Hello folks,
After ongoing research (and much more is needed!!), I've gotten some concrete answers from the consulate and SS. A couple of banks in Mexico are joined with US (BOA & Wells Fargo), or you can use ATM (fees apply). I qualify for permanent residency and I just have to compare driving to flying/shipping some items. It's a little overwhelming but I've sent in the paperwork for passports ($400 w/expedition!!)...6-8 weeks without :-(. It seems folks who have been guiding me (including consulate) feel driving would be a huge hassle, and although I agree, I'm having a hard time parting with my vehicle. My truck is older, but runs well, and I'd feel more in control. Can't imagine life without a vehicle LOL. Mapping out stops to sleep would be the issue, I've learned that GPS works excellently all the way down to Yucaton!! Gasoline seems to be more expensive in Mexico than in Florida.
At this point I am considering San Miguel, Monterray, Cancun, Guadalaraja, and maybe the outskirts of Mexico City. Although living rural is cheapest, I fear I would not have access to decent schools, activities for my 11 year old, shopping, or Amazon shipping. Someone told me Amazon doesn't ship to many parts of Mexico, can anyone confirm?
San Miguel seems to offer a lot of culture, art, shopping, eating, movies, community center for my son, etc. Not having the truck still bothers me though lol.
Thanks for listening, when I get the passports, I will apply for the permanent Visa. Between now and then, I have to research the moving choices...have a couple of websites to check out via the consulate. Import fees go by the value of your belongings and the consulate said that the things I'm thinking of taking would not be very costly. We will see. Small dog and cat could ride in cabin if we were to fly. Lots to figure out, but many questions have been answered. I will keep plugging away. Any thoughts/comments/advice is welcomed. Anyone wanting to make the trip together is welcomed too!!