We just got back from Curacao. The BF LOVED it there and is talking about moving there. As an American, buying a home and lving as an ex-pat, or living part-time in the US and Curacao, what as the pros and cons? Tax issues, etc....Any advice for folks considering this?
Living in Curacao
- Thread starter valligurl
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We too are visiting Curacao, in April. Love to learn more about the diving, and the island in general before we get there. We'll be at Sunset, both shore and boat diving, while my girlfriend spends more time ashore in the sun or exploring the sights. Share your experiences!
Diver Dennis
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Folks from the US need to apply for a resident permit for stays longer than 3 months and also a work permit.
A residence permit for over 90 days, yes. If you plan to stay over 2 weeks (14 days) you'll have to go to immigrations to get your passport stamped, be sure and take proof of your flight off the island and be prepared to stay at the post office/ immigrations for an hour or more, and leave your passport for the stamp. You'll have to come back in couple days to pick up your passport. If you plan on working there, you'll have to obtain a work permit and pay somewhere in the neighborhood of 50% taxes. Work permits take a good 90 days to obtain, heck it takes a good 3 to 4 weeks just to get your phone and DSL hooked up, get prepared to be on "island" time!
Now, for the diving, that's a whole 'nuther story....
There's gems from west punt to oost punt and kline to boot. I'm enjoying a week in the states and home cooked meals right now, but back on island in 8 days.
Now, for the diving, that's a whole 'nuther story....
There's gems from west punt to oost punt and kline to boot. I'm enjoying a week in the states and home cooked meals right now, but back on island in 8 days.Air Temps were in the 90's, water 82 -85. This year has seen alot of rain. Vis wasn't great. Lots of people complained about it. Our friends said it was MUCH better last summer when they were there. No currents to speak of, especially after Palau and Coz. You could spend an hour in the water and come up with 1000 psi. The dive masters are lots of fun at Sunset. Lynn is very knowledgable, Carlos is a hoot. Ask him about the $10,000 diamond ring and the mantis shrimp. They'll find some seahorses for you, and there are a couple on the house reef. We even saw a pregnant one. Our group was large, 28 people, and the dive masters became part of the family. They spent evenings with us a few times. Several of them are from Denver. Highlights for me: lots of large drumfish and a moray as thick around as a man's waist! Saw that one tucked into a big coral near the mooring at Pelican Beach. My favorite dive site was Watamula. It's a good distance from the resort, we planned it as an afternoon single tank trip. It looked like smurf village, lots of nice corals. Also saw several nice spotted eagle rays. You'll have a great time.
US Citizens are responsible for reporting, and paying taxes, on overseas income. There is a substantial deduction available for full-time bona fide residents who are subject to the tax codes of the host country.
Seeing a tax advisor who is properly acquainted with rules for reporting international income is highly recommended. DO NOT accept tax advice from random strangers over the internet... even me
In general terms, island living requires a rather large mental adjustment. It IS NOT like being on vacation full time. It does not eliminate the need to keep up with the mundane chores of everyday life like doing laundry, cleaning house, or grocery shopping. It may, however, greatly complicate those tasks at times.
Still, there are certain advantages.
Seeing a tax advisor who is properly acquainted with rules for reporting international income is highly recommended. DO NOT accept tax advice from random strangers over the internet... even me
In general terms, island living requires a rather large mental adjustment. It IS NOT like being on vacation full time. It does not eliminate the need to keep up with the mundane chores of everyday life like doing laundry, cleaning house, or grocery shopping. It may, however, greatly complicate those tasks at times.
Still, there are certain advantages.
valligurl:
We were on the dive with Carlos when the $10,000 diamond ring was lost, I wrote about it in my trip report. See the link below my signature.
Do you remember what site(s) you saw the spotted eagle rays at?
Casa-bou and Pelican Beach were two places we saw the rays. Some of our group know Barbara. We brought some cheap plastic, flashing diamond rings, put them on and teased Carlos mercilessly!
Nice trip report. The picture brought back memories...
Nice trip report. The picture brought back memories...
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