Living outside the US...recommendations?

austintx05 · 03-26-2007, 01:05 AM

Always wondered what life woudl be like outside the US. I have a couple friends in Toronto, but that is really it. I have worked with several people at my job from all over the world, but am curious if anyone on this forum lives outside the US...and what is their take on their current situation there.

Thanks

durito · 03-26-2007, 01:16 AM

I've spent lots of time all over latin america in the last 5 years, and I intend to settle down somewhere down there soon. I'm going to try living a few places first. First up, Medellin, Colombia: an absolutley beautiful city in an amazing country (way different from what you've heard about it in the US).

I'm still pretty young, so I can't say for certain what I will do with my life, but I'm pretty certain I won't live in the US. I love the latin american culture and I'm just happier here.

My advice to people is to travel as much as you can. Go see other places and see whats its like.

Mason · 03-26-2007, 01:37 AM

Having lived outside the U.S. for 15 years and find that I have much MORE FREEDOM than I do in the U.S. My friends in the U.S generally shake their heads and can not grasp how that could be possible until they visit Latin America. I can't speak for the rest of the world but the Caribbean, S America and C America provide me with a much higher standard of living than in the U.S and much more freedom and liberty.

austintx05 · 03-26-2007, 01:43 AM

care to elaborate?

Also, how are taxes compard to US?

Can you get all the sports, NFL/NCAA/NBA/MLB as you can in the US?

Do you get taxed in your winning in C America?

durito · 03-26-2007, 01:54 AM

In regards to taxes austin: the US gov't taxes it's citizens on earnings outside the US (most developed countries do not). There are however exemptions (which have recently been reduced) up to around 85,000 in federal income taxes -- meaning you don't have to pay federal income taxes on your first $85k made outside the US (but you actually have to live oustide the US for something like 300+ days a year)

You do still owe ss and medicare taxes plus state taxes if applicable.

In terms of local taxes, it all depends on the country, but most don't tax you for income outside the country. So, if you are talking about gamlbing winnings, your tax liabilty shouldn't be too bad. Otherwise, it just depends.

I assume by get you mean on tv. There are countries in latin america that do get directv, but the packages are different. I'm not positive but i think NFL sunday ticket is exclusive to the US. I do know that yahoo offers an online NFL package that's only available outside the US.

I use a slingbox hooked up at home to watch games -- with a good internet connection in both places it works fine. Plus ESPN gameplan and full court online for college football and basketball.

Personally, I was looking to move south before the new laws, and would have regardless. Obviously, assuming I can get back into pinnacle, that will just be another benefit to me for living here.

I could probably answer better if I knew, what are your reasons for asking?

austintx05 · 03-26-2007, 01:59 AM

Just a thought really...if it ever becomes reality that would be 5 years down the line or so....just thinking ahead...only reason I woudl consider it is for wagering for a living...PInnacle was so huge and its loss is greatly missed...still have matchbook , but it is not the same...

durito · 03-26-2007, 03:03 AM

My opinions are certainly biased, as I prefer to live outside the US anyway.

However, in my opinion any professional that passes up the ability to play at pinnacle is losing lots of money. --- obviously that's pretty obvious.

However, moving to another country isn't a real option for most people (especially those with families).

For lots of people it'd be a vast lifestyle chage with many formalities. For me it's not nearly as much.

Nevertheless, if I was a professional player, I would live somewhere where I could play at pinnacle.

slash · 03-26-2007, 06:02 AM

I live in Denmark and I love it...

LargeMouthBass · 03-26-2007, 06:42 AM

Wouldn't it make more sense to move to a country that speaks english? I'd say move to Australia... Plus, chicks that are 5 in the US are 7 or 8 in Australia due to their accents. It's a big plus when your bankroll gets big and you want to spend it on something.

jjgold · 03-26-2007, 07:09 AM

The problem living out of the usa is jobs!! Most countries are poor compared to usa, these other countries might be good for leisure but that is about it.

As far as a career and family you need to live in the usa.

Santo · 03-26-2007, 08:51 AM

And there it is folks, another classic from the JJGold school of utter nonsense.

vanman · 03-26-2007, 01:56 PM

take the blinkers off jj and look at the whole picture,its a big wide world out there.

austintx05 · 03-26-2007, 04:08 PM

JJ - you might be right, but as I stated above, IF I was to move outside the US to use Pinnacle in conjuntion with an exchange it would be to wager for a living...so the argument about needing the US for employment would be null and void.

steviegking · 03-26-2007, 04:13 PM

You could always , think of United Kingdom , No tax on gambling profits

High cost of living thats the down side o and a strange goverment

austintx05 · 03-26-2007, 04:15 PM

Well me heritage is in the UK...just not sure I would want to live there....

gotsteam · 03-26-2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austintx05

care to elaborate?

Also, how are taxes compard to US?

Can you get all the sports, NFL/NCAA/NBA/MLB as you can in the US?

Do you get taxed in your winning in C America?

TAXES?

What taxes?

NO ONE Pays Taxes here in Latin America.

gotsteam · 03-26-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjgold

The problem living out of the usa is jobs!! Most countries are poor compared to usa, these other countries might be good for leisure but that is about it.

As far as a career and family you need to live in the usa.

That is a ridiculous statement.

All these other countries are what most people refer to as EMERGING ECONOMIES. That means they are filled with opportunities for those who wish to grab the brass ring.