Guatemala City - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
You do have to be careful and aware. This is a dangerous country. If you are careful you will be fine. - Mar 2023
Security is real. This is the kind of place where it's ideal to always have cash on hand so you can give it away quickly if you get robbed. Robberies can get violent. Basic precautions are not hard to follow though some of them may make life feel smaller and more restricted. - Oct 2022
Personally, I've never experienced any issues, but you still should take precautions. There are zones of the city that we're not supposed to go in and gang activity in those areas can be dangerous. Recently, even in Cayala, someone was hurt while having their phone stolen out of their hands, so we're reminded not to get complacent. - Oct 2022
There is petty crime some theft of personal belongings. However, these mostly occur if you are alone, at night time, or in areas less occupied. Also, if you stick out like a sore thumb you will most likely get robbed. Just hand over your belongings and you will be fine. It is recommended that you don't walk around with electronics on you or visible. Another recommendation is to have at least 200 Q in local currency on you and hand that over, usually they will leave you alone. - Jul 2021
Crimes of opportunity are a serious issue, and you need to be smart when you're around town; don't flash cash or jewelry. We've never had a problem personally, although we did have one scary instance in our apartment where someone shot gunshots into the parking area, where I was just getting home with my three-year-old at 1 pm in the afternoon. We were happy to leave that building and it's no longer in the housing pool. - Jan 2020
Crime is a major issue in Guatemala. Carjackings and muggings happen; they seem to be more frequent in poorer neighborhoods, but no area seems to be completely immune. Just in the past two years, I've heard of two different taxis being shot up at the taxi/bus stand near our home, not far from where school buses drop off kids from the international schools. Neighborhoods in the city go from reasonably safe to gang-controlled-territory within the span of a block or two, and even after two years here, I'm always uncertain as to where I should or should not be driving. It's a challenge. That said, I feel VERY safe in our home and neighborhood, and have never worried about home invasions. You can spend your time here closed up in a bubble of security, but you'd miss out on so much of what this country has to offer. There are ways to mitigate (although not completely eliminate) your personal risk as you travel out and about. It's worth finding the balance that works best for you. - Mar 2019
Zika is still present. There are areas or zones that are not considered safe, even though Wayz will try to lead you through them. - Feb 2019
Yes, of course, and everybody develops their own comfort levels with security. Most violent crime is targeted and/or takes place in neighborhoods that a foreigner would never visit, but there are no truly safe areas and colleagues have been mugged or had their cars assaulted in broad daylight in the ritziest zones. A few very public (almost certainly targeted) murders have recently taken place on the streets in neighborhoods where many expats live and work. I personally walk alone during the day, walk around in groups at night, run outdoors with my headphones at certain times and in certain neighborhoods. I avoid driving outside of the city after dark and, aside from the well-timeD running routes, don't use electronics or pull out my wallet in public. I'm probably on the less cautious side of the spectrum but in general I don't feel that security concerns affect my day-to-day life, though I've accepted there are constant, unavoidable risks. - Jun 2015
Yes--take precautions when walking or driving around the city. Armed robberies are not uncommon. Everyone has a story of something that has either happened to them or someone they know. While some crimes are completely random, I think you can minimize your risk by taking a few common sense precautions--don't talk on cell phones at intersections while driving, don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics, and make eye contact as you are out walking. - Apr 2014
Yes. Crime is rampant in most areas of Guatemala City, and even the most affluent Zones are not completely exempt (such as Zones 10 and 14, where most embassies are located and where diplomats and other expats tend to live). Though most violent crimes are drug-related, robberies at gun-point can (and do) happen anywhere to anyone, cell-phones being a particularly desired booty. That said, one can dodge the risks by avoiding walking in the streets and places without private security. Driving across the country is generally safe although driving at night is to be avoided at all costs - not only due to the risk of theft (and worse), but also because a staggering amount of cars and buses circulate without tail lights (and that does not mean that they are any more cautious because of it). - Jan 2014
Absolutely. Guatemala is currently ranked as the seventh most dangerous countries in the world with about 42 murders per week (source: The Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development). The security situation has deteriorated with the rise of powerful drug cartels. With that said, one should still take advantage of all the cultural attractions that Guatemala has to offer. Just be careful, don't walk around with flashy clothes, lots of cash and/or a cell phone in view. Americans are not targeted, but may be in the wrong place at the wrong time. - Nov 2011
Security is a big issue here but most crimes are targeted. It is best to refrain from using your cell phone or laptop in public to avoid problems, and always carry some cash with you (maybe $5) to give to someone who threatens you if you don't have something to give up. It is recommended to not carry things with you that you won't readily give up. - May 2010
There are significant security concerns here. Although I have never personally had a problem, I know others who have been robbed at gunpoint. - Mar 2008
