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Deanna Thomas's avatar

So many things to think about and consider, right, Marlo?! Especially for people with assets and buying a business...sounds very complex! I didn't consider any of these things when I moved to Jamaica lol 🀣 I also didn't own a home when I left the US (I've never owned one in my life) and the "only" asset I had was the retirement that I had cashed out at 43 that within one year I had to give 50% of that to the IRS 🀦🏽What was left of that was spent to go to massage school and have my likkle wedding in 2020 and then I was married to a Jamaican and financially destitute 🀣 so no taxes to worry about 🀣 I'm grateful to have no known health issues at this time as I haven't even seen a doctor since 2018 when I left the states. There are many ways to move to a new country, aren't there? Some people plan everything and think of all the possibilities both positive and negative and then some just pack up and leave and hope for the best. What an adventure this life is for sure! I hope your article spreads far and wide to help those who are thinking about leaving. One love and pura vida πŸ«‚βœŒπŸ½

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

Yes, there are so many ways to move to a new country Deanna! There was more I could've included especially running the business and the challenges of foreign country rules about that. People might think leaving the US is a 'cut-the-cord' kind of departure, but we found that it wasn't-especially financially with taxes and moving money. We kept feet in both countries. We all do it differently! Thanks for your comment, one love!

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Kristi Keller πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Deanna, you're fortunate with your health. Back when I fled Canada, I didn't think about much either but now, I'd really have to plan and investigate because I have borderline chronic migraines. I would NEED to know my new country had the migraine meds because it's debilitating.

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Deanna Thomas's avatar

So true, Kristi! I’m so sorry to hear about your migraines…I used to get those when I was in education in the states and they are absolutely awful on every level. Sometimes I’d be out of commission for days, eyes closed in the dark, sobbing for relief. I innerstand that pain my friend. Wishing you lasting relief and sending hugs and love πŸ©΅πŸ«‚πŸ™βœ¨πŸŒˆ

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Kristi Keller πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Oh man, I could write an essay on this about being in Jamaica, too. I also had to leave every 3 months rather than apply for any type of residency. And applying for my TRN number to do business was a mega runaround. Pro tip: If the name on your birth certificate is your father's surname and you’ve lived your whole life using your mother's maiden name, and now your father is dead and you can verify these things....let's just say it was tons of fun 🀣

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks Kristi! Agree-those of us that have moved to any country do have stories, and we all might do things a little differently. It's interesting to hear about other countries rules so I thought I'd chime in on Costa Rica. Can't wait to hear your full birth certificate story!!

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Tim Ebl πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

A lot of obstacles.

For a Canadian the exchange rate on our money is the real killer. Right now, $0.69 US for one Canadian dollar. That makes moving to Costa Rica 30% more expensive than for an American.

This is why I laugh every time I hear someone south of the border complaining about the price of eggs! Come buy them up here for a while with Canadian money and see what you think lol

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

😳

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Good one, Marlo, and very apropos as so many people, seems everywhere, are yearning for that greener pasture. Solid advice from someone who has gone through it is worth so very much.

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks Jeanine! I’m sure you have similar experiences about your relocation also! Thanks for reading!

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Sharon's avatar

What good advice and tips for anyone interested in moving abroad. Things most of us would never have thought of. You are so smart and through. Thanks for sharing

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Super interesting, Marlo. Red tape everywhere and you guys sound like you did a lot of preparation for your move to CR. Smart!

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Marlo Leaman's avatar

Thanks Ilona. I'd actually say we didn't do enough prep for certain things, but the legal-we nailed that one!

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