1. What will it take to open a bank account If you want to have a MX bank then use Bancomer, they have Preferred Client Units with English speaking personnel, they will guide you the entire way and be there to help you anytime you need it. And there are Preferred Client Lines in the bank with little to no waiting. You should also keep a US bank to recieve your retirment check and to pay your credit cards. Bancomer has online banking as well. The are a Spanish owned bank, but one of the biggest in MX. And they have firgured out what the foreign client demands.
2. Are you from the U.S. Yes 10 years ago.
3. Will it be difficult to find a job Yes, unless you can prove you have a unique skill. You can work for a US company, or if you want to go stark raving mad, opne a business.
4. What are some of the safest areas to live: depedns on the area
5. How long have you lived there 10 years in La Paz
6. How are the locals odd question. Mexico city is one of the largest cities in the world, beautiful, busy and sophisticated.
7. When I arrive should I take a Spanish class or will I pick it up just by living there Enrooll in a Spanish immersion class if you can, learn good grammar and practice.
8. Is an fm3 needed, should I obtain an fm3 here or should I get it there Absolutely need at least an FM3. Yiu can start the process at a MX consulate in your home state, but it will have to be certified by the local migracion office.
9. Is the water as bad as they say everyone I know Mexican or other have bottle water for drinking
10. How was your experience still here after all these years