How bad are the mosquitoes and other bugs and insects in Yucatan: Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Merida, etc?
Doug Willey - Doug Willey, Independent Real Estate Consultant
The bugs and other insects in Yucatan Peninsula are not really that bad but it depends where you are.
If you go to some swampy areas, where the mangroves are, which a lot of people like to do in order to look at crocodiles and the different bird species, you are probably going to encounter problems with mosquitoes. But in general, here in Chelem, in Progreso, and in other beach areas in the state of Yucatan, the mosquitoes come out about 20...
The bugs and other insects in Yucatan Peninsula are not really that bad but it depends where you are.
If you go to some swampy areas, where the mangroves are, which a lot of people like to do in order to look at crocodiles and the different bird species, you are probably going to encounter problems with mosquitoes. But in general, here in Chelem, in Progreso, and in other beach areas in the state of Yucatan, the mosquitoes come out about 20 minutes before sunset and 20 minutes after sunset. Everyone that lives here in Chelem knows that so their activities are planned around that. If I want to go to my favorite restaurant, I know that I shouldn’t go 20 minutes before and after sunset. I would either go before that time or wait until after that time to eat. Other than that, the bugs and insects here is not that big of a deal. I don’t think the mosquitoes here are any worse compared to Delaware, where I came from.
Jim Hardesty - TropicChoice Properties & Investments, Ltd.
Vehicles in Belize are more expensive than one would expect because of the high import duties imposed. The amount of the duty depends upon the vehicle and ranges from about 30% to as much as 90% for what is considered a luxury vehicle.
Vehicle age and number of cylinders are the main criteria used for determining the duty rate and the US Kelly Blue Book value is used for determining base value.
There is a large and...
Vehicles in Belize are more expensive than one would expect because of the high import duties imposed. The amount of the duty depends upon the vehicle and ranges from about 30% to as much as 90% for what is considered a luxury vehicle.
Vehicle age and number of cylinders are the main criteria used for determining the duty rate and the US Kelly Blue Book value is used for determining base value.
There is a large and active market in used cars, but it's a good idea to be very careful and have a mechanic check out any potential purchase since many cars have been thoroughly used and/or abused and cosmetic repairs have been made to cover up the wear and tear. Because of the import duty, even old, very used cars have a surprisingly high resale value. One can expect to pay between US$5,000 to $10,000 for a decent 10 year old, 4 cylinder SUV. SUV's and pick ups are the most popular and appropriate type of vehicles for Belize because of the varying condition of the roads.
Expats coming to Belize on the QRP program (qualified retired person) are allowed to bring a vehicle with them, duty free and to replace that vehicle every three years, again duty free. This is the least expensive way to have a good quality car in Belize. Shipping a car from Florida to Belize costs about US$900.
The advantage to buying a new car from a dealer in Belize is that it is the only way you will get warrantee coverage. Even if you bring a new car from the States, the warrantee will not be valid once you leave the US. Again, for QRP residents, the program allows the import duty on new vehicles purchased in Belize to be subtracted from the purchase price.
The Algarve is made up of two areas. One is the coastal Algarve, which is the strip of land closest to the Atlantic Ocean, and the other area is the interior of Algarve, called “Barrocal.” This division, which is geographic more than anything else, tends to also describe the difference between the cultures of the people, especially the local people, who live in the province of the Algarve.
In the Barrocal, there are many more local traditions....
The Algarve is made up of two areas. One is the coastal Algarve, which is the strip of land closest to the Atlantic Ocean, and the other area is the interior of Algarve, called “Barrocal.” This division, which is geographic more than anything else, tends to also describe the difference between the cultures of the people, especially the local people, who live in the province of the Algarve.
In the Barrocal, there are many more local traditions. You will find people who still practice local agriculture by growing or having small holdings of garden crops. They produce the local “fire water,” which we call “medronho.” In certain areas, they may be involved in citrus farming, carob or maybe in cork production. You will find small communities, which are linked to their little towns or village. The town or village tends to be traditional in that they live in a predominantly Christian Catholic country in which there will be communities built around the local church, and the people of the area attend church quite frequently. Younger generations attend catechism and so on. This way of life and culture is particular to the interior of the province of Algarve. The traditional roots are very strong, and are linked to the religion, the agriculture, and the work of the people.
On the coast of Algarve, it is very different. The culture of people on the coast is eclectic; a neutral international society. A comparison I can make to Algarve is when we lived in Florida, it was a transient international society so people used to come and go and they used to build their networks with other international people originally within the local community and then when they move on, other people would come in to take their place. In the Algarve it’s different than that in the sense that people do not tend to move in and out frequently. People come here and they tend to stay because they like it. They build their culture in Algarve, which is very much a multinational culture built around sports, wellbeing, reasonably healthy living, and gastronomy. People love to eat here. Algarve has an international society that lives a sub-urban living, which you might observe in any international destinations.
(Bottle of Portuguese "fire water," medronho, pictured.)
As Mike Cobb indicated there are no real standards enforced by local government outside of Managua. Selecting a knowledgeable and qualified builder and architect is a must from the time you purchase the land and make the decision to build until you take possession of the building. Buying property within a planned community such as Gran Pacifica is also important to insure that you have the infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, internet, sewers and local liaison with...
As Mike Cobb indicated there are no real standards enforced by local government outside of Managua. Selecting a knowledgeable and qualified builder and architect is a must from the time you purchase the land and make the decision to build until you take possession of the building. Buying property within a planned community such as Gran Pacifica is also important to insure that you have the infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, internet, sewers and local liaison with the local government for property tax considerations.
For me it is impossible to answer the question what are the best places in the world to live. I think it depends on who you are what you are looking for and what things do you need in your life to be happy. Do you need a common language where you are going? How about family and old friends? Weather, rain, climate,medical and all sorts of things a person should consider.
I made a list of what I wanted and needed in a new country. I...
For me it is impossible to answer the question what are the best places in the world to live. I think it depends on who you are what you are looking for and what things do you need in your life to be happy. Do you need a common language where you are going? How about family and old friends? Weather, rain, climate,medical and all sorts of things a person should consider.
I made a list of what I wanted and needed in a new country. I had traveled to 36 countries when I was a younger adult and frankly I found many different countries I thought I could be happy in. I settled on Panama for reasons that were important to me.
A democratic country, tropical, good services for medical and dental, close to the USA, good cost of living, two oceans with just over an hour driving time between them, good shopping and restaurants, golf, scuba diving, fishing, mountain climbing, availability of different temperatures within easy driving distance, sports, movies, lots of expats (however I don't hang around expat groups much), not much violent crime and an easy going tranquil lifestyle.
For me Panama is one of the best places in the world to retire.
How are the rules of etiquette or customs different in Panama?
Jennifer Moloney Jones
There are a lot of cool differences in etiquette and customs here in Panama. The one that comes to my mind immediately is that in restaurants, if you put your handbag on the floor, somebody will rush over to you, pick it up, and put it on a chair because it is considered bad luck to put your purse on the floor because your money will run away. It was something that actually shocked me when I first came here. I thought the person picking up my bag was trying to take it, but she...
There are a lot of cool differences in etiquette and customs here in Panama. The one that comes to my mind immediately is that in restaurants, if you put your handbag on the floor, somebody will rush over to you, pick it up, and put it on a chair because it is considered bad luck to put your purse on the floor because your money will run away. It was something that actually shocked me when I first came here. I thought the person picking up my bag was trying to take it, but she wasn’t. She was just trying to put in on a chair for me and told me that it is very bad luck to put my bag on the floor.
Another difference is in the way you dress. If you are doing something official, then gentlemen need to wear shirts and shoes; not flip flops or sandals. Preferably, they should also wear long trousers. If you are a woman, you need to keep your shoulders covered. It is actually a funny irony because you could go in a low cut blouse and a short skirt, but you have to have your shoulders covered. That is something that you need to know if you are moving here. They will not let you in government buildings, if you are not dressed appropriately.
(The Attorney General's office in Panama City, pictured.)
If you really want to see the different cultures Panama has, you have to go out and about and see all the different indigenous cultures. Go to the interior and see girls in polleras (their national clothing) and the men who sing folk music about everything in their culture. Panama has a very rich culture that has so many influences over the years. They have influences from the Caribbean, from the US, from the French, and Colombians. They just have so many influences that it shines through them. It is lovely.
If I were invited for dinner at a local Panamanian’s house, I would certainly bring some wine or anything appropriate to drink, but other than that, they wouldn’t expect you to act any differently at their house. I guess the only thing is you have to eat a lot. They would want you to eat a lot.
Las Posadas is the name for the popular celebrations in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, the United States and Panama during the nine days before Christmas (December 16-24). Las Posadas (which is Spanish for the “inns” or “lodging”) relates to the search by Joseph and Mary for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
This tradition began in Mexico in 1586 when Catholic...
Wow! You have just finished reading a local paper and you have seen 14 different 'Realtors' advertised!
How do you know which one to choose? Do you go for the one with the biggest ad ("they must be successful, right?") or the one with the nicest looking ad, or the one that has pictures of the Realtors? ("I like the look of those people. They look honest and trustworthy")
Good food is like good sex – most people don’t need it every day, but life becomes drab and colorless when it disappears entirely. Here Panama ranks low (on the food index, not the sex index). Most meals in Panama, whether at home or in restaurants, consist of white rice and beans with a bit of leathery meat or chicken. Fried foods are also popular – especially hojaldra (fried bread), tortillas and other things made of corn -- with predictable results for the national body...