How much does food cost in Chapala and Ajijic, Mexico?
Anne Dyer - Casita Montana
The cost of food in Chapala and Ajijic varies depending on where you buy your food. Imported food is more expensive. We have a Wal-Mart, which is quite less expensive compared to the Wal-Mart in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I am from. It is stocked very well and you can buy the many of the same things. The merchandise is displayed the same way. We also have Soriana, which is a large Mexican supermarket chain similar to Kroger’s or Safeway but it is less expensive. When you go to...
The cost of food in Chapala and Ajijic varies depending on where you buy your food. Imported food is more expensive. We have a Wal-Mart, which is quite less expensive compared to the Wal-Mart in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I am from. It is stocked very well and you can buy the many of the same things. The merchandise is displayed the same way. We also have Soriana, which is a large Mexican supermarket chain similar to Kroger’s or Safeway but it is less expensive. When you go to Soriana, you will find the prices to be about 25% less than you would if you went to a Kroger’s or a Safeway in the US.
You could also go to the street market where you can buy any kind of fruits and vegetables and many other things. There are still a couple of other markets here that you can go to. Generally, the cost to buy food here in Chapala and Ajijic is about 25% less than it would cost in the United States, so it is definitely cheaper than in the US or Canada.
The street markets here in Chapala and Ajijic are fun, and are all around the city. There is a street market on Monday in Chapala and on Wednesday, there is a street market in Ajijic. Then there is one on Thursday in Jocotepec, which is to the west. They are like farmer’s markets. People sell vegetables, fruits, cooked food, artisan products, jewelry, clothing, etc. The best part is that you can barter. The prices are definitely less if you buy at the street market, plus it is definitely a lot of fun. The quality is excellent, especially the fruits and vegetables and other food. They are all very fresh and it’s great. The prices in the street markets in Chapala and Ajijic less than they are in the US, too.
(Street market in Chapala, Lake Chapala, Mexico , pictured.)
What are the holidays of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua?
Eugenio Cortez - Hacienda & Ecolodge Morgan´s Rock
We have a holiday in late July in San Juan Del Sur, although there is no specific date for it. It is a day to celebrate the patron saint of San Juan Del Sur. There is a small parade and people ride horses on the streets. The municipal government hosts talent shows in the square in front of the church. It is more like a city party for the locals of San Juan Del Sur. (Saint John the Baptist, pictured.)
Other holidays that are celebrated in San Juan Del...
We have a holiday in late July in San Juan Del Sur, although there is no specific date for it. It is a day to celebrate the patron saint of San Juan Del Sur. There is a small parade and people ride horses on the streets. The municipal government hosts talent shows in the square in front of the church. It is more like a city party for the locals of San Juan Del Sur. (Saint John the Baptist, pictured.)
Other holidays that are celebrated in San Juan Del Sur are the following:
1st January – New Year’s Day
March or April - Semana Santa or Holy Week
1st of May – Primera de Mayo, which is also called Labor Day
19th of July – Celebration of the Revolution
14th and 15th of September – Independence Day Celebration. This is is big celebration all over San Juan Del Sur
8th of December – Purisima. This is the day when we celebrate the Virgin Mary.
Is there diving, SCUBA or snorkeling in and around Cayo, Belize, including San Ignacio and Belmopan?
Roberto Harrison - Chaa Creek
Cayo is not located in the beach areas so if we want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, we go to the cayes (islands). The most popular cayes are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
We also go south to Placencia where snorkeling tours are offered as well. Placencia is a 2-hour drive away from San Ignacio. You could also go to the eastern cayes of Belize but it takes about 3 to 4 hours to get there from San Ignacio using public transport. There is a now a new...
Cayo is not located in the beach areas so if we want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, we go to the cayes (islands). The most popular cayes are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
We also go south to Placencia where snorkeling tours are offered as well. Placencia is a 2-hour drive away from San Ignacio. You could also go to the eastern cayes of Belize but it takes about 3 to 4 hours to get there from San Ignacio using public transport. There is a now a new service by Tropic Air that offers flights to San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. There is a plane strip a few minutes outside of San Ignacio Town. You can take a plane there going to the cayes, which would take about an hour to an hour and a half. It is a bit pricey but if you have the means and resources, it is a great option.
Scuba diving and snorkeling in the cayes is very beautiful. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia so we have different species of sharks, none of which I know are dangerous or preys on humans. Belize is home to stingrays. In June, you may also go whale shark diving off the coast of Placencia when the whale sharks are migrating. It’s a great experience.
Generally, there is not scuba or snorkeling in Cayo because we only have rivers here. If you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, you have to go to the cayes. We have beautiful and clear waters on the cayes, as they are not contaminated. The waters of Belize are very pristine and that’s why it offers a great diving and snorkeling experience.
Television service in Panama is very inexpensive and it is usually bundled with Internet and a landline telephone. The basic US $50 monthly plan has 150-200 channels for the TV service and this includes American channels like HBO, E Entertainment, Discovery, and also shows for the kids. The Internet speed for this plan is around 5 Mbps to 10 Mbps.
(The movie, The Tailor of Panama shot in Panama, pictured.)
Television service in Panama is very inexpensive and it is usually bundled with Internet and a landline telephone. The basic US $50 monthly plan has 150-200 channels for the TV service and this includes American channels like HBO, E Entertainment, Discovery, and also shows for the kids. The Internet speed for this plan is around 5 Mbps to 10 Mbps.
(The movie, The Tailor of Panama shot in Panama, pictured.)
What are the best places in the world to retire? That would depend on a number of factors... For most people who spent their lives fighting endless winters and grew tired of scraping their windshields with an ice pick, the answer is deceptively simple: "A beach, and plenty of sunshine!" Libya has terrific beaches, and Somalia enjoys sunshine all year round, for example, and although you might be tempted to explore those and many other exotic countries, you wouldn't necessarily...
What are the best places in the world to retire? That would depend on a number of factors... For most people who spent their lives fighting endless winters and grew tired of scraping their windshields with an ice pick, the answer is deceptively simple: "A beach, and plenty of sunshine!" Libya has terrific beaches, and Somalia enjoys sunshine all year round, for example, and although you might be tempted to explore those and many other exotic countries, you wouldn't necessarily consider retiring there.
If you're coming from the United States or Canada, you still have five continents to choose from, barring Antarctica presumably. Australia offers a solid language advantage, but down under is a bit far away, especially if you plan to stay in touch with your relatives at home. In Asia, unless you are of Asian descent, as well as in Africa - even if you are of African descent - you would not blend in easily, because the mentalities are very different (I love Africa, where I spent my teenage years). Europe is a nice place to visit, but notoriously expensive (which is what Europeans say about New York City, invariably adding that they would not live there). That leaves South America. Taking into consideration the northward migratory tendency of México, which must hint at something, and the distance factor of countries like Argentina or Chile, which endure chilly winters (think penguins), or beautiful countries in constant political turmoil, such as Venezuela, we are left with Central America and the Caribbean. The 700 or so islands that constitute the Caribbean are very attractive, but they are not in the same league as Central America in terms of size and infrastructure. Vacationing in a picturesque location is not the same as starting a new life in a new country... Therefore, let's focus on the seven countries that make up Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama.
The best places in the world to retire should satisfy a few basic requirements:
Political climate: Nicaragua is headed by former Sandinista revolutionary Daniel Ortega, a stalwart U.S. critic. At the inauguration of his third term (2012), he was hugged by close friend, the late Hugo Chavez (Venezuela) and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Iran). Honduras is recuperating from a serious crisis (2009) where basic constitutional rights were suspended. Belize's independence was recognized by Guatemala in 1992, but persistent territorial disputes are still unsettled. Guatemala, where the median age of the population is 20 years, held a democratic election in 2011. El Salvador's current president represents the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front. In contrast, both Costa Rica and Panama have consistently held transparent democratic elections for many years and maintain no army.
Language: English is the official language in Belize, although Spanish and Creole are prevalent. English is widely spoken in Costa Rica and Panama, where many expats have relocated, but mostly by the educated elites. They are not bilingual countries, but conversational Spanish is not difficult to achieve. Learning a second language will do wonders for maintaining your brain fitness.
Tourism: All of Central America offers beautiful beaches and a varied geology including mountains and rainforests, with access to Indian cultures and plenty of ecotourism opportunities. Guatemala, Honduras and Belize share Mayan archeological treasures. Belize and Panama are sport fishing and diving paradises. The tropical climate is warm, without being overwhelming and you don't necessarily need to pack suits and ties. There are plenty of golf courses in Panama and plaid shorts are optional.
Accessibility and infrastructure: Panama has long been a bridge between the Americas. (It's not that hard to pinpoint it on a map... Try finding Belize!). The Panama Canal, an astounding engineering feat, connects the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean and is doubling his capacity with the ongoing construction of a third set of locks at a cost of US$ 5.2 billion (don't miss the opportunity to visit the amazing construction site!). While driving in the capital can be challenging at first, the country is equipped with an always expanding and well-maintained highway system. Daily flights connect with the United States or Europe. A direct flight to Miami, FL takes only two and a half hours. A new international airport is under construction in the central provinces (Rio Hato) to better connect the beaches with the rest of the world and will be inaugurated in July 2013. A modern subway system (Metro) is under construction in Panama City. The aging fleet of recycled school buses, the colorful "Diablos Rojos", has been phased out and replaced by brand new air-conditioned Volvo modern buses.
Cost of living: In all of Central America, housing, food and services are generally affordable, including household help and medical services. Heating bills are rarely a concern and air conditioning is mostly reserved to bedroom usage, while many are content with a ceiling fan. Predictably, the cost of living is higher in metropolitan and touristic areas, while smaller towns offer cheaper opportunities and a more relaxed environment.
Safety: Even in former revolutionary hot spots like El Salvador or Nicaragua, the level of safety has generally improved, with the exception of Honduras. Panama however enjoys a distinctive status, since an amendment to the Panama Canal Treaty provides the United States with the right to intervene - including with military power if necessary - should the safety of the Canal be endangered.
Medical facilities: Many expats have elected to reside in the affluent neighborhood of Punta Pacifica (home to Trump Ocean Club) within walking distance of the state-of-the-art Johns Hopkins affiliate Punta Pacifica Hospital, located opposite the elegant Multiplaza Mall (for those Cartier, Hermès, Vuitton, Apple and Tiffany emergencies). That top-of-the-line hospital illustrates the reason why Panama is receiving an influx of "medical tourists": world-class medical care at discounted prices. Doctors and surgeons have received their training in the best U.S. universities and clinics and speak fluent English. Retirees enjoy discounts on medical visits, procedures and prescriptions. Appointments with a specialist are usually granted the very same day!
Cultural life and entertainment: Honduras, Belize and Guatemala offer well-preserved archeological monuments - at least for the time being since a Mayan temple was recently bulldozed in Belize to make gravel for a road construction (progress comes at a price). Panama provides a vibrant nightlife with top rated musical performances and artistic venues of all kinds, not to mention nightclubs, bars and restaurants that can rival those found in Manhattan. The stunning Museum of Biodiversity, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, located at the entrance of the Canal, is about to open and will host countless exhibitions.
Stable economy and currency: In most Central American countries, you'll need to get acquainted with the local banknotes (and keep a calculator handy) such as the Lempira (Honduras), the Quetzal (Guatemala), the Cordoba (Nicaragua) and the Colón (Costa Rica). In El Salvador, the U.S. Dollar became legal tender alongside the Salvadoran Colón in 2001. (In spite of this, El Salvador suffers from the lowest level of foreign investment in Central America). Belize's currency is also called Dollar, but it features the portrait of the Queen of England. Panama, on the other hand, has no central bank and does not print currency. Panama's economy has been fully dollarized since its inception more than a century ago and the only banknotes in circulation bear the familiar faces of Washington, Lincoln, Jackson and Franklin. No need for foreign currency exchange tables. Even Panamanian coins have the same weight and denominations as cents, dimes and quarters. Whatever you purchase in Panama, be it a house or a drink, will be priced in U.S. Dollars, which means you won't have to wonder if the Lempira is down or the Quetzal is up. I was recently attending a real estate convention in Vegas and I was commenting on the healthy state of the economy in Panama, where per capita GDP has more than doubled over the past decade with average annual growth rates of 8.5%, when a fellow Realtor started a fascinating discussion about the merits of Costa Rica. When he was about done, I innocently asked if by any chance he was carrying Costa Rican money in his wallet. He was, and gladly passed it around. I then offered to show some Panamanian banknotes and reached to my own wallet, extracting a handful of U.S. Dollars... At that point, we switched to another topic.
Welcome level: As soon as they arrive in Panama, travelers are given a card providing FREE healthcare insurance for 30 days, courtesy of the government. Panama offers the best retirement program in the world, with substantial discounts on most everything: medical expenses, meals, entertainment, lodging, travel, etc. All this is not based on age requirements, only on the condition of receiving a pension, which may qualify you for permanent residence, the celebrated "pensionado" visa. Most importantly, and I can personally vouch for it, Panamanians are genuinely welcoming. They tend to look up to foreigners and are as eager to share their culture as they are to learn about yours. This is just one of the reasons I believe Panama is one the best places in the world to retire.
[Editor’s note: According to a press release August 1, 2014, the Panama Authority of Tourism stated that no charge tourist insurance coverage is no longer being offered.]
How easy would it be for me to find a job in Portugal?
Duncan MacGregor - Duncan MacGregor Accounting
It is very difficult to get a job in Portugal. The unemployment rate in must be hovering at 15% at the moment.
It might also be difficult for a foreigner to find a job here but that could also depend on his area of expertise. The Portuguese are trying to attract high value added professions, which is in part why the government came up with the Non-Habitual Resident regime, to try and get highly skilled people to come here or to be transferred...
It is very difficult to get a job in Portugal. The unemployment rate in must be hovering at 15% at the moment.
It might also be difficult for a foreigner to find a job here but that could also depend on his area of expertise. The Portuguese are trying to attract high value added professions, which is in part why the government came up with the Non-Habitual Resident regime, to try and get highly skilled people to come here or to be transferred here by multinationals.
The local job market, though, is extremely tight. So if you are a foreigner, depending on your skill, it may or may not be easy for you to find a job in Portugal. If you are an IT expert, for example, you would find a lot of opportunities here but if you are a doctor or a lawyer, you would probably find the market saturated. There are some niche areas where there is a shortage of really top class professionals.
(Logo for Duncan M cGregor Accounting, DMA, whose proprietor Duncan McGregor is an expat doing business in the coastal town of Cascais, Portugal, pictured.)
My husband recently purchased me a new camera to replace the one stolen on our last trip to Tocumen Airport in Panama City. I haven't had much chance to use it because I had been sick with bronchitis. I love the Nikon Coolpix P600, it is brand new but he got it cheap because it is a discontinued model. It is fabulous, a very easy point and shoot with 60X zoom and audio-video at 1080p.
Today Mary, my housekeeper, brought her sweet seven-year-old son. He...
Many people have this idea that Panama is a backward place with grinding poverty, poor infrastructure, political instability and lots of risk for investors. In fact, while there is poverty there in relative terms, the people are happy, relaxed, friendly and open.
Much of the country is pretty much like parts of California or the American south, and was so, long before swarms of gringos arrived at the start of the current economic boom.
As we learn from Robert Reichert’s story, the dreams you never release will find you, and the practice of doing your best will richly reward you. Jet Metier discovers what motivates one of Best Places’ most generous contributors and how collaborating with his Panamanian wife Eneida was the most satisfying aspects of making a home in David, Panama, for follow Canadians, and for himself.
The cost of food in Chapala and Ajijic varies depending on where you buy your food. Imported food is more expensive. We have a Wal-Mart, which is quite less expensive compared to the Wal-Mart in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I am from. It is stocked very well and you can buy the many of the same things. The merchandise is displayed the same way. We also have Soriana, which is a large Mexican supermarket chain similar to Kroger’s or Safeway but it is less expensive. When you go to...
We have a holiday in late July in San Juan Del Sur, although there is no specific date for it. It is a day to celebrate the patron saint of San Juan Del Sur. There is a small parade and people ride horses on the streets. The municipal government hosts talent shows in the square in front of the church. It is more like a city party for the locals of San Juan Del Sur. (Saint John the Baptist, pictured.) 
Cayo is not located in the beach areas so if we want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, we go to the cayes (islands). The most popular cayes are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. 
Television service in Panama is very inexpensive and it is usually bundled with Internet and a landline telephone. The basic US $50 monthly plan has 150-200 channels for the TV service and this includes American channels like HBO, E Entertainment, Discovery, and also shows for the kids. The Internet speed for this plan is around 5 Mbps to 10 Mbps. .png){kind=logo}
It is very difficult to get a job in Portugal. The unemployment rate in must be hovering at 15% at the moment. 
at Panama is a backward place with grinding poverty, poor infrastructure, political instability and lots of risk for investors. In fact, while there is poverty there in relative terms, the people are happy, relaxed, friendly and open. 