An Expat Talks about Retiring in Apizaco, Mexico

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Apizaco

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

Apizaco, Mexico has a better climate, better prices in rentals, medicines and food.

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

All year

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

Friendly atmosphere, many cultural events.

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

Traveled frequently in Canada

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

40 years

How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

Just one

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

Understanding how to handle bureaucrats, learning a new language.

What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?

Being accepted into the local society, finding new challenges.

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

Study the history and customs of the country.

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

Expat community is small but there are many cultural & recreational events.

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

Proof of how to support myself, apostilles of marriage and birth certificate and yearly tax report in the country I retired to. The < a href="https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/mexico-uscis-mexico-city-field-office">Immigration Department in Mexico had a lawyer who advised me as to documents I needed for the process.

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

We bought an empty lot and built a house on it. Had to get construction permits, since I was a resident at the time it had to be in my wifes name as she is a citizen.

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

It far exceeded expectations, I could never afford the same thing in the USA. And, the Mexican Government offered many things such as educational courses for free.

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

How to find an entrepreneural work to pay expenses.

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

A single person can live comfortably here for $1500 dollars a month.

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

Yes, I get 100% medical services such as Doctors, Hospitals, Operations & Medicines for free through the ISSTE system. My Wife was an English teacher at a Federal School so I was able to enter the system as her spouse.

Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

Tlaxcala State has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. But there is always petty crime everywhere and a person should always be alert and cautious.

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

There's a lot of public transport, mini vans, buses and taxis and at a very economical price for persons over 60 there is a 50% discount. A local bus in this town costs about 25 cents (in American Currency) for a Senior Citizen.

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Yes, it costs me 600 pesos a month (about $30 dollars) for a package of Internet, Cable TV 98 channels and a phone.

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

Be positive, learn the culture, and immerse yourself in the society, you'll be surprised at how many things we have in common.