Guatemala City, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#787
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, is a vibrant urban center rich in culture and history. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.80 GTQ; ATMs widely available, major credit cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Tigo and Claro, offering affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banco Industrial accept payments through international cards, Revolut works well. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rental agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but major cards accepted in some places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies provide various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Monjas del Agua offer shared dorms starting at GTQ 100/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Zona 10 is a popular district with hotels, restaurants, and safety. |
| 🏙️ 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
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub offers flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café el Injerto is known for strong coffee and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are hosted by various tech and startup communities via platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Guatemala Expats' facilitate social gatherings and community building. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and preferred for convenience and safety. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through local shops, e-scooter rentals are not common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Monterrico Beach, approximately 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca for regional travel within Central America. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United have flights from Guatemala City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect to the coast and other regions, notably CA-9 and CA-1. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Guatemala City does not have a train system; public buses and taxis are common. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are cheap but often crowded; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (such as Pullmantur) connect to nearby cities like Antigua and Quetzaltenango. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital El Ángel offers quality healthcare and is frequented by expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Soma Yoga Studio offers various classes in a welcoming environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Smart Fit have multiple branches throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry service providers include Lavandería El Pato, with reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and UberEats are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian, a traditional meat stew with a blend of spices and flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Candelaria offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Casa de los Abuelitos serves traditional Guatemalan desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central is an excellent spot for local food and goods at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Guatemala City and local sites like Walmart and Despensa familiar offer online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets like Walmart and Despensa Familiar offer home delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona 4 is known for its nightlife, featuring bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 14 offers local brews and is a popular spot. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vino offers a wide selection of wines from different regions. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors serve tacos and pupusas throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Cafetería La Fama offers a mix of international dishes including Italian and Asian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo de Arte Moderno offers contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of Kaminaljuyu are located in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | La Merced Church is famous for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a grand celebration with colorful processions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zona 1 has a rich historical context and vibrant street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional is an iconic venue that hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Artesanías offers local craftwork and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clubs in Zona 4 regularly host live music and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the murals in Zona 1 for impressive urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La Cocina de la Abuela offers traditional cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Actuel showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The presidential palace is a notable architectural piece. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Quetzal, Guatemala's national symbol, represents cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby mountains offer hiking and stunning views, especially at Cerro de la Cruz. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional canned for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, is about an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paseo Cayala offers paved paths perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Cerrajo provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bosque de la Ciudad is a great spot for observing native bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks allow bonfires, typically in designated areas but confirming with local regulations is important. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer international shipping services in Guatemala City. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Computer Repair provide device repairs at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong clubs are available in some community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools such as PLQ offer immersion programs for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala is a good study spot with a quiet environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias hosts cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Locally, gaming cafes like Game On provide group gaming sessions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Fortuny is a popular spot for gaming in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = GTQ 800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 15,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = GTQ 600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 18,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GTQ 1,080,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 12,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GTQ 720,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 16,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GTQ 1,280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 10,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GTQ 800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% on property purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | N/D, resident tax obligations apply based on local income sources. |