Guatemala City - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Speaking at least some Spanish will help a lot. Many people do speak at least some English. - Mar 2023
You absolutely need basic Spanish to navigate Guatemala City. In Antigua, you can get by with English because it is a tourist city. Language classes and tutors are easily available at low rates. - Oct 2022
You absolutely need Spanish. The vast majority of retail workers or service providers only speak Spanish. - Oct 2022
Spanish is heavily used here, if you don't know a little bit it will be difficult to get around. A vast majority of the population only speak Spanish or a Mayan dialect. There are tutors you can hire, an hour will cost you about $20. - Jul 2021
English is not widely spoken and a minimal level of Spanish is necessary to interact at the grocery store or with household help. - Jan 2020
English is relatively widely-spoken by the Guatemalan elite/upper class, but not the rest of the country. Basic Spanish is a must in daily life. Luckily, Spanish tutors for adults and children are widely available and incredibly convenient; most will come to your home, work around your schedule, and design a curriculum that meets your needs. Embassy-recommended tutors run about $20/hr. Far cheaper options are available, but you may get what you pay for. - Mar 2019
I use it frequently, however not sure it's absolutely necessary. Classes and tutors available in English. - Feb 2019
You could probably get by as a tourist without too much Spanish, but you will be very limited living here without it. - Jun 2015
Learn Spanish. Not many people speak English except for those who went to college. The med unit has a list of doctors who speak English and were trained in the U.S., but you will still encounter many nurses, receptionists, cashiers, waiters, taxi drivers, etc. who don't speak English. A little Spanish knowledge goes a long way here! - Apr 2014
A good command of Spanish is pretty much necessary for work and daily activities. - Jan 2014
You should have a decent grasp of Spanish to be able to go about daily living. - Nov 2011
It's very helpful to know Spanish. Some people speak English, but not as many as you would think. - May 2010
It's very helpful to know Spanish. Much of the upper class seems to speak English but for day-to-day interactions you should really learn some Spanish at least. - Mar 2008
