Expats in Thailand considering moving to Latin America prompted by Thai visa changes

[JaiLai]

4 hours ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

Gambia/Senegal/ Guinea Bissau.

 

Can you speak french / portuguese?

 

i've been to several west african countries, found ghana about the most civilised but would still never consider living there.

[Jingthing]

Colombia now joining the South American protest club. But so far mostly peaceful and joyous. Apparently it's happening in cities across the county. Of course tunnel vision me is hoping the government there will be too busy dealing with serious stuff to bother raising financial requirements for retired expats. 

 

https://colombiareports.com/colombias-anti-government-protests-overwhelming-peaceful-and-joyful/

 

Edited November 22, 2019 by Jingthing

[seasia]

Hi

 

Some thoughts and research.

 

After 10 years of living in Thailand ( and prior 10 years of holidays here), I am nearing the decision it cannot be my full time "home" Not set in stone and am taking an up to 3 year view.

A combination of both my perception of the country changing ( for the worse IMO ) and also I have changed.

 

Any potential future health care issues arising is one concern. Pollution another concern. Lower service standards.

Even the climate not as appealing as it first seemed to be, the summer months can be excessively hot and humid.

Although I do not drive I do have to cross the roads at times, seems to be getting more dangerous.

 

Positives, it is convenient here ( I live in naklua pattaya ) 24 hr convenience stores,the baht bus system etc.

Food choices, albeit some of the prices seem to be high.

 

So I am about 95 % decided in choosing elsewhere for say 6 months of the year.

Briefly mention that choice is Italy, various reasons.

 

That then leaves me with where to go in the winter months.

Thailand could be an option but so could various other countries including a handful in LATAM.

 

Personal choices currently range Columbia ( no 1 ) Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama.

No visa issues, if timing right. Prices relatively modest. Once again if choosing correctly perhaps a better climate than Thailand (borderline maybe on that ).

 

Flight prices from European capital hubs decent value.

I did actually find a Milan to Bogata flight for as little as 21 K baht return  with Air France.

Cheaper than flying to Bangkok.

 

I would not fancy flying BKK to Bogota, long travel time, would be wearing.

 

Anyway decisions for the future, in the meantime trying to do a reasonable amount of reading and learning.

[wpcoe]

Has anybody here had any experience with the Mexican Embassy in Bangkok?

 

In general, are they friendly and easy to work with, and in particular, did you apply for a visa with them and if so, how did the process go for you (was it smooth, were you able to get it in one visit/interview, etc)?

[Banana7]

I hear Queretaro mexico is a decent place to live according to expatistan.com cheaper cost of living than 50% of the cities in Mexico and cheaper than 59% of other latin american cities.

 

 

[Banana7]

1 hour ago, Banana7 said:

I hear Queretaro mexico is a decent place to live according to expatistan.com cheaper cost of living than 50% of the cities in Mexico and cheaper than 59% of other latin american cities.

 

 

Also I hear Akumal and Playa del Carmen are decent places for retirement. Akumal is about 25 miles from Carmen, much smaller, and fewer restaurants and bars. Carmen is a larger tourist destination so rents are much higher.

[Jingthing]

On 11/30/2019 at 1:50 PM, wpcoe said:

Has anybody here had any experience with the Mexican Embassy in Bangkok?

 

In general, are they friendly and easy to work with, and in particular, did you apply for a visa with them and if so, how did the process go for you (was it smooth, were you able to get it in one visit/interview, etc)?

That's an excellent question. What kind of visa are you seeking? I wonder these things --

Does the Thai staff handling visas speak English and/or Spanish?

Will they even process temporary or permanent residence applications for non-Thais or will they suggest go back to your home country to apply?

[Jingthing]

6 hours ago, Banana7 said:

Also I hear Akumal and Playa del Carmen are decent places for retirement. Akumal is about 25 miles from Carmen, much smaller, and fewer restaurants and bars. Carmen is a larger tourist destination so rents are much higher.

Yes Playa del Carmen is considered a more pricey destination in Mexico. But Queretaro and Puebla aren't the cheapest places either.

[Jingthing]

Nomad Capitalist guy comments on how people tend to overreact to protests in different countries. He's focused on great cities in the various countries and isn't big on provincial places as he's focused and business on investments. There is an interesting anecdotal story of how an expat benefited from people panicking over the previous big problems in Bangkok (for those that were here then or remember). 

 

 

Edited December 1, 2019 by Jingthing

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

On 11/20/2019 at 8:13 AM, seasia said:

Hi

 

Costa Rica.

 

I have never been, it cropped up in conversation with a friend who has been a few times.

 

It got my interest, so started looking on line.

 

Came across this blog post which gives thoughts on cost of living.

Not all that keen on the blogger but some interesting info.

 

https://www.costaricatravel.tips/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-costa-rica/

 

Then came across this video on Jaco Costa Rica.

 

Very well made.

 

I was almost drooling at the sight of the pizzas ( just over 1 minute in )

 

Jaco looks lovely.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X5H1YG5exw

 

 

Been to and through Jaco 5 or 6 times.  My take is it is a party/monger destination.  But its been 4 or 5 years since I was last there maybe things have changed.

[wpcoe]

6 hours ago, Jingthing said:

That's an excellent question. What kind of visa are you seeking? I wonder these things --

Does the Thai staff handling visas speak English and/or Spanish?

Will they even process temporary or permanent residence applications for non-Thais or will they suggest go back to your home country to apply?

I want to apply for Residente Permanente.  Even if I don't exit Thailand permanently, I've been spending enough time there to justify a Residente visa, and can then open a bank account there.  (They pay 7% interest.)

 

I sent an e-mail to the Mexico Embassy in Bangkok, since their web pages don't list the Residente Permanente or Temporal visas.

 

If they don't, I'll just apply in Las Vegas next time I'm there visiting family.

[wpcoe]

The e-mails I've received from the Mexican Embassy in Bangkok are in perfect English, but I'm not optimistic about getting a visa there since the process seems adapted to Thailand and local procedures.  I made an appointment for mid-December to see if maybe a visa application can be approved. 

 

Part of the instructions for documents to prove eligibility:
 

Quote

 

○ Bank statement with the account balances and movements for the past twelve months. 

• Must be original document
• Must be issued from the bank with signature and seal (E-signature is not acceptable)
• Must specify currency
• Please make sure that your name on the bank statement matches that on your passport

○ Original Income Affidavit from your Embassy.

 

 

My U.S. bank doesn't issue paper statements; they are only available as .PDF downloads.  Is that considered an "original document"?  (My guess is no.)

 

There would be no signature nor seal on the printout.  (Do Western banks even have official seals?)

 

Must specify currency?  A US bank assumes everyone knows it's USD. 

 

My passport has my middle name, whereas my bank accounts only use an initial. 

 

"Original income Affidavit" from the US Embassy?  Dream on.

 

I pointed out to them that the US Embassy no longer issues affidavit letters:

"We are aware that the US Embassy no longer provides income affidavits. However, until you submit your application with the supporting documents, will we be able to tell if you’re eligible to apply here in Bangkok considering the fact that your income evidence was not issued within our diplomatic jurisdiction."

 

That part in red is my concern.  My income evidence not being issued within their diplomatic jurisdiction (i.e. Thailand) may be an issue.

 

No mention was made in e-mail or on the web site about the alternative qualification by using investments.  However, since my Fidelity statements also are all downloaded .PDF files, I'm not sure they'd work either.  I am taking printouts of both my bank's .PDF statements and Fidelity's .PDF statements.

[uhuh]

On 12/1/2019 at 10:36 PM, Jingthing said:

Yes Playa del Carmen is considered a more pricey destination in Mexico. But Queretaro and Puebla aren't the cheapest places either.

If you wanna stay in Querétaro you can just stay in the US

[Jingthing]

30 minutes ago, uhuh said:

If you wanna stay in Querétaro you can just stay in the US

Well I hear what you're saying. You could live in a rich suburb and have similar costs to many places in the U.S. But my interest would be more in town in a location not needing a car with good access to the large colonial center. That wouldn't be like living in the U.S. and as posted before there is evidence an apartment like that could be had in 300 to 400 USD per month range. That's homeless money in the U.S. 

Edited December 3, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

5 hours ago, wpcoe said:

The e-mails I've received from the Mexican Embassy in Bangkok are in perfect English, but I'm not optimistic about getting a visa there since the process seems adapted to Thailand and local procedures.  I made an appointment for mid-December to see if maybe a visa application can be approved. 

 

Part of the instructions for documents to prove eligibility:
 

 

My U.S. bank doesn't issue paper statements; they are only available as .PDF downloads.  Is that considered an "original document"?  (My guess is no.)

 

There would be no signature nor seal on the printout.  (Do Western banks even have official seals?)

 

Must specify currency?  A US bank assumes everyone knows it's USD. 

 

My passport has my middle name, whereas my bank accounts only use an initial. 

 

"Original income Affidavit" from the US Embassy?  Dream on.

 

I pointed out to them that the US Embassy no longer issues affidavit letters:

"We are aware that the US Embassy no longer provides income affidavits. However, until you submit your application with the supporting documents, will we be able to tell if you’re eligible to apply here in Bangkok considering the fact that your income evidence was not issued within our diplomatic jurisdiction."

 

That part in red is my concern.  My income evidence not being issued within their diplomatic jurisdiction (i.e. Thailand) may be an issue.

 

No mention was made in e-mail or on the web site about the alternative qualification by using investments.  However, since my Fidelity statements also are all downloaded .PDF files, I'm not sure they'd work either.  I am taking printouts of both my bank's .PDF statements and Fidelity's .PDF statements.

Thanks. That's kind of what I expected. In fact I'm surprised there even entertaining an application from a U.S. national at all. Maybe this doesn't apply to you but I wonder if a person could get temporary residence based on a Thai bank account. The typical 800K would be similar to the requirement and Thai banks can probably print out monthly statements going back a year and have an officer fancy stamp it. I assume most people don't have enough in their Thai bank account to qualify for the permanent level though. I think once you get the visa you need to enter Mexico within 6 months.

 

So they didn't ask for any police record documents (Thai and/or U.S.) or health forms?

[Jingthing]

On 12/1/2019 at 11:35 PM, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

Been to and through Jaco 5 or 6 times.  My take is it is a party/monger destination.  But its been 4 or 5 years since I was last there maybe things have changed.

It probably still is. 

[Jingthing]

On 12/2/2019 at 5:17 AM, wpcoe said:

I want to apply for Residente Permanente.  Even if I don't exit Thailand permanently, I've been spending enough time there to justify a Residente visa, and can then open a bank account there.  (They pay 7% interest.)

 

I sent an e-mail to the Mexico Embassy in Bangkok, since their web pages don't list the Residente Permanente or Temporal visas.

 

If they don't, I'll just apply in Las Vegas next time I'm there visiting family.

I've mentioned this before but it's a long thread. There are Mexican consulates all over the U.S. and they notoriously (or fortunately) have a reputation of having wildly different requirements. Apparently the one in Laredo Texas is the one with the most liberal reputation. Like not really caring to look at anywhere near 12 months of back records. Like accepting 1000 USD per month income as adequate when that is actually well under the official requirement. So shopping around for a consulate that works for people is definitely a thing in the case of Mexico residency visas.

[wpcoe]

33 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I've mentioned this before but it's a long thread. There are Mexican consulates all over the U.S. and they notoriously (or fortunately) have a reputation of having wildly different requirements. Apparently the one in Laredo Texas is the one with the most liberal reputation. Like not really caring to look at anywhere near 12 months of back records. Like accepting 1000 USD per month income as adequate when that is actually well under the official requirement. So shopping around for a consulate that works for people is definitely a thing in the case of Mexico residency visas.

Yes, there are consulates in the USA that are más acomodadizo than others.  I'm in a Facebook group that's been helpful in sorting things out.  I just thought I'd try it here before I left since I have buckets of time to spare.

  

40 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

So they didn't ask for any police record documents (Thai and/or U.S.) or health forms?

No.

Edited December 3, 2019 by wpcoe
add second reply

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, wpcoe said:

Yes, there are consulates in the USA that are más acomodadizo than others.  I'm in a Facebook group that's been helpful in sorting things out.  I just thought I'd try it here before I left since I have buckets of time to spare.

Did you mention before where in Mexico you've been hanging out and will move to? Perhaps you don't want to say which is obviously cool. God forbid a Mexican place get flooded with ex-Thailand expats!

[Destiny1990]

If me and some of the regular guys here give you a one way ticket Bangkok-Mexico would you accept this gift and go?

[grifbel]

On 11/20/2019 at 2:13 PM, seasia said:

Jaco looks lovely.

LOL.  Fake news. Jaco is not that nice.  Dirty, black sand, covered in stones, and terrible undertow with beach break for swimmers.  Guanacaste is where the nice beaches are.  Jaco also attracts a lower end local demographic due to its proximity to the capital city. 

Edited December 3, 2019 by grifbel

[grifbel]

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/mexico-invasion-trump-comments-191129163017229.html

[grifbel]

52 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

If me and some of the regular guys here give you a one way ticket Bangkok-Mexico would you accept this gift and go?

LOL.  Brilliant.  Post of thread!  Am guessing you would have to throw in a financial stipend spread out over a number of years as well!

[Jingthing]

3 hours ago, grifbel said:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/mexico-invasion-trump-comments-191129163017229.htm

This really isn't a political thread per se but surely it's a good thing that Mexico is properly asserting its sovereignty in response to bullying from a stronger neighbor. 

[Jingthing]

3 hours ago, grifbel said:

LOL.  Brilliant.  Post of thread!  Am guessing you would have to throw in a financial stipend spread out over a number of years as well!

Perhaps regretfully this is not an appropriate platform for people to offer personal donations and such like. For generous people with money burning a hole in  their pockets may  I suggest sites like gofundme? 

Edited December 4, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

4 hours ago, grifbel said:

LOL.  Fake news. Jaco is not that nice.  Dirty, black sand, covered in stones, and terrible undertow with beach break for swimmers.  Guanacaste is where the nice beaches are.  Jaco also attracts a lower end local demographic due to its proximity to the capital city. 

I'm not surprised by that. But to sample a bit of the Caribbean culture on the mainland has an appeal to tourists. 

[Mike Teavee]

On 12/2/2019 at 12:35 AM, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

Been to and through Jaco 5 or 6 times.  My take is it is a party/monger destination.  But its been 4 or 5 years since I was last there maybe things have changed.

Pizza place reminds me of one in Cebu (Near IT Park) which is basically like a Subway where you go along picking your base, sauce, meat, veggies etc... to make it exactly how you want it.

 

Far too dangerous (for the waistline) to live anywhere near a place like that!

 

 

[Jingthing]

We've had a lot of intentionally scaremongering posts over the course of this thread about crime and violence in specific countries in Latin America. I've been careful to point out that people should calm down and DIFFERENTIATE between the crime problems that are likely to impact expats in the specific places that they may be living VS. other places where expats generally and correctly fear to tread. For example the Pacific coast of Colombia has extremely high crime and I've never even heard of a typical expat moving there.

 

HOWEVER, I have come across a news story that I am taking a lot more seriously. About cartel control in San Miguel de Allende of all places!

 

I've had the feeling there are some places in Mexico where it's not rational to be very afraid of cartels. I still think there are such places. But if San Miguel de Allende can be impacted this way, I now am wondering if anyplace in Mexico is really immune any more. 

 

Yes, even Queretaro City. 

 

https://cuencahighlife.com/drug-cartels-move-into-mexican-town-popular-with-u-s-and-canadian-expats/

 

Quote

Drug cartels move into Mexican town popular with U.S. and Canadian expats

 

 

[Jingthing]

Seems like a good, detailed, and importantly CURRENT guide to Mexican immigration. 

 

https://www.mexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/Mexico-Immigration-Guide-2019-Mexperience.pdf

 

Quote

 

Mexico Immigration Guide 2019

FREE

This guide is an exhaustive compilation of everything you need to know about immigration and visas in Mexico, fully updated for 2019.  Now a free eBook download…

 

 

[Jingthing]

Good old Jerry, vlogger expat in Mexico, shares the recent results of yet another best places to retire abroad findings. Some interesting details:

 

The TOP 5 are all in Latin America!

Mexico is number one!

Nicaragua is in the top ten! (Has it improved recently?)

Thailand has declined to be OFF the top ten. (No surprise.)

 

 

 

1 - Mexico

2 - Panama

3 - Ecuador

4 - Costa Rica

5 - Colombia

6 - Malaysia

7 - Spain

8 - Nicaragua

12 - Thailand

Edited December 9, 2019 by Jingthing