What is the cost to buy land or a lot in Chapala and Ajijic, Mexico
Michael Kavanaugh - Continental Realty
The cost to buy a lot in the Chapala – Ajijic area depends on location, location, location. A lot in the village will cost $260 a square meter (about $260,000 for a quarter acre).
If you move about 3 miles out from the Ajijic center, there’s a lot of in Rancho del Oro that’s on the side of a mountain with a lake view that, because of the lay of the lot, your construction cost are going to be higher, but you can probably buy that lot...
The cost to buy a lot in the Chapala – Ajijic area depends on location, location, location. A lot in the village will cost $260 a square meter (about $260,000 for a quarter acre).
If you move about 3 miles out from the Ajijic center, there’s a lot of in Rancho del Oro that’s on the side of a mountain with a lake view that, because of the lay of the lot, your construction cost are going to be higher, but you can probably buy that lot for $90 a square meter (about $90,000 for a quarter of an acre). But there might be a lot next door that somebody is listing for $300 a square meter (about $300,000 for a quarter of an acre), even though it’s never going to sell at that price.
Remodeling costs are so low (especially the cost of labor is so reasonable), that it’s much easier and less expensive to remodel than to buy land and build from scratch.
There are several ways to get around in Nicaragua, depending where you are and where are you going.
Managua
You can use taxis. Rates are from US $1.50 up to US $20.00 depending where your going. Also eleven of them have POS so you can pay with a credit or debit card.
Private drivers that pick you up from the airport or hotel and take you around cost from US $10.00 up to US $100.00 for one day, with a bilingual driver.
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There are several ways to get around in Nicaragua, depending where you are and where are you going.
Managua
You can use taxis. Rates are from US $1.50 up to US $20.00 depending where your going. Also eleven of them have POS so you can pay with a credit or debit card.
Private drivers that pick you up from the airport or hotel and take you around cost from US $10.00 up to US $100.00 for one day, with a bilingual driver.
Public transportation is also available.
León
To get to León you have to take either a bus or a private driver will take you. It's about an hour and a half to get to the city from Managua, but once you there, you'll find it easy to walk around and discover all of its beauty.
The price for public transportation from Managua to León is about US $4.00
Granada
Granada is about a 45 minute drive away from Managua, so you will also need a bus or private transportation to get there. Once you arrive in Granada, the same thing will happen as when you go to León-- you will want to walk.
The price for public transportation from Managua to Granada is about US $5.00.
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is the most popular beach in Nicaragua. It is about a two hour drive from Managua. There's and "expreso" that goes from Managua to San Juan del Sur, and San Juan del Sur is a small city, so walking its the best way to get to know it.
The expreso from Managua to San Juan its about US $6.00.
So as you can see, if you are on a budget you have various ways to get to know the towns of Nicaragua.
I think a woman would be better placed to respond to how women and girls are treated in Portugal, but I suppose I can provide a perspective. Women are generally respected in Portugal and having lived abroad for so many years and observing Portugal, I see a fondness for matriarchs that is perhaps not present in many Western countries. A particular concern for those visiting the country is whether women are safe – in a sense related to a sense of how women may be perceived –...
I think a woman would be better placed to respond to how women and girls are treated in Portugal, but I suppose I can provide a perspective. Women are generally respected in Portugal and having lived abroad for so many years and observing Portugal, I see a fondness for matriarchs that is perhaps not present in many Western countries. A particular concern for those visiting the country is whether women are safe – in a sense related to a sense of how women may be perceived – when visiting Portugal. I would have to say that it is one of the safest countries with which I have been associated, and in particular women can freely walk at night without substantially greater fear than men.
Women have historically had very traditional roles in Portuguese culture, namely those associated with providing a core stability of the family unit. This has unfortunately meant that tasks such as cooking, raising children, and matters relating to managing a household, are automatically associated with the mother and therefore changing this has been difficult. However, my perception is that the biggest catalyst for change is the workplace. Despite the balance still being far in favour of males in senior positions, there are many talented women who have proved their worth by choosing careers where the glass ceiling is less in evidence. Medical careers, including nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medicine, pharmacy, life sciences and to a certain extent teaching, have propelled women into more senior roles in business, R&D and education, for example. This has not happened in engineering, politics or construction, which continue to be male-dominated. I would say however, that women are no more likely to be treated poorly in the workplace than are men, and ironically my perception is that supervision by the opposite sex often results in better people management in Portugal than being managed by someone of one’s own sex.
Of course, I am happy to admit that I may have it all wrong as regards how women are truly perceived in the workplace… what I can say is that most traditional corporate environments in Portugal still expect men to work long hours whenever necessary and place much less emphasis on the importance of a male family role than, for example, many Anglo-Saxonic countries.
What's it like to drive in San Francisco, Panama City?
Lourdes Townshend
San Francisco is a safe and nice neighborhood in the Panama City, Panama area, located between upper class Altos del Golf, Punta Pacífica, Paitilla, Obarrio, El Carmen, and El Cangrejo, among others.
Main streets cross San Francisco from north to south and from east to west, making it a place of very easy access; and from the highway "Corredor Sur" as well, by which you can drive direct from the international airport, Tocumen, in...
San Francisco is a safe and nice neighborhood in the Panama City, Panama area, located between upper class Altos del Golf, Punta Pacífica, Paitilla, Obarrio, El Carmen, and El Cangrejo, among others.
Main streets cross San Francisco from north to south and from east to west, making it a place of very easy access; and from the highway "Corredor Sur" as well, by which you can drive direct from the international airport, Tocumen, in 17 minutes to the center of San Francisco, which is the Atlapa Convention Center, and the Sheraton Hotel.
Like other contributors mentioned, San Francisco is one of the most complete neighborhood in Panama City, as it "has it all", including the only main park in the city, that opens at 4:30 AM. In these days, every visitor, local or business wants to be in San Francisco.
Of course, traffic has increased, especially at peak hours, or to and from the park area, and sometimes, there is some minor flooding here and there after a heavy rain. To be on the good side, avoid running your errands on rush hours. But traffic jams are never as bad as in other neighborhoods, as San Francisco fairly small, and traffic lights are coordinated.
In addition, walking is fun, because everything can be found within walking distance; and in between walking, you can stop for a nice "coffee with empanadas" in one of the many places established for this purpose.
Are there natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, fire or hurricanes in Corozal?
Dennis Jackman
In Corozal, there are no natural disasters. Corozal is pretty much spared from everything. Corozal has less rain than any other place in Belize, so except for the roads being crappy, Corozal is a good place to retire.
There are no earthquakes in Corozal, either, or any fires like the bush fires in California. I’ve never even heard of a fire really getting out of hand in Belize.
Belize really isn’t known for...
In Corozal, there are no natural disasters. Corozal is pretty much spared from everything. Corozal has less rain than any other place in Belize, so except for the roads being crappy, Corozal is a good place to retire.
There are no earthquakes in Corozal, either, or any fires like the bush fires in California. I’ve never even heard of a fire really getting out of hand in Belize.
Belize really isn’t known for hurricanes. We had a hurricane years ago, which was big, and a couple of dustups, but we’re not the hurricane center.
I live two blocks away from the beach in the easternmost part of the country where the sun actually rises and sets on the water. You can see the sun rise in the morning over the water, and turn your head in the evening, and the sun is setting over your head. We’re out like a little peninsula of some sort.
Can I use my Medicare outside the US, and if not, what are my alternatives?
Kent Payne
By USA law, Medicare is not applicable outside the borders of the states. But there are many expats who use Medicare as a secondary alternative to healthcare in Nicaragua. Many people who live here in Nicaragua have their Medicare deducted from their Social Security, and then go back to use their personal doctor in case of dire emergency.
My personal insurance is covered for major medical from the Vivian Pellas Metropolitano Hospital, one...
By USA law, Medicare is not applicable outside the borders of the states. But there are many expats who use Medicare as a secondary alternative to healthcare in Nicaragua. Many people who live here in Nicaragua have their Medicare deducted from their Social Security, and then go back to use their personal doctor in case of dire emergency.
My personal insurance is covered for major medical from the Vivian Pellas Metropolitano Hospital, one of the accredited hospitals in Central America. Most doctors are bilingual, and have been trained on the newest equipment and many in the United States.
Flash back to 8 years ago, when I visited Panama (from Mexico where I was living) to attend an International Living Conference. Panama was on my radar big time, as an international investor. The prices, cost of living, ease of doing business, resident visa programs... every box was checked. While I didn’t plan on living in Panama, I was keen to add to my investment portfolio, purchase and furnish a property and set it up for short-term vacation rentals as I do with all my properties. I...
Ex-patriots are one of the worst things about Panama. Why? Many people do nothing more than look at glossy magazines full of hype, vacation pamphlets filled with exciting activities and resort lifestyles. (Nothing wrong with those, by the way). However one should also do some research about the pros and cons of moving to Panama. Sites like this one have stories and questions answered by real people who have experienced expat live here. There are videos on YouTube that put you...
Last month while visiting and exploring Boquete Panama just happened to stumble upon a very interesting investment "Factional" Coffee Farm turnkey ownership. Just so happened we arrived the day before they were conducting a guided tour to their farms and processing plant in Boquete. We signed up and got a real education about how coffee is grown, produced, roasted and marketed plus got to taste some really excellent specialty coffees.
The cost to buy a lot in the Chapala – Ajijic area depends on location, location, location. A lot in the village will cost $260 a square meter (about $260,000 for a quarter acre). 
I think a woman would be better placed to respond to how women and girls are treated in Portugal, but I suppose I can provide a perspective. Women are generally respected in Portugal and having lived abroad for so many years and observing Portugal, I see a fondness for matriarchs that is perhaps not present in many Western countries. A particular concern for those visiting the country is whether women are safe – in a sense related to a sense of how women may be perceived –...
In Corozal, there are no natural disasters. Corozal is pretty much spared from everything. Corozal has less rain than any other place in Belize, so except for the roads being crappy, Corozal is a good place to retire. 
outside the borders of the states. But there are many expats who use Medicare as a secondary alternative to healthcare in Nicaragua. Many people who live here in Nicaragua have their Medicare deducted from their Social Security, and then go back to use their personal doctor in case of dire emergency. .jpg)
Flash back to 8 years ago, when I visited Panama (from Mexico where I was living) to attend an International Living Conference. Panama was on my radar big time, as an international investor. The prices, cost of living, ease of doing business, resident visa programs... every box was checked. While I didn’t plan on living in Panama, I was keen to add to my investment portfolio, purchase and furnish a property and set it up for short-term vacation rentals as I do with all my properties. I...
Last month while visiting and exploring Boquete Panama just happened to stumble upon a very interesting investment "Factional" Coffee Farm turnkey ownership. Just so happened we arrived the day before they were conducting a guided tour to their farms and processing plant in Boquete. We signed up and got a real education about how coffee is grown, produced, roasted and marketed plus got to taste some really excellent specialty coffees.