Foreign Intrigue

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, May, 2000 by Mary Beth Franklin

Government approval is required for the purchase of more than five acres of land. U.S. retirees generally cannot join the national health system.

MEXICO

A rentista visa is renewable annually for five years. To qualify, you must show minimum income of $1,000 a month for a single person or $t,500 for a couple. There is no income tax on income earned outside of Mexico.

Land-purchasing restrictions apply in border and coastal areas. You may join the national medical system, similar to an HMO, for about $200 per person per year.--MAGALI RHEAULT