1

Look for an expat forum that covers this part of the world for answers to these questions.

Ruth

2

Not likely to get knowledgeable answers without a lot more specific information. For example, is the employer a Dutch or French company or even a US company? There are far too many variables in a case like this for anyone to provide reliable answers without knowing a whole lot more detail, which presumably you will not want to divulge in a public forum (I certainly wouldn't recommend that you do.)

I would do as everbrite suggests and look for expat forums. But even then how much info will you want to divulge?

Some research into the background of the company you would be working for might be a much better idea. Maybe a phone call to the local Chamber of Commerce to make some off the record inquiries about them. A bit of private detective work. LOL

Bottom line loston, what have you go to lose? If it doesnt' work out after 6 months will you be any farther behind? I think not.

3

Travelinstyle:

Thanks for your help. I just now saw your response. Yes, I am doing some checking around. You are right, I don't want to divulge much specific information. As you know, it can be a tiny world, especially when islands are involved.

I have found a couple expat forums that have been helpful, but I have been a little suprised at the lack of comprehensive information. It this opportunity matures - things are happening slowly - it will be a fun challenge. Another thing, I've always taken for granted comprehensive real estate listings, and these don't exist on SXM. Oh....the things you learn when you consider living somewhere!

Thanks again guys.

4

I hope you are not talking about buying a place lostonoceanic.

Based on personal experience, my advice to anyone looking at moving to a new country is NEVER buy property until you have lived somewhere for at least 1 and preferably 2 years. What I have seen first hand is people who come with rose tinted glasses to their island paradise only to find after a while that living there is just not for them.

Based on what I have seen (no actual documented statistical evidence) for every 10 that arrive, 5 are gone within 2 years and 8 within 5 years. There is no way to know beforehand if you will 'stick' or not. You just have to try it and see what happens.

Locals invariably are aware of how many end up leaving and when you try to sell the property you bought, never offer what you paid for it. Unless you can find a new arrival still wearing rose tinted glasses you end up losing money.

In 7 years of living on a Greek island (could as easily be any other place) I never saw one person leave with more money than they arrived with.

5

No I definitely would not consider buying property there yet. Hell I've lived in my own country for 30 years and haven't bought property yet. =) I'm just a bit transient at this point in my life, and also with my career.

6

I just want to let you know a friend of mine recently started an agency helping people who are moving to St. Maarten. Maybe this in interesting? It's called moving2sxm(.com). If not for you, maybe for others :-). Good luck with everything!