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dangerous
Guatemala City can offer a high quality of life—if you're in the right area and social circle. Some zones have upscale housing, modern infrastructure, and solid opportunities for business. If you're part of the city's wealthier areas or high society bubble, you may experience amenities and standards better than expected. Women are generally friendly and conservative, which some find ideal for stable relationships.
However, safety is a serious concern raised in multiple reviews. Certain neighborhoods are extremely dangerous, with reports of daylight armed robbery and a strong gang presence. Even locals are affected by this, and it's strongly advised to avoid specific areas entirely. The city is also not pedestrian-friendly, being designed for car travel rather than walking. Finally, class division appears significant; interactions can be limited unless you're involved in long-term activities or business, as locals are often reserved or hesitant with foreigners.
Overall, Guatemala City might work well for long-term stays involving business or projects, and if you can afford to live in secure zones. But it's not ideal for short visits or casual travel, especially without local guidance or awareness of the city layout.
AI-generated summary of reviews
I lived Guatemala City and Antigua for 1,5 years, Guatemala city can be ok, if you live in the right neighborhood. But in general its not walkable. It's a city designed for cars, like in the US. It's very dangerous in certain neighborhoods, but it's not a problem if you stay out of them. The city is great for business, also really stylish apartments, there's a parallel high society living in a bubble there and if you're part of it, live is way superior to what you would know from home. Sadly poorer Guatemalans are a little depressed and introverted and the upper class wont talk to foreigners unless you are there for a longer term and do something important. Women in general are friendly there, very conservative and girl-friend material. Depending on the zone, this will vary a lot, like everything in Guatemala. I had an amazing time there, probably one of the best in my life.
2 years ago
Was here for less than a week and got jumped at gunpoint at 2pm, broad daylight in front of police and traffic. No one did anything, gangs seem the run the place. I've travelled to dozens of places and have lived in Mexico for >6mo, Guatemala is a whole different caliber of dangerous. Maybe I was just unlucky?
4 years ago