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What are the best and worst things about living and retiring in El Valle de Anton?
El Valle de Anton is a valley surrounded by mountains. It was actually the crater of a volcano in the past. The volcano is now extinct and since it died, people live in it now. El Valle is a small town and it is very rural. You will not see huge buildings there. What you will see are small houses such as bungalows or cabins. There are about two or three good restaurants and hotels there.
Just like any other small town, El Valle does not have a hospital. They have clinic where...
El Valle de Anton is a valley surrounded by mountains. It was actually the crater of a volcano in the past. The volcano is now extinct and since it died, people live in it now. El Valle is a small town and it is very rural. You will not see huge buildings there. What you will see are small houses such as bungalows or cabins. There are about two or three good restaurants and hotels there.
Just like any other small town, El Valle does not have a hospital. They have clinic where you can go to see a doctor but if you really need to go to a hospital, the closest you can go to is Coronado (1 hour away from El Valle by car). If you want a relaxed place to live in, El Valle is the place to go but if you want some nightlife and to go partying, then you will find El Valle to be a little bit boring because there are no clubs or bars there.
A lot of different activities are available in El Valle. Many people are involved in ecotourism there. You can also go hiking, horseback riding, or you can go to the river. The environment in El Valle is very tranquil because you are close to nature everywhere you go there. Many expats live in El Valle because of the weather. Expats like it because the climate is cool; it is not hot at all.
I cannot think of worst things about living in El Valle because every time I went there, it was always a nice experience. The only negative thing I can remember is that you have to be very careful when you buy at the open-air market because some of the vendors are very honest but some can scam you big time. For example, a watermelon would normally cost you about US $1.50 and no more than that but some of them will sell it for $3 to $4. Therefore, you have to know at least the price range of what you are buying to be able to tell if you are being overcharged. Again, this is the only thing that I can think of that may be a bit negative about El Valle. For the most part, I really love El Valle. It is a very nice place. If you like living in the country, you will love El Valle because it is very relaxed and there is no traffic or pollution.
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How safe and protected are my assets in Belize?

Belize has such a strong banking system that I would recommend opening up a bank account in Belize, especially if you are living here on a full time or even on a part time basis. The banking system of Belize is very strong, very safe, and very...

Belize has such a strong banking system that I would recommend opening up a bank account in Belize, especially if you are living here on a full time or even on a part time basis. The banking system of Belize is very strong, very safe, and very stable. Nothing is guaranteed in life but most of the major banks are opening up or have already opened in Belize.
The biggest bank in Belize is Belize Bank, which is where many of my friends bank. Belize also have Scotia Bank and TD Bank and all the major banks, whether they are acting as a correspondent or not. No one in the 12 years that I have been down in Belize has ever complained tome or communicated any fear of the banking system in Belize.
With regard to other assets in Belize such as real estate, the government just doesn’t decide that one day they want to take your property, which happens a lot in many other Caribbean countries. The good news about Belize is that it used to be British Honduras and it is still part of the British Commonwealth so the laws of Belize as far as real estate is concerned shadows those of the US and Canada. When you buy a home, you will get a deed and physical ownership. In the 12 years that I have been in Belize, I have never seen anyone lose his or her home or condo to the government, because you get a deed.
Buying a home or condo in Belize or in Placencia, especially in our project, is like buying a home in New York, Florida, or Detroit. Contracts are written in English so you can understand them. They are very similar to American contracts.
When you buy a home, I recommend that you have a lawyer look at the transaction. They are going to charge you but then you make sure you are “crossing your t’s and dotting your I’s” when you consult with a lawyer. If you were buying a home in New York or Florida, you would have an attorney look at it, too.
You can do your own homework, but getting a deed and title ownership is very important and that is why in the Caribbean, I put Belize as one of the top three places to buy a home because of the safety, security, the fact that everyone speaks English, and being part of the British Commonwealth, their real estate laws shadow ours in the US and/or Canada.
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Do I need to own a car in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua?
San Juan del Sur is a safe place where you walk everywhere. If you want to leave, you can get a taxi. A taxi to Rivas, which is the closest big city, is about US $15.
San Juan del Sur is a safe place where you walk everywhere. If you want to leave, you can get a taxi. A taxi to Rivas, which is the closest big city, is about US $15.
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