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A weekly newsletter with four quick bites, edited by Tim Leffel, author of A Better Life for Half the Price and The World’s Cheapest Destinations.

Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa About to Drop
I spent some time talking to expats and nomads in Medellin last month and they’re all expecting a new wave to join them after Colombia’s digital nomad visa becomes reality on October 22. This one is notable because anyone with dollars will feel rich after landing due to the current exchange rate, yet the income you have to prove is the lowest I’ve seen for one of these: less than $700 per month. So even if your remote freelance career or online business is not in high gear yet, you can move here while you’re building.

Free Hotel Stays, Part 2
So far this year I have booked 8 free hotel nights worth $100+ each thanks to points racked up with a few different credit cards. One I’ve used 10+ years is The IHG Rewards Premier one from Chase. You currently get a fat 140K points sign-up bonus the first year after the minimum spend, automatic platinum elite status, and a free anniversary night each year you renew which offsets the $99 annual fee. See more details here and scroll to “Premier.”

Buying Your Way Into Residency
If you end up loving a country so much that you want to move there permanently, some will grant a fast path to residency–and sometimes a path to a second passport–if you put enough money into the economy. Panama is one example and they just postponed an announced raise of the If you end up loving a country so much that you want to move there permanently, some will grant a fast path to residency–and sometimes a path to a second passport–if you put enough money into the economy. Panama is one example and they just postponed an announced raise of the minimum purchase. Hurry though, because for the next two years you can buy your way to residency with a $300K real estate purchase (and it can be rental property). After that it goes to $500K.

Cheap Zipper Closures
Luggage locks can secure your zippers for checked bags, but since 9/11 procedures went into effect they’ve seemed like a placebo. The keys to open these “TSA approved” locks are widespread and luggage thieves are usually airport baggage workers anyway. (Google “airport baggage theft” for videos.) So I usually just secure my zippers with twist ties that come packaged with electronic cords and some food items. It’ll take a sticky-fingered worker longer to remove these than to pop open a lock and I don’t have to remember the combination.

10/13/22