How much of y our stuff you should move with you to Mexico really depends on who is paying for the move! Some people coming to Mexico are moving for work, and their companies will often provide them with a moving budget. In that case, it could make better sense to bring your stuff with you. I say “could” because cost isn’t the only thing to consider…more on that in a moment. For people who are footing the bill personally, the costs of...
How much of y our stuff you should move with you to Mexico really depends on who is paying for the move! Some people coming to Mexico are moving for work, and their companies will often provide them with a moving budget. In that case, it could make better sense to bring your stuff with you. I say “could” because cost isn’t the only thing to consider…more on that in a moment. For people who are footing the bill personally, the costs of moving items could be prohibitive. You need to take account not only of the actual shipping costs, but also the customs duties that will be imposed. A household is allowed certain exemptions but you have to make sure that you completed the paperwork on time and before you move. We have also heard horror stories from people who have waited 6 months or more for their shipments to arrive, and who had items damaged or stolen en route. I am sure that is not the norm, but something to be aware of.
We did not have a moving budget when we relocated from Canada to Mexico, and so for us there was no possibility of bringing our stuff with us. We sold our house in Canada with all of our furniture included, and gave away things like dishes and décor. For people coming to Mexico temporarily, storing furniture and other items might be an option to consider if they are prepared to rent a place already furnished. In our case, we left Canada with whatever could fit in our suitcases and started over once we arrived! The total of our moving costs were the extra baggage fees for the airline.
This was the best solution for us, but you should be aware that the cost of setting up a house in Mexico can also be quite expensive. Most household items, particularly appliances, furniture, and electronics, will cost quite a bit more than they would in Canada. You may find things in Mexico that are comparable in price to things that you can buy in Canada but often the quality is not what Canadians or Americans might be used to.
So it really comes down to a careful consideration of the costs of shipping vs the costs of buying new, which will vary by distance, currency, location in Mexico, and intangible things like sentimental attachments.
(Modern furniture in Mexico City apartment, pictured.)
What are the things I'll be most happily surprised by when moving or retiring abroad?
Kristin Wilson - Orbis Relocation
Living entirely abroad is something I never heard anybody say that they regret. It's just a life changing experience, and a completely different perspective of the world than vacationing in different countries.
US citizen going abroad tend to realize how much better life can be, compared to what we're used to and what the norm is for American life. We are taught that America is the greatest country in the world. It is not necessarily true that America has the greatest in...
Living entirely abroad is something I never heard anybody say that they regret. It's just a life changing experience, and a completely different perspective of the world than vacationing in different countries.
US citizen going abroad tend to realize how much better life can be, compared to what we're used to and what the norm is for American life. We are taught that America is the greatest country in the world. It is not necessarily true that America has the greatest in everything, as you would believe by looking at the numbers and the data. This becomes apparent when you're actually living in a different country. You start to realize that there's a more optimal work - life balance. Things overseas many times don't go at the fast pace that they do in America. Living abroad is a good opportunity to slow down and enjoy life without being in a rat race and around that type of energy.
It doesn't matter where you go. If you go to Switzerland or Nicaragua or Mexico, or any other country, you'll find differences with America. A lot of these differences are positive. Not all of them, but overall I think it's definitely a positive change and the good thing about going abroad is that you can always come back if you want. You can go for a few years or a few months. You can go back and forth from the US. You don't have to stay in any one place forever.
I used to work in real estate, but I have moved to just rentals, and most of the relocation I do are semi-temporary. They can be anywhere from a few months to a few years. I honestly think that is the best way to go these days.
(Pictured: Kristin Wilson and local Nicaraguan kids.)
What's the best way to get around in Bocas Del Toro, Panama?
Alberto Socarraz - Panama Vida
The best way to get around in Bocas del Toro, Panama is by using the bus and taxi services. There are buses that run all day throughout the entire province along with taxi services. The buses are much cheaper but can sometimes be a bit crowded, whereas the taxi services cost a bit more but are much more private and comfortable.
If you are on the Island of Colon in Bocas del Toro, Panama, I would recommend getting around on bicycle. The island...
The best way to get around in Bocas del Toro, Panama is by using the bus and taxi services. There are buses that run all day throughout the entire province along with taxi services. The buses are much cheaper but can sometimes be a bit crowded, whereas the taxi services cost a bit more but are much more private and comfortable.
If you are on the Island of Colon in Bocas del Toro, Panama, I would recommend getting around on bicycle. The island has good roads and not that much traffic, making bikes fun and easy.
How much does food cost in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua?
Daniel Snider - Snider's Realty Nicaragua
The food in the markets in San Juan del Sur is very affordable, which it has to be for the common Nicaraguan. The cost of produce is much cheaper than it is in the US and so is the cost of meat, chicken or sausages. We buy roasted chicken just like you would in a lot of major supermarkets in the US. Out here roasted chicken costs about US $5 for a whole rotisserie chicken.
A dozen eggs is about $2.50, a loaf of bread is about $2 to $3, a dozen bananas is...
The food in the markets in San Juan del Sur is very affordable, which it has to be for the common Nicaraguan. The cost of produce is much cheaper than it is in the US and so is the cost of meat, chicken or sausages. We buy roasted chicken just like you would in a lot of major supermarkets in the US. Out here roasted chicken costs about US $5 for a whole rotisserie chicken.
A dozen eggs is about $2.50, a loaf of bread is about $2 to $3, a dozen bananas is about $.60.
Fresh produce is very cheap, too. Fresh produce would probably be 20% to 40% cheaper than it is in the US since most of these are locally grown. Common fresh produce here in San Juan Del Sur are mostly citrus fruits like oranges, lime, and lemon. Tropical fruits like the Maracuya (Passion Fruit), Star Fruit, Dragon Fruit are also widely available here. Star Fruit costs about $2 per dozen.
Starting a business in Portugal can be relatively simple because Portugal has an “On The Hour” facility whereby you can walk into a government department and basically set up a company in an hour.
Once you get the company running, that’s the only time the problem starts, because the bureaucracy comes in. It’s easy to start a business but it’s the rules after that which makes it a bit frustrating.
...
Starting a business in Portugal can be relatively simple because Portugal has an “On The Hour” facility whereby you can walk into a government department and basically set up a company in an hour.
Once you get the company running, that’s the only time the problem starts, because the bureaucracy comes in. It’s easy to start a business but it’s the rules after that which makes it a bit frustrating.
(Mário Centeno Minister of Finance, Portugal, pictured.)
Does Belize have any special retirement program or retirement benefits?
Christian Burn
The retirement program offered by Belize is called Qualified Retired Persons program. The details are available through the Belize Bulletin board and Georgetown Trust. Georgetown Trust can help you with the entire process.
In order to qualify for the Belize Qualified Retired Persons Program visa, I believe you just need to be 45 years old, and you need to be able to prove that you draw US $24,000 a year or have access to it through your social security or other means.
...
The retirement program offered by Belize is called Qualified Retired Persons program. The details are available through the Belize Bulletin board and Georgetown Trust. Georgetown Trust can help you with the entire process.
In order to qualify for the Belize Qualified Retired Persons Program visa, I believe you just need to be 45 years old, and you need to be able to prove that you draw US $24,000 a year or have access to it through your social security or other means.
Having a Qualified Retired Persons visa entitles you to be able to import personal items for the first year without any duty. That is a massive advantage for people who live here who want to bring in fridges, golf carts, sail boats, sofas, or king sized beds from the US. They can put it on a container and get them down here duty free for the first year.
I am not aware of any discount entitlements for retirees.
Almost on cue, just minutes after my wife Jet was finished with her massage on the beach in Mahahual, the wind picked up, and we and everyone else could notice that the squalls that earlier were further out and more separated were now consolidating and moving closer. Evidently not strangers to what would happen next, everyone but us folded up and headed for nearby shelter. Having a full itinerary, we got in our van, retraced the road back to the main highway, and made a left...
BANKING-- despite all their assurances that you have set up all the correct procedures and accounts, there WILL be problems. Not in your host country, but 'back home'. These will take the form of excessive fees, limitations on the maximum allowed currency, changes in their regulations, both Governmental and internal bank rules, staff changes, lock-outs for internet transactions and many, many others.
Should you try snail mail it may take weeks of effort; I once took a certified bank check wih...
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. ...
How much of y our stuff you should move with you to Mexico really depends on who is paying for the move! Some people coming to Mexico are moving for work, and their companies will often provide them with a moving budget. In that case, it could make better sense to bring your stuff with you. I say “could” because cost isn’t the only thing to consider…more on that in a moment. For people who are footing the bill personally, the costs of...
Living entirely abroad is something I never heard anybody say that they regret. It's just a life changing experience, and a completely different perspective of the world than vacationing in different countries.
The food in the markets in San Juan del Sur is very affordable, which it has to be for the common Nicaraguan. The cost of produce is much cheaper than it is in the US and so is the cost of meat, chicken or sausages. We buy roasted chicken just like you would in a lot of major supermarkets in the US. Out here roasted chicken costs about US $5 for a whole rotisserie chicken. 
Starting a business in Portugal can be relatively simple because Portugal has an “On The Hour” facility whereby you can walk into a government department and basically set up a company in an hour. 
Almost on cue, just minutes after my wife Jet was finished with her massage on the beach in Mahahual, the wind picked up, and we and everyone else could notice that the squalls that earlier were further out and more separated were now consolidating and moving closer. Evidently not strangers to what would happen next, everyone but us folded up and headed for nearby shelter. Having a full itinerary, we got in our van, retraced the road back to the main highway, and made a left...
BANKING-- despite all their assurances that you have set up all the correct procedures and accounts, there WILL be problems. Not in your host country, but 'back home'. These will take the form of excessive fees, limitations on the maximum allowed currency, changes in their regulations, both Governmental and internal bank rules, staff changes, lock-outs for internet transactions and many, many others.
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.