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Guide
Guatemala City, Guatemala π¬πΉ
#787
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, is a vibrant urban center rich in culture and history. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 1 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 7.80 GTQ; ATMs widely available, major credit cards accepted. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
π Power | 120V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Tigo and Claro, offering affordable prepaid options. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banco Industrial accept payments through international cards, Revolut works well. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rental agencies. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but major cards accepted in some places. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies provide various options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Monjas del Agua offer shared dorms starting at GTQ 100/night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Zona 10 is a popular district with hotels, restaurants, and safety. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Zona 4 (also known as Paseo La Reforma) is recommended for its coworking spaces and vibrant community. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub offers flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© el Injerto is known for strong coffee and good Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups are hosted by various tech and startup communities via platforms like Meetup.com. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Guatemala Expats' facilitate social gatherings and community building. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and preferred for convenience and safety. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through local shops, e-scooter rentals are not common. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Monterrico Beach, approximately 2 hours away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Avianca for regional travel within Central America. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United have flights from Guatemala City. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major highways connect to the coast and other regions, notably CA-9 and CA-1. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Guatemala City does not have a train system; public buses and taxis are common. |
π Public Transport Passes | Buses are cheap but often crowded; no formal pass system. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses (such as Pullmantur) connect to nearby cities like Antigua and Quetzaltenango. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital El Γngel offers quality healthcare and is frequented by expats. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Soma Yoga Studio offers various classes in a welcoming environment. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Smart Fit have multiple branches throughout the city. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry service providers include LavanderΓa El Pato, with reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and UberEats are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian, a traditional meat stew with a blend of spices and flavors. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | CafΓ© Candelaria offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | La Casa de los Abuelitos serves traditional Guatemalan desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central is an excellent spot for local food and goods at budget prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Guatemala City and local sites like Walmart and Despensa familiar offer online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets like Walmart and Despensa Familiar offer home delivery options. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona 4 is known for its nightlife, featuring bars and clubs. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa 14 offers local brews and is a popular spot. |
π· Wine Bars | Casa de Vino offers a wide selection of wines from different regions. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors serve tacos and pupusas throughout the city. |
π Popular International Cuisine | CafeterΓa La Fama offers a mix of international dishes including Italian and Asian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral are essential visits. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo de Arte Moderno offers contemporary art exhibitions. |
π° Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of Kaminaljuyu are located in the city. |
π Religious Sites | La Merced Church is famous for its stunning architecture. |
π Annual Events | Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a grand celebration with colorful processions. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Zona 1 has a rich historical context and vibrant street art. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional is an iconic venue that hosts performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado de ArtesanΓas offers local craftwork and souvenirs. |
πΌ Music Scene | Clubs in Zona 4 regularly host live music and events. |
π¨ Street Art | Check out the murals in Zona 1 for impressive urban art. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | La Cocina de la Abuela offers traditional cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa de Arte Actuel showcases local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The presidential palace is a notable architectural piece. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The Quetzal, Guatemala's national symbol, represents cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby mountains offer hiking and stunning views, especially at Cerro de la Cruz. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional canned for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, is about an hour's drive. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paseo Cayala offers paved paths perfect for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Cerrajo provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Bosque de la Ciudad is a great spot for observing native bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks allow bonfires, typically in designated areas but confirming with local regulations is important. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer international shipping services in Guatemala City. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Computer Repair provide device repairs at reasonable prices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong clubs are available in some community centers. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Spanish schools such as PLQ offer immersion programs for foreigners. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala is a good study spot with a quiet environment. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Miguel Γngel Asturias hosts cultural events and classes. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Locally, gaming cafes like Game On provide group gaming sessions. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Fortuny is a popular spot for gaming in the city. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 20,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = GTQ 800,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 15,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = GTQ 600,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 18,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = GTQ 1,080,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 12,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = GTQ 720,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 16,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = GTQ 1,280,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 10,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = GTQ 800,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
π¦ Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
π§Ύ VAT | 12% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules in place. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% on property purchase. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | N/D, resident tax obligations apply based on local income sources. |