Xela, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#790
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Xela (Quetzaltenango) is the second-largest city in Guatemala, known for its vibrant culture and stunning highland scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with better connectivity available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.85 GTQ. Local banks include Banco Industrial and Banrural. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro with data packages starting from 50 GTQ (~$6.50). |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most places, but cash is still king. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and local apartments. Monthly rentals can range from 1,500 to 3,000 GTQ (~$200 to $400). |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; many places prefer cash, especially local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular in Xela. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de Cuentos offers dorm beds starting at 80 GTQ per night (~$10). |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The central area near Parque Central is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Colonia Villa Verde offers long-term rental options and a quiet environment for work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tribal Xela, offers good internet and a community environment, monthly memberships for around 300 GTQ (~$38). |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Luna, known for its coffee and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Expats in Xela Facebook group offers community meetups and networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly language exchange meetups at various cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in nearby cities, but local taxis are common in Xela. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops for around 50 GTQ (~$6.50) per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is roughly a 3-hour drive to the Pacific coast at San José, such as Playa hermosa. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines operates flights to and from Guatemala City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines operate from La Aurora International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to CA-1 highway connecting to major cities like Guatemala City. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Xela does not have a train system; local buses and shuttles are primary transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are around 1-5 GTQ (~$0.15 to $0.65) per ride throughout the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect Xela to nearby towns such as Lago de Atitlan in about 2-3 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional de Occidente offers various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Yoga Studio provides classes in town, with drop-in rates around 50 GTQ (~$6.50). |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Xela has monthly memberships from 200 GTQ (~$25). |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápido offers affordable laundry services starting at 20 GTQ (~$2.50) per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Uber Eats are available in Xela. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kak'ik, a traditional Mayan turkey soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green House Cafe offers a variety of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Factoría offers local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal, a local market with fresh produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Guatemala with possible import fees. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery store 'Despensa Familiar' may offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Central Xela offers various bars, with La Cantina being popular among expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Xela produces local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vino offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | El Mercadito offers a variety of street food options at affordable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The burritos at El Fogón are a must-try for international cuisine lovers. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Catedral del Espíritu Santo and Parque Central are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia Natural showcases regional history and exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historical architecture in the central square area is notable. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Andrés is a local historic church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Xela's La Fiesta de la Independencia in September features parades and traditional events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The districts around Parque Central offer rich culture and art galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Xela features local performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Xela is a vibrant market for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in local cafes, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals can be found throughout the city, particularly in cultural districts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at La Casa en el Árbol teach traditional Guatemalan recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte offers a showcase for local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable colonial buildings around the central plaza. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Xela is known for its unique blend of indigenous Mayan and Spanish cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lago de Atitlán is a breathtaking lake nearby, just a 2-3 hour drive. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional San Marcos offers hiking opportunities around beautiful landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths can be found surrounding the city, especially towards nearby mountains. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Parque Ecologico Cerro Quemado offers stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cerro Candelaria is known for its rich avian life. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas at Lago de Atitlán allow bonfires, especially at beach fronts. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post service offer parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops in Xela offer tech repair services for smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes organized ping pong clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Many language schools such as 'Xela Spanish School' offer classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca de Xela has quiet areas for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Xela hosts various cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes such as 'GeekLand' host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Xela does not have casinos; the closest large gambling is in Guatemala City. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 7,500 GTQ per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 300,000 GTQ). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 240,000 GTQ). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 6,500 GTQ per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 390,000 GTQ). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,500 GTQ per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 330,000 GTQ). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 5,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 400,000 GTQ). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 4,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 320,000 GTQ). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Guatemalan residents are taxed on worldwide income but with benefits for foreign income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate of 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign income may be taxed under certain conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Slight property taxation based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% tax on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income earned outside of Guatemala for foreign nationals. |