Are you thinking of
Buying a Second Home or Retirement Property outside US?
If so, look here and see some of the possibilities.
Following places will be covered:
Costa Rica
Belize
Nicaragua
Panama
Mexico
There might come other places later on.
I will also try to cover other aspects of buying property abroad. Keep an eye open on this link so you can be kept informed and updated.
Marianne L.
COSTA RICA
Second-home buyers are flocking to Costa Rica and the hottest province, according to USA Today’s Larry Olmsted, is Guanacaste on the northwest Pacific Coast. Olmstead Quotes Barry Golson, author of Retirement Without Borders: How to Retire Abroad:
“Costa Rica’s appeal as a second-home destination is even greater today. For the first time since real estate began skyrocketing five or six years ago, prices have softened. . .With gorgeous jungle, mountain and beach landscapes, Costa Rica continues to set the tourism pace in Central America,” says Golson.
Olmstead’s article also points out many of the western area’s attractions and details three Guanacaste neighborhoods: Peninsula Papagayo, Tamarindo and Playas Flamingo & Potrero.
Realty Executives International has offices through Central America and Costa Rica and we can assist your referral clients in finding the right investment for their needs.
For the full article, read here: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/secondhomes/2009-01-08-guanacaste-costa-rica_N.htm
BELIZE
Unveils $13.5m
Sustainable Tourism Plan
Belize City, Belize – January 29, 2009 – The Government of Belize (GOB) has committed to a four-year, $13.5 million dollar plan to promote and practice responsible tourism development in the country. The new sustainable tourism initiative outlines infrastructural projects that focus on the long-term preservation of Belize's stunning natural resources, as well as developments in four of the country's more popular tourism destinations, including San Ignacio in the Cayo District, Placencia in the Stann Creek District, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Belize City.
"Our focus is to help build Belize as an emerging destination in a responsible way, thereby setting the tone for future developments and advances throughout the country," said Tracy Panton, Director of Tourism for the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). "The initiatives presented in Belize's new plan will promote sustainability and foster mutually beneficial relationships between residents and investors."
In Belize City, infrastructural developments will include a pedestrian link from the cruise ship port to the city's downtown area, allowing locals to benefit from cruise tourism; as well as re-surfacing of the street, installation of wider sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. In Placencia, a natural disaster management plan will be put into place, along with the construction of an extended pier, allowing visiting yachts and boats to dock and access the area. In San Pedro, an outlet mall will be built on the western side of the town, which will create new jobs and local opportunities for growth. And, in San Ignacio, the sustainable tourism projects will focus on improving accessibility to, and preservation of, key archeological sites. In addition, a town cultural center will be developed to help tourists access all the services San Ignacio has to offer.
Complementing the new initiative in May will be the third annual World Conference on Responsible Tourism by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT). The BTB recently announced its sponsorship of the event which focuses on the responsibility for sustainable tourism and addresses local economic development through tourism, the impact of second homes or condo hotels, the impact of mass tourism to the marine environment as well as climate change. For additional information on the conference, scheduled for May 19 - 23, 2009 in Belize, or information regarding the country's involvement with ICRT, please visit www.icrtbelize.org <http://www.icrtbelize.org/> .
About Belize
As one of the last unspoiled places on earth, Belize offers travelers the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a Caribbean getaway. With direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, this tropical paradise is nestled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. For generations, the English-speaking people of Belize have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the country's unique charms. Belize offers a land rich in natural beauty and steeped in the history and culture of its Mayan past. Renowned for having the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize's pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush unspoiled landscapes and superb diving truly make it Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret.
PANAMA and NICARAGUA are under preparation.
MEXICO
There are several locations in Mexico where there are big concentrations of Americans (Yes, Americans have found the good places). These are:
Baja California
Ajijic / Lago de Chapala/ Guadalajara
Puerto Vallarta / Nuevo Vallarta
San Miguel de Allende
Cancun / Playa del Carmen
AJIJIC
At over 5000 feet in elevation, Ajijic is a tourist town and a place of residence for both Mexican nationals and foreigners. It's among many towms on the shores of Lake Chapala, in the state of Jalisco. Ajijic is about 1100 miles south of Tucson Arizona and about 35 miles south of Guadalajara Mexico. It and other lakeshore communities are flush with retail and service businesses of almost every kind. Many cater to the needs of over 6,000 foreigners from all over the world but mostly from Canada and the United States. Luxury view homes dot the northern hillsides overlooking the lake. Add together a quality housing market, some of the best weather in the world, a moderate cost of living, and a friendly atmosphere, and the area becomes an idyllic living environment for many. Despite its beauty, Lake Chapala is shallow, badly polluted, and not a place for water sports or fishing. Some say the lake helps moderate temperatures from summer to winter and from daylight to nightime. Except for the main highway that runs along the lake, the streets in Ajijic are hand made from large rounded stones so driving on them is bumpy at best. Some say stone roads help maintain an element of rustic charm. Bigger towns along the lakeshore have paved streets. There are several supermarkets and many real estate offices.
Mexico - San Carlos, Best Kept Secret
San Carlos is possibly Mexico's Best Kept Secret! Sparkling blue water. Beautiful, long white sandy beaches. Warm sunny days year-round. Striking natural beauty. The allure of San Carlos is real. Many visitors express a feeling akin to a force pulling them to the beautiful little town on the Sea of Cortez where life is simpler and slower. An "undiscovered treasure," a "well-kept secret," an "unspoiled gem" are some of the phrases used to describe San Carlos. Undoubtedly you will discover the absolute warmth and charm of this beautiful place.
San Carlos Lifestyle
The lifestyle in San Carlos is a blend of Mexican flavor with modern conveniences. Since a large part of the population is American or Canadian the style contrasts greatly with the neighboring town and the rest of the state. It is more similar to more famous resort areas such as Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos.
Many dream of living by the sea, owning a yacht in the marina, enjoying the sound of waves breaking, watching a brilliant sunrise or an incandescent sunset. Or the sensation of pure sea air in your lungs while you watch pelicans and dolphins in their natural environment. You can hike up a mountain, walk on a white sand beach, explore the blooming desert, take a boat ride or paddle a kayak, ride a bicycle or a horse. This is the reality of San Carlos, some call it paradise, while residents call it home! San Carlos is truly a treasure of emotions, environment and ambience that is kept secret by those who have the privilege of living here each day.
Sports, adventure, recreation, bonding with nature, "fiestas," tournaments and community activities are all part of the lifestyle. There are Catholic churches as well as other religious denominations, sports and social clubs, neighborhood associations and service organizations. Telecommunication services are comparable to the US; services are reasonable and the cost of living is always less than expected.
From your early morning walk to a social event or intimate dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants with gourmet dishes at sunset, everyday life at this coastal area in Sonora is unique and different. This uniqueness is a byproduct of the international influence, and also of the sublime sensation of finding oneself between a mountain and the sky, between the desert and the sea. San Carlos is truly a picturesque town by the Sea of Cortez. The Sea of Cortez is one of the most renowned biological areas of the world characterized by its biodiversity and unequaled panoramas of earth, sea and sky.
World-Class Fishing
Sonora is a great place to benefit from plenty of natural pleasures thanks to a privileged geographical situation surrounded by sea where you can enjoy being part of many different tourist activities such as scuba diving, ecological tourism, nautical tourism and fishing.
San Carlos is better known as the "jewel of the Sea of Cortez" and, without a doubt, is the main destination in the State of Sonora for fishing. Its calm and tempered waters, a wonderful climate and a modern infrastructure are definitely all you need to enjoy a relaxing time while practicing your favorite sport.
Over 700 boat spaces are distributed in two marinas plus stores specialize in renting and selling fishing equipment. Most importantly there are more than 800 varieties of marine species that constitute the second place at worldwide, making this destination a place with great potential for the practice of this great sport.
San Carlos as an Investment
When considering the volatility of stocks and other investments, an attractive investment option in today's economic environment can be found in real estate in resort areas that are brimming with potential for future growth. San Carlos is one area that has been receiving increasing attention from the media. It is considered a town that will continue to attract people who are seeking a great place to retire or who want a vacation home where the advantages are a beautiful setting, attractive climate, abundant activities and a slower pace of life.
One major aspect of the San Carlos/Guaymas real estate market hasn't changed much, if at all. That is the investment quality of property. While US real estate values were in steady decline, property values in Mexico were just as steadily increasing. Property is still a bargain, especially when compared to similar properties in the United States.
The Nautical Ladder
San Carlos/Guaymas forms part of the Nautical Route, which is an important tourist infrastructure project. Without a doubt this will be the "gateway to the future" for this world-class fishing and diving village. For San Carlos, this project will bring the expansion of its hotel and service infrastructure, the construction of many luxury housing and condo projects, the construction of a new public beach resort, as well as the expansion of the lanes of the Hermosillo - Kino Bay Highway, which is underway.
Coming soon to the San Carlos area is a marine tourism initiative called the Escalera Nautica or the Nautical Ladder. The project will entail a succession of new and improved ports and innovative infrastructure for water enthusiasts. In addition the Port of Guaymas will play host to international cruise ships which has begun as recently as the Fall 2008 creating new and unique opportunities for the community and tourists alike.
Long-term planning will consist of 12 new nautical stops at sites with very good natural conditions for vessels. Ship anchoring will be built in Punta San Carlos, Santa Rosalia, Bahia de los Angeles, San Luis Gonzaga, Bahia De Tortugas, Punta Abreojos, San Juanico, Huatabampo, Bahia Kino, Altata and Teacapan.
Is Belize Bullet Proof?
25/02/09 10:16 Filed in:
Belize News and Updates
Belize has always had a charm that attracts investors from around the globe. There is also something else that remains constant in this English-speaking Central American country, and that is property values. Even amidst the sharp global downturn, prices in Belize, a true value compared to many other Caribbean countries, have consistently risen and continue to do so. Development is still taking place, where it has all but stopped in many regions. More importantly, interested parties are still buying.
Read what one International expert has stated...
Les Calvert, director of overseas property portal Property Abroad said: "While Belize never really became massive news as an emerging market, its emergence, if largely silent was one of the quickest and most profitable of all overseas property markets.
"An ultra luxury 2 bedroom Caribbean front condominium in Belize is now averaging US $285,000.00 to buy with many in fact over half a million dollars. But I certainly wouldn't advise anyone to wait and see if prices drop; they won't! And before you know it prices will begin rising rapidly again."
Belize is home to the world's second largest barrier reef and a lush tropical rainforest. It also has a rich diversity of wildlife and a large concentration of Mayan ruins, all of which are making Belize increasingly popular with international tourists. It is a destination that is close to the United States and has very attractive retirement and investment incentives. Another important note is that Belize follows British Common Law, so property ownership and subsequent rights are clearly defined and purchases are secure.
Mr Calvert added: "All in all, Belize is a fantastic place to buy a property, whether you are buying a holiday home or an investment property."
Jeffrey Finch
Regional Developer - Central America
Realty Executives International
Ajijic is located (at 20°18"N, 103°15"W) 5046 feet above sea level in the vast central Mexican plateau that is home to the Sierra Madre mountain range.
The Chapala Lake basin has a year round average temperature of about 72 degrees. The temperature ranges from a low of about 50 degrees in the winter months, to a high of about 90 degrees in summer. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October with an average rainfall of approximately 34 inches
History
Up until the arrival of the Spanish, the region was occupied by nomadic Indian tribes, probably the Cocas tribe that settled the northern shore. There seem to be many explanations, and meanings, for the names Chapala and Ajijic, all of which are Indian place names, probably derived from Nahuatl, the native language of the area.
Population
The Chapala region, especially Ajijic, has become a destination for Americans and Canadians, either escaping the high cost of living north of the border, or freezing winters in Canada. These reasons, along with the agreeable climate, have increased the area's population and it appears this trend may continue, as the baby boomers reach retirement age.
More photography of the Lake Chapala and Ajijic area is at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shmiller/sets/72057594104626989/ Steve Miller is a full-time resident of the lakeside community. -September 2006
PUERTO VALLARTA
Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta's charm makes the resort famous around the world. Along with its cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, plentiful marine life, lush Sierra Madre Mountains, exceptional restaurants, fine Gourmet Festival, new golf courses and vibrant culture, Puerto Vallarta is a vacationer's paradise that has maintained its unique Old Mexico charm despite the addition of these modern conveniences.
Around the Bay, beautiful beaches, lush jungles and sparkling waterfalls offer many opportunities for the adventurous, while five star resorts, world-class shopping and gourmet restaurants satisfy even the most sophisticated traveler. Stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown, a newly extended and refurbished boardwalk along the ocean, called the Malecon, passes by any number of shops, restaurants, and hotels, and often plays host to mimes, breakdancers, clowns and artists.
The residents of Puerto Vallarta are very friendly and generally willing to help with directions and other requests. Old Town Vallarta (or the Zona Romantica district) south of the River Cuale is more like a Mexican town and less like a tourist trap.
Puerto Vallarta (English: Vallarta Port) is a Mexican resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean's Bahía de Banderas. The 2005 census reported Puerto Vallarta's population as 177,830 making it the fifth-largest city in the state of Jalisco. The City of Puerto Vallarta is the government seat of the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta which comprises the city as well as population centers outside of the city extending from Boca de Tomatlán to the Nayarit border (the Ameca River). The municipality's population in the 2005 census was 220,368.[1]
The city is located at 
20°40′N 105°16′W / 20.667°N 105.267°W / 20.667; -105.267. The municipality has an area of 502.19 square miles (1,300.67 km²). To the North it borders the SW part of the state of Nayarit. To the East it borders the municipality of Mascota and San Sebastián, and to the South it borders the municipalities of Talpa de Allende and Cabo Corriente.[2]
Puerto Vallarta is named after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco. In Spanish, Puerto Vallarta is often shortened to "Vallarta", while English speakers call the city P.V. for short. The city occasionally is spelled or pronounced as Porto Vallarta. Being a Spanish name, Vallarta is usually pronounced 'vie-arta', not 'val-arta'. In Internet shorthand the city is often referred to as PVR, after the IATA code (ICAO MMPR) for its international airport.
"Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place, believe me, I live here.
Some of the reasons for choosing Puerto Vallarta to visit are the mild climate, the extraordinarily friendly people who live here, the wonderfully varied excursions and tours available, the great selection of first class restaurants and all in a location known for its security and safety. Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world.
With several different environments close together, Ocean, Beach, Jungle and Mountains, there are many tours and excursions available in Vallarta." (told be an American, living in Puerto Vallarta).
Please contact me if you want to hear more about the places. I have been there myself and btw lived 8 years in Mexico.
Tips for Buying Abroad
1. Never sign a contract that you do not understand (for example - if it is in a foreign language).
2. Always ensure that you seek specialist advice from independent Solicitors, Architects and Surveyors before considering a purchase overseas. They should be proficient in your chosen country's laws and processes and also know the specifics involved in buying a property there.
3. Ensure you do not inherit a debt on the property before you purchase, which a solicitor should be able to check - ie: If the developer has borrowed money to build the development and this amount has been allocated against each plot as additional security to the developer's bank.
4. Always give yourself a `cooling off` period if you see a `must-have property` and are tempted to put down a deposit there and then.
5. If you are arranging finance on the property, ensure that this is stated in any contract and you have an 'opt-out clause' if the loan is not agreed (which will ensure any deposit paid is refunded).
6. Try to arrange your mortgage finance 'in principle', before agreeing to purchase the property, or before signing any contracts and paying over a deposit.
7. Arrange your mortgage in the currency that you earn in where possible, unless you are going to receive rental income from that property in the local currency and then this may be a possible alternative option, dependent on the lender's criteria.
8. Think about combining your cash with friends or family: it could bring a Villa with pool within your financial reach, rather than simply an Apartment.
9. Check with the Estate Agent or vendor that you are aware of the costs charged by the legal and government authorities for purchasing a property in your chosen country.
10. Open a bank account in your chosen country and ensure you get a Certificate of Importation for the money you bring in from your home country.
11. Set up standing orders in a local bank account to meet bills and taxes. Failure to pay your taxes in some countries, such as France , Portugal and Spain , could lead to court action and possible seizure of your property.
12. Remember that bills do not end at the asking price. Lawyer's fees, Taxes, Insurance etc must all be met in your host country and can often be more expensive
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| Americans are notorious over-tippers in foreign markets, which may make us popular with service providers, but may also demonstrate our cultural ignorance to local business partners. In many places, a service charge is already included in the bill, or local customs dictate a percentage below the standard 15%- 20% in the U.S. Be knowledgeable about local tipping customs |
So you just had a five-star meal in Qatar. Or went scuba diving in beautiful Bohol in the Philippines. Well, lucky you! But how do you express your appreciation for the service you received? Are you in a country where tipping is customary and required? Appreciated but not expected? Or virtually unheard-of? The truth is, tipping rules vary by country, by region, and by scenario. A modest rounding up of the check may be fine in some places and insufficient in others. A few small bills left on a night table might be gladly picked up by housecleaning staff in one hotel and scrupulously shunned elsewhere. Such uncertainties can throw an uneasy shadow over even the most exhilarating jaunt in a new land. That's why we've spelled out guidelines for the most common tipping situations in more than 25 countries, from Switzerland to Syria to Singapore. Read on. THE MIDDLE EAST
The tipping culture is often complex and subtle in this part of the world. "It's known for being very friendly and hospitable, with people providing too much service," says Rita Zawaideh, the Jordanian-born owner of Seattle's Caravan-Serai Tours, which plans trips to the region. In return, "people's hands are out a little bit more." While you may give more often in these parts, it's usually in small amounts—and it's deeply appreciated.
DUBAI
Dubai's government mandates adding a 10 percent service charge to all bills at hotels, restaurants, and bars. (Tips are usually divided equally among staff but sometimes go directly to the people who have helped you.) Feel free to top it off with a few dirhams (each is worth about a quarter). Parking valets and porters are the exception—they usually get 10 dirhams. Bag packers in markets might appreciate a few coins; cabdrivers don't expect anything, but rounding up to the 5-dirham note is good practice.
EGYPT
At Restaurants: The tip is included in the bill; add 5–10 percent above that.
At Hotels: One to two dollars a day for the housekeeper (pay throughout your stay to ensure great cleaning); $1 per bag for the porter; concierges are powerful and very helpful, so $10–$20 at the beginning of your stay will go far.
Guides and Drivers: Cabdrivers, 10–15 percent; guides (who almost never drive you), $20 per person per day; drivers a little less.
Dollars Accepted?: Everything is accepted, and often preferable to local currency.
P.S. Guides are often well-trained Egyptologists whose function is not only to educate but also to divert the many locals who will have their hands out for baksheesh, whether they've earned it or not. James Berkeley, president of Destinations and Adventures, which arranges trips to Egypt and the Middle East, likes to tell "the biggest joke in tourism": A camel driver tells you, "No charge to get on my camel—but five-dollar tip." You pay, you lumber up onto the camel. Then he says, "Twenty-dollar tip to get off."
IRAN
Unlike Europeans, Americans can't travel independently in Iran; they must be with a government-approved tour, which means that most service charges are included and tipping isn't necessary. If restaurant service is really good, leave a few more dollars. In hotels, if you really want to express appreciation, says Zawaideh, give a small gift from the United States (a T-shirt or hat bearing the name of an American city or sports team). In a closed country like Iran, she says, "they love that stuff—it means a lot more." But if you do tip, dollars are accepted.
ISRAEL
At Restaurants: As in European countries, the tip is routinely included in the bill; add a shekel per customer (they're about three to the dollar).
At Hotels: A shekel or two for the concierge for a small favor. Six shekels per bag for porters; 3–6 shekels per day for housekeepers.
Guides and Drivers: Ten to 15 percent for taxis; 90–120 shekels per person per day for tour guides, 120–150 shekels for driver-guides.
Dollars Accepted?: No. Be prepared to give shekels.
P.S. "Nobody's ever gone to Israel for good service," says James Berkeley, who calls the taxi drivers "the grumpiest in the world." So adjust your idea of what's tip-worthy accordingly.
JORDAN
At Restaurants: Service is almost always included in the bill; add 5–10 percent for the waiter.
At Hotels: One dinar ($1.50) per bag for the porter, same per night for the housekeeper—or a bit more, as they tend to be impoverished Palestinians. Tip the concierge—in advance—only if you expect something very special to be done, like access to rare tickets.
Guides and Drivers: Ten to 15 percent for taxis; $30 per person per day for tour guides; private driver, $30 per day total.
Anyone Else?: Bedouins in Petra—a tribe called Nabateans—control most tourism to the ancient city—part of a deal worked out with the king when the city was made tourist-friendly. They will sometimes keep asking for tips—even after you've already paid. It's okay to decline firmly.
Dollars Accepted?: Yes, and euros, too.
P.S. Berkeley says to ask whoever arranged your guides—local or government-sanctioned—whether the tip has been prepaid. If so, refuse to pay more.
LEBANON
At Restaurants: Tip 10 percent of the bill. In a nice restaurant, you might want to discreetly give the maître d' $25 up front to ensure top service, especially if you're in a group. If you've enjoyed the musicians, give them $5 or so.
At Hotels: Tips are included if on group tours; otherwise, it's $2 a bag for porters, $2 for doormen who hail a cab or give directions, a few bucks a day for maids. Giving $20 to $25 to the concierge up front will secure you good service throughout your stay.
Guides and Drivers: If you're not in a prepaid group, tip guides about $10 per person per day, drivers $5 per person per day.
Dollars Accepted? Yes, and euros.
P.S. If you visit churches in Lebanon, leave something in the offering box at the entrance. Tip bartenders as you would in the States. And if you ski, tip the instructor $20.
QATAR
At Restaurants: Leave 15 to 20 percent.
At Hotels: Follow the standard for hotels in big American cities: $2 to $3 for doormen when they call a cab, $2 to $5 a day for housekeepers, and $2 a bag for porters.
Guides and Drivers: Tip $10 per person per day for drivers, $5 per person per day for guides.
Dollars Accepted? Yes.
SAUDI ARABIA
At Restaurants: Tips aren't included, so leave 10 to 15 percent of the bill. And, says Zawaideh, asking for doggie bags is a no-no in the Middle East; uneaten food is taken home by kitchen staff or given to the homeless.
At Hotels: To ensure good service throughout a stay, says Zawaideh, "I give the concierge $20 to $25 when I get there so he remembers who I am." Give porters $1 to $2 per bag and leave about $2 a day in your room for housekeepers.
Guides and Drivers: Give guides about $10 per person per day if you're going out alone or in a very small group, about $7 per person per day in a large group. Give drivers $5 per person per day; if they have assistants who keep the car clean and get water, give them $2 per person per day.
Dollars Accepted? Yes.
P.S. If you visit a mosque, leave $1 for the person who hands out robes for women to wear and 50 cents to $1 for the person who minds your shoes, which you respectfully doff at the door. "Don't make it obvious that you're tipping someone," advises Zawaideh. "Put the tip in an envelope for guides and drivers, palm it off with a handshake and a thank-you to the concierge, and slip it in the jacket pocket of the maître d' to get a good table." And keep in mind that most workers here are foreigners from, say, India or the Philippines. They depend upon your tips to support their families.
SYRIA
At Restaurants: Leave about 10 percent of the bill.
At Hotels: Same guidelines as in Lebanon (unless you're on a group tour).
Guides and Drivers: Same guidelines as in Lebanon.
Dollars Accepted? Yes.
P.S. If you visit a mosque, follow the same tipping rules as you would in Saudi Arabia.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
At Restaurants: U.S. rules apply; tip 15 to 20 percent. In a so-called seven-star restaurant, which you'll find here, tip the maître d' $50 to $100 to ensure superior service (you're going to be paying $200 per person for the meal, anyway).
At Hotels: Tip the concierge $30 to $35 every time you have a major request, like a special restaurant reservation. Tip porters $2 per bag, doormen $2 to $3 to hail cabs, and maids $3 a day.
Guides and Drivers: Guides get $10 to $20 per person per day, drivers $5 per person per day.
Dollars Accepted? Yes.
P.S. Unlike elsewhere in the region, don't tip bathroom attendants in the United Arab Emirates.
YEMEN
At Restaurants: Tip 10 percent in top restaurants; in folksier places, a couple of bucks will suffice.
At Hotels: Leave cleaning staff about $2 per day. Concierges aren't really common here; give a few dollars to whoever stores your luggage after you check out.
Guides and Drivers: If you leave Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, you'll likely go out in a jeep with a convoy of military guards. "You might have five or six young people with their AK-47s," says Zawaideh. Give $20 to $25 to the main guard, and he'll distribute it among the others. And make sure you arrange to go to different parts of the country with representatives from each area's ruling tribe. You'll likely visit the private homes of tribe or village leaders. Bring little gifts, such as crayons and coloring books for the children. Failing that, you can give money to the man of the house—never to the woman (that's considered improper)—and say that it's for the children, so as not to offend.
Dollars Accepted? Yes, as are euros.
AFRICA
It helps, in some of the world's least developed areas, not just to be generous but to be thoughtful. Your porter in Johannesburg may be well versed in the way of tourists, but that doesn't mean he can easily exchange a ratty five-dollar bill.
MOROCCO
At Restaurants: Ten percent is generous, but check to make sure the service isn't included in the bill.
At Hotels: Two dollars per bag to the porter; $10 to the concierge at the beginning of your stay, to guarantee good service; $5 per night to the housekeeper, preferably paid day by day.
Guides and Drivers: For cab-drivers, round up to the next 10-dirham note; private drivers and guides should both get around $15 per day.
Dollars Accepted?: Yes.
P.S. In Morocco, "tipping is best done quietly, perhaps off to the side," suggests Joel Zack of Heritage Tours, which specializes in travel to Morocco. He recommends the furtive handshake-with-cash-in-palm move, accompanied by a smile and a thank-you.
SOUTH AFRICA
At Restaurants: Ten to 15 percent to the waiter.
At Hotels: A dollar per bag to the porter and per night to the housekeeper; $3–$5 to the concierge.
Guides and Drivers: : Taxi drivers, 10 percent; private drivers, 10 percent of total fare; tour guides, $10 per person per day.
What Else?: South African authorities employ "car guards" and airport porters semi-officially to cut down on unemployment; most don't get salaries and rely on tips. When parking a car, you might be approached by a guard. If he shows identification, he's probably the real deal. Pay him 15–20 rand when you return; pay an airport porter 20–30 rand, depending on luggage weight and distance traveled.
Dollars Accepted?: Yes, but not for car guards and airport porters, who'd have trouble changing them.
Site is under preparation.