Acapulco

In my previous post, Explore Mexico on $430, I shared my latest Mexico cruise experience with you.

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 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.

With a population of about 2 million, Acapulco is 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).

Famous for its nightlife, the area still attracts many vacationers, although most visitors are natives of Mexico, and the  number one economic factor is tourism (number two is agriculture.)  

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

Located on a deep, semi-circular bay the port began in 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 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.

Acapulco article by Barbie.

Cruise

Going on a cruise is a great way to tour the coastal cities of Mexico and “explore” without going out of your comfort-zone.

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 cruise 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.

Cruise article by Barbie.

Vehicle

A lot of people have asked me, “Barbie, can we take our vehicle to Mexico?”

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

Assuming you have your FM3 Visa (180 day plus stay – up to a year –  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 Vehicle.

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 safety 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! :)

Vehicle article by Barbie.

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.