Latin America Collection

RETIREMENT TOURS have ample experience helping
newcomers find success and happiness in Central America for
over 15 years. They have an extensive network of contacts and
insider information for potential residents and investors. They
now offer one-of a- kind tours for people who want to move to
Nicaragua. All trips are organized and sponsered by renowned
tour operator Christopher Howard, the author of the first
edition of the first edition of this best-selling guidebook and
foremost expert on living and doing business in Central America.
Please see http://www.nicaraguaretirementtours.com or
http://www.liveinnicaragua.com contact them at: SJO 981, P.O.
Box 025216, Miami, FL 33102-5126, Toll Free Tel: 1-877-322-
4690 mailto:crbooks@racsa.co.cr
TICO TRAVEL offers one-of-a-kind tours to Nicaragua in
conjunction with Christopher Howard. These trips are designed
to introduce retirees, investors and entrepreneurs to the exciting
opportunities that await them in Nicaragua. They also offer
shorter tailor-made tours for individuals, couples and small
groups. Toll Free 800 493-8426 Fax (954) 493-8466
mailto:tico@gate.net, http://www.ticotravel.com.
THE NICA TIMES, Nicaragua's English-language weekly
newspaper, will help you stay plugged into what is going on
around the country. mailto:trogers@ticotimes.net
BETWEEN THE WAVES, is a magazine focusing on a variety
of interesting topics like tourism, business, sports, real estate,
retirement and more. mailto:waves@ibw.com.ni.


Internet Sources
http://www.liveinnicaragua.com
http://www.liveinnicargautours.com
http://www.primenicaraguaproperty.com
http://www.nicaraguabooks.com
http://www.nicaraguaretirementtours.com
http://www.intur.gob.ni - Official government tourismo
ofice
http://www.guideofnicaragua.com - Tourist guide
http://www.ticotimes.net - Nica Times English-language
news
http://www.nicanet.org - English-language news
http://www.laprensa.com.ni -Spanish language newspaper
http://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni - Spanish language
newspaper
http://www.nicaragua.com -
http://www.nicaweb.com -
http://www.finditgranada.com
http://www.pronicaragua.org -Investment promotion office
http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/consular/visas - Visa H2W
2M5, Canada.


M.R.T.A. Overseas Living Adaptability Test
Using the figures 1 (below average), 2 (average) or 3 (above average), ask yourself the
following questions and rate your answer accordingly. Couples should take the test
separetly. As you take the test, write your selected numbers down, then add them
together. When completed, refer to the Score Comments Box at the bottom of this
page.
1) Open to new adventures
select one: 1 2 3
2) Flexible in your lifestyle
select one: 1 2 3
3) Enthusiastic to new things in a new and different culture
select one: 1 2 3
4) Able to make and enjoy new friends:
select one: 1 2 3
5) Willing to learn at least basic phrases in a new language
select one: 1 2 3
6) Healthy enough mentally and physically not to see family, friends and favorite
doctor for occasional visits
select one: 1 2 3
7) Confident enough to be in a "minority" position as a foreigner in a different culture
select one: 1 2 3
8) Independent and self-confident enough not to be influenced by negative and often
ignorant comments against a possible move to a foreign country
select one: 1 2 3
9) Patient with a slower pace of life
select one: 1 2 3
10) Usually optimistic
select one: 1 2 3
11) Eager to travel to a new country
select one: 1 2 3
12) Open mind to dealing with a different type of bureaucracy
select one: 1 2 3
13) Understand enought to look at things in a different light without being critical and
accepting the differences
select one: 1 2 3
14) Financially stable without needing to work
select one: 1 2 3
Score Comments:
Your Score
Evaluation
37-45
Great move abroad
30--36
Will have a few problems
22-32
Some problems but possible
Less than 22
Forget it, stay home!
Courtesy of Opportunities Abroad. This test taken from the book "Mexico Retirement Travel
Assistance." To order wrtie M.R.T.A., 6301 S. Squaw Valley Rd., Suite 23, Pahrump, NV 89648-
7949


22 Things Every Prospective Expatriate
Should Know
by Shannon Roxborough

When moving to a foreign country, making adequate pre-departure
preparations is essential. Here are some tips to make your international move
easier.
1) Be sure to undergo a complete medical check-up before leaving to avoid
dealing with a major health issue overseas.
2) Take one or more advance trips to your destination to familiarize yourself.
It's worth the investment.
3) Take the appropriate documents on the advance trip to start the
immigration paperwork. Consulate personnel in the country can secure the
visa and residency permit more efficiently that those working thousands of
miles away.
4) If you have dependent children, in your pre-departure research be
thorough in seeking the availibility of education in your host country.
5) Make sure you and your family understand the country's culture so that
they know what will be accepted in terms of volunteer and leisure activities at
your new home.
6) In case of emergencies, make sure you know good health-care providers
and how to contact them.
7) Use a travel agency for booking en-route travel so you may search for low-
cost fares.
8) Check into purchasing round-trip tickets for en-route travel. They may be
less expensive that one-way. And the return may be used for other travel.
9) Remember the sale of your Stateside home increases tax cost due to lost
interest deduction.
10) Cancel regular services and utilities. Pay the closing bill for garbage
collecting, telephone, electricity, water, gas, cable TV, newspapers, magazines
(or send them a change of address), memberships such as library and clubs,
store accounts (or notify them that your account is inactive), and credit or
check - cashing cards that will not be used.
11) Leave forwarding address with the Post Office or arrange for a mail
forwarding service to handle all your U.S. mail.
12) Give notice to your landloard or make applicable arrangements for the
sale of your home.



13) Have jewelry, art, or valuables properly appraised, especially if they will
be taken abroad. Register cameras, jewelery and other similar items with
customs so that there will be no problem when reentering the U.S.
14) Make sure a detailed shipping inventory of household and personal
effects is in the carry-on luggage and a copy is at home with a designated
representative.
15) Obtain extra prescriptions in generic terms and include a sufficient supply
of essential medicine with the luggage.
16) Obtain an international driver's license for all family members who drive.
Some countries do not recognize an international driver's license
but they issue one of their own, provided you have a valid home country
license. Bring a supply of photographs as they may be required in the overseas
location for driver's licenses and other identification cards.
16) Bring a notarized copy of your marriage certificate.
17) Arrange for someone to have power of attorney in case of an emergency.
18) Close your safety deposit box or leave your key with someone authorized
to open it if necessary.
19) Notify Social Security Administration or corporate accounting
department (for pensions) where to deposit any U.S. income. Make sure the
bank account number is correct.
20) Bring copies of the children's school transcripts. If they are to take
correspondence courses, make arrangements prior to departure and hand-
carry the course material.
21) At least learn the Language basics prior to going to a foreign country.
Trying to integrate with the new culture without the ability to communicate
can be frustrating if not impossible.
22) Learn about the country's people and way of life before moving there. Go
to your library, call your intended destination's tourism board and read all of
the travel publications (magazines and travel guidebooks) you can to educate
yourself.
Though this short article only provides a brief overview of the essentials, use
it as a guide to prepare yourself for a smooth transition abroad.
Useful Resources:
Transitions Abroad Magazine 800 293-9373
A Guide to Living Abroad 609-924-9302