The Mexican Tourist permit, FMT, allows you to remain in Mexico up to 180 days, and is available from airlines and ports of entry – that’s what you fill out when you’re on the plane – or ship.  You can use an FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure or when you think you are ready to look for property you may want to invest in - either for retirement or perhaps recreation while you are still working.  You will need the FMT if and when you purchase a property, and usually your realtor or developer in Mexico will be able to help you with any questions you may have about your visa. Check with the nearest Mexican Consul (not tourist office) for current requirements, as they do change from time to time, but not a lot.

Requirements for remunerative (you are planning on making money) visits or longer stays (over 180 days) require special permits from the Mexican Consulate. 

It is not necessary to have an attorney for this process. For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for a Visitor permit (usually an FM3) and state what the purpose of the visit is.  The latest fee information is available at your local Mexican Consulate.

An FM3 entitles you to bring household items with you, if you decide to move to Mexico.

With an FM3, you no longer need to renew your car permit every 6 months.  An FM3 gives you one year permission to be in Mexico, with four extensions of one year, for a total of five years.

Full resident status entitles you to all rights and benefits of a Mexican National (live, work, claim state benefits and to pay taxes) but you cannot vote in Mexican elections. These permits may also prohibit work in specific industries.  You do not have to surrender your natural Citizenship to be granted full resident status in Mexico. 

No matter where on this big wide world you live, computers have become a way of life!  And whether you are retired or working parttime or fulltime - they are here to stay!

I recently replaced my modem (the thing that lets you connect to the outside world) and my router (enables networking (more than one computer) in your home.) 

Believe it or not, computer components actually do wear out – they get old – and when that happens, they become less efficient and slower…and more aggravating.

Add the normal aging process to power surges, outages, and power drops and you may have a computer on the brink.  Each of those little surges can damage the sensitive parts of your computer, again shortening their lifespan and efficiency.   And those surge protectors wear out too, becoming almost useless so even those need to be replaced eventually.

The computer world has its own Capone’s.  I’ll never understand just what those people feel they accomplish, but they get great joy, apparently, by sending out viruses – deadly bombs – to your computer.  The outcome can be as minor as items appearing at inopportune times on your desktop, to having your entire hard drive destroyed.  It’s up to you to make sure you put the proper defenses on your computer to protect yourself from such intrusions.  A really good virus program is mandatory these days.

Then, there are the spies (spyware) that infiltrate your computer.  They come from companies and/or individuals – hackers who develop programs that enable them to receive all types of information they find on your computer.  The information they might receive from your computer ranges from your dog’s name to your birth date to your social security number – unless you have up-to-date protection!

A spam filter is just as mandatory as electricity is to your computer.  Spam is basically anything you don’t really want to come to your computer, but is sent out by companies and entities to advertise their products – unwanted promotions, information, and/or entertainment. Spam usually appears in the form of email – all those hundreds that you delete daily – what a pest.  The danger here lies in the fact that those email can hold viruses, worms, all sorts of major problems.  So, get a powerful spam filter installed on your machine.

Firewall protection is a major concern too.  One trouble I’ve found is that if you happen to activate two, they may not be compatible…so, while they are another important defensive wall, be careful not to double up on them – that could make your computer unstable.  Do make sure you do at least a weekly update on your computer and your firewall should be effective.

And now, you have the Barbie version of taking care of computers – oh, make sure you dust them – constantly – they are truly dust magnets…and dust doesn’t make anything work very well. 

Logically, and sensibly, your choices should be based primarily on your finances.

Do you want to do a lot of traveling? If you choose that lifestyle, then why would you start looking for a large home, with a lot of upkeep demanded?

You may decide to just stay put - perhaps near family – in the home you’ve been in for years. Or, have they already scattered so you are free to move where you can really make the most of your retirement years, and just enjoy their visits?

Some of our friends, retirees also, have felt they must have extra bedrooms and baths for the relatives who come to visit (usually once a year). Just contemplate… how much would it cost you to simply rent a motel room for them, compared to the upkeep and expense of having that extra space you’re going to pay for??

Think of the original cost of the extra room, the extra taxes, the heating and cooling, and just the upkeep! You can pay for a lot of overnighters in a motel for what you will pay for that extra room that isn’t even used 95% of the time. And it’s usually a wonderful break – for everyone – to part at the end of the day for some private time and recuperation time!

Do you plan to do a lot of entertaining – either family or friends? Again – why get a humongous home you’ll be constantly cleaning and keeping up, when friends are just as comfortable in a more intimate setting. Remember, you and your friends are getting older each year, and the wild parties of your 30’s and 40’s possibly are not the evenings you will be experiencing in retirement.

Keep your taxes low, keep your utility costs low, and enjoy a higher, more leisurely lifestyle like you can do if you move to Mexico.

We’ve fallen into the nicest concept…It’s called “pupu parties” … I guess it’s Hawaiian for hors d’oeuvres party. You just call a bunch of friends – they each bring nice snack, your supply the drinks, and it’s a wonderful, easy and casual get together. Not too much work for anyone, and a great reason to get together with friends!

If you have a lot of equity in your home, (I always stress that hopefully by the time you are contemplating retirement, your home and your autos are paid for) and you should decide to sell it, buy smaller, have less expenses.

And if you have a lot of equity in your home, if you sell it, buy smaller, and put the profit in an good investment fund… voila! … Interest to help with expenses, or to grow for a long desired item!

Don’t overlook renting – an apartment or a condo – everything is secure when you take those trips, and you won’t have to own a lawnmower or snow-blower anymore!  Retirement years are years to enjoy!!!

As a senior, we are all concerned about making our pennies go as far as possible.  Dick and I live everyday by this credo:   “A penny saved is a penny earned”.  Everyone wants that Social Security check to stretch, so why fall into the Debit Card offer, that is going to cost you pennies galore?  Here are my thoughts on the subject.  Then you can relax by watching the little video I’ve included at the end.

By summer of 2008, the Government is going to offer seniors and others who receive Social Security, the opportunity to have your monthly stipend automatically deposited into a Debit Card, instead of sending your S.S. through the mail or having it automatically credited into your bank account.  This is being touted as a faster and safer way to deliver funds over mailing paper checks.  (In my opinion, auto deposit into a free checking account is hard to beat.)

Debit Card - Sounds sort of an easy way to process your S.S., doesn’t it? 

Anyone choosing this option will receive a MasterCard debit card and a personal identification number (PIN).  Each month, this MasterCard will have your S.S. benefits deposited into it.

As of this writing, you will be able to use ATMs to withdraw cash with this card, and use the card at retailers for purchases – much as any debit or credit card.

However, realize this:

·         Paper account statements, will cost you 75 cents each.

·         Online bill-paying service will cost you 50 cents per bill.

·         The first ATM withdrawal each month is free – there after, each withdrawal will cost you 90 cents each.

·         Plus, some ATMs may access their own usage fee.

·         International ATM withdrawals are going to cost you $3 each, plus a 3 percent currency conversion fee.

There is a high risk of loss if your debit card is lost or stolen.  Debit cards usually do not carry the same protection as a credit card does.  You need to check this out.

Balance these facts (and the nickel and diming you to death with fees) against getting a check and then having to go to the bank to cash that check – possible cashier’s fees (our bank charges none), or just having your $’s deposited into a free “Senior’s”-type checking account (they usually have free ATM service connected with them), and you’ll probably end up with just what we have – automatic deposit.

1)  Only Sonora means exactly that – do not travel to any other Mexican state other than Sonora,  nor past a specific Sonora corridor ending at Empalme, without a Federal Permit…very limited traveling, and is good for one entry only.

2)  The Federal Permit allows you to drive your car anyplace in Mexico and allows for multiple re-entries into Mexico.

·         Motorists are required to show proof of U.S. citizenship, car title (or pink slip) and registration, and a valid driver’s license.

3)  A permit is not required for travel to Rocky Point and other border cities, which are classified as “free-zones.” 

TO ENTER MEXICO, you need a Tourist Card, secured from the Mexican consulate or Mexican Immigration at the border check point –(we did it at the border). You will need:

1)       Valid proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate).

2)       An appropriate immigration form (tourist card)

·          Mexican Tourist Visa:Those who will travel into Mexico further than the Border Zone, or for more than 72 hours within the Border Zone, or,

·         Visa / FM3 For Temporary Resident:Those who will be living in Mexico. (Usually what retirees get.) Or,

·         Visa / FM3 For General Business: Applies to purchasing agents, importers and exporters who will attend board of directors meetings of Mexican companies, conduct business that requires notary certification, or institute any legal proceedings in court, or,

·         Visa / FM3 For Technicians & Engineers:Technicians or engineers who intend to repair or install machinery, or train personnel, or take tools or machinery to Mexico, or,

·         Student Visa Requirements: Foreign students who plan to study in Mexico.

 TO TAKE YOUR CAR INTO MEXICO, YOU WILL NEED:  (Usually one vehicle per person allowed.)

·         The valid vehicle registration certificate, or document i.e. the original title that certifies the legal ownership of the vehicle.  It must be in the driver’s name.

·         A valid driver’s license, issued outside Mexico. (U.S. or Canada are fine.)

·         An international credit card in the name of the driver of the car/vehicle, issued outside of Mexico (American Express, Mastercard or Visa).

·         If it’s a leased/rented car – The contract which shows it is a leased/rented car in the name of the person importing the car.

·     If you are making payments on your car, have in your possession a notarized letter of authorization issued by the lender.

·         If the vehicle belongs to a company, present the document that certifies the employee works for the company.

TO ACQUIRE A PERMIT:

• Drive your vehicle to a Mexican customs office at the U.S./Mexico border.  At the border crossing, go through the Declarations Lane. Look for the “Modulo de Control Vehicular” where you will present your documents.
• All documents and a credit card must be in the name of the owner, who must also be in the vehicle when crossing the border.  The process is easiest if you use a credit card to post the required “return guarantee” bond. If you do not have a credit card or a Visa/Mastercard check card – get one before traveling.
• You will receive your temporary permit at the border facility by leaving the Guarantee Exit Deposit Fee (guarantee exit - take the car back out of Mexico,  deposit fee - Bond, which is based on the year and model of the vehicle).  From 1999 to present = $400.  1994 to 1998 = $300.  Earlier than 1994 = $200.  And when you exit Mexico, this charge on your card is reversed.
• You will pay the certification fee (processing fee), non-returnable at the border, with your international credit card and that will be equivalent to approximately $27.00US.
• You’ll be issued your documents, that allow you to take your car into Mexico.  That completes the process for acquiring the certificate. Keep in mind the full process is not completed until you return the certificate upon exiting Mexico with the same car.

ALTERNATE  PROCESS:  You can do this before crossing at some of the Mexican Consulates – It’s pretty easy at the border – in my book,  Retire In Luxury, I walk you through Dick and me entering Mexico.

TO RETURN THE CERTIFICATE:  Upon your departure from Mexico to the U.S., if the vehicle is not going to be driven back into Mexico, the permit for temporary importation must and will be cancelled at Customs. The original bond posted for the return guarantee will be returned to you at this time. That’s all there is to it. Follow these simple steps and you shouldn’t have any problems.

WARNING:  Dick and I were stopped at one of the many temporary check spots in Mexico – yes, machine guns and all (There are lots of them)  One of the officials came over to our car smiling (but with gun in hand), said something in Spanish and removed our permit from our car and sort of gestured that we were to stay there and wait.  He then walked over to another car with American license tag on it and talked for a while to the driver, soon, another official who spoke some English joined them.  The whole gist of it was, a young man (the North American driver) had somehow gotten his car half way down the country of Mexico without a permit.  He was turned around and warned that he would be escorted back to the border and he was to properly take care of business.  The second official, after just a short while came back to our car, handed us our permit, smiled and explained “Had to show him what he needed”.  Very polite.  We smiled and drove away.  That young man was very lucky.  The law reads he should have had his car confiscated… he would have been stuck in Mexico outback without a car or perhaps even put in jail for his offense!  Don’t try to get away with any short cuts in Mexico – follow their laws to the T!  They usually don’t fool around!  This young man was extremely lucky!

EXTRAS: 

The temporary authorization for the importation of vehicles is valid for any type of vehicle weighing under three-tons for periods up to six months (180 days). The temporarily imported vehicle may be driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period.Always carry the importation permit on your person when driving your car in Mexico…same with your passport.  Do not leave any documents in the vehicle!

A vehicle, temporarily imported by the owner, may be driven in Mexico by the spouse or adult children, as long as they have the same immigration status. Other persons may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the vehicle.  Again, in my book, Retire In Luxury,  I sincerely suggest you do not allow others to drive your vehicle.  If someone were to be stopped while driving your car, and there were ANY drugs found – you are responsible too!  Mexican jails are food for nightmares!

The car permit which you got at the border is valid so long as your FM3 is valid — with renewals for as long as you wish.

Within 10 days of renewing your FM3 or if you convert from FMT to FM3, you must notify customs to continue your registration.  You do not have to go back to the border, you can do it by mail or in person if you live near one of the 42 cities that have an Aduana (Customs) office.  There is no fee.  You will not be given a new sticker or registration papers, so be sure to keep a copy of the letter in your car attached to the copy of the registration form that you should always have in your car.  Do NOT carry the original in your car.  You will need that paper if anything happens to your car.

A traveler can take his or her luggage and additional items up to $50.00 per person or $250.00 for a family of five, never exceeding US$1,000.00 in total, when travelling by road. If you exceed that limit, make the necessary arrangements at the Mexican Customs Office.  (I think everyone has more than $50 worth of clothing…just don’t take 6 computers, two refrigerators, etc.  Take normal luggage and supplies for your trip – and declare it.  

Hi Edna,  Sure - just be careful. Are you extremely careful in New York City, in San Francisco, California, in Small Town, USA? We are.You might actually enjoy it even more if you could talk a friend into going with you!

Get all the information you can before you go. Know what to expect. I’ve receive may email from single gals,and they have been just fine - but, know where you’re going - know what to do. Don’t be foolish.

I just got an email from someone who “had a friend” who was in one of the larger cities in Mexico, and were at a bar and decided to walk to their hotel at 3 a.m. Excuse me, but that was stupid!…anyplace!!!  So, the police pulled them over - fined “or robbed” them of the cash they had on them - $55. I’m thinking they  were probably stumbling along and were lucky something worse didn’t happen to them.

Anyway… I’ll get off my pulpit and just say - be careful, enjoy yourself - and research, research, research before you go.  Best to you,  Barbie

Maz to PV and back:

Dick and I know a few things about building and remodeling. We always have a project going on… like our guest bathroom currently in progress!! We basically put our boys through their schooling financially (a 4-year program??? – what a great concept! J ) by “redoing” homes. We were flipping homes before we knew what that meant!

Dick and I both know which end of the hammer to use and how to do plumbing and even electrical. I plastered many walls and ceilings back in the days.

Yes, I still have my own tool box. From the first, all the handles of my tools have been painted pink Two reasons for that - I like them pink, and our boys absolutely refused to use “Mom’s pink tools”! So I always knew where they were!

Here’s a video of home-building and new homes in different areas of Mazatlan. But remember, not only are new homes available in Mexico, there are Mexican areas where you can purchase a home and you will most likely, be welcomed into the neighborhood.

And, if you do need to contact a reliable builder/contractor/realtor in Mazatlan – just let me know…I’ll put you in contact.

Houses and Condos:

Please, don’t just pack up and head down on a tour bus or an all-in -one plane tour… not for this important venture. Take charge of your trip - do your research first, have a list of places and things you need to check out. A tour is great, but it’s not going to show you what the real Mexico is. In other words, don’t go with the idea that you’re just going on an elaborate vacation. Go realizing you are looking at a potential place to live.

Go shopping for groceries where the natives go. Wal Mart is great, but, go to the market place, too. You’ll be amazed at the quality and variety of foods offered, fresh, and very reasonable! You’re sure to see lots of things you’re not at all familiar with …that’s all part of the charm and fun of a new location.

Some of the best information that I didn’t even think of obtaining came from a lady I stopped in a grocery store. We talked for 20 minutes and Dick and I received a wealth of information from her and her husband, who finally came walking down the isle, wondering just where she had gone

You really want to spend your time talking with people who live there. Start up conversations with people at little restaurants where the natives go. Start conversations up with people in the shops. You just may even end up with a new good friend!

Do find the American organizations in the area. I list some that are in I list some that are in Mazatlan in my book, Retire In Luxury Talk with the people there …you will be so welcomed!

See what day-to-day life will be. You don’t want a sanitized version of life in Mexico. Not everyone who lives in Mexico goes to a fiesta every night. Learn what the real Mexico is like. You’ll probably truly fall in love with it. You’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful days and your evenings relaxing and having fun! Sure, you want to do the sightseeing stuff …just make sure you do your investigating first.

Dick and Barbie enjoying Mazatlan

Our Czech daughter-in-law gave us even more insight into how precious a U.S. passport is. When she came into the states the first time and had her Czech passport stamped with the U.S. mark, she exclaimed “You, here in America don’t know just how much this passport is worth to some people now, especially when it has been stamped in America!”

So, hang onto to that precious document! Don’t let it fall into anyone else’s hands!

I’m including a video of the airport in Mazatlan, General Rafael Buelna International Airport.  It’s outside Mazatlan, and there are always plentiful taxis available.  You’ll have approximately a half hour ride, depending upon where you are staying in Mazatlan.

Mazatlan Airport:

I found these statistics so interesting, and they confirm Dick’s and my theory: before you retire, clear up all your debts and your dollars will go so far that it’s hard to believe!

Age 50+ Head of household (still working): Gross income $56,281, and their discretionary income is $19,828.

Compared to a RETIRED Head of household: Gross income $32,411, and their discretionary income is almost the same as the worker at $14,065!

The working individual is bringing in over $24,000 more a year, but only has $5,500 more discretionary income than the Retiree! When you work, you just naturally have more expenses!

There are 15.2 million people aged 50+ who live only on their Social Security.

There are 6.6 million people aged 50+ who own second homes.

Also sort of confirms our thoughts about both people working in a household unless it’s truly necessary. By the time you pay for extra clothes, possibly help with the housework, going out to eat a lot more, needing two automobiles, the extra cost of that, from upkeep to insurance – then, if you have kids – and pay for daycare??? Don’t think the end result helps the family that much. Oh well – that’s our theory.

And before I go… here’s another video I thought you might enjoy — just to give you another taste of Mazatlan. You can see that Mazatlan has just about everything we “gringos” have come to appreciate including Dairy Queen, Burger King, Subway, shops, VIPS and — as usual — a lot of our dashboard :)  

Driving, familiar fast foods on Camaron Sabalo:

Mexico’s General Law of Population sets forth the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as different statuses associated with foreign immigration. Mexico welcomes most foreign nationals for a specific period of time to take part in non-money-making activities, such as a vacation. Recurring visits or stays over 180 days require special permits from the Mexican Consulate.

Before we learn about the two kinds of permits, I thought you might like a taste of real Mexico. Here is a video I shot in Mismaloya, near Puerto Vallarta. I think it’s interesting because it gives you a glimpse of a small, Mexican neighborhood flanked by mountains and the jungle. I thought it was particularly relevant because some retirees do live happily and comfortably in these secluded, idyllic and friendly neighborhoods. Take a look…

Mismaloya

Ok now… There are two kinds of permits, Non-immigrant and Immigrant.Non-immigrant permits are for people who want to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and length of time and then depart.Immigrant permits are for people who wish to live in Mexico, short or long-term. You do not have to surrender your natural citizenship to be granted full-resident status in Mexico. Full resident status entitles you to all the rights and benefits of a Mexican National – to live, work, claim state benefits, and pay taxes. But you are not permitted to vote in Mexican elections. These permits may prohibit work in specific industries such as positions related to bar and waiter/waitress work. Contact a professional for specific advice on immigration. You can also contact the Mexican Consulate of your country.Non-Immigrant Permits: There are various classifications of Non-Immigrant visitors to Mexico. I’ve listed some Consulates below. They will give you details on how to apply for permits that are required in advance.Tourist Permits: The Mexican Tourist permit is known at the “FMT”; it is very simple to fill out, and available from airlines and ports of entry. This permit allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days. If the officer at the port of entry does not assign 180 days leave of stay at your point of entry, the permit may be extended to the maximum permitted stay by visiting one of the local foreign immigration offices, completing the paperwork and paying the administration fee. You can use an FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure and also if you plan to scout for and/or invest in Mexican real estate. When you are closing a real estate deal, you will need to show evidence to the Notary Public that your stay in Mexico is legal and an FMT is a valid document for this purpose.Visitors Permit: For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for the Visitors permit (usually an FM3) through your company and state what the purpose of the visit is, and how long it is likely to take. There are also some forms to fill out and a handling fee to pay. You can download the forms, and find out the latest fees and process by going to Consulate listed. Visitor’s Permits are issued for up to one year, and are renewable four times, for a maximum of one year each time - for a total maximum period of five years.Artists: Can apply for an immigration permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry’s discretion.Local Visitors: Special permits for foreigners visiting maritime ports and border cities. The permit allows a maximum stay of 3 days, and you must stay within the 35km “border zone”. Resident Alien (Permanent Visitor): If you wish to remain in Mexico as a “resident alien” after five years, you must apply for full residency status, and there is a specific procedure to follow and have accepted. Once your application has been accepted and your “FM2″ has been issued, you are entitled to full rights and responsibilities as any other Mexican Citizen, with the exception of the right to vote. Upon receiving this status, you will receive a document that looks like a Mexican Passport (called a “FM2″) -newer versions look like a driver’s license - which enables you pass through Mexico’s borders as if you were a Mexican National. You do not need to surrender your national passport, which you’ll use when you return to your home country - either for visits, or when returning home to dwell.If you stay outside of Mexico for longer than two years, or for five years in any 10-year period, you will lose your resident status in Mexico.Retirees: If you are over 50 years of age, and want to engage in “non remunerative activities” and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or fixed income) of a specific set amount, set by the Mexican government, plus a specific required amount for each dependent (e.g. spouse, children) , you can apply for a Retiree Immigration Permit.

Non-Immigrant: When you do NOT want to seek permanent residence in Mexico, for vacations and casual trips toMexico, just fill out and use the tourist permit, available from the airline you travel with or at the port of entry. If you are of retirement age (50+), and have approximately US $1,500 (can vary) or equivalent income per month, then a Retiree permit will be your easiest route. If you are not of a retirement age (below 50) and want to live but not work in Mexico, you will need to contact the Mexican Consulate. Provided that you can prove a permanent steady income in line with the regulations, you may be granted an FM3 permit to live in Mexico, which would be eligible for conversion to an FM2 in 5 years. You will need to state what you intend to do there, e.g. early retirement due to health, etc.

The American Embassy and Consulate in Mexico - Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuahtemoc 06500
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5209 9100
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/main.html

The British Embassy and Consulate in Mexico - Mexico City
Rio Lerma 71
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5242 8500
http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1067968030744

The Canadian Embassy and Consulate in Mexico -Mexico City

Schiller 529
Colonia Rincon del Bosque
Polanco 11560
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 52 55 5724 7900
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/mexico-city/menu-en.asp

These are only a sampling of the divisions of people immigrating - retirees, visitors, artists, and so many more, but I slant all my info toward retirees, of course J Info for other visitors/immigrants can be found though the Consulates.