Senior Discount, Please

Well, Christmas is almost here. Only a few more days to go. All of the family will be getting together for Christmas dinner… and of course to open presents! 

I just received this email and it prompted me to write today’s blog post. It’s from Barbara B. in the Yucatan. She writes: 

HI, Barbie. Well here we are in the Yucatan.  Can you tell me, can we buy a pickup here and put the title in both our names?   

In one of your letters you said something about people over 50 could get a card for senior discount on busses and tours etc. Can you tell me where I can get a card?  I am 81 and my husband is 86 years young. Thank God there are people like you who can help us old folks! Thank you so much. Barbara B. 

First of all, Yes, Barbara!  You can buy a pickup and put the title to it in both names. 

Now, let’s delve into one of my favorite things – saving money!  Yes, even in Mexico, residents and retirees can say “Senior discount, please” and be rewarded.

The National Institute of Older Persons (I prefer “senior” – Barbie), a Federal program administered by DIF (Desarrollo Integrál de la Familia) was designed to enhance the quality of life for all legal residents, Mexican and foreign, who are over the age of 60.  This “Senior Discount Card” was originally issued only to Mexican citizens and foreigners holding an FM-2 immigrant visa, but now it is now available for anyone holding FM-3’s also.

You’ll receive various discounts… on your pharmacy purchases…. discounts on your water bill, discounts to concerts, transportation, clinics, bus fare, festivals, movies, restaurants and lots more. You can read more about the whole program here.

Enjoy the fres sea air

Here’s how you get your senior discount card:

First find the DIF office in your part of Mexico. If there isn’t one, ask at the local government office where you should go to apply.  As with any office in Mexico, hours may be limited –and even their supplies. Try to go early and take a book or something to fill your time in case you have to wait. Be sure to bring with you: 

• passport
• birth certificate
• valid FM-2 or FM-3 residence visa
• photo ID such as your passport or driver’s license
• proof of residence (a utility bill in your name, deed to your home, or rental lease, etc.)
• 3 photos in “infantile” size (smaller than passport size. Any passport photographer will know the correct dimensions)
• contact information for someone to be contacted in case of emergency;

Make sure you bring least two photocopies of everything on this list.

With all this in hand, you should be able to obtain and physically walk out of the office with the senior discount card in your hand.  You’ll find the constant use may wear them out, so laminate your cards.  You’ll probably want to make a couple of copies of them for future use too.

And that’s how you can get your senior discount! 

So what do you think, folks? Do you have a question about life in Mexico? Are you ready to retire? Would you like to make a comment or a suggestion? If you don’t see the “COMMENT” field below, simply follow this link to the complete article and tell me what you think! 

Senior Discount article by Barbie

Retiring to Mexico

Each and every day I get email from people just like you who are thinking about retiring to Mexico so they can start saving money, living better, and increasing their standard of living.

With that in mind, I am sharing a few of those emails with you. They have been edited for brevity and privacy, but they all capture the spirit and essence of invididuals who wrote them.  As you read them, you’ll see these are people just like you and me. Folks from all walks of life are thinking about retiring to Mexico.

Here’s the first email from Larry who is considering Costa Rica and Mexico as retirement possibilities:

Hi, Barbie! Thanks for keeping in touch. I am in Costa Rica right now checking out what is available. There are some nice small houses close to Jaco Beach for $75,000.00. The food here is more expensive than I thought it would be. Dinner at a local restaurant will cost at least $10.00 with a beer.  That’s why I am checking out Mexico next. Thanks for all the great tips! Sincerely, Larry

Here’s an email from Joy. She’s been living in Mexico for almost 3 years now:

Hi, Barbie. We have been living here in the Yucatan for the past 2 1/2 years and loving every minute, we do not ever want to leave, except for a cruise which we do every 3-6 months.   Happy Holidays! Joy R.

Here’s one from Suzanne:

Hello, Barbie.  My family and I have been in Mexico recently and have just returned to the USA.  It was fun and full of life and culture unique as the people. My husband even rubbed raw onion on his thinner parts of his hair to make it grow in accordance with certain customs and practices! The beaches are great! So, I will retire there. Thanks for your important site.  Talk to you soon… Happy Holidays.  Suzanne M. L.

Here’s an email from Terri who is considering Mazatlan:

HI, Barbie.  This year my husband I will be spending three months in Los Ayala, Mexico and are planning to spend one week of that time in Mazatlan.  Love to read your newsletters and information.  Thanks for doing this for all of us snowbirds.  Terri D.

And here’s one from Charlie:

Hi, Barbie. Need some advise. My wife and I are moving to Mexico for 6 months to give it a try. We both have traveled there many times and enjoy it very much, however my wife’s passion is her jewelry, she loves to wear it. Diamonds, gold, you name it. She can’t be without it. Is this a deal breaker? Today she informed me she is not moving anywhere she can’t wear her jewelry. I would be very concerned about her safety. Do you have any ideas?  Thanks, Charlie W.

My Reply:   I for one don’t think a big diamond ring is worth loosing a finger for! Yes, I have them – - but sure don’t wear them indiscriminately. I have a few blog posts about saftey and traveling, and no matter where you travel (in the US or abroad) you have to be careful.

Here is a great email from Doreen in Canada:

Hi, Barbie. I really appreciate receiving your emails.  About a year and a half ago we purchased a house on the El Cid Golf Course (I’ve deleted the address – Barbie).  Although we have not officially retired yet, we do get there at least twice a year with the intention of retiring there within the next 3 years.  One question you may be able to help us with–we generally rent a car when we are there and are now considering buying a used car there.  We do not have an FM3 yet but wondering if we can still purchase a car (it would be left there) and what is the process regarding registration and insurance and if there is anything else we should know.  Doreen

A quiet bay at Zihuatanejo, Mexico

My Reply: Hi Doreen,   Thanks! I know the process for bringing a car into Mexico with the express desire of taking it back to the U.S., but to purchase a used one – I’d go to the auto dealer in Maz and see what info they can give you.  I know it’s usually more expensive to buy a car in Mexico – perhaps not always a used one – but, that sort of depends on what kind of a “bargainer” you are (remember, you will not have much to stand on if you happen to purchase a “lemon”).   An FM3 allows you to have a car in Mexico as long as the FM3 is in good stead. But, to buy a vehicle in Mexico, and just keep it there – that’s probably just going to take a lot of permits – start with the auto dealer.  See where that takes you – then, start shopping around. I also suggest pacificpearl.com and whatsupmaz.com.  But, from what I’ve gathered, talking with people, it’s a wiser choice to buy in the states, (even a used car) take it into Mexico with the proper papers, keep them updated, and then when you are done with the car, take it back across the border and do with it as you wish.  Yes, keep it insured as long as it’s in Mexico, with Mexican insurance.  Best wishes, Barbie

And finally, here is one from Debbie who discovered Lake Chapala and the Ajijic area:

Mazatlan's historic district

Dear, Barbie. I retired from teaching in June of 2007.  My husband and I traveled to Mexico (just as a drive-thru on our way to South America).  However, we stayed for about a month in the Chapala and Ajijic area.   Then that turned into 6 months; and finally, I found myself teaching English in a bilingual school and we wound up staying for 2 years.    We loved it. Because of the economy and some business we had to take care of in the States….we had to return for a couple of years.  Our plan is to return to Mexico to live when we get rid of our house here in the states.   We will probably head down toward the Manzanillo Beach area this next time.   Have a great time!  Debbie C.

So you see, more and more people are thinking about Mexico as a place for retiring to and enjoying a great life.

What about you? Let me know what you think! If you don’t see the comment field below, click on Read Full Article and share your thoughts. If you have a question, just let me know. I’m always here to help.

Sincerely,

Retiring to Mexico article by Barbie.