Allene Avey
@AlicatAZ
American looking for information about Mexico
Forum posts
51
Contacts
13
About me
American
Lives in Phoenix
Speaks English and un poquito Espanol
Registration: 15 November 2015
Single Retiree Receiving a Pension of $1,900 USD Per Month by Halfwaytree
If I choose to take early retirement now at age 58, my monthly pension would be 1,900 USD and will increase each year indexed to inflation. Realisticly, after paying for health insurance, rent for a studio or one bedroom apartment in a beach ...
Mexico is a huge country. First, walking to the shore is just about the same cost as the water lapping your patio deck. If you dont mind living near mosquitos I think you can squeak by. But any expectation of an American quality life. ....I dont ... Read More
Exploratory trip January 2018 - Mérida-Cancun-PDC-Akumal by Jan2017
We plan to travel down mid-January 2018 to compare these areas to decide where we will settle initially. For the exploratory trip we think hotels that are not on the beach would be cheaper and make more sense, but we aren’t sure of the best ...
I'm leaving in a few hours to do the exact same thing. Let's keep in touch! Read More
Will return to live rest of my days in Mexico. by daretiree
Lived I Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico for 2 months, and loved every minute of my time there. Had to return to states for personal reasons. The cost of living in Bucerias is so cheap, I still cannot believe it. However, I have heard that Progreso, ...
Hmmmm, two VERY DIFFERENT places. I like the Yucatan, but Progreso Beach has nothing in common with PV. It is very cheap to live there, a lot of English speakers there. I'll be interested to hear what your outcome is on your choices!! Read More
Finding a place to live by doggroomer
Wondering how those of you who drove into Mexico (or not) how you went about finding a place to stay. Did you rent something out for a month that you secured before you got there? and that you found site unseen before actually getting to ...
I think I want to live on the Caribbean coast. Anyone have any experiences on this side? I've been to Merida, and love it, but if I could get some of the benefits of a large city and be nearer to the water with a lot of the old infrastructure ... Read More
is it true ? too much robberies ? by moreto62
posted by cathy Dupree 2 months ago I live in Ajijic which is beautiful but want to give another slant on living in Mexico. I am leaving after 5 years because my partner died and the mess that was left with no will was magnified by the corrupt ...
Babs, I like Merida. I've visited there twice. Do you have any experiences in that city? Veracruz seems to be gorgeous ...I wanted to be near the ocean. How are the bugs, sewer systems, water supply and locals acceptance of Americans? I am a ... Read More
Going to Merida Saturday, October 1st.
I'm not there yet, but I'm interested in hearing how things pan out for you both! I am going in December. Do you have a real estate contact? In Merida there is no MLS....all the contacts have their own listings, so I was told to use them ... Read More
Cancun vs Merida for Retirement by ROWDYCHAP
Hi everyone, My wife and i are retiring to either Cancun or Merida(from Canada) and need help deciding on the two. We have no kids, are in our 40's(good health) and are looking at buying a home under $200,000. Monthly budget of around $1500. Can not ...
I feel that way too....I'm supposed to be in Merida. But I'll check out Campeche and other places this year too. Being raised in So. Ca. I miss the ocean, but Merida is 30 mins from Progreso Beach. Not bad for a weekend! I love the ... Read More
Cell service by Troy greer
Just got back from Mexico few months ago and noticed a lot of locals buy those calling cards for long distance service. Seems like every time my wife uses one it eats up her minutes instantly! What are you expats doing to call back to Canada or ...
Melanie in Mexico, I have read that TelCel SIM will work in my Samsung Galaxy S4. Is this wrong? I ask because you stated that we will have to buy a Mexican phone for these services.... Thank you, Ali Read More
Cell service by Troy greer
Just got back from Mexico few months ago and noticed a lot of locals buy those calling cards for long distance service. Seems like every time my wife uses one it eats up her minutes instantly! What are you expats doing to call back to Canada or ...
That is my plan for this winter, Skype or WhatsApp. This is the first time I've heard that minutes can be stolen, wow. Ever so often I will need to check in with my bank. What do you suggest then? Pubic WiFi might be an issue? IF I'm ... Read More
Tourist visa, purchasing property by banat4
Hello, I was wondering if one can purchase property on a tourist visa before applying for a temp? If so, does this affect which visa one is eligible for? Thanks.
What does one then do to live there forever? Read More
US Medicare payments while living in Mexico by nikolas4squid
Hi, I noticed that some US expats mention going back to the US for certain medical procedures. This led me to wonder what people do about their Medicare payments in the US while living in Mexico. I assume paying for Part A is a done deal (or is ...
I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer. I just wrote you about living in Chetumal. I lost my husband to lung cancer, so I've made a long long study of how to stay away from doctors and cancer the last few years. The one thing to DO KNOW ... Read More
What's the cell phone plan of attack?? by Troy greer
Hola guys. I'll be moving down to Jalisco in September and plan on bringing my smartphone also cancelling my AT/T plan ( way to much $$). What are the steps I need to take in getting my phone going in Mexico day 1. Just want to use ...
I have a branded Verizon Samsung GS4, and it's totally unlocked straight from Verizon. I just changed to Straighttalk, offered at Walmart, for my connection in the states. It was fairly easy, and it Straighttalk uses ALL Verizon towers, so ... Read More
Cancun vs Merida for Retirement by ROWDYCHAP
Hi everyone, My wife and i are retiring to either Cancun or Merida(from Canada) and need help deciding on the two. We have no kids, are in our 40's(good health) and are looking at buying a home under $200,000. Monthly budget of around $1500. Can not ...
Chetumal? It's one of the cities I hope to visit in January. Does it have neighborhoods with free-standing homes with yards? I want to be on the ocean.....do you have waves, sailing, etc. inside of this big bay? Do you have a Walmart, ... Read More
Cancun vs Merida for Retirement by ROWDYCHAP
Hi everyone, My wife and i are retiring to either Cancun or Merida(from Canada) and need help deciding on the two. We have no kids, are in our 40's(good health) and are looking at buying a home under $200,000. Monthly budget of around $1500. Can not ...
HI, I was in Merida for the same reason this past January and am going back this coming winter for six weeks for the same, scouting again....this time all over the Yucatan. I went alone, and the first day I went to the Merida English Library. ... Read More
Best place to live in Mexico when its Winter in Canada? by Rolllingstone
My wife and I are looking at wintering in Mexico for 5 months or so during cold winter here in Canada. We love the ocean as we are both sailors, so renting on or near the ocean is very important. Also we are wanting a community that is away from the ...
Do you know if this is true of Merida? I have not yet been there in the summer months. Read More
Expat entrepreneurs living in Monterrey : by kabilank87
Hi, I am looking to start my own business in Monterrey. I looking to be in contact with other expat entrepreneurs to get some suggestions regarding starting the business, especially in the area of visa and company registration. If there are any ...
How nice of you Kabi. I will be moving to Merida. I also will want to have some kind of income there.....don't know what yet. Is there restrictions on small crafts shared amongst other expats? For instance my sewing tote bags or clothes pin ... Read More
Does anyone have experience to share about moving their furniture down by Ratona
Hello everyone, My husband, Enrique, and I are planning to move to Ajijic sometime in 2016. My husband was born in Mexico but hasn't lived there for over 30 years. We met when I was doing a studies abroad program in Guadalajara in college. ...
Wonderful for you! Can you give us some idea of what the fees have been so far? I too would want to bring my stuff, but am being told same thing. ....sell and buy there. But I have not seen any Americans selling their possessions in Merida so I ... Read More
US Medicare payments while living in Mexico by nikolas4squid
Hi, I noticed that some US expats mention going back to the US for certain medical procedures. This led me to wonder what people do about their Medicare payments in the US while living in Mexico. I assume paying for Part A is a done deal (or is ...
I,too, am interested in this topic. Please keep explaining it to us...... Read More
import duties with FM3 visa? by mturcat
What can be brought into mexico with fm3 visa ?
Are you saying that you paid the moving company an "all inclusive" fee of $5,000, or the duty alone was $5,000? I think that is very expensive, but I have never moved using a moving company before. I, too, will be moving some day to the ... Read More
Best cities to live in Mexico by Julien
Hi, Its 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 ...
In my opinion all the cities along the western shore are overpriced, too many expats and far too dangerous due to the cartels. There ARE other places, you know. Recently San Miguel had riots over wages, I think, and the crime is rampant. Criminals ... Read More
6 month Tourist Visas - Issues involved by singledd
Hello, I will be moving to Mexico... the Tulum area, soon. Initially, I will only have a Tourist Visa. I imagine that there are many people who have spent more than 6 months in Mexico, without getting anything more then the Tourist Visa. I am ...
I think I mispoke. I'm not escaping anything, I feel I want to live for the rest of my life NOT in America. If that proves to be realistic I see no reason to pay any more taxes to the US. I want to discover how to make this happen, if it ... Read More
6 month Tourist Visas - Issues involved by singledd
Hello, I will be moving to Mexico... the Tulum area, soon. Initially, I will only have a Tourist Visa. I imagine that there are many people who have spent more than 6 months in Mexico, without getting anything more then the Tourist Visa. I am ...
It's not that I sense a rush, but I do have a curiosity about recinding my American citizen status. This topic is by no means more than curious at this point. But I want to remove myself from US taxation and possible complete bank freezes as ... Read More
6 month Tourist Visas - Issues involved by singledd
Hello, I will be moving to Mexico... the Tulum area, soon. Initially, I will only have a Tourist Visa. I imagine that there are many people who have spent more than 6 months in Mexico, without getting anything more then the Tourist Visa. I am ...
I'm going to be in Merida in January, my first City to investigate in my search for a foreign city to live in for a few years. Is there any sense, or is it possible, to use this visit as a start date for permanent residency? How does that ... Read More
Survey: Cost of Living by Location by JaneQDoe
Hi. I'm new to this forum. My husband and I are planning a move to Mexico. He has joint issues, and I have Reynaud's syndrome, so good weather is a priority for us. Since we are still in the early stages of this process, we are gathering as much ...
Hi, I have no idea, but I too am interested. My idea is to first find a city that I like and then try to find a place within it that I can afford. Being happy has to be worth money as well, eh? Ally Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Dear Beachseeker, I'll be visiting Merida in January and traveling to Progreso Beach to actually meet up with my son and his family coming into Progreso via one of the cruise ships. Odd that our timing worked out that way. I, too, love the ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
HI, I just read an article about Riga......last week. The medical environment there appears to be very leading edge. They have a new cancer cure called RigVir that has phenomenal promise. I know nothing about the country, but it sounds like you ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
IF you ever consider a housesitter I'd be overjoyed to talk with you! My career was in property management as a Certified Propery Manager through the Institute of Property Management. And I love cats, can work with dogs (I had a border collie) ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Thank you!! I do not have Pet-sitting references, I've never done that. BUT I've had my own cats and dogs. I'm more of a cat person though. I've even had parrots, snakes, lizards, guinea pigs and rats plus horses. BUT, no ... Read More
6 month Tourist Visas - Issues involved by singledd
Hello, I will be moving to Mexico... the Tulum area, soon. Initially, I will only have a Tourist Visa. I imagine that there are many people who have spent more than 6 months in Mexico, without getting anything more then the Tourist Visa. I am ...
Yes, gudgrief, it would give him control of the car, certainly. Not a very good idea....don't know that I would venture into that agreement even with my own child. But, I'm sure it's done all the time because it just works. I feel that ... Read More
Survey: Cost of Living by Location by JaneQDoe
Hi. I'm new to this forum. My husband and I are planning a move to Mexico. He has joint issues, and I have Reynaud's syndrome, so good weather is a priority for us. Since we are still in the early stages of this process, we are gathering as much ...
Thank you so much. I think there is an International bank in downtown Phoenix so I can land with pesos in my pocket. Thank you for the update. These posts hang on..... So we should end these by giving a date I think. 11/21/15 Read More
Survey: Cost of Living by Location by JaneQDoe
Hi. I'm new to this forum. My husband and I are planning a move to Mexico. He has joint issues, and I have Reynaud's syndrome, so good weather is a priority for us. Since we are still in the early stages of this process, we are gathering as much ...
Dear TJMike, That sounds super! Hope I can get near there in Merida. Tell me, I just read another recent post where the exchange was $13/$1. You said you are getting $16/$1. I wonder where you suggest getting pesos from? Do you get this at your ... 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?
HI, I noticed you are in Zacatecas with a lovely lady who looks like she could be local!! I'm hoping that I might be able to do the same! I've been there, stayed in La Casa de La Moneda. One of my friends was stayting there for a long ... Read More
cheaper moving everything or selling everything by Mississippi2015
I live in Mississippi moving next year. Would it be cheaper to move all our furniture down or sell everything and start fresh? Thinking of going to puerto vallarta or guanajuato. If anyone has moved there furniture is there a moving company yall ...
Thank you so much. I'm most concerned about my mattress. So....the rubber mattresses rot? What works there for the foam bedding. This is good to know. I'm addicted to my bed. AZ is a desert but I'm ok here. I was born in the ... Read More
cheaper moving everything or selling everything by Mississippi2015
I live in Mississippi moving next year. Would it be cheaper to move all our furniture down or sell everything and start fresh? Thinking of going to puerto vallarta or guanajuato. If anyone has moved there furniture is there a moving company yall ...
HI, I'm like you, I love the stuff around me. BUT, one of the reason for moving to Mexico is the difference, right? I would bring down legal stuff needed to run your life, and precious mementos (this is my way of thinking), some art you love, ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
HI Octavine, I envy your housesitting job....I'd like to do that in Merida. Did you work through an agency? What one? Ally Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Hi Nik, I was BORN in LA, lived there in the San Fernanco Valley through most of grade school, then stints in San Bernardino and Fontana and San Diego before my family moved to Phoenix for my high school years. I hated it. I moved back to Pacific ... Read More
6 month Tourist Visas - Issues involved by singledd
Hello, I will be moving to Mexico... the Tulum area, soon. Initially, I will only have a Tourist Visa. I imagine that there are many people who have spent more than 6 months in Mexico, without getting anything more then the Tourist Visa. I am ...
Hi singledd, I am not as far along as travelight. I'm taking my first trip to Merida in a few weeks. BUT, if all goes well I would love to make it my new home! Should I apply NOW for a Resident Visa, just in case it all works out? OR, do I ... 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?
I'm interested in getting ALL of my 9 gold crowns removed and replaced with NO METAL. I'm going to Merida in January. Any suggestions for this city????? I might just make a comment here.......in general.....metal in the mouth is not an ... 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 ...
Very informative! This is the kind of sharing I was hoping to get. Thank you for the detail. I need to start coming down now so I can start to make decisions.... Are you still holding US Passports? I'm probably going to rent my home out until ... 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 Arlene! My given name is Allene!! How's that for synergy? That's not a bad idea!! It would solve my issues for being solo, and I could take the bus to Merida and stay overnight there to see what I can. I want the full Mexican ... 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 ...
Thank you, CaribeGal, Do you think that flying into Cancun instead of Merida is a better idea, for any reason? It would be a bus trip for me, but when I bring my cat down will it be better received? Will the buses take a cat in a cage on my ... 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 CaribeGal, You are in Playa del Carmen? I am going to travel for the first time to Merida with a sense that it might be the place for me. Have you been there? What did you think? As you might have read is my thread here I have visited and ... 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 ...
Great to be reading all of the solutions to what might be minor issues in the US. As for having printers, are they not for sale there? Do your local neighbors not have computers and printers? Just wondering? I always use printouts even in the ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Hi Babs, I have dove at Tulum and Cozumel many times. I love it. BUT I want to live in a colonial town with the locals around me. I'm alone so camping is not an answer any more. You have a good point about the heat in Merida and no ocean ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Hi Marcia, What my personal concerns are with any town on the west coast is safety. I love the west coast, I lived in San Diego/Pacific Beach for years. But I'm concerned about the cartels shooting it up. As of right now I feel that I want ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Hi Nicholas, So good to hear back from you! And that we both have a cat! Mine is Coty! I love Mexico, it has a lot of what I'm used to from having been raised in CA and AZ. BUT, I do NOT want to be in the path of the drug cartels. My ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Hi, We sound similar. I have not lived in another country yet, but I want to retire to a warm and safe country in my mature years. My first visit will be to Merida in January. I have been to the Yucatan in the past on diving trips but not to ... Read More
New members of Mexico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Mexico forum? Dont 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 your expat projects ...
Hi, I'm similar to you, but I'm single with a cat. My first city of choice is Merida in the Yucatan, but all the other stuff is what I have to learn as well. I've been to Mexico many times, am not fluent at all, but have done some ... Read More
Looking for Expats to interview in Merida & Playa del Carmen!
I wonder if I might ask if you know of a good online contact for me to contact USA expats now living in Merida? I will be traveling solo for the first time, so I'm very interested in arranging to meet people right away and acclimate as soon as ... Read More