Here's my situation.
I'm 8 months in on the Special Tourist Visa (exp Sept 7). I'll fly out for 2 weeks Sept 1-14, and then fly back. My goal is to come in on either a 30 day visa exemption or a 60 day Tourist visa, then change to Non-O (retirement). I've already got my bank account opened and wired in the 800k (July 1st) from my US bank. I've got a new 3yr condo rental contract. My fear is in coming back in after almost 9mo on the STV, is it better to try to come back in on the visa exemption, or the tourist E-visa? Also would you advise me to buy a "throw away" cheap flight ticket out - dated toward the end of the visa exemption or tourist visa? You only retire once, so this is a big step, and I don't want to screw it up. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. 😎🙏🏼