Oldladyman
American expat in Mexico
Forum posts
70
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in New York
Registration: 12 November 2015
Xela healthcare options
Thanks Bhavna, but his link is to a thread on insurance. I'm not looking for insurance. I want to know what doctors, hospitals and clinics are recommended for care. Read More
Xela healthcare options
Hi, anyone who can lend insights. Am wondering if I can expect to find a decent primary care provider here and where. Also wondering what lab is best to get blood tests done as well as imaging and the costs. Is this a city where I can expect to get ... Read More
Renewing MX FMM from Guatemala by bus any advice? by Oldladyman
Planning to re-enter Mexico by bus from Guatemala. I've heard lots of different things that worry me such as I'll have to pay cash that I don't have to get another FMM and that my passport will be scrutinized and because I've spent ...
I'm hearing that they have a new computer system that provides more information on travelers entering Mexico. To be honest, I noticed the last time I entered Mexico that the agent scrutinized my passsport and asked me, "How much time do you ... Read More
Renewing MX FMM from Guatemala by bus any advice? by Oldladyman
Planning to re-enter Mexico by bus from Guatemala. I've heard lots of different things that worry me such as I'll have to pay cash that I don't have to get another FMM and that my passport will be scrutinized and because I've spent ...
When was the last time you did a visa run? The system has changed I've heard. Lots of people being asked if they're living in Mexico after the aduanas read their travel background on the computers using the new system that gives them ... Read More
Renewing MX FMM from Guatemala by bus any advice?
Planning to re-enter Mexico by bus from Guatemala. I've heard lots of different things that worry me such as I'll have to pay cash that I don't have to get another FMM and that my passport will be scrutinized and because I've spent ... Read More
How to Choose Internet Provider and Get Access for Apartment in Oaxaca by Oldladyman
Hi, have been using Airbnb for rentals, but find that they are more expensive than furnished apartments on Vivanuncios. Vivanuncio apartments don't offer Internet many times, however. Can someone tell me how I would take care of that myself. ...
Thanks for sharing!! Appreciate it. Read More
How to Choose Internet Provider and Get Access for Apartment in Oaxaca by Oldladyman
Hi, have been using Airbnb for rentals, but find that they are more expensive than furnished apartments on Vivanuncios. Vivanuncio apartments don't offer Internet many times, however. Can someone tell me how I would take care of that myself. ...
Thanks for the feedback. It sounds exactly like what I've been avoiding! What about changing locks? How does this work with landlords in Mexico? It seems like their thing is if the previous tenant returned the key, there's nothing to worry ... Read More
How to Choose Internet Provider and Get Access for Apartment in Oaxaca
Hi, have been using Airbnb for rentals, but find that they are more expensive than furnished apartments on Vivanuncios. Vivanuncio apartments don't offer Internet many times, however. Can someone tell me how I would take care of that myself. ... Read More
Proof of Address Info by Oldladyman
Hi does anyone know if I need to be a permanent resident to get proof of address or is it just a matter of showing them a utility bill or lease? I'm on a tourist visa. Thx!
Yeah. there are pros and cons to using Airbnb. One of them is that you're not considered a real tenant. You're like a house guest who pays. Read More
Proof of Address Info by Oldladyman
Hi does anyone know if I need to be a permanent resident to get proof of address or is it just a matter of showing them a utility bill or lease? I'm on a tourist visa. Thx!
Hey Sparksmex. Thanks for the info, but I don't have any bills that come to me. I'm a long term airbnb renter! Read More
Proof of Address Info by Oldladyman
Hi does anyone know if I need to be a permanent resident to get proof of address or is it just a matter of showing them a utility bill or lease? I'm on a tourist visa. Thx!
To get a monthly Telcel plan with a contract, they asked for combromante de domicilio, which I couldn't get from my landlord, so I have this strange pay as you go plan that you can't pay for using the online system and can't track data ... Read More
Need Telcel Sin Limites Plan Advice Please! by Oldladyman
I was unable to get a monthly Telcel plan because I don't have comprobante de domicilio so I had to accept the Telcel Sin Limites every 30 days thing. As far as it was explained to me, I get 500 megas of data and unlimited phone calls for 30 ...
Joaquin, may I ask how much data you use per month usually? Read More
Proof of Address Info
Hi does anyone know if I need to be a permanent resident to get proof of address or is it just a matter of showing them a utility bill or lease? I'm on a tourist visa. Thx! Read More
Need Telcel Sin Limites Plan Advice Please! by Oldladyman
I was unable to get a monthly Telcel plan because I don't have comprobante de domicilio so I had to accept the Telcel Sin Limites every 30 days thing. As far as it was explained to me, I get 500 megas of data and unlimited phone calls for 30 ...
Thanks but the Sin Limites is not a monthly plan. They told me it's new and there's no way to track it. I can just recharge and supposedly I'll have 500 megas when I recharge, but that's apparently not what happened. I don't like ... Read More
Need Telcel Sin Limites Plan Advice Please!
I was unable to get a monthly Telcel plan because I don't have comprobante de domicilio so I had to accept the Telcel Sin Limites every 30 days thing. As far as it was explained to me, I get 500 megas of data and unlimited phone calls for 30 ... Read More
The Gringo Tax
Now that I've been here a while and know what things cost, have noticed that I'm usually charged higher prices by merchants than Mexican customers, but today I looked at a receipt that I found in my bag and realized I paid for 33 bags of ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
I have entered Mexico City airport twice since November. The first time a woman asked me lots of questions, including how long I wanted her to give me. It was a little unclear how much time she would issue me, but I asked for 6 months and she ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Hmmm...good to know...when my 180 days is up. But to enter Mexico through a border crossing, I would have to enter through Texas or Cali by car or bus, correct? Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
I enter and exit Mexico through the airport in Mexico City. Sounds like the border thing is more relaxed than the airport... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Good to know Joaquin. We'll see what happens with me...thanks for sharing. Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Did you renew your visa without leaving and re-entering? Was this a process you were told was available to everyone? Or did you just get lucky? Please provide more info if possible. Would be greatly appreciated Read More
Eyeglasses in Mexico City! by Oldladyman
So I have been using reading glasses for the longest and thought I might be able to get an affordable eye exam and nice pair of real glasses here, but am finding that when I'm in certain busy areas like Bellas Artes that there are tons of people ...
If you go into the franchises, the lenses in the cases are $6000 pesos and up...optical stores are big business here. They're very assertive saleswise also! Read More
Eyeglasses in Mexico City! by Oldladyman
So I have been using reading glasses for the longest and thought I might be able to get an affordable eye exam and nice pair of real glasses here, but am finding that when I'm in certain busy areas like Bellas Artes that there are tons of people ...
Wow. I'm going to try this because I just don't see the point in buying $400 eyeglasses as much as I like the style of the pair I want:) Yesterday I spent too much time trying to find a better deal but just kept going into the same ... Read More
Eyeglasses in Mexico City! by Oldladyman
So I have been using reading glasses for the longest and thought I might be able to get an affordable eye exam and nice pair of real glasses here, but am finding that when I'm in certain busy areas like Bellas Artes that there are tons of people ...
The prices I'm referring to in my above post are USD.... Read More
Eyeglasses in Mexico City!
So I have been using reading glasses for the longest and thought I might be able to get an affordable eye exam and nice pair of real glasses here, but am finding that when I'm in certain busy areas like Bellas Artes that there are tons of people ... Read More
Dentist Within South Distrito Federal Area (Tlalpan)
Anyone know of a good dentist within the Tlalpan area (the southern boonies) of Mexico City? I've gotten a couple of referrals for dentists that are in Mexico City but they're like an hour away by cab, which I think won't work out for me ... Read More
Telcel by Oldladyman
So I have a Lanix brand phone and a Telcel account. Not head over heels in love with this phone. The camera's awful, so should probably get something else, but the immediate issue is I have no idea how to check my minutes. I have a prepaid plan.
Hi does anyone know if I can use my Telcel Amigo prepago when I spend a few days in New York next month? I don't mean for extended use...I'm coming back to Mexico... Read More
How to Make Dental Appt in Spanish
I think the difficulty with phone calls is actually understanding the responses once you recite these Google Translate phrases!!! I'm just going to wing it. Thanks!! Read More
How to Make Dental Appt in Spanish
Hi okay so my Spanish is not the best. Have to make an appt and would like advice on how to make first call. Any key Spanish phrases I should know? I know: Yo quisiera hacer una cita con el dentista. Also do they give pricing for a first visit ... Read More
Telcel by Oldladyman
So I have a Lanix brand phone and a Telcel account. Not head over heels in love with this phone. The camera's awful, so should probably get something else, but the immediate issue is I have no idea how to check my minutes. I have a prepaid plan.
Okay Joaquin cool, going to try and download the app because pound 133 isn't working:) Read More
Telcel
So I have a Lanix brand phone and a Telcel account. Not head over heels in love with this phone. The camera's awful, so should probably get something else, but the immediate issue is I have no idea how to check my minutes. I have a prepaid plan. Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Love these diarrhea stories:) Long live the Mexico expat forum!!! Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Green beans!!! Maybe because they're so dense? At any rate, I'll stick to spinach. Haven't had problems with carrots or tomatoes either. Now that I've gotten sick, I've had a reality check and realize that being cautious here ... Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Just weak now. Was still semi able to do my regular daily activities. I think I got off lucky but will do more thorough veggie cleansing in the days ahead! Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Oh well, Raw string beans I bought at a rough and tumble neighborhood market have done me in. Soaked them in biopure but they were not fully immersed, were just kind of floating on top and maybe weren't really clean enough to be eaten? Burning ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Yes, Jean. I hear you because I've been here for a full week now and am starting to separate the good advice from the bluster in search of a real plan:) And it ain't easy. Thanks so much for sharing. Do appreciate the lessons these ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Always appreciate hearing how others are navigating the Mexican landscape as immigrants, long-term visitors or whatever else we can be called. Read More
Apartment Hunting
Thanks again Caribegal! I appreciate your insights. What kind of fee do they normally ask? Read More
Apartment Hunting
Okay am hunting for an apartment and see a good deal in an area I like in Vivanuncios, but the accomodation I'm currently in is off airbnb, which is a much simpler rental process for a newbie, so a couple of questions for those of you who have ... Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Well, I've been here for almost a week and arrived full of warnings and information from blogs and forums snarled in my head and am glad to say that so far I haven't gotten sick. Yesterday I went to a cafe in the city center and ate ... Read More
Furnished Versus Unfurnished
Okay nice and simple. Thanks. Appreciate it! Read More
Furnished Versus Unfurnished
Okay, so I've been told that furnishing an apartment is very expensive and drives up costs and that if I rent an empty apartment I would have to pay a number of monthly bills that are included in the rent of furnished apartments. Is it true that ... Read More
Questions they ask at airport!
Hi, I'm here, have arrived in Mexico City and love it. First impressions. Anyway, haven't begun the formal visa application process and was a little nervous by the questions asked me at the airport, most notably: is this your first time in ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Hi, don't mean to belabor the subject but have heard that some have been asked for proof of departure and presented bus tickets as a cheap way of complying and am wondering if I am asked for a return ticket, if I'll be given an option to buy ... Read More
Opening Mexican Bank Account by Oldladyman
So I need to be able to deposit money into my U.S. bank account, but my bank doesn't have branches in Mexico City, so how difficult is it for me to walk in Banamex, for example, and open an account?
Wow. I hope its as simple for me ! Thanks for sharing! Read More
Opening Mexican Bank Account
So I need to be able to deposit money into my U.S. bank account, but my bank doesn't have branches in Mexico City, so how difficult is it for me to walk in Banamex, for example, and open an account? Read More
Western Union
Hi I'm just wondering about Western Union in Mexico, specifically Mexico City. New York Western Union is pretty inconsistent in terms of the amount each location has available when you're picking up. Convenience stores and Walgreens can only ... Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Wow, this forum is so volatile. I was hoping it would be a resource for travelers to help each other. Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
So you can shower and wash clothes in tap water. How about wash dishes and silverware? Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Thanks for your advice as well. I appreciate it:) Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Cheers James. I appreciate you making me feel less foolish for trying to avoid getting sick as well as keeping the forum open to all kinds of questions! Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick! by Oldladyman
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ...
Thanks appreciate your thoughts. Trying not to be too cocky. I followed the bottled water rule in Morocco but ate some watery goat cheese that within a really short time had me in the bathroom and kept my stomach out of order for at least a few ... Read More
Eating Advice: How to Avoid Getting Sick!
Not a squeamish or particularly health conscious eater. Ate my way around Marrakech Morocco without fear, but did ultimately pay the price for eating goat cheese from a neighborhood market -- stomach was out of control for weeks. So what's the ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Yes indeed. I think that profiling is part of the job for those who screen at borders and there's a certain look they don't question and others they do:) I have no idea where I will fall. I'm definitely not a wasp, but I have gray hair, ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
I'm entering Mexico with a one-way ticket since I don't know exactly when I'm leaving again. Will they ask for a return ticket at the airport and is it possible for me to offer them perhaps a bus ticket as proof I'm exiting and where ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Caribegal thanks so much for your response!! I was waiting for a anecdote just like yours because I imagine I'm not the only one potentially facing this situation. Food for thought. Hope you and your dog are reunited without any hassle. Thanks ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Hey thanks for the heads up about electricity rates. I was just worrying about not being able to leave and enter multiple times and losing access to possessions I may leave behind, but thanks for this information also! I appreciate all advice. Read More
Internet Quality in Cuernavaca by Oldladyman
Hi. I work from my laptop, which I'm hoping will enable me to spend time in Cuernavaca, but I'm not sure if the Internet there is reliable and will allow me to use Skype. Anybody know? If so, what provider should I be paying for the best ...
Joaquin, does it take a long time for them to come out and set up your modem and stuff? I mean would I have to wait a week, two weeks, a month for servce to begin? Read More
Internet Quality in Cuernavaca by Oldladyman
Hi. I work from my laptop, which I'm hoping will enable me to spend time in Cuernavaca, but I'm not sure if the Internet there is reliable and will allow me to use Skype. Anybody know? If so, what provider should I be paying for the best ...
Thanks so much for the help! Would you mind telling me approximately how much it costs in U.S. dollars a month and does it take a long time for them to provide you with access? Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Well yes, initially it seemed like border runs were routine and simple. But the more I read the more it seems that entering and re entering Mexico can lead towards being denied entry. I have also read that you can only exit and 're enter twice ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
I'm not afraid of robbery. I'm afraid of not being able to 're enter Mexico after leaving and losing access to things I left behind Read More
Internet Quality in Cuernavaca
Hi. I work from my laptop, which I'm hoping will enable me to spend time in Cuernavaca, but I'm not sure if the Internet there is reliable and will allow me to use Skype. Anybody know? If so, what provider should I be paying for the best ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Hi Gudgrief! Thanks for sharing your experience with me. I've heard that anything's possible when you're entering Mexico now because of tighter controls. For example, they no longer automatically offer 6 months when you enter and can ... Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist by Oldladyman
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ...
Thanks for the feedback. Have you ever left possessions behind or do you pack everything when you cross the border? Read More
Renting an apartment as a tourist
Hi everyone! I'm new here. I haven't arrived in Mexico but will be there at the end of this month and am wondering if it's possible or doable to rent an apartment on a six month tourist card with the intent to leave when it expires and ... Read More