Recent content by botero

Having a webcam or home security system is usually enough to prevent squatters. As soon as you get alerted that someone has broken in, the police can be notified and they'll get them out (as long as it's within the 24-48 hour time-frame). For commercial realtors and luxury properties, there are...

I wrote about this in another thread: Going to a high tax European country could cause issues since a lot of them have similar or even stricter rules than Canada for cutting tax ties. That is why I suggest looking into OECD countries with more flexible tax residency rules (i.e. in the...

It's like asking why someone would pay for a fancy resort at a beach with good security, good food, and tons of amenities when they can stay at a cheap, noisy, and polluted motel for half the price. Some people value stability and a good quality of life over a line on their tax return.

Mexico is in a sweet spot for certain expats in that regard. It is a trusted OECD jurisdiction with plenty of tax treaties with the developed world. Your home country won't be suspicious that you're moving there compared to the Bahamas or Panama. Since their taxation of expats is relaxed...

I didn't know this was possible, thanks for sharing. Not being able to leave the US during the process could be a pain for some. Imagine if there's a wedding or funeral you have to attend. In any case, I don't think the OP is a Canadian so the TN visa is out of the question. Finding a fat...

Colombia is very strict with taxes unlike Mexico. I have heard stories of customs officials in airports confronting people who don't have their taxes in order. Colombia also has a wealth tax: There's also the silly 4x1000 tax for bank transactions. If your bank balance is more than 12,000,000...

The TN visa is a good option for Canadians, however, it is not a dual intent visa and can't convert to a green card. There's no point in hopping the Mexican border if you already have visa-free access to the USA lol.

It seems that SAT (Mexico's tax agency) is requiring both temporary and permanent residents to obtain a tax ID by July 1st 2022 whether they earn income in Mexico or not. This requires you to visit a SAT office and provide biometric data (facial photographs and fingerprints). Link to Article...

The rule of law and instability in Latin America and Africa is already very weak. I wouldn't want to be there with my family in the event of a global collapse. The low-paid security guard in your gated community in Mexico or Tanzania wouldn't risk his life to defend you. He'd be no match against...

I never encountered this issue with Sepa transfers from Kraken to SQ Switzerland. Perhaps SQ changed their policy recently? My last transfer from Kraken to SQ was in late 2021 and was in the 5 figure amount.

I would recommend exchanging your crypto to fiat at a regulated exchange first (e.g. Kraken, Bitstamp) and then sending the EUR to your SQ account through a SEPA transfer. Depending on the amount you send, you may be asked to provide more details regarding your source of funds. It's good to...

Talk about alarmism lol. "Kids, we need to leave Germany immediately!" "Why dad, are we in danger?" "Yes kids, they are cancelling the CBI program in Malta!!" "What's Malta? What's CBI?? I don't want to leave my friends and school!"

I found Polanco, Condesa, and Coyoacan to be safer than other parts of the city. You also notice more police cars patrolling the streets in these nicer neighbourhoods. However, I've heard plenty stories of robberies, violence, express kidnappings, drug dealing and other mischief in these nice...

Safely leaving the tax net of a developed country like Canada requires some planning. The CRA (Canada's tax agency) doesn't like it when Canadian residents move directly to tax havens. They will pay extra close attention to you and any Canadian tie, even your passport, can be used to justify the...

Lol!! I think you're confusing Mexico (the dangerous shithole) with New Mexico the US state. Mexico is risky all over, especially in the central states like Jalisco, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacan, etc. In the past I naively said Mexico is safe as long as you stay out of the cartel zones...