New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021

Cindye1010 wrote:

Thank you so much! A few of our questions in no particular order:

*  If you're familiar with Cozumel, is there a particular location on the island that is a better living area for expats?
*  What would we expect to pay generally for utilities? Also, is natural gas or propane available or is it all electric?
*  Are there any unusual, Mexican or city related charges we should expect that we wouldn't normally think about as we prepare a budget?
*  We plan to bring our two dogs (one small, one large). Other than getting them into the country, are there any specific requirements on having animals in a home? Is there a good vet on the island?
*  How do deliveries from places such as Amazon, Fed-X, UPS, etc work? In your experiences, do most US online companies deliver to Mexico?
*  Is there a comprehensive list somewhere of general personal services such as hair salons, gyms, etc. where expats tend to go?
*  We'll need Spanish lessons quickly. Once we're there, what's the best method of finding a local teacher?
*  Will we need Mexico-based health insurance or can we pay for services/prescriptions out of pocket?
*  How IS healthcare on Cozumel?
*  Once we obtain residency, will we need a Mexican driver's license?
*  Are there any restrictions on Americans with residency holding a job? (plan to retire, but may want to do something eventually)
*  Would we be required to report wages on our US income tax filings?

I guess this isn't really a few. lol Sorry about that! Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi Cyndie,
I can tell you some of what  I observed in Isla Mujeres, The islands are not like the mainland. From what I have seen propane would be the fule source. Supplies depend on farries. If you get a pass from a hurricane which happened to me everything shuts down so going to the mainland when a storm is expected or being extremely well prepared would be a good idea. Visiting the island and talking to the locals would be an excellent idea.

As for things that are different, perhaps bottled delivered water, The expectation that you will have to have a copy of the power bill as a form of identification for many things. The bank account will be something else to figure out. Unless you are a permanent resident you will not be able to have a Mexican account. So you need to have a bank that functions in both countries. If you have to use an ATM there might be cash limits or delays on an Island. Break downs in electricity or city water-related directly to your house will not be fixable like they are in the U.S. Their position is your house is your problem. Appointments are sort of loosely flexible. There is no time window. Time has no significant meaning here. You need to make a point of getting to know people who will honor your wishes.

You will have to ask one of those people you meet about a reliable vet. Getting to know people is critical. Information is word of mouth. There really isn't any reliable useful yellow pages to look things up in.
Spanish lessons are tricky, everyone seems to think they can teach either English or Spanish. Many offer free lessons but that tends to become the first lesson. What I usually advise is to put Duolingo on your computer or phone and break the ice that way right now. They really are free but there is an option for a yearly small fee to keep your place when you don't want to repeat a lesson. Waiting until you get here to learn is not a good idea. It puts you at a major disadvantage

Many online companies do deliver but what time and when can be up in the air. Mexico does not allow anything they don't understand. I wasted money on natural toothpaste and they wanted a health and safety document, I didn't have the toothpaste so that wasn't happening. Supplements are also something you would have to return to the U.S. to get, but there are also alternative products here.DHL is the most used delivery system the other two mostly do business deliveries.

Health care in Mexico is pretty good. Health care insurance has been changing since the epidemic. Many locals with basic insurance saw significant changes in insurance as a basic right and watched it became pay for service.. The cost are much much lower than in the U.S. so many ex-pats have paid out of pocket for care. The islanders probably go to the mainland.

Things like drivers licenses , bank accounts,and jobs tend to require a permanent residency. I don't know what is happening with the U.S. tax system. Like lots of other things stability is not a given and finding a tax expert wont be immediate.

Rockyqueen wrote:

Hi I’m August.
I am planning on relocating to Mérida. In the very near future.  Any tip would be appreciated. I’m headed there in two weeks to find a place to live permanently. I’m so excited working on my Spanish daily. Looking forward to meeting new people and learn about everything from food to Driving like should I bring my car? How much is insurance? So I need a Mexican driver’s license? Should I bring my cat? Etc........

Welcome to ex-pat Mexico August,
Car or no car depends on your plans. If you bring the car it would be easier in some ways. You probably need to make a list of pros and cons. You would have to pay an import fee. That money would be refunded when you crossed the border again. If you plan to become permanent then you will have to take the car back to the U.S, to sell. You can't be permanent and have a U,S, car. your American driver's license will be accepted. You must have Mexican insurance your current insurance will not be accepted. The cost of insurance depends on your car. Of course like everywhere else in the world things are unstable. Merida is currently rated as orange which has mid-level restrictions. Are you traveling alone? I would advise you to be very careful about doing that. driving can be very intense and some roads can be a problem. If you plan to drive I can help advise on the best routes. Never drive at night. That should give you enough to think about for now. Two weeks isn't much time.

Have you talked to the Mexican Consulate where you live? They can tell you about current rules.

beathoreau wrote:

My wife and I are flying down to the Merida area for two months this Nov. and December.  We're looking to find a coastal town that isn't too far from reliable hospitals.  Can someone give us their idea of the best towns to look at? From our research it seems like Progreso, Chelem and Choburna would work, but we don't know anything specific about those. We're looking to visit every winter until we find a place that works for us. Thanks in advance.

Buenas tardes and welcome beathoreau,

So one of your concerns was reliable medical care. Biased on that concern, I would suggest Progreso because it has easy quick access to hospitals in Merida like Star Medical. Some of the towns that are further out don't have that same access.

Pearlette wrote:

Considering move to Mexico.  Can anyone advise on safety concerns with everything going on in the world

Welcome to expat-Mexico Pearlette,

Many of the issues are the same  everywhere. Crime and cartels included. Some areas in many U.S. states are quite dangerous. Some states here have more crime or risk.

You would have to specify the areas you are interested in.