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joaquinx

john spence

@joaquinx

Serial expat

American expat in Mexico

Forum

461 posts

Contacts

6

About me

American

Lives in Xalapa

Speaks english, spanish

Registration: 20 August 2011

Activity

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
steveh2112

using US ATM cards in supermarkets, cash back? by steveh2112

hi, can i use my US ATM cards in supermarkets and cash back with no fee like i do in the states? thanks.

john spence

I said "could be viewed" and not "is". Go ahead and reread my post. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
steveh2112

using US ATM cards in supermarkets, cash back? by steveh2112

hi, can i use my US ATM cards in supermarkets and cash back with no fee like i do in the states? thanks.

john spence

It just hit me that getting money back using a USA debit card could be viewed as money laundering. Big nono in Mexican banking. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
ELLENRAY

Moving to Ajijic by ELLENRAY

My husband and I are retiring soon and planning to move to the Lakeside area in late spring 2018. We plan to lease a place to live. 1 we have found realators lack responses to interest by email, thoughts? 2 should we keep our Medicare for or twice ...

john spence

IMSS is around 3,000+ pesos a year depending on age. Private doctors are much cheaper than in the US. My heart doctor charges 1,000 pesos per visit three times a year. Telcel is the largest, but AT&T is now in Mexico with good reviews. If you ... Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
ELLENRAY

Moving to Ajijic by ELLENRAY

My husband and I are retiring soon and planning to move to the Lakeside area in late spring 2018. We plan to lease a place to live. 1 we have found realators lack responses to interest by email, thoughts? 2 should we keep our Medicare for or twice ...

john spence

My husband and I are retiring soon and planning to move to the Lakeside area in late spring 2018. We plan to lease a place to live. 1 we have found realators lack responses to interest by email, thoughts? 2 should we keep our Medicare for or twice ... Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
Delightedtogo

proof of income requirements to move to mexico by Delightedtogo

Hi! I am a new member and I am considering moving and buying property in Mexico. I was wondering if there is a requirement that you must have in savings before being able to move there. I would be looking for work once I got there also to ...

john spence

Your best place to answer these question would be the nearest Mexican Consulate. You have to stop there anyway to get either a Temp or Perm visa. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
Delightedtogo

proof of income requirements to move to mexico by Delightedtogo

Hi! I am a new member and I am considering moving and buying property in Mexico. I was wondering if there is a requirement that you must have in savings before being able to move there. I would be looking for work once I got there also to ...

john spence

You will need a Residencia Permanente in order to work or get a job offer before applying for a Residencia Temporal. For permit requirements look here: Requirements Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
steveh2112

using US ATM cards in supermarkets, cash back? by steveh2112

hi, can i use my US ATM cards in supermarkets and cash back with no fee like i do in the states? thanks.

john spence

It's worth a try, if the exchange rate is better than the ATM with the fees. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
nikolas4squid

US bank accounts without US home address? by nikolas4squid

Been reading through the posts on banking issues, social security direct deposits, etc. I was wondering, however, what one does if they retire to Mexico but have no home or close family back in the US. Can they open or have a bank account in the US ...

john spence

Use either xoom or transferwise to send money bank to bank. Rates equal to credit/debit cards. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
nikolas4squid

US bank accounts without US home address? by nikolas4squid

Been reading through the posts on banking issues, social security direct deposits, etc. I was wondering, however, what one does if they retire to Mexico but have no home or close family back in the US. Can they open or have a bank account in the US ...

john spence

I've been with HSBC for 10 years. While not perfect, they have protected my money. There were two instances of false charges to my account. A single protest and a free call to the Mexico City office cleared it up in two or three days. I had no ... Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
nikolas4squid

US bank accounts without US home address? by nikolas4squid

Been reading through the posts on banking issues, social security direct deposits, etc. I was wondering, however, what one does if they retire to Mexico but have no home or close family back in the US. Can they open or have a bank account in the US ...

john spence

Contact the Benefits Office at the US embassy in CDMX. They will change your address and and help you with your SS deposits to a Mexican bank. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
nikolas4squid

US bank accounts without US home address? by nikolas4squid

Been reading through the posts on banking issues, social security direct deposits, etc. I was wondering, however, what one does if they retire to Mexico but have no home or close family back in the US. Can they open or have a bank account in the US ...

john spence

SS does not charge for this service. On the 3rd of every month your benefit will be deposited in your Mexican bank at the best exchange rate for that day. If it falls on a weekend or holiday, it will be deposited earlier. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
travellight

Using Uber Safely by travellight

This is just to warn everyone about some safety concerns. Very recently there have been assaults and or deaths involving people who thought they were using Uber and were not in any shape to think about what was happening. Young people out late ...

john spence

Is this occurring in Mexico or in other countries? Recently there was a murder involving a Cabify driver in Mexico City. The driver has since been arrested. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
Marco polo navarro

Need orientation by Marco polo navarro

Can some one tell me if i have to buy a round trip ticket or one way for my girl friend that will come to marie me and stay here in cancun from pakistan

john spence

I believe that she first needs a visa for travel to Mexico. She needs to apply at the Mexican Embassy or Consultant. Depending on the airline, she might need a round trip ticket. But she will be residing permanently in Mexico, right? Tell her to go ... Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
Itobys

Water quality in Mexico by Itobys

I went to zihuatanejo this past June . The woman I stayed with was soaking all her fruits and vegetables in iodine solution to desinfect and told me not to use regular tap water for washing fruits or drinking because it was bad. Is there an area in ...

john spence

I believe in Microdyn. It is so effective that it can cure athletics foot and other fungus infections. Read More

john spence
joaquinx replied to a thread
7 years ago
Itobys

Mexico public beaches by Itobys

Hello everyone! While I am torn between some inland places in Mexico and beach towns, since I love sun and love to swim in warm ocean waters, I wanted to ask this question. My only exposure to Mexico was going to Zihuatanejo this past June. ...

john spence

Hotels, people, etc can own beach front property but only to the high water mark and those marks are posted with tall sticks. Of course they can restrict you crossing their land to access the beach. Most hotels allow you to pay a small fee to use ... Read More