A Look At College Life From A Backwater ~ Teaching In Mexico ~ by Jurgen Klemann - There wasn’t much of a doubt for me as to whether or not I should study at university more than twenty years ago. I was bright enough for it. At that time, these outfits charged no tuition fees in Germany. However, I was the first member of my tribe in Germany who went to and graduated from that sort of thing. Along the way I lost a little hair. The drop out rate at German law schools makes me almost speechless, and that doesn’t happen very often. Dec./05
A Paradise On Water ~ Talking With Expats In Bocas Del Toro ~ By Zvia Leibler-Danon - There has been a lot of talk over the past few years about Bocas del Toro, located on Panama's northeastern Caribbean coast. A number of expats are now fulfilling their dream of living in a tropical paradise by buying property in Bocas. Find out what it takes to make it in Bocas and what is daily life like for expats who have made it their home. The water, the sun and the forest are attracting people all the time. See if Bocas is a place you might want to settle down in for a couple or years or a spot where you might want to own some land.  June/03
A Tale of Two Low-Cost Retirement Towns - Corozal in Belize and Boquete in Panama  - With millions of Americans and Canadian baby boomers just a bank CD or two away from retirement, the race to find low-cost retirement destinations is off and running.  That’s particularly true in Mexico and Central America, where many prospective expat gringos see the potential of stretching their dollars and living better for less than is possible back home, yet being within two to four hours by jet from their old home towns. By Lan Sluder.
Adapter Kit: Belize ~ Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Living, Retiring & Investing In Belize ~ by Lan Sluder - Adapter Kit: Belize - Belize is a favorite of those seeking a calmer lifestyle in close proximity to the wonders of nature.  It's a place where Big Brother isn't looking over your shoulder and you can set your own building codes or own a flock of chickens. It's a place where you can spend the day fishing without trying to keep up with the Jones's. It's also become one of the hottest expatriate destinations in Latin America. In a world that cries out for 'how to' books, a 'how to' book on moving to Belize was sorely needed. That need was recently met by Lan Sluder, with the publication of his Adapter Kit: Belize from Avalon Travel Publishing.
Adventures In The Caribbean ~ Tobago, Trinidad and Grenada ~ by John Spampinato - Port of Spain, Trinidad wasn’t a preferred midnight arrival point to begin with, made less inviting given the stifling heat even at that hour and the sham we were offered that was supposedly a car, in actuality a dysfunctional little affront to the senses. It struggled up hills, ignored a heavy foot on the brake peddle, and often refused to start - shortcomings that didn’t give us pause until after we’d spent the night in the thing having followed what started out a legitimate highway far out in to the countryside until it had diminished to only the suggestion of one. Still, the night air was magic and its blackness total once I doused the headlights out on some desolate unpaved turnoff having given up trying to figure out where we were. Jul/05
All Over Belize in Boats, Planes, and Golf Carts - Getting Around Without a Car - Keith and Erin are travellers who are taking a couple of years to see the world. This is the first of many articles that will chronical a their journey from beginning to end. In Belize, they discovered a new and different way to travel. Keith writes, "As Americans, we are all about cars. Everyone has one, sometimes two or three, and we use them to go anywhere, even it's just around the corner to get a cup of coffee. The same cannot be said for the country of Belize." In the ten days they spent in Belize, they succeeded in shedding their all-American dependency on the automobile by relying on just about every other kind of transportation imaginable.
Alternative Citizenships By AJC delle Marche - Second Passports - Another great article on second passports.  The article by David Lesperance in our previous issue brought in a lot of favorable email.  This article by AJC delle Marche will probably do the same. It's an interesting topic and very timely as more and more people are opting for wider options and greater safety in their citizenship status.
Alto Quiel In Panama ~ Boquete And Isla Grande ~ I don’t recommend you driving straight through from Panama City to Boquete; the drive is very difficult and tiring and takes six-hours to complete. Fly and then rent a car. The drive to Boquete takes you right down the spine of Panama through the most important provincial towns in the county. One such town is Aguadulce. Aguadulce is a small town famous for its sugarcane plantations, hot summers and summer fairs; if you visit the town you might want to visit the saltwater tide pools nearby. They are located nine miles from Aguadulce after the salt flats, the place is called Las Piscinas. I’ve never been, but hope to go soon. May/05
Altos Del Maria: Live In A Garden In The Mountains Of Panama -  The temperature is 75 degrees, there is no humidity, I can see for hundreds of miles, out over the oceans, both oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific, there are flowers and trees everywhere, two rivers, hiking trails, dozens of creeks, beautiful houses, excellent neighbors, paved roads, electricity, telephone, internet connections, Direct TV, pine trees, waterfalls, a heliport, and I'm 20 minutes by car from the beach and 20 minutes from a golf course. Feb./03
Amazing Short Hops From Panama City ~ Rest And Relax Near The City ~ By Zvia Leibler - There is a lot to see near Panama City. You can be in the jungle in 40 minutes and out on Contadora Island in 20 minutes. Panama is one of the few countries in North or South America that has not systematically killed off its indigenous population. In fact U.S. astronauts used to train with the Kuna Indians out on the San Blas islands in order to prepare themselves for space travel. And a visit to an indigenous community in Panama might put you in a better space, also. May/03
An Earthquake And Some Dental Work ~ Making It Through The Tremors In Mexico  ~ by Mexicojerry - The above article talks about the earthquake in Colima, Mexico and the price of dental work in Mexico: nice combination. If you want to get an idea about living in Mexico and what are the prices for dental care, then Mexicojerry has some of the answers you're looking for.  Sept./03
Analysis: Dominica Remains an Excellent Choice for Economic Citizenship - Economic Citizenship in Dominica - Economic citizenship programs give you the opportunity to legally acquire a new nationality quickly and simply, without major disruptions to your life. While there are many “instant citizenship” schemes promoted on the Internet and elsewhere, currently only five countries offer legal and clearly defined citizenship for investment programs on a statutory basis, commonly known as economic citizenship programs. This article focuses on Dominica. Dominica’s economic citizenship program is based on a solid legal foundation. It is clearly defined in the laws and in the constitution of Dominica.
Attracted by the idea of living and working on a Caribbean island? - Business Boom for Bocas del Toro Panama - If you are attracted by the idea of living and working on a Caribbean island and have a business idea that will blend in well with the "managed community" that is the Isla Solarte Caribbean Garden Resort, we want to hear from you. Dec./02
Back Door Tax Free Offshore Investing - Back Door Tax Free Offshore Investing - An Anonymous Offshore Brokerage Account - most people do not know that US brokerage accounts titled in the name of a foreign person or entity are exempt from capital gains.  As a result, there is no "Tefra" or back-up with- holding on profitable stock trades.  Clients of course are required to complete a W-8 form, stating it is a foreign account in order to take advantage of this (if the account is titled directly in the name of offshore structure or foreign client).
Baking Bread On The Island Of Antigua ~ A Canadian Story ~ by Susan Noyce - What happens when you mix French bread, a Home Depot executive and a Canadian architect together on a Caribbean island? In Antigua, this has turned out to be a winning combination for Douglas McVicars and partner Dianne White, who've just opened their fifth link in a chain of bread and pastry shops. Nov./05
Beaches Of Margarita Island - Venezulean Beauty ~ by Scott Boswell - The huge birdcage at the entrance - 8 feet high and large enough to hold about six standing people and looks like a medieval torture chamber. One sassy parrot greets visitors in several languages, his less gregarious cage-mates just do the parrot thing. That’s the first thing you notice at Jak’s, a rustic restaurant down by the marina at Playa Concorde. It’s in an adobe colored building just at the water’s edge, about 20’x35’ with a shed-type patio alongside, 100 yards from the marina and near the dinghy dock the cruisers use to get to and from their boats anchored out in the bay. May/05
Becoming a Dominican Resident - Dominican Residency - Dominican residency is a very useful status to acquire for a variety of reasons: 1) It facilitates a number of business transactions in the D.R., including obtaining bank loans, buying real estate and applying for credit; 2) It makes one eligible for lower tuition at Dominican universities;  3) It permits one to work legally in the Dominican Republic; 4) One can take advantage of Law 14-93, Art. 13, and import most household goods duty free.
Belize's New Residency Program - Some Say It's The Best In The World! - Belize's New Residency Program - You can set up an office in Belize and run your business from there, (taking advantage of the low overhead costs , and tax free status we might add ) and still qualify for this program, as long as none of the money your company earns comes from a source within Belize. In this age of e-commerce and telecommuting , this scenario could work for a vast number of people. ~ Bill & Claire Gray tell us how to move to Belize - Sounds good, but who in their right mind wants to live on a white-sand beach when they could be living in Detroit?
Belize - one of the world’s top retirement havens - From its Caribbean shores to its jungle interior, Belize has great natural beauty—blue water, deserted beaches, and inland retreats where you can explore Mayan ruins, tall waterfalls, rainforests, and rivers. Bird watching in Belize’s interior is also a treat; you’ll be able to spot parrots, toucans, flycatchers, and herons in their natural habitat or visit a jaguar preserve where you can venture into the jungle in search of the elusive cats. It’s no wonder Belize’s tourism industry is booming. If recent figures are any indication; this tiny tropical paradise could be on its way to becoming the next hot destination for explorers, expats, retirees, and investors. Between 2003 and 2004, cruise visits to this country increased by a full 55.1%—as opposed to just 13.1%, for example, for the same period in the Bahamas. By Kathleen Peddicord Mar/06
Bocas Del Toro Waterfront Land  ~ Waterfront Land Plus Cashflow ~ Caribbean Land, Teak trees, an exotic tropical fruit, waterfront property, fifteen minutes from Bocas Town, and the price is right. My calculation a year ago is that even if the property never made a nickel the land even by itself was a bargain.  Tom took a huge chunk of land and converted it into a Teak & Noni Plantation.  If someone would have tired to buy a few hundred acres they couldn't have done it. It was a huge block, over a thousand acres...  and while I haven't walked all thousand acres of it, what I have walked has clearly gone through some dramatic improvements in one years time.  In the photo below you are seeing an area that was covered with dense tropical foliage and is now a park-like setting covered with Noni. Put a house there, a summer retreat, a dock, a house over the water, a fishing retreat, a survival retreat, or just camp out...  When we take into consideration the price these parcels are selling for it is difficult to ignore this opportunity. Aug/03
Building A Bridge Home - Haitian Internet - Henri Deschamps is the creator and editor of Haiti Global Village, Haiti's premiere online community. We always enjoy Deschamps innovative and often courageous writing as well as his very creative website.  Here the prodigal son of Haiti talks about returning to his homeland.
Costa Rica: Calendar Girls - Costa Rica: Calendar Girls - As a happy and blessed expat living in Costa Rica for close to nine years, I have always believed that International Citizens living in a foreign country have a civic responsibility to give back to their “Home Away from Home”.  Nothing worse than the image of the ‘Ugly Gringo” living cheaper in paradise than they could at home and feeling no obligation whatsoever  to do anything for their host community, other than contribute to the economy  by asking for “Otra Cerveza Por Favor”. Oct./06
Costa Rica: From Dreamland To Nightmare - The glamorous Costa Rica of the sixties, seventies and early part of the eighties is badly crippled nowadays. It was not a sudden attack. It is a lengthy and dolorous disease. A social and economical osteoporosis slowly eating the bones of the "Welfare state" of this small country, once called the Switzerland of Central America. By Manu Crow April/06
Daytrips In Panama ~ Looking At Real Estate And Passing Through Colon ~ If you drive around Panama you will see "For Sale" signs all over the place. There are some great old buildings for sale in the city and in the countryside there are lots of people selling land. Some of the land is located right on the beach and other lots are in the mountains. If you are thinking about moving to Panama, remember you have to have a little bit of the buccaneer spirit to do it. Colon is a place you might want to check out if you want to see something different; there is property in Colon City as well as Colon Province. See you there.  April/03
Different Country Different Law ~ Moving To The Dutch Caribbean  ~ by Tinah Tran - Before moving to a new location, to retire or to live, expatriates would do themselves a good service if they check out the law of the land. My husband and I have moved to a Dutch Caribbean island to retire since last year. Before retirement, we visited the island on vacation, and then to prepare for the move.  With all of the research and planning, we still have a lot to learn about the islands' government and legal system. Jul/05
Do You Have What It Takes to Live and Work Abroad? - How To Know If You Can Live And Work Abroad  ~ By Celeste Heiter - One of the most asked questions that I receive at Escape From America Magazine is whether or not I think that anyone can live abroad. And the answer to that question is it depends on what you are expecting from your new home. You need to know how much you will miss the things that give you comfort in your present home and how strong you think you will react to an alien land. I always tell people they will know whether or not they can live in their new home after eight months. The above article will help you make the initial decision to move. Jan/03
Does Money Grow on Trees? - Growing Teak Wood In Bocas Del Toro, Panama - Panama has many advantages for the investor who chooses trees.  Land and labor costs are reasonable.  There are few, if any, property taxes to pay.  Under Law 24, future profits on logs and lumber are exonerated, as is any sales tax. Money, perhaps, does not really grow on trees, but in Panama many investors are already proving it comes remarkably close. June/02
Dominica: Encouraging Investment, But Not at Any Price - Investing in Dominica - by: Christopher E.J. Main - Ms. Lucilla Lewis of Dominica’s International Business Unit (IBU) reports that by December 1998, 173 investors had successfully applied for economic citizenship in Dominica through the Program and a total of 341 passports have been issued, showing the popularity of Dominica’s special fee structure for families; a one-time payment to the Government of US$50,000 qualifies the investor, his or her spouse and their two children (under 18 years old) for economic citizenship.  Another option is purchasing US$75,000 in 15-year bonds and paying additional application fees. From The Best of Offshore Finance Canada -
Dominican Republic Invests in its Future - There are two types of travel stories.  Type One, you’re very familiar with.  You learn all about the sparkling sand, the dazzling shops, the seething nightlife and the world-class hotels.  Pretty breathless stuff. This is not one of those stories. This is a Type Two travel story.  The kind that talks about sewer lines, regeneration of beaches, public-private cooperation, and the like. Oct./06
Doug Casey in Cuba - Doug Casey in Cuba - The guru of offshore and international living provides some reminiscence & analysis of the changes in Cuba over the past five years - he knows his stuff ~
Down In Ol' Belize - Expat Explorations and Back Country Research -"At our table, Wild Bill told me his story:  He arrived in Placencia, he told me, a year earlier after driving around the U.S. in a motor home. On the word of two ladies he met in Colorado and his subsequent research, he began to believe that there was a village in Central America called Placencia, which had everything he was looking for: Favorable money exchange, fresh food, great diving, and a laid-back lifestyle, complete with thatched huts and wild animals." - More intrepid research from Robin Sparks Daugherty as she searches the world in pursuit of a perfect home.
Economic Citizenship ~ Alive And Well In The Eastern Caribbean ~ by Deb Andrews - So you want to move to one of the Eastern Caribbean islands and start a new life? There are many decisions and even more options involved in such a move, and one of them can be economic citizenship. Why economic citizenship? Economic citizenship programmes in the region allow foreign nationals a fast track to full citizenship of a participating country, through a government sponsored investment programme. For both personal and professional reasons, this can be a perfect solution for a number of reasons.  Dec./05
Emory King - The books and life of Emory King - The name Emory King is probably recognized by more people in Belize, (and thousands of people abroad), than any other except the Right Hon. George Price, the Father of our Country, and Hon. Said Musa, our Prime Minister. King arrived in Belize in 1953 when the yacht he was on crashed onto the reef at English Caye. From that day to this he has been talking and writing about this wonderful country. If you want to move to Belize, the half dozen or so books by Emory King are required reading.
Escape By Sail To The San Blas Islands Of Panama ~ Among The Kunas ~ by Malcolm Couch - The Kuna people escaped themselves to Panama hundreds of years ago from the Spanish, and in 1938 won semi-autonomy within a 232 mile (375km) long territory (or ‘comarca’) constituting 400 islands and a strip of mainland on the Northeast Caribbean coast of Panama called the San Blas. Feb/04
Exclusive Report - Escapeartist Living in Belize Fights US Tax Indictment - Jay Picon (aka Joseph Ross) resides in Belize along with hundreds of other expats who have settled there over the years.  But Ross is unique.  In 1986, he was served a U.S. indictment on tax evasion charges alleging he failed to disclose and pay taxes on savings held in a Mexican bank account. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $2 million in fines.  Gazing across the slow-moving water of the Mopan River toward his Mopan River Resort -- a 10 acre luxury getaway -- he'll tell you the last sixteen years have been the happiest of his life.  Ross and his wife Pamella have second passports.
Find Housing in the Dominican Republic - Investing in The Dominican Republic - John Schroder has over 15 years experience on Wall Street and currently provides assistance regarding Investment information for the Dominican Republic ( Commercial paper & Certificates of Deposit), Offshore mutual funds, Real Estate and Apartment Referrals, residency assistance, and company representation.
Finding a Little Piece of Paradise in Belize - In the late 1980's my husband Bill and I bought a used R.V., packed it with everything we felt we couldn't live without and  moved from our home in Hollywood California to Belize , Central America.
Finding Life and Property in Trinidad - There were fruit stands sprinkled everywhere and fresh fish and vegetable markets a short walk away from where I was staying. Day by day, I found my health returning to me. April/06
Finding Work in the Dominican Republic - Though finding work may seem a difficult task, it is possible to be successful since Dominican employers have a flexible attitude about hiring foreigners who demonstrate particular skills. Experience shows you may eventually find work, or found your own business once you have explored the field for several months. Even if you do not need the money, look for a job. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enhance your stay here.
From Santiago de Cuba to Havana in only Three Weeks - Linda Thalman is the director of WebFrance International and editor of the Paris In Sites Newsletter. She has traveled extensively. On a recent trip to the land of music, laughter, and rum, she lived Cuba from east to west. Linda  writes, "At the first step out of the Santiago de Cuba airport on Saturday, 12 February, we salsa-ed through a receiving line of costumed dancers moving to the beat of Cuban music. And the beat went on and on throughout our trip from east to west in Cuba. After three weeks of almost no TV -- CNN and even France-2 television are available at the big hotels, no newspapers -- only the Spanish-language national daily Granma, and no Internet -- no Internet cafe anywhere, es bueno!, we found it actually is possible to totally disconnect -- what a fiesta!"
From Roatan to Bocas - Why we moved from Honduras’ Bay Islands to Caribbean Panama -  "Prices in Bocas right now are below what we found in Roatan when we arrived there in 1994. It’s a smart time to buy. We were lucky enough to have been in Roatan for the boom there and see the same dynamic is at work here in Bocas."  From The Best Of International Living Series -
Gaviota, The Last Cowgirl in Cuba - This ratiocination of events in Cuba leads me to a bizarre vision of the future: Havana stands very little chance of not becoming another Juarez or Tijuana, with their controlled and horrific professional prostitution, gambling and gangsterism (a lot like present day Russia, too). Historically, this has been the payback for cultures which deny and try to suppress the natural instincts of their peoples.  Kirk Stephan doesn't pull any punches when he writes about Cuba.  Andrei Codrescu would like his writing...  we know we like his writing, but perhaps it's good advice that weaker souls should stay away.
Good Deals in Dominican Republic Real Estate By Robert Fordi - Robert Fordi is a highly regarded real estate investment advisor who organizes tour groups to various nations in order to introduce investors to unique real estate bargains. On these tours he shows his groups exactly where the bargains are and introduces his travel companions to his personal real estate contacts in the area. He concentrates on unique locations with interesting real estate potential.
Good News for Panama Investors - Low Tax Online NewsWire reports record Panama Canal ship transits and a booming free trade zone in Colon. Panama's President Mireya Moscoso has also signed into law a new e-commerce bill believed to be the first of its kind in Central America. The canal is expected to generate US$795.4mn in total revenues from operations during the next fiscal year. Panama Canal Administrator Alberto Aleman also reported that the Culebra Cut widening project remains on track and is scheduled for completion by December this year. Foreign firms continue to invest in the country's many free zones.
Gratifying The Wanderlust ~ The Best Rewards Of Escaping ~ by Sandy Caputo - Ex-pats often give newcomers among them an appraising eye as they ask about “their story” – this, an invitation to describe what it was that caused them to abandon home and hearth for distant parts. The answers, of course, depend a great deal on the locale of the conversation. If it’s a tropical beach where catching rays by day and dancing away the nights are the primary attractions, you’ll hear one thing. If it’s a mini-version of what was left behind, but doable at a greatly reduced cost of living, you’ll hear another.  Jun/05
Great International Investment Opportunities Beginning at USD 10,000 - Investing in The Dominican Republic - This month, John Schroder of Ascot Advisory Services brings to the table two opportunities for the careful minded investor. The first highlights great interest rates on certificates of deposit in the Dominican Republic.  "Current rates for bank CD's range from about 6% up to 10% for a 90-day deposit. Interest is paid monthly and 100% locally tax-free." Currency trading is the focus of the second opportunity. Ascot Advisory Service has found a firm who's record shows above 30.03% return on smaller accounts and 42.98% on larger for a  5 year period. The firm's clearing account is carried with one of the largest banks in Singapore -- one that is rated AA by Moodys rating service.
Homesteading In Belize - We get the feeling that there are a lot of people waiting for our series on homesteading the Mosquito Coast.  Here is the first in the series. This one is by Bill & Claire Gray who are more or less considered the authorities on moving to Belize. They make homesteading land in Belize sound very simple. Let's go! ~
Horses On The Beach And Other Tales Of Living In Paradise - Bocas del Toro, Panama~ by Cindy Cody - Every morning when I wake up, there’s a different picture outside my sliding glass doors on this lagoon in Bocas del Toro, Panamá. This morning a white mist hovers over a pearl gray sea, like fine mesh. I feel like the Lady of the Lake, floating on top of a cloud in my bed. Then Elvis starts barking. He’s chasing the horses out of the yard again and sounds like he’s on doggie drugs. His bark has the edge of hysteria: GET OUT OF MY YAR YAR YAR YAR YARD! Mar/05
I Don’t Wanna Leave! A PhotoEssay of Bocas Del Toro, Panama - Mark McMahon is an award winning photographer and writer. He is currently on an expedition driving from Arizona to the tip of South America in a toyota 4x4! He created Filmtrips.com  to share his adventures. And he does indeed find adventure along the way!   He is in now Panama  and soon will cross over into South America to visit the Amazon , Machu Pichu, and the Galapagos Islands! Note: Images - Slow page.
I Love You ~ A 1980s Cozumel Love Story ~ A Daughter journeys to where her parents fell in love and where she was conceived 22 years ago - In 1980, Sierra Brasher's parents met and fell in love on Mexico's Caribbean island of Cozumel. Her mom had made Cozumel her home. Her dad was vacationing. Two young kids on a tropical isle. Innocence divine. Every year, Sierra and her mom and dad returned to the exact place where they whispered those words, "I love you," for the first time. After graduating from the University of Texas in December, Sierra plans on making Cozumel her home. June/02.
Investing in Panama - What are the Laws? - The article by William Hemingway in the last edition received a lot of positive feedback.  In this issue Hemingway provides those thinking of investing in Panama with resources regarding the laws of Panama.  He has a website under construction and will soon be providing investment and retirement information on-line.
Investment News from the Dominican Republic - By John Schroder - John Schroder is an independent Consultant to the Banking & Securities Industry - He is an American Expatriate who escaped from New York's Wall Street and is now living the good life in the Dominican Republic.
Iowa City Yankee in King Castro’s Court - Obviously the situation here on the island was closer to the opposite: Nearly everyone was HIGHLY educated and had had in the past many varying opportunities, cultures, and comfort-levels. This probably was a significant contribution to their becoming what they are: one of the most articulate, bright, and passionate peoples. ...they exhibited daily their tremendous joy in living. Without the comforts which most of the world enjoys (TV, computers, magazines, presidential sex-scandal-entertainments, etc.) they resort to music and dance, poetry and art, dialogue and personal interactions... life as we used to know it.
Iowa Yankee in King Castro's Court - Steeping back through time, the author, recounts the events of a short trip to Cuba -- his fifth. "Though recovering, my energy level was hovering around zero plus 2 or so.  I told my girlfriend I would pay her plane ticket to come to Havana from Santiago de Cuba, but this was tantamount to telling a North American girl in Los Angeles that her lover from Europe had arrived, but she'd have to travel to New York in order to see him!  All this was compounded by the fact that Cubans aren't allowed to just travel about at will, but Havana is starting to shape up.  In the next couple of years, I guess, it'll be looking a lot more like it did in the old capitalist glory days." photos by Håkan Rönnblad.
Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro, Republic of Panama ~ Living In Bocas ~ by Allene Blaker - A friend of ours in the States sent us an e-mail recently asking for a one-or two-paragraph description of the Panamanian island where my husband and I live. Seems he was planning to send a character in his novel down here to Bocas del Toro for a while. I wrote John back and said he would have to describe his character first and the reason for the trip. This island can be different things to different people, and everything to some. June/04
Isla Solarte ~ In The Bocas Del Toro Archipelago ~ Panama - Family Living the Dream - Shephard Johnson is no ordinary, developer of dreams. The Roseville man is taking 25 years of California real estate experience and using it to build his dream development in Panama on an island called Solarte. Johnson, 48, and family – wife Monte, an Encina High School teacher, and young daughters Robin, 13, and Halley, 9 – got their feet wet in Costa Rica, where they lived from 1992 to 1995. Isla Solarte is in the Bocas Del Toro Archipelago on Panama's Caribbean Coast, a place where numerous Americans and European expats are relocating.
Life In A Dominican Beach Town ~ An American In The Dominican Republic ~ by Elizabeth Roebling - At 6 in the morning, I take my steaming cup of strong Dominican café con leche out to the porch and survey the sea. I have another hour and half before the local commuter traffic, on scooters, quads, pick-ups and buses, starts the parade on the paved beach road in front of the house. It is a wonderful quiet time, as I watch the sea. My awesome appreciation for it is only matched by my daily amazement at the number of times that the mosquitos have bitten me during the night. They are a different sort than in the States, quietier, more laid back, dancing the bachante rather than dive bombing and singing rather sweetly. It is hard to begrudge them a few drops of blood. Feb/05
Life In Mexico - Moving To A New Sense ~ by Jan Morgan - For two years now, my husband, Fred, and I, have lived in Mexico. It has been such an interesting time…I can’t remember any other short span in my life which offered such diversity, wonder, and sense of peace as these last years have. May/05
Life In The Dominican Republic ~ Quite A Change After The UK!  Part 1 ~ By Malcolm Couch - There are a lot of people who have asked me lately about what's it like to live in the Dominican Republic, and from what I understand from those who know the country well, it is a little tropical paradise with all the good and bad that you associate with living on a small Caribbean island. The parties are great, the people friendly and the beaches beautiful. There's always the problems of traffic and electrical cuts but that's par for the course. Everyone tells me that in the end you have to love the place just for its sheer spirit.  June/03
Life In The Dominican Republic ~ Quite A Change After The UK!  Part 2 ~ By Malcolm Couch - This is Part 2 of a series of articles that will give you all the details you need to move to and live in the DR. This time we learn about food, dancing and sports as well as visas and shopping. The DR is not only becoming a popular tourist destination; it is also becoming home to many people from the U.S. and Europe. If you like sun, beaches and parties, go to the DR. July/03
Life In The Dominican Republic ~ Quite A Change After The UK!  Part 3 ~ By Malcolm Couch - In Malcolm's third and final article on the DR he looks at the economy of the country and examines what kinds of things you can see if you decide to move to or visit the DR. The DR has a lot to offer to the expatriate who wants to have calm and excitement: if you are thinking about making a move to the DR make sure to read Part I and II of Malcolm's series on living in the DR. Aug/03
Life In The Dominican Republic ~ Six Months Down ~ by Elizabeth Roebling - It’s the end of my six-month’s trial. I have already postponed my return trip to the States once but I leave in two weeks, to tie up loose ends, see friends and family, and shop. I am delighted with my reluctance to leave. Although I told everyone that I was definitely moving here, to the Dominican Republic, I reserved in my mind the right to fail. I had left home before, like an eight-year old with my belongings wrapped in a kerchief on a stick, only to return for dinner, or rather within a year. But I know that this time, I have succeeded. I have made a life for myself here. Jun/05
Living And Retiring In Panama ~ The Haven Of The 21st Century ~ by Phillip Townsend - Home to Central America's most vibrant and attractive capitals (Panama City), Panama is slightly larger than the state of Florida. Bordered by the Caribbean Seas and the Pacific Ocean, it is one of those places that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty. The seemingly endless stretches of picturesque coastline, lush green valleys, near-perfect weather and friendly people make it one of the most livable places in the world. If you like Florida, the Caribbean and South America, you'll love Panama. Aug./05
Living And Teaching In Colima, Mexico ~ A Place To Rest ~ By Jurgen Klemann - In the last article that Jurgen Klemann wrote for the magazine, he ended his world tour and was living and working in Mexico. This article picks up where the last ended and lets you know what it's like to to spend time in beautiful Mexico. Teaching at a local university and playing sports and enjoying his students, you get the feeling that ending up in Mexico for a while might just be the right move to make. July/03
Living in Costa Rica ~ Exploring The Beaches Of Costa Rica ~ By Vanessa Morson - Costa Rica has for years been denouced as a bad place to invest or visit. This is just not true. It's my favorite country in the region and the people are nice and realistic. They know tourism and have been at it for years so the quality of the service in Costa Rica is much higher than in the other countries of Central America. And the weather is the best as well as the beaches. If you want to visit a country where you know you're going to have a good time try out Costa Rica. April/03
Living In Mexico ~ Rincon de Guayabitos ~ by Rene Tihista - We live in Rincon de Guayabitos, about sixty kilometers north of Puerto Vallarta. The third year we wintered in Guayabitos, before we bought our duplex, my wife Mary mangled the bumper of our Volkswagen Westfalia camper on the iron driveway gate at the house we were renting.  There is no shortage of skilled mechanics and body men in La Penita, the neighboring town or Las Varas, eight miles away. But I was hoping to locate a junkyard where I might find a reasonably intact bumper, possibly off the wrecked hulk of a VW Van or camper of similar vintage to ours. Jun/05
Line Handling on the Panama Canal - Line Handling on the Panama Canal - Cruising yachts and pleasure craft are crossing the Isthmus of the Americas in record numbers.  The Autoridad del Canal de Panama requires four line handlers per vessel up to 80 feet in overall length.  You can be one of those line handlers, go from one ocean to another in twelve hours, see the Panama Canal like few people do and make easy money doing it.Vessels that transit the Panama Canal are always headed to another port-of-call.  On the Pacific side, there is the Galapagos
Live On Margarita Island On $800 A Month? - Answers To Questions ~ by Scott Boswell - Retire to the Caribbean on $800 a Month? ...is this a true story or fiction? There have been several articles published about Margarita Island, Venezuela in the last few months. (Margarita Island is located in the Southern Caribbean, just off the northern coast of Venezuela - it is the State of Nueva Esparta, Venezuela). One such article suggested that you could retire to this island on $800 a month. Mar/05
Living In Boquete, Panama ~ A Day In Boquete ~ by Kent McNaughton - My day begins at 7am. Time to feed the cat. OK, it really began about 6am when the sky lightened enough to call it day and the cat knows it’s time to begin the morning badgering, which will continue until she has been fed at 7am. Tika’s the cat’s name. Hates everyone but me, but now and then I’ll get a snarl, a bite, or a paw swipe, too.  Jul/05
Living In Venezuela ~ Merida And Margarita Island ~ by Christopher Hyland - For those who are recently off the boat, so to speak, the best place to start in Venezuela is Merida. Merida is a small city, relatively safe and has a lot for the newcomer to see and do. It is also one of the least-expensive parts of Venezuela. Merida has a lot of inexpensive posadas to pass the night and healthy but inexpensive restaurants. If you go to Merida, expect some great service. A few months ago while visiting Merida, I went to the Whiskeria Bar on Urdaneta Avenue. Dec./04
Living On A Boat - One Woman's Transition To Living Onboard A Boat - By Jillian Simensky - The summers are filled with activity. The boatyard fills with seasonal boaters, friends we see only for those glorious months. Spending the weekends on the bay, or a trip to Fire Island instantly washes away the residue of the week's stress. Starting the day off with a cup of coffee on the deck, feeding the ducks and swans that gather noisily at the waterline makes all the difference in dealing with the upcoming day at work.
Living On Antigua And Barbuda ~ Interview With Greg Urlwin ~ by Susan Noyce - A life at sea sounds like a dream to many. Others would wish for a mixture of land and ocean. Ferrying people and cargo between Antigua and Barbuda, Greg Urlwin has found the perfect blend. In the early 80's, Urlwin decided he wanted to follow in his uncle's wake, and sail to the Caribbean. Jan/06
Living on Isla Margarita, Venezuela ~The Essentials ~ By Daniel O'Brien - This article is very informative because it gives you the kinds of hard details that you need to know before moving to a country. And in the case of Venezuela right now that is important. Daniel O'Brien moved with his wife from Canada to Isla Margarita in the 1980s, so he knows what it takes to set up shop on the island. The island is connected to Venezuela, but experiences little of the political problems that face the mainland. People from Colombia and Panama tell me that Isla Margarita is one of their favorite beach resorts and looking at the pictures I can see why. June/03
Looking At Property On Contadora Island ~ Exploring The History And Landscape Of An Island ~ The Villas at Contadora is a great place to buy an affordable second home. The island is peaceful and private: no hassles here. If you want a hideway in Latin America then this is the place for you. The villas are tucked into a hillside and surrounded by palm trees, bamboo and exotic plantings. The island has nice restaurants and the beaches are clean and private. You want to unwind, then you should visit the Villas At Contadora.  April/03
Magical Memories Of An Isolated Desert Island Idyll - All Free Of Tax ~ by Joan Harris - Seymour (my husband)  and I had become disenchanted with our hectic lives in Westminster, London where we had worked for 15 years so were ready for the challenge of a desert island which we purchased in March, 1962. It was named Rudder Cut Cay in the Southern Bahamas and consisted of 363 virgin acres. I was thrilled with the seemingly endless white sandy beaches,  the turquoise ocean and was blissfully unaware of the daunting problems which faced us. Seymour, now retired, was a Civil Engineer/Architect who relished the prospect of complete freedom and building without impediment or restrictions. Nonetheless, I was faced with the more mundane matters of  ordering non-perishable food in sufficient quantities to last us for our initial four-month sojourn. Dec./03
Margarita Island ~ Cheapest Vacation Spot In The Caribbean ~ by Scott Boswell - There are actually three islands - Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua, with Margarita being the largest and most populous of the three. Isla Coche is sparsely populated and very popular with sun worshippers because of it’s beaches and beautiful water. There are a few hotels, B&B’s, and restaurants. Cubagua is almost totally uninhabited and is perfect for exploring, snorkeling and diving. Jun/05
Martinique and Guadeloupe -Martinique and Guadeloupe - Midway down the Lesser Antilles archipelago (separated by Dominica), Martinique and Guadeloupe represent the Caribbean’s classier end. Although you’ll come across beach shacks, free-range hens, and throbbing zouk music, you’ll also encounter six-lane highways, shopping malls, and nudist beaches. Flanked by attractive apartment residences, marina developments feature stylish boutiques, restaurants, and bars with zinc-topped tables. At times it feels like being on the French Riviera—you can even indulge in pastis and kir. March/03
More Than Merengue ~ Keeping A Christmas Tradition Alive In The Dominican Republic ~ by Ginnie Bedggood - The whole town of San Pedro de Macoris is jumping, awash with excitement. This past weekend it was pretty much awash with rum as well. And many of those celebrating had surnames like Henderson, Wilson, James and Simons.........and probably from his grave Theophilus Civerton raised his ghostly glass as well. So......is San Pedro de Macoris the latest fun spot in the Dominican Republic for escapees from US and UK? Dec./05
Moving To The Caribbean ~ Phase 1: Research And Preparation ~ Well, I’m not the first person to decide to move to the Caribbean, and definitely won’t be the last.  There probably are very few among us that haven’t considered it after a vacation there.  After all, the Caribbean is one of the most scenic and friendly areas of the world.  For me, that feeling of being drawn there hasn’t gone away since my first visit in 1997, and it is for that reason, among others, that has led me to moving there to start a small business.  June/04
Mustique: The Caribbean's Best Kept Secret - A Private Hideaway In The Caribbean ~ By Heather Prince - The island of Mustique in the British Virgin Islands is known as one of the most exclusive hideaways in the Caribbean. This is the place where Mick Jagger and people with that kind of money come to get away from it all. The island was home to the Caribe and Arawak Indians and then in the early 18th century became a cotton colony. The cotton dried up and the island was more or less abandoned until the 20th century. Funny how Caribbean history can unfold. Feb./03
Offshore Stock Exchanges - Special Feature From LowTax Online TaxWire - Special Feature from the NewsWire on Offshore Stock Exchanges - In an ongoing effort to provide a cross-section of the best offshore information on the internet, EscapeArtist seeks out the best online resources. We are really excited about a new website and news letter called, Low  Tax Online NewsWire - In this issue or Escape >From America we present a Special Feature from the NewsWire on Offshore Stock Exchanges. Countries such as Bermuda, Ireland, Jersey, Cyprus (maybe), Hong Kong (already) and Mauritius are cleaning themselves up for what could be a glittering future. This report includes some of the offshore jurisdictions with Stock Exchanges, their Regulatory Basis Including Listing Rules, Trading and Settlement, Costs of Listing and additional resources.
Our Experience In Setting Up In Panama - Our Experience In Setting Up In Panama - It was early in 2003 that the thoughts and discussions about starting a new life matured into a decision; what was not clear, was where? Costa Rica had been the initial location until I came across an article in an investment magazine - If you think of Costa Rica, have you thought of Panama? May/07
Our Man in Bermuda - Moving to Bermuda - Edel Kinsella is a PA/ Secretary from Dublin, London, and Jersey. She writes, "I'd been looking for a contract abroad and was offered one in Saudi Arabia and Bermuda at about the same time.  I chose Bermuda primarily to experience some hot, sunny weather for a change – I was getting tired of freezing my butt off in Ireland, trudging around in rain and sleet, having also been through a stormy, inclement winter in Jersey. This, then, is my settling-in story on the lovely island of Bermuda. For me it's always been fun, exciting, and challenging; they're the things that make life good.”
Our Man In Bermuda - Our Man In Bermuda - Bermuda’s changed.  Quite noticeably too (for expats working here) and not necessarily for the better.  I did want to caution anyone who might be thinking of coming to work here that the situation here may not currently be what you might imagine it to be and although my previous article was accurate at that time, an update is definitely required. Jul/06
Panama's Coronado Golf & Beach Resort - Now Is Your Opportunity To Live In This Multi-Faceted Resort -  Panama's Most Exclusive Resort & Country Club Is A Fun Place To Live - The Coronado Golf and Beach Resort has it all - Beach Club - Riding Club - Tennis - and one of the best professional Golf Courses in Latin America, created by the famous designers George and Tom Fazio. Add to that the fact Coronado is in proximity to some of the best sports fishing in the world not to mention world class diving on both coasts.  (Hey, the Caribbean is 30 minutes away from the Pacific!) What a lineup: Golf - Tennis - Equestrian - Sports Fishing - Sailing - Fine Dining - Dancing - Diving and much, much more with reasonable lot prices means quality expatriate or retirement living for you and your family.  Time Shares available - this is your permanent home away from home or vacation getaway. Dec./04
Plastic Surgery In The Dominican Republic ~ Inexpensive And Excellent ~ By JoAnn M. Roselli - Latin America is the king of plastic surgery because its so cheap compared to North America or Europe. If you want to have some surgery done and don't have a lot of money, then maybe you should check out what the the prices are for the surgery you want in the Dominican Republic. Safe and inexpensive might help you find the figure and self-confidence you have been looking for over the years. The above article will give you the inside track about what is involved in having surgery in the DR. June/03
Politics Aside ~ More On Living In The Dominican Republic ~ by Elizabeth Roebling - “The dollar goes higher and higher and the peso goes lower and lower. That is why we don’t speak English and we don’t buy Chevrolet.” So sings Juan Luis Guerra, the premier musician of the Dominican Republic. He attended music school in Boston and so, presumably, could sing in English if he wished. I, for one, wish he would for it would do us good to hear what others are saying about us. Jul/05
Prices On Margarita Island ~ The Most Inexpensive Spot In The Caribbean ~ by Scott Boswell - In recent articles for Escape From America I’ve been telling people that Margarita Island is probably the cheapest place to vacation or live in all of the Caribbean. The one possible exception I thought might be the Dominican Republic. I just received an e-mail from a couple who want to come see Margarita Island and who are currently living in the D.R. I asked them why they were thinking of moving, and to my surprise their reply was -  Nov./05
Renovating A Home In Morelia, Mexico - The Krondorfer’s Experience ~ by Sandy Caputo - Karin and Werner Krondorfer could fit a beautiful people profile. Their 40-year-plus marriage has seen them making their lives in Europe, the United States and Mexico. They regularly travel to Chicago, Pittsburgh and Stuttgart to keep-up with the hectic lives of their three grown sons, spouses and four grandchildren. Return visits have them showing guests the special sights and tastes of Mexico that convinced them to choose it for their retirement.  Mar/05
Residence, Immigration & Work Permits - Special Feature From LowTax Online TaxWire - Residence, Immigration & Work Permits - In an ongoing effort to provide a cross-section of the best offshore information on the internet, EscapeArtist seeks out the best online resources. We are really excited about a new website and news letter called, Low Tax Online NewsWire - In this issue of Escape >From America we present a Special Feature from the NewsWire on Residence, Immigration & Work Permits. Countries covered are: Bahamas, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong,  Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Mauritius and Panama.  An excellent resource from a valuable newsletter.  If you intend to invest offshore you need current information from an effective source, the LowTax Online TaxWire is as good as it gets. Their international editorial staff provides up to date information from around the world.
Retire In Belize - Retire In Belize - Writer and editor Lan Sluder brings us the latest information about retiring in Belize. Belize is a favorite for expatriates seeking a home away from home and with good reason. Lan covers lifestyle, weather, crime, highlights of the Retired Persons Incentive Act, health and real estate. In covering various regions in Belize, Lan states that... "Real estate costs in Corozal are among the lowest in Belize. Modern North American-style homes with three or four bedrooms in Corozal Town or Consejo Shores go for $75,000-$200,000, but Belizean-style homes start at less than $25,000. Waterfront lots are $35,000 or less, and big lots with water views are $10,000-$15,000. Rentals are relatively inexpensive -- $100-$200 for a nice Belizean-style house or $300-$700 for a modern American-style house." Lan Sluder is the editor and publisher of Belize First Magazine and the author of almost a dozen books on Belize.
Retiring in Cuba - Retiring in Cuba - Christopher Howard, author of "Living and Investing in the New Cuba" shares his wisdom on Cuba. Cuba may soon become the place to beat if they can maintain cautious growth and a realistic balance between what they have and what they need.
Retiring to Paradise ~ More On Margarita Island ~ by Mike Inglis - After spending 7 days on Margarita Island, Venezuela, I can say, this is where I will semi-retire, sooner rather than later. I enjoyed virtually everything about this delightful island some call the Pearl of the Caribbean.   It is famous for oysters, seafood, and fresh fish, etc., etc. Venezuela has allowed this island to be 100% duty free. On a fixed income(social security for example) anyone can afford to live here. And when I say live, I mean live and enjoy life and not just squeak by as many of us will have to do once we retire. You only need to have an income of $1200 to actually be considered for residency. April/05
Roatan Revisited - Living On The Island Of Roatan - Roatan - is an island of pristine beaches, lush jungle covered hills, welcoming people, unique cultures, world renowned diving and an endless array of activities. It is Caribbean and it is inexpensive Caribbean. The island of Roatan, the most developed of the Bay Islands Archipelago, is located only 40 miles northeast of mainland Honduras. Lyle Burke and his family lived on Roatan, where he was inspired to start Tropical Pathways Tours, a tour company that brings wantabe expats to the prime destinations and provides expert advice. 
Safe Haven In The Sun? ~ Is It Still Safe To Live As An Expatriate In The Dominican Republic? ~ by Ginnie Bedggood - Headlines in the daily newspapers in the Dominican Republic attest to rising rates of crime, some of a violent nature, a burgeoning drug culture and some 36% of the population living below the poverty line (which means on less than US$2 a day). So, is it still safe to live as an expatriate in the Dominican Republic or is Dominican society falling apart? Can the American and European retirement population still find their piece of paradise in the sun, to make their golden years truly golden, or do they have to surround themselves with high tech security devices in order to protect themselves against robbery. Oct./05
Second Passport from the Dominican Republic - Second Passport from the Dominican Republic - Obtaining Residency and a Second Passport from the Dominican Republic - Much less than half of the costs required by other programs, and in fact a much easier process as well.  In short, clients have the opportunity to pursue second citizenship from a stable democratic country, at a cost that is downright inexpensive in comparison to some other programs.  In addition, should someone wish to retire, live or perhaps start a business in the Dominican Republic, there are a number of attributes that make this country one of the best places for relocation as well.
Simple Steps to Buying Property in Panama - Panama Property Easy as ABC - Our EscapeArtist friend from Volcan, Panama, writes to us on how simple, safe, and secure it is to purchase property in Panama. The five steps William Hemingway outlines are the basis of purchasing property in Panama and much of the rest of the region. Volcan, Bocas del Toro, and Boquete are featured. "The Chiriqui Provence and Bocas del Toro Provence offer buyers the best choices in the world for beautiful, ideal highland properties and tropical island properties," writes Hemingway. "Anyone can buy and fully own property without being a resident of Panama. All you have to do is show your passport upon purchase." And, your purchase and ownership is protected.
Some Thoughts From A Middle Income Country ~ Living In Mexico ~ by Jurgen Klemann - For a little more than a year already, there’s something like a construction boom going on in Colima. Even though Colima is most unlikely to ever turn into a boom town (which I’m very grateful for), loads of new shops have recently opened up or are still being built. In the whole of Colima there’s exactly one McDonald’s, which is more than I need. Now Burger King blesses Colima with its fine cuisine as well. Nobody can claim any more that there’s no competition at that end of the market. Jul/05
Some Thoughts From A Cautious Contrarian ~ Early And Alone, Not Late And Surrounded ~ by Jurgen Klemann - After wrapping up my classes in summer and before starting my classes in the winter semester, I could enjoy a break for a couple of weeks. Because it’s increasingly difficult – almost impossible – to get me out of Colima, I spent these two weeks primarily at my favourite restaurants in Colima and at home. Because I’m utterly convinced that “la caja idiota” (Spanish slang for the box) has been invented to keep the hoi polloi occupied,  I don’t have that sort of thing at home. Nov./05
'Tax-Free' Residency In Belize - 'Tax-Free' Residency In Belize - New Retired Persons Incentive Act Allows 'Tax-Free' Residency In Belize - The Retired Persons Incentive Act passed by the Belize legislature in early 1999  is now in force and being implemented by the Belize Tourism Board. The program, which resembles the formerly popular but now defunct pensionado program in Costa Rica, is designed to attract more retirees to Belize. 
The advantages of Living Overseas: a new and refreshing way to look at Offshore - Edmund J. Pankau writes about the broader meaning of offshore, this time in terms of the real advantages to the ordinary person seeking a lower cost of living, a better quality of life, reasonable and fantastic real estate, lower taxes, and ground floor business opportunities. "In recent years, Central America has become the Florida, California and Arizona of the 1950’s.  Remember when you could buy beachfront property in Florida for a song? When prices in California were dirt cheap?  Well, those days are now in full bloom just a little further south of the border.  The slower paced climate of Central American has awakened to the realization that is can revitalize its economy by becoming the retirement center of the western world. All of the things that made Florida and California boom are now happening in Belize, Honduras and Costa Rica, as is starting to emerge, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala."
The Bermuda Expat’s Survival Guide: Top Ten Things To Know Before You Sign That Contract A Canadian In Bermuda ~ by Robert Hof - Last month, I wrote about how to remove one’s self legally from the Canadian tax system. Why did I do this? Well, late in 2003 I took the plunge and accepted an IT position in Bermuda. It has been a year of trials, tribulations, and great fun. I have made some great friends, lived a great lifestyle, and saved some money. If I had to make the choice again, I wouldn’t hesitate! Feb/05
The Caribbean On $25 A Day - Affordable Caribbean ~ by Allan Weisbecker - Like virtually all Down Islanders, my gypsy cab driver Kesler was out of his mind behind the wheel, but, God bless him, he did me sane, right and dandy insofar as leading me to accommodations goes, notwithstanding the rear end collision we sustained just outside the little hamlet called Betsy’s 
Hope on the island of Tobago’s rural windward coast. Jan/04
The Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret For Expatriates ~ Dominica ~ by Phillip Townsend - The Caribbean is synonymous with hedonism - from the mass tourist Mecca of the Bahamas to the off-the-beaten-path divers' paradise of Bonaire. What you might not know about the Caribbean, however, is that it's also home to one of the most appealing - and inexpensive - expatriate and retirement havens in the world. This little-known gem, though off the well-trodden path taken by most travelers, has a lot to offer. So if you're longing for the good life in a tropical haven, duck the crowds and head to Dominica. Oct./05
The Caribbean “Country Squire”  - Real Estate Bargains In The Dominican Republic - Real Estate in the Dominican Republic - When you think of the Caribbean, you think beaches, beaches, and more beaches.  The reality is, plenty of beautiful beachfront property does exist, but there is an equal opportunity to become a “country squire” as well.  Sound too good to be true?  We took a look around at what was available in the Dominican Republic real estate market recently and found some very reasonably priced building lots and acreage for our clients.  Some of these properties are located in the beautiful mountain region near Santiago.  We also found some new homes and new residential projects in sections of the Santo Domingo area that may be ideal for an inexpensive get-a-way or retirement home.
The Dominican Republic Property Market By Jerald Ritter - Want to live the Caribbean life? Would you like to own a tropical hideaway that could return a nice income? Thinking of investing in the islands? Where are the best values now? Jerald Ritter has lived in and invested in the Caribbean and Latin America for much of the past thirty years. He publishes the Caribbean Property List Magazine, the largest online directory of Caribbean and Latin properties for sale.
The Lost Continent Found on Paradise - The Lost Continent Found on Paradise - Paradise Island is a small spit of Bahamian earth in Nassau Harbor connected to the mainland of New Providence by two entry and exit bridges vaulting pastel condos, resorts, and marinas. Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is also the common name for all of New Providence. People say they’ll retire to Nassau; students come to Nassau to party and couples are wed here. April/06
The Mysteries Of The Term 'Mañana' In The Dominican Republic ~ A Rough Guide To Getting Things Done In The Dominican Republic ~ by Ginnie Bedggood - The sub-header is not medical advice. Of course you will need your sunscreen in the harsh sun of the Dominican Republic. But it is a cautionary tale for new and would be residents as to exactly how long it takes to achieve a fairly simple task. New residents who come from cultures where provision of goods and services is but a phone call away are easily identifiable here in the Dominican Republic during their first few months. They can appear frustrated, short tempered and wear an incredulous look. Yes, getting even simple things achieved can take a lot longer than you are used to. Nov./05
The Nicaragua Report ~ Living In Nicaragua - Real Estate In Nicaragua ~ Private Islands for $70,000 - the most interesting colonial architecture in Central America, beachfront real estate at bargain basement prices, investment opportunities, coffee plantations for sale... this is Nicaragua and we now have a new eBook on Nicaragua by Christopher Howard.  Find out about a little known nation with a big bunch of opportunity and a low entry price tag.  May/03
The North Coast Of The Dominican Republic - The North Coast Of The Dominican Republic - John Schroder, our Dominican Republic Guru recently took a trip along the North Coast of the Dominican Republic and brought back a report. He writes, "We hear that local studio apartments in Cabarete are renting for the equivalent of US$ 225 per month and “regular” apartments for about US $ 400.  Also, some property bargains may be found in small farms or properties east of Cabarete in Gaspar Hernandez and the areas on the way to Rio San Juan (possibly less than US$ 20,000 for a small farm or piece of land)."
The Passport Question - How To Legally Obtain A Second Passport - The most frequently asked question on this website always refers to the issue of obtaining a second passport -  It is very apparent that the desire to have a second passport has entered the mainstream of our culture - The cat is out of the bag. -- EscapeArtist editor Roger Gallo tackles the 2nd Passport question.
The Rules Are Different in Belize - The Rules Are Different in Belize - Most Americans have lead sheltered lives and are not fully prepared for the adjustments to a new country. Belize is a paradise, but like every paradise it has it's difficulties. Lan Sluder is the editor of Belize First Magazine. If you've got your heart set on Belize you better read what Lan has to say. You might need to adjust your rose colored glasses before you pack your bags - - or at least get the prescription checked ~
The Top Ten Places to Live in Belize - The Top Ten Places to Live in Belize - Lan Sluder looks at the top ten places to live in Belize and then asks five questions that need to be answered before moving there. Important questions and straight answers from the editor of Belize First Magazine.
Things Are Better On Grand Bahama - Things Are Better On Grand Bahama - Living and investing in the Bahamas is made a lot easier when you have someone who knows the ropes. Jerry Ritter knows the ropes better than anyone we know. He tells us about the Grand Bahamas. It comes as a surprising to some that the Bahamas actually consist of over 700 islands. Some of them are gems. If we lived there and had a boat we could see them all -- one day at a time.
Three Christmases On A Caribbean Island ~ Many Changes ~ by Scott Boswell - Approaching my third Christmas season on Isla Margarita, I find I’ve seen and done a lot. There have been many changes on the island since I first arrived here. Then, Venezuela was in a state of political turmoil. Prices were down and many wealthy locals were leaving the country. They were afraid of what might happen, but no one I talked could tell me exactly what that might be. Just that they didn’t like the political situation. Since I hated current administration  in the U.S.A. and after looking over the possibilities here, I decided it was a good time to buy. Dec./05
Total Relaxation In Mexico ~ Xcalak ~ By Mindy Nichols - Xcalak is a small fishing village located on the Yucatan Peninsula. The people who move to Xcalak normally don't leave. Many people write me to tell me that its a place I have to visit and after reading Mindy's article I can see why. Down by beach and out on the sea; if you like that kind of lifestyle than Xcalak might be the end of the line for you. July/03
Travels In The Caribbean ~ Dominica And Antigua ~ by Deb Andrews - There is an undeniable magic about Dominica, it hovers in the universal sound of falling water, in the misty green mountains and vowel-heavy Creole spoken on every village street. Take care, this region of magic is inhabited by “jumbies”, entities who are not known for their kindness to people. Jul/05
Treasures Of The Silver Coast ~ A Guide To The Dominican Republic's North Shore ~ By Carolyn Kelly - The north coast of the Dominican Republic is considered one of the most beautiful coast lines in all the Carribbean. The above article gives tons of details about what to see if you visit the north coast, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Never been to the Dominican Republic, but have lots of friends who live there. And they tell me that there is no place like living in the DR; the mix of people and the beauty of the island make it a place people don't want to leave.  April/03
Turning Haiti Into A Tropical Paradise - Investing in Haiti - ...in essence, it's possible to transform a hellhole like Haiti into the kind of place you'd want to move to, no matter where you now live, regardless of other considerations. If there were ever a true free market country, the place would be so overrun with rich people that workers now making $1 a day would be in demand at $15 an hour... Doug Casey has a plan to turn Haiti from a basket case into a tropical paradise - Is this just a pipe dream or is it a possible reality?  Doug Casey's reputation is world renown, his expertise is amazing.
Using an Offshore Merchant Account - Using an Offshore Merchant Account - You now can do business with a bank or credit card processor in Germany, Singapore, Holland, or any place else just as easily as "the bank down the road".  In fact, nine times out of ten, you will find the level of service to be much better with a bank half way around the world, then you will with your neighborhood bank.  Why?  They want your business, and they are willing to prove it. The other benefits are obvious. If you intend to be virtual, the best place to begin is by becoming virtual in fact. An offshore merchant account places you in a virtual / offshore jurisdiction with favorable tax consequences.
Vista Mar Resort ~ Living On Panama's Pacific Coast ~ I visited Vista Mar on Panama’s Pacific Coast twice. Of all the developments that I have seen on the Pacific Coast of Panama, Vista Mar is the best. Everything is well planned and built and the views of the Pacific Ocean are great. Michelle Shahani, the Sales Manager and developer of Vista Mar showed me around the resort. Michelle told me her father bought the land where Vista Mar is being built in the early 1990s. When he bought the property, she told me, he had had a vision of building a first rate golf course and residential community.  Aug./05
Walk In Their Shoes ~ Tips On Dealing With Staff In The Dominican Republic ~ by Ginnie Bedggood - Most new residents in the Dominican Republic, certainly the retiree population, will have weekly if not daily contact with a maid (cleaning lady) and gardener, so I'll start there and come on to other contractors and employees later. We have had the most marvellous cleaning lady for the past 10 years; she is now part of our family. But unfortunately, illness has put her on long term sick leave, although, of course her job is always here when she recovers sufficiently. Jan/06
Want to Really "Escape"? Start Your Own Tax Free Small Business - by John Schroder  - If it is going to be said that the location of our web site or server is a factor, let us then 'host' our web page or server in a location that could either care less, or offers a tax-free status by law.  Placing your web site on a server located in one of the tax free zones in the Dominican Republic would be one idea.  If the argument is that you may have a tax liability based upon where your "office" is located, then place your office inside one of the tax-free zones as well.
Wedding In San Martin ~ In Mexico ~ by Rene Tihista - Oaxaca has long been one of our favorite Mexican cities. Many of the surrounding villages are home to a variety of artesanias and are easy day trips from the city. Friends from California invited us to meet them in the village of San Martin a short distance from Oaxaca for a celebrated fiesta held every year on February 15 to commemorate the beginning of Lent.  Mark and Penny had attended the pre-Ash Wednesday event many times and promised us we would enjoy the entertainment, especially the traditional “Wedding Parade.”  Aug./05
What Don’t We Have On Margarita Island? ~ More On Living In The Caribbean ~ by Scott Boswell - “We got sunlight on the sand, we got moonlight on the sea, we got mangoes and bananas you can pick right off the tree” and we got dames...everywhere you look there are beautiful women! (to mangle a phrase from the musical “South Pacific”) We also have some of the finest shopping in the Caribbean. The largest mall in Latin America and ultra-modern supermarkets.  Jul/05
Which Way To Heaven? - Which Way To Heaven? - by Robin Sparks - Through Hell, High Water, and a Hurricane: the story of one couple’s perilous journey from New England to Belize - "The 2500-mile journey symbolized for the couple the end of 20 years of dreaming and the beginning of a two-year trial run in the charter sailboat business. What they didn’t know was that the biggest storm to hit the Caribbean in 500 years would rearrange their plans -- it would kill one of their dearest friends, nearly destroy their catamaran, and cause months-long delays and financial depletion. No one said moving to a third world country would be easy..."
Why buy real estate in the Turks and Caicos Islands? - Why buy real estate in the Turks and Caicos Islands? - The Turks & Caicos is a tiny British Dependent Territory at the southern end of the Bahamas chain of islands, relatively unknown until recent years.  With a selection of luxury beachfront resorts, great beaches and amenities the Turks and Caicos is attracting all sorts of well-known people (Bruce Willis; Donna Karan; Keith Richards; Cindy Crawford; and a host of others have visited or bought second homes in the islands).  If you haven't heard of it yet keep your eyes and ears open. By Bernadette Hunt May/06
You'd Better Belize It's Better - You'd Better Belize It's Better - Tim Sheppard and his wife Yumiko took a trip to Belize and ended up buying property there.  Tim says, "I have been looking for my own personal spot in the sun for several years.  The US is too crowded, expensive, and I’m tired of all the damn rules.  I’ve been searching Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua for that great deal.  I’ve been disappointed as I searched from Tela to Trujillo, and from San Juan del Sur to Blue Fields and Isla de Maiz.  Unfortunately, too many people saw “gringo” and thought that meant “mucho greenbacks.”  I love the countries and culture, but the prices have just been too high.  I was surprised that Belize, undoubtedly the most expensive Central American country for day-to-day stuff, had the best deals I’ve found on land."