grapenut
American expat in Mexico
Forum posts
56
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Ciudad Ju谩rez, Chihuahua
Speaks ENGLISH/ SOME SPANISH
Registration: 19 December 2017
buying property in Mexico by animabeya
Hello All, I currently live in the Bay area in California I am 26 years old and love to travel and would love to relocate I just know I dont want to stay in the US any longer. It is not for me. I no longer want to be a part of the life here. I ...
homes here r more expensive than ones in cal. nobody is buying because prices outrageous. crackerbox 1200 sq ft $3 million/ they want thaT AMERICAN DOLLAR. just rent. Read More
Cheapest cities in Mexico by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Budget is an important consideration when moving to Mexico. Ideally, expats would settle down in a city in Mexico where the cost of living is low but where they could also enjoy a decent quality of life. Would you be able to give ...
WHEREVER THERE IS AN INFLUX OF EXPATS, THE PRICES R HIGHER. HERMOSILLO BEING ONE OF THE WORSE. MY NIECE HAD A CONDO THERE AND THE MONTHLY RENT WAS $1500 MONTH WHERE I LIVE, I HAVE A 2 BEDROOM APT AND ON LY PAY $280 USD. BEWARE OF COASTAL CITIES LIKE ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
ALSO GET THE HIT LIST THE STATE DEPT PUTS OUT AS TO THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACES IN MEX AND AVOID THEM Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
STAY AWAY FROM CANCUN, VERA CRUZ. CARTELS CONTROL EVERTYHING IN THISE LOCATIONS Read More
Children integration in a new school in Mexico by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Moving abroad can be particularly hard on children. For any parent planning a move to Mexico, it is of utmost importance to make sure they do everything in their power to make sure their children聮s transition is as smooth as ...
BEFORE U SHOW UP, INVESTIGATE. LOTS OF TOWNS R STRICTLY SPANISH SPEAKERS. HERMOSILLO, LOTS OF AMERICAN FAMILIES THERE FIND OUT WHERE EXPATS RESIDE. THATS WHERE U WANT TO BE.BECAUSE OF JUAREZ'S PROXIMITY TO EL PASO TX, LOTS OF 'ENGLISH SPOKEN ... Read More
Telephone service in Mexico by grasshopper51
I just arrived in Rosarito on April first. Before leaving the US, I changed my phone service from Verizon to ATT. But since I've been here, first I found ATT's service sucks but most importantly, I can't call any 800/888 number. I was ...
MAIL HERE REALLY SUCKS. SO IF U WANT STUFF FROM US TO WHERE U LIVE, FED EX, UPS, DHL HERE U CANPICKUP OR THEY DEL. Read More
Telephone service in Mexico by grasshopper51
I just arrived in Rosarito on April first. Before leaving the US, I changed my phone service from Verizon to ATT. But since I've been here, first I found ATT's service sucks but most importantly, I can't call any 800/888 number. I was ...
just as soon as I passed over the international bridge from el paso to juarez, my phone died. had to buy local one. Telcel ok. get yourself an international phone that is unlocked. that way u can call back TO USA. BOUGHT MINE FROM AMAZON,. Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During one聮s big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
depends on what time of day/night u enter. no fire arms or ammo, no plants of veggie fruit, nor food of plants. no prescrptions needed here so whatever prescriptions u need u can buy otc no drugs. no pets.other than that, anything. Read More
Paying my US credit card with Pesos!! How do I do this??? by jessicastyler
Hi! I can't seem to find anywhere that explains how to: #1 - Transfer pesos into dollars with a good exchange rate #2 - How to get the exchanged money into my US bank account without leaving Mexico (perhaps that part isn't possible - I'd ...
EXCHANGE RATES FLUCTUATE WEEKLY. RIGHT NOW, $1 IS 19.32 CHECK EXCHANGE RATES ON INTERNET. DO U HAVE AN ACCOUNT HERE IN MEX? CITIBANK IS WHAT WE USE HERE. CITIBANCOMEX.. U CAN HAVE A BAnk exchange from pesos to usd. or u can have credit cards ... Read More
Accessing Money from US by mejms
Moving from Boston to Queretaro in about a month and will continue to have income deposited into my US bank account. Would love to hear how people access their money. I will likely open a bank account in Mexico but am unsure whether I will ...
mastercard, discover, visa and citibANK CARDS ALL RECOGNIZED HERE Read More
Accessing Money from US by mejms
Moving from Boston to Queretaro in about a month and will continue to have income deposited into my US bank account. Would love to hear how people access their money. I will likely open a bank account in Mexico but am unsure whether I will ...
i am retired on social security. the government issued me a DIRECT EXPRESS CARD which is good all over the world. so if u have a us.bank card, u can use it to access atm machines here. far as i know, us bank not here. but citibank is. its called ... Read More
Cost of living 2019 in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As we usually do each year, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
the reason for my coming to mexico was simple. how am i going to afford housing, food on a SOCIAL SECURITY USA BUDGET? look at all the homeless retirees in usa. i did not want to end up on skid row with no plaCE to live, so i followed my son's ... Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Mexico? Is the public postal ...
there is NO postal service in mexico. ups, fed ex, dhl r the 3 carriers here. spendy tho. i live in juarez mx and my son has a post box in el paso so when i order goodies from WALMART OR AMAZON, all is sent to his po. box. In el paso. since he ... Read More
Best locations for expat family? by DrZaius
My wife and I and our two kids (age 3 and 9) are planning to spend the next year in Mexico and may move there permanently if all works out. I work remotely for a US based company. Our goals are to improve our quality of life while reducing cost and ...
i moved to ciudad juarez in august 2017 from cal. my youngest son lives here with his mexican wife and has been here for 4 years. he lives in juarez but works in EL PASO. I find the people here to be a most friendly bunch, my landlord (who speaks ... Read More
Question about INM by Oria_Xu
Hi all! I will be moving with my family from the EU to GDL next summer. I have applied and been approved for a permanent visa (retiree) here at my Mexican consulate. The next step is to go to Mexico (GDL) to get my permanent resident card within the ...
I AM ACTUALLY 'ILLEGAL' IN MEXICO. MY PASSPORT EXPIRED HERE WHILE VISITING MY SON WHO LIVES HERE. SO I DECIDED TO STAY. BEEN HERE OVER A YEAR; ALLOWED TO STAY 6 MOS. WHAT I DO IS LEAVE MEX FOR 5 MINUTES(BUY FMM CARD AT BORDER $20)GOOD FOR ... Read More
Dating and finding love as an expat in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello, With cultural barriers and different dating norms, finding love as an expat abroad can be exciting and challenging at the same time. Is it easy to meet other fellow single people in Mexico? How do you go about meeting people ...
DONT DO ANY BARHOPPING HERE. CARTELS KIDNAP OR KILL AMERICANS. SAFEST PLACE TO MEET SOMEONE IS IN CHURCH; THAT IS WHERE I MET MY WIFE IN JUAREZ Read More
Long Term Storage Solution
nothing that i have found in mex.. bring it with u and place in spare bedroom. Read More
Shipping a laptop from the U.S. by Marat2017
Hello. Is it OK to purchase a laptop online (Amazon or Best Buy) in the U.S. and ship it to Mexico? Any feedback? Thank you.
THERE R NO SHIPPING FROM US TO MEX. I HAVE A POST OFFICE IN EL PASO WHERE ALL MY WALMART AND AMAZON SHIPMENTS R SHIPPED TO. MY SON WORKS IN EL PASO BUT LIVES IN JUAREZ, SO HE PICKS UP MY PACKAGES. BETTER JUST TO BUY LOCAL OR HAVE SOMEONE BRING IN. ... Read More
LGBT community in Mexico by jalvarez11
We are looking to move to Lake Chapala and we were wondering if anyone can give us any feedback about the safety for LGBT people. We are a mature retired couple.
not good place for u. gov is anti-gay. aND THEY ENFORCE IT, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE FIASCO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS INVOLVED IN CONCERNING PEDOPHILES Read More
Tips or advice on moving to mexico by grasshopper51
Hello everyone, I've lived all over the US, currently living in Henderson, NV and planning to move to Mexico next year. I'm a single woman in her 60's. I'm currently looking for a house in Ensenada or anyplace between there and ...
read my blog. just sent in Read More
Deciding on the right city for me by P7m:K39%bQ9a
I plan on visiting Mexico in the spring. I'm a single woman of retirement age. I want to befriend Mexicans and enjoy the culture but would like to get to know some expats who would be able to make suggestions and offer advice. I spent a couple ...
read my blog.just wrote it. Read More
Undiscovered expat heaven by faunadocpam
Outside of the coasts, SMA seemed like it was THE expat retirement spot. And then Ajijic became THE spot. Is there an up and coming location on its way to becoming the next hot spot? Not too popular or crowded yet, but with some access to ...
the safest and friendliest place for expats is CIUDAD JUAREZ! 2 miles from el paso, weekends, texans come here to shop. gets to see lots of americans here shopping., enjoying cheap groceries, restaurants. ive been here now over a year. friendliest ... Read More
Language barriers in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Mexico. What is the official language in Mexico, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible to live ...
when i first came to juarez mx last year i considered myself quite proficient in spanish having been talking for most of my life with spanish as my second language until i came to juarez. what a shock! had it not been for my fiance i probably would ... Read More
Best cities to live in Mexico by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Mexico. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
AVOID COASTAL CITIES; THAT IS WHERE MOST OF THE EXPATS LIVE; AND THE PRICES ON EVERYTHING R OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH BECAUSE IF THEIR PRESENCE. CANCUN REALLY BAD RIGHT NOW. SAW ARTICLE THAT 20 LOCAL POLICE WERE ARRESTED BY STATE POLICE AND FEDERALES FOR ... Read More
Finding your bearings in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello, While technology has definitely helped us navigate ourselves more easily in most countries, it's not the case everywhere. How do you get to your destinations and navigate yourself in Mexico? Do you use gps systems such as google/apple ...
best way to get around is with GPS. POINT A TO POINT B. SIMPLE Read More
Buy a car in Mexico or US by GuestPoster4511
I am planning on staying in Mexico but might be driving back once in awhile. Better to have Mexican car traveling to US or US car traveling in Mexico?
your option. cars cheaper in mexico mexican built cars are built better than us cars. last longer, get better gas mileage. case in point; my fiance's car is a 2004 chevy pop; 140000 miles, runs like a top. built in mexico.stick shift, 4 speed. ... Read More
Nationalizing a car from the US by ltpelle
I would like to bring a car from the US to Mexico next year. Does anyone know anything about the process of nationalizing a car and what I need to do at the boarder and what the costs are?
maybe it is a time for u to move to a more safe expat friendly town like juarez. sure; i have el paso across the river, but i havent been there for over a year. all i need need is right here n juarez; meds cheaper, housiong dirt cheap, food, gas ... Read More
Nationalizing a car from the US by ltpelle
I would like to bring a car from the US to Mexico next year. Does anyone know anything about the process of nationalizing a car and what I need to do at the boarder and what the costs are?
mexico law; no registering of vehicles older than 20 years. keep it registered in your home state and forget about changing dr license. only mex citizens have mex dr licenses Read More
Most Mild Climate? by Tony_Amigo
Hi everybody. My first post here. What cities/regions have the mildest climates in Mexico? I am not a fan of intense heat and humidity, and know that parts of Peru and Ecadour have cooler climates. What about Mexico? Gracias!
i live in CIUDAD JUAREZ, just south of EL PASO TX. we have 3 seasons here with monsoon weather sept- jan. people r friendly here too. where i met my english speaking mexican wife. juarez is a boom town because of the influx of many mex industries ... Read More
Bank loans in Mexico by Priscilla
Hello, Finances and banking can sometimes be a headache for many expats, especially when it comes to taking out bank loans. Is it difficult for an expat to get approved for a bank loan in Mexico? What are the types of bank loans available ...
as far as i can tell, at least here in CIUDAD JUAREZ,the only american bank with holdings in mexico is CITIBANK. CITIBANOMEX THAT IS WHERE MY WIFE (SHE is mexican citizen) has her acct. i have heard horror stores from my son who lives here as well ... Read More
Visa permanente/temporal question by Chilangolite
For those of you that went the visa permanente/temporal route. when you applied for either one of them do they determine which one you qualify for or do you have to pick one apply and if you do not qualify then re-apply for a different one? Thanks ...
so what loops did u need to go through to become a permanente? i am marrying a mexican citizen this month and want to become a citizen as well Read More
I'm not sure where I want to go. by GuestPoster3
Hello! I am ready for another adventure in my life. I am 59 years old, married and want to retire. I realize the only way I can have a lifestyle that would be comfortable and affordable is to go to another country and culture. Although I ...
i did a lot of studying on mexico; then my son john, who lives in CIUDAD JUAREZ, convinced me that juarez is the safest place to live, considering the CARTEL(DRUG LORDS) Have taken over all the seaport resort towns and all the major cities, EXCEPT ... Read More
700 a month Social Security by RandLamb8
Is this possible in San Miguel? Are there places to work?
housing is dirt cheap in juarez. i have a 2brm apt for $270 usd. one friend rents a 4 bdrm house for $450usd Read More
700 a month Social Security by RandLamb8
Is this possible in San Miguel? Are there places to work?
why work for mexican pesos when u can work for an american company in el paso and get paid in usd? Read More
700 a month Social Security by RandLamb8
Is this possible in San Miguel? Are there places to work?
better still, live in juarez and work in el paso. that is what my son is doing. me? i am retired living with my girlfriend Read More
700 a month Social Security by RandLamb8
Is this possible in San Miguel? Are there places to work?
u want work, best to move to juarez. boomtown of mexico Read More
Howdy, want to say hi. 馃槉 by StuckInMoros
Married in Ciudad Valles, SLP in 2016, moved to Matamoros to be in middle of her family and mine in SATX. I'm a daily crosser, work in Brownsville, TX but live a 1/4 mile from the bridge so to say the least it has been very challenging getting ...
it took me 6 months to get a new pASSPORT after being stuck in juarez. now that i am here i really like it so i will remain an expat living in ciudad juarez.and friendly people; my landlord speaKS ENGLISH making life a lot easier.rent is cheap. have ... Read More
Medication in Mexico by Jasmine1955
Do we need to see a Dr for prescription for metformin, blood pressure pills, testosterone patches etc Or are they available for walk-in at pharmacy? I
i have a female dr. who is super sharp. she tells me that prescriptions are NOT a guarantee that u can obtain meds cheaper nor available here. so keep your on line supply stores available.AMAZON wont ship to mexico any type of medications, but i ... Read More
Prescription in Mexico by Jasmine1955
If we are taking metformin, blood pressure pills, testosterone patches, how do we get those in Mexico?
good luck! even tho insulin, which i use, is available over the counter in CIUDAD JUAREZ, i find it much cheaper than trying to buy in texas. WALGREENS, quoted me a $200 per vial price where i can buy at S-MART or SORIANAS for under $30. other items ... Read More
Relocating to Mexico by Leslie Elizabeth
Doing research on a move to Mexico from the Us. Would love opinions on the best place for a single 55 year old who still wants to work and be in a active setting where there are other expats
THERE IS A 180 FREE DAY TIME PERIOD.AFTER THAN U CANT STAY(BUT I AM A REBEL AND HAVENT BEEN BACK TO STATES FOR A LONGER TIME. U R REQUIRED TO BUY A FMM CARD AT THE BORDER. IT IS DATED SO THEY KNOW HOW LONG U HAVE BEEN IN MEX. I NEVER GOT A CARD SO ... Read More
Water quality in Mexico by Itobys
I went to zihuatanejo this past June . The woman I stayed with was soaking all her fruits and vegetables in iodine solution to desinfect and told me not to use regular tap water for washing fruits or drinking because it was bad. Is there an area in ...
Bad water here. u can use it to cook with as long as it boils for more than 5 minutes. buy a 10 liter bottle at the store. i use one bottle per week Read More
using US ATM cards in supermarkets, cash back? by steveh2112
hi, can i use my US ATM cards in supermarkets and cash back with no fee like i do in the states? thanks.
ALSO, I PAY A REAL HIGH PRICE FOR MEDS HERE. LIKE $25 PER VIAL FOR INSULIN; THAT IS ABOUT $495 IN PESOS Read More
using US ATM cards in supermarkets, cash back? by steveh2112
hi, can i use my US ATM cards in supermarkets and cash back with no fee like i do in the states? thanks.
so far WALMART WILL NOT ACCEPT A CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD. ULL HAVE TO GO TO THE BANK AND GET PESOS FOR WALMART. BUT THE OTHER PLACES I SHOP AT DO ACCEPT MY DEBIT CARD. Read More
New to Expat Forum, many question here... by MecheDallas
Girlfriend just retired and moved to Rosarito Beach from Los Angeles real estate /banking rat race 20 days ago... Loves it... found small apt for $250 Mo and tells me I can live well with $750 mo... Is this realistic / true??? Sounds too good to be ...
I live in CIUDAD JUAREZ AND HAVE A 2 BEDROOM APT AND PAY THE SAME 250 plus utilities. people r super friendly here. and even tho i dont understand mexican spanish, they do understand my castillian spanish. and those i so associate with speak english ... Read More
Nationalizing a car from the US by ltpelle
I would like to bring a car from the US to Mexico next year. Does anyone know anything about the process of nationalizing a car and what I need to do at the boarder and what the costs are?
cant do it! leave ur car licensed from the state u r coming from. they wont bother u. but if they catch u with mexican plates(a no no) big trouble cause it is not allowed. unless u r a fm2 or fm3 temp resident, permanent resident. have to be a ... Read More
Crime rate by BZROAD
We have been hearing on the news that in 2017 the crime rate in Rosarito/Ensenada/Cabo has gone up 130%. They say that it is now the murder capitol of Mexico. We have been planning our retirement to the Ensenada area. This sounds very frightening. ...
i live in juarez and on occasion hear gunfire in the distance. cops are everywhere here. including FEDERALES armed to the teeth. but i do not travel the city. i stay close to my apartment and when i do go out, either my son or my landlord takes me ... Read More
using US ATM cards in supermarkets, cash back? by steveh2112
hi, can i use my US ATM cards in supermarkets and cash back with no fee like i do in the states? thanks.
i use my card in almost every business i deal WITH .EXCEPT WAL-MART they only want caSH i have got money back but only in pesos. now my land lord wants the rent in usd cash but he will accept the utility payment in pesos only. no card. Read More
Please update us on any security situations in the Chapla/Ajijic areas by Texasaaa
My wife and I are considering vacationing in the Lake Chapla and Ajijic area later this year with a focus on selling/renting our home and moving there. Of course we are concerned about security and have read of the past incidents of a rare murder ...
I read on the news this am that the western part of mx had the most murders in the country so be careful. dont go out at night and stay away from central parts of the cities. act and dress like mexicans; blend in so u cant be picked out as GRIINGO Read More
Need FM-3? by GuestPoster11796
My husband and kids moved to Cancun in December on a tourist visa, thinking we would try things out here and apply for an FM-3 in a few months. We didn't realize that the FM-3 is necessary for setting up internet, renting a house, etc. Does ...
before u can obtain an fm3 u have to have an fm2 which is temporary resident. if there is a mexican consulate close to you, go there first. I am already here in mex so ill need to visit the u s embassy and they can help me find out more info. a ... Read More
Howdy, want to say hi. 馃槉 by StuckInMoros
Married in Ciudad Valles, SLP in 2016, moved to Matamoros to be in middle of her family and mine in SATX. I'm a daily crosser, work in Brownsville, TX but live a 1/4 mile from the bridge so to say the least it has been very challenging getting ...
I am retired and l could not remain in the usa because of my fixed income pension i receive from the gov. so my youngest boy who lives here in CIUDAD JUAREZ with his hispanic wife has a job, like you, across the border.he travels from juarez every ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
as soon as I crossed the border from el paso to Juarez my nokia died. so my daughter in law gave me one of her Mexican phones. works just fine in mexico but no where else. Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
My name is NOLAN TEW. I came to CIUDAD JUAREZ from CALIFORNIA to visit my son who has lived here for 2 years only to find that my passport had expired as of last august. so now I rented an apartment and buy groceries and meds from a local S-MART ... Read More