Comments on: Which of the Caribbean Islands are the friendliest towards Americans and are fairly safe?

By: britannica

britannica — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:03:59 +0000

aruba, we are working up to that ourselves, have gone there just about our whole life, they are very americanized down there, most speak english, dutch, and spanish, 90 day visit rights, 180 day if you are a land owner, at least a great get away, write me and i can tell you how to do it on a budget if need be
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By: amphitryon

amphitryon — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:42:59 +0000

not being American, I cannot really answer this part, but I will comment on the Caribbean - Central America and Islands.

First, pick one or more places and take several long vacations - four weeks or more. And this a few times in a row, or half a year at a go - if their laws allow it.
Islands are, by nature, more expensive to live, since it all comes in by boat. The really nice ones are over 50% "owned" by US citizens - which makes for expensive living (high real estate, etc.) - sad but true.

I’d look into Costa Rica - right now there are opportunities, since the real estate value has dropped significantly. If you plan to live simple and ‘like’ the locals, you would do well - lots of patience required though!! Nothing happens fast, on time or with any plan at all. lots of good info here: http://forums.arcr.net/

Another, real opportunity seems Nicaragua - only limited experience on our part, but a country I would consider.

As for true Islands, I’d consider Eleuthera and Nevis - we love both for their simplicity and for not being spoiled by large "all inclusive" places. But real estate is not cheap there. Both are English speaking and have very friendly inhabitants and are pretty ’safe’. No idea about their rule for living there.

For really economical living, look to Brazil ! There is the issue of language (Portuguese), but the country is, from what we saw so far, great, the people are friendly and depending where you go, prices are really very reasonable by our standards. A good friend of ours retired there a few years back, and this basically on what our Canada Pension programs pays him.
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By: EUGAIA

EUGAIA — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:57:59 +0000

Dear J,

I am from Curacao and I cannot write that people of Curacao are the friendliest. But we welcome Americans. I am not an expert on matters of establishing as a retiree from the USA over here. You could study this web page:

http://www.curacao-travelguide.com/

I would advice you to invest some of your money to come to Curacao and study the options during your stay over here.
Most of the daily products of the USA are sold over here and then there is a great offer of Dutch and European goods and foods.

Be welcome = Bon bini!
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http://www.curacao.com

By: Patriotgal

Patriotgal — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:23:59 +0000

There are no islands that have a low cost of living. Because they have to ship everything in. You also mention that it needs to be safe. There are many nations that have unstable governments, ie. Honduras. Friendly towards Americans, it depends. I spent a week in Grenada this winter, I thought they would be friendly towards Americans because Reagan saved their nation by sending in troops to drive the communists out (1983). But, they are not. They think America should do even more. Go figure. Have you done much traveling in the caribbean? You should travel around and find a place that appeals to you.
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By: The "L" Word

The "L" Word — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:58:59 +0000

Well if you’re American living in Cuba is not an option as there is presently a trade embargo against the island.

Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are very friendly towards American tourists. Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth and while it is expensive when compared to other islands, you’ll have access to goods, services and direct air links to most of the U.S. from here.

The Dominican Republic also has American friendly towns/cities such as Puerto Plata, Case del Campo, Punta Cana and Sosua. These area have good infrastructure.

English speaking islands that are good for Americans include the Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Barbados.

The Dutch and French West Indies are also great but are harder to migrate since they have to operate under control from Amsterdam and Paris. The French islands would also be very expensive since they only use the Euro.
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By: MomSezNo

MomSezNo — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:22:59 +0000

Of course, you would need to research which islands would allow you to retire there permanently. Or, you could look into the USVI [not necessarily cheap, of course, but then no Caribbean island will be cheap].

Maybe Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica…?
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By: Cathy

Cathy — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:03:59 +0000

It’s dead and not living
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By: middleschoolFAST

middleschoolFAST — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:18:59 +0000

Cuba! Especially since they are really allowed to talk to foreigners mubh. It can be cheap, except the cost of food is pretty expensive.

Nicaragua is quite cheap, but could be kind of hardcore if it’s your first experience.

Then there’s the old stanby, Costa Rica….but, so far, Cuba is the on Carribean Island. Are you wanting to go to Hispanola and call it a day? Seeing as though there really aren’t very many spanish-speaking Carribean islands to start with…

Too many americans in Costa Rica…
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