. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Guatemala on Facebook is a platform to connect with other foreigners. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and DiDi operate well in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local companies offer bicycles; however, bike lanes are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Puerto San José is around a 2-hour drive from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines provides connections to other Central American countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and American Airlines frequently operate from La Aurora International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highways like CA-9 connect Guatemala City to the coastal areas and the rest of Central America. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | La Aurora International Airport is the main transit hub; buses available at various terminals. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No dedicated public transport passes available; buses and taxis are commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from 'Cruz del Sur' offer affordable travel to neighboring cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Juan de Dios is one of the most recognized healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Yoga Studio in Zona 10 offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bodytech gym has several locations, including in Zona 10. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Ropa in Zona 4 offers reasonable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is widely used for delivery services across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian is a must-try traditional Guatemalan dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café La Vaca offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Xocolatl is famous for its chocolate treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central offers fresh produce and local foods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping through platforms like Linio and Amazon is popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart and Maxi Despensa offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona 10 is the main nightlife area with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 14 is known for its local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers a curated selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | La Avenida la Reforma is great for street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Pollo Campero provide familiar options for international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Popol Vuh showcases rich Mayan history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Catedral Metropolitana is a key historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de La Merced is a notable church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a major cultural celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zona 1 is known for its rich culture and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional offers numerous cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Artesanías is a great place for local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in various genres can be found in bars throughout Zona 10. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in Zona 1 and surrounding areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at Casa de los Tres Mundos focus on traditional cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte 5ta Avenida presents local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The National Palace showcases stunning colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Quetzal is a national symbol representing freedom. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional Barrios is a well-known escape for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, though a longer travel distance. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Ciclovía is held on Sundays encouraging walking and cycling in the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Cruz de La Paz offers stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Zacapa takes you close to a variety of bird species, approximately a 2-hour drive. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parque La Democracia allows for bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | RAPID PC Repair in Zona 10 is known for its good service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club in Zona 4 welcomes enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural Guatemalteco offers Spanish learning programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional is a significant resource for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias hosts cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PlayStation Lounge in Zona 14 caters to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Palace provides entertainment for gambling enthusiasts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% applicable corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Guatemalan residents are taxed on income generated within the country. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% is the standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Guatemala has CFC rules governing foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annually based on property values, around 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% when acquiring property. |