what are the average monthly expenses for retirees

[Annjell]

Wow! Now that's scary! I looked up the boas, they are native to South & Central America. I also read that most deliver live snakes 20-60 at a time,yet, there is one that deliver eggs. www.floridawildlifetrapper.com/flnwr_wp/ this is at Nuisance Wildlife Removal.

Apparently, they (Boas) are hunted for the leather industry. Hmmm!

[Andrea J.]

let's get this more focused on the thread's name...
i am one that brought it off topic...........shame on me.

[Annjell]

Okay, this one I was confused on, taxes. How does this work if I have no real estate? I have tax-free income from the states, does that mean I will get a tax bill from the government, or do I pay a bill upon leaving at the airport? Or will it be that since my income is tax-free I will owe no taxes to the Aruba government? When shopping are there sales tax-or will I pay VAT (value added tax)? If I rent an apartment, will I have to pay a tax such as those paid for hotel stay - I think it's like an accommodation fee.

[Andrea J.]

annjell
maybe some of these questions about the taxes etc, could be answered by the person that you are renting from, or the management company or the rental realtor??

[lizzardo]

Taxes (sale tax) are called BBO and Andrea posted an article in general that BBO is getting decreased.

I think the accommodation tax (or hotel tax) would depend where you are staying/renting but agree that would be an issue for the place you are staying.

Are you planning on living here full time?

[Andrea J.]

lisa is the person that found and posted the BBO news release.

[Arubalisa]

http://www.aruba.com/forum/f34/us-citizens-aruba-residents-taxation-37310/
http://www.aruba.com/forum/f34/azv-taxation-37289/

Maybe Liz can comment as to her resolution regarding the AZV tax and rate.

[Annjell]

Hello Lizzardo, Yes. I was considering coming for at least 90 days. This would give me a chance to explore the islands and my options.

Arubalisa and Andrea, thanks for your help. I did see this post a while back, however, I was confused on what is happening. Again, my income is tax-free, I don't pay taxes here in the states, and wanted to be sure if I'd have to pay taxes on my tax-free income there.
Thanks.

[mmattalo]

Originally Posted by lizzardo

WOW! You are lucky! We have a big lot and house and 7 aircos.

We have some of our aircos on all day, an irrigation system, pool, satelite TV, maid, gardener!

Lizzardo - we live in TDS (Las Palmas) - I have been tracking our expenses and for water (WEB), electric (Elmar), Setar (Cable and Phone), gas (Arugas) and taxes . . . we are tracking at AWG1,500 per month before food . . . or about $1,000 USD per month before food . . . food is the wild card.

[Annjell]

Hello MMattalo,

Are these the amounts for a 1 or 2-bdrm apartment? Is there any way, if you don't mind breakdown the cost. For instance, cable and telephone - does this include premium channels for cable, and long distance for telephone. Any information you are willing to give will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.