Mary Ellen
@maryellen1952
American expat in Mexico
Forum posts
94
About me
American
Lives in Punta Banda
Speaks English, Spanish
Registration: 26 June 2015
25 year old moving to San Diego and interested in living in Rosarito by Mexturk
Hey guys, New here and I have been researching this ALOT. I am 25 years old with dual citizenship (US and Mexico). I have lived in the USA all of my life and recently went to visit Mexico and fell in love with the culture and more so the people. I ...
You will find that once you leave the border area the majority of expats farther south are age 65 plus. That has been a problem for me being just under that age range early 60's I find most places here on the boring side because of the age ... Read More
San Luis PotosÃ.....tips/advice by Guestposter651
Shall be moving to San Luis Potosà for six months or so,I have booked a place to stay for two weeks during which time i will need to find a place to rent for the duration.I am not familiar with the town at all so any tips or advice would be ...
I agree Stinkyboy. It seems the majority of expats on these boards/forums are those in the 5-10% who have hefty retirement funds, etc. and to them $1,000/month is cheap whereas people like myself and a few others would never pay anywhere near that ... Read More
Where Do I want to live? by gudgrief
I have been living in Zacatecas, Zac for 7 years and enjoyed it immensely. But the years are catching up with me and the 7900' altitude and hilly terrain are wearing on me. The cold winters are getting to me too. Ideally, I like a place at ...
A nomad is someone who moves around often so I wouldn't classify someone who has lived in the same place for 5 years or more a nomad. Read More
Do people want purebred dogs? by Anyola
I am a French Bulldog breeder and we are going to San Miguel in Nov. To check out moving there. We currently live in B.C. I am an avid dog lover and breed French Bulldogs. I cannot see myself giving up being a small hobby breeder and wondered if ...
I have Pekingese dogs which are even more rare here in Mexico and the reason is that they are expensive to breed and to maintain. The only places I've found so far that have them are Mexico City, Monterrey & Guadalajara, i.e., places with ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
The same news is all over the Mexican newspapers but if you don't read Spanish you won't know. Perhaps you're one of those expats who doesn't like to read bad news and would rather keep your head in the sand. As the saying goes ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
Check the Facebook Baja y Mas site as it is up to date news about Baja and all news is translated from Spanish news. The majority of the English news never mentions anything about crime so if you read only those you have a very very limited view of ... Read More
Mexico Second Most Popular Destination for Expats
Mexico is listed as 2nd destination. I've been to Ecuador and don't understand why expats go there instead. I found it much more expensive than Mexico as it's pegged on the U.S. Dollar. Or perhaps it's just because I love ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
If one has any doubt that Rosarito is any safer than Tijuana you might read this. Unfortunately since most expats doesn't speak or read Spanish they have very limited info about what is really going on where they live. Most of the English ... Read More
Movng down to the Baja permanently
If you look at any website with draught statistics you will see that the entire West Coast including Mexico is in the red zone. The problem is there are too many people here in Baja and not enough water. Many places in Ensenada require that you ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Mexico by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Mexico. What is ...
I found that those expats who have "street smarts" and can "think outside of the box" tend to assimilate much better than those who don't have the above. Also if you've traveled much around the world you tend to have a ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
The reason so many expats don't survive here in Mexico and esp. in Baja which is more expensive is that they try to live like Americans/Canadians in Mexico, i.e., eat out a lot & spend much of their income on food, buy almost everything ... Read More
Entering Mexico with pets
I've lived on/off in Baja for several years and never had a problem with crossing dogs across San Ysidro. Might be different on the Arizona or Texas border. Never been asked for any documentation coming/going from Baja. Note: I speak Spanish ... Read More
Thinking about moving to Lake Chapala for retirement- from San Diego by blondee
I am living in San Diego and looking forward to retirement. I am seriously thinking about mexico. I used to cross the border back in my youth when things were so much different. Spent a few vacations in Puerto Vallarta. I want simple and happy ...
You might do research about living in the whole area as there are probably a lot cheaper places to live than Chapala. Parts of Chapala are called by other expats "gringo ghetto" because there are so many gringos in the area. The formula ... Read More
Movng down to the Baja permanently
If you haven't been in Baja for a while you're going to be surprised. First of all the whole Ensenada area is heavily populated with expats and Mexicans; second, due to the entire state of Baja being in draught as with everywhere else on ... Read More
looking for new good friends
you'll have more success if you get on one of the Chapala forums you can find on Google. Unfortunately this forum is limited compared to other Mexico forums. Read More
Medical work in Mexico 2015-2016
Most doctors/health professionals that I've met say the problem with the U.S. is that doctors spend too much time in the classroom and not enough time in clinical actually practicing therefore they don't have the experience as in other ... Read More
Medical work in Mexico 2015-2016
I had bilateral cataract surgery in 2010 in Tijuana at Hospital Angeles. I have been very pleased with the results and never had any problems. At the time I was living in Houston so I flew to TJ the day before, saw the doctor and next day had the ... Read More
Dental work in Mexico 2015-2016 by IT1
What dentist(s) do you go to in Mexico? It's costing over $1000 a crown in the US (replacement crown) and I'm wondering if it's worth it to travel to Mexico for dental work. How does your dentist and their prices compare?
Many times if you go outside the tourist areas you save more money than those catering to expats where they jack up the price such as in SMA. Read More
Dog food in San Miguel de Allende?
Google Beneful and see what people have to say about it. If you have a typical Mexican dog you probably aren't that interested in changing food compared to if you have a pure bred dog. Read More
Dental work in Mexico 2015-2016 by IT1
What dentist(s) do you go to in Mexico? It's costing over $1000 a crown in the US (replacement crown) and I'm wondering if it's worth it to travel to Mexico for dental work. How does your dentist and their prices compare?
There are several dentists who live across the border in the U.S. but their dental practice is in TJ I assume because it is more lucrative. Google "tijuana dentists" and you will find plenty of them. Los Algodones generally will be ... Read More
Looking to housesit long term or cheep rental apt.in Mexico
You will have more success if you pay on the housesitting websites as this board is very limited. Most people who need housesitters use those websites you can find on Google. Read More
Dog food in San Miguel de Allende?
Why don't you consider making your dog food? There are plenty of recipes online. Also you do know that Beneful is the lowest quality food in the U.S. yet expensive here in Mexico. I have been here for several years and either feed a raw meat ... Read More
Dental work in Mexico 2015-2016 by IT1
What dentist(s) do you go to in Mexico? It's costing over $1000 a crown in the US (replacement crown) and I'm wondering if it's worth it to travel to Mexico for dental work. How does your dentist and their prices compare?
If you do a search for "mexico dental" you will find many websites about dental care in Mexico esp. in Los Algodones which supposedly has more dentists per capita than anywhere else in the world. You should be able to find reviews as well. Read More
Any advice is appreciated, especially "must read" recommendations
Google "mexico expat forums" and you will find plenty of information. The best ones are expatforum.com & On the Road Mexico Facebook & Travel Buddies On the Road Facebook & Mexconnect.com Read More
We are expats from California, now living in San Miguel de Allende by kathymachir
After many years in the interior design industry, retirement at the end of 2010 was welcome. Selling house, auto and many household furnishings, we moved south to San Miguel de Allende with a highly condensed list of possessions. Immediately ...
I'd like to find blogs written by those living in Mexico who are not in the 5% wealth category and actually have to life within a budget less than $3,000/month. Where are they? Seems the only expats who write blogs are those in the higher ... Read More
Rosarito Recommendations - Housework by lizzers
I'm looking for recommendations for several services in Rosarito: 1) general contractor/someone who can do a bathroom renovation and tiling 2) painter 3) junk removal service 4) cleaners (we are talking deep clean, not just dust the tops of the ...
I doubt that your "gifts" would equate with an I-pad or some other expensive gadget so it is a moot point. Everyone I know here in Ensenada who has a housecleaner or any help is on the premises. That is just common sense and some have to ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
You can't compare living as an expat with someone on a pension. Most Mexicans do not eat out often; that is part of Western culture. This is a problem with expats when they move to a foreign country; they try to compare their lifestyle with a ... Read More
Rosarito Recommendations - Housework by lizzers
I'm looking for recommendations for several services in Rosarito: 1) general contractor/someone who can do a bathroom renovation and tiling 2) painter 3) junk removal service 4) cleaners (we are talking deep clean, not just dust the tops of the ...
Your rates are probably a lot more expensive than the average Mexican housecleaner which is why most people hire the person directly. Read More
Autos by Dtimms
What would be a good choice for a car, make and model for Mexico. I would like to consider: economy, durability, service and repair, comfort. Probably used for short trips and in town. Rough road use a possibility, but not a necessity.
If you Google "driving a car in mexico: you will find all the info necessary depending on the type of visa you have which is on many of the expat websites/forums other than this one. Read More
appreciate any info on where to look for a furnished apartment by gudgrief
I'm considering moving to San Juan del Rio. I would appreciate any info on where to look for a furnished apartment and any other tips. I can send a contact request so we can converse offline. thanks.
I agree. I have moved around Baja quite a bit and almost all the rentals I found not on the internet; either by word of mouth asking around or just driving around. Read More
Autos by Dtimms
What would be a good choice for a car, make and model for Mexico. I would like to consider: economy, durability, service and repair, comfort. Probably used for short trips and in town. Rough road use a possibility, but not a necessity.
if you are driving anywhere in a larger city it's IMPOSSIBLE to avoid potholes esp. at night if poorly lit...or a sudden flood. And there are restrictions if you buy a Mexican plated car and you don't have the proper visa. Read More
Rosarito Recommendations - Housework by lizzers
I'm looking for recommendations for several services in Rosarito: 1) general contractor/someone who can do a bathroom renovation and tiling 2) painter 3) junk removal service 4) cleaners (we are talking deep clean, not just dust the tops of the ...
Yes make sure you get very good references from expats. Ive met many expats who had people come into their house for months and years and one day for whatever the reason the employee decides to take something valuable. So the best thing is not to ... Read More
Autos by Dtimms
What would be a good choice for a car, make and model for Mexico. I would like to consider: economy, durability, service and repair, comfort. Probably used for short trips and in town. Rough road use a possibility, but not a necessity.
I would NEVER have a new car in Mexico. A small SUV such as RAV4 or similar is good because you may get caught in a flood. Also with the potholes/topes everywhere I wouldn't have a low riding car. Foreign cars tend to be very expensive when ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
The best advice is to read the local Spanish news sites and you can get more realistic information rather than depending on tourists who spend less than 2 weeks in an area and many of them don't outside of their comfort zone which tends to be ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Rather than reading U.S.-produced info you will get more realistic info by reading the Mexican news sites. Most are in Spanish which is why so many expats are unfamiliar with the area they are living and safety. Read More
Rosarito Recommendations - Housework by lizzers
I'm looking for recommendations for several services in Rosarito: 1) general contractor/someone who can do a bathroom renovation and tiling 2) painter 3) junk removal service 4) cleaners (we are talking deep clean, not just dust the tops of the ...
You will have more success if you check the specific Rosarito & Baja forums that you can find on a Google search. Read More
Where to buy Cat Food in San Miguel de Allende by TeddyForever
My husband and I will be bringing our cat to SMA and are wondering where we can purchase cat food and litter? We could not confirm that there is a selection in Mega or Costco. Please advise. Thanks!
Any meat including fish or tuna is NOT a complete diet for a cat. Also tuna is very high in PCB's & mercury so it would be the last thing I would feed any pet. You might do research about what is a balance diet for a cat if you are making ... Read More
Where to buy Cat Food in San Miguel de Allende by TeddyForever
My husband and I will be bringing our cat to SMA and are wondering where we can purchase cat food and litter? We could not confirm that there is a selection in Mega or Costco. Please advise. Thanks!
American brand pet foods are much more expensive in Mexico and most are not a good quality as well. Confused as to why you can't find pet food as I see it everywhere I've been in Mexico so perhaps you're just not looking everywhere. Read More
US Employer Issues
Have you ever filed as an indep.contractor & paid that self-employment tax???? As it is very high. Read More
Seeking new adventure. Suggestions most welcome:)
Expats forget that Mexico as many Latin countries has very low wages and there is qualifying for the work visa as well. That is why most expats who live here are retired or enough money to live without working. Those who still have to work usually ... Read More
Please tell me anything you can about moving out
If you start serious daily research about living in Mexico you will find all the info you need about life in Mexico and if it is really for you. There are tons of websites and forums on a Google search. There is no one place where you will obtain ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Interestingly all the places Ive lived in Baja where there are a lots of expats, people rarely come outside of their house and interact with anyone. I think most of them stay inside and either watch TV or drinking. Drinking/going to bars seems to ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
those comparisons are as different as apples and oranges. Many cities that are considered "safer" have to little to offer in the way of life so no wonder they are safe; they are very boring. Read More
Keep your $ in a USA bank - wellsfargo if you can.
Most American expats I've met here say that Wells Fargo & CitiBank have rather high international fees. I have used Bank of America since 2010 moving to Mexico/Baja and never had a problem. If you use their affiliate, Santander, you ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Anywhere in Mexico where you find a lot of gringos you will find thieves/robbers; doesn't matter if it is Baja, Jalisco, QR or Mexico City. Read More
living in Rosarito, working in San Diego?? need advice please. by jaye4
I am not retired and need advice on crossing the border often for work, and on taxes, etc. If you do this now, are you willing to share your thoughts?
You need to contact Kaiser about reciprocal agreements. I strongly advise anyone who considers moving either in Tijuana (including Playas) and/or Rosarito do a lot of research and read Baja expat forums both online & Facebook as this site has ... Read More
Seeking new adventure. Suggestions most welcome:)
You don't mention where you are living and the most important thing is that you need to do serious extensive research on finding a place to live. When you do this research you will discover you aren't going to make much $$$ in Mexico so ... Read More
Drying clothes in Mexico by Guestposter651
Does anyone use an electric clothes dryer?if so could you tell me of the running cost.The rainy season will start here soon during which time most everyone uses the lavanderÃa to dry clothes.if the running cost is not to steep I would consider ...
A very good reason why I wash my own clothes. Who knows what is lingering on your clothes at the lavanderia. Plus I can guarantee they don't use Persil detergent; they probably use some crappy detergent. Read More
Drying clothes in Mexico by Guestposter651
Does anyone use an electric clothes dryer?if so could you tell me of the running cost.The rainy season will start here soon during which time most everyone uses the lavanderÃa to dry clothes.if the running cost is not to steep I would consider ...
It's one thing to use rinse water for other purposes such as watering plants, flushing the toilet, etc. but I don't want anyone's rinse water from a previous load washing my clothes. That is just nasty esp. if I am paying for it. Here ... Read More
Drying clothes in Mexico by Guestposter651
Does anyone use an electric clothes dryer?if so could you tell me of the running cost.The rainy season will start here soon during which time most everyone uses the lavanderÃa to dry clothes.if the running cost is not to steep I would consider ...
You have to be careful with lavanderÃas esp. those that you leave your clothes & return for them later in the day. I took several loads of clothes to a lavanderÃa here in Punta Banda since I don't have a washer/dryer and if was ... Read More
Puerto Penasco Mexico by Jones2
Looking for any advice or knowledge of Puerto Penasco Mx., housing and cost of living and safety
Mexico is not the place where you can simply go online and find a place to live so easily. You need to first visit the area and look around as many rentals are not advertised. In a country with only about 16 percent of the population online it ... Read More
crime in san miguel de allende
Precautions about your safety apply to anywhere in the world you live or visit including Mexico. Yes there has been an increase in crime in SMA as anytime hordes of expats move into an area thieves/criminals follow them. Probably most victims ... Read More
2014 Homicide Statistics State by State by maryellen1952
www.inegi.org.mx/saladeprensa/boletines/2015/especiales/especiales2015_07_4.pdf
My experience living in Mexico/Baja/Tijuana/Rosarito/Ensenada (which is probably the same thruout the country) is that who you associate with directly affects your safety. If you associate with questionable people regardless if they are Mexican ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
It's the same situation in all of Baja; whereever there are a lot of gringos and esp. if they flaunt their perceived wealth you will find plenty of thieves. Read More
2014 Homicide Statistics State by State
www.inegi.org.mx/saladeprensa/boletines/2015/especiales/especiales2015_07_4.pdf Read More
Moving to Baja Norte by Maw971
Hi everyone, My husband and I are planning on moving to the Baja Norte region in October /November 2015. Like others we have come to a crossroad in our lives...he is retired and although I am still working I am not sure how much longer I will be ...
If you are not a heavy-spender as most expats living here in Baja are you should be able to live comfortably. Ive met many American expats living here in RVs in the various RV parks so that could save you $$ on rent. Do a Google search for Baja RV ... Read More
what is a 'car hotel' ? by Lash
We want to drive to Cancun via Texas this November. Someone said to reserve 'car hotels' for sleeping every night. this way your car and its contents are secure while you are sleeping. Anyone heard of this?
They are also called "love hotels" and you pay by the hour. Many travelers stay in them esp. if they aren't staying a full 24-hours esp. if they have kids and/or pets. Ive read about them on several expat Mexico travel blogs. If you ... Read More
Teaching Opportunities in Cancun
The question is: Are you paying enough for the person to meet the $1500/month to obtain a Permanent Visa esp. if they don't have retirement income??? Read More
What should I know before I make this life-changing decision? by TraderSusan
I'm interested in moving to Rosarito Beach and have been researching the best way to go about it. At this point, I know I want an oceanfront condo (La Jolla?) but would consider an oceanfront villa or house too - (just worried about security... ...
I would do extensive research and read many Baja expat forums before making a decision. The TJ & Rosarito area has had a spike in crime in the past 2 years. The beaches/water there are not that clean as Rosarito gets a lot of the pollution ... Read More
Puerto Penasco Mexico by Jones2
Looking for any advice or knowledge of Puerto Penasco Mx., housing and cost of living and safety
Do a Google search and you will find several Puerto Penasco expat forums. Read More
Cost of living, etc in Ensenada area by Redhawk2007
I am disabled, currently living in Upstate, NY. I have been considering moving to Ensenada or Rosarito. My prime reason for moving is for a better climate and lower cost of living. However, from what I am seeing from looking at prices online, ads ...
Mexico is a place where you always need to have several pairs of good ear plugs. I would never be anywhere without them. Read More
Cost of living, etc in Ensenada area by Redhawk2007
I am disabled, currently living in Upstate, NY. I have been considering moving to Ensenada or Rosarito. My prime reason for moving is for a better climate and lower cost of living. However, from what I am seeing from looking at prices online, ads ...
Forgot to mention...the whole state of Baja is NOT very handicap-friendly. In general Mexico is NOT handicap-friendly so don't expect ramps, etc. to be in most cities. That is just not a priority in Mexico at this time. Also eating out ... Read More
Cost of living, etc in Ensenada area by Redhawk2007
I am disabled, currently living in Upstate, NY. I have been considering moving to Ensenada or Rosarito. My prime reason for moving is for a better climate and lower cost of living. However, from what I am seeing from looking at prices online, ads ...
Most apartments/houses under 5000 pesos will not have A/C so that is another consideration. And running A/C here in Mexico will be another added cost. Most houses/apts here in Baja were not designed for the heat that Baja now has due to climate ... Read More
Cost of living, etc in Ensenada area by Redhawk2007
I am disabled, currently living in Upstate, NY. I have been considering moving to Ensenada or Rosarito. My prime reason for moving is for a better climate and lower cost of living. However, from what I am seeing from looking at prices online, ads ...
When I lived in Estero Beach (where Baker realty is located) I heard mixed reviews about him from expats; some people said he was O.K. others said he only showed you the more expensive places. So the advice is to spend a week in the city you plan ... Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Its refeshing to read a post from someone who admits that there is crime everywhere in Mexico (including SMA, Baja, etc.) as most expats won't face that; or at least that's what I've discovered on the majority of these expat forums. ... Read More
Cost of living, etc in Ensenada area by Redhawk2007
I am disabled, currently living in Upstate, NY. I have been considering moving to Ensenada or Rosarito. My prime reason for moving is for a better climate and lower cost of living. However, from what I am seeing from looking at prices online, ads ...
Before even considering a move to anywhere in Mexico you need to check various real estate websites (and most will be in Spanish). You can get an idea of what American-style housing will cost by looking at Tijuana Craigslist. It will be very ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
You probably have a very different perspective on crime in Mexico than I do since you are a male. When I lived in Rosarito I used to walk my dogs on the beach every morning but I was continually harassed by deportees there looking for handouts, ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
Ive lived within the past 3 years in Rosarito & currently in the Ensenada area. Both are about the same for housing rentals averaging $300/mth for a decent (not luxurious) plus utilities. Expats in the Ensenada area tend to be older as they ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
Rentals advertised online (esp. those in English such as Craigslist) tend to be more expensive than the Spanish sites. The best thing to do is find an address and visit there first before making a decision so you won't be living in a place with ... Read More
Cost of living, etc in Ensenada area by Redhawk2007
I am disabled, currently living in Upstate, NY. I have been considering moving to Ensenada or Rosarito. My prime reason for moving is for a better climate and lower cost of living. However, from what I am seeing from looking at prices online, ads ...
I have lived in the Ensenada area for the past 5 months in several places. You are not going to find much under $300/month plus utilities/water/etc. unless you are in a really bad neighborhood. I would be very careful about even looking at ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
Yoga is not very popular here in Baja and you will find them mostly in the more expensive American/expat enclaves. Read More
Looking for a Home/Pet Sitter in Merida?
If you plan to be successful in finding petsitting/housesitting jobs you need to post on local sites/boards/forums as well as Mexican housesitting websites; some you have to pay but you won't much success on this board for that specific need. Read More
Safety in Mexico by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Mexico? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
My experience living in Baja has been that the farther away from the border you live the less possibility of crime and undesirable people. Walking around at night depends solely on the area you live and the prevalence of crime. I would not walk ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
Be careful about depending on an agent to find you a place. They usually show you everything other than what you are seeking and most expats Ive met who have used them were not happy with them. They are only interested in getting a commission from ... Read More
Living in Rosarito Beach, Baja Ca, Mex by paxvobiscum
If you want to live well, in a Pacific coastal town, semi arid, never too hot or cold, no poisonous insects or snakes, about 40 minutes from San Diego USA, tranquil, affordable and safe...then move here. I've travelled all over Mexico, even ...
I lived in Rosarito Beach for 3 years in several locations. If you live near the Centro/Tourist Zone you will find it very noisy on the weekends. Also the whole Tijuana-Rosarito area has had a spike in criminal activity in the past year. You can ... Read More
High Speed Internet - Playas de Tijuana by Slaphappygal
Hi all - I'm new to this site and hoping for some guidance / feedback. I've been volunteering at a Tijuana orphanage for the past 2 years, driving down from Southern California a few times a month. I'm in love with the area and ...
Internet bandwith in Mexico in general depends on your location. In Tijuana if you live near the border (or near a cell tower) you generally have faster internet speeds as well as better telephone connection. I would do serious research about ... Read More
Is it possible to live in San Miguel on $700. a month? by William Risbourg
Hi; I'm bill from New Orleans. I'm wondering if it's possible to live in San Miguel on $700. a month?
This isn't hysteria. Apparently you don't read the Spanish language newspapers. Read More
Hello from an American in Baja California Norte by DocC
I'm an American, semi-retired, living in the Tijuana area. I've been here for a little over 10 years now, and have another seven years or so living all around Mexico, before that. Two years in Coatzacoalcos, two in Sonora, two in Mexico City, and a ...
And I wonder...do you speak Spanish??? Read More
Hello from an American in Baja California Norte by DocC
I'm an American, semi-retired, living in the Tijuana area. I've been here for a little over 10 years now, and have another seven years or so living all around Mexico, before that. Two years in Coatzacoalcos, two in Sonora, two in Mexico City, and a ...
And I guess you also don't believe the local newspapers. Many expats live in their own little world here in Mexico and have no idea of what's going on outside of it. To each its own. Read More
Hello from an American in Baja California Norte by DocC
I'm an American, semi-retired, living in the Tijuana area. I've been here for a little over 10 years now, and have another seven years or so living all around Mexico, before that. Two years in Coatzacoalcos, two in Sonora, two in Mexico City, and a ...
For those who are considering moving to the Tijuana area including Playas read this about the increased drug activity in the area. Playas has not been immune to crime as well. Most Americans know very little of what is going on in Baja due to the ... Read More
Is it possible to live in San Miguel on $700. a month? by William Risbourg
Hi; I'm bill from New Orleans. I'm wondering if it's possible to live in San Miguel on $700. a month?
There are plenty of safe places to live in Mexico. I wouldn't relocate to Guatemala now as all of Central American (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras) has become a series of narco-states as many drug cartels have moved out of Mexico due to ... Read More
Hello from an American in Baja California Norte by DocC
I'm an American, semi-retired, living in the Tijuana area. I've been here for a little over 10 years now, and have another seven years or so living all around Mexico, before that. Two years in Coatzacoalcos, two in Sonora, two in Mexico City, and a ...
Im curious do you not consider Tijuana a hotbed of criminal activity? You must not read the Tijuana news as there are murders every day as everyone is fighting over drug routes into the U.S. If you have any doubt about that just read this about ... Read More
Cuernavaca-How is it?? by Boricua1
Hello everyone!! Wondering if anyone might take a few minutes, to talk to me about Cuernavaca. How is it - too hot, too cold at any time during the year...Entertainment-do the expats get together to do activities often....cost of living....are the ...
Cuernavaca is listed on El Economista as the 5th most expensive city to live in Mexico so you will probably need to be more careful with your spending compared to being in a less expensive city,i.e., don't shop in foreign stores, etc. It is NOT ... Read More
Water? by pascaltree
I have heard that water is a major problem in Esenada,that's fresh water.Where I live in San Miguel De Allende,it will be a major problem within three years.The aquifer is at the 38,000 year old level of water being pumped. Is water a serious ...
Cisterns/rainwater collection systems are useless if you don't get much rain. There might be solutions out there but very few (including the U.S.) have implemented them. Most are unaware that desalinization is very expensive which is why so few ... Read More
The 5 most expensive and the 5 least expensive cities to live Mexico by maryellen1952
Here is a good reference if you're searching for an affordable place to live in Mexico. http://eleconomista.com.mx/finanzas-personales/2015/03/15/las-5-ciudades-mas-caras-mas-baratas-vivir-mexico
It was already on my original post so don't know why the person couldn't find it?? Read More
Water? by pascaltree
I have heard that water is a major problem in Esenada,that's fresh water.Where I live in San Miguel De Allende,it will be a major problem within three years.The aquifer is at the 38,000 year old level of water being pumped. Is water a serious ...
That's right. The whole Pacific coast is experiencing draught including Tijuana down to Cabo. I live in Punta Banda south of Ensenada and most people here have water delivered and stored in a cistern. Ive lived in Baja Norte for several years ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourself here – 2nd quarter of 2015 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico forum? DonÂ’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 ...
Just joined this site. Ive been on other expat sites and I travel around so always seeking more information. Im a single female retired & currently live in the Ensenada area in Punta Banda with my 2 Pekingese. I have lived in Tijuana and ... Read More
Tips for getting your first job in Mexico by expat.com
Hi, What are your tips and advice for getting a first job in Mexico? What are the job hunting steps to follow? Where to look for offers: newspapers, Internet, recruitment agencies, word-of-mouth? What are the top hiring sectors? What ...
As others have mentioned it is not so easy to get legitimate employment in Mexico unless you are sponsored by a multinational company. I've read accounts of expats working without a work visa who have been deported and unable to return to ... Read More
The 5 most expensive and the 5 least expensive cities to live Mexico
Here is a good reference if you're searching for an affordable place to live in Mexico. http://eleconomista.com.mx/finanzas-personales/2015/03/15/las-5-ciudades-mas-caras-mas-baratas-vivir-mexico Read More