Spend Thrift
Well-known member
Hello from a 68 year-old Seattle native currently navigating Buenos Aires!
Getting cash has proven to be a challenge with ATM machines charging a whopping surcharge to withdraw and limiting how much I can take out. Following advice I went to Uruguay to secure US dollars, enduring a full day from 7 AM to 2 PM on a long boat ride. Round-trip flights cost $250, and the maximum I can withdraw from ATMs there is $1500. Unfortunately, Western Union couldn't process my debit card, and the process of registering as a legal long-term visitor here is taking some time.
After a month of hopping between Airbnbs, I've found a nice apartment. I'll be sharing warnings about Airbnb scammers in this area later. Now, regarding the apartment I'm securing for the next two years, the monthly rate is $1,700 USD. There's an offer of one month free for a year in advance or a $3000 discount if I pay for two years upfront. Uncertain about the expat economy under the new president and concerned about the prospect of a return of the previous one, I'm evaluating whether to invest $33k from my IRA or withdraw it to save 10%. I'm open to comments on this decision.
As a gay divorced male with a Spanish-speaking personal assistant who makes life here much easier, I'm curious about expat groups, preferably with a focus on gay males. I'm sociable and believe in the benefits of networking. For now, I'm grateful to have found this group.
Getting cash has proven to be a challenge with ATM machines charging a whopping surcharge to withdraw and limiting how much I can take out. Following advice I went to Uruguay to secure US dollars, enduring a full day from 7 AM to 2 PM on a long boat ride. Round-trip flights cost $250, and the maximum I can withdraw from ATMs there is $1500. Unfortunately, Western Union couldn't process my debit card, and the process of registering as a legal long-term visitor here is taking some time.
After a month of hopping between Airbnbs, I've found a nice apartment. I'll be sharing warnings about Airbnb scammers in this area later. Now, regarding the apartment I'm securing for the next two years, the monthly rate is $1,700 USD. There's an offer of one month free for a year in advance or a $3000 discount if I pay for two years upfront. Uncertain about the expat economy under the new president and concerned about the prospect of a return of the previous one, I'm evaluating whether to invest $33k from my IRA or withdraw it to save 10%. I'm open to comments on this decision.
As a gay divorced male with a Spanish-speaking personal assistant who makes life here much easier, I'm curious about expat groups, preferably with a focus on gay males. I'm sociable and believe in the benefits of networking. For now, I'm grateful to have found this group.