Before
every winter's arrival I sense its presence. I feel the bitter chill in
the air, and the familiar scent of snow. At first it’s a welcomed phenomenon.
The
idea of bundling up with plush blankets and hot cocoa sounds appealing.
This feeling, however, is short lived for me. After a few snow storms,
when I can't feel my nose and toes, and I'm so bitterly cold that by the
time I get inside I'm sweating from moving so fast, I remember how much
I miss summer. Actually, this year, I'll remember how much I miss Piha.
Piha, on the wild west coast of New Zealand, will become my recurring destination
as an escape from New York winters. Located on the west coast of the North
Island, about a 45 minute drive from downtown Auckland, Piha is a popular
weekend day trip for Aucklanders looking to catch some sun and surf. It's
one of the most popular and most challenging beaches for surfing in New
Zealand. For me it was a shot in the dark. I didn’t know much about the
place at all. The only surfing I've ever experienced was on a boogie board
at the Jersey shore. Surfing clearly wasn't my primary interest. - Memories
Of Piha New Zealand ~ On The Wild West Coast Of New Zealand ~
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 New
Zealand Real Estate - Current Listings & Bargains
- New Zealand has a mixed economy which operates on free market principles.
It has sizeable manufacturing and service sectors complementing a highly
efficient agricultural sector. Exports of goods and services account for
around one third of real expenditure GDP. - EscapeArtist Properties: Islands,
Enclaves, Coast Property, Sale by Owner, Current Listings 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. - Farm Land - Ranches - Houses - Islands - Beachfront
- > GO -- > |
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 Expats
Living in New Zealand - Although there are
at least a million good reasons to move to NZ, including the gorgeous scenery
and the laid-back nature of the people, I’m actually here because my husband
(then boyfriend!) is Welsh. As it turns out, it was easier for us both
to get work visas in New Zealand than it was to migrate to each other’s
countries, so rather than endure a long distance relationship across the
Atlantic while sorting out immigration issues, we moved to the other side
of the planet to live and date like normal people. That said, New Zealand
is fantastic, plain and simple. Every corner of the country is beautiful
and we love exploring the varied landscapes. The mountains down south are
breathtaking but the beaches up north give them a run for their money.
As for Wellington, where we live, we’re always impressed by the unlikely
combination of culture and wilderness. For a city its size, Wellington
offers a great mix of restaurants and nightlife, yet there’s a surf beach
just down the road from my house! It’s awesome. |
 New
Zealand: A Great Place to Ride Out A Storm
- I have many friends who make New Zealand their part-time residence.
Most are my age or closer to retirement. Some, like me are polo fanatics,
others just like walking in the country. Some others enjoy NZ because
it gives them the feeling of moving back in time to the 1960s of their
youth. Another younger hipper friend has just decided to make New
Zealand home so I peppered him with questions. We talked about the
advantages and disadvantages, and it’s clear that this should be a place
you consider, seriously, when deciding where you want to plant your next
flag. My friend Mark and his wife both yearned for a place where
they could find a piece of nice farm land, raise some animals, grow organic
fruits and vegetables and not be too bothered by ‘society’ at large.
They were looking for a bit of sanity in an insane world. “New Zealand
fit the bill, Fitz”, Mark said. “The only thing that can kill you
in New Zealand is another person, or your own stupidity!” New Zealand,
due to its geographical remoteness, is one of the only places on the planet
where there are no indigenous predators and the government and populace
at large will also generally leave you alone. |
 Getting
to Know New Zealand: An A-Z Guide - N is for
…… Ninety Mile Beach - Actually, it’s more like 56 miles – but it’s a sight
to be seen nonetheless. With so much open beach, it’s not difficult to
find a spot to call your own. On windy days, the sand moves rhythmically
before your eyes with a mesmerising rippling motion; on clear ones, the
water-washed beach mirrors the blue of the sky so effectively it’s as if
the earth has disappeared altogether. This northern-most tip of NZ is home
to varieties of plants and trees found nowhere else on the planet and certainly
has a landscape that stands alone. The eagle-eyed may see a northern green
gecko or a rare flax snail. A trip to Cape Reinga lighthouse is a must
but, if you have time, why not try dune surfing, blo-karting (using a lightweight
micro land-sailor), horse riding or surf casting (throwing your line straight
over the lively waves). Although it’s a designated highway, driving your
rental car along the sand isn’t recommended – unless you are happy to brave
unexpected waves, hidden holes and quicksand while voiding your insurance;
corpses of wayward vehicles can be seen half-buried in the dunes along
the top of the beach. Luckily, it’s easy to join a bus group or a small
4×4 excursion for the day. If you do want to drive up, stick to the
main road – which is unsealed for the last 12 miles. |
 Mirror
Lake: Unspoiled and Untouched in New Zealand
- Mirror Lake was formed 14,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, when
the nearby Fox Glacier (parts of which you can still see and touch today
in the rugged mountains) began melting during its retreat to the sea, forming
the lake waters. The lake waters retain their photogenic reflective
qualities due to the composition of the soil surrounding the lake itself.
Rich ale is carried from nearby forest beds by smaller rivers and streams
and deposited directly into Mirror Lake, resulting in the dark brown color
that gives it such a world-famous reflective surface. Mirror Lake
averages a depth of about 40 feet, with a surface area of 74 acres. For
those who enjoy a fair mix of sunshine and rain, Mirror Lake is the perfect
place to pursue ambient waterfront property. The area – which is
located in southern New Zealand – experiences approximately 178 days of
rainfall, which gives the nearby forests an extremely lush and dense quality.
The weather at and around Mirror Lake can be unpredictable, so make sure
your lakefront property is stocked with plenty of raincoats and wool sweaters
(preferably those made with wool from New Zealand’s many world-famous sheep!).
Don’t forget, as New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, the summer
and winter months are switched around. Summertime temperatures reach
an average of 66°F (December/January), while wintertime temperatures
hover around the 45°F mark (July/August). |
 Affordable
Living in the South Seas - There are also
other developments on various islands, simply something for everyone. Waidroka
Estates for the surfers, Coconuts Estates for Sailboat lovers and cruisers.
Simply contact me and we can go through them to find your spot. Fact is,
we have no idea what will happen within our lifetime, but all predictions
that are out there are quite dire, and we can be certain that our respective
governments are not going to do much for the little guy. There is
the option to do nothing, or to actively secure an escape route to a place
that is safe, fertile and out of the path of major global conflicts, with
ample room and friendly locals. The Fiji Islands is that destination, and
more and more people are beginning to develop an exit strategy. Large scale
changes in the way we live are no longer just a possibility, but are increasingly
becoming a certainty. You can decide if you want to preempt these coming
changes by being ready, and in a place that will sustain you and your family. |
 Moving
To New Zealand ~ The Final Chapter . . .
- For Now on New Zealand ~ by Rick Adams - Packing up everything
you own including that “I just can’t live without this keepsake from the
Clinton Presidential Library” and moving to the other side of the world
is a big deal. For some it’s a very big deal. For others it’s just another
stepping stone in the pathway to life’s adventures. Whatever the case,
trust me; putting the wife, kids, cats, dogs your laptop all on a plane
all at the same time and hoping for a shred of sanity by the time you settle
into your newly adopted country is, well, wishful thinking at best. Compared
to moving across town or even to another state, international relocation
can be a mind-numbing experience. But it can be done and you can be happy
having done it! |
 Escape
To New Zealand ~ And Beyond - Real Estate In New Zealand - Living In New
Zealand ~ by Susan Rogers - We landed
in New Zealand true immigrant style. When we left for New Zealand, known
as the land of the "Long White Cloud", we allowed our family of five just
two bags each. One was for clothes and one for everything else we wanted
to bring to this "new land". We had no jobs, no relatives, and knew no
one. We left everything we had known in the US including a large house
overlooking San Francisco Bay, good paying jobs, cars, computers, furniture,
friends and family. (This decision from two people with advanced degrees!)
For us, moving to the South Pacific has been the best decision we ever
made. about three hours by plane from Australia. (Look for New Zealand
to the east of Australia or just up from Antarctica.) In many respects
the topography of New Zealand has everything the US has ... just in a small
land mass. Great, sandy beaches. Rugged coastlines. Green meadows.
Smoking volcanoes. Flat plains. Large, clear lakes and high snow-capped
peaks. |
 New
Zealand: A Great Place to Ride Out A Storm
- As much as it pains me to say it, the world is changing. Places
previously seen as ‘tax havens’, like the Cayman’s, Switzerland and Uruguay
(the most recent painful and personal example) are seemingly falling like
dominos to the global ‘tax vampires’. Immigration to a foreign country
based solely on tax advantages is looking to be a fool’s game, since governments
can (and seemingly will) change the rules at any time. As more and
more of the once rich nations go bankrupt they will use draconian measures
to extract their proverbial (we hope) pound of flesh. The bottom
line is that at the end of the day you need to feel safe, happy and secure
where you live. This should be your PRIMARY goal when choosing a
place to hang your hat for a while or forever. |
 An
American Perspective of the New Zealand Economy
- In July 2001 I made the decision to emigrate from the US to New Zealand.
By July 2002 I became a permanent resident and now am a dual US/NZ Citizen.
I emigrated because I believed the rampant credit expansion in the
US would end badly. Many of my peers at the time thought I was a
bit premature and I’d have to agree, I could have waited a few years to
be proven correct. Now, after 9 years of living here in New Zealand I help
others migrate to these shores to establish businesses and residency. I
believe it’s important when viewing someone’s perspective on anything,
to first get a feel for who they are and what motivates them. We all have
our own particular preferences and motivations. Just as one would expect
a Californian like myself to have regional preferences to parts of
New Zealand that differ from what an East Coaster might like . . . |
 New
Zealand - The New Silicon Valley Suburb
- If any place knows the next best thing, it must be Silicon Valley, home
of the computer and Internet revolution. So when I kept hearing about South
Bay residents moving to New Zealand I had to investigate. The buzz started
with my neighbor Kristi Ford, a marketing executive who said she was giving
up her career to become a yoga instructor in New Zealand. Shortly afterwards
I heard that Bardon, a winery owner, had purchased a place in Christchurch
to live in half the year. Then I toured a house on the market, because,
you guessed it, the couple was moving to New Zealand. A few years ago I
couldn’t even find New Zealand on the map. Now it’s almost a suburb of
the Northern California Peninsula. Air New Zealand has responded, flying
non-stop flights from San Francisco to Auckland. As my friend Judith, a
newspaper photographer said, “ What is it about New Zealand?” |
 Answers
& Anecdotes About Living In New Zealand - Part 1 - by Jan Morgan
- Thanks to all who have written and expressed such kindness to my last
(and first!) article. There are some fabulous people out there in the world
and it seems they are reading these magazines! The response has been fantastic
with many asking great questions about immigration and life in New Zealand.
It seems good to take time and answer in a way that will enable more to
read them: there will have to be more than one part as there are so many
different types of questions. Many who responded to the first article are
parents and, interestingly, writers, teachers and those with education.
As the new school year has just begun in New Zealand, and a teacher myself,
I will start with those questions relating to education. Most of these
questions came from a reader named Natalie who is a teacher as well and
are a composite with others. |
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Some
important resources for those considering New Zealand |
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New
Zealand department of immigration - The New Zealand department
of immigration answers questions; How long will it take Immigration New
Zealand to process my visa or permit application? How do I check the progress
of my visa or permit application? How do I apply for a permit to work in
New Zealand?
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 A
working holiday in New Zealand - Work
opportunities for working holidaymakers New Zealand has lots of short-term
work opportunities for working holidaymakers. We encourage people on working
holiday permits to consider jobs in the areas of agriculture, horticulture
and viticulture (grape-growing). Working holidaymakers who are able to
show they have worked in the horticulture or viticulture industries for
at least three months could be eligible to obtain an extra three month
stay in New Zealand. For more details on this policy, please see the page
about the Working Holidaymaker Extension permit.
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 Escape
From Winter A Special Place In The Philippines
- O.K., let’s face it, there may be no one on the planet as sick and tired
of cold wind, and snow as I am, having endured 50 cold winters (out
of my 66 years) due to familial and work obligations. Having
traveled the length and breadth of the U.S. in an “18 wheeler” for 12 of
my working years, I am familiar with the fact, that there are damn few
places that are really comfortable and affordable within it’s borders.
I used to hear people say, “Oh I love the 4 seasons, and all the changes”…etc.
etc. So if you’re in that category, you can skip this, and go on,
because I now live in a place that is very affordable, and essentially
has one season, Summer, all year long! Yes, they have names for different
times of the year, and if you’re talking to an English speaker, (and
there are more here than you’ll find anywhere else in Asia). --->
read more |
 More
On Living In New Zealand ~ by Candy Green
- Here in New Zealand, it seems, we are heading into an early winter. The
whole country has been hit with a blast of cold air from Antarctica. Hot
winds from Australia which blow across the Tasman, called Nor’westers,
haven’t managed a counter punch. We don’t know if winter has come to stay.
The director (a Kiwi) and crew which will film CS Lewis’s The Lion, the
Witch and the Wardrobe have arrived in the country. The part of the White
Witch who brings the seemingly eternal winter to Narnia hasn’t been cast,
but I have to wonder if she is already casting her spell over Middle Earth.
Past years give me some hope for warmth again. My oldest daughter was married
here in Christchurch on May 23 almost five years ago. She got a bit of
sunburn as she and her husband enjoyed the city, the vineyards in the countryside,
and a trip to Akaroa, the French settlement on the Banks Peninsula about
an hour away. July is supposed to be the coldest month. But this April
has been different. |
 Real
Estate Investment Retirement in the Philippines
- For many British, Australians and Americans, retirement time is
just around the corner. At home, with low interest rates and high cost
of living, the prospect of trying to live on a pension, in old age, is
a daunting one unless you are prepared to substantially downscale your
lifestyle. For some, moving to retire in another country is an option which
has been successful in the past with Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Puerto
Rico being among some of the more popular destinations. But why not consider
retiring in the Philippines. The Philippines offers a significantly lower
cost of living. The Philippine Peso exchange rate is approximately 48 to
$ 1.00 or 70 to 1 Pound [Sterling (GBP)]. Housing, food, and labor costs
are quite reasonable. A One bedroom condominium can be purchased for around
$ 100,000 or GBP 55,000 or a Studio for only $ 60,000 or GBP 35,000 and
one can dine out on average at a three star restaurant for less than 500
pesos. |
 Tango-ing
Down Under - Tango In New Zealand - On the
#28 bus from Christchurch to my home in Lyttelton I sat next to an attractive
“older woman.” Her long white hair was piled up on her head. Her complexion
was clear, her eyes bright. Her figure was trim. She carried a back
pack. She might have been in her 60s, but she looked great. For some providential
reason, I’m sure, we ended up sitting next to each other. I had been
a widow for only three months. Now, alone, in my adopted country, New Zealand,
I had questions. How was I going to live out the rest of my life in this
new land? How did other women do it here? Who seemed foolish? Who seemed
wise?
Who was doing it best? I was looking for role models. |
 Living
The Dream, A New Zealand Families Sailing Adventures
- by John & Vickie Billingham - 3 years ago now, the urge to travel
again became overwhelming. We were doing particularly well in our
adopted home, the small but picturesque town of Wanaka, South Island, New
Zealand, with a beautiful B&B lodge, successful computer centre and
my wife, Vickie's founding participation in a comedy theatre troupe.
But we decided that the time had come for a change, definitely against
our better judgment financially! So, the decision being made, we
began the process of selling up all we owned and preparing to move on. |
 Get
It Fresh In Our Popular eZine -
Most of these articles started in one of our eZines. Escape From America
has been online since 1998 - Twelve years of articles in our archives,
we don't even know where they all are, but you can read current articles
in our eZine. Find out what's going today; what are the current prices,
the current destinations, the hot spots, the spots to avoid. Subscriptions
are free, and you can see the current issue free. - If you want to move
overseas you need facts. The Escape From America Magazine is the international
lifestyle magazine that provides real information on what it takes to live
abroad, including articles on International Relocation, Overseas Retirement,
Residency, 2nd Passports, Jobs Overseas, International Real Estate ...
In addition there are thousands of archived articles that are free for
the reading... articles written by professional writers and also by those
who have 'walked the walk' and are willing to relay their experiences to
you . . . Subscribe
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 EscapeArtist
Expat Taxes Newsletter Individuals have been leaving their own land to
seek opportunities elsewhere since the dawn of mankind - But
it has only been since the development of the modern nation-state, and
its taxation of the worldwide income of its citizen-residents, that expatriation
has taken on significant tax consequences. One of the first tax advisors
to appreciate the potential tax savings of expatriation was my friend and
colleague, Marshall Langer J.D., a valued member of The Sovereign Society
Council of Experts. Langer is an international tax attorney and the respected
author of several major international tax treatises. He is also the daring
creator of a now out-of-print book, The Tax Exile Report. This title gained
international notoriety when the late U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan
(D-N.Y.), red-faced and angry, waived a copy of the book at a televised
Senate hearing, denouncing it as “a legal income tax avoidance plan.” -
Escapeartist has hatched a new partnership with Global Wealth Protection
that will set the standard for authoritative information on Asset Protection,
International Banking and Wealth Management and with a number of accountants,
lawyers and bookkeepers that know the laws regarding expat taxes, how to
do your income tax, which form to use, and which services understand the
complexity of expat concerns. Simply put, the EscapeArtist Expat
Taxes Newsletter portal will provide a wealth of information that
will show you ways to save on taxes . . . and then some. |
|
 Privacy
Is A Psychological Necessity - If we do not have the right to privacy,
we do not own the rights to our own lives
- An excellent selection of important articles about Privacy, how we're
losing it, how to regain it, how to protect it. We believe these articles
are very important. If you want to continue to live free, these articles
are crucial. Articles About Protecting Your Privacy Appear Monthly In Our
Overseas Lifestyles Magazine - EFAM - Escape From America Magazine, the
Expat Magazine for those who want to move overseas, and those who have.
- It's the international lifestyle magazine that provides real information
on what it takes to live abroad, including articles on International Relocation,
Overseas Retirement, Residency, Privacy, 2nd Passports, Jobs Overseas,
International Real Estate ... |
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Is A Good Idea |
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 EscapeArtist
Asset Protection Newsletter -
Live & Invest Offshore - Get the real facts from the best; including
Doug Casey, Bobby Casey, Bob Matthews, Global Asset Advisors, Inc., Jeff
Schneider CPA, PassportIRA and more of the best international investment
advisors. |
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ASSET PROTECTION ARTICLE: |
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 More
Real Estate In Asia-Pacific -- Real
Estate In Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand - Vineyards, Farms, Islands, Enclaves, Coast
Property, Sale by Owner, Current Listings updated 24 hours a day, seven
days a week - |
|
 Thailand
Real Estate Tour - These brilliantly organized
tours were designed to introduce you to Thailand’s main resort areas in
the "Land of Smiles" -- ou are sure to discover your dream vacation home
where you will enjoy an exotic, affordable overseas lifestyle and have
a solid return on your investment. |
 Self
Service Shipping to Asia-Pacific - Ubox we
ship - Save over 40%! on international shipping. Door to door , Door
to port , Port to port. Professional services with discount prices. Call
today for a free shipping quote 866.566.9350 |
 Creating
Your Ideal Life in New Zealand - Immigrating,
Buying Property and Starting a Business on an Island Paradise. This guide
provides the tools to implement your business plan, the means to find health
care resources, essential information on taxes and insurance ; everything
you need to succeed in New Zealand's evolving economy. |
 Medical
Tourism In Asia-Pacific Safe Overseas Medical
Tourism Offshore Medical Tourism WorldWide. Find Safe Clinics, Read Reviews,
Active Discussion posts. Members and providers can communicate directly
and exchange information freely. |
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 Offshore
Securities Broker Private Asset Management Online
- Thales Securities has been on our website for almost a decade and in
that decade we have heard nothing but positive reports about their service.
Founded in 1998 Thales Securities is a leading investment brokerage based
in the Republic of Panama. |
 Live
On A Lake - Lakeside Living Worldwide - Real Estate & Lifestyle
- Nine Lakes worldwide. From New Zealand to Lake Como in Italy. Lake Como?
If it’s the Hollywood A-list lifestyle you’re lusting after, then look
no further than waterfront property on Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy.
Palatial mansions grace the shorelines of this glacier lake, while aristocratic
castles cut into the steep country hills that descend into Europe’s third
largest lake. |
 Advertise
Your Real Estate, Yacht, Product, or Service on EscapeArtist
- Wow! We're growing, we'll soon have videos on our real estate marketplace
site, our magazines have over a half million readers, and those readers
are looking for real estate abroad. Find out about advertising on EscapeArtist,
or becoming a partner of EscapeArtist. Join one of the fastest growing
sites on the internet. |
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 Immigrating
to Australia - A Life in Australia - answers to the most
frequently asked questions about migration to Australia. Everything You
Need to Know About Immigrating to Australia. "Thinking about working in
or immigrating permanently to Australia . . . and frustrated with trying
to get answers from government sources? Don´t spend a single cent
- or waste a minute more - on your visa application until you read this
webpage . . . " |
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 Cultural
Dimensions of Living and Working in Malaysia - Its difficult for
an American to understand the Asian concept of Face because we have no
equivalent in our culture. The reason why a clear understanding of FACE
is vital for American business people is because we don’t really have an
equivalent concept, so it is difficult for us to understand what face even
is, much less how to influence our Asian friends, neighbors and associates
in positive ways using our knowledge of FACE. |
|
 Retiring,
Working and Doing Business in Tonga - Here is the most up-to-date
Tonga real estate information available in an eBook, complete with sample
listings and preferred contacts. These resources are assembled with the
goal of helping you escape to a new and rewarding life in Tonga.This report
gives you everything you need to get you started on your move to this South
Pacific paradise. |
|
 Panama
- Three Special Reports on Living, Retiring & Buying real estate in
Panama - Panama has it all - Panama is affordable, modern, good
climate, stable, has great real estate and is only two and a half hours
by air from Florida. North Americans, Canadians & Europeans
are welcome in Panama - Find Out About Living & Investing In Panama.
Live in Latin America's most overlooked tropical paradise for less than
you dreamed possible, live the good life and enjoy all of the amenities
of home. |
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 The
Thailand Report - Living & Working In Thailand - Thailand's
reputation as a holiday paradise and exotic, colourful and freewheeling
country is well deserved. The rapidly growing Thai economy, sunny climate,
and bargain property prices are just a few reasons for the influx of expatriates
to the area. As the economy recovers business opportunities abound for
the astute and well-informed investor. |
|
 Native
Natural Tobacco - Learn to cultivate pure, natual Tobacco
and begin producing a cash crop with roots in antiquity. He explains how
to obtain seeds for free to start your crop, how to cultivate, cure and
even flavor it safely and profitably. A prodigious cash crop like pure,
natural Tobacco can spell revival for a seemingly hopeless rural American
dream, and for the dreams of those who have left this country to seek a
sustainable life elsewhere in this beautiful world. |
|
 Costa
Rica - Five Special Reports on Costa Rica, a very popular expat nation
- Costa Rica’s natural beauty has been attracting tourists for years. Now
retirees and investors are flocking to the country. It seems that almost
everyone who moves here becomes enamored with Costa Rica and wants to own
a piece of paradise. Because of this Costa Rica was voted one of the top
five real estate markets in the world in 2006. However, in order to invest
profitably and safely in Costa Rican real estate everyone needs to have
the correct information about the process and proceed cautiously every
step of the way. See: Christopher
Howard’s Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica |
|
 Archived
Articles On Living & Investing In New Zealand
- and thousands of articles on living and investing overseas in countries
around the world; including numerous articles on international real estate
- Most of our articles start in our international relocation magazines;
but we keep them in an archive so that visitors can access them - -
access is free, and free is a very good prices -
Click
here to visit our relocation reference library - This library is filled
with facts, contacts, suggestions, inside information & offshore information,
artist havens & tax havens .... We sincerely hope you make your
escape and that you find your Shangri La, or your Shangri Lil ... and that
special place in the world that sets your heart on fire... We're
willing to show you the routes |
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