This is the continuing saga of Dick’s and my cruise of some of the coastal cities of Mexico.

The cruise ship itself turned out to be quite a world-wide representation of every nationality imaginable, which was quite interesting in itself.

We found ourselves engaged in some very interesting conversations throughout the cruise.

Now, here’s our stopover at Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico:

The sun was just starting to peak out from behind a cloudy sky, the day we arrived in Manzanillo, Mexico.  With all the water around, the sun seems to shine brighter in the coastal areas of Mexico.  The weather was about 85 degrees, with 70% humidity – but with the ocean breeze, it was perfect. 

Dick and I decided to take the city bus tour, and after having room service for breakfast, we proceeded off the ship and into the line that was headed by a guide holding a large sign proclaiming “Manzanillo City Tour”.   By now, the sun was shining bright!  We relaxed and enjoyed the whole day, letting the tour guides take care of us.  And they did a great job, chauffeuring us around to many points of interest, in a very nice air conditioned bus, complete with rest room!

From Guadalajara, it’s 6 to 12 hours on the free road, but only about 3 hours on the quota (toll) road, which I always suggest tourists use.  Plans are to make the road, or at least a portion of it, eight lanes.  From Puerto Vallarta, to the north, it takes about 4 hours to travel to Manzanillo.

I want to include this email, that I received after the last article I wrote, mentioning earthquakes in Mexico:

The writer, Robert, wrote:
You mentioned that ” Acapulco also has the questionable honor of being named as one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Mexico !”  This brings up the question which retirement area(s) are the most environmentally stable?  That is, least likely to be hit by earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, lack of drinking water, etc..

My answer:
For earthquake info: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/eqstats.php  
Make sure your home – structure is sufficient to stand up to the quakes that may happen – and they happen all the time, world-wide…did you know that earthquakes hit Yellowstone a LOT!  But, as most earthquakes, they are small and pretty much harmless.  Earthquakes cannot be forecast at this time.

hurricanes:  http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/weather-events.html
Hurricane tracking makes you aware and gives you time to clear out.
 
floods:   http://www.floodsafety.com/national/life/statistics.htm
Don’t live in any designated flood zone.
 
The rest, droughts, lack of drinking water, ….  That’s up to the powers that be also.
 
Pick someplace where the cost of living is what you’re looking for, visit it, study it (read all my articles) and see what makes you happy.  There are lots of people in Acapulco living quite contentedly – also in the Yellowstone area – also along the Mississippi River (big fault there too).
 
And my writer replied with this:
Thanks for taking the time to get this info.  I just thought it might make an interesting paragraph or so in a future article you write.  Media has a way of distorting everything, particularly if it is news outside of our borders.  I do volunteer work in Reynosa each summer and you would think the place had been washed away, or everyone died of swine flu or getting shot by drug lords, or you name it.  It is like you say, do your homework. Thanks again. Robert

After our day of touring and exploring, and soaking up more information, we headed back to the ship for a wonderful dinner in the beautifully appointed dinning room, and then off to our cabin to finally fall asleep, still talking about our fun, exciting, interesting day in beautiful Manzanillo, Mexico.

Like I said, cruises are a great way to explore the coastal cities of Mexico without going out of your comfort-zone because you always have a place (the ship) to go back to when you’re done exploring for the day.

So as promised,  here are some pictures from our first stop in Acapulco! You can click on the pictures to enlarge them. Now let me tell you about Acapulco.

Most of the natives live in apartments in Acapulco and the surrounding area.  A house may go for $150,000, and a very nice condo may be had for around $120,000, but condos on the beach average between $300,000 and $500,000 and up.

Acapulco has a population of about 2 million.  It’s about a 10 hour drive from Guadalajara and around 4 hours from Mexico City (one of the largest cities in the world with a population of approximately 23 million).

Acapulco is famous for its nightlife and still attracts many vacationers, although most visitors are natives of Mexico.  Acapulco’s number one economic factor is tourism (number two is agriculture.)  

Like most coastal cities, Acapulco has a “golden zone” which caters to tourists with many  resorts, shops, services which cater exclusively to tourists in general.

Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history.  It is a port of call for shipping and cruising lines running between Panama and San Francisco, California, United States.

The tourist resort city of Acapulco is the largest city in the state, far larger than the state capital Chilpancingo.

The resort area of Acapulco is divided into two. The north end of the bay is the “traditional” area, where the famous in the mid 20th century vacationed and the south end is dominated by newer luxury high rise hotels that cater to every whim and dream with the most ornate architecture, luxury first-class services complete with all of the shops and stores you would expect to find in a luxury hotel.

Yet despite this, if you shop around you can always find great deals on hotels to make your dollars stretch. Afterall, my husband, Dick, and I bought our cruise tickets for just $430. Quite a bargain if you know your cruise prices. So do shop around. Don’t ever pay full price.

By the way, Acapulco also has the questionable honor of being named as one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Mexico! Yet, despite that, it’s still one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.

How does Acapulco fair as a retirement destination? Well, it’s primarily a tourist trap, but like I mentioned before, expats do live there. You will find such conveniences as  Costco, Baskin Robins, Burger King, Dominos, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Walmart, Home Depot and Block Buster!

All of these help make the small number of North American Expats there feel right at home.

Do you have a question about Acapulco or retiring to Mexico?

Just ask me!  If you don’t see the “write a comment” section below, click on Read Full Article and scroll down. Share your thoughts and concerns with me. I will always reply to you personally.

A few months ago, my husband and I were both at our computers rather late at night…

We are always looking for deals, any kind of a deal. It could be coupons, specials, offers, or simply the latest deal on WOOT.

Well this particular night, while reading from one of the cruise deal sites, my husband said, “Can you believe an 8-day, Mexican Riviera cruise for $430?”

Now, you are probably more experienced than I am when it comes to cruises.  I have only been on a cruise ship 3 times in our life. Yet despite that, I knew in my bones that $430 for an 8-day cruise was a very good deal.

In fact it seemed too good to be true….

See, my dear husband tends to read quickly — scanning. ‘Comes from years and years of having to read everything that came across his desk quickly, decisively, efficiently.

So we read it again. Checked the fine print carefully and son-of-a-gun!  It really was an   honest, good deal!

We didn’t have anything coming up important, so why not go?

It was the Mexican Riviera cruise and the weather should be perfect for being on the ocean and well, we couldn’t think of any reason why not, so I bought tickets for two right away.

Incidentally, we weren’t the only ones who recognized this was a good deal. The next morning, my husband headed out to get some groceries, and on his way, he stopped at friends – told them about our plans and they said, “Hey, we’ll go with you!  Tell Barbie to get us tickets for that price too!” 

So that morning, I sat at the computer and believe it or not, booked the last room available on the whole ship for our friends –  at the same $430 rate.

Oh, I didn’t mention – this was not an inside room (I don’t think I could enjoy a room with absolutely no natural light) not a balcony either, but it showed the room as having quite a large window — which would be fine — it’s not like we hadn’t see Mexico… it’s just that cruising is a heck of a way to enjoy, explore, and sight-see — while being spoiled.

Well needless to say, we all had a wonderful time. The ship was beautiful, the food was delicious, sights were spectacular  – and I will tell you all about it in my next post.

For now however, I just want to emphasize that cruising  is actually a pretty good way to see several places in Mexico and sort of get the feeling for the different areas.

You aren’t physically limited to the ship and what you can see from your cabin window…

Depending on the cruise you take, you will stop at many ports of call. There you can take off-ship city tours which gives you a great opportunity to ask pertinent questions of the tour guides, who are usually full of extra information.

When you’re done touring for that day, you return to your “home base” (the ship) relax, ponder, and enjoy all the comforts of home… and then some!

Best of all, the next day you can explore a completely new port, a new destination! It’s a very easy way to explore Mexico without giving up your creature comforts.

Just remember: I have always told would-be retirees to visit places as people, not tourists because you are seeking and searching for a new place to hang your hat in your retirement years.

While cruises certainly are “touristy”, they are however a pretty neat way to go and get your feet wet for the first time.

This way you can explore Mexico in a more-or-less controlled environment without leaving your comfort-zone.

I still want you to take your note pads and write down everything you learn and make sure you get your questions answered by people who are in the different locations.

Also you might be lucky and meet other potential retirees on board who are also thinking about retiring to Mexico. Get their email addresses so you can stay in touch. Who knows. You might meet your future neighbors!

A cruise an easy, safe way to explore Mexico. It’s a great way to take a wonderful vacation while loading up on useful info.

So keep an eye out for those specials. You might have to stay up late at night and surf the web for cruise deals.

Shop around. That’s what we do!

What do you think? Do you have a question? Need to know more about retiring in Mexico or Mexico cruises? I will try to help!

If I don’t know the answer, maybe someone else will. My site gets hundreds of hits daily and everybody is free to comment and ask questions – and answer questions, too!

 If you don’t see the comment area below, click on READ FULL ARTICLE and scroll down to the bottom and type your question.

The answer is a simple, “YES! YOU CAN.”

Assuming you have your FM3 Visa (180 day stay with limitless renewals) or your FMT Visa (more than 72 hour stay and no more than 180 days) it’s really quite easy to take your car with you.

When you get to the border, you simply register your car. This gives you permission to use your vehicle in Mexico. Here is what you will need:

• Proof of ownership
• Title
• Registration
• If you are still making payments on the vehicle – you need a notarized letter from the lein-holder (financial institution) granting you permission to bring that specific vehicle into Mexico.
• Driver’s license  
• A Visa or MasterCard credit card or check/debit card in the name of the person registering the vehicle.  The charge will be approximately $30US.  The alternative to putting this charge on your card is to post a refundable cash bond of around $400, depending on the age of your vehicle.  I suggest using the good old credit card for the $30.
• Passport (click for more information)
• Your FMT or FM3

That’s all there is to it!

And while not required, it’s highly recommended that you purchase Mexican Auto insurance the instant you enter Mexico with your vehicle. Luckily that’s also incredibly easy. In fact, you can pre-purchase online or stop at one of the many little buildings offering insurance before crossing the border.

Also if you’re concerned about saftey or wondering how safe it is to drive around Mexico, read this article. You’ll be surprised — plus there’s a video tour at the end that I shot in our car while we were driving in and around Mazatlan, one of the hottest retirement havens in the world.

Ever since the economy started tanking, it seems like more and more people are writing me and telling me they are checking out Mexico as a way to make their dollars stretch.

What about you?

Are you ready?

Do you need more information?

Is there a question I can answer for you?

Just ask me!  If you don’t see the “make a comment” section below, click on Read Full Article and scroll down. Share your thoughts and concerns with me. I will always reply to you personally.

Remember, I am here to help you make all the right decisions. I’m always here to help.

Sincerely,

Barbie Parks
Webmaster, Author, and Retiree! :)

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 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 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, 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.

Here’s how you get your 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 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!

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 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

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 to live, retire, and enjoy 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,

Rest assured thousands of people have already done it. Mexico is where they live, work, and play. People from all walks of life are living the good life for a lot cheaper than they could do it anywhere else.

Indeed, Mexico has it all: Lower healthcare costs, pleasant weather, idyllic lifestyle, and so much more. Mexico will help you save money on practically everything you need right now. Imagine slashing your living costs by a third… or even a half. That’s a lot of money in your pocket!

So what will your life be like in Mexico?

How much does it really cost?

Most importantly, how do you get started?

This blog answers all of these questions for you. My newsletter, my free reports and my books provide you all the information you need.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to retire… a place to vacation to… a place to escape the winter months, you’ll discover why more and more people are choosing Mexico to make ends meet — and getting more bang for their bucks.

So read all about it! I’ve got lots and lots of information waiting for you right here, so dig in and enjoy.

Oh yes… and I almost forgot! If you feel like commenting on any article, please by my guest.  At the end of each article, there’s a little “add comment” feature — so feel free to make use of it. I *do* get a lot of email and keep pretty busy, but I guarantee you will always get a reply from me!

In fact, public health care is guaranteed to all Mexican citizens regardless of pre-existing conditions. (Foreign residents of Mexico are eligible without exception, other than those who suffer from chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease.)

Mexico’s healthcare system is a part of their social security system called “Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social” or IMSS for short. The IMSS is a tripartite system funded equally by private employees, private employers, and the federal government.

IMSS hospitals are well equipped with many staff doctors known for their practices in private hospitals.

Requirements for proof of birth date, nationality, etc. can be satisfied with a current passport. Doctors at the clinic can conduct the necessary examination and determine eligibility.

Upon acceptance, cost is per person per year and according to age: as much as 3000 pesos for age 60+ to as low as 977 pesos for age 19 and under (these rates are for March 2004). The cost is subject to change from year to year.

IMSS healthcare is available in most major cities and it takes about 6 to 9 months for coverage to be activated after acceptance. Once accepted, you are a life member as long as premiums are paid.

IMSS healthcare consists of:

1. Clinics with general practitioner who is qualified to handle minor illnesses and injuries.

2. Small hospitals with surgeons, internists and pediatricians.

3. Large intensive-care facilities with various specialists.

The general requirements for joining the IMSS program are:

1. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, with the assistance of a doctor.

2. Submit to a basic medical examination which includes checking your blood pressure and listening to your heart. Other tests may be requested.

This is from one of my friends living in Mexico:

“Mexican national health insurance through IMSS (the Social Security system here) can be purchased by foreign residents. Runs around $300 or so per person per year. However, we’re in good health, and prefer to pay out of pocket for private care if and when the need arises. Private care here is so affordable that paying as you go is a viable option, depending upon your risk tolerance and the depth of your resources.”

The cost of the health care coverage is approximately $350.00 U.S. per year. You may apply only in January, February, July and August. This program is open to all foreigners regardless of nationality and/or immigration status.

You can read more about Mexico’s health care system over at Wikipedia.

Affordable, quality health care is one of the primary reasons more and more people are choosing to retire in Mexico. Quite frankly they simply cannot afford quality health care in the U.S.

Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard stories from vested interests that would paint Mexico’s health care system in some very unflattering colors.

But before you make a decision based on what you may hear or see on TV, you should ask real retirees who have been the recipients of low cost, affordable health care — in Mexico.

I can tell you honestly and wholeheartedly: If I had to go to a dentist in the U.S. to get my dental work done, I would be TENS of thousands of dollars in debt. Fact.

Am I exaggerating? Certainly not. And thankfully, I have a beautiful smile for a fraction of the cost of what I would have paid an expensive dentist in the U.S.

The quality of dental care that I get in Mexico meets and exceeds the quality I used to receive (but can no longer afford) in the U.S.

But I digress. As I was saying: Health care in Mexico is surprisingly affordable. Here are some random prices from private clinics in Chetumal — down on the “tail” of Mexico –south of Cancun – in U.S. dollars:

• Private room in a hospital, $50 per day
• Exam and consultation with a specialist, $15
• Ultrasound or X-ray , $15
• Oral surgery, $50 per tooth
• Porcelain filling, $30 each.
• Teeth cleaning, $25
• Emergency room treatment, $15
• Exploratory abdominal surgery and appendectomy using video laporoscopy.
• Four-day hospital stay in a private room, all fees of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, and medication. $1,200.

The professionals who practice their profession in Mexico after studying abroad hoping to make their country better is one reason the health care system is so friendly.  All of my experiences with health care professionals in Mexico have been excellent. They are highly skilled, good, compassionate doctors and nurses.

One of the officials came over to our car smiling and said something in Spanish and removed our permit from our car and sort of gestured that we were to stay there and wait. 

He then walked over to another car with American license tag on it and talked for a while to the driver, soon, another official who spoke some English joined them.  The whole gist of it was, a young man (the North American driver) had somehow gotten his car half way down the country of Mexico without a permit.  He was turned around and warned that he would be escorted back to the border and he was to properly take care of business. 

The second official, after just a short while came back to our car, handed us our permit, smiled and explained “Had to show him what he needed”.  Very polite.  We smiled and drove away. 

That young man was very lucky!  The law reads he should have had his car confiscated. He would have been stuck in Mexico outback without a car or perhaps even put in jail for his offense. The moral of the story:  Don’t try to get away with any short cuts in Mexico – follow their laws to the T!  They usually don’t fool around.

To take your vehicle into Mexico beyond the border zone (20 to 30 kilometers past the border with the United States) your options are: an “Only Sonora” permit or a Federal Permit.  Both permits cost the same. Motorists are required to show proof of U.S. citizenship, car title (or pink slip) and registration, and a valid driver’s license.

1)  Only Sonora means exactly that – do not travel to any other Mexican state other than Sonora,  nor past a specific Sonora corridor ending at Empalme, without a Federal Permit…very limited traveling, and is good for one entry only.

2)  The Federal Permit allows you to drive your car anyplace in Mexico and allows for multiple re-entries into Mexico.

3)  A permit is not required for travel to Rocky Point and other border cities, which are classified as “free-zones.” 

TO ENTER MEXICO you need a Tourist Card, secured from the Mexican consulate or Mexican Immigration at the border check point –(we did it at the border). You will need:

1)       Valid proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate).

2)       An appropriate immigration form (tourist card)

·   Mexican Tourist Visa: Those who will travel into Mexico further than the Border Zone, or for more than 72 hours within the Border Zone, or,

·  Visa / FM3 For Temporary Resident: Those who will be living in Mexico. (Usually what retirees get.) Or,

·  Visa / FM3 For General Business: Applies to purchasing agents, importers and exporters who will attend board of directors meetings of Mexican companies, conduct business that requires notary certification, or institute any legal proceedings in court or:

· Visa / FM3 For Technicians & Engineers: Technicians or engineers who intend to repair or install machinery, or train personnel, or take tools or machinery to Mexico, or,

·  Student Visa Requirements: Foreign students who plan to study in Mexico.

 TO TAKE YOUR CAR INTO MEXICO, YOU WILL NEED: 

·  The valid vehicle registration certificate, or document i.e. the original title that certifies the legal ownership of the vehicle.  It must be in the driver’s name.

· A valid driver’s license, issued outside Mexico. (U.S. or Canada are fine.)

·  An international credit card in the name of the driver of the car/vehicle, issued outside of Mexico (American Express, Mastercard or Visa).

· If it’s a leased/rented car – The contract which shows it is a leased/rented car in the name of the person importing the car.

· If you are making payments on your car, have in your possession a notarized letter of authorization issued by the lender.

· If the vehicle belongs to a company, present the document that certifies the employee works for the company.

TO ACQUIRE A PERMIT:

Drive your vehicle to a Mexican customs office at the U.S./Mexico border.  At the border crossing, go through the Declarations Lane. Look for the “Modulo de Control Vehicular” where you will present your documents.

All documents and a credit card must be in the name of the owner, who must also be in the vehicle when crossing the border.  The process is easiest if you use a credit card to post the required “return guarantee” bond. If you do not have a credit card or a Visa/Mastercard check card – get one before traveling.

You will receive your temporary permit at the border facility by leaving the Guarantee Exit Deposit Fee (guarantee exit – take the car back out of Mexico,  deposit fee – Bond, which is based on the year and model of the vehicle).  From 1999 to present = $400.  1994 to 1998 = $300.  Earlier than 1994 = $200.  And when you exit Mexico, this charge on your card is reversed.

You will pay the certification fee (processing fee), non-returnable at the border, with your international credit card and that will be equivalent to approximately $27.00US.
You’ll be issued your documents, that allow you to take your car into Mexico.  That completes the process for acquiring the certificate. Keep in mind the full process is not completed until you return the certificate upon exiting Mexico with the same car.

ALTERNATE  PROCESS:  You can do this before crossing at some of the Mexican Consulates – It’s pretty easy at the border – in my book,  Retire In Luxury, I walk you through Dick and me entering Mexico.

TO RETURN THE CERTIFICATE:  Upon your departure from Mexico to the U.S., if the vehicle is not going to be driven back into Mexico, the permit for temporary importation must and will be cancelled at Customs. The original bond posted for the return guarantee will be returned to you at this time. That’s all there is to it. Follow these simple steps and you shouldn’t have any problems.

EXTRAS: 

The temporary authorization for the importation of vehicles is valid for any type of vehicle weighing under three-tons for periods up to six months (180 days). The temporarily imported vehicle may be driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period.Always carry the importation permit on your person when driving your car in Mexico…same with your passport.  Do not leave any documents in the vehicle!

A vehicle, temporarily imported by the owner, may be driven in Mexico by the spouse or adult children, as long as they have the same immigration status. Other persons may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the vehicle.  Again, in my book, Retire In Luxury,  I sincerely suggest you do not allow others to drive your vehicle.  If someone were to be stopped while driving your car, and there were ANY drugs found – you are responsible too!  Mexican jails are food for nightmares!

The car permit which you got at the border is valid so long as your FM3 is valid — with renewals for as long as you wish.

Within 10 days of renewing your FM3 or if you convert from FMT to FM3, you must notify customs to continue your registration.  You do not have to go back to the border, you can do it by mail or in person if you live near one of the 42 cities that have an Aduana (Customs) office.  There is no fee.  You will not be given a new sticker or registration papers, so be sure to keep a copy of the letter in your car attached to the copy of the registration form that you should always have in your car.  Do NOT carry the original in your car.  You will need that paper if anything happens to your car.

A traveler can take his or her luggage and additional items up to $50.00 per person or $250.00 for a family of five, never exceeding US$1,000.00 in total, when travelling by road. If you exceed that limit, make the necessary arrangements at the Mexican Customs Office.  (I think everyone has more than $50 worth of clothing…just don’t take 6 computers, two refrigerators, etc.  Take normal luggage and supplies for your trip – and declare it.