How much does it cost for a housekeeper or maid in San Miguel de Allende?
Jennifer Murphy
In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, if you get a gardener that comes in once a week, you would probably want to overpay them, which would cost you around 200 pesos (US $12). They come at around 8 AM and stay until around 1 PM.
The more often you have the gardeners in to take care of your property, they don’t need to stay as long and it’s not as much pressure. They don’t have to get so many things done so you don’t have to be as...
In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, if you get a gardener that comes in once a week, you would probably want to overpay them, which would cost you around 200 pesos (US $12). They come at around 8 AM and stay until around 1 PM.
The more often you have the gardeners in to take care of your property, they don’t need to stay as long and it’s not as much pressure. They don’t have to get so many things done so you don’t have to be as specific as to how many hours they take because they start to take care of your garden irrespective of the hours it takes; it becomes their territory.
If you have a gardener that comes twice a week, you could probably pay him $150 per month and he will come to your house to work from 8 AM to 12 noon and your garden will be in great shape. The more dispersed their schedule is with you, the more they will look for other jobs that will fill those other days that they are not working at your property.
If you have a house that you just moved into, you may want to get a gardener who comes more often but if you need a full garden setup then that is a whole different story. If you want to hire a gardener on a full time basis, it would cost you around US $90 a week. Gardeners prefer working in the morning before the heat of the sun so they can water and weed the plants, etc., before it gets too hot.
(Hacienda cactus garden, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, pictured.)
Dental care in Portugal is all privately provided. The public healthcare system doesn’t contribute to dental care. There are numerous dental clinics here and lots of them have foreign dentists. I know some dentists who come from Denmark, England, Brazil, etc. They also have orthodontists and they are all really good.
To have a filling here in Portugal costs around €60 to €80 (US $65 to $87 or £44 to £58). A root canal costs around €200 (US...
Dental care in Portugal is all privately provided. The public healthcare system doesn’t contribute to dental care. There are numerous dental clinics here and lots of them have foreign dentists. I know some dentists who come from Denmark, England, Brazil, etc. They also have orthodontists and they are all really good.
To have a filling here in Portugal costs around €60 to €80 (US $65 to $87 or £44 to £58). A root canal costs around €200 (US $217 or £145). A ceramic tooth costs around 600 euros (US $650 or £430). I am very happy with the quality of dental care here in Portugal.
(Malo Clinic for dentistry, Lisbon, Portugal, pictured.)
What are the worst reasons to retire to Nicaragua?
Barry Oliver - Surfing Nahua
One of the worst reasons to retire in Nicaragua is the fact that things are slightly slower at times. There are times when the process works in your favor. There are also times when the process can work more quickly than what you’re used to. For example, getting building permits in Nicaragua can take only a few days or months. Other things may take longer than usual, and if you’re not patient, you’re not going to make it. That’s one of the main reasons...
One of the worst reasons to retire in Nicaragua is the fact that things are slightly slower at times. There are times when the process works in your favor. There are also times when the process can work more quickly than what you’re used to. For example, getting building permits in Nicaragua can take only a few days or months. Other things may take longer than usual, and if you’re not patient, you’re not going to make it. That’s one of the main reasons people leave Nicaragua.
People think there’s a lot of crime in Nicaragua, and they come to Nicaragua to find that there are some really honest and hardworking people, and there’s not much crime going on. This surprises people.
In Nicaragua, you have to be patient and be on top of everything. For example. building costs can sometimes get out of hand if you’re not on top of it.
People don’t think it’s as much of a struggle to learn the language here in Nicaragua, but the truth is that things like building costs and can rise than they would be if you knew the language. Northern Nicaragua is a great place to be but is new. There aren’t as many language schools in northern Nicaragua as they have in southern Nicaragua.
(Las Sevillanas rental home in Norther Nicaragua, pictured.)
The best reasons to retire overseas have nothing to do with saving money, although that is often a side-benefit.
Nor do they have to do with moving from a horrible, frigid climate (like Canada, my home country) to a beautiful place that is warm and sunny 12 months a year (Panama), although, again, that is a side-benefit.
Nor is the slower, more relaxed pace of life (in places like Panama) one of the most important reasons for moving overseas,...
The best reasons to retire overseas have nothing to do with saving money, although that is often a side-benefit.
Nor do they have to do with moving from a horrible, frigid climate (like Canada, my home country) to a beautiful place that is warm and sunny 12 months a year (Panama), although, again, that is a side-benefit.
Nor is the slower, more relaxed pace of life (in places like Panama) one of the most important reasons for moving overseas, although it is definitely a selling point.
No, the main reasons you should consider retiring overseas are different, and may surprise you:
You have probably lived all your life in the same country, indeed the same state or province, or city. This is a big world. Learn more about it. Expand your horizons. Move somewhere new and discover what it is like to adapt to a different culture. Stretch your mental universe. You will learn lots about your new country -- and about yourself.
If you come from a wealthy and well-organized city like Toronto, as I do, you will be shocked at all of the unmet needs in poorer regions such as Panama. You will see starving dogs on the roads. You will see impoverished indigenous peoples in the countryside, often living in dirt-floor shacks with leaky, thatched roofs. You can react in two ways to these sights: either 1) feel appalled or 2) think of them as opportunities to do something useful with your life, as opportunities to make a contribution. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel about your own life when you start to make a positive contribution to others.
What is the typical Belize church like? What is the religion of Belize?
Giancarlo Vega
There are plenty of religions in Belize. The most common one is the Seventh Day Adventist. Their church buildings are not very old; unlike the Catholic churches, which can be very old.
The picture to the left is of the Belopan Babtist Church. (Belopan is the capital of Belize.)
There are plenty of religions in Belize. The most common one is the Seventh Day Adventist. Their church buildings are not very old; unlike the Catholic churches, which can be very old.
The picture to the left is of the Belopan Babtist Church. (Belopan is the capital of Belize.)
How much does it cost for a gardener in Boquete, Panama?
Jackie Lange - Panama Relocation Tours
I pay my gardener $20 a day plus lunch. He has worked for me two days a week for 4 years. I also give him extra money for school clothes for his 7 children and doctor visits when needed.
At least once a year I buy him new boots, socks and a hat. His takes care of a large property (and coffee) and does a great job without much instruction. Over the years he has helped me learn more Spanish and I have helped him learn more English.
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I pay my gardener $20 a day plus lunch. He has worked for me two days a week for 4 years. I also give him extra money for school clothes for his 7 children and doctor visits when needed.
At least once a year I buy him new boots, socks and a hat. His takes care of a large property (and coffee) and does a great job without much instruction. Over the years he has helped me learn more Spanish and I have helped him learn more English.
A group of ladies met for brunch this morning. There were eight or nine of us. Topics varied as we enjoyed coffee or tea with breakfast treats of quiches, bread, fresh fruit, even some excellent brownies. We all live in the same compound so it is easy to get together.
Of course, all talk when there is a new person revolves around getting to know that person. We had a lady who has lived in our community for only a month. During one of those times...
Panamá has the privilege of having some of the best weather in the world, as well as having primary rainforest areas, and the most beautiful nature found anywhere.
The name “Panamá” means “abundance.” Abundance of fish, butterflies and birds. We have one of the most complete collection of all of these in the world. For a visitor who loves bird watching (with over 850 species), or who enjoys nature, this is the place to come.
In Panama City, there is one place that is not normally included in general city tours; the Presidential Palace (located in Casco Viejo), a recently renovated, beautiful old building that offers every visitor a significant part of history. A unique place to visit, totally free. All you have to do is send a note in advance, with names and passport numbers (for security reasons), and request a specific date. They will reply with confirmation, or...
In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, if you get a gardener that comes in once a week, you would probably want to overpay them, which would cost you around 200 pesos (US $12). They come at around 8 AM and stay until around 1 PM. 
Dental care in Portugal is all privately provided. The public healthcare system doesn’t contribute to dental care. There are numerous dental clinics here and lots of them have foreign dentists. I know some dentists who come from Denmark, England, Brazil, etc. They also have orthodontists and they are all really good. 
One of the worst reasons to retire in Nicaragua is the fact that things are slightly slower at times. There are times when the process works in your favor. There are also times when the process can work more quickly than what you’re used to. For example, getting building permits in Nicaragua can take only a few days or months. Other things may take longer than usual, and if you’re not patient, you’re not going to make it. That’s one of the main reasons...
There are plenty of religions in Belize. The most common one is the Seventh Day Adventist. Their church buildings are not very old; unlike the Catholic churches, which can be very old. 
I pay my gardener $20 a day plus lunch. He has worked for me two days a week for 4 years. I also give him extra money for school clothes for his 7 children and doctor visits when needed. 
Panamá has the privilege of having some of the best weather in the world, as well as having primary rainforest areas, and the most beautiful nature found anywhere.
not normally included in general city tours; the Presidential Palace (located in Casco Viejo), a recently renovated, beautiful old building that offers every visitor a significant part of history. A unique place to visit, totally free. All you have to do is send a note in advance, with names and passport numbers (for security reasons), and request a specific date. They will reply with confirmation, or...
