In my, humble, opinion, I would scratch Mexico altogether. I've been here in PDC going on two years but the King of the U.S. is going to ruin that country and with Mexico/U.S. relations, already, strained, once Mexico elects the Left Wing, Anti-America, Anti-DJT Lopez Obrador, the two countries relationship will be harmed beyond repair, at least as long as the criminal is in the white house anyway and Americans will no longer be welcome or safe in Mexico. Male or female. Puerto Rico being part of the States that have been getting screwed over for years won't be any better than being in the States so, my recommendation for, what I think is the most important reason which you didn't list, other than safety is, unfortunately, Geo-Political due to the hate mongering toward Mexico from the current, incompetent administration.
When I moved, actually, Panama, had been my first choice. I will be moving, myself, in the Fall if 2017 to get well established before 2018. The Presidential Election in Mexico is July 2018. Panama is safe, for the most part, inexpensive similar to Mexico with excellent services from what I've read.
Again, this is my opinion considering the current climate.

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There will likely be consequences, but Mexico needs American retirees to keep many Mexicans employed. The Lake Chapala area gets a huge boost economically from Americans with or without Trump. It would create hardship to the Mexican people to force them out or be too harsh with them.

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One of the most popular blogs written by an expat in Mexico is "Two Expats" at qroo.us. It is written by a youngish ex-Police Sergeant from Florida who retired to the Mayan Riviera. Lots of info for you there. Readers can comment... See his Facebook page too. :)

Alex

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Well, I agree with you on that subject "gier". I do not think that the feelings I've described will come from the majority of the Mexican ppl at all. I just think there's that much good in them and yes, they do need us.
It's yet to be seen what the entire ramifications will be if Lopez Obrador gets elected. I know from listening to his speeches and reading that he is, exactly what I said he is, very well received by a lot of the Mexican ppl, popular and not a newcomer. They know of him and he's speaking about the U.S. the same way A.O. spoke about Mexico so, it doesn't bode well in my opinion. A lot is going to happen between now and July 2018 so...
But, if he's elected, the unwelcome and unsafe attitude that will come from Mexican officials, including the Police and Federales, concerns me a great deal.
Mexico gets a ton of touristry from Central and S. America as well as Canada and Europe. In light of diminishing relations with the U.S., they could ramp up advertising to those locations and make it more attractive for "friendly" Countries. And as for trade, they have those same options plus Asia. They're not going to sit still.
I just have no hope for America any more and the dbl whammy that would develop if Obrador gets elected, frankly, scares me as an American in Mexico.

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I am interested in your take on Mexican politics. I'm trying not to give dt any energy and I know next to nothing about Mexican politics. We are returning to Mexico (Ajijic) in June for six months.

Who is AO?

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You make many good points. It's difficult for me. I feel I know of no place I would rather retire than Lake Chapala, I research a number of places, but really hope to move there this year. There are still many Mexicans living here and being left in peace. I hope that it won't be as bad as the scenario you describe. I do think Mexico will pick up trade with Asia. There are also forces here that are opposed to Trump's policies, and they are creating negative consequences for many. Jobs will not come back in the fantasized ways some envision. Factories use robots and computers. 3D printers are moving into production. The time for unskilled workers and employer covered health insurance as it was back in the 60's and 70's is gone. This will create more consequences and a political reaction here. I struggle with the concerns you present, but hope for the best.

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I don't know much about Mexico but I can tell you Panama is no longer cheap especially in Panama City. The prices are higher than where I know live in SW Florida. Also, if you have pit bulls you cannot fly them on all the airlines I checked because of the way their noses are constructed--it is too much of a risk to fly them. Some parts of Panama are still cheaper but you will need to speak good Spanish to get along well. I have traveled all over Panama and the places with the most ex pats are Panama City and surrounding areas, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, Coronado and some in David. I personally like El Valle, Santiago and Chitre but you will need some Spanish since most people do not speak English there.
Panama is relatively safe but since I had been going there since 2004, I have seen a big increase in crime aimed at ex pats such as home invasions and robberies. Even though we may not be rich--to the locals we are. That makes us more of a target. If you are choosing Panama City just stay out of sketchy neighborhoods and use common sense like you would in any large city. Panama City is in my opinion safer than many large American cities but has gotten very pricey. If you want to know more about Panama just send me a private message.

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I do not know what AO is either. I would like to know.

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"Agent Orange". ;-)

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Thanks. It fits.

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Hello! I moved to Mazatlan, MX 6 months ago and love it, except for ...
1. I rented a condo for a year without knowing some of the condo owners have a lawsuit against the builder.
2. Due to construction problems, the building is quite noisy (I can hear my upstairs and nextdoor neighbors walking, etc.).
3. The area is a little unsafe at night due to unfinished buildings that are occupied by homeless guys who are also noisy.
4. I thought I could get by without a car but that was wrong.
Other than that, I'm enjoying cheap living expenses and good people in a beautiful city!

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The last post is a veritable ad for why house sitting before you move to Mexico is a good idea.

'Just got a nice 3 month house sit listed on HouseSitMexico for January through March 2018 in San Miguel de Allende. Imagine... you can stay for free while you figure out whether SMA right for you.

Alex

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That seems like a lot of "except fors"? I don't have any of that here in PDC. and the expenses are low, ppl are great!

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Hi, I live in Playa del Carmen and might be able to help you with most of your answers. This is a very multinational community and foreigners always feel welcome and never alone. Everyone is new, and welcome.
Here are some answers to your questions ....
how safe a woman alone might feel; how tolerant people are to Pitbulls;

I just helped a friend from Colorado find a 2 bedroom home with a big backyard for her 2 dogs close to the beach and less than a block away from the "dog park" In Quintas del Carmen, she pays 800 US a month, plus utilities, 20 month for gas, about 30 a month for electicity (using AC) and 30 for Internet 3MB which is not the highest speed available but she works using skype everyday and its good enough. 90% of the population loves dogs, and pitbulls are no different =)

any tips/tricks on renting (dealing w/real estate
agents/landlords)

Very few real estate agencies in Playa offer rentals, there are vacationrental companies that do long term rentals like nasplaya.com they don´t have a lot of options, but some and they would offer you solutions to any problems you might have.
the best way you can get to see and experience the place would be either housesit with Alex website www.housesittingmexico.com or rent an airbnb property that will offer you 2 or 3 weeks to scout the area and choose your place.


; a good lawyer for the visa;
Lic. Durvin M. Rivero Alcocer
Director Juridico
drivero_alcocer@hotmail.com

good places to go to buy groceries you miss from home;
PDC has many large grocerie stores and markets, that carry a lot of the imported food you would miss, they stock them because of the large community of expats that live here and the demand is high. But you also have a wide variety of produce that you will love

how reliable is the internet connection at home;
depending on where you live there are places whith fiber optic and super high speed and others that don´t have access to internet, when you scout the areas to rent that should be a consideration =)
will I be lonely (lol); best way to get my belongings there; things I should definitely bring, or leave behind;
Most people sell their belongings and just bring 2 suitcases of stuff they are really attached to, most rentals are furnished, furniture is not that expensive, and you can find almost everything you need here, it depends on how attached you are to your stuff. they say if you look at something and it doesn´t make you extremely happy then leave it.

what if I want to keep my US cellphone, do I just get a local SIM card;
You can if your phone is unlocked and it depends on the type of phone you have if it will take a telcel card.

buy a used car there, or will a scooter suffice;
you can ride bike or walk almost everywhere unless you live on the outskirts of PDC.

are medical expenses all out of pocket for temporary residents; Yes
will online products (Amazon, etc.) ship there? Yes

Thanks so much!
you are welcome=)

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MexJuan Please go back to your thread "Effects of policies of new administration on lives of expats living in Mexico" for your political venom. You told me that if I didn't want to read your ---- I shouldn't be reading that thread. Now you troll the other threads. Get a Life

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Most countries are safe for women. Finding it cheaper to live overseas, I do not think so. It has never been unless you wish to eat only rice and beans jn a hut. I find living overseas more expensive. I am retired now in Mexico and my entire life was around the world. I thought same then as I do now. To get visa for long term, question your nearest Mx consulate where you will be given the pertinent info. Most of the time or even never you would need a lawyer. To choose the country it all depends to you, the further from your home country or the nearest. Airlines tickets cost. Re medical expenses, if a serious illness strikes, only your cash will let you in hospital and it can climb fast. There are excellent doctors in Mexico.
You can find here whatever you wish for.
Your message does not show when answering so I am not sure of all your questions. Did you mentioned trafeling with a bike., if yes, I would not advise it really. I live in Quintana Roo, that is a safe state as Yucatan is. Nice cities with history in Yucatan are Merida, Izamal, Valadollid.
Lake Chappala is beautiful but too many old expats.
I live in the South of Quintana Roo away from mass tourism and expats community. There is so much to choose from. Have you lived overseas before? Important question....
Take care.

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Hi, I noticed you live in Mazatlan, so do I and without a car. Are you using Uber? It's changed my life here!

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I'm in PDC without a car. I LOVE IT!!! No maintenance, fuel or insurance. I bike and walk. Take a cab for 50 pesos for medium trips and ADO Bus if I want to go farther, ie., Cancun, Progreso, Tulum, even to Belize. The money you save with having no car is phenomenal and the walking and biking keeps you healthy and active. I've dreamt for many years of life without a vehicle. The reality is much better than the dream...

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It is nice to hear so many stories of expats living happily in Mexico. May rethink an explorative trip there (been many times, not recently).

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Well, I'm sure that, hands down, it's a much happier situation and place to live than the U.S. is right now. I hope that all those DJT Voters invested in oxygen masks and Water Filtration Systems for their children and grandkids. With his assault on the environment in the name of saving Coal Miner's jobs (non existent and replaced by mechinization. He's doing this for the rich mine owners. CLEAN COAL! Talk about your oxymorons...) Not to mention the Earthquakes that will grow exponentially in my home State of Ohio and many other states. Just read about what devastation fracking has had on Colorado, parts of New Mexico and other states where tracking has run rampant on the environment. Water that catches on fire! I'll take a cold shower in Mexico any day! They can't even shower in those states anymore...

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Can't there be a civil discussion and disagreement.

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You want me to be civil with a person who makes a comment like that who hasn't even been here for some time? I think they're speaking out of class for sure!

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US political rhetoric aside, we bought a home north of Playa and love the quiet with our neighbors and the short drive to great restaurants and bars, and medical services and shopping. If you want to live in town, or outside, a good real estate agent and more importantly a good lawyer are invaluable. Top Mexico, Judy Shaw, and Jason Waller are all excellent real estate agencies, and if you want recommendations for a place and a a great lawyer pm me.

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It's not easy. But if you can stay on a higher level, it helps stay out of the trap that is being set. They like nothing better than to go to their level.

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MexJuan. Do you mean Playe Del Carmen. That has always been my dream. Some places have so much cobblestone I thought biking was never going to be possible.Can you tell me more. I would absolutely love to shed myself of a vehicle somewhere in Mexico.

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Just curious, Juan. Who was speaking out of class?. Was that directed at me? And by the way, fracking may be out of control, but we are trying to stop it. And you can definitely shower in New Mexico. And Arizona, and Colorado. and Utah. Talk about speaking out of class. I guess last time I was in Mexico was Copper Canyon in early 2000s. Aside from brief trips across border from Tucson and Las Cruces.

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Many live or stay part time in Playa and are very happy with that life style. It's just a very, very busy vibe, and if you like that Playa is perfect.
You would want to stay in a few different areas to try it out and not rely solely on what you read. The north end is nice, but experiencing a place for a few visits is a the way to know if it's for you. But it is a great international vibe for someone your age. Not a great place for biking but you can walk to the many bars and the beach.

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Apologies to Tankgirl for butting into your thread, and wish you the best in your adventures. One of the reasons for the 'Effect of Policies....' thread was to keep the buzzkillers away from other people's quests. Peace.

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I would be sure to explore Cozumel, 30 min ferry ride from PDC. Home of the Ironman every Nov, bike path covering the entire island..Great restaurants, chill vibe, great ex-pat community, low crime and of course #1 dive spot in Caribbean, amazing snorkeling too.

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