Prescriptions,

and Opinions

How about some email today from retirees who have already made the leap and moved their homes to Mexico?

I’ve tried to present varied email, different locales, different experiences – all brought to you to make your transition easier.

Again, I say, you won’t find yourself being ‘one of a kind’, When you become a retiree and live in Mexico – you’ll find many, many people who will welcome you with open arms and “show you the ropes”, once you’re there.

January 2011

“Hi Barb!

“My husband & I are now the happy owners of a condo in Mexico! I am so excited about going down & enjoying our new home away from home!

“After reading all of your informative & enticing newsletters and visiting Mexico a few times, we finally get to enjoy what you have been telling us about.  Jan B., from California”

June 2011

“Have tried to get into your website this a.m. but with no success. Could you please change my new email address on your email newsletter list to enable me to still receive your wonderful newsletters. Thank you. (Barbie:  I did put the new email address in my files.)

“Now, I have news of our move to Mexico:

“January to March this year my husband Trevor and I spent in the Lake Chapala area, checking it all out, doing a lot of homework, met up with Charlie who gave us some good information. Also managed to secure a house to rent that would be waiting for us whenever we came back which was fully furnished and equipped.

“We fell in love with the area, went back to Canada to hopefully sell up and move to Ajijic. Our intention was to be back in the area around September. Well guess what. We are back within two months and one week!!!!!!! Our condo sold in three weeks, with a month possession, what a busy time we had. We sold all our furniture, got rid of a lot of stuff (we only have 6 boxes left in storage at our son’s house) and we are now settled and enjoying life in the Ajijic area

“I guess it was all meant to be. The Good Lord was looking down on us that’s for sure. We are renting a very nice house 10 kilometers west of Ajijic in the country, up on the mountain with a magnificent view of the lake and a lovely garden. It is wonderful waking up to the sound of the birds every morning. Of course the weather is great too.

“Having read all your wonderful newsletters, you certainly gave us food for thought on moving to Mexico, and cannot thank you enough for all your hard work and all the information you put into your website.

“God Bless and thank you once again.  Sincerely, Glynis B”

June, 2011

“I am so happy to get the newsletter. My computer sites were hacked last fall and I have truly missed your letters. I have some questions that I hope you can help me with:

“I am having big problems importing my prescription drugs from Texas to Playa del Carmen. The first time I tried sending them on UPS, they were held up for 3 weeks in Mexico City before I even knew what was going on and eventually were returned to Texas.

“I have gone online to investigate about obtaining permits, I have been to the aduana at the Cancun Airport, I have now retained an attorney to help me find a way. I take 8 or 9 prescriptions for various old age maladies

“I have a doctor in Playa that will give me prescriptions and can get most filled at the Walmart or Sam’s pharmacies. However, they are expensive and in the states with Medicare and a supplemental drug policy, I get them free except at the first of each year which saves me a lot of money.

“So far, I haven’t had problems bringing them in my luggage when I fly back down from Texas. But, I can only get a 90 day supply every time. Considering the high cost of a couple of the meds, I am thinking about going to Texas every 3 months to get the refills and bringing them back with me personally. (Barbie: This is what I suggest they do, plus he should ask his doctor to change his prescription for double the dose – then, he will have a 6-month supply.)

“The attorney that I have suggested that I get my doctor to write a separate prescription for each med and provide a cost for each, which I have done last week. Soon, we will go to the aduana in Cancun airport and present the paperwork to customs to show them how much it would cost me if I don’t utilize my benefits to purchase the drugs.

“Do you have any suggestions that might help me get the drugs imported. I went to your prescriptions and permits blogs and there wasn’t any mention there for me. (Barbie – again, try for the double prescription – explain the situation to your doctor – and go back north only twice a year.)

“If you have time, I would appreciate any info or help you can give me to assist with this problem.  Sincerely,Tom C”

January 2011

“Thanks for all the information on Mexcio. Your e-book was very helpful. Thanks to it and a visit for the month of October, we are moving to Lake Chapala area at the end of February, 2011. Less than one month!!!

“ In about two weeks I will have a different e-mail address. If you want it just let me know. (And I did – Barbie) And thanks again for the good tidbits, do’s and don’ts etc.

“Our friends from British Columbia just moved as well. He was having some chest pains before he left but the BC doctors gave him a clean bill of health. When he arrived in Mexico things got worse. He ended up having triple bypass surgery in Gudalajara. It went very smoothly. They gave the BEST and quickest care they have ever seen. In a new clean modern hospital. He may not be alive if he was still living in BC. So Medical care is superb in Mexico.  All for now. Marlene”

2007

“ We feel that the Merida area is a relatively reasonable area to live in. Housing in Merida is reasonable, the beaches are great and probably some of the cheapest in Mexico near a large city with all the conveniences.

“We have travelled a lot in the world looking for beach front property and the north coast has some of the most reasonable prices although the prices are going up as this area is getting “discovered” by Cdn’s and Americans. We love the area and we think it is very reasonable.

“I think I mentioned Taxes were $8.00 for the year for a near townhouse on the beach.  If you need any info. on this area please let me.  Lance B.”  (Barbie:  Prices went up, and then came back down, and they still are a bargain compared to the U.S. of A’s prices for homes…and actually some real bargains are available now, what with the whole world being hit with the little – what do they call it?  “Slow-down in the Economy?”  I call it a recession.)

2011

My answer I wrote of someone who questioned the safety or wisdom of buying property in Mexico, and wondering about some of the horror stories they had heard concerning owning in Mexico – and specifically about the government taking properties back from foreigners:

“The story is true – the facts have gotten quite distorted. This happed a few years ago, on Baja, California Sur, Mexico.

“The reason: the people who “bought” their land there did not do it according to Mexican law.

“Pretty much the entire Baja (low) is and has been in the “forbidden” zone – you find the specifics on that in my book. Boils down to – you must have a Trust to legally own the land within so many k’s of the shore and the border.

“The people – yep, mostly Americans, of course, either didn’t know (why not, I’ll never understand), didn’t care (that’s just plain dumb), or thought they could get away with it … because they are Americans – well, guess what – they didn’t get away with it. I have no sympathy for them – they should have checked before buying something in a different country – anyplace!!!! So – that’s the rest of that story :) “

 Locations, Prescriptions and Opinions Article by Barbie

You know by now you’re not alone in wanting to move to Mexico – to become an Expat yourself – so read the following emails I’ve received, and you’ll be even more ready to put your plans in action!

Pelicans fishing

Hi Barbie, I’m the lady from xxxxxl,TX I wanted you to know that I have moved to Yalcoba MEX.
I just got a new e mail address ,It is bobbyxxxxxxxx.
I want to thank you for all your information you sent me. May I ask where you live.
We had to sell every thing because no Moving Van WILL CROSS THE MEXICAN BOARDER.
I had to buy a computer here and the key board is not like the states I can’t find the question mark or space etc. on this board. Thanks again. Hoping to hear from you.
And, then a little later, after I did inform this Expat of a few firms who do move people into Mexico, I received this email: 

Good afternoon:
Well here we are in the Yucatan. I guess it will take time to get used to there ways and counting peso.
Can you tell me, can we buy a pickup here and put the title in both our name? 
In one of your letters you said something about people over 50 could get a card for 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.
I bought a computer here and I’m still having problems with the keyboard.
Thank you so much, Barbara B.  (I did give Barbara B. the info she was wondering about – Barbie)                    

Strictly for Tourists

Hola Barbie, Things are good here. I live in a small valley in the interior where it 85% every day now. We are well into Summer-type weather. I just love it here. When you say cold weather, I say no way.
I am ready as I can be this year for the holiday season. It is in full swing here with Christmas trees and decorations everywhere.
Hope all is well with you. I will read your new info. about Mex. today.
Wishing you a very HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON !!!!!!  Kamili

Calm Sea

Barbie, Last week I returned from 2 weeks in Mexico, and 5 of the days were spent in Guanajuato and the rest in Melaque.
After this first ever visit to Mexico, I am definitely going to retire there in the next 2-4 years, so I am going to pay attention to your site.
The biggest thing I learned was that I am an ignorant American. I am literally embarrassed. I will be doing a ton of self-education before I move.
My next trip is already planned and it will be from mid-december to mid-january.
After 2 more winters I will be retiring there, no doubt in my mind.
Thank you all your on-line work!, John  (I told this “Future Expat”, John to make sure he reads all the free articles here on my site – Barbie)

Hi Barbie, I really appreciate your email and information.
I spend nearly 2 months last year in Playa Del Carmen and enjoyed my self but also had dental work done. Three root canals and then crowns and three implants and crowns. Price lower then anywhere and they could not have done a better job in USA.
I will email you with information.  Bob

From happy Expat Friends living on the Sea of Cortez:  Barbie, we already have found OUR paradise right here in Mazatlan! :-*

Practical bamboo shade from the sun

Hi Barbie, I was in Mexico in the states of Colima and Jalisco for one and a half months. I found numerous places for sale away from gringos, so they are by far cheaper. I can live in Mexico for under $1000.00 a month, The only trick is not living in gated communities, and cook as the locals cook. I did contact two real estate offices and they wanted to sell gated community homes. I found that driving away from cities and asking locals, had the best results. I will start to live there four or five months a year next January.
Traveling around on vacations in Mexico for the last ten years has been a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s just about time to stay a vacation. When I turned 60 last summer I retired.  Happy trails and all of that.  Greg  (This Expat did take my suggestion about checking with locals!)

Hi Barbie – thanks for sending the info on Mexico — I’m hoping we can get to San Miguel de Allende next year — I play jazz piano and a famous trumpet player (Doc Severinsen) has retired to that area and there’s is quite a large jazz scene there – so that’s the logical place for us to try the one-year test.  I’ll get back to you when the move date is closer.  John

Hi Barbie, Doug here in Canada.  Long time no hear and nice to hear from you today.  Interesting letters came in from you. Our son and his wife are leaving and have a business in Merida…they love it/. We are going down for a visit this fall and maybe buy a property as they have
Kind regards.  Doug

Hi Barbie,  Wow it has been awhile since I started getting your books and newletters.  May I tell you that I use them all the time.  I have been here in Mexico for 3 years now.  Cant believe it !!!!!
Well every now and then I have to refer back to your book if a question is asked of me by one of my friends.  I went there recently to look up information you had on the Money in Mexico, great photos.  But my books and newsletters are gone !!!!!  My computer was fried several months ago, so I’m taking it that I have lost my books also.  Can you tell me how to get it back?   Just bought a new ClickFree back up system for my computer, it works like a charm, but I’m trying to get back some of things I have lots. CAN YOU HELP PLEASE.  (I did – they have my book back and everything else now.)
Loved the newletter on Mexico insurance.    Will be looking into that also,  Thanks
Oh yes, I’m sure you know, but is there any information on the “OLD PEOPLES” card, lol  that you can travel around Mexico for half price?  Been hearing about that.  
Stay well.   One of your friends out here in internet space somewhere, Sherry ,where it all began.  lol  

A busy corner

Hola Barbie:  We have been living in Ajijic for about 6 months.  We love this place.  We bought a condo in Puerto Vallarta 5 years ago and have traveled to the Lago De Chapala area a lot since buying our vacation home.  Last year we made the decision to move to Mexico permanently and found a wonderful home in Ajijic.  No regrets.
I wanted to make a few of comments regarding some observations I’ve made so far while living full time in Mexico.
1. Americans and Canadians who are impatient and unwilling to adjust to the Mexican time table should go home.  They are miserable here and should get out.
2. So far the rudest and most UNFRIENDLY people we’ve come upon are older Americans and Canadians.  What’s wrong with a smile once in a while?  If you are miserable here, then go back!
3. Mexico is NOT the huge bargain it once was.  If a person is moving to Mexico, just to save money, then they need to stay home.  Coming here for financial reasons is the wrong motivator.  You will be miserable.
Finally, I’d like to remind people that even with permanent imigrado status, we are all still GUESTS in Mexico.  The Mexican people are kind and warm.  Most of them have a different value system, than most people from the North. Punctuality is variable.  Family, friends, the joy of life are far more important than waiting in some stupid line. 

Finally, I want to say to my Northern Associates…”Get over yourselves”.  Mexico, the Mexican people and I will all survive without you.  Stop thinking you can make Mexico into a cheaper version of where you came from.  It isn’t going to happen.   Christian

Shopping

 So, some of these folks are already living the life they wanted in retirement – are you making your plans to become an Expat?

In Mexico?

Last week, I told you about my friends Shari and Dan who retired to Baja (click here to read about it).  Their story is amazing, inspiring, wonderful — but it’s not unique!

Retirees really are living better for less.  In fact, here is yet another “Mexico retirement success story” from Ronald G. He emailed me last week with some beautiful pictures and he has been kind enough to allow me to share them with you. Here is his email (I’ve edited and consolidated it for brevity.):

Ronald’s Mexico Retirement Success Story:

“Barbie, I hope this finds you well.  I wanted you to know that this last winter I made the big move to Mexico, partly because of your faithful newsletters.

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Ron's kitchen.

“I have a gorgeous home which I am still decorating to my liking — 3 large bedrooms, each with outside verandas, two full baths — one up-one down, a brand new laundry room containing my new Bosch washer and dryer.

“I enjoy a full “gringo-style” kitchen.

“The house is 12 yrs old, built by the owners, a wonderful couple retired from Continental Airlines  — they have home in La Puenta, CA, and here, and Chapaa.

“Regarding their house:  it backs up to deep lush yard with golf course lawn, several fruit trees, cilantro, chilies, roses and many other varieties.

CLICK TO ENLARGE Ron's House (front)

“The rent?  2,500 MP a month / gardener 70 pesos every 2 weeks, maid 100 pessos once per week.  In essence I feel very “wealthy” for the first time in my life at 67 years of age, because my monthly living costs are 10 percent of my income.  Pretty good ratio?

“Wonderful people here — quiet and quaint puebla — within 2.5 hours of Guadalajara, D.F. Morelia and Guanajuato.  We sit on a water abundant area, next to Camecuaro.

“If you’d like to peruse my personal photos Barbie, feel free.

“I do hope you are as impressed as I am — mind you, the pics of the house were taken before I moved into it. I’m certain you find the best properties for the buck when you veer away from vacation destinations, or places that have large populations of gringos and Canadians. “Tangancicuaro has about 10 American families…maybe more – I keep encountering “new” ones at Walmart in Zamora.

By the way I was asking if you were impressed with the “life package” I managed to work out.  I can’t emphasize enough how far smiles and interest and general friendliness will take you in assimilating into a small town here.  I love it!

“Please feel free to use any pics, etc. for your newsletter, Barbie.

“All the best for the time being… Ronald G.”

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Back Yard

Why put it off when virtually anyone can enjoy an abundant retirement with luxuries and amenities that — usually — only the rich enjoy… a life of abundance, prosperity, luxury. Stress free living is just that: completely stress free… and you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy this kind of luxurious lifestyle.

Over 500,000 U.S. and Canadians are living and experiencing the rewards of retiring in Mexico right now — this very minute.

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Tangancicuaro Main Street

For many North Americans, retirement means waiting… waiting until you have enough money… waiting for that one day.

The Dallas Morning News has reported that as many as a million U.S. citizens now live in Mexico. These people are living in Mexico and enjoying the beauty, culture and cost-savings this affordable country has to offer. Yes… Dreams of retiring to an exotic locale, complete with sun-drenched beaches, a high-standard of living, and plentiful recreation…. is no longer a dream; it’s a reality — and it’s within your reach, too.

You can have it all. Ronald’s story proves that!

What do you think about Ronald’s Mexico Retirement Success Story? Isn’t it amazing?? If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask. Simply use the handy “comment form” below. If you don’t see it, click on READ FULL STORY and scroll down to the bottom — and feel free to browse the entire site. There are hundreds of questions and answers to share with others, just like you, who want to know more about retiring in Mexico.

Mexico?

You will be applying for certain Mexico Visas – FM3, etc. -you must prove you have a minimum monthly income.

That is a requirement to obtain certain visas – expecially for seniors. $1,150 a month for the first person in the family is approximate, due to the fluctuation in the exchange rate, and considering yearly increases set by the government’s Mexican Immigration Department’s Official Federal Requirement, but that’s a pretty close estimation.  If you own property in Mexico, you can cut that amount in half.  For the second person in the household, about half the amount of the first person is required.  This amount also varies as to which zone you want to reside in Mexico, A, B, or C, in 2010.   Read more in one of my newsletter reports:

http://www.retireinluxury.com/free/retire_in_luxury_july20.pdf page 3.

There are rental properties available almost anywhere in Mexico.

And you may be able to take advantage of them to check the area out that you are interested in.  I always tell my readers to go, not as a tourist, but as some one who is really looking for a new place to put down roots.  Hang out at the native shops and restaurants.  Staying only in a lovely resort, in the fabulous pools, is not going to give you the real taste of Mexico you need to make your big decision as to whether you’re going to move south of the border or not.   Take a few trips to check things out.

Mazatlan, because of having every convenience, was our choice, but, there are places nearer the border.

And, sure, you can own property in Mexico.  In the interior you’ll get a deed – much like the States.  In the “excluded zone”, you can still own property, but you will do so through a Trust. Do download all my free newsletters and read all my reports and articles – you’ll find oodles of information to help you in your decisions.

Just heard a new one – at least for me – when life deals you a bunch of lemons – hey – make Margaritas :)

Steep Roads of Acapulco

And, to end today, an email received from Marlene S.:   “Thanks for all the information on Mexico.  Your e-book was very helpful.  Thanks to it and a visit for the month of October, we are moving to Lake Chapala area at the end of February.  Less than one month!!!  In about two weeks I will have a different e-mail address. If you want it just let me know. And thanks again for the good tidbits, do’s and don’t's,  etc.  Our friends from British Columbia just moved as well.  He was having some chest pains before he left but the BC doctors gave him a clean bill of health. When he arrived in Mexico things got worse.  He ended up having triple bypass surgery in Gudalajara.  It went very smoothly.  They gave the BEST and quickest care they have ever seen.  In a new clean modern hospital.  He may not be alive if he was still living in BC.  So Medical care is superb in Mexico. All for now.  Marlene”

Do read all my free articles on Mexico on my sites, and enjoy.

Hola Barbie,

I have been living in Mazatlan for about 8 months now and I am  living in Playa Sur in el centro. The city is very beautiful and has much to offer an American retiree.

The delicious fresh fruit and vegetables at very  inexpensive prices are a bonus. I often shop at Fruiteria Emma in the Juarez colonia for amazing prices.

Difficult for me are the lack of some common American foods (grits). As many different ways as they have here for elota (corn) they do not have grits. A giant Sams club and a new Costco across the street from Sams will have many gourmet products and some American foods.

I use satellite radio (Sirius) for stock market, news, sports and NPR. The signal is excellent here. They will merge with XM radio in the next few months for even more options. I brought with me nearly 300 DVDS of US movies as the Mexico DVDS are area 4 (not compatable with US area 1 DVD players).

The local newspaper “Noroeste” is excellent at 8 pesos a copy, but you need to be able to read Mexican. I say Mexican because it is not Spanish. It uses Aztec words like cacahuate (peanut) guajalote (turkey) elote (corn) ejote (green beans) Guadalupe (lupita) achote (savory sauce) guajillo, molcalete, etc. Also the level of slang words is huge and only the locals understand the slang.

Voy a casarme con Angelica en Noviembre en Club Nautica, cerca del Faro (Translated: I will be marrying Angelica in November at Club Nautica by the lighthouse).

Buena suerte amiga!

Sincerely,
Dave

I recently replaced my modem (the thing that lets you connect to the outside world) and my router (enables networking (more than one computer) in your home.) 

Believe it or not, computer components actually do wear out – they get old – and when that happens, they become less efficient and slower…and more aggravating.

Add the normal aging process to power surges, outages, and power drops and you may have a computer on the brink.  Each of those little surges can damage the sensitive parts of your computer, again shortening their lifespan and efficiency.   And those surge protectors wear out too, becoming almost useless so even those need to be replaced eventually.

The computer world has its own Capone’s.  I’ll never understand just what those people feel they accomplish, but they get great joy, apparently, by sending out viruses – deadly bombs – to your computer.  The outcome can be as minor as items appearing at inopportune times on your desktop, to having your entire hard drive destroyed.  It’s up to you to make sure you put the proper defenses on your computer to protect yourself from such intrusions.  A really good virus program is mandatory these days.

Then, there are the spies (spyware) that infiltrate your computer.  They come from companies and/or individuals – hackers who develop programs that enable them to receive all types of information they find on your computer.  The information they might receive from your computer ranges from your dog’s name to your birth date to your social security number – unless you have up-to-date protection!

A spam filter is just as mandatory as electricity is to your computer.  Spam is basically anything you don’t really want to come to your computer, but is sent out by companies and entities to advertise their products – unwanted promotions, information, and/or entertainment. Spam usually appears in the form of email – all those hundreds that you delete daily – what a pest.  The danger here lies in the fact that those email can hold viruses, worms, all sorts of major problems.  So, get a powerful spam filter installed on your machine.

Firewall protection is a major concern too.  One trouble I’ve found is that if you happen to activate two, they may not be compatible…so, while they are another important defensive wall, be careful not to double up on them – that could make your computer unstable.  Do make sure you do at least a weekly update on your computer and your firewall should be effective.

And now, you have the Barbie version of taking care of computers – oh, make sure you dust them – constantly – they are truly dust magnets…and dust doesn’t make anything work very well.