Hi all,

I've been lurking in these forums for a while but finally decided to register as I am getting more serious about my plans.

I'm looking to move to Bonaire to stay for about 2 months. I have enough saved to do this and not have to worry about work.

Is this even possible?

1. Do I need a visa? The consulate page says U.S. citizens do not need a visa for up to 90 days (which is more than what I will stay for), however only for "tourist or business purposes". I guess you can say I will be an extended tourist, but still. Any thoughts on this?

2. Are there generally apartments (1br/studios) for rent for such a short term? I've poked around at the various links given on this board, but haven't found any short term rentals (besides vacation rentals at crazy weekly rates).

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

Hi Bryan.
Before we moved to Bonaire, my Wife & I stayed as a tourist for 10 weeks. There is no need for a visa if you stay for less than 3 months.

Contact real estate agents http://www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://www.infobonaire.com/realestate.html&ei=FuHCS7ScH5-80gSzn4W3DA&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=8&ved=0CBUQqwMoBzAA&usg=AFQjCNHJbGizYKS1JXK2ZkSSXNxn4H0aJg or alternatively, check the small ads online in the Bonaire Reporter: www.bonairereporter.com

Good luck!

(Message edited by Bondy on April 12, 2010)

Welcome to the island. I assume you have been here before. My suggestion is to book an inexpensive place for the first week and then when you are here, check out the non tourist rental market. Depending on when you arrive, (Medical Students do take a lot of the available properties) you will likely find something that suits your requirements. Be happy to help if you e mail me info@chatnbrowse.com
As for work, it takes much longer than two months to get a permit..just come and enjoy

Antony - Thank you for the resources

Michael - I actually have not been there; I like island living, and was basically looking for a Caribbean island not *as* exposed to the mass tourism that has consumed the rest of the sea. Also I do love snorkeling so the island seemed like a good fit.

I am definitely not planning to work, so there are no worries there! Thanks for the tips!

I thought you had to go and register or something at an offical of place if you were staying for over 3 weeks as a tourist.
I seem to remember doing that when we had extended stays a few years ago.
No more?

when you pass thru immigration at the airport you will get a stamp with a number of days on it ... if less than the number of days you plan to stay you must go to the immigration office in Playa and request an extension .. in these days of the transition, it would be a good idea to officially check-in ...it is not wise to assume anything and for immigration that is NOT an excuse...

check www.BONAIRE.BIZ for housing. Just copy paste the ads into google dutch-english translator, found this a better place for local resources, especially housing

Hi there!
I am currently living on Bonaire and was wondering if anyone knows how/if I can extend my tourism visa for another 3 months?! I want to stay to complete the IDC through one of the local dive shops...
any help would be welcome!

This is what info Bonaire says:

To prolong your visit, present the following documentation in person at the immigration office at Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar #7 (behind Tourist Corporation Bonaire's office):

* Passport
* Visa (in passport), if required
* Return ticket
* You may be required to provide proof that you have the financial resources to stay up to your new desired date. This information may also be requested upon entry into Bonaire, but is up to the discretion of Immigration.

Hi all,
Looking for advise on the reality of living on Bonaire retired couple with about $2500 TO $3000 a month,rent,food,utilities etc.
A simple no frills life,is this even possible?
We visited island last week and cannot get it off of our minds,paradise for sure!
Any comments will help.
Thanks

Gary welcome to BT, try this link retirement in Bonaire
good luck

I think the immigration/residency (taxation...) and your long term Health Insurance are key decision points. The rules are different for every individual, the process very long. The 10/10/2010 change might be affecting your retirement on Bonaire, too. What I am trying to say: the monthly budget might be the smallest piece in the puzzle.

how many churchs are in Bonaier?

http://www.bonairereporter.com/news/010pdfs/newcurrent.pdf
page 14 lists all churches and their service times

that is not a complete list of churches on Bonaire..just for a few of the major ones .. my last statistic for tourism purposes was 26 registered churches ...there are probably many more as there are a lot of pentecostal groups..