Anybody from Guatemala???

Question

I just wanted to know what it is like down there. My plans are to move there temperarily In January. I recently met someone who is origanally from Guatemala, and all he keeps telling me is don"t go. My spanish needs a little work, and he says if I can't understand the locals I will be taken advantage of being an american. Also that it is very unsafe. Can anyone tell me preferibly natives to Guatemala) how true these things are. Thank you

Answer 1

Guatemala is great.  My husband was born and raised in Guatemala City.  Here's my advice.  Don't be stupid.  Guatemala City is a big city with problems typical to ANY big city (New York, Houston, etc).  Don't flash money around and certainly don't look lost.  But don't be scared out of  your mind either.  Be well informed before you make decisions on where to go and just use common sense.

Answer 2

I am a US native. I visited Guatemala, as a tourist, 30 times in 30 years before moving to there in 2000, and I have been living there since.

Guatemala is only as big as Tennessee, but is very diverse. Guatemala City is filthy, and as dangerous as any big city in the US. I wouldn't go there unless forced, at gunpoint.

The Mayan highlands is a completely different story. The indigenous people are a delight! Friendly and fun to be around. The town where I live, around Lake Atitlan, is about 800 years old. They had their first murder on Election Day in 1992. The perpetrator and victims were all foreigners! I don't believe there is a town of 14000 anywhere in the US that has a lower crime rate.

Many Mayans speak Spanish (poorly) as a second language. There are 23 different Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala. The indigenous people are very accustomed to dealing with people with whom they can barely converse. You couldn't find an easier place to get along with minimal language skills.

Answer 3

Well I am born raised in Guatemala, and what your friend is telling you, is hlaf true, Guatemala islike any third world country, a land of many contrasts, een people here is diferent. For example, some areas are safer than walking thru an airport in the US, and some others are unsafe like in New York, all depends on you, which places you choose to go. Guatemala is a beautifull country, a lot of places to go, and places to do, places to live, what i can tell you is that the best is climate, with spring weather all the time....I love it here....And for locals taking advantage of you, look at it in the other way, you can also take advantage of some situations, here most people is very friendly with foreigners, feel wellcome...