I'm here to answer your Mexico Questions.
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Hi, or should I say Hola
, sorry I don't. I live in the Riviera Maya which is about a four to five hour flight from Lake Chapala so i don't get there enough to know local guides. What I would do is get on the expat facebook group, and ask there. The expats living there will be able to give you tonnes of recommendations of lovely guides they've used and also English speaking ones if you don't speak Spanish. Here's a couple I found for you -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/112561076007959
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212463755765570 -
Hi Bel (?),
I'm planning to start my "around the world" travels to seek my ideal retirement place, but have decided to start with Mexico due to nearness and low expense to travel back to US if needed for family projects. I've been to Mexico several dozen times, between business trips and vacations, am completely bi-lingual in Spanish, etc.
It was a surprise to read an article recently that Cozumel had low rental costs. I forget how low you stated these could be? Also, would you be a good source for other areas of Mexico, e.g. Chiapas (pretty much the only area of Mexico I've never made it to), and suggestions for low cost ways to travel around?
Thanks,
Jim -
Hi BWoodhouse,
Following up, can you post where I might find a good source(s) for a low-cost, but clean and safe, rental for 6-8 weeks? I am making an assumption (wrong?) that AirBNB and such will be more expensive, targetting the traveler who is a little less accustomed to non-US travel and comforts than I. I plan to be on my way elsewhere before the start of the Christmas temporada.
Thanks,
Jim -
Hi,
I may be in the area as soon as the first few days of Oct., and would greatly appreciate any contacts you recommend for a 6 - 8 week lower cost rental. I have now checked the AirBNB and am seeking something lower cost, in exchange for a longer term, quiet, no breakage/theft renter...
Thanks,
Jim -
Hi Jim,
Yes, Cozumel can have lower rental costs if you get a non furnished apartment long term like I did. My rent is $500/mth. But if you're only looking for 6-8 weeks you are probably better off with AirBnB. There are a tonne of bargains to be found on everything from renting a room in a house, through an entire house. You can get around Cozumel very cheaply. The collectivo is only 10 pesos (50c) and it will take you around San Miguel de Cozumel. NOT all around the island but all of the township yes. Otherwise there are taxis and prices can be negotiated, especially as you speak Spanish.
The other option is I have a friend who is a property manager who may have something depending on the price you're after. I also have another friend who rents out an apartament above her house (not sure of cost) and take a look in the facebook group Cozumel Rental Properties, people always post places on there. Here is the link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1495458987372888
Hope this helps. I'm travelling the next two weeks but will check back in periodically.
Cheers, Bel. -
Thanks, Bel,
I don't do social media, so unable to open Facebook group. I'm ideally looking for something in the $500 or under range. If impossible, then minimally above it. I'd appreciate an intro to the property manager and your friend. Hoping to make it that way before the end of October.....Do you have any info or pointers for either Valladolid or Merida? I've been to both (last spent the night in Merida about 30+ years ago, but stayed a couple of nights in Valladolid about 3-5 years ago.) Since we're going to be in hurricane season for most of the time I plan to be there (very familiar due to 33 yrs living in Miami), being inland also seems attractive....
Thanks! Safe and pleasant travels,
Jim -
Hi Jim,
I'm back from my travels through Central Mexico and have spoken to my friend. As it's entering high season now, all of her units are booked I'm sorry to say. The same with my other friend. I've asked a third and am waiting to hear back.
But my landlord is Miguel and he is in charge of a bunch of unfurnished apartments around that price range. His number is +52 987 876 0795 if you'd like to try him. There are always people coming and going, but as I said, they are unfurnished so you'd want to have a conversation with him about what is included - all have beds, fans, a/c, fridge etc. Gas and internet are generally included but you would have to pay your electric bill and buy drinking water.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Bel.
PS - I know you said you don't have social media, but I would suggest signing up for Facebook just to enquire in rental groups in Merida, Vallodolid, and around the Riviera Maya. It is a very quick way to get answers and find a property especially at the lower price end. -
Hi Bel,
I am considering Mexico for retirement living and will be looking for rental property for myself and miniature poodle. I have traveled to Mexico on numerous occasions, both interior and coastal. Cozumel is great for diving, but I am more interested in interior locations such as Morelia. Been to Parras, but not thinking of that for retirement, just a Peckinpah fan and wanted to see where most of the Wild Bunch was filmed.
Also, I loved Zihuanteneo (sorry about the spelling) prior to Xtapa being built, however, Ziwa would interest me, depending on rental and medical facilities.
Not interested in San Miguel; however, I like the looks of Huatulco but unable to find any small rental units there.
Any recommendations would be appreciated, also looking for an active ex-pat community as part of recommendations.
Thank you,
Lyle Roberts -
Hi Lyle,
These all sound great, and I would recommend joining the expat facebook groups of the places you are interested in. Even small town usually have a facebook group. Join a few groups in the cities you have narrowed it down to. The expats living there will be able to recommend real estate agents, rental groups to join, and other ways of finding a great place for you and your sweet little miniature poodle.
This is the best way as they are living there right now so you get real answers in real time. Every expat group I've joined anywhere in Mexico is full of happy, helpful people and this is also a great way to make contacts and friends before you even arrive.
Of course you also look on vacation rental sites like: AirBnB, VRBO, and many others. Here is a link to the top rental apps - https://www.capterra.com/sem-compare/vacation-rental-software/?utm_source=ps-google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=:1:CAP:2:COM:3:All:4:INTL:5:BAU:6:SOF:7:Desktop:8:BR:9:Vacation_Rental&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgrO4BhC2ARIsAKQ7zUkGTBFaZTCPeCZ13t4QNwt53IAkmUsXyFJmwDQbAO7tv0Gsi_pvtGMaAirFEALw_wcB
I hope this helps in your search.
Cheers, Bel. -
Hello Bel - Thank you for your generous offer of assistance. It's is greatly appreciated. My husband and I are looking for help with our FM 2 Visa for temporary residency in Mexico. Specifically Guadalajara. I believe our finances will qualify. Would you recommend getting an immigration lawyer?
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Hi Bel, I am listening in on the webinar atm... We are considering coming down to Cozumel for a couple months with our 6 yr old son, can you help us figure out education opportunities for him? We have been to Cozumel many times and would love to retire there in a few years, but for now maybe just do a few months at a time if we can figure out schooling options. Thanks!
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Hi,
Okay I don't have children, nor do any of my friends, so I don't know really have a lot of information about all of the schools on the island. There are both private and public schools and an American school which is bi-ingual. I would recommend contacting them to find out if you can enrol your son for a few months. Here is the link - https://www.angelfire.com/amiga2/americanschool/
I hope this helps.
Bel - Mexico Correspondent. -
Hola Bel. I was wanting to go to Playa or Talum in February/March to get away from the cold midwest winters but my wife is worried about traveling there after Trump takes office because of his policies on deporting illegals back to Mexico. She fears there could be some type of retaliation mainly by the government where we would have problems getting back home. I'm trying to convince her it is safe. We have always loved Mexico and talked about eventually owning a retirement home there.
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Hola Bel,
Can you provide up-to-date information, i.e., rental real estate, restaurants, etc. for Puebla and Cholula (PUE)?
Thank you very much,
Peter & Francie Handler -
Hola Bel,
Have you seen our query about Puebla which we sent to you a couple of days ago?
We would also like to know which hospital is the best in Puebla. Thanks so much!
Peter & Francie Handler -
Hi B WoodHouse,
I and my significant other are looking for a place in Mexico that provides affordable dental care. We are living in California and have heard of Tijuana and also Algadones, as having good services. We know that there are many other locations but don't want to go off to a place that is not reliable and good. We are open to other cities in Mexico. If Guadalajara or Mexico City are better, so be it. Ideally we would like to stay closer to California, given the time element in returning for Mexican dental services -
Hi Bel! My hubby and I are looking to live part time in Puerto Vallarta in a few years once I retire. We're pretty set on living on one of their Marina's. Your pro's and con's to each would be much appreciated. Our budget is no more than $300,000 USD for two bed two bath.
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This is a response for BAMABIBBETTE's message - Hi Bel! My hubby and I are looking to live part time in Puerto Vallarta in a few years once I retire. We're pretty set on living on one of their Marina's. Your pro's and con's to each would be much appreciated. Our budget is no more than $300,000 USD for two bed two bath.
Hi, in that price range you will still be able to find a bargain, but remember the marina's are always more expensive. I was recently looking at real estate in and around PV and you can definitely find something but maybe not in the marina itself. I would recommend a quick Google search of real estate's in the area, and jump on a couple of sites for a quick look. As for my personal opinion, I live on the east coast, not the west so haven't spent any time in PV. International Living's - Escape to Mexico - book is an excellent resource and it is in the process of being updated. It has real estate agents and contacts in every area as well as a lot of information about moving to and living in Mexico so that can answer a lot of your questions as well.