BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

As a general guide to living in Guatemala this book is a good starting point. it lists key information about housing, places to visit, key things you need to know about currency, language, climate, transport, security, shopping banking, food and eating, and a host of other things. It is available on Amazon.com.

Other useful sites you may want to explore include:

Below are some general FAQs that teachers ask that may be of use. If you have other questions you think would be useful please share them with by contacting hr@cm.edu.gt

Frequently Asked Questions: Refer also to the New Hires Handbook for more detailed answers

  • What currency should I bring with me to Guatemala?

While you can use US dollars in certain stores, and a number of shops will accept USD but you will need to accept that you may not get a good exchange rate. To get an idea of exchange rates you can check here www.xe.com . You can use ATM cards - see below

  • Will I be able to withdraw money using my credit or debit cards?

You can use ATMs in most major banks but many will charge you a fee (typically USD10 ) to withdraw money. Some US accounts (e.g. Charles Schwab ) wil waive charges if you talk to your bank ahead of time.

What paperwork do I need to prepare before I arrive in Guatemala?

  1. Birth Certificate

Employees must bring a current original copy of their birth certificate and for their dependents from the state in which they were born. All the birth certificates need to be apostille. Original copies are generally given by the department of health. This cannot be the original birth certificate or a simple or notarized copy of the birth certificate. It also cannot be one extended online as a pen and ink signature and stamp or seal are required. The birth certificate must then be sent to the Guatemalan Consulate that serves the state in which they were born... It can be taken in personally or mailed in. If it is mailed, a self-addressed stamped envelope must be included. There is a $10 fee for this. The birth certificate and any accompanying documents should be brought by the employee when they arrive in Guatemala. There is no need to mail it ahead. The visa process cannot begin until the employee is in the country.

2. Criminal and Police Records Report

Employees must obtain an original letter from your sheriff's office, or state police office. This document must state the employee’s full name as it appears on their passport, state they have no record, and have a pen and ink signature and a stamp or seal. Copies, online search results, or letters without a signature will not be accepted. The letter must then be sent to the Guatemalan Consulate that serves the state in which the letter was extended. This may not be the same consulate where the birth certificate is sent. It can be taken in personally or mailed in. If it is mailed a self-addressed stamped envelope must be included. There is a $10 fee for this.The police letter and any accompanying documents should be brought by the employee when arriving in Guatemala. There is no need to mail it ahead as the visa process cannot be started until the employee arrives in the country. Please note that we cannot get visas for anyone with any type of record. Any minor offenses that can be expunged must be taken care of before arrival in Guatemala.Canadian citizens Please visit Steps for getting a certified criminal record check

3. FBI background check (for US citizens only)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation; FBI offers three options for requesting a Identity History Summary or proof that one does not exist. Current processing time for Identity History Summary requests submitted electronically is estimated to be three to five business days upon receipt of the fingerprint card. Allow additional time for mail delivery if this option was selected during the request process. Current processing time for Identity History Summary requests submitted via the mail is 2-4 weeks. Please note that we cannot get visas for anyone with any type of record. Any minor offenses that can be expunged must be taken care of before arrival in Guatemala.

4. Copy of diploma for University last degree completed

Current copy of the last diploma for your University degree completed which have been apostilled within the three months prior (please noted that copies are not returned from Immigration offices that is why we request copies instead of the originals)

5. Copy of marriage certificate

A current copy of a marriage certificate can be requested in a town or city hall or a county clerk. Visit the U.S. Government Services and Information for more information about vital records copies or replace.


  • Can I ship things ahead of time?

We do not recommend doing this since if you are not in the country when your goods arrive you will end up paying storage fees which can be high.

What papers are required for my personal file?

  • Copies of all diplomas for each university degree completed

  • Transcripts for all completed and ongoing studies

  • Fully copy of passport for the employee and all dependents

  • Current teaching certificate

  • Letter of creditable coverage from insurance

  • How do I receive mail or packages in Guatemala?

Since November 2016 the US postal service will not accept mail being sent to Guatemala except for Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) service. Instead there are courier companies (most based in Miami) that ship mail and packages to Guatemala. You are assigned an account number and an address in the US where your mail and packages are sent. Items then arrive in Guatemala around 7-10 days later.

  • Should I take Language classes? Will classes be offered when I arrive?

It is always a good idea to try and learn some of the language before you arrive. However, this is not essential.

Can I get medications that I need?

Medical care can be excellent in Guatemala and often miles cheaper than in the US. There are many pharmacies and many of these are open 24 hours and will delivery to your house. They carry most medications and often these require no prescriptions. Be sure to check with HR if you have a special medication you need, to see if it is sold here. See Medical tab for more information

  • What procedures do I need to follow if I bring a pet?

For full details see SHIPPING. As well as the following paperwork, you will need to talk to your airline to book space ahead of time, to ensure it is possible to ship your pet. Check the airline for their own rules which can be strict.

  1. Recent vaccination certificate by the Veterinarian.

  2. International Health Certificate signed by the veterinarian and authorized by department of Health

  3. All Documents must be original, photocopies will not be accepted.

  4. The Documents must be legalized by the nearest Consular Section.