What's the language most often spoken in Yucatan: Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Merida, etc? Can I get by if I just speak English?
Doug Willey - Doug Willey, Independent Real Estate Consultant
In Merida (the largest city in the state of Yucatan in the Yucatan Peninsula), you would probably be okay with just speaking English unless you go to a restaurant that is totally owned by a Mexican family and it’s not on a main street. If you go there, you would need to know a little bit of Spanish and you would need to be able to read the menu in Spanish.
One of my favorite restaurants in Merida is Trotters. They have a couple of people who...
In Merida (the largest city in the state of Yucatan in the Yucatan Peninsula), you would probably be okay with just speaking English unless you go to a restaurant that is totally owned by a Mexican family and it’s not on a main street. If you go there, you would need to know a little bit of Spanish and you would need to be able to read the menu in Spanish.
One of my favorite restaurants in Merida is Trotters. They have a couple of people who speak English. They have the Spanish menu and the English menu.
In contrast, if you go where I live now in Dzilam de Bravo (an extremely small village in the beach areas around Merida), there are only five expats who live in the village and only around 2% of the people here speak English. Dzilam de Bravo would not be for the average person just coming into Mexico but my wife and I chose to move here in order to get more time for ourselves. The menus are not in English so you need to understand what the foods are in Spanish. When they bring you your bill, it will be in pesos so you need to know how to count your own money.
But if you are in other beach places in the Merida beach area, such as Chelem, you won’t have a problem getting by with just English because even the restaurants there would have one or two people who speak English and they would almost always have an English menu. If you happen to go to a restaurant that didn’t have an English menu, then they will make sure, as a favor, that they would translate the menu to you. They will explain to you that what’s on the menu is breaded fish, shrimp and garlic sauce, for example.
In the state of Quintana Roo (also in the Yucatan Peninsula, and where the more well known expat and tourists areas are such as Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum) in the more tourist areas, you could easily get by with just English. This is the reason why, when I moved to Chelem and I told the people here that I had already been in Mexico for 7 years, they asked, “How could this be? You hardly speak any Spanish.”
They were right. The reason is that living in Playa del Carmen and in Cozumel, I didn’t need to learn Spanish, so I didn’t concentrate on it. But when I first got here to Chelem, it was a whole different story because all of the gringos hadn’t bought in here yet. There were only around eight other expat couples that lived here when I moved here. There was hardly anyone here that spoke English because they didn’t need to since they hardly ever saw a gringo. All of that has changed now, though. Now there’s so many expats in Chelem that pretty much everybody here also speaks English.
Are gays, lesbians and others in the LGBT community accepted in Portugal?
Carol Bartlett Ribeiro - Carol Bartlett Ribeiro, Property Consultant
Yes, absolutely; gays and lesbians and others in the LGBT community are accepted in Portugal. In Portugal you can have gay marriages and they have just passed a law to say that gays can adopt children as well.
The attitude towards gays and Lesbians has changed a tremendous amount. Perhaps 30 or 40 years ago, not, and maybe not even 20 years ago, but now they really are, not just legally, but culturally as well.
Yes, absolutely; gays and lesbians and others in the LGBT community are accepted in Portugal. In Portugal you can have gay marriages and they have just passed a law to say that gays can adopt children as well.
The attitude towards gays and Lesbians has changed a tremendous amount. Perhaps 30 or 40 years ago, not, and maybe not even 20 years ago, but now they really are, not just legally, but culturally as well.
Panama has been ranked as the number 1 retirement destination choice.
According U.S. News and World Report’s ‘The 18 Best Places to Retire Overseas 2012′:
“Panama is the world’s top retirement haven. Panama City no longer qualifies as cheap, but other spots in this country certainly do. Panama continues to offer the world’s gold...
The best reasons to retire to Panama?
Allow me to list a few:
Panama has been ranked as the number 1 retirement destination choice.
According U.S. News and World Report’s ‘The 18 Best Places to Retire Overseas 2012′:
“Panama is the world’s top retirement haven. Panama City no longer qualifies as cheap, but other spots in this country certainly do. Panama continues to offer the world’s gold standard program of special benefits for retirees. The currency is the U.S. dollar, so there is no exchange rate risk if your retirement savings and income is in dollars. The climate in Panama City and on the coasts is tropical, hot, and humid. However, the climate in the highlands can be temperate and tempting. Panama is the hub of the Americas, meaning it’s easily accessible from anywhere in North and South America and Europe. “
According to the International Living (2012):
“ Panama tops the category with an organized program of discounts and perks called the pensionado. The program is open to foreigners and there’s no minimum age requirement.With it you have serious discounts, money off that makes a big difference to your costs. Like 20% off any professional services used in Panama; 50% off for movies, theaters and sporting events; a 30% discount on public transport, 25% off the price of food eaten in a sit down restaurant; 15% off in fast food joints, 15% off in hospitals and private clinics…25% domestic flights on COPA…the list goes on…”
Panama is free of the truly devastating natural disasters that plague other nations.
According to the Panama Planner (2005):
“Panama is the only country in Central America in a climate zone that is absolutely hurricane-free. Truly blessed by nature, Panama also has none of the destructive earthquakes that plague its Central American neighbors.”
Panama has the lowest crime rate in Central America and one of the overall lowest crime rates against tourists in the World
According to Panama Info (2012):
“Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America for tourists. Tourism crime especially is low. You won’t have to be constantly on your guard for pick-pockets or purse snatchers like in other countries in the region. Foreign residents will tell you how safe they feel in Panama compared to other countries in the region and it is only getting better. Under the new Martinelli government, effective measures are being taken that have already reduced crimes in general by 28%.”
Panama has world class beaches, mountains, waterfalls and natural splendor
According to Panama Invest (2009):
“Think of fine powdery sand on your feet. Think of rugged landscapes and seaside cliffs. Think of the coral reefs and the variety of marine life and fish. Panama has it, in great abundance. After all, Panama is sandwiched between two oceans.For those whose passion is surfing, you can take your pick or explore all of Playa Punta Puss Head, Paunch Beach, Bluff Beach, Larga Beach and Cayo Zapatillas. Panama is great for snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and diving activities. One of the most beautiful snorkeling destinations is San Blas Islands. Home to the Kuna Indians, San Blas is one of the last remaining unspoiled beaches, and it has miles and miles of coral reef that you can explore to your heart’s content. Go to the Pearl Islands and explore around 60 beaches of all types and colors while island hopping.”
“Bird watching and trail hiking are offered in Panama. It has miles and miles of live coral reefs and it has 12 national parks as well as 19 protected areas. You want the sea, Panama has it. You want jungles and forests, Panama sill has it. For nature birdwatchers, you can indulge your passion in Bocas del Toro’s Island Birds where around 50 species of migratory birds go. In the Teribe Territory, about a 100 species of birds also thrive. Here you will also find the famous thumbnail size red frogs. You can also visit native Indian tribes in their natural habitat trough travel agencies that offer this. Ecotourism is becoming more and more popular in Panama, and the possibilities are endless. Here we have rainforests, jungles, water falls, streams, rivers, mountains, deserted beaches, anything nature can provide, all in this small country called Panama.”
Panama has a stable and rapidly growing economy that makes it a boon for investors
According to the US Commercial Service’s Investment Climate Report (2012):
“Panama’s investment climate is generally positive. The country’s sterling economic success is based on a strong macro-economic policy and excellent management of the Panama Canal and associated transportation services. Panama has enjoyed some of the highest economic growth in Latin America in the past decade, and most observers predict continued strong growth in the years ahead due to stable and consistent macro-economic policies. Growth tallied 10.5% in 2011 and 7.5% in 2010, after a deceleration to 3.2% in 2009. The Government of Panama (GOP) has promoted economic growth over the last decade through open market policies and by encouraging trade.”
In general, what do I need to know about FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report)?
John Ohe - Hola Expat Tax Services
If you have an interest or signature authority over foreign financial accounts that have a total balance exceeding $10,000 at any point of the year, you are required to file the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report – Form TD F 90-22.1). The FBAR is separate from your income tax filing, and the due date for filing (starting in 2017) is April 15. To complete the FBAR, it is advisable to maintain records of your monthly account balances. Otherwise, the...
If you have an interest or signature authority over foreign financial accounts that have a total balance exceeding $10,000 at any point of the year, you are required to file the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report – Form TD F 90-22.1). The FBAR is separate from your income tax filing, and the due date for filing (starting in 2017) is April 15. To complete the FBAR, it is advisable to maintain records of your monthly account balances. Otherwise, the paperwork may become a difficult exercise. Account balances need to be converted to U.S. dollars, using the F/X rate as of the last day of the year. Failure to report (non-willful) carries a penalty up to $10,000. Willful non-compliance potentially raises the penalty up to $100,000 or 50% of the taxpayer’s foreign assets (whichever is greater).
As of July 1, 2013, the FBAR has gone electronic, and is now called FinCEN 114. BTW, the acronym FinCen stands for Financial Crime Enforcement Network. The information required to be submitted remains the same.
Once upon a time, the American Nicaraguan School in Managua was the only school with bilingual Spanish and English instruction and USA accreditation, and thus was the school that most facilitated acceptance into US universities and colleges, but today there are several bi-lingual schools K-12 with US accreditation. Also, there are several that offer the international baccalaureate degree, which facilitates entry into European colleges and universities. It's probably also...
Once upon a time, the American Nicaraguan School in Managua was the only school with bilingual Spanish and English instruction and USA accreditation, and thus was the school that most facilitated acceptance into US universities and colleges, but today there are several bi-lingual schools K-12 with US accreditation. Also, there are several that offer the international baccalaureate degree, which facilitates entry into European colleges and universities. It's probably also fair to say that in Nicaragua, you have the opportunity to complement classroom learning with "lessons from life" and parents can play an active role and thus help make their kids incredibly well - rounded.
How much does it cost to move my furniture and other stuff to Belize?
Irma Quiroz-Yuque - Belize Vacation Homes
The cost to move your furniture to Belize varies depending on where you’re coming from. There are ports in Miami, New York, and California. You can put all your furnishings in one 40-foot container and get it shipped here. You can put your cars in a 40-foor container and get it shipped here.
For example, personally, almost 5 years ago, we put most of our belongings in a one 40 foot container and had it shipped from California to Miami, and then from Miami to Belize via...
The cost to move your furniture to Belize varies depending on where you’re coming from. There are ports in Miami, New York, and California. You can put all your furnishings in one 40-foot container and get it shipped here. You can put your cars in a 40-foor container and get it shipped here.
For example, personally, almost 5 years ago, we put most of our belongings in a one 40 foot container and had it shipped from California to Miami, and then from Miami to Belize via boat and that cost us around US $6,000
The cars we had were a Suburban and a Jeep and they brought those through Mexico. It took about one week for our cars to get here and we only paid around US $2,500 for each car to come here because that included the drivers’ expenses, the travel, and whatever it took him to get here.
Everything was reliable. We got everything here. They’re all through reputable companies. Nowadays, I’ve heard people paying up to US $10,00 for a 40-foot container.
(Living room set in a casita Orchid Bay near Corozal, Northern Belize, pictured.)
If you’re an expat, you may not want to read this. If you’re considering becoming an expat, you need to read it. Here’s what I’ve taken away, thus far, from my recent heart attack, and a very real brush with death in Medellin Colombia. Some of these insights I never imagined. Some of them were almost worth the roller coaster ride and associated pain and concern they presented.
We expats pride ourselves on our resourcefulness, our resilience, and our spirit...
Panamá, one the smallest countries in the American continent, with just 3.5 million inhabitants nationwide, is one of the greatest countries in terms of importance, history and tradition.
The only place on earth in which you can scuba dive on both Pacific and Atlantic ocean the same day without getting on a plane. Great...ahh? The only one that joins the world through one of the Eight Wonders of the World...the Panamá...
Note: If you would like to watch me read this essay, click on the YouTube below. However, be warned, I am quite amateur; I stammer, I mispronounce words, and apparently, I suffer from chapped lips. But I hope you'll be encouraged to tell your experience and impressions to the camera, for that is an intimate way to tell your tale to others on Best Places. ...
In Merida (the largest city in the state of Yucatan in the Yucatan Peninsula), you would probably be okay with just speaking English unless you go to a restaurant that is totally owned by a Mexican family and it’s not on a main street. If you go there, you would need to know a little bit of Spanish and you would need to be able to read the menu in Spanish. 
Yes, absolutely; gays and lesbians and others in the LGBT community are accepted in Portugal. In Portugal you can have gay marriages and they have just passed a law to say that gays can adopt children as well. 
The cost to move your furniture to Belize varies depending on where you’re coming from. There are ports in Miami, New York, and California. You can put all your furnishings in one 40-foot container and get it shipped here. You can put your cars in a 40-foor container and get it shipped here.
If you’re an expat, you may not want to read this. If you’re considering becoming an expat, you need to read it. Here’s what I’ve taken away, thus far, from my recent heart attack, and a very real brush with death in Medellin Colombia. Some of these insights I never imagined. Some of them were almost worth the roller coaster ride and associated pain and concern they presented.