New Topic...Moving abroad

[pablo]

I thought that the board could use a new thread besides the numerous ones posted regarding the photos.  

Ok here goes...

I am at a point now where I've decided to definitely take the plunge and will be moving to South America hopefully later this year.

Having made the decision in my mind I am realizing there is a lot to consider, not just which country/city but also issues like citizenship, immigration, banking, tax consequences, employment, culture shock, homesickness, etc.  For example, one attorney I have spoken with advised setting up a foreign corporation, another said not to.  

I would especially like to hear from those board members that have decided to live in a Latin American country, doing the e-pat thing. Traveller, cancunhound, alteno, michael, others?

Pablo

[Ralph]

... in response to New Topic...Moving abroad, posted by pablo on Jul 19, 2003

www.escapeartist.com  has lots of info for expats etc. I don't recall much on colombia, but a lot of the stuff is useful no matter which LA country you move to. I believe when buying prooperty, being a corporation helps. I know a guy that bought some land and also a condo in the DR, and doing so as a corporation was recommended.

[A1A]

... in response to link, posted by Ralph on Jul 19, 2003

Excellent link.  Especially for info on mexico.
A1A

[littlebhuddha]

... in response to New Topic...Moving abroad, posted by pablo on Jul 19, 2003

Come on guys, give us details. What exactly are we looking at? What is going to catch us by surprise? What can we prepare for now that will give us grief later? CaliVet, what does it cost you to live in Colombia? Traveller, $2000 minus $160 leaves $1840. What do the rest of the necessities cost? What exactly are necessities in Colombia? I know that I am being nosey but I hate surprises.

[Cali vet]

... in response to Here, here!!, posted by littlebhuddha on Jul 19, 2003

Littlebhuddha,

I think I posted this once before a while back but here are details of fixed monthly expenses:

Casa                      $390.000          
finca                      250.000
cleaning lady              140.000
Emcali Tel (computer line)  65.000
Unitel Tel                 110.000
Emcali Serv. (utilities)   105.000
Gimnasio (for two)          90.000  
Cable                       25.000
Telesat (internet)          31.000
Health Insurence (for two) 250.000  
Vigilancia                  40.000  

[littlebhuddha]

... in response to Re: Here, here!!, posted by Cali vet on Jul 19, 2003

Wow! Thats like $600 a month with a lousy exchange rate. A casa & a finca! It looks like a $1000 a month would just about do it. This is good. Thanks, Cali Vet. This is awesome.