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Moving to a tropical paradise just means a Visa and plane ticket, right?

March 3rd, 2010 by The JetSetter Team | Comments Off on Moving to a tropical paradise just means a Visa and plane ticket, right?

If you plan on moving to Central or South America with nothing more than a Visa, plane ticket, and vague plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, good luck. It might turn out to be the worst decision you ever made. Come on, this is your life we're talking about. Why not do it right?

The number one thing is to be informed. There's this thing called the internet. Get on it and research, research, research. Buy the latest guide book for the country you're interested in. Find online forums related to where you're going and chat up people who live there or have been there.

Spend at least two or three weeks in the country you're

interested in before moving. No amount of information gained through blogs or forums can replace the reality of having your feet on the ground and shoulders submerged in the local culture. Don't get sucked into expensive real estate and relocation tours. More than than one person has ended up broke and discouraged.

The website www.couchsurfing.com is a great way to meet locals. You don't have to go all out and crash on their couch. Meet at a coffee shop and pick their brain. Language? Yes, you need to speak the language. Start with beginner classes well in advance of moving day. This is your basic foundation. Once you're in country, you'll be surprised how quickly you develop intermediate and advanced speaking skills in the language just by living it 24/7.

The JetSetter Team

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