http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Americas and covers an area of two million square kilometres. With the American Expat community in Mexico reported to be well over one million it is the largest population of Americans living abroad. Mixed in with this you will find people from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Cuba, Venezuela, Guatemala and Colombia. Welcome to this dedicated forum for all things to do with Mexico for all Expats living in Mexico. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:41:18 GMT vBulletin 180 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33363-customs-advice-needed.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:45:26 GMT I am moving to Mexico City and would like to know how much I can bring through customs. i have I will be flying and would like to bring 5-6 large... I am moving to Mexico City and would like to know how much I can bring through customs. i have I will be flying and would like to bring 5-6 large suit cases of clothes and personal items, along with 2 laptops. i checked with the airline and will pay the extra charges for my luggage. but Is this too much to bring through customs, and what will happen if i want to bring my 2nd laptop? ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico Silence820 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33363-customs-advice-needed.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33348-help-please-weight-loss-surgery-mexico.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:39 GMT Hi all, This is a bit of a random post but I hope someone can help. I have a lot of weight to loose and am seriously considering surgery - it... Hi all,

This is a bit of a random post but I hope someone can help. I have a lot of weight to loose and am seriously considering surgery - it looks like Gastric Bypass is the way forward for the best results but I don't anyone who has had surgery or if surgeons in mexico are trustable. I found one doctor im interested in (URL removed) and im going to make an appointment soon. I would love advice or suggestions from anyone who has had surgery in mexico.

thanks in advance :)

ps. i need a dentist too if anyone can help there! ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico skinnywannabe http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33348-help-please-weight-loss-surgery-mexico.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33321-us-federal-employee-health-benefit-plans-fehb.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:43:32 GMT I'm in Ajijic, not yet in Medicare, and can pick an FEHB plan during open season (right now). I have Blue Cross, but it is pricey, and doesn't seem as necessary here in Mexico as it was in the US. Any recommendation for or against other FEHB plans for an expat in Mexico? ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico RBay http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33321-us-federal-employee-health-benefit-plans-fehb.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33230-smokes.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:23:11 GMT Does anyone know of of a smoke shop in Chapala or Juadalaja, I eed to buy some Tobacco to roll my own smokes. Thanks Aussie Does anyone know of of a smoke shop in Chapala or Juadalaja, I eed to buy some Tobacco to roll my own smokes.
Thanks
Aussie ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico hando4949 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33230-smokes.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33177-cost-electricity-mx.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:03:22 GMT I have seen other posts in these forums about the "high cost" of electricity. Is the cost per KwHr the same everywhere in MX - or does it vary by locale? Maybe my perception is skewed and many folks on this forum use a lot of A/C, etc., or maybe I am just more careful than most.

I don't need or use A/C. My hot water and kitchen stove are on propane, which costs about MX$285 per cylinder and lasts for 6 to 8 weeks.

My last electricity bill was billed at 0.679 pesos (=US$0.0523) per KwHr for the first 150 KwHr (basic) and the next stage (Intermediate) was billed at 0.807 (=US$0.0622) per KwHr. My last electricity bill was for MX$238 (= US$18.35) for a total usage of 263 KwHr for the previous two months (and it does say on the bill that the "Cost of Production was MX$842.47", but it is subsidized).

That's CHEAP! ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico GringoCArlos http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33177-cost-electricity-mx.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33157-things-do-chapala.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:55:10 GMT Have arrived in Chapala for a few months, what is there to do and see, what local festivals ect are going on. Thanks Aussie Have arrived in Chapala for a few months, what is there to do and see,
what local festivals ect are going on.
Thanks
Aussie ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico hando4949 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33157-things-do-chapala.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33136-calling-etn-ontario.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:47:18 GMT I have been trying without success to contact ETN using their toll free number 01 800 8000 that is given on their English site.I was able to contact... I have been trying without success to contact ETN using their toll free number 01 800 8000 that is given on their English site.I was able to contact ETN in Guadalajara but they did not have an English speaking operator.Any suggestions how I can get through to an English speaking operator at ETN.I wish to confirm a booking I made through their English website.Thanks. ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico Mr.Chips http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33136-calling-etn-ontario.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33090-turkey-thanksgiving-guadalajara-area.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:22:53 GMT Hey all, I want to have a Thanksgiving party at my apartment and have no idea where I am able to buy an uncooked turkey...any ideas in the... Hey all, I want to have a Thanksgiving party at my apartment and have no idea where I am able to buy an uncooked turkey...any ideas in the Guadalajara area(Preferably Zapopan since thats where I live). Thanks! ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico sigler311 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/33090-turkey-thanksgiving-guadalajara-area.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32925-img-health-insurance.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:41:38 GMT Since I can't get in IMSS until I get my FM3 (I will wait on the FM3 to time the import of my household goods which I don't want right away), I've decided to get an individual health policy. I'm looking at several international plans that would cover in the US as well me since I have to return to the US several times over the next year. The idea of being in the US for even a month without coverage scares me a bit. One company that I have found is IMG International. I have read good things about them in other expat forums but I have also read some not-so-good things in other places. Has anyone had any dealings with IMG?
My other option is to get a Mexico-only policy and pay for temporary "visitor" coverage when I return to the US. How do any of you pre-Medicare folks deal with health coverage when you visit the US?
Thanks again... ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico circle110 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32925-img-health-insurance.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32869-taking-boat-ajijic.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:47:02 GMT I have a house in Ajijic but have been flying back and forth between Mexico and North Carolina. I have a Mexican registered car in Ajijic. In Feb.... I have a house in Ajijic but have been flying back and forth between Mexico and North Carolina. I have a Mexican registered car in Ajijic. In Feb. I hope to drive down for the first time and want to bring my 20' boat which I would like to leave for as long as possible. I have read that if you bring a trailer into Mexico it has to leave with you and your car when you leave Mexico. Would the same apply to a boat that I brought in on a trailer behind my suv? Any advice on this subject is greatly appreciated. Another question: Is it permissable to drive my suv to mexico, leave the suv at my house and then fly back to the US and return to Mexico later via airplane? ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico The pilgrim http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32869-taking-boat-ajijic.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32863-guadalajara-points-west-s.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:12:31 GMT will be arriving in GDL on the 22nd of Dec.. getting a rental car at airport($300 for two weeks????)... need recommendation for low-cost(but... will be arriving in GDL on the 22nd of Dec.. getting a rental car at airport($300 for two weeks????)... need recommendation for low-cost(but safe/clean) hotel to spend the night... then headed west to visit small villages/pueblos to preselect sites for future/detailed evaluation... I want to retire(12/2010) somewhere near a town/city with medical facilities/large grocery stores/universities and some social activities.. someplace within a reasonable bus ride that I could make say once a month... I want to rent a casita for a short while to make sure of my choice and then purchase an appropriate casita with room for a garden and my dog... any suggestions/recommendations will be considered and thank you ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico oldjack http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32863-guadalajara-points-west-s.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32754-bringing-used-truck-engine-la-paz.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:29:46 GMT I am planning on hauling a used engine down to La Paz to replace the destroyed engine in my Ford F350. Last winter my truck blew the engine down... I am planning on hauling a used engine down to La Paz to replace the destroyed engine in my Ford F350. Last winter my truck blew the engine down there. I live in La Paz for the winter - have a home, pay utility bills there as well as property taxes. I am not bringing the engine for re-sale - just to replace the one that is shot. I have a letter from my mechanic stating that the engine is being used to replace the bad one. It is as if I were going to replace a clothes washer that was broken - like household goods.

Do I have to pay customs duties on it? I have a FM3 and proof of property ownership. I even have a Senior Discount card (for what its worth).

I have registration for truck, current license, etc. Any forms I need?

Thanks all. ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico keynesco http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32754-bringing-used-truck-engine-la-paz.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32749-moving-culiacan-need-advice-about-visa-health-insurance-etc.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:43:35 GMT Hello everyone, I am planning to move to Culiacan this spring to join my Mexican boyfriend, bringing an end to our two year long distance... Hello everyone,

I am planning to move to Culiacan this spring to join my Mexican boyfriend, bringing an end to our two year long distance relationship :-). I spent a year as an exchange student in Mazatlan, have traveled extensively to different parts of Mexico for work over the last couple of years, am fluent in Spanish, have lots of friends and networking connections there, etc...so I feel very comfortable making the move. However, I have a few questions I can't seem to find a good answer to after a lot of research and am hoping someone here can help me.

I plan to do freelance translating once I arrive. I work primarily with US agencies and am paid in Dollars to my U.S. bank account. After explaining this to the Mexican Consulate and inquiring about an FM-3 visa (assuring I could provide proof of income and all other necessary documentation), they told me I could get by on a tourist visa....

However, I would prefer an FM-3 visa for many reasons: less times per year having to drive my car 8-10 hours to the border to renew; being able to apply for health insurance; being able to contract utilities (most will be in BF's name, but I will need a cell phone contract, and who knows what else), and I just want to feel more legal there, and not a "tourist!":

Is the FM-3 ONLY for retirees, or other workers employed in Mexico?? I can't find a classification for freelance workers, even though I can prove all the documentation. The Mexican Consulate didn't seem to eager to let me apply for one. My BIGGEST concern is not having health insurance. Unless I can buy a private insurance policy there as a "tourist" (which I'm sure would cost much more than the public plan). I hate being uninsured.

Should I have any problems with my car? I don't need to register it locally, do I? I am just a little nervous about being pegged as a tourist with my Pennsylvania plates, and wonder what it takes to get a Mexican plate.

What about phone or other contracts I might need to put in?

Thanks for the advice! ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico monika992 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32749-moving-culiacan-need-advice-about-visa-health-insurance-etc.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32748-ticks-fleas-chapala.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:22:32 GMT We can't find a place on the pacific coast we realy like, and would want to spend 12 months in. we are thinking of going up to the Chapala area and look around.
My wife's big concern is the fleas and ticks in the area.(yes the dog gets looked after better then me.)
We would welcome any advice from the area, and we mean any.
"Us", retired military, low 60's, laid back, from downunder, (aussie's) interest's include motorcycle's, fishing, haveing a good time, and quiet times, good food, good honest people.
Thanks
Aussie ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico hando4949 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32748-ticks-fleas-chapala.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32716-cheap-flights-chicago-detroit-gdl.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:44:45 GMT Well, it's finally time to make our first visit! :clap2: We're going to head down probably the last week of March. Beyond the normal sites like Orbitz, is there some site or airline I should be looking at for cheap fares?

I'm so excited! :) I've been looking at this for what, a couple of years now? *happy dance* ]]> Mexico Expat Forum for Expats Living in Mexico freeda http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/32716-cheap-flights-chicago-detroit-gdl.html