Looking for Expat Friends

[Kent-ArubaBob]

I am a Resident of Aruba and spend 6 months a year there. You need to realize that in Aruba, you only have 1 season. Its 80 to 90 everyday. Usually a 20 mph wind. The low is 80. So its just like a repeat record everyday. To me, that would get very old to live full time there. I come back to Indiana and get the Spring flowers and trees and bushes shooting new leaves. And in the Fall time, I get the Fall colors and the cooler weather. 6 Months a year is great but I could not do all year there. Just my 2 cents.

[annf]

Hi! We bought 14 years ago...have residency....my husband stays most of the year...back to USA for routine medical appointments, weddings, family gatherings etc. I go back to USA about every other month for a couple of weeks. We are US citizens and do file US taxes each year. In addition we maintain a small condo in USA. We love it here ...the lifestyle, the weather the ease to get around. We live in a nice neighborhood and until 5 years ago we were the new comers on our small street. My advice to you is to rent for 6 months or so and see if you like living here full time. And while many think they want to live in the northern part of the island I know two who did not like it. Lots of airbnb people...owners are not here full time. I like that I know who is sleeping next door each night and there are not non stop parties. Please send a pm...happy to meet up with you and answer any questions when you are here. Oh to get residency it is a process but very doable. I can recommend a reputable service....best not to go it alone.

[Aruba4ever]

Great advice here! I too would recommend renting prior to buying. Maybe even a rental with the option to buy if you loved a spot....

Hi! We bought 14 years ago...have residency....my husband stays most of the year...back to USA for routine medical appointments, weddings, family gatherings etc. I go back to USA about every other month for a couple of weeks. We are US citizens and do file US taxes each year. In addition we maintain a small condo in USA. We love it here ...the lifestyle, the weather the ease to get around. We live in a nice neighborhood and until 5 years ago we were the new comers on our small street. My advice to you is to rent for 6 months or so and see if you like living here full time. And while many think they want to live in the northern part of the island I know two who did not like it. Lots of airbnb people...owners are not here full time. I like that I know who is sleeping next door each night and there are not non stop parties. Please send a pm...happy to meet up with you and answer any questions when you are here. Oh to get residency it is a process but very doable. I can recommend a reputable service....best not to go it alone.

[Streamwader]

Hi Sue, and thank you for the helpful response.

Yes, the medical care is one of my main concerns.

Fortunately, I do not currently have any significant medical conditions other than some low back issues. However, at age 73 something may develop in the future and I was hoping to converse with expats there to ask how they feel about health care.

Would anyone who is an expat and a permanent resident be willing to join me for a coffee, lunch, or dinner (on me) to tell me their story and help me make some decisions?

Don't want to inconvenience anyone but I would really like a more detailed "briefing" than would be possible on this forum.

Arriving Saturday the 3rd! :-)

[Streamwader]

Thanks for taking the time to respond, Kent-ArubaBob.

I get your point. Although I am somewhat used to a monotonous climate here in southern California (we have parties when it rains!), I can see how it would get a bit old after awhile. In addition, I tend to get bored easily. Was thinking of exploring other destinations in the Caribbean if I did relocate permanently, just to break up the monotony. Because I own my condo here in Thousand Oaks I could do something similar to you - 6 mos. there and 6 mos. somewhere else.

Much appreciated.



I get y

I am a Resident of Aruba and spend 6 months a year there. You need to realize that in Aruba, you only have 1 season. Its 80 to 90 everyday. Usually a 20 mph wind. The low is 80. So its just like a repeat record everyday. To me, that would get very old to live full time there. I come back to Indiana and get the Spring flowers and trees and bushes shooting new leaves. And in the Fall time, I get the Fall colors and the cooler weather. 6 Months a year is great but I could not do all year there. Just my 2 cents.

[Streamwader]

Thank you, Annf! Very good advice. A long rental will answer most of my questions.

Yes, I would very much like to connect with you. Not sure how to send a "pm". Is that a function on this forum?

Patrick

[Andrea J.]

click on the person's name and then click send message

Thank you, Annf! Very good advice. A long rental will answer most of my questions.

Yes, I would very much like to connect with you. Not sure how to send a "pm". Is that a function on this forum?

Patrick