About juan27

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Cordillera, Paraguay

Citizen Of:

Belgium

Past Expat Posts:

Belgium

France

Germany

Scotland

Austria

About juan27

I was born in France sixty six years ago, lived respectively in France, Belgium, Germany, Scotland, Austria, back to Belgium and finally in Paraguay. I am a medical editor, writer and publisher on the fields History of ophthalmology and History of optics.

My Website:

http://http://www.history-ophthalmology.com

Advice for New Expats

In regard to Paraguay and to avoid getting stripped by so-called helpers, learn at least a basic Spanish. Beware of Europeans that are less than 60/65 years. Those in the situation of having to earn money, very often are dishonest and do sell land and other things to exuberant prices betraying aswell the sellers as yourself. This country is NOT for people without a regular income from abroad. This is also NOT a country for people with young children (unless income from abroad). This country is partly very hot and partly hot and humid. Cordillera is acceptable for Europeans, North Americans and for people coming from countries with a similar climate. Check regularly the "Weather Sites" on the internet (for example: http://weather.cnn.com/weather/forecast.jsp?celcius=true&locCode=SGAS&zipCode=675369856385 This will give you a rough idea of what you have to expect. Get a medical insurance as soon you arrive and also insure your car (people here can buy a driver licence without having to learn to drive!!!). If you want to buy ground or a house, consult local newspapers...

I would love to live in...

still in Paraguay!

Favorite Websites:

http://http://www.google.com

Favorite Cuisine:

French, Swiss, Spanish

Favorite Museum:

Sciences

Some Forum Posts:

Paraguay: Alice Neufeld & Asociados:

Open your eyes! Browse the internet

Paraguay: Survey about Healthcare in Paraguay:

THe problem with medical insurance in Paraguay is that you have to read your contract ten times and still they get you if it comes to serious diseases. My wife and I are insured since 8 years with ASSISMED which is, I think one of the bests in PY (also one of the most expensive). But, if it comes to very serious matters like heart diseases, cancer or other "expensive" treatments, except you have the very top and most expensive contract, you will discover that these diseases are not totally covered and that you have to pay for your medicaments. Cancer is only covered by the non-plus-ultra-contract. Even with the most complete covering there it is limited to 100.000 USD. That seems high, but Assismed decides when you have reached these 100.000!! Not you or someone else. And tariffing is also in their hands. As long you are not involved in real serious diseases or operations, most insurer are acceptable. You have to read the small print very carefully. This applies also for Migone.

Paraguay: Money Exchange - New Law Beware:

They ask for your Identity card, correct, but they do not ask where you live. Unless its a sum above a certain amount. Paraguayans do tend to make photocopies of your ID card as soon you make any kind of contract. More dangerous is to order some expensive goods that you will pay upon reception (the driver COULD inform some bad people that he is driving to an address where he will cash money at a certain hour. If the sum is high, you MIGHT get "visitors" before the van with the ordered goods arrives. In general tell to nobody that you have money at home and in case of goods to be delivered, tell the seller that you will pay by check.

Paraguay: Gold:

Dear Friend, reading your postings, I feel you have no idea about Paraguay. DO NOT EVER TELL TO SOMEONE, OR DO NOT GET IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE via this, or any other Forum. PARAGUAY IS DANGEROUS. Just yesterday a girl of 22 was shot (death) for as little as a cellular phone. And you are talking about gold coins. Even the police at the airport could "organize" somewhat for you. Not somewhat you would like! What you just did is, in this country simply CRAZY. We are her since 7 years: 12 people we have known (two of them very good friends) were murdered. Murderers meanwhile, many free, "working" ... And you are talking about gold coins?? OPenly on the internet??? I am speechless! GOOD LUCK!!

Paraguay: Foreigner to obtain fully legal Paraguayan Driver's License:

Hallo Tobias, Der Führerschein wird, z.T. auch "so" gegeben. Es kommt darauf an WO man wohnt. Hier, in Piribebbuy z.B. geht man zur Gemeinde mit Blugruppe Bescheinigung. Das reicht. Die Nachbarsgemeinde verlangt schon ausserdem ein Augentest. Ein internationaler Führerschein hätte den Vorteil, daß der Text auch in spanisch ist und ein Transfer dann möglich wäre. Viel wichtiger ist aber die Dokumentation: Polizeiführungszeugniss (nicht älter als 3 Monate und abgestempelt vom Innerministerium und anschließen von der Paraguayische Botschaft in Berlin. Das ist nur einer. Da gibt es Geburtsurkunde, Heiratsurkundde (oder Scheidungsurkunde). Alles übersetzt, abgestempelt vom Innenminister und dann die Botschaft. Usw.usw... Sie können mich direkt unter jp@wayenborgh.com erreichen wenn Sie weiteren Fragen haben sollten.

Paraguay: I want to emmigrate to Paraguy:

An American living in Thailand? Well, you will need documents that are not very easy to obtain in THailand. First you will need a document from Interpol about you legal status for the last (I think) three years. That document must be less than 3 months old and certified by the Thailandese government AND the Paraguayan embassy. Your birth certificate must be certified from the country of origin, certified there and re-certified by the Paraguayan Embassy of THAT country (in your case the US- Paraguayan Embassy). There are other documents. You must have at least 5000 USD on a bank account here in Paraguay (if you are not alone, add 5000 per adult). In theory its easy, but there is a lot of paper work. If you have friends here they will help. If not you will need someone to visit the office of immigration. This will costs you about 1000 USD per capita. And, BE CAREFUL ABOUT FRIENDS WHO ARE NOT REAL FRIENDS. They will try to get YOUR money. And there is a large lot of these. They are simply friendly and very soon familiar. Too friendly!! Beware

Paraguay: Apostilles?:

Any documents, nor only transtated, but also "confirmed translation" by the Paraguayan Embassy of your country. Anyhow: each document you have must be confirmed by the issuing country (of that document. Example: you live in USA, but married in Bulgaria. You need a official translation of your wedding papers that are "confirmed" by the Paraguayan Embassy in Bulgaria (or their representative). This costs you in between 500 to 1000 Euros to pay to your "helpers" to help you out. Stolen money out your naivety! Keep your eye OPEN !! A L L your " helpers" are more or less "banditos". Good Luck in PY !!!

Paraguay: Best Place to Retire in Paraguay?:

Quietest capital? Have you EVER been there to write this? Or are you luring someone into a net? Armed robberies (often by the police itself) and attacks at night. Daily. From monday to sunday. No help to be expected, or (mostly) if any, than too late.

Paraguay: Hi!:

There are many "services". All are reliable, or most. Count with about 650-1500 USD per head. AND, be careful with so-called "friends and helper". There is one thing they do ALL, or try to do: getting the best of you. Your money. Do NOT trust anyone here in this corrupted country.

Paraguay: Immigration Attorney:

If one does not charge more than 1000 USD per head, you can take anyone of these sharks. They are all the same... :( . Greedy and stupid.

Date Joined:

8/27/2008

Total Posts:

76

Posts/Day:

0.02