Ask the Experts

Ok…wife and I looking to move somewhere along the Riviera Maya within next year…. have visited 5-6 times…..55 years old plus in age…. good health….will pay cash for a home…. will have around 3,500 month income….. what do you think our health care will cost us?….. think that is enough income to survive comfortably?……I don’t Read more...: “Do we have enough income for medical care and to live comfortably on the Riviera Maya in Mexico?”

My husband and I am planning on retiring in the next 5 years. We are heading to Belize and have a couple of questions as we put our retirement plan together. Where is the best place to begin our search for beach living? Do you ship your household goods to Belize or start over in Read more...: “Help needed planning our retirement to Belize?”

I would like to know if my U.S. Social security income is still collectible if I reside in Belize. My plan is to live mostly in Belize and also spend some time in the U.S. I’ve heard a lot about Ambergris Caye. Is there affordable rental Condos/Town homes within the $500-650 range? Ann Kuffner – Read more...: “Can I still collect my U.S. Social Security income if I reside in Belize?”

I am thinking of a retiring and am researching destinations. As Belize is an English speaking country and it rated in your top 10 I was pleased. However when I researched the crime rate in Belize I was shocked to discover how bad crime is in Belize. As per the U S state department because Read more...: “Is Belize a safe place for an expat to live?”

Hello, I was wondering if I retire in Belize and do not become an expat, am I still liable for taxes on my Social Security and 401k? What would I owe in Belize? Ann Kuffner – Belize Correspondent Hi Hawk, Belize will not tax you on your income outside of Belize. If you become a Read more...: “What taxes would I have to pay if I retire in Belize?”

My wife and I have a pension of $1,400 and some savings. We are looking to retire in cooler highlands but also want to be within a couple hours away by bus to a nice beach area. Wish to rent not buy a house (with a garden) close to a mid size town. No kids. Read more...: “Where should we retire in the Ecuador Highlands?”

Where best to spend my 14 days outside the city of Quito? (Regarding Quito: plan 1 night on arrival and approx 3 nights Quito prior to departure. My guess is I will have 3 destinations, each with a 4 day stop over. And then, 2 days in-country travel. What do you think? If you asked Read more...: “Looking for help planning my 14 day trip to Ecuador?”

We are planning a tour of the beaches of the Northwest section of Ecuador, can you suggest the best route from Quito and possibly the best towns to visit? Suzan Haskins – Ecuador Correspondent Hi Chuck, if it were me, and I were focused on the northwest coast, I’d look at communities close to the Read more...: “Where should we visit in in the north west of Ecuador?”

What is the best way to see Costa Rica? We don’t know the different areas. The Arenal / Fortuna area looks like what we are looking for – but there may be similar areas. Is there a touring agency/real estate company? We are ready to retire and move. Jason Holland – Roving Latin America Correspondent Read more...: “What is the best way to explore and see Costa Rica?”