What, like "buying your residency" is a bad thing??? The one thing I have found is that NOTHING is free in BZ, except the mosquitos and the breeze (just like JJW says).
I was just re-reading the above posts and I want to comment on one thing... one of the reasons many people want to move to BZ is the treatment in our own country. Our government is corrupt, the law is almost totally ineffective, the crime rate is high, education has gone to the dogs, poverty is rampant,pollution, everything is SO expensive, jobs-- yeah whatever... So, of course, BZ looks perfect.
Well, DO NOT ever assume that BZ doesn't have these same issues. And don't ever assume that you will EVER be more than "another Gringo in BZ". That's just the facts. Yes, it's a great place to be. Yes, they love tourists and tourists money. Yes, they love anyone who comes in with alot of cash to invest.
But unlike the States, when foreigners need assistance, BZ doesn't rise to the occasion. Can't afford to get the operation you need? Sorry! Can't afford housing or electricity? Sorry! Got let go from your job because high season is over? Sorry!
So, in that respect, I think BZ may have a good idea. If they protect their people's jobs as much as possible, protect their rights, and just reap the benefits of their capital and investments, they may actually still be a "great place" to escape to years down the road.
And No, I am not an authority on BZ. And no, I don't live there, not full time anyway, and I never will. I do however own a business there, my husband is there full-time. But my system allows me to have the best of both worlds.