I'm Doing It - Becoming an Expat

[daveholman]

I just turned 64 last week. Been retired for a couple years. The kids are all grown and living their lives, the brother I took care of for many years passed away, and I just have no reason NOT to pull up stakes and start over somewhere new.

As a travel agency owner for 20 years, I had the opportunity to travel extensively. I've been to Buenos Aires a couple of times, and loved everything about it. So as I was deciding just where to go, it was on the short list from the beginning. I zeroed in on South America, and then Argentina for a couple reasons, mostly language and culture. My Spanish is rusty, but I'll be fluent again in a short time. I lived in Puerto Rico as a kid, and went to 3rd and 4th grade in Spanish schools. Not sure I'm up to learning Thai or Latvian at my age.

I am aware it has become more expensive since my last visit, but that's a relative thing. I spent most of my life in California...nowhere is too expensive after that. And I don't have particularly expensive tastes. I also know the government there has elevated the art of bureaucratic BS, but again...California. lol

So, I've booked my flights. I'll be there on Feb 14th. I have reserved a little departmento in Almagro for two weeks. During that time, I'll get the rentista visa process started, and look around for a longer term rental (2 or 3 months). And from there I plan to start doing some side trips to Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Cordoba, etc, just to decide if I want to stay forever in the Big City, or buy a place somewhere else. I've contacted a lawyer to help me with the visa, and have looked in to the medical insurance I'm going to need for my heart meds (had a heart attack last year, and a stent put in, but my cardiologist here says the drug regime I'm on is working great and I'm good to go).

So, that's the rough outline. What am I missing? Any advice is welcome

 

[Betsy Ross]

I just turned 64 last week. Been retired for a couple years. The kids are all grown and living their lives, the brother I took care of for many years passed away, and I just have no reason NOT to pull up stakes and start over somewhere new.

As a travel agency owner for 20 years, I had the opportunity to travel extensively. I've been to Buenos Aires a couple of times, and loved everything about it. So as I was deciding just where to go, it was on the short list from the beginning. I zeroed in on South America, and then Argentina for a couple reasons, mostly language and culture. My Spanish is rusty, but I'll be fluent again in a short time. I lived in Puerto Rico as a kid, and went to 3rd and 4th grade in Spanish schools. Not sure I'm up to learning Thai or Latvian at my age.

I am aware it has become more expensive since my last visit, but that's a relative thing. I spent most of my life in California...nowhere is too expensive after that. And I don't have particularly expensive tastes. I also know the government there has elevated the art of bureaucratic BS, but again...California. lol

So, I've booked my flights. I'll be there on Feb 14th. I have reserved a little departmento in Almagro for two weeks. During that time, I'll get the rentista visa process started, and look around for a longer term rental (2 or 3 months). And from there I plan to start doing some side trips to Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Cordoba, etc, just to decide if I want to stay forever in the Big City, or buy a place somewhere else. I've contacted a lawyer to help me with the visa, and have looked in to the medical insurance I'm going to need for my heart meds (had a heart attack last year, and a stent put in, but my cardiologist here says the drug regime I'm on is working great and I'm good to go).

So, that's the rough outline. What am I missing? Any advice is welcome

Sorry to hear about your brother. That is always tough. Congratulations on retiring. You will enjoy living here. You don't need to figure everything out all at once. I would recommend renting in a few different areas to see where you like the most. Argentina is a big country.

 

[Larry]

I just turned 64 last week. Been retired for a couple years. The kids are all grown and living their lives, the brother I took care of for many years passed away, and I just have no reason NOT to pull up stakes and start over somewhere new.

As a travel agency owner for 20 years, I had the opportunity to travel extensively. I've been to Buenos Aires a couple of times, and loved everything about it. So as I was deciding just where to go, it was on the short list from the beginning. I zeroed in on South America, and then Argentina for a couple reasons, mostly language and culture. My Spanish is rusty, but I'll be fluent again in a short time. I lived in Puerto Rico as a kid, and went to 3rd and 4th grade in Spanish schools. Not sure I'm up to learning Thai or Latvian at my age.

I am aware it has become more expensive since my last visit, but that's a relative thing. I spent most of my life in California...nowhere is too expensive after that. And I don't have particularly expensive tastes. I also know the government there has elevated the art of bureaucratic BS, but again...California. lol

So, I've booked my flights. I'll be there on Feb 14th. I have reserved a little departmento in Almagro for two weeks. During that time, I'll get the rentista visa process started, and look around for a longer term rental (2 or 3 months). And from there I plan to start doing some side trips to Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Cordoba, etc, just to decide if I want to stay forever in the Big City, or buy a place somewhere else. I've contacted a lawyer to help me with the visa, and have looked in to the medical insurance I'm going to need for my heart meds (had a heart attack last year, and a stent put in, but my cardiologist here says the drug regime I'm on is working great and I'm good to go).

So, that's the rough outline. What am I missing? Any advice is welcome

BA is great if you like culture. It has become much more expensive but it sounds like you understand that coming into the move. Prices are very dear! But maybe you are accustomed to high prices as you say. Just make sure you have all the paperwork you need for your visa. FBI report, birth certificate and all the apostilles you will need. It is cheaper and easier to get all of that personally before you come. Pain in the ass getting once you are here. Also expensive.

Make sure you have a plan on medical insurance. It is expensive now and not sure about pre-existing conditions. Bring plenty of medicine with you as it is not easy to ship here without them charging you a lot of taxes.

 

[Digital Nomad]

Welcome to the Club! We will enjoy Argentina. I have traveled around a bit but wouldn't want to live anywhere but BA. I prefer big cities plus my novia is here.Good luck.

 

[earlyretirement]

I just turned 64 last week. Been retired for a couple years. The kids are all grown and living their lives, the brother I took care of for many years passed away, and I just have no reason NOT to pull up stakes and start over somewhere new.

As a travel agency owner for 20 years, I had the opportunity to travel extensively. I've been to Buenos Aires a couple of times, and loved everything about it. So as I was deciding just where to go, it was on the short list from the beginning. I zeroed in on South America, and then Argentina for a couple reasons, mostly language and culture. My Spanish is rusty, but I'll be fluent again in a short time. I lived in Puerto Rico as a kid, and went to 3rd and 4th grade in Spanish schools. Not sure I'm up to learning Thai or Latvian at my age.

I am aware it has become more expensive since my last visit, but that's a relative thing. I spent most of my life in California...nowhere is too expensive after that. And I don't have particularly expensive tastes. I also know the government there has elevated the art of bureaucratic BS, but again...California. lol

So, I've booked my flights. I'll be there on Feb 14th. I have reserved a little departmento in Almagro for two weeks. During that time, I'll get the rentista visa process started, and look around for a longer term rental (2 or 3 months). And from there I plan to start doing some side trips to Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Cordoba, etc, just to decide if I want to stay forever in the Big City, or buy a place somewhere else. I've contacted a lawyer to help me with the visa, and have looked in to the medical insurance I'm going to need for my heart meds (had a heart attack last year, and a stent put in, but my cardiologist here says the drug regime I'm on is working great and I'm good to go).

So, that's the rough outline. What am I missing? Any advice is welcome

My condolences about the loss of your brother. I think you will enjoy Argentina very much. Like you said about being from California. After living here, everywhere else is cheap compared to here so you won't feel the higher prices as much as others. It is all relative as you mentioned. Prices are insane in California.

Others offer good advice to try different neighborhoods renting out before you see where you want to end up. Traveling around the country is also a great idea so you have an idea if you prefer another city more.

Agree with @Larry about doing any legal paperwork, Apostillization, etc. from the USA in person so talk to the lawyer and see the things you will need. That is always a pain in the ass doing remotely vs. directly with the State Departments. Also, before coming sign up for a virtual post office account at https://www.anytimemailbox.com/ or one of the many companies like it if you don't have any family member where you can send mail to.

Also, see if your State driver's license or any other ID will expire soon. If so, renew it before you move so you don't have to deal with that while in Argentina (Driver's license, Passport, Global Entry, etc). If any credits cards are going to expire soon go ahead and renew now so you don't have to hassle wth that remotely. I would get anything renewed that you can. You might also want to sign up for a State ID as well so you can use that for ID sometimes vs. carrying around your driver's license.

Sign up for a Charles Schwab checking account so you can get free ATM withdrawals anywhere you travel.

If you plan on upgrading any phones, ipads, etc. buy them in the USA before you come as it's much cheaper. Things like towels, bedding, etc. are much cheaper in the USA too and much better quality so you may want to bring that down with you.

Good luck!

 

[Uncle Wong]

My condolences about the loss of your brother. I think you will enjoy Argentina very much. Like you said about being from California. After living here, everywhere else is cheap compared to here so you won't feel the higher prices as much as others. It is all relative as you mentioned. Prices are insane in California.

Others offer good advice to try different neighborhoods renting out before you see where you want to end up. Traveling around the country is also a great idea so you have an idea if you prefer another city more.

Agree with @Larry about doing any legal paperwork, Apostillization, etc. from the USA in person so talk to the lawyer and see the things you will need. That is always a pain in the ass doing remotely vs. directly with the State Departments. Also, before coming sign up for a virtual post office account at https://www.anytimemailbox.com/ or one of the many companies like it if you don't have any family member where you can send mail to.

Also, see if your State driver's license or any other ID will expire soon. If so, renew it before you move so you don't have to deal with that while in Argentina (Driver's license, Passport, Global Entry, etc). If any credits cards are going to expire soon go ahead and renew now so you don't have to hassle wth that remotely. I would get anything renewed that you can. You might also want to sign up for a State ID as well so you can use that for ID sometimes vs. carrying around your driver's license.

Sign up for a Charles Schwab checking account so you can get free ATM withdrawals anywhere you travel.

If you plan on upgrading any phones, ipads, etc. buy them in the USA before you come as it's much cheaper. Things like towels, bedding, etc. are much cheaper in the USA too and much better quality so you may want to bring that down with you.

Good luck!

Some solid advice. Good luck @daveholman! You are a few months ahead of me. I want to do the same thing. I am not sure yet where to move. I was planning on BA but I may check out Rio as well as it has gotten very cheap there. But I don't speak any Portuguese so that is the one serious downside. BA is much safer than Rio. I made one trip there and saw a few people getting robbed on the beach.

 

[daveholman]

Yes, I have my FBI report and SS letter getting apostilled now. The lawyer I spoke with said the same as you - show up with those in hand, rather than do it from there. He told me to have them translated there in Argentina, that a translation from here might not be accepted.
Passport was renewed last year, so I'm good for a while.
And I bank with Capital One so I have no foreign transaction fees on my debit or credit card.
And my sister is also a world traveler, but lives in Texas, and I will use her address for a while...she'll know what needs to be forwarded and whatnot.

 

[daveholman]

And I have an appointment with my heart doctor, so I'll have 90 days of my meds when I arrive.

 

[Uncle Wong]

Yes, I have my FBI report and SS letter getting apostilled now. The lawyer I spoke with said the same as you - show up with those in hand, rather than do it from there. He told me to have them translated there in Argentina, that a translation from here might not be accepted.
Passport was renewed last year, so I'm good for a while.
And I bank with Capital One so I have no foreign transaction fees on my debit or credit card.
And my sister is also a world traveler, but lives in Texas, and I will use her address for a while...she'll know what needs to be forwarded and whatnot.

Argentina is nuts on official translation of things. My friend is going through this process now and insane some of the things they expect you to have translated. Even IDs. What lawyer are you using @daveholman? How much do they charge?

 

[daveholman]

His name is Nicolas Svirnosky Rivelis. I forget the name of his firm. He quoted my $1400 if everything goes according to plan.

 

[Wally]

Great you are taking the plunge. It sounds like you had a lot of responsibilities before and this is a good time to do it. Sorry about your brother. That is always tough but you worked hard and now time to enjoy your retirement. I can't add to what the others mentioned.

His name is Nicolas Svirnosky Rivelis. I forget the name of his firm. He quoted my $1400 if everything goes according to plan.

Seems like a decent price. I think I saw him posting on some FB groups.

 

[James Bond]

And I have an appointment with my heart doctor, so I'll have 90 days of my meds when I arrive.

That is a good idea. Especially if you have insurance that will cover the medications for a while. I knew an American that moved here but had a difficult time finding her medication here so she had to get it in the USA and friends brought it down. A good idea to get any prescriptions or maybe even letter from your doctor stating what you are using, etc.

You will enjoy living in Argentina. Live in Spain now but lived in BA for almost a decade. Loved it minus the crazy inflation but at least that looks like it is slowing down. Probably a good idea to also bring down some $100 bills too as you always go through cash and they charge to send money down so always good to have some cash.

 

[daveholman]

my doctor will probably give me 6 months of refills. I would have to pay cash for more than 90 days (insurance thing). I've looked at a pharmacy website in Argentina, and the cash prices were pretty close to what I would pay here. I have contacted a concierge doctor there and she indicates she'll be able to refill my prescriptions with a tele-health call. They are all common meds (statins, anti-hypertensives, etc) and available in Argentina.

 

[Finance Prof]

Yes, I have my FBI report and SS letter getting apostilled now. The lawyer I spoke with said the same as you - show up with those in hand, rather than do it from there. He told me to have them translated there in Argentina, that a translation from here might not be accepted.
Passport was renewed last year, so I'm good for a while.
And I bank with Capital One so I have no foreign transaction fees on my debit or credit card.
And my sister is also a world traveler, but lives in Texas, and I will use her address for a while...she'll know what needs to be forwarded and whatnot.

Smart to just get it translated here with an official translator. I went through this process a while back and had it translated in the USA and had to pay to get it all translated again here! Annoying process. It sounds like your lawyer knows the process well. Beware translations here are expensive.

Didn't know Capital One rebated fees. It's not enough to have no foreign transaction fees but make sure they rebate for ATM fees. Some of these machines here charge a fortune to withdraw a small amount of money. Good that you have a local address to send stuff to the USA.

If you have to send stuff here keep in mind services like Grabr.

https://grabr.io

A good thread is here:

Ordering stuff from abroad

Hello! There's another BA expats forum, an older one, it seems. I posted these questions there too, I hope I am not breaking any rules. I did a search before posting this question, but found nothing current and things have changed quite a bit since last December. Do you order things from...

www.expatsba.com

 

[Jerome]

Congrats @daveholman for taking the plunge. BA is a great city. I also am making the full time move soon. Keep us posted how your experience goes with applying for residency here. What category are you applying? The rentista?

 

[daveholman]

I'm getting the pensionado visa. Pretty much the same as the rentista

 

[VINO]

I'm getting the pensionado visa. Pretty much the same as the rentista

You will love Buenos Aires. I've been living here off and on for many years. Great place and fun traveling around in Argentina too. Lots of interest now from Americans coming down on either rentista or pensionado visas. People complain about the cost of living but I always joke it's a lot less than back home!

 

[daveholman]

You will love Buenos Aires. I've been living here off and on for many years. Great place and fun traveling around in Argentina too. Lots of interest now from Americans coming down on either rentista or pensionado visas. People complain about the cost of living but I always joke it's a lot less than back home!

Like I said...spent most of my life in California. I'm seeing studios in Buenos Aires renting for less than my electric bill was in CA. High prices don't scare me much. lol

 

[Wally]

Like I said...spent most of my life in California. I'm seeing studios in Buenos Aires renting for less than my electric bill was in CA. High prices don't scare me much. lol

After coming from California I doubt anything in Latin America will give you sticker shock. Where in California? My brother lives in Los Angeles and he showed me his electricity bill. Was shocking!!

 

[daveholman]

I'm in New Mexico the last 2 years, but I grew up mostly in Orange County, then moved out to the High Desert as a grownup. Hesperia to be precise. When I left there 2 years ago, my electric bill averaged $500/month for a 1500 square foot house.