Why should I consider retiring to Latin America? Why Panama, Costa Rica or Mexico?

First, if you haven't been to any of these countries then you should certainly plan to go soon! Home prices are relatively lower, overall costs can be significantly less, healthcare is excellent in some areas and getting better every year and many other good things are happening in Latin America and you should seriously consider this an excellent time to visit and/or move to Latin America!

We expect incredible changes during the next 1-15 years all over Latin America as witnessed in Panama right now. The world is changing rapidly, don’t let this opportunity pass by. Expect good things and make them happen today!

Most housekeepers in Latin America will charge $120 - $160/mo. for 4-6 hours of work per day and work 4-5 days per week.

Should I rent/lease first, before purchasing a home?

Have we mentioned a great quality of life? There are an endless list of discounts and things to do all over Latin America including golf, shopping, bird watching, beaches to relax on and much more. There are also very good hospitals with English speaking staff, many of whom were educated in the United States or Canada. The benefits of living in Latin America, as far as we're concerned, far out-weigh any difficulties you might think of.

Yes! This is usually a simple process. Make sure your pet’s shots are updated 3-9 days before your move. Also make sure your pet has its rabies shot at least 30 days prior to traveling and you have the proper documentation from licensed Vet. Your pet will generally be inspected as soon as it arrives at your destination and a fee for paperwork and another inspection will be charged. (Expect to pay approx. $150.00 per pet after you arrive.) Generally your pet can go home with you that day. If for some reason your pet appears ill, you may have to pay a daily fee until the vet releases him or her.

This is not recommended for many reasons. Roads, weather, cost of travel and lack of RV services are a few reasons why we do not suggest RVs in much of Latin America at this time unless of course you’re on a guided tour.

First, work with someone you can trust!! Buying and selling real estate in Latin America can be much more complicated than in the US and Canada and much of the time it’s not what you know but WHO YOU KNOW.

Everyone knows three “licensed real estate agents” or “realtors.” BE CAREFUL! Just as you should not choose your friends brother or sister-in-law at home out of convenience, you need to choose your real estate agent or real estate broker wisely! Do your research and interview two or more companies. If you do your homework, you can then be confident you’ve found a company and agent with integrity and good experience.

Yes. Even with a college education, it is very common for a two-income family to live on $900.00 per month or less.

For most people moving to Latin America homes prices will start at $89,900 and up. There are many homes ranging from $30,000.00 - $60,000.00 but they will not have the amenities most retirees desire, including air-conditioning, drywall and water heaters.

This is not generally a major concern where most people from the US, Canada and Europe live in Latin America. Remember, the climate is cooler in the mountains and most homes and businesses use air-conditioning. Also, much of the concerns that existed two or three decades ago don’t apply as much today. Note, there are mosquitoes in the hot and humid areas of Latin America, but if you’re in the commonly traveled areas, they should be of little concern. Just be sure to carry a repellent with you that contains DEET along with your sunscreen. Just like Florida, it’s best not to walk outside around sunrise and sunset as these are the most active times of day for mosquitoes.

For more questions and answers, don’t forget to visit these very useful websites: