Posted on 11/07/2012 2:10:02 PM PST by NoLibZone
I desire to explore options for relocation away from the US.
Countries to live in.
Transferring funds.
What are some expat Freepers experiences and tips and tricks?
Thank You.
200K buys you in to Costa Rica:
INVESTING IN COSTA RICA
THE INVESTOR PROGRAM [Inversionista]
THE INVESTOR PROGRAM [Inversionista]
The Investor Category requires an applicant to demonstrate to the Department of Immigration that they will be coming to Costa Rica to invest in the country. The current Immigration Law maintains the investor category which had existed in previous immigration laws. The category is found in Article 79 (4) of the law.
In the past the law specifically excluded personal investments such as purchase of home, lots or buildings to qualify for this category. Subsequently on August 28, 2009 the Director of Immigration issued Circular UPI-239-2009-LAS which modified the types of investment that could be made to qualify for this category.
That circular states as follows:
“The investment amount must be $200,000 United States dollars or more according to the official exchange rate which is established by the Central Bank of Costa Rica. The investment can be made in tangible property, shares, negotiable instruments, productive projects or projects which are deemed of national interest”
In January of 2011 the government published the proposed regulation to the Immigration law and it adopts the flexibility in this category to be able to qualify with the purchase of “tangible property, shares, negotiable instruments, productive projects or projects which are deemed of national interest”
The door appears to be opening for new investor based applications. As more applications go through the process we will have a better criteria for how they are ruling on these applications.
Also bear in mind that the granting of Inversionista category is a discretionary matter with the Department of Immigration. It requires financial statements audited by a Certified Public Accountant to document the financial investment plan proposed.
Racists!
There’s a FReeper (Dang it - I cant remember his handle right now) who lives in the Phillipines. He posts quite often. He has often posted on the advantages and disadvantages.
Doesn’t Texas have to pay the debt of the US?
Have they pulled out?
He moved to northern Thailand a few years ago and said he likes it much better.
I too live on the Alabama coast, but am looking at Panama as an Ex-Pat destination. Visited there a few months ago and liked it very much - much more than Costa Rica. It is relatively cheap, and a lot closer than other choices such as Chile or the Philippines.
“My top choices are Canada and Germany. Both are doing better economically.”
Still have to get used to the idea that rational health insurance will be dead.
Lose your ID. Go to Arizona and announce you're an undocumented worker to a police officer. Preferably a sheriff. That'll probably get you treated like an alien.
“they expect you to arrive with money in the bank and a way to earn a living without being a drain on their country.”
That’s how it should be here!
Sounds to me like anyone living in Kalifornia is an ex-patriot.
Are those figures monthly or annually?
I have a friend that moved to Panama. Says they have an “instant visa” for skilled workers.
My brother is married to a great lady from Pampanga and he got married there in Cebu.
Apparently, the family he married into is affiliated with one of the most powerful political families there, the Cojuangco so it did not surprise me that the wedding was paid for, with armed guys from the Army to protect us.
I still remember going into Malate for the night life, and my in-law provided 2 armed guards for me. The chicks thought I was some Hollywood actor or something LOL
Bump for later.
Explore the free info there.
Beware of some So. America places though: most are crime infected and if you are used to the (so far) relative safety of the US it will be a shock.
As a stranger in a foreign country, you don’t have the rights afforded by the United States Constitution. As a foreigner, you can’t assert them overseas. For the moment, our Contitutional rights remain intact. A coup could break-out at anytime in another country, in which case the rules may be suspended and any protection you may have had under that country’s laws are subject to interpretation by whoever’s in charge. I’ll take my chances here. Besides, I speak the language!
“My top choices are Canada”
I;m from kanadastan. You will have to get used to anti-Americanism down there from media to neighbors. If you like paying for national healthcare (it’s mandatory or else the gubmint goes into your bank account), provincial control of your car insurance and beer/liquor, also controlled by the govt. Say goodbye to seeing beer at convenience stores as you will never see them unless you are in Quebec.
Monthly rent for my new place (brand new construction in a gated community near Cebu City, two blocks from the water) will be 6500pesos or about $160 +/- at current exchange rates.
Read the two “Living” sites I gave and get lots more info... and sulit offers the classifieds!
...And the US.
Freeper AlexW moved to the Phils several years ago and lives well on a modest income and has a young wife and child.
Guam is another option as is Costa Rica.
I’ve been in contact with Alex sporadically for a few years and am considering retiring to the Phils myself.
The Philippines are comprised of 7,000 islands and English is spoken by most of the natives.
Alex lives on the beach in a cottage and his rent is $100.00 a month.
Yes, it’s hot and humid most of the time, but it’s inexpensive and the people are friendly.
It is a 3rd world country, so it’s not America, but in a few years, I expect America to be a 3rd world country as well.
One downside is the Philippine Peso has dropped in value against the American Dollar (Thanks, Obama!) but the Phils are still a great value and a single guy can live very well on less than 1k per month.
I’m going to look into Guam as it is a US territory and the cost of living is reasonable, but not as inexpensive as the Phils.
Costa Rica, Ecuador are also other options.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.