Island Living FAQ's

Q. Can you actually retire on $800 per month?

A. Venezuela Immigration requires an income of $1200 a month plus $500 per month for each dependent. A person live reasonably comfortably on $800 a month.

Q. How do I get there?

A. From the U.S., go to Caracas, then fly or take the ferry to Margarita Island. Some countries have direct flights to the island. There are also daily direct flights to Margarita Island from Grenada and Trinidad. Check with your local travel agent.

Q. How do I get a tourist visa? How long is it for?

A. The airline will give you a form to fill out. It is stamped by immigration on arrival in Caracas. It's good for 90 days. The printed form MAY say 6 months but it is only good for 90 days.

Q. Can I bring my pet?

A. Yes. You need your Veterinarian to complete some forms that you can obtain from the Venezuelan Consulate near you. Also, check with your airline for their rules and regulations on shipping live animals.

Q. Can I find work there?

A. It would depend on your skills. However, wages are very low. The average wage for unskilled labor is about $8 per day. A hotel manager might make $200 to $300 a month. Of course, you can work via the internet.

Q. Can I buy real estate there?

A. Anyone can own real estate here.

Q. Can you recommend a realtor?

A. No, we don't recommend realtors. There is no regulatory body on realtors and we have seen as many as 5 brokers tacking on extra commissions. There are some who are professional and reliable, we just don't give recommendations.

Q. Are there any Real Estate websites I can look at?

A. There are several, however these sites usually advertise only the most expensive properties.

Q. Can one get financing on real estate?

A. Yes, financing is possible because banks have liberalized requirements for lending. Also, many contractors might have financing available. ALWAYS get your own attorney for any transactions.

Q. Can I get title insurance?

A. No, you get an Escrita (Deed) but there is no title insurance here at this time.

Q. Can I buy or start a business?

A. Yes, more than 80% of business on the island are foreign owned.

Q. Do I need to speak Spanish?

A. Yes, it would certainly be an advantage.

Q. How difficult is it to get a Residence Visa?

A. It can be confusing, time-consuming,and frustrating. The best advice is to find a reputable attorney who is familiar with imigration law.

Q. Is there internet service?

A. Yes, DSL and dial-up, depending on where on the island you are.

Q. What is the crime rate? Is it dangerous?

A. There is crime-mostly burglaries- so security is necessary. Danger? Not usually a problem but there are areas to avoid, and the same caution should be used as you would use in any resort town or large city.

Q. I've heard that Caracas is dangerous.

A. It can be, again depending on where you go. It is not dangerous to pass through at the airport on the way to the island. Caracas is much more populated than Margarita, and naturally would have more crime.

Q. Are hurricanes or other natural disasters a concern?

A. We are south of the hurricane zone. There are no volcanoes and few tropical storms.

Q. What is there to do for vacation?

A. Anything you can do on a Caribbean Island is here. In addition there is an amusement park, water park, adult entertainment, slot machine parlors, full casinos, jungle tours, ultra-light plane rides, fishing, snorkeling, diving,.. lots to see and do!

Q. Do businesses accept U.S. dollars?

A. Yes, but you might not get a good exchange rate.
Q. Can I get a bank account?

A. Yes, but first you will need a Venezuelan I.D. card or have established a business.

Q. Are the banks safe?

A. I wouldn't put much money in them. There is nothing resembling F.D.I.C. here, and banks could and have failed.

Q. What is the shopping like?

A. As nice as you will find in the U.S., but some items may be hard to find. The basic rule is-- if you find it, and you want it, buy it...because they won't have it tomorrow!

Q. Is the water drinkable?

A. It is advisable to buy bottled water. In the home, filters and purification systems are used.

Q. Is there a water shortage?

A. Never in my experience. Most houses have large storage tanks. Some hotels and condos ration the water during the high season.

Q. Are there good medical services?

A. Yes, and at affordable prices.

Q. Can I get medical insurance?

A. Yes, prices depend on several factors, including age, present health, etc.

Q. Can I bring my car?

A. Possibly. Check with the Venezuelan Consulate. Rules change often. You can buy New or Used here.

Q, Can I bring my household furniture and personal possessions?

A. Yes, and you will have to pay an import duty which can vary depending on which shippers you use. My company can help you with contacts on this.

Q. Can I bring my motorcycle?

A. Yes, but double-check with the Venezuelan Consulate on guidelines.

Q. Can I bring my boat?

A. Yes. However check with me if you plan to bring your boat. Q. Can I bring my PC?

A. Yes. but a lot of the software available here is in Spanish.

A. Yes, with cable or DirectTv. Movies may have Spanish sub-titles.

Q. What is the climate like?

A. Click the link on our home page "Today's Perfect Weather".

It depends on the time of year. November, December, and the first part of January are the 'rainy season', usually a gentle rain in the evening, and it never gets cold here. From the desert landscape on Macanao to the tropical greenery of the mountains, there something for every taste.

Q. Can I raise my family there? We have young children.

A. Yes, there are several Bi-lingual private schools with tuition starting at about $100 per month. Latins love children and are very family-oriented;.

Q. Is there a down-side to living on Margarita Island?

A. Of course. Every place has at least one down-side. This is an island, and that can be down side enough. Some things are in short supply and it can take a week or more for stores to re-stock.

Q. Can you suggest a good place to stay?

A. We're glad you asked!
Yes, we offer our Vacation Studios. They are located near the best shopping, restaurants, & clubs. They are furnished with everything you will need for a comfortable 'home base' while you discover Margarita Island.

The Curmudgeon's Corner