Guatemala
• Central America
Overview
Guatemala offers one of Central America's lowest costs of living, with digital nomads living comfortably on $800-$1,200/month. The country lacks a dedicated digital nomad visa but allows 90-day stays with easy extensions via border runs to neighboring CA-4 countries. Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage colonial city, has emerged as the primary hub for remote workers with reliable 20-40 Mbps internet and growing coworking scene. Safety requires navigation—Guatemala City has high crime in certain areas, but Antigua and Lake Atitlán maintain significantly better security profiles with active expat communities.
Visa Options
Tourist Visa (CA-4)
90-day visa-free entry for US citizens. Part of CA-4 agreement with El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua. Extension available for $25 or border run resets timer.
Highlights
- ✓Cost of living $800-$1,200/month for comfortable lifestyle
- ✓90-day visa-free entry with easy extensions via CA-4 border runs
- ✓Antigua: UNESCO colonial city with growing coworking scene
- ✓Private healthcare affordable at $40-60/month insurance
- ✓Lake Atitlán offers stunning natural beauty and expat community
Considerations
- !No dedicated digital nomad or retirement visa
- !Safety concerns in Guatemala City—stick to known safe zones
- !Limited English outside tourist areas
- !Internet speeds variable in rural areas
- !Part of CA-4 zone—90 days shared with El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua