The economy of Chapala and Ajijic is ever growing. Mexico, in general is no longer a Third World country. I have read reports that it is now a Second World Economy. The lakeside area of Chapala and Ajijic, in particular, is very dependent on the expat population for its economic stability or growth. With the devaluation of the peso and people starting to think in dollars, people are now more apt to spend money. As an example, I have a loan that I have to pay in dollar amounts. I tend to...
The economy of Chapala and Ajijic is ever growing. Mexico, in general is no longer a Third World country. I have read reports that it is now a Second World Economy. The lakeside area of Chapala and Ajijic, in particular, is very dependent on the expat population for its economic stability or growth. With the devaluation of the peso and people starting to think in dollars, people are now more apt to spend money. As an example, I have a loan that I have to pay in dollar amounts. I tend to think that this is so cheap in comparison to the US.
There are a lot of opportunities here for someone who is semi-retired because there are quite a lot of things to do. There are lots of job opportunities and if somebody wants to hire help, it is not as expensive to hire help here as compared to the US.
Robert Irvin - The Oaks Tamarindo Condominiums-- Costa Rica
The best reason to retire overseas is to improve and change your lifestyle.
Instead of the question, “What are the best reasons to retire overseas?”, the question should be, “What is the best reason to stay where you are, and retire where you’ve worked all your life?” Did you choose that location because you wanted to spend your entire life there? Now that you’re retired, you have freedom. When you have freedom, you should exercise it, and...
The best reason to retire overseas is to improve and change your lifestyle.
Instead of the question, “What are the best reasons to retire overseas?”, the question should be, “What is the best reason to stay where you are, and retire where you’ve worked all your life?” Did you choose that location because you wanted to spend your entire life there? Now that you’re retired, you have freedom. When you have freedom, you should exercise it, and that should take you to new places, new people, new experiences and a new life, but you can always return to your old life.
For me, the question is not why you should retire overseas, it’s why you shouldn’t retire overseas. I have had a foot in two countries (the US and Costa Rica) for many years, and it’s the best of all possible lifestyles because when you get tired of the weather in one place or if you want a change of scenery, you can go somewhere else. When you have two homes, you can go from one to the other.
One of the most successful retirees I know is my friend Gunther who comes to Costa Rica from Spain every spring. He’s originally from Switzerland and also has a home in Santa Fe, but he lives in Spain because he’s been married to a Spaniard. Gunther just makes a big circle from Switzerland to Spain to Costa Rica to Santa Fe and back. I can’t think of a better way to live. It’s just a question of your tolerance for airplanes as to whether you choose two or three places to live.
(Beach near The Oaks Tamarindo Condominiums, Costa Rica, pictured.)
What's the language most often spoken in the Panama City, Panama area of Casco Viejo? Can I get by if I just speak English?
Becky Lerch
I agree with Patrizia! You definitely will need to speak at least some Spanish to get by everywhere in Panama. For me, I found taking lessons for a few hours a day, for a few weeks when I first arrived invaluable! I went to a school in the El Cangrejo area of Panama (near Einstein's head) called Spanish Panama. It's a great school with professional staff and I learnt so much while I was there. It made my time in Panama so much better!
I agree with Patrizia! You definitely will need to speak at least some Spanish to get by everywhere in Panama. For me, I found taking lessons for a few hours a day, for a few weeks when I first arrived invaluable! I went to a school in the El Cangrejo area of Panama (near Einstein's head) called Spanish Panama. It's a great school with professional staff and I learnt so much while I was there. It made my time in Panama so much better!
How much does it cost for a gardener in Nicaragua?
Carolyn Membreño - León Travel Bureau
The cost to get a gardener in Nicaragua varies depending on how big the area the gardener will tend, for example, whether it will be just a patio or an extensive piece of land in the backyard.
The price could also depend on your agreement with the gardener. Some people would be happy to work for US $5 a day. Others, who are more professional, wouldn’t take less than $10 a day and could even go up to $20 a day depending on how much work is involved. ...
The cost to get a gardener in Nicaragua varies depending on how big the area the gardener will tend, for example, whether it will be just a patio or an extensive piece of land in the backyard.
The price could also depend on your agreement with the gardener. Some people would be happy to work for US $5 a day. Others, who are more professional, wouldn’t take less than $10 a day and could even go up to $20 a day depending on how much work is involved.
You would pay the same amount pretty much everywhere in Nicaragua.
(Parque Central, Central Park in Leon, Nicaragua, pictured.)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a Belize passport?
Kate Corrigan - Caye International Bank
I do not have a Belizean passport; I still have my UK passport. I think having a Belizean passport means you can work anywhere the passport is accepted.
I am fine with my British passport and I have not thought about getting a Belizean passport at the moment.
“Residency” means that you can live and work here as a resident of Belize. After 5 years of being a resident, you can then apply for citizenship and a Belizean...
I do not have a Belizean passport; I still have my UK passport. I think having a Belizean passport means you can work anywhere the passport is accepted.
I am fine with my British passport and I have not thought about getting a Belizean passport at the moment.
“Residency” means that you can live and work here as a resident of Belize. After 5 years of being a resident, you can then apply for citizenship and a Belizean passport. Most jurisdictions would allow you to have at least one second passport. Therefore, for me, I would keep my UK passport and I would also have a Belizean one. Being that Belize is part of the British Commonwealth, I am not entirely sure that there is more benefit for me to have a Belizean passport over my existing UK passport.
To have a passport means you are a citizen. In my case, if I were to become a citizen of Belize, I would be a dual citizen. I would be a citizen of the UK and of Belize.
Are there good vets in Portugal? Where are the best vets in Portugal?
Juan Matias - BLUE Boutique Hostel & SUITES
For many years we were really dedicated to the fishing and agriculture land and, when you’re talking about nature and agriculture lands, you’re talking about animals and when you’re talking about animals, you have pets and when you have pets you have to take them to the doctor. So there are a lot of veterinary stores around everywhere, and there are a lot of animal hospitals as well and animal hotels. This is something that is booming as well in Portugal. ...
For many years we were really dedicated to the fishing and agriculture land and, when you’re talking about nature and agriculture lands, you’re talking about animals and when you’re talking about animals, you have pets and when you have pets you have to take them to the doctor. So there are a lot of veterinary stores around everywhere, and there are a lot of animal hospitals as well and animal hotels. This is something that is booming as well in Portugal.
At home with me I have a Labrador. In my parent’s home, I have ducks, an ostrich, three other dogs, and parrots, and I feel completely comfortable taking my dog to the vet here. It is a bit expensive, though. The last time I took my dog for a vaccination it cost me €120 (US $134).
However, that was because I didn’t already have a relationship with the vet. In Portugal, when you start having a good relationship with people they drop the prices to half, so the prices are not standard.
Driving south on Highway 1 from after it intersects Highway 5 is fairly uneventful, if by “uneventful” you mean "the hundreds of times when you’re confronted with the fact that even a slight miscalculation on your steering wheel will result in certain death." A half inch to the left, and you’ll crash head-on into a semi barreling towards you at 60 miles per hour. A half inch to the right, and you’ll go over the roughly 12-inch shoulder to plunge either into...
Seeing the grandchildren on Skype is a wonderful way to feel in touch and close. Listening to Livvy sing a new song or watching Noah play with a new toy just makes our day!
We see the smiles, the bumps, the new outfits. It is a such a delight to enjoy the time on the camera. The kids can see us too.
Skype is free on the computer or you can upgrade to various paid for services. It works well on a cell too to be able...
Several articles have been written through the years regarding the different issues when considering moving to a different country, especially as a retirement option.
(One of the many eateries in Panamá to enjoy refreshing fruit smoothies with friends, pictured.)
One of the most important things to consider when making the decision to move abroad is your emotional state. Sometimes you could be devastated to leave behind what you have...
The best reason to retire overseas is to improve and change your lifestyle.
The cost to get a gardener in Nicaragua varies depending on how big the area the gardener will tend, for example, whether it will be just a patio or an extensive piece of land in the backyard. 
I do not have a Belizean passport; I still have my UK passport. I think having a Belizean passport means you can work anywhere the passport is accepted. 
For many years we were really dedicated to the fishing and agriculture land and, when you’re talking about nature and agriculture lands, you’re talking about animals and when you’re talking about animals, you have pets and when you have pets you have to take them to the doctor. So there are a lot of veterinary stores around everywhere, and there are a lot of animal hospitals as well and animal hotels. This is something that is booming as well in Portugal. 
Driving south on Highway 1 from after it intersects Highway 5 is fairly uneventful, if by “uneventful” you mean "the hundreds of times when you’re confronted with the fact that even a slight miscalculation on your steering wheel will result in certain death." A half inch to the left, and you’ll crash head-on into a semi barreling towards you at 60 miles per hour. A half inch to the right, and you’ll go over the roughly 12-inch shoulder to plunge either into...
Several articles have been written through the years regarding the different issues when considering moving to a different country, especially as a retirement option.