Living in Guatemala

What kind of clothes should I bring?

When they hear “Guatemala,” many people think “jungle” or “third world” and plan on dressing accordingly. While Guatemala is a third-world country, and there is jungle in some parts, you’ll find that most Guatemalans take great care with their dress and grooming. In contrast, many past English teachers have taken the attitude that what they wear and how they look isn’t too important—after all, they’re in Guatemala. We urge you to come with the attitude that you should look well-groomed—especially during the week. Keep in mind too that each Colegio has a dress code for teachers. See “What should I wear to work?” in the section “Working at the Schools” for information about teacher uniforms.

You should bring nice but durable clothes that can withstand rigorous hand washing. Be sure to bring some nice clothes for special activities (going to concerts, church, etc.). We recommend that you bring any special clothes or shoes that you know you’ll want to wear, but keep in mind that you can buy just about anything you need here. (Note: Bras and underwear are expensive and not of the same quality as in the States.)

Guatemala is replete with second-hand clothing stores called pacas. These clothes come from the US and Europe and are often practically brand new. For example, one volunteer found a pair of brand new dress slacks from the Limited and paid Q30—about $4—for them. See “What Should I Bring?” for suggestions on what to bring with you.

What’s the weather like in Guatemala?

Guatemala is a sub-tropical country, but because of its diverse terrain, its climate varies widely. All three schools are located in cities in the altiplano—the highlands of Guatemala. From November through February, it is cool during the day and very cold at night. March and April are pleasant. From May through October it is warm to hot in the day. However, it always cools down at night. This is also the rainy season, so you will need a light rain jacket and shoes that can get wet.

How much luggage can I take with me?

Most airlines allow you two (2) 50-pound suitcases plus one carry-on bag for flights to Guatemala. Be smart about what you bring with you—you can get most anything you need in Guatemala, so think in terms of what you’ll want when you pack. See “What Should I Bring?” for suggestions on what to bring with you.

What vaccinations do I need to come to Guatemala?

You should receive several vaccinations before coming to Guatemala. Check with your local health department or visit www.cdc.gov for the most current list of recommended vaccinations. Also, make sure you get your shots as soon as you decide to come to Guatemala, since several of them are given over a span of time (e.g., Hepatitis A and B). Please bring a copy of your vaccination record with you to Guatemala.

Do I need a visa to enter Guatemala?

Yes, but you don’t need to do anything before you leave the US. When you arrive in Guatemala and go through immigration, you will receive a 90-day tourist visa. You must renew this visa before the 90 days expire to avoid fines—the Fundación will help you with this process.

Should I register with the US Embassy in Guatemala?

We highly recommend that you register with the US Embassy in Guatemala prior to coming to the country. You can do this online by going to https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. The US Embassy in Guatemala has a web page with useful information about Guatemala for US citizens: http://usembassy.state.gov/guatemala/.

What kind of “official papers” should I bring with me?

We recommend that you bring the following “official papers”/important information with you:
- Passport
- 3 copies of the photo and signature pages of your passport, one cut down to the size of the passport page and laminated (this is the copy that you should carry with you while you’re in Guatemala)
- Copies of the front and back of all credit/debit cards that you bring with you
- Copy of your immunization record
- Copy of your birth certificate
- Copy of prescription for corrective lenses (contacts or glasses)
- List of any allergies or other health concerns
- Driver license
- List of important phone numbers
Optional: If you intend to actively participate in a church while you are here, we strongly recommend that you bring a letter from your ecclesiastical leader (priest, pastor, bishop, etc.) stating that you are a member in good standing of that denomination. This will help avoid any doubts as to whether you can participate in church meetings, activities, etc.

What time zone is Guatemala in?

Guatemala is on Central Standard Time year-round; it does not switch to Daylight Savings Time. So, from the first Sunday in April through the last Sunday in October, Guatemala is on the equivalent of Mountain Daylight Savings time. For the rest of the year, it is on Central Standard Time.

Living in Guatemala Heading