laura marina ruiz
Venezuelan citizen
Forum posts
74
About me
Venezuelan
Lives in caracas
Registration: 13 August 2015
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Yes, Pistachio, thanks a lot. Yeah, the last resort thing does not sound very promising. These last past weeks I have done that, taken a step back. Thanks! Read More
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Pistachio, sorry, just a question about this " crossing the border". Let's say that my 3 months are about to expire. I cross the border ( I do not have to go all the way to my country of origin, right? Any country will work), and ... Read More
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Thank you Pistachio, also very helpful. It seems to me that, as in all our LA countries, things are not that standardized. Your experience is different from Russpeters´. I may have an advantage, since I have been born and raised in Venezuela ... Read More
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Thank you for help. I am taking note of all this. Yes, it is complex. I guess when one is under pressure, one takes on the challenge and complete the steps. This is last resort for me. Thanks a lot. Read More
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Thank you. However, as far as I understood, documents need to be notarized before the apostille. Could it be that your SS statement, since it was issued by the US, had enough legal validity and you did not need to notarize it? Do you remember any ... Read More
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Now my question for russpeters: I will not be possible to do the apostillado thing with the statements, they need to be notarized first. And since they have no signature, the cannot be notarized. That is the first problem when trying to use the ... Read More
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Thanks you all! First my question for Pistachio, when you say Stateside lawyer I guess you mean a lawyer in the United States_ Thank you so much for your help Read More
Carnet de Extranjeria (Foreigner ID Card) by russpeters
I know all about the process based on being married to a Peruvian which is a real pain to get all the documents together, but what about becoming a resident based on making an investment? I was told that the process involves setting up a legal ...
Dear friends, S.O.S. HELP!!!! I have been reading your posts. My story: I wanted to use our US brokerage accounts to show that we (my mother and I) have the necessary monthly income to request the rentista visa. The US bank told me that they could ... Read More
cost of living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
I would like some estimates about the cost of living in Santa Cruz. The area is sold to Italian senior citizens as very affordable. Some articles even say that 1000 US $ are enough to live well, but I do not think so. Could you help me? How much for ... Read More
housing in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
I would like to get some information about nice neighborhoods in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Middle class, for professional families, nothing fancy but safe and clean. With supermarkets and drugstores nearby. Read More
Gran Canaria
Could somebody please give me some idea about the cost of living in Tenerife? Middle class style, nothing fancy. Basically, I would like to know how much for food, for 2 people, and services (water, power, phone). I am also trying to get information ... Read More
neighborhoods in Lima to rent an apartment by laura marina ruiz
Could you please give me the name of some neighborhoods in Lima to rent an apartment? Professional, middle class, safe areas, but not as expensive as Miraflores, for example. Supermarkets and basic services within walking distance, also health ...
Thank you. I think San Borja sounds fine. I appreciate your help. I am going through a very difficult time, this decision is not easy for me. Thanks a lot Read More
cost of living- need updated 2015 infos in USD of costs in Lima
Thank you. Well, I am not thinking about restaurants, just going to the supermarket, looking for discounts, etc, nothing fancy, for two people. Maybe around 350 dollars per month? Living in Lima not in a small town Read More
New member looking for some information by gwirfs
hi, I am gary, live now in cathedral city, CA. I am professional addiction counselor, also recovering alcoholic myself, retired from working for now, and I am planning to move to costa rica in next year-looking at heredia now-to live at that ...
Could you please recommend a couple of neighborhoods in San Jose? Middle class, for professionals, SAFE, close to supermarkets, drugstores? Even better if no car is necesssary. Is Escazu one of them? Maybe Belen? I would appreciate any suggestion. ... Read More
cost of living- need updated 2015 infos in USD of costs in Lima
I know this has been asked in other threads, but sometimes the information is outdated or not given in US dollars, so I do not understand it. Could you please help me with some info about estimate cost of living (in $ please) in Lima? I know it ... Read More
neighborhoods in Lima to rent an apartment by laura marina ruiz
Could you please give me the name of some neighborhoods in Lima to rent an apartment? Professional, middle class, safe areas, but not as expensive as Miraflores, for example. Supermarkets and basic services within walking distance, also health ...
Well, I am looking for advice from people who already live in those areas, before checking the adds Read More
Thinking of Moving to Lima by rob timmothy
I have been there twice.Lima was okay.I live in Vancouver and have a nice job and comfy life here.If I move to LIma I would need a job.I work for City of Vancouver,union wages etc.I bring little skill to LIma,except maybe English. I hope people can ...
Could somebody please recommend some neighbourhoods in Lima, letçs say, middle class, for professionals, safe, close to supermarkets, drugstores, but not as expensive as Miraflores? Also some info about doctors and clinics. My mother is a ... Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
Thank you. In my mind, I thought that one has to wait till the visa is approved and then you move. But if the visa is not approved and you have already left your country? Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
So, does this mean that you first go to CR and then you request your residency? I thought that you could do that from your home country, and once everything is ready, then you make the move to CR. Could you help me clarify this doubt? Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
Interesting what you are saying about difficult to sell. Well, I do not know my real situation when and if I decide to move. I might not have the luxury of choosing a place, I might just be fleeing from my country, which is Venezuela. So far, I have ... Read More
Retired to Lima by Mike Fotografia
I'm Mike from the UK and we retired to Lima in April 2013. I'm still waiting for Migraciones to approve my application for residency. So far, with the help of my Peruvian family we have managed to open 2 bank accounts, rented an apartment ...
Thank you. And more or less how much is 1400 soles in US $? And what can you buy with that amount? Read More
moving to Lima by vicky83
Hi, I'm Vicky from Italy. I was born in El Salvador but moved to Italy when I was 7. I'm almost 32 now! :D I spent more than a year in Mozambique and a year in Australia. I'm moving to Lima this year in July and I would like to meet ...
Please, I would like to know the kind of requirements or problems when opening a bank account in Peru as a foreigner. Let's assume one already has the Cedula de Extranjeria. Some people have found it impossible to open a bank account. Also, I ... Read More
Retired to Lima by Mike Fotografia
I'm Mike from the UK and we retired to Lima in April 2013. I'm still waiting for Migraciones to approve my application for residency. So far, with the help of my Peruvian family we have managed to open 2 bank accounts, rented an apartment ...
I would try and ask the question in another forum to see what other people have done. If I do not have any family or friends there, imagine finding myself there alone and not being able to open a bank account, which is think is necessary for ... Read More
Retired to Lima by Mike Fotografia
I'm Mike from the UK and we retired to Lima in April 2013. I'm still waiting for Migraciones to approve my application for residency. So far, with the help of my Peruvian family we have managed to open 2 bank accounts, rented an apartment ...
Thank you. However, based on what you have explained, bank may refuse to open a bank account even if you have a CE. So, what I do not understand is, one goes through all the trouble to get a visa and a CE and then you cannot go live in Peru because ... Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
And while you are waiting for your residency, what is your status there? Are you a tourist? Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
I am not sure if I am going to buy or just rent for a time. Read More
I'm thinking about moving to Peru in two or three years by Geraldine06
Hola everyone :) I'm Geraldine, I come from France. I'm a nurse and run my own business in France. I just came back from some volunteer work in Peru (Arequipa). First time there and not the last I tell you! I really enjoyed the people, the ...
I have read several posts of people who have decided to go live in Peru. I wonder how they will solve the problem of not being able to open a bank account as a foreigner. I mean, a guess a bank account is a must. If you have your savings in your ... Read More
Considering Bocas del Toro as a Retirement Location by sjpersonal
Hi, my name is Sondra and I am a 52 yr. old single female currently living in Los Angeles, Ca. I have a few years before retirement but I am attempting to gather as much information about several possible locations as I can. I had settled on ...
Yes, but Boquete is an area of expats, most of them Americans, or maybe wealthy Panamenians. We also have nice areas in Caracas, but they are like ghettos, just like Boquete. Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
Is it possible for a resident foreigner to open a bank account in CR? In other countries like Peru, it is very difficult or I think impossible. But how can you function normally without having a bank account in the country where you are planning on ... Read More
Accommodations in El Valle by peripatetic_soul
Can anyone provide info on price range for 2 bedroom accomm. in El Valle as well as current food prices, availability of fresh fruit and vegetables, local transportation, safety, and any other details you wish to share? I've already checked out ...
yes, thank you for your insights. Read More
Considering Bocas del Toro as a Retirement Location by sjpersonal
Hi, my name is Sondra and I am a 52 yr. old single female currently living in Los Angeles, Ca. I have a few years before retirement but I am attempting to gather as much information about several possible locations as I can. I had settled on ...
And most Latin Americans would love to live in the US. The truth is that most countries in LA share the same problems. I am dreaming of having the chance to live in a place with a good trash pick up service and people who do not litter the street ... Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
Thank you everybody for your advice and support Read More
Retired to Lima by Mike Fotografia
I'm Mike from the UK and we retired to Lima in April 2013. I'm still waiting for Migraciones to approve my application for residency. So far, with the help of my Peruvian family we have managed to open 2 bank accounts, rented an apartment ...
But, as a foreigner, doesn't Peru give you an Identity Card you can use to open a bank account? It is like that in Venezuela Read More
Retired to Lima by Mike Fotografia
I'm Mike from the UK and we retired to Lima in April 2013. I'm still waiting for Migraciones to approve my application for residency. So far, with the help of my Peruvian family we have managed to open 2 bank accounts, rented an apartment ...
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Peru if you are a foreigner? Is it so difficult? Read More
Retired to Lima by Mike Fotografia
I'm Mike from the UK and we retired to Lima in April 2013. I'm still waiting for Migraciones to approve my application for residency. So far, with the help of my Peruvian family we have managed to open 2 bank accounts, rented an apartment ...
Thank you. I don't know why I cannot find anything about this type of visa in their official pages Read More
Accommodations in El Valle by peripatetic_soul
Can anyone provide info on price range for 2 bedroom accomm. in El Valle as well as current food prices, availability of fresh fruit and vegetables, local transportation, safety, and any other details you wish to share? I've already checked out ...
Thank you. I have been checking Volcan and El Valle and I think they are too much of countryside for me. There is an area called Condado del Rey, it seems it is a suburb in PC, but I cannot find what type of temperature they have. Could you help me? ... Read More
Accommodations in El Valle by peripatetic_soul
Can anyone provide info on price range for 2 bedroom accomm. in El Valle as well as current food prices, availability of fresh fruit and vegetables, local transportation, safety, and any other details you wish to share? I've already checked out ...
Thank you. Also very important and useful to me Read More
Accommodations in El Valle by peripatetic_soul
Can anyone provide info on price range for 2 bedroom accomm. in El Valle as well as current food prices, availability of fresh fruit and vegetables, local transportation, safety, and any other details you wish to share? I've already checked out ...
Thanks a lot. I will continue looking into this option. It is not easy for me to make such a big decision, but I need to have a Plan B. Thanks a lot again Read More
Why do some expats leave Panama? by PacificaMaryAnn
As I reach the conclusion of my second exploratory trip to Panama, I felt compelled to discuss this new phase. I want to reaffirm how important it is to spend time in Panama before selling the house, the car, and all the belongings. One month in ...
Hi, could you expand please on the comment about pets? I am a Venezuelan lady living in Venezuela, I have 3 dogs and 1 cat, I might be looking into the possibility of going to live in Panama. thank you Read More
Is Panama a Retirement Utopia or a Retirement Dystopia? by PacificaMaryAnn
According to the so called "experts" Panama is a Retirement Paradise. "Save your Retirement!" or 'Live Cheaper in Panama!' The ads go on and on with come to Panama headlines that will save your retirement. For some ...
Could you please recommend me some blogs from expats living in Panama for a long time? I am a Venezuelan lady and live in Venezuela with my senior mother. As you surely know, Venezuela is becoming this terrible and dangerous place. I have been ... Read More
Single Lady retiring to Panama by PattiH
Hi, All New to this blog and looking for information. Are there any other Single ladies looking to retire to Panama? From all I've read I realize this most likely a huge minority. However, If I'm doing it I have to believe there are others.. ...
Hi, are you still reading this blog? I am a Venezuelan lady and live in Venezuela with my senior mother and my pets. Due to the difficult situation here, we might be forced to emigrate. We have an Italian passport. I would like some advice about ... Read More
Single Lady retiring to Panama by PattiH
Hi, All New to this blog and looking for information. Are there any other Single ladies looking to retire to Panama? From all I've read I realize this most likely a huge minority. However, If I'm doing it I have to believe there are others.. ...
Hi. I am a Venezuelan lady living in Venezuela. I am afraid that the situation gets so difficult here that I might be forced to leave my country. I have read a lot about El Valle. You have mentioned Las Tablas. Other people have mentioned Capira. I ... Read More
Accommodations in El Valle by peripatetic_soul
Can anyone provide info on price range for 2 bedroom accomm. in El Valle as well as current food prices, availability of fresh fruit and vegetables, local transportation, safety, and any other details you wish to share? I've already checked out ...
Hi, I would like to know if El Valle is too much like a town or if it is more like a small city. Are there any medical facilities nearby_ My mother is a senior citizen. Thank you Read More
Accommodations in El Valle by peripatetic_soul
Can anyone provide info on price range for 2 bedroom accomm. in El Valle as well as current food prices, availability of fresh fruit and vegetables, local transportation, safety, and any other details you wish to share? I've already checked out ...
Hi PS. I am looking for something similar. I am a Venezuelan living in Venezuela and you may be aware of what is now happening in my country. I would like to find an area which is close to supermarkets, banks, drugstores, etc., I do not like driving ... Read More
looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama by knute
I am looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama...don't want to be in the city. Don't know Spanish but assume I should learn atleast some before hand. .Am hoping to travel down to explore it in person in the fall with my son. ...
Thank you. And what about David? Is it too hot there? From what I am reading, I am thinking that Boquete is becoming too conspicuous for thieves because they know Americans live there. Read More
looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama by knute
I am looking at a possible retirement destination in Panama...don't want to be in the city. Don't know Spanish but assume I should learn atleast some before hand. .Am hoping to travel down to explore it in person in the fall with my son. ...
Hi. I am a Venezuelan living in Venezuela. I am one of the few who do not want to leave my country, but I may be forced to. I would like to know if Boquete or any other similar area is close to sumermarkets, drugstores, etc, and also hospitals or ... Read More
Money transfer by JessieJP
Any recommendations for money transfer from UK to Spain for property purchase. My bank are trying to charge me a fee and rates don't seem the most competitive? Thanks for any suggestions Jess
If I have an Italian passport and decide to go and live in Spain (I am Venezuelan and living in Venezuela, you may know the serousness of the situation right now here, with the dictatorship and everything) I would like to know what I should have to ... Read More
neighborhoods in Lima to rent an apartment
Could you please give me the name of some neighborhoods in Lima to rent an apartment? Professional, middle class, safe areas, but not as expensive as Miraflores, for example. Supermarkets and basic services within walking distance, also health ... Read More
An Influx to EC From a So. American Country Where It's All Gone Wrong by cccmedia
. Those paying close attention to this blog for Ecuador may have noticed the more frequent appearance lately of the flag of Venesuela alongside the introductions of new members. Though frequently not English-speakers, these folks are seeking ...
Thank you. Well, in our case I do not think that we will flee the country expecting to go back. You sell here, you buy abroad, I am already more than 50, my mother is 88. We will leave for ever, if we come to that. But I do not want to leave my ... Read More
Retired to Lima by Mike Fotografia
I'm Mike from the UK and we retired to Lima in April 2013. I'm still waiting for Migraciones to approve my application for residency. So far, with the help of my Peruvian family we have managed to open 2 bank accounts, rented an apartment ...
Please, how much (pension) would you need to ask for a retirment visa? I would also like to know if they have a visa as rentista, as in Costa Rica Read More
security in Medellín by laura marina ruiz
Could you please inform me about security in Medellin as compared with other Colombian cities
Thank you. I feel I have to explain something: I am Venezuela, I live in Venezuela, I am a professional at taking care and being vigilant. This communist dictatorship uses urban crime as a weapon to intimidate the middle class and people in general. ... Read More
How much will we need for basic living ?
I would like to get an estimate about how much we (my mother and I) will need for basic living expenses. Power, water, phone and food. Just that for now. Also, I would like to know, if you have an account in the US, can you just withdraw your money ... Read More
An Influx to EC From a So. American Country Where It's All Gone Wrong by cccmedia
. Those paying close attention to this blog for Ecuador may have noticed the more frequent appearance lately of the flag of Venesuela alongside the introductions of new members. Though frequently not English-speakers, these folks are seeking ...
Thank you Sue. I really don't know how Venezuelans can leave our country to go live under Correa and listen to the same thing over and over again. I would get sick. By the way, there is no political unrest here. In fact, people here seem to be ... Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
thanks a lot. Well, no, the information I have read is current but I think they are just trying to attract foreigners who want to invest or live on a pension. Read More
An Influx to EC From a So. American Country Where It's All Gone Wrong by cccmedia
. Those paying close attention to this blog for Ecuador may have noticed the more frequent appearance lately of the flag of Venesuela alongside the introductions of new members. Though frequently not English-speakers, these folks are seeking ...
I am one of those Venezuelans living in Venezuela, and one of the few who does not want to leave my homeland but may be forced to. i would like to know your insights about the true situacion in Ecuador. The place is advertised as a great haven for ... Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
thank you. Could you please give me an estimate of living expenses per month, for 2 people, simple lifestyle? Just food and electricity, water and phone. Do not include renting an apartment. In dollars. I would appreciate any help in this regard. I ... Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica by laura marina ruiz
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ...
Thank you. So, yo can make transfers on the Internet from the US account to your account in CR? I am talking about living expenses, like 800 per month. Read More
Information in particular minimum amounts for requestion a visa
My mother and I would like information, in particular minimum amounts, for requestion a visa as pensionado or rentista. I have been looking for this information on the Internet and have not found specific amounts. Read More
Colombian banks make it difficult to wire money from USA by jubiliado
My Colombian wife has an account with Davivienda and when we transfer money from the USA to her account, Davividenda turns it into a major complication and bureaucratic nightmare. We have to spend hours with them justifying the transfer, the ...
Yes, thank you, in fact I am interested in personal experience at this point. That is, what people have done in similar situations. Thank you very much Read More
wire transfers from US to Costa Rica
I would like to know if there is any obstacle or requirement for wire transfers from a US account to a CR account? My mother would have to wire transfer and change her pension (which is deposited in Citibank) and I may also have to make use of the ... Read More
Colombian banks make it difficult to wire money from USA by jubiliado
My Colombian wife has an account with Davivienda and when we transfer money from the USA to her account, Davividenda turns it into a major complication and bureaucratic nightmare. We have to spend hours with them justifying the transfer, the ...
bh2, let me see if I understand.When you say financial assets, you refer to your investments in bonds, stock, etc, in the US, and also the cash? Read More
Colombian banks make it difficult to wire money from USA by jubiliado
My Colombian wife has an account with Davivienda and when we transfer money from the USA to her account, Davividenda turns it into a major complication and bureaucratic nightmare. We have to spend hours with them justifying the transfer, the ...
Yes, but it seems that they will always be asking where the money came from. Read More
Colombian banks make it difficult to wire money from USA by jubiliado
My Colombian wife has an account with Davivienda and when we transfer money from the USA to her account, Davividenda turns it into a major complication and bureaucratic nightmare. We have to spend hours with them justifying the transfer, the ...
That might be a good idea. So, it is definitely not possible to make a wire transfer to a Colombian bank on the Internet?. Read More
Colombian banks make it difficult to wire money from USA by jubiliado
My Colombian wife has an account with Davivienda and when we transfer money from the USA to her account, Davividenda turns it into a major complication and bureaucratic nightmare. We have to spend hours with them justifying the transfer, the ...
If we move to Colombia from Venezuela, we will have to make periodic wire transfers from US (my mother´s pension and also the income from our investments). Here in Venezuela I do that on the Internet, and no problem. From reading the posts, it ... Read More
security in Medellín
Could you please inform me about security in Medellin as compared with other Colombian cities Read More