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Americans retiring in MX, concerns and questions.

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Cozumeldeb
  8/13/2017 12:09 EST

MexJuan1, Giershift43, and others interested in events in Mexico + America. Many folks who are able are investigating an exit strategy. So this thread is open to all questions, comments about Mexico and America. IMO, Mexico is retirement heaven financially, climate, wonderful people, and overall beautiful historical country. So join us.

MexJuan1
  8/13/2017 12:27 EST

That's right "deb". All issues matter wherever you live under the current circumstances. The White Supremacist Nation of America with Leninists Miller and Bannon and "Advisor" Gorka with his Nazi medal are IN THE WH! While their fearless leader chooses NOT to lay blame where it is due? Just to placate his base? Whatever happened to right/wrong, good/evil? The lines are, clearly, muddied. America has reverted back in time 60-70 years. These are immoral, unethical ppl running the most powerful country on Earth! Anything is possible. I agree with you that many have been, are and will be leaving due to the malevolent sentiment reigning down from the top, filtering through the population. I can't understand ppl who choose to want to ignore these worldly issues no matter your place of residence. Not to protest in some manner is to validate. That's not a good thing...

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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giershift43
  8/13/2017 13:13 EST

I greatly appreciate. Two things hold me back. Neither are about Mexico. One is I have a granddaughter her, and it is a complicated situation .

kikipt
  8/13/2017 16:27 EST

I agree that it is a wonderful place to retire, and we have not yet had reason to doubt that. At the same time, I think people need to come here with their eyes open. There are down sides, for sure, but they are manageable and compensated for by the many positives.

mmapags
  8/13/2017 16:37 EST

What do you feel the top 5 downsides are? We are in the process of evaluating a move and will visit around the holidays.

MexJuan1
  8/13/2017 19:53 EST

Hallelujah! Another sane and reasonable voice in the crowd...

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Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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katzgar
  8/14/2017 09:54 EST

A great deal of the downsides has to do with how you go down there. 3 major points are health care is very good in many areas but often getting a bypass or cancer treatment will mean going back north. Are there family issues up north that may result in you wanting to move back north? Mexico is one of the most corrupt countries in the world so things like starting a business and buying a home can be problematic. renting and hanging out is easy to do and limits ones exposure to mexicos...issues.

renting a car is easy but make sure you get all insurance, your credit card insurance is useless down there.

eshieldsga
  8/14/2017 12:01 EST

Figuring out the healthcare is my #1 issue (besides finding the perfect place, though we are starting in the town of Chapala). Not the little stuff, the big, long term stuff. We will keep Medicare, but there's a lot we don't yet understand about it as we are still working. Like what difference does it make which state you are signed up in. And whether we would want to keep a "home" for medical purposes with relatives, or establish a presence in one of the border towns like McAllen (where we know no one, and it seems to be a high crime area).

After visiting Ajijic and Chapala, we are weighing wanting the benefits of being somewhere with a rather organized anglophone expat community versus being somewhere with lower prices and less development. Trends I saw Lakeside worry me - I think it is reaching a tipping point. I think SMA and GTO are too remote, and esp. GTO too hilly, for us long term. So we will have to make compromises and we don't yet know what they will be.

Cozumeldeb
  8/14/2017 12:29 EST

Good for u doing your homework now. We bought in 2001, retired in 2010 and are very happy with our decision, we do go back + forth, 6 mos Chicago/6 mos Cozumel. We've visited the areas u are considering and all great choices, many folks who live in QRoo + Yucatan area head to mountains and rent during hot months. It's also important to be nearby International airport too. MX airlines are very reasonable, last winter we flew direct R/T from Cancun to Guadalajara and 5 nights at GDL Hilton for $400 each. MX is retirement heaven..My best advice is rent for 6mos anywhere u are considering and dial make expectations, life is at a MUCH slower pace.

mmapags
  8/14/2017 12:36 EST

Great! Thank you. Very helpful. We are retirees with more than sufficient income, so not business issues. Understand the healthcare and family issues and have already considered those.

Yes, renting and hanging out. Experiencing the culture and cultural events and travelling to see other parts of the country would be out primary focus.

Cozumeldeb
  8/14/2017 12:37 EST

We also keep our Medicare + Medicare supplement ( we have Plan F supplement, which I recommend). There are certain ins options available for foreigners, Lake Chapla FB page has a lot of info on that. Once u get your permanent residency there are many discounts available with your Visa. Do a Google search by state and will list discounts, i.e., MX airlines, buses, pharmacy, clinics etc.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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MonicaRixPaxson
  8/14/2017 12:59 EST

I think you have your priorities straight. There are many things to figure out when moving to Mexico, but the health-related issues need to take priority because if your health needs aren't being addressed, those glorious sunsets and excellent restaurants aren't going to improve your quality of life. Yes, keeping Medicare and having a “home base” in the US makes sense and many expats keep a US address or close contact with relatives there. You may never use the Medicare, but so what? It is a good backup especially if you have air evacuation insurance. I think of it as my Major Medical policy. Yes, there are many wonderful places to live in Mexico other than Lakeside. They each have a unique character. For example, the city I live in has a long-established expat community and perfect weather and many language schools, but it is not as socially active as Lakeside and the expats and many of the natives tend to be wealthier. More to the point, social isolation is never good, but you don't have to be surrounded by expats to live well and make friends in Mexico. I have done a lot of research on dozens of topics related to medical care, insurance, and other health-related topics. I also have more personal experience than I care to remember. (For example, I was stung by scorpions twice when I lived deep in the countryside. Ouch!) I have been exploring and writing about this topic for years and my book on the subject is now in its 4th edition. You might want to take a look. —Monica Rix Paxson, medical researcher and author, https://www.amazon.com/English-Speakers-Guide-Medical-Mexico-ebook/dp/B06XRG93J4/

MonicaRixPaxson
  8/14/2017 12:59 EST

I think you have your priorities straight. There are many things to figure out when moving to Mexico, but the health-related issues need to take priority because if your health needs aren't being addressed, those glorious sunsets and excellent restaurants aren't going to improve your quality of life. Yes, keeping Medicare and having a “home base” in the US makes sense and many expats keep a US address or close contact with relatives there. You may never use the Medicare, but so what? It is a good backup especially if you have air evacuation insurance. I think of it as my Major Medical policy. Yes, there are many wonderful places to live in Mexico other than Lakeside. They each have a unique character. For example, the city I live in has a long-established expat community and perfect weather and many language schools, but it is not as socially active as Lakeside and the expats and many of the natives tend to be wealthier. More to the point, social isolation is never good, but you don't have to be surrounded by expats to live well and make friends in Mexico. I have done a lot of research on dozens of topics related to medical care, insurance, and other health-related topics. I also have more personal experience than I care to remember. (For example, I was stung by scorpions twice when I lived deep in the countryside. Ouch!) I have been exploring and writing about this topic for years and my book on the subject is now in its 4th edition. You might want to take a look. —Monica Rix Paxson, medical researcher and author, https://www.amazon.com/English-Speakers-Guide-Medical-Mexico-ebook/dp/B06XRG93J4/

Cozumeldeb
  8/14/2017 13:05 EST

Mmapags,
I suggest u search and join all FB pages in areas u are considering, check local weather patterns, and check State Dept travel warnings, also sign up on their site..will tell u where nearest US consulate is etc..pay attention to nearest International airports are located near your area of interest, healthcare choices, legal recommendations can all be searched on FB and other choices, pay attention to reviews, good and bad. Rent for at least 6 mos wherever u are considering, remember MX has NO zoning, so buy house and anything from auto repair, bar, and who knows what next to u. Also make a decision between house or condo..many might think it's a good idea to live among the locals, not so much, MX people are wonderful people and like to party..all night long and sometimes for 2-4 days at a time..We intended to buy a house, but instead bought a oceanfront condo and allowing us to travel with few worries. Turnkey and 24-7 security. Empty houses can be targeted no matter alarms/lighting.

Cozumeldeb
  8/14/2017 13:44 EST

You've got a good plan,, enjoy yourselves, Mexico is beautiful and lots to offer. Be alert to your surroundings just as u are in the states. Keep us posted on your travels.

mmapags
  8/14/2017 14:42 EST

These are all great suggestions and insights and that is exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you all so much. Will update as plans come together.

mmapags
  8/14/2017 14:44 EST

Thanks Monica. We will.

Athenis
  8/14/2017 16:28 EST

Are we Swiss also welcome? Are there expat communities on the Pacific coast, which meet regularly for recreation and leisure time together? Is this forum a woman who is like me emigrated alone and lives on the Pacific coast? Then I would be very glad to make a contact.
Saludos from Oversea

kikipt
  8/14/2017 23:15 EST

katzgar is correct that renting a car can be expensive, and you have to shop around. But buying a home? That was a piece of cake - no issues at all here in Merida!

kikipt
  8/14/2017 23:29 EST

Downsides:
1-Streets and sidewalks here in Merida are often deplorable, and dangerous
2-The traffic in Merida is horrendous, and these drivers are even worse than Miami, something I thought I would never encounter.
3-Dealing with utilities and customer service, even with banks, can be a nightmare. But with aptience and a lot of time it can all be worked out.
4-Since Merida is in the restricted zone, we have to pay fees for the fideicomiso every year - a royal rip-off!
5-The lack of zoning means that many people end up in bad circumstances due to inconsiderate neighbors. My advice there is to do PLENTY of homework before choosing where you will buy. We did pretty well, but there are even occasional problems here.
But all in all, we wouldn't live anywhere else. The culture here is as good as it gets outside of Mexico City, and there are tremendous museums, restaurants and music, and the beach is half an hour away.
As hot as the afternoons are, we still rarely use the air conditioners during the day, as the buildings are all concrete and that moderates the temperature. The reduction in cost of living means we don't have to worry as much as we would in the states. Medical care here is very good, and reasonable. Merida is pretty safe, and easy enough to find one's way around.
Taxes are low, housing is affordable, food is inexpensive, especially at the mercado a half block from our house. We are spoiled, because restaurants are so much less than in the states, we can afford to eat out at nicer places, and the variety and quality are world class.
Mexicans are very social, and there is always a ton going on in the park down the street. The neighbors are lovely and polite (except when driving!)

JWinPS
  8/15/2017 00:40 EST

My major financial concern is health insurance. Medicare is no good in Mexico, Being 69 in September the Mexican issued insurance is therefore not possible. Seguro Popular is undesirable from other discussion sites I've been on. That leaves an International Plan as the only option.

From on-line quotes [i.e., not actually speaking with an agent] the cost is high enough to wipe out the other generally lower living costs .

A lesser concern regards the high cost of electricity for those who use A/C.

My last concern is whether or not I could tolerate the late June through September heat/humidity. I wanted to be there this month but could not make it. I'm used to Palm Springs desert heat. But some people do not feel comfortable with the higher humidity in PV when combined with the lower [90] heat. I think only I could really answer that.

katzgar
  8/15/2017 07:08 EST

this is a great way to learn about Mexico. http://corruptour.mx/

Cozumeldeb
  8/15/2017 07:40 EST

Kikipt, excellent overview of "real" issues..We enjoy Merida, great city..

Cozumeldeb
  8/15/2017 07:57 EST

Mexico is very welcoming to all, as you are researching areas, sign up on all Facebook pages..there are plenty of single women where we live and in areas we've visited..Mexico is retirement heaven..and much to offer everyone.

mmapags
  8/15/2017 08:53 EST

A couple of you have mentioned rental cars as being expensive but when I look to reserve on-line they are very inexpensive. Like under a dollar U.S. per day. What am I missing?

katzgar
  8/15/2017 09:47 EST

when you walk in the door of the rental agency the price may or may not be the same as quoted online...depends on business circumstances. Did you add the insurance in? no you couldnt have. Even a dozen shrimp for fishing is subject to haggling.

TomAndDeb
  8/15/2017 10:44 EST

I came here looking for answers to moving to Mexico. Not a political discourse from an idiot!
Post it somewhere else!

katzgar
  8/15/2017 10:50 EST

there are no politics on this thread, just information.

katzgar
  8/15/2017 11:12 EST

"My last concern is whether or not I could tolerate the late June through September heat/humidity. I wanted to be there this month but could not make it. I'm used to Palm Springs desert heat. But some people do not feel comfortable with the higher humidity in PV when combined with the lower [90] heat. I think only I could really answer that."

it is common for mexicans to leave the hot coastal areas in summer for the cooler mountains.

katzgar
  8/15/2017 12:15 EST

"katzgar is correct that renting a car can be expensive, and you have to shop around. But buying a home? That was a piece of cake - no issues at all here in Merida!"

the buying a home thing will vary by location in Mexico. If you are paying a fidecomiso which is a trust. It is explained here http://elizabethgregg.point2agent.com/Mexican_Property_Trust_AKA_Fideicomiso_Explained/page_1981859.html more real estate vagaries to watch out for. http://www.yucatanliving.com/real-estate-yucatan/wsj-reports-on-yucatan-land-grab/page10/

GigiB87
  8/15/2017 19:10 EST

I am very happy for those of you for whom Mexico is retirement heaven. I have thought about going back and find myself less comfortable contemplating doing so than in the past. Since the average Mexican income is about $18,000 annually, if I'm not mistaken, this is of course why many if us on fixed incomes choose to live there. But there is trouble in paradise, and the battles with Cartels and sky high murder rate are sad realities. And improvement is unlikely for at least 3.5 more years. There are huge slums.(yes, I know it is no longer third world, overall) , serious mistreatment of indigenous peoples, elimination by governnent officials of journalists trying to make things better. You are naive if you don't think narco $ flow right to the top of the Mexican bureaucracy. And if you as an American citizen try to speak up about these issues you may be in grave danger. Now, that doesn't mean there aren't great places to live and visit. Just be careful. There appear to be many on this website and others that can guide you.. I had thought about going back to Baja (in large part because easy to drive and beaches great) until I read recent articles in NYT and Newsweek about huge increase in murders there and in Colima. Now I'm not so sure. Dont mean to be a buzz kill. I m sure we've all done impulsive things and gotten in over our heads. If you have the $$$ mistakes from failing to remove your rose colored glasses can be much less painful. For the rest of us not always so much.

Iturbide
  8/15/2017 19:39 EST

Tom and deb ; totally agree !! Katz is a well known not only ultra rightist political, but with very anti-Mexican sentiment and mis-informed on other Topic posts. Most as Cozumeldeb and most others offer good answers.

katzgar
  8/16/2017 12:33 EST

"Tom and deb ; totally agree !! Katz is a well known not only ultra rightist political, but with very anti-Mexican sentiment and mis-informed on other Topic posts. Most as Cozumeldeb and most others offer good answers."

quote anything I have said and prove it incorrect. I actually dislike both trump and clinton so you are just spreading lies.

Cozumeldeb
  8/18/2017 08:12 EST

JWins, you are correct on the brutal, high humidity summer, many escape to the mountains, rents are low enough a lot of full timers do this. CFE ( electric company) is high, the inverter mini splits have helped with the bill. We retain our Medicare + supplement Plan F. The majority of flu, colds etc we pay out of pocket, usually no more than $30-$50. A close friend was in hospital with respiratory issue, 3 day, Bloodwork, breathing treatments, MRI and more bill was $1500 USD..Imagine that at home.

Cozumeldeb
  8/18/2017 08:28 EST

Tom + Deb, Since I am the "idiot" that started this thread, read the posts, if u have a certain town/region you are interested in, post it and those that have knowledge of that area will answer you. From a world view if you don't think we are all connected you are wrong, and what happens in USA effects MX + the world. Current President has put our country in a dangerous situation, many are looking for exit strategy. One point you should be aware of Mexico is a beautiful country and majority of people are kind, helpful and wonderful. Democrats far outnumber Republicans, so maybe Mexico is not for you.

Harddisk66
  8/18/2017 10:37 EST

"What do you feel the top 5 downsides are?"
1. Racism: Many Mexicans don't like white skin foreigners. I experience this personally everyday, yet, I don't ask for it.
2. Lack of amenities. If you don't want amenities then it's not an issue.
3. Driving is very dangerous depending on location. You are driving shoulder to should with those who have never taken driver training, nor do they have anticipation skills. This means that a car accident will likely be worse.
4. "They" want your money. They will never look at you as a potential friend. There are exceptions to this of course, but are rare.
5. Mexico is inherently dangerous. If something goes wrong here, it goes really wrong. People are desperate, don't mistake that fact. Sometimes people have no choice but to look at your life as meaningless so they can eat for a few days.
6. Medical care is typically of low quality unless you have money for the expensive hospitals.
7. Yes, I could keep listing things.

People from the U.S. and Canada come from a wide variety of backgrounds. It's difficult to ask the general questions and get good answers. If you lived in L.A. or N.Y. all your life then many parts of Mexico will be paradise. But if you come from a beautiful country life, Mexico will likely disappoint you. It's disappointed me.
On facebook check out Punta Banda Uncensored and Rosarito Uncensored. It's up to info on the realities of Mexico.

Cozumeldeb
  8/18/2017 12:11 EST

Harddisk 66, wow sorry this is your experience, I've known a few in the Rosarita that ended up selling there about 10 yrs ago because it was bad then. Not trying to defer, but it does seem like the US/MX border areas overall are not good areas. Hope u are able to move to a better area.

GigiB87
  8/18/2017 17:50 EST

Rdanger: Hey y'all, guess they killed the big thread. Just left a parting shot on the "Stop the politics..." thread., if y'all are interested. Seemed appropriate. Hope all is well with Denise, Juan, Deb, Iturbe (cool dude) and giershift(no idea where that handle came from!) Etc. Etc
Tammy, Hammy and Ed.... If vaudeville came back y'all would really have something' Cheerio!

Harddisk66
  8/19/2017 11:00 EST

"Hope u are able to move to a better area."

We tried three locations, only one near the border. Didn't work. I'm not a pessimist BTW, I am a realist though. I won't look something bad in the eye and call it something good because I want to save face.

seoulguy
  8/19/2017 15:24 EST

Cozumeldeb, I'm sure there is no problem keeping up original Medicare A/B, as the premium is taken out anyway, but I'd be interested to know how you managed to keep your Supplemental out of state, let alone out of country. I have plan F hi deductible in AZ, but that's only because the insurer sells this policy in AZ, and, moreover, the premium is adjusted for AZ. I'm not even sure I could keep it if I were to move to Palm Springs, let alone Mexico. So, how'd you do it?

Cozumeldeb
  8/19/2017 16:19 EST

Seoulguy, maybe I was not clear enough, We have Plan F supplement and it picks up large % of medical expenses for 1st 90 days out of US. Keep paid receipts and turn in.

seoulguy
  8/20/2017 16:23 EST

JWIN PS, Just stumbled onto your post and noted reference to Palm Springs. My time living in PSP goes back to at least 2000, mostly staying at Mesquite CC, Phase II, 2nd floor 1BR, just off Farrell. Anyway, haven't been back for many years and it's a tossup between taking the plunge to Mexico or just relocating back to PSP. No doubt, it's all changed since then. Wondering if you'd entertain a pvt message?

loretad
  8/21/2017 23:57 EST

Look on the back of your Medicare booklet. There is an 800 number for a SHIP volunteer. They are Medicare trained volunteers who can answer your questions and help you with any Medicare issues. If you don't have a Medicare booklet, you can go online to medicare.gov.

Medicare covers you in all 50 states. If you have a medicare supplement plan, costs will vary from state to state because insurance companies are licensed by the state but Medicare requires all supplement plans to provide the same coverage regardless of the cost.

To compare prices for supplement plans, look under each state's department of insurance.

DDR
  8/23/2017 10:05 EST

US State dept just issued warnings to stay out of Mexico.Kidnapping official corruption etc etc Just a heads up.

mmapags
  8/23/2017 15:37 EST

They issue these warnings all the time. They are broken down by region and have different levels of warning. In the most recent Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Veracuz were upgraded and additional warnings for Baja California. All resort and tourist areas. There are areas including Guanajuato, Queretaro and DF that have no advisories. It is important to read the details and not just the headlines.

Cozumeldeb
  8/23/2017 16:02 EST

DDR, the State Dept did not issue warnings to stay out of MX. It is a by state list of states that are having narco issues, the vast majority are contained to hang controlled areas. Think of this the same as any big city in America, Chicago, New Orleans, LA, Baltimore, Maimi, and crime areas. Unless someone is involved in drug trade, it is unlikely. Situational Awareness is key.

MexJuan1
  8/23/2017 16:32 EST

There are Travel Warnings, specifically, for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Q Roo. Also La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and The Baja Peninsula. Trump and the Opioid Epidemic have reverted Mexico back 20 years and the danger is prevalent. Situational? Maybe. I've read reports of Armed Militias in both Cancun and PDC. Erring on the side of caution would be my advice. If it's being discussed and warned about, make no mistake, it's out there...

Harddisk66
  8/23/2017 21:44 EST

"Think of this the same as any big city in America, Chicago, New Orleans, LA, Baltimore, Maimi, and crime areas. "

deb, I intend no offense, but how can you comment like that from the isolation and generally safer area of Cozumel? Crap happens in Mexico, big stuff, bigger and nastier than American cities. It's very naive to compare any American city to Mexico. The numbers don't compare. In fact, the numbers don't even come close.

MexJuan1
  8/23/2017 22:37 EST

I'd have to agree with that. Even comparing murderous Chicago to Mexico's brand of violence is a non starter.

Cozumeldeb
  8/23/2017 22:52 EST

Harddisk66. I live in Chicago 6 mos + Cozumel 6 mos..so I do think I can comment, Cozumel is safer than Chicago. Of course if u want to compare population #'s that's different. We bought in 2001, rented until we retired in 2010. I do agree there has been an increase in Petty crime and crimes of opportunity. The last 3 yrs have been difficult for locals with peso devaluation, killed their buying power. We feel safe in CZM, we live on the North side in a 24 hr security bldg.

Harddisk66
  8/23/2017 23:05 EST

Sorry, I think I'm coming across as antagonistic Cozumeldeb. I should have tried living in Cozumel, I can imagine I would feel safe there as well. I guess that was my point, that you could be unusually safe compared to many other parts of Mexico, but I got off track. I have honestly seen almost all of the worst things in my life in Mexico and I'm pretty sure I'm not exaggerating. That's the impact Mexico has had on me. Again, Cozumel sounds nice. I should tried living there to start with. My viewpoint might be similar to yours had I done that.

Cozumeldeb
  8/24/2017 20:24 EST

Harddisk 66, if I didn't make myself clear, sorry. We live 6 mos in Chicago and 6 mos in Cozumel. I've been robbed at the local grocery store in Chicago, at 10:30 in the morning, and believe me we don't live in a bad area.So I feel I can comment on Cozumel (since 2002) and Chicago area since 1988.

Harddisk66
  8/24/2017 22:21 EST

"So I feel I can comment on Cozumel (since 2002) and Chicago area since 1988."
You did make yourself clear. I guess that was my point. You picked a nice safe area to live by selecting Cozumel. I wish I had done that a few years ago. But it's too late for me for a change.

SkyMan
  8/26/2017 16:12 EST

deb...great points ! When considering a move to a Latin American country...after doing "all your research"...and choosing on...pleas spend at least a few months...in different cities & pueblos in your "chosen" country...that way you can get a general feel of living there...spend a few weeks or more in each place.

And Please begin to study conversational español now ! as knowing how to speak at least a bit of español will make your life in a Spanish-speaking country much, much better.

The fact that I speak fluent español has made my expat experience much better...study, study, study.
Buena Suerte ! Tranquilo.

Cozumeldeb
  8/26/2017 17:01 EST

Skyman, agree on your post. Vacationing is NOT the same as living every day Life..

mannem
  8/28/2017 00:09 EST

Insurance. That is not included in the basic day rates advertised, which are usually very low. Some is required, some is optional, they all add up. Many expats advise you add on every insurance offered because things can get very complicated in case of an accident. E.g., if you damage property or hurt someone without adequate insurance you have to pay on the spot..If you don't have the cash, you go straight to jail until somebody brings the cash.

Note: It is worth your while to study your credit card insurance clause, maybe talk to someone for clarity. Some cards will extend coverage in Mexico just as they would when you rent a car at home.

katzgar
  8/29/2017 09:10 EST

tourists trying to use credit card insurance in Mexico is foolish. Any claim will need to be paid before you leave the country so you will need to pay the damage in Mexico and submit a claim when you get home.

Txstob
  8/29/2017 18:10 EST

I lived in MX for 18 months. It was very inexpensive. I lived 5 blocks from the beach in a good area. 2br/2ba with garage, furnished. Cost less than $400 a month with utilities. Auto insurance, full coverage was less than $500 a year. I never felt unsafe, although I was never around drugs and not out late in a part of town where I knew that I should not be. I never felt any discrimination at all, quite the contrary. When I was out and there would be a national that heard me speaking English, many would approach and start a conversation. Very friendly. The climate was awseome and I was careful running the minisplits but it was still dirt cheap. Mazatlan is awseome.

Marinoni
  8/30/2017 09:05 EST

"Mazatlan is awseome."

Sounds like a great place to live.

Txstob
  8/30/2017 19:26 EST

awesome. sorry a typo and it is a great place to live.

Cozumeldeb
  8/30/2017 21:19 EST

Do your due diligence, Mazatlan was ground zero for narco wars. El Chapo was arrested there.

tony7240
  8/31/2017 02:11 EST

This forum is not for political opinions. We are here not to blame .
We use this forum to help each other with living in a foreign country. Please find another place to vent!

CasaColibri
  8/31/2017 02:31 EST

When did you live in Mazatlan, Texstob? Some places have remained peaceful, but others not so much, especially in the last 5 years or so. I've been in Guanajuato (City) 20 years, and still feel secure here, but even some other cities in the state of Guanajuato are beginning to make me a little nervous. I don't like to see the uninformed broad-brush comments that paint all of Mexico as unsafe, but being aware of the country's "hotspots" is wise.

StaceyR
  8/31/2017 10:08 EST

Thank you! I have quit looking at these emails for the most part bc the thread seems to get more argumentative than informative. We will be moving into Cancun on October 2nd, we are looking very much forward to it ?? Thanks for the positive post and reminder!

StaceyR
  8/31/2017 10:08 EST

Thank you! I have quit looking at these emails for the most part bc the thread seems to get more argumentative than informative. We will be moving into Cancun on October 2nd, we are looking very much forward to it ?? Thanks for the positive post and reminder!

Txstob
  8/31/2017 15:53 EST

Yes he was arrested there, hours after he arrived in Mazatlán. So what? The next time he was arrested in Los Mochis. Like I said, if you stay away from drugs or anything to do with drugs, you should be fine. From my experience in Mazatlán, I never felt unsafe and loved the time there.

Txstob
  8/31/2017 15:55 EST

I was in Maz from Oct of 13 to April of 15. Before I moved I asked a number of people that were living there and they all said essentially the same thing, stay away from drugs and any areas where you know you should not be.

giershift43
  8/31/2017 16:28 EST

What you say rings true to me. There are places here in Columbus that you don't go without good reason and. Ertainly not at night. As far as I know all major American cities have gangs . We also have had a lot of mass shootings including Fort Lauderdale airport and several college campuses.

Cozumeldeb
  8/31/2017 18:03 EST

Tony7240..I started this thread on Americans moving to MX and concerns etc. Many people are considering a move to MX because of US political situation. Information of all types are welcome. So learn something or move along.

katzgar
  8/31/2017 19:10 EST

comparing US crime to Mexican crime doesnt apply. Mexico excels at mass graves http://www.npr.org/2017/03/17/520498625/more-than-250-bodies-found-in-mass-grave-in-mexico

Cozumeldeb
  8/31/2017 23:34 EST

Google how long Cruise Ships refused to dock there.

giershift43
  9/1/2017 08:07 EST

I have heard that about the mass graves. It sounds like most of it is related to the Cartels. Again good reason to stay away from areas involved in the drug trade or political movements. In the U.S. the violence is more random in someways. But as the UK has warnings about traveling in the Southern States, we are not without our problems. It is not a competition about how or which is more violent, but what to be aware of to make careful decisions. Chicago has a lot of violence. Easy to get shot just walking down the street. I don't really go out much at night and too old for the clubs, so that reduces some of the riskier places in both countries. But I live in a very nice neighborhood in Columbus, we had a murder suicide her in 2010. We had people held up at gun point in their drive way. There are risks to all places. It is not that there is no risk at home and all risk in Mexico.

giershift43
  9/1/2017 08:10 EST

Cozumeldeb, Did someone say Cruise ships would not dock in some places. I missed it.

trippinbilly23
  9/1/2017 08:43 EST

I wanted to say hello to the people providing info on this forum. Thank you.
We started looking at retiring abroad about a year ago. Visited Playa Del Carmen in the spring. While we had a good time, it was more of a tourist visit than a place we could retire to. We are visiting Panama next month and then back to Puerto Morelos for a family reunion at Christmas. We are 2-4 years away from retiring early (currently 50 and 51). We have another trip planned for the spring, so any additional location options would be welcome. We'd like to be near a beach, but not necessarily on it. Even an hour away in a more moderate climate would be an option. Thanks

tomwins
  9/1/2017 23:37 EST

I speak as someone who left the USA because I no longer felt safe as a gay man there and was sickened by the uber-wealthy writing legislation for the (so-called) elected officials to enact. Your accusing Mexico of being unsafe and corrupt is funny if it were not so pathetic - pot calling the kettle black.
I was born and raised in the south and used to hear of "southern hospitality". It was not until I moved to Mexico that I actually found people who are kind, generous, and unconcerned with money. It is often to a fault that they will give you their last peso or spend it on a party celebrating a life event. But I had rather see that than see a greedy, selfish billionaire pillage every last dollar just because he can without any regard to the lives being destroyed by his greed. But to him it is not greed as much as a game that he plays well and doesn't understand why others don't even try to play. This is the moral decay running rampant in the USA under the guise of "make America great again." The USA has lost it's moral compass and will only regain it when she once again takes the high road to raising all boats as the tide comes in rather than using a low tide to find the weak spots in the other boats so they can poke holes in the hulls of the other boats so they rise up higher than those other suckers when the tide comes in.

giershift43
  9/2/2017 11:45 EST

Canada posts traveler advisory for the USA:Safety and security
Crime

Crimes of opportunity such as petty theft and pickpocketing occur, particularly in urban centres and tourist locations. Do not leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars (especially rental vehicles and even in trunks) or in plain view. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes and leave the originals in your hotel safe.

While theft is the most common crime against tourists, credit and debit card fraud is also a concern, especially during holidays. When using credit cards, ensure that your card remains in your sight and retain your transaction receipt. Debit card cloning occurs, so check your bank account regularly to ensure that no unauthorized withdrawals have taken place.

The possession of firearms and the frequency of violent crime are generally more prevalent in the U.S. than in Canada. Within large metropolitan areas, violent crime more commonly occurs in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, particularly from dusk to dawn, and often involves alcohol and/or drug consumption. Incidents of violent crime are mainly perpetrated by gangs or members of organized crime groups. Incidents of mass shooting receive a lot of media attention, yet account for a very small percentage of all homicide deaths in the country. The likelihood of a tourist being a victim of such an incident remains low. While violent crime rarely affects tourists, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly at night. Verify official neighbourhood crime statistics before planning an outing. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist.

Canadians living in holiday homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglary. If you are staying in either private or commercial accommodations, ensure that windows and doors are securely locked at night and when you are away

GigiB87
  9/2/2017 13:57 EST

I truly don't get why everyone's experiences and thoughts and concerns, positive and negative, should not be at least tolerated. As long as they don't reflect massive bias or some sort of unhealthy agenda. I have seen a number of country's sites, such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Ecuador where the discussion, often in the negative, is hot and heavy. Some negative comments appear quite useful. I suppose some posters want to be buzzkills, but others are simply venting or trying to provide a reality check. And there are sites that appear to have 'watchdogs' that monitor them for negativity. When I asked 'Pistachio' on the Peru site if s(he) worked for some Peruvian tourist organization I received no response. I found that interesting. Now, if all you want are hugs and kisses I suggest you get 'International Living'. By the way, some of my friends would like to hear more about Mexico as a 'gay friendly' country. Quite interested!

Cozumeldeb
  9/2/2017 14:15 EST

GigiB87, In all the areas we've visited my overall impression is MX is very gay friendly. In Cozumel there is a gay community and gay cruises are common coming into Cozumel, same goes for Playa, Cancun + Merida. If I was to guess I'd say Merida has the largest gay community in our area, it is the biggest city.

GigiB87
  9/5/2017 16:45 EST

Rdanger: Question and concern. So, Donnie apparently just repealed the Dreamers Act. Wonder how popular that's going to make us in Mexico? Oh, I forgot, no politics. Like everything ain't political. Tough for them, huh? Being uprooted from everything they've ever known. Typical dirt bag move.

trippinbilly23
  9/5/2017 21:33 EST

I think I'll travel with Cdn passport instead of US.

N7nat51
  9/11/2017 09:18 EST

I agree, I am on my 4th year of retirement and have not found any downside that can't be resolved in less than 5 minutes.

N7nat51
  9/11/2017 09:26 EST

Good write-up, I retired 4 years ago but I don't do the tourist thing every 6 months, I moved and have not been back at all. Best thing I have ever done. Sure Mexico has problems but nothing like the problems north of the border.

trippinbilly
  9/11/2017 09:53 EST

What part of Mexico are you in? We are 2-4 years out and are booking trips to visit different places. We do not want to do this part time either. We want to move and then only go back to Canada/US for visits. Circumstances could change depending on family, but that's what we envision. My parents think its hilarious, as my stepfather only retired a year ago and I've been talking about retiring shortly after he did.

CasaColibri
  9/11/2017 21:50 EST

city of Guanajuato in the Central Highlands 20 years. About to retire and stay right here.

Cozumeldeb
  9/12/2017 09:16 EST

Guanjuanto is a gem, beautiful and near perfect Climate..Near Leon airport..Good choice.

Ajijic33
  9/22/2017 12:49 EST

I've had a couple of "interesting" years with my health. I've had several cancer operations including colon cancer. Three rounds of chemo and a round of radiation.

Just as I was finally feeling better after the last round of chemo I fainted and had triple bypass surgery and a pacemaker.

All in Mexico. Couldn't have been happier with the outstanding medical treatment I received including the exceptionally caring attention I received in the hospital.

In the case of my hurt surgery, going back to the U.S. would not have been an option. It needed to be done immediately and I was in no condition to make it back to the U,S,

In fact, if something happened to me while visiting family back in the U.S. I would prefer to return here for treatment if I was able to do so.

Family can be a problem for some but but we are fortunate to be able to visit out daughter and grandsons a couple of times a year and they come down here at least once a year,

We own a home here and didn't have any problems with the purchase. We've been here for 12 years and this is home now.

Obviously others have had different experiences and have different perspectives.

Cozumeldeb
  9/22/2017 17:15 EST

Ajijic, you've had quite the year, healthwise, hope it is behind u now. We live in Cozumel, which we love, and have visited your area 4 times, climate and people are amazing. Those interested in retiring in MX have many wonderful choices..

Ajijic33
  9/22/2017 22:17 EST

Thank you Cozumeldeb. Before my medical adventure started I didn't really feel bad at all and didn't have any overt symptoms. But once it all started it seemed to come on with a vengeance. Luckily I had world class medical care here in Mexico and feel better than I have in years.

I forget to mention that we have private Mexican medical insurance and had access to the best doctors and the best hospitals. I am truly blessed.

Thanks again for your kind thoughts.

edwater47
  9/23/2017 09:45 EST

ok

SkyMan
  9/24/2017 14:36 EST

No politicos aquí...por favor. Lo que es importante...es la información para otras personas. Gracias.
Buena Suerte ! Tranquilo.

elperezoso
  9/25/2017 14:15 EST

Hola, hello, yo soy un jubilado italiano. Podria mi tambien hacer tu mismo seguro de salud o está reservado a los estadounidenses solamente?

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