FAQ
Q:Can foreigners own property on Margarita Island?
A:Yes they can and your private property is protected under the Venezuelan constitution.
Q:Can the government take your property?
A:No they can not, no more then they can in the United States.
Q:Is the government stable?
A:Yes it is stable with a democratically elected president.You should probably do your own research on this, a little poking around and you will see that the U.S. corporate media demonizes lots of different countries in Latin America, most of all Venezuela. Seems that if you help the poor they call you a communist. This country's economy is doing better then it ever has. People seem to have money now and wages are going up all the time. Venezuela now has the highest minimum wage in Latin America.
Q:How is the economy?
A: The economy is simply booming, very high gdp growth the past 4 years at 8% to 11%. Just go to any mall or shopping center and you will clearly see that people are steady buying, and not just small stuff, I mean big screen TVs, surround sound systems, cars, suvs, and expensive brand name clothes.
Q:Is this island livable for North Americans?
A:This is the most livable island in the caribbean. Low crime rate, low cost of living, no taxes, lots to do, and all the ammenities you are used to in the states. I have not seen any anti american attitudes at all since I have been here.
Q: Can I raise my American kids here?
A: Yes it is a wonderful and safe environment to raise kids from anywhere. There are good bilingual schools and lots for kids to do. They will also learn the second language of the world "spanish". Our kids love it here. The locals here are very child friendly, they truly watch out for the children and the elderly.
Q:What are the prices for a good private school?
A: A lot less then the states. This school year 08-09 we paid $800 to get the 3 kids enrolled and about $100 a month for each one.
Q:Can I bring my pets?
A: Yes very easily, We brought 3 dogs here from the States.
Q:What kind of income do I have to have to live comfortable on Margarita.
A: You can do it on $800 dollars a month if you watch what you spend and pick the right spot. $1000 a month and you are set, you will live pretty well.
Q:Is Margarita like the mainland?
A: No it is completly different in almost every way. The mainland has alot of crime, Margarita does not, the mainland can be expensive, Margarita is not, the main land has taxes, Margarita does not. Margarita is never effected by mainland politics. You will not believe you are in Venezuela.
Q:Does Venezuela abide by U.S. extradition laws?
A:No.
Q:How long can I stay on Margarita without a residency?
A:90 days, then you can go and have your passport stamped for a small bribe about 60 bucks each passport. Or if you want to do it another way you can take a short flight to Trinidad or any of the surrounding islands for 24 hours and then return, or you can get your venezuelan residency, which we can help you with.
Q: How do I get there?
A: You usually have to go through the Caracas airport from the states, but the Caracas airport is not bad or dangerous.
Q:Can I get work there?
A: You would not want to unless you know someone or a company that has a good paying job for you. The best thing to do here is to make your own work, internet business, tours, there are tons of great ideas for businesses here to start. If you do not mind driving all day you can go buy a car and taxi drive, you can make enough money that way.
Q:Can I get financing there?
A:Some builders offer their own financing.
Q:Is it easy to buy or start a business there?
A: Yes, and I suggest you do just that. or if you have enough money to buy two properties, one to live in and the other to rent, that will work very well for work and income.
Q:Is there high speed internet on the island?
A:Yes almost everywhere.
Q:Do I need to know spanish?
A:You should try to learn it asap, it will be a lot easier.
Q:Is there a lot of crime?
A: There are thieves. Security for your property is necessary, whether it be a dog, a wall, alarm system, or gated community. The crime does not go much further than that. But you have that to deal with in all kinds of cities all over the states and the world. Just like anywhere else there are good places and bad places.
Q:Can a foreigner have a bank account here and are they safe?
A:Yes and Yes.
Q:Are there good doctors and medics there?
A:Yes very good and very affordable. The free ones are very good too.
Q:Do you have to be a resident here to get the free health care?
A:No, in fact you can be illegally here and you will still be treated. Here free health care is granted to every human.
Q:Are there hurricanes or any other natural disaters that the island is danger of?
A:There are no hurricanes here, no earthquakes, no volcanos.
Q:What is the weather like there?
A:Summer time its around 90, the rest of the year it is between 80 and 88.