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Retirement on Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: John Robandt (---.hsd1.ut.comcast.net)
Date:   03-29-09 12:26

We're just back from our second visit to Culebra, and we loved it (again)!
It's snowing here in UT, so my thought are turning to a permanent relocation. Does anyone know the tax consequences of such a move in retirement? Property taxes seem low. I have read that you don't pay US federal income taxes, but that PR income taxes are fairly high. Is all Social Security income taxed by PR? How do they treat my 401K if there are no federal income taxes?
Maybe I can start that llama ranch I've always dreamed of...
John R
un gabacho de utah
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Re: Retirement on Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Marywho (63.175.186.---)
Date:   03-29-09 19:53

Do lots of research. Why aren't other people raising "niche" livestock on Culebra...for that matter why is there virtually no agriculture? How easy is it to access high-quality healthcare? (for humans AND for animals..) You should try living on Culebra for at least a continuous 12-months before even contemplating a greater commitment! Be aware there is no resident veterinarian licensed to work in Puerto Rico. Etc!
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Re: Retirement on Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   03-30-09 11:03

Oh oh, now I'm feeling guilty about starting the "Are llamas allowed on the beach?" thread last year.

Now it's become an inside joke, and new people to the board will think we're all nuts to keep bringing up llamas regularly.

Not that we WEREN'T nuts last year! LOL. The llama thread still holds the board's all-time record for number of responses (by a landslide).

John, I would very much hesitate to accept financial advice from this board. Not that we don't mean well, it's just that none of us are accountants or attorneys (or if any of us are, they haven't admitted it).
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Re: Retirement on Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   03-30-09 13:55

I do like the advice from Marywho. There are some things about residing in Culebra that might not work for everyone, things that aren't apparent to a vacationer. A trial year's stay would give you all of those insights. And a full year to scout out some llama ranch property...8-P.
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Re: Retirement on Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jeannie G3 (---.msy.bellsouth.net)
Date:   03-30-09 14:16

Hola! Great advice from the previous contributors. I'd start small renting a house on the island and talking as much as you can to the locals about daily life. Things and situations are never the same when you vacation in comparison to living at the place full time. Things we sometimes take for granted for example, doctors/ dentists able to attend us at a moments notice, not having water or other utilities because they're off due to construction or repairs, etc. Situations and problems here in the US that we can resolve over the phone or on the internet are resolved, maybe by visiting a government office over and over and over..... or you go without. The island is beautiful, boricuas are the most friendly people in the world, the culinary experience is unique, delicious but, it is very hard to go without the many things we are accustomed to here in the US. Many of my family members who are retired and have returned to the island to live out their retirement have had many adjustment problems and it has been tough. I'm not saying impossible but, you have to have an open mind and a good sense of humor to get you through tough times. If you do end up on the island full time, enjoy! Maybe Pepe, the llama could hang out at your ranch sipping pina coladas... LOL!!! Happy travels! J

supergarcia3
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Re: Retirement on Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Arroz (---.sip.bct.bellsouth.net)
Date:   04-03-09 19:22

Just to give you an example. We were on the island for 4 months. Around month 3 I chipped a tooth. No problem, there is a dentist who visits the island every Thursday. So, I make a booking for the next Thursday. The day arrives and I leap out of bed to be at the hospital at 7 AM to put my name on the appointment list and then head home for breakfast. The system is first come, first served on the day of the appointment so I was advised to get there early to put my name on the list to see the dentist. I'm back there at 9 AM, the time when the dentist is supposed to arrive and lo and behold, I am told by an apologetic receptionist that he called to say that he couldn't make it that day. Okay, I re-book for the next Thursday. That morning I go through the same routine and I get squeezed in (since he was already full for this day) and he puts a temp cover on the tooth and tells me to book another Thursday for a more permanent cap. Next available time is two week away. So, two weeks later I go through the routine (I'm starting to like having a walk before breakfast) only to get a call around 8:30 saying that the dentist won't be there that Thursday but they will put my name on the list for the next Thursday. The next Thursday, big surprise, I get to see him and the work is done (well done I might add). The good part of the adventure (aside from the morning exercise) is that the exams, x-rays, and fillings, all together, came to $45.

This is why some people go to Fajardo to see the dentist.
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