Does the ocean in Mexico have dangerous animals in it?
Gary Coles - Paradise For Gringos
Don't let occasional news reports and articles disturb you. The oceans surrounding Mexico are considered safe. You will hear of some problems of course, because with 9,330 km (5,793 miles) of coastline, 450 different beaches, over 32 million foreign visitors and millions of local enthusiasts, there are bound to be some problems.
Most of the locals and visitors love the water. They swim, surf, scuba dive, snorkel, fish, wade, golf, walk on the...
Don't let occasional news reports and articles disturb you. The oceans surrounding Mexico are considered safe. You will hear of some problems of course, because with 9,330 km (5,793 miles) of coastline, 450 different beaches, over 32 million foreign visitors and millions of local enthusiasts, there are bound to be some problems.
Most of the locals and visitors love the water. They swim, surf, scuba dive, snorkel, fish, wade, golf, walk on the beach, boat, and are involved in other activities close to water with very few problems. There are some potentially dangerous animals that you really don’t have much to worry about. You should keep in mind a few possible animals that might ruin your day.
In no particular order, here are 12 potentially dangerous animals:
Stingrays are usually peaceful but if you step on one, it may sting you and that can be very painful. If left untreated, the sting can possibly lead to serious complications and even death. I have seen stingrays washed up on the beach but fortunately, I have never stepped on one.
The moray eel is an extremely nasty looking creature. They are not likely to be aggressive, but if you disturb them they can be very vicious and inflict severe wounds. They can be found in shallow water between rocks and in holes.
Sharks are found in waters all around Mexico. There have been very few reports of shark attacks in recorded history but in 2008 there were three shark attacks in one month and two fatalities. This panicked a lot of people but there have been no problems reported since that time. The greatest danger is to surfers and for years surfers have considered the beaches of Guerrero and Oaxaca as dangerous but it has not hurt their popularity. None of the 2008 attacks were at tourist beaches. The major beaches will warn people if dangerous sharks are reported in the area.
Jellyfish are the animals most likely to be a problem. Again, warnings are posted if there is much danger. But people do get stung and the sting can be very painful and complications can even lead to death.
A newcomer to the Gulf of Mexico is the lion-fish (a type of scorpion fish). They can attack with their dorsal spines if provoked.
A particularly mean looking fish, the Barracuda, can be very aggressive and is common in deep waters but is seldom found in shallow waters near the shore. There are not many reports of them biting humans.
An octopus will occasionally bite someone but its relative, the squid, is very aggressive and has been rumored to attack humans. In fact, fishermen call them diablos rojos (red devils) and claim they have devoured people who fell into the water.
There have also been some problems with crocodile attacks including several cases where large crocodile have attacked golfers on a course in Cancun.
Sea Snakes have also been reported along the Pacific coast. The yellow-bellied sea snake is extremely poisonous but they are not aggressive and it would be unusual for you to encounter one.
Cone shells are marine snails and are venomous. The poison can be fatal if they sting a person. They are mainly nocturnal and hide in crevices in the day.
The sea urchin is actually the most common danger even though it is not as serious as many of the others. If one of its spines punctures the skin it can be very painful and can create complications if it remains embedded under the skin.
Although it may be a surprise, the crown-of-thorns starfish has venomous spines which can stay embedded for months unless removed by surgery. When they puncture the skin they cause a sharp, stinging pain and swelling.
Is the electricity reliable in Belize? Are there blackouts or brownouts in Belize?
Phil Hahn - Carmelita Gardens
We have noticed in Belize is that the power has become a bit more reliable. It used to be that you would have blackouts at least three or four times a week. There are some villages that don’t even have power running through them and they use a generator.
The national power grid is more reliable now. Not too long ago, the government of Japan donated funds to build a 500-megawatt solar array at the University of Belize in Belmopan that...
We have noticed in Belize is that the power has become a bit more reliable. It used to be that you would have blackouts at least three or four times a week. There are some villages that don’t even have power running through them and they use a generator.
The national power grid is more reliable now. Not too long ago, the government of Japan donated funds to build a 500-megawatt solar array at the University of Belize in Belmopan that feeds back into the grid. I think that is a good sign. Even the power that they buy from Mexico is generated through hydro-electric facilities but it’s gotten more reliable.
In my project and a number of other expats have chosen to go “off grid” and go with solar power. Because of the abundance of sunshine that we get here in Belize, it’s a very good alternative.
People go off grid for different reasons. Some people do it because they are happy to save the planet. Most people do it because of their independence and for the peace of mind and because the cost for electricity in Belize is fairly high. It’s US 27.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. In California the rate is 15.2 cents; in Hawaii, its 33 cents, and in Texas, it’s a little over 11 cents. The cost for electricity in Belize does add up, so with the right solar package, over time, they save quite a bit of money in the supply of electricity and they have control.
People like having the independence from a utility company and from the grid and know that their price is not subject to the utility company raising it in the future. The utility company may change the price of electricity some months from now and I don’t think that anybody will predict that energy is going to be less expensive and more reliable coming off a traditional grid.
The picture above is of a house with a solar collector, at Carmelita Gardens, Belize.
Carol Bartlett Ribeiro - Carol Bartlett Ribeiro, Property Consultant
Yes, you can buy good clothes in Portugal.
I’m tall, so when I first came to Portugal many years ago, I couldn’t find anything to fit me, so I ended up having to go to a dressmaker. Now you don’t need to do that at all because you can get practically everything like you can get in the States or in England. And now that the Chinese are doing business here in Portugal, there are massive, great department stores as well.
...
Yes, you can buy good clothes in Portugal.
I’m tall, so when I first came to Portugal many years ago, I couldn’t find anything to fit me, so I ended up having to go to a dressmaker. Now you don’t need to do that at all because you can get practically everything like you can get in the States or in England. And now that the Chinese are doing business here in Portugal, there are massive, great department stores as well.
And so if you want “cheap and cheerful” you’ve got “cheap and cheerful.” If you want to spend a lot, there are plenty of places to do that. Clothes are easy to get here. Shoes are easy. In fact, Portugal has become the second country next to Italy to produce the best shoes.
(An old postcard featuring the map of Portugal and Sanjo shoes and Joanino hats, pictured.)
In general, how does the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) affect me if I move overseas?
John Ohe - Hola Expat Tax Services
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 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 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 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, and failure to file the FBAR carries hefty penalties. 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.
Foreign financial accounts include: bank accounts, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, annuities, life insurance policies with cash value, and indirect interests in financial accounts through a foreign entity (if >50% ownership).
What's the language most often spoken in Boquete, Panama? Can I get by if I just speak English?
Lola Braxton - Services Toby
Spanish is the language most spoken in Boquete, as well as it is in David, which is the closest large city to Boquete, less than 40 minutes away by car. In David there are only a few places like restaurants where the people at least try to speak English, although the people here do try to speak English the best they can, and the expats also try speaking what Spanish they know.
Spanish is the language most spoken in Boquete, as well as it is in David, which is the closest large city to Boquete, less than 40 minutes away by car. In David there are only a few places like restaurants where the people at least try to speak English, although the people here do try to speak English the best they can, and the expats also try speaking what Spanish they know.
Are there any programs for retirees regarding real estate purchases or real estate taxes in Nicaragua?
Gloria Pérez
Though there are no special programs for retirees regarding the acquisition of real estate, the Nicaraguan government provides other significant tax incentives through Law 694, "Law on Incentives for Retirees and Rentiers (people with private incomes)”, by which retirees may obtain the status of permanent residents and take advantage of some tax benefits, such as:
the exemption for sales tax (IVA) on construction materials when building a house for...
Though there are no special programs for retirees regarding the acquisition of real estate, the Nicaraguan government provides other significant tax incentives through Law 694, "Law on Incentives for Retirees and Rentiers (people with private incomes)”, by which retirees may obtain the status of permanent residents and take advantage of some tax benefits, such as:
the exemption for sales tax (IVA) on construction materials when building a house for personal use for up to US$ 50,000;
the tax exemption of up to US$ 20,000 on importation of household goods; and
the purchase of a vehicle for personal use with no import or sales taxes due for up to $ 25,000.00, among others.
This special tax treatment is definitely a great opportunity for retirees looking forward to live in Nicaragua and to save some money while obtaining the status of permanent residents.
Here are two contrasting characters who have crossed our path in the neighborhood. One is well-known for being homeless and without possessions, the other well-known for being the first woman from Central America and from Guatemala to plant the country’s flag on top of Mount Everest. Andrea Cardona’s story is available for anyone to read on the internet, but our connection to her is told here. The only ones who know of Cave Man’s notoriety live around this area. He...
I just want to bring up some information that very few visiting Panamá are aware of.
If you are a visitor, for the first 30 days, you are 100% covered with medical services, totally free of charge. This is a courtesy service provided by the Tourism Department.
This free coverage includes home (hotel) visits, hospital, or whatever you need to get better, and doctors speak English.
Good roads leave no traces in the memory – smooth, seamless, without jarring bumps or sudden twists, they are the silent asphalt arteries that carry us from one place to another as we go about our daily lives, never calling attention to themselves. Not so with bad roads. A bad road, like a bad marriage, feels endless, terminal, and impossible to escape, even years later.
I have seen many bad roads around the world. Some in Central America are...
Don't let occasional news reports and articles disturb you. The oceans surrounding Mexico are considered safe. You will hear of some problems of course, because with 9,330 km (5,793 miles) of coastline, 450 different beaches, over 32 million foreign visitors and millions of local enthusiasts, there are bound to be some problems. .png)
There have also been some problems with crocodile attacks including several cases where large crocodile have attacked golfers on a course in Cancun.
We have noticed in Belize is that the power has become a bit more reliable. It used to be that you would have blackouts at least three or four times a week. There are some villages that don’t even have power running through them and they use a generator. 
Yes, you can buy good clothes in Portugal. 
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. 
Here are two contrasting characters who have crossed our path in the neighborhood. One is well-known for being homeless and without possessions, the other well-known for being the first woman from Central America and from Guatemala to plant the country’s flag on top of Mount Everest. Andrea Cardona’s story is available for anyone to read on the internet, but our connection to her is told here. The only ones who know of Cave Man’s notoriety live around this area. He...