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I want to live in Cuba...forever !

by Ivar

I want to go to Cuba and live forever in Cuba, with my wife, dog, personal belongings.
Are there any dark-sides? And how much chances do I have to stay overthere?
I don't understand Spanish.
Last summer I stayed in Habana as tourist, alone.
I don't need money, I only need a place to live, a job and food. I can soon lose my job here.
I simple can't live here because of the high cost of living here (to pay rent),
but I know that in Cuba there is practically no rent to pay, and food, transport and medicines are free.
I simply have no alternatives.
What you think about it?

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I want to live in Cuba...forever !

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Oct 18, 2010
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starstar 		Retiring in Cuba?
by: Juanito Platino

I lived in Mexico for five years. As a result, I'm proficient in Spanish. My bet is one can find a small beachfront place within 50 Km of Havana for $300 US/month and get a cook/maid for another $50. Next year, I plan to visit for a week or ten days to explore and find out. I'm also good at negotiation third world style and know how to wield the mordida with some finesse.

I'm amused by people that are concerned that they can't own property in Cuba. Why would you want to; so you can get screwed like you did here? I sold real estate in Mexico and invented the MLS for Puerto Vallarta. The Mexican constitution (Article 33) prohibits direct ownership of real estate by a foreigner within 50 Km of international waters and 100 Km of borders. So, they let you put it in a bank trust with you as the beneficiary. I seriously doubt it but something similar ?might? be possible in Cuba. It's very simple. But, why would you want to own there? Buying and selling would undoubtedly be a nightmare. There?s no doubt that as a foreigner you would get screwed coming and going. I don't understand the need so many Americans have to complicate the simple things in life.

So, you pay a cheap rent, cheap cook/maid, and a little mordida to la migra to cover your visa. Then, go fishing, take long naps, laugh, and be happy. Isn?t the idea to keep it simple and enjoy life?
Apr 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not that easy a permanent stay in Cuba
by: Vic

Hi, what you want to do is very difficult. To get a PERMANENT RESIDENCE VISA (you can't stay on a tourist visa, its only valid for max 60 days) which is the visa you need for a permanent stay in Cuba you need :
1) To be ( official) married to a Cuban citizen
2) Have a 5000 $ guaranty deposit in a Cuban bank
3) Pass a medical examination
4) Have a fixed place to live ( normally the house of the of your Cuban partner)
5) Proof that you have a min.income from a job, pension, or foreign assets. Don't expect to work in Cuba, all jobs are distributed by the goverment and Cubans have priority. The average Cuban salary is 20$ per month (YES! no error, some Cubans earn 10$)You will need a house, there is a tremendous shortage of housing and a foreigner can not, repeat CAN NOT own Cuban property. If you manage to find a place to live, this appartment will be registered in the name of your Cuban wife or man. Sorry, but you have to think twice : Cubans pay little for some services like housing, food, transport but they earn very little, for a Cuban young man with a wife and child 8 or 10 dollar is NORMAL to Cuban standards. ( salaries controlled by the Cuban Government) Note, that a can of beer (33cl) costs 1,25 cuc = 1,5 dollar. After one daywork a Cuban can't buy a beer!!!!!!!!Cuba is a nice country for people who can afford to live on their yacht or in a rented hotel suite. For a foreigner who want to stay in a Casa Particular = official licensed rooms you can rent from a Cuban family, the rent is at least 700 dollar a month(because the Cuban owner has to pay a high tax) If you want to work on the internet, note that the cheapest connection (very slow - dial-up) cost 125 $ per month. Only tourist hotels have a good (??) internet connection at 5$/hour. Cuba is a wonderful country but understand that in Cuba nothing is what it seems to be. There are two currencies but two standards of living too. The difference between living like a Cuban or a tourist is the same as the difference between black and white. GOOD LUCK! and think before you jump! All the best.
Vic webmaster Havana-Guide.com

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