What are the best and worst things about living and retiring in San Miguel de Allende?
Suzie Osman
For me, the worst thing about retiring in San Miguel de Allende is that it’s colder than I expected. But then again, I realized I haven’t been to any place cold for over 40 years. I’m from New York, but as soon as we got married in 1976, we moved to the Virgin Islands and stayed there for 13 years. Then we lived in Florida for 13 years, and in Hawaii for the rest of the time before we moved to Acapulco. I’m having a harder time adjusting to the chill, but I...
For me, the worst thing about retiring in San Miguel de Allende is that it’s colder than I expected. But then again, I realized I haven’t been to any place cold for over 40 years. I’m from New York, but as soon as we got married in 1976, we moved to the Virgin Islands and stayed there for 13 years. Then we lived in Florida for 13 years, and in Hawaii for the rest of the time before we moved to Acapulco. I’m having a harder time adjusting to the chill, but I think I will, and I know it’s worth it-- I like it here in San Miguel de Allende.
Some of the best things about living and retiring in San Miguel de Allende include the people-- the friendliness of the whole community. I met my first friends in San Miguel at the farmer’s market just sitting down having a lamb burger. Some of the organic markets make lamb burgers, and everybody goes to that.
We renewed our vows on our 40th anniversary here at Los Labradores, a planned community about 15 minutes from San Miguel de Allende, where we live. And we’ve only been here since August 15th and in the first three months max, we went from not knowing a single person to having 70 guests at our anniversary. The only person we knew before was my godson, who flew in. So that’s one of the nicest things about the community here in San Miguel de Allende.
Another good thing about living in San Miguel de Allende is that it’s an animal-friendly place. I’ve heard about CuddleBug and the animal rescues in San Miguel de Allende. At the organic market, everybody’s walking down the street with 1 or 2 dogs, so it really is a very dog-friendly community, which to me is important.
There are a million things to do in San Miguel de Allende that I haven’t taken advantage of yet- museums, theatres, etc. We’re going to go see our friend Judy starring in Driving Miss Daisy.
For volunteers, there are a million volunteer things to be part of, just like I used to in Florida.
(Barry and Suzie Osman renew their wedding vows at Rancho Los Labradores, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, pictured.)
What’s the effect of illegal drug traffic in Portugal?
Luis Teixeira da Silva - Algarve Senior Living
I am not an expert on this but my perception is that illegal drug trafficking is not a big problem in Portugal because Portugal doesn’t appear to be a major drug distribution network for drug smugglers. I do believe that there are some issues around drugs in some high schools and so this is something that they are trying to combat but it really isn’t a big issue in Portugal as a whole.
(Spanish and Portuguese trade routes in the 17th...
I am not an expert on this but my perception is that illegal drug trafficking is not a big problem in Portugal because Portugal doesn’t appear to be a major drug distribution network for drug smugglers. I do believe that there are some issues around drugs in some high schools and so this is something that they are trying to combat but it really isn’t a big issue in Portugal as a whole.
(Spanish and Portuguese trade routes in the 17th century, pictured.)
Can I receive my Social Security checks or benefits abroad, as an expat, outside the US and if so, how?
Alan Filliger - Alana la Casa del Arte
You can receive your Social Security check benefits in Panama. I feel the best way is through direct deposit into your Panama bank account. It is easy, safe and reliable. I can only receive Social security via direct deposit in Panama. All other benefits need to come by wire transfer or a mailed check. I use a mail service out of Miami, Florida which sends my mail to a location close to where I live. Mail Boxes, etc. seems to be good...
You can receive your Social Security check benefits in Panama. I feel the best way is through direct deposit into your Panama bank account. It is easy, safe and reliable. I can only receive Social security via direct deposit in Panama. All other benefits need to come by wire transfer or a mailed check. I use a mail service out of Miami, Florida which sends my mail to a location close to where I live. Mail Boxes, etc. seems to be good and reliable in Panama.
Can I bring my dog or cat or other pets to Nicaragua?
Carolyn Membreño - León Travel Bureau
Yes, you can bring your pets to Nicaragua, and many people do. There are a couple of agencies that can help you and from my understanding, it is not a very difficult procedure at all.
It is also not painful or inconvenient for the animal. They have systems that are set up that make it very convenient to bring your pet into the country.
(Dogs on the beach in Nicaragua, pictured.)
Yes, you can bring your pets to Nicaragua, and many people do. There are a couple of agencies that can help you and from my understanding, it is not a very difficult procedure at all.
It is also not painful or inconvenient for the animal. They have systems that are set up that make it very convenient to bring your pet into the country.
To drive in Panama, do I need a Panamanian driver's license?
Roy Cannon - Gestoria Cocle - main office in Penoneme
Your driver's license from your home country (if this uses a Latin Alphabet - not Arabic or other scripts that cannot be read by a Panamanian police officer), is valid for driving in Panama a period of 90 days (or the length of your visa if less) for cars, motorcycles, bicycles (yes you need a driver's license for bikes) and small vans and busses which do not carry fare paying passengers. If stopped, just show your valid license from another country, together with your passport stamp...
Your driver's license from your home country (if this uses a Latin Alphabet - not Arabic or other scripts that cannot be read by a Panamanian police officer), is valid for driving in Panama a period of 90 days (or the length of your visa if less) for cars, motorcycles, bicycles (yes you need a driver's license for bikes) and small vans and busses which do not carry fare paying passengers. If stopped, just show your valid license from another country, together with your passport stamp that is less than 90 days old, and you are good to go.
If you are going to be in the country for more than 90 days, you will either have to stop driving, or go to Costa Rica to get a new stamp in your passport. The trip to Costa Rica can be for as little as 15 minutes, no minimum stay required, have a coffee and return. There is no limit on the number of times you are permitted to do this, as long as you are from a country that does not require visas to visit Panama.
How’s the adventure travel and activities in Belize?
Giancarlo Vega
Traveling around Belize is really fun. You can do it on the bus or you can get a car rental.
When you do things on your own, there is much more that you can do. Stop at the different sights and do the different activities.
You can go cave tubing, river tubing, zip lining or just chill in and around the country, find all the cool spots and take a couple of pictures here and there.
Don’t...
Traveling around Belize is really fun. You can do it on the bus or you can get a car rental.
When you do things on your own, there is much more that you can do. Stop at the different sights and do the different activities.
You can go cave tubing, river tubing, zip lining or just chill in and around the country, find all the cool spots and take a couple of pictures here and there.
Don’t be afraid to also take a Belikin Beer on your trip!
Beautiful Playa Venao has been my passion for many years,
and this is the area I moved to a long time ago, in 1985. I was lucky to get to know Panama from the "inside out", being exposed to the folklore of the Los Santos Province and its music and festivities.
Getting to know some deep traditions was the highlight of my move abroad, my kids growing up in a sane and safe environment with Spanish being...
Panamanians take Carnival very seriously. Many people prepare themselves for months to participate, in any way, in the Carnival, and visitors book their flights almost a year in advance to enjoy these four days of music and dancing.
A version of Carnival is called "Fiestas del Rey Momo" (King Momo party), which is celebrated throughout the country, but mainly in Las Tablas, on the Azuero Peninsula. Lately more and...
Panamá has beautiful natural resource areas, especially its outstanding beaches and mountains, which invite visitors to enjoy and relax. This is not to mention the great opportunities for exploring Panamá’s rainforest, bird watching and exceptional natural reserve areas, like “Cerro Campana” (city of Panamá), Volcán (Chiriquí and Bocas delToro provinces), Coiba (a beautiful very lightly explored island), and “Barro Colorado”, which is run by the Smithsonian Institute. ...
For me, the worst thing about retiring in San Miguel de Allende is that it’s colder than I expected. But then again, I realized I haven’t been to any place cold for over 40 years. I’m from New York, but as soon as we got married in 1976, we moved to the Virgin Islands and stayed there for 13 years. Then we lived in Florida for 13 years, and in Hawaii for the rest of the time before we moved to Acapulco. I’m having a harder time adjusting to the chill, but I...
I am not an expert on this but my perception is that illegal drug trafficking is not a big problem in Portugal because Portugal doesn’t appear to be a major drug distribution network for drug smugglers. I do believe that there are some issues around drugs in some high schools and so this is something that they are trying to combat but it really isn’t a big issue in Portugal as a whole. 
Yes, you can bring your pets to Nicaragua, and many people do. There are a couple of agencies that can help you and from my understanding, it is not a very difficult procedure at all._resized.jpg)
Panamá has beautiful natural resource areas, especially its outstanding beaches and mountains, which invite visitors to enjoy and relax. This is not to mention the great opportunities for exploring Panamá’s rainforest, bird watching and exceptional natural reserve areas, like “Cerro Campana” (city of Panamá), Volcán (Chiriquí and Bocas delToro provinces), Coiba (a beautiful very lightly explored island), and “Barro Colorado”, which is run by the Smithsonian Institute.
