Best Places In The World To Retire

Nicaragua passed legislation decriminalizing gay and lesbian sexual acts and orientation in 2008.

Nicaragua passed legislation decriminalizing gay and lesbian sexual acts and orientation in 2008.

The best way to choose a real estate agent in Panama would be to request his or her license number. In many states in the U.S., such as Florida for example, it's a felony to practice real estate without a license, which is punishable by jail and fines. A license is also mandatory in Panama, but the law is loosely enforced. It's obviously hard to come up with precise figures, but I suspect the majority of so-called "agents" operate without a license, without experience and...

The best way to choose a real estate agent in Panama would be to request his or her license number. In many states in the U.S., such as Florida for example, it's a felony to practice real estate without a license, which is punishable by jail and fines. A license is also mandatory in Panama, but the law is loosely enforced. It's obviously hard to come up with precise figures, but I suspect the majority of so-called "agents" operate without a license, without experience and without any sense of ethics. Especially the "independent agents" who don't even carry a business card (to better cover their tracks). If they do not carry a real estate license (a blue plastic card, similar to a credit card) you'd better move on... Please note however that an agent associated with a bona fide real estate company is covered by the company's license and is not required to be individually licensed. Those usually carry a business card with the company logo. Be especially wary of an agent demanding a fee: commissions are paid by the sellers, never by the buyers! 

In Placencia, we have some of the best fishing and some of the best diving in the world. We also have some of the best sailing in the world. We have some great snorkeling and we have great kite boarding and wind surfing. Wind surfing is not very popular but it is available because we get strong winds and not a lot of big waves. Some of the nicest beaches in Belize are in Placencia.
 
Placencia is on the main road so you are connected to the mainland but still you have access to...

In Placencia, we have some of the best fishing and some of the best diving in the world. We also have some of the best sailing in the world. We have some great snorkeling and we have great kite boarding and wind surfing. Wind surfing is not very popular but it is available because we get strong winds and not a lot of big waves. Some of the nicest beaches in Belize are in Placencia.
 
Placencia is on the main road so you are connected to the mainland but still you have access to the jungle, the mountains, and the river. You can go zip lining, cave tubing, or you can go to the Maya ruins. You can go up the top and look for animals in the jungle. You can go birding, looking for toucans. You can also go river rafting. There are so many things to do in Placencia if you are someone who is into adventure travel.

The construction of homes in Portugal is very different than homes in England because homes in Portugal are built with bricks and tiles. Homes here are not very as well insulated as in England because of the difference in the weather. Portuguese use a lot of ceramic tiling, large terraces, and big windows. Central heating was just introduced in Portugal in the last 10 years. Air-conditioning is not very common because it is not needed unless you are in Lisbon since Lisbon is hotter than...

The construction of homes in Portugal is very different than homes in England because homes in Portugal are built with bricks and tiles. Homes here are not very as well insulated as in England because of the difference in the weather. Portuguese use a lot of ceramic tiling, large terraces, and big windows. Central heating was just introduced in Portugal in the last 10 years. Air-conditioning is not very common because it is not needed unless you are in Lisbon since Lisbon is hotter than in Cascais.
 
The architecture here in Portugal is different than in England because it is more Mediterranean. We use tiles and white walls. We usually have large living areas and bedrooms. We have big windows and French doors that open up to big terraces. There are terraces in the bedroom.
 
The construction of older homes here in Portugal is even more rustic; it’s more Portuguese. The way they do the tiles and the windows and doors these days are different. Most builders here now use aluminum and double-glazed glass.

 

(House in Portugal with terrace, pictured.)

You need to be ready to file taxes! The United States has a highly stringent policy when it comes to the taxation of its citizens and permanent residents (i.e., those with a green card). The US government taxes all of its citizens based on worldwide income, which means it does not matter where the money is earned. US citizens and permanent residents may be able to exclude up to $100,800 in foreign earned income provided they meet certain qualifications. Given the high exclusion...

You need to be ready to file taxes! The United States has a highly stringent policy when it comes to the taxation of its citizens and permanent residents (i.e., those with a green card). The US government taxes all of its citizens based on worldwide income, which means it does not matter where the money is earned. US citizens and permanent residents may be able to exclude up to $100,800 in foreign earned income provided they meet certain qualifications. Given the high exclusion amount, most US expats end up not owing any taxes, although they are required to file a tax return. In countries with a higher income tax rate than in the US, it is often preferable to utilize the foreign tax credit, rather than the foreign earned income exclusion to eliminate US tax liability. The foreign tax credit addresses the issue of double taxation. 
 

US persons (including entities) with an interest or signature authority over foreign financial accounts that have an aggregate balance exceeding $10,000 are required to file the FBAR (FinCen 114). The FBAR is separate requirement from your tax return. Failure to file the FBAR carries hefty penalties. Its important to note that with the implementation of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), foreign financial institutions are providing the IRS with the details of foreign financial accounts held by US persons. As a result, non-reporting is an increasingly risky proposition.