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Mexico/Expert Profile
Expertise
I lived full time in the Chapala-Ajijic area for 7 years, and now Manzanillo area 4 years. During that time I provided information (health care, working papers, immigration, driving, cost of living, insurance, culture, divorce in Mexico, trusts vs direct deed,etc) to help people make the decision about whether the area was right for them, either full or part-time. Now living north of Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast. I live legally in Mexico.
Experience in the area
Founding partner of a facilitation company for people thinking about relocating to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. I am no longer involved in this company's activities. Have driven extensively in the area, to the coast (Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Colima),to Patzcuaro, etc. Bused to Mexico City, flew to Chiapas. Also driven in Honduras, from Ontario Canada through border crossings at Laredo and Reynosa Texas to Lakeside. Can provide instructions and border crossing info. Publications: DISCOVER MEXICO, HEAD FOR MEXICO-THE RENEGADE GUIDE BY DON ADAMS. Video and MM production specialist. I do NOT sell real estate!
What do you like about this subject?
I live here and I love it, 10 years now with no regrets. Mexican Culture is a breath of fresh air. If you like to garden and/or photograhy, this is paradise-orchids, poinsettia, succulents, cactus, bromeliads beat grass. Ajijic to the coast, just 4 hours to Manzanillo, 5.5 hours to Puerto Vallarta. There are so many great beaches to explore.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
Still working on my Spanish. Perhaps Microsoft will come up with a pill...instant immersion :-)
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
There are tax advantages for Canadians living here full time as nonresident Canadians. With broadband internet and satellite TV staying in contact with northern friends and family is pretty simple.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Some people will never make it in Mexico. You can meet them bitchin' at the donut shop across from Lloyds in Ajijic every day. I won't be there!
Average Ratings
Recent Answers from Ron Russell
2009-11-06 Columbia Bridge Toll:
Hi Gwenneth, first of all a small warning. Friends going back to Canada last spring and again coming down in October were hit by the same cop this side of Columbia with a speed gun saying that they were
2009-11-01 the real true cost of a visa to retire:
Hi Mare, this is the information that I received when I renewed my FM3 in Manzanillo in September of this year. The requirement is that the minimum monthly income to qualify for an FM3 is 250 times
2009-10-30 Car accident in Mexico:
Hi Cathy, if you have a police report and insurance information you should have no problem. Return the decal and import papers to the border. BUT I suggest you check with a lawyer. I like www.ajijiclaw
2009-10-23 2 related importation questions:
Hi again Ralph, nationalization is difficult to do. Occasionally the Government agency responsible discovers used cars that had been salvaged from the Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and immediately tighten
2009-10-21 border crossing with a Temp importation sticker:
Hi Ralph, The US Customs Agents probably won't care about your expired plates, but video cameras do record every license plate. The Laredo Police or Texas Rangers will give you problems if they spot
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