Permanent residence in Central America?

[rassabossa]

Here's another vote for Panama, probably somewhere near Boquete but not too close; cheaper than CR, uses the dollar, one hour to either coast, close to CR for visa runs, better roads than CR, etc.

That said, you should absolutely rent for a year first. It's not for everyone and your enjoyment will be increased by the level of your mastery of Spanish.
Turns out I prefer the good ole USA.

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by Alchemist 66

Does living in Puerto Rico exempt you from the ACA?

The most controversial parts of the ACA do not apply in Puerto Rico. These are the so-called "pay-or-play" employer mandate and individual minimum essential coverage mandate. The employer mandate requires employers to pay certain penalties and/or fees based on the level of health benefits that the employer provides to its employees. The individual mandate requires most individuals to pay certain penalties if they do not secure minimum essential health coverage for themselves and their dependents. The ACA treats all bona fide residents of the U.S. territories as having minimum essential health insurance coverage. Therefore, individuals are exempt from the mandate.

I would be careful moving to PR. Problem is the government is broke and trying to get congress to pass a bill allowing them to go bankrupt and discharge debts. One of the biggest problems is the electric company needs big bucks to build new plants and has huge obligations related to paying for the retirement of former employees. Also lots of other debts in other sectors. It is a nice place in terms of sailing, just very messed up economy.

[Symphony]

If someone is considering to live in C.A. then they are willing to deal with some infrastructure challenges. Heck, almost all of the Caribbean also has public utility and infrastructure problems compared to the USA. I have spent a lot of time in Costa Rica and it's no more problem than running your own utilities on a boat.

PR seems attractive for US citizens, super cheap real estate now, lots of air travel connections. But then, I 've never been there.