We love Morelia! 👏

Trouble can find you, too, becauseits looking for YOU. It happened to us while we were in Morelia on one of our many trips there. I live primarily in Guanajuato State, but we have a cabin in western Michoacan and a vehicle registered there, hence, the reason we have business several times a year for several days each visit, in Morelia. Beautiful city, comfy hotels, awesome food and sights... (the aqueduct!) but flat out dangerous at times. Don't anyone lie about that. I'll call you out. We keep our fingers on the pulse of Morelia to see when the lulls in violence occur, so that we can visit. Nowhere in Mexico is "safe" to a point that you can let your guard down. I've got 35 years in Mexico, and will tell you unequivocally that nobody comes here looking for Trouble. But it's here. How to AVOID it, that's the key.

@@MexicoAdventurer That’s very true!

​@MexicoAdventurer I'm reflecting MY personal experience. I'm aware of what CAN happen if you aren't aware of your surroundings. That being said, I feel easily as safe as I did in the States. As I said, my wife is a Mexican citizen, and maybe that helps, or maybe I'm just lucky!

@russellbarnes7728 You can be aware of your surroundings all you want to (and yes, you should be), but if it's your unlucky day that trouble turns its eye upon you... don't be fooled, you're being watched. By no-good people. Yes, you've been lucky. Your entire experience is based upon luck. Your wife being Mexican actually puts her at risk because of you being a foreigner. You're in the heart of M e n c h o country, and one of his major tactics is sequestering for money. The statistics in Mexico are that 75% of kidnapping victims don't live to tell about it. I'm just a few hours north of you, and some serial kidnappers were arrested with their latest victims, JUST PAST THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY when their green Tahoe that I'd been seeing every day broke down. Two out of three were arrested, and their kidnapping victim was released after debrief. The third kidnapper escaped on foot, and my dogs were going crazy because he cut past my house. That group was kidnapping 4 to 5 schoolchildren and housewives every week. They found the bones of a 14-year-old bicyclist they kidnapped but ended him when the family couldn't pay. In my little town, 100,000 people. You don't hear about it because our friend who started his media business was threatened by both the media and cartel to stop reporting on it. Don't let your wife go anywhere alone. Take precautions. Take off the rose colored glasses. Mexico is not safe, with Morelia high on the "unsafe" list. We had to stop going to Morelia 2 years ago because of all the kidnapping and carjacking on the north side of Morelia in the hills before we enter the city. Federal Fiscalia had their checkpoint, then further down, cartel has theirs. And nobody better report on them or try to stop them. You don't hear about it by design. Another capital city I lived in from 1989 to 2012 had a huge gun battle just outside my house. 8 people were killed, 1,500 rounds fired. By that night, the media had taken to toll down to 4. In a week, down to 2. In a year, down to one. In 5 years, they showed nobody had been x'd. A local reporter was reporting on it and on day 3, he was picked up in a van and driven around the city while being beaten. They were just trying to teach him a lesson but the ended him, droppedhis body on the newspapersteps 5 blocks from my house, and they put a sign on him, "This is what happens when you report on us." You don't hear about it because it's strictly against the rules to talk about or report on it. I'm just giving you a heads up, that the seedy underbelly is hard at work right under your nose, but rose colored glasses make it all disappear.

Where in Mexico and how old are you?

@@daniellegingras3319 We are exploring Mexico 🇲🇽✌🏼 started off in Mérida Yucatán we now in Xalapa Veracruz soon to be moving to the Oaxaca coast somewhere. When we moved I was 54, the wife was 49. Still loving our life here in Mexico.🇲🇽🥰✌🏼

Are you retiring in Mexico or working there? Do you have jobs in Mexico or are your jobs Canadian jobs?

@@mylene_b I was blessed to retire at 54, the wife works online for a Canadian company. Yes we live here full time. We are temporary residents. 🇲🇽❤️✌🏼

Can you work in Costa Rica?

Right, “wherever you go, there you are”

Wait till you buy a car, have a car accident and then wait 6+ months for a Mexican insurance company to fix your car or pay you out. It does take that long or longer.

Have had 2 car wrecks in Mexico, one my fault and the other not. So far the process was really quick, one month from accident to repair. I can’t imagine what 6+ months to get it fixed is like. That had to be crippling.

I invite you to visit Miramar beach in the south of Tamaulipas, I offer you my service as a tourist guide.

Mainly ENGLISH speaking expats.. most European expats have 2-3 languages in the bagage before they even land in se-asia and have a culture of learning new languages. I did speak/read write 3 languages fluent when i did starting to work in Thailand 15 years ago and now i speak pretty good thai to ..writing thai..well..nope..i do read many words thou =)

Learning the language is easier said than done when you've spoken English Primarily for 52 years. Learning Spanish (or any other language) later in life is possible but, FAR more difficult and you'll Never speak or understand that language like the locals. This is why it is important for the locals to learn English; it is the language of science, tech, business, aviation, and is helpful for Native English speakers (esp. Americans) to help them start to figure out and settle in their new homes. I am living in Mexico and what Spanish I do know is not enough and never will be. I'll always be scraping by on decent gringo Spanish. I've had representatives from Mega Cable and Telcel hang up on me when I've asked them to slow down their bullet-Spanish and that my Spanish is minimal (sh_t pretty much). I've given up on ever really being fluent in Spanish frankly.

ps do u want ppl abroad to make american food so u feel like home or do greesy mcdonalds burgers and watery overpriced starbucks "coffee" do? hahaha

@@gmm5550 That was not my point and please do not put sentiments that I did not say or intend in my mouth. (Also, please learn to spell and write in Correct English...)

@@user-mz4uo6we2q You mr American entitled man are a GUEST in THEIR country.. YOU..can't demand others in THEIR country to adapt to YOU. Thank u for showing my all my prejudices about Americans going abroad.🤣

Based on the specifics you gave, my opinion is that they are referring to people who do not take care with diligence research ahead of their move... and they do not oftentimes consider whether they are truly willing and/or able to work on leaving those reasons behind (or will they bring that "baggage" with them). Some people avoid Facebook expat groups, but I would like to suggest joining 2-4 groups that cover the parts of Mexico that you may be interested in. IMO, best is to find groups with a mix of expat/immigrants and locals, and spend a few weeks just on reading and key-word searching the group vs. posting a load of questions (chances are, 90% of your questions have already been answered many times over in the group. The answers are there). If I take the time to look through this stuff, I can then ask better questions. In return, I get nuanced, location-specific answers. And the locals like that and tend to open up more. If you can use a few recommendations on FB groups, feel free to message us (my husband and me) on Messenger. Have a great day.

Seen the same here in se-asia..thats why expats from other country's avoid americans often.

In Ecuador. I left when DJT was in office. I thought I would be able to forget about it all. I was wrong. What happens in the U.S.A. affects the world. It IS important. I HATE all this drama too, but it can't be ignored and most likely it shouldn't be.

@@d.f.9064 promise you that 90% what happens in the us doesn't affect the world..ONLY 4% of the earth population are Americans

Politics prevent people from embracing fully the Mexican (or other) experience. Whatever my leanings were/are, it is good to leave them behind.There’s not a lot you can change. Embrace the changes you can make. If that means going back to the US, then go. Do your good there. I love community where I can connect without the politics.

Attention-getters they go. 😂

Reason to buy from owners directly using a notary.

😂 lol so true

Ask to see their license. If they don't belong to an accredited association. One word ...Adios

We are moving back too early next year (will be 2 yrs in Mx). We haven't bought here but we sold our home in the USA and now interest rates and home prices are much higher... also sold our cars (we loved one of them) and now much more expensive to buy. But we don't regret living in MX - we tried and had great weather for 2 years... going back to cold Midwest in a few months! So looking forward to go back home though :).

I bought a house soon after arriving in Ecuador. I love it and at this point (four years) I don't consider it a mistake. But I got lucky and picked a great community before I knew what I was doing.

​@@yestohappiness2721Why are you moving back and to wear in the Midwest?

The Mexican government takes 25% of the money from your house sale. The IRS takes a chunk

@@Joce123 Even if it is your permanent house without renting it? Also, with RFC number?

Thanks so much!

Certainly not possessing gives freedom.

I agree with you:) Hoping to head out in November... kinda scared bc it's just me and my dog at age 70 but... I lived and worked in LA for 25 years and the language will not be a huge barrier for me nor the culture. I grew up with Spanish speaking people since I was a kid and took lots of Spanish courses. Not fluent bc I don't use it much but... not intimidated either. I have noticed the FB expat groups are some really nasty critters sometimes and they are always the expats, not the locals...I will probably steer clear of those groups when I get situated.

Thank you!

Safety is a reason and when you live in Mexico you'll see for yourself.

I totally agree with you. I feel the same way. I don’t want to hear about any of it. I’m trying to move on!

Yes! I also agree - what am wanting to create in my life, rather what am I seeking to leave.

🤔 I left heavily depressed the country where I lived the first 65 years of my life. Coming to Mexico changed everything! Never been that relaxed, positiv and cheerful as I am in Mexico! And I‘ve got some ideas because of why that „healing“ took place: the DIFFERENCE in mentality, climate, food supply, culture, language and what not leaving behind a ton of bad experiences and memories 🤷‍♀️

@@anneli1735 I’m glad you found peace! I myself am struggling and I find these “moving to” videos a release. I already speak moderate Spanish and I think that I can make a go of it. My wife is dead set against it though and I understand why. I at least would like to go for a minimum of several months, rent a place and experience the life. You can’t outrun your own head though and if my wife won’t try it, then it simply won’t happen.

YES, and many many Mexicans lived in the US until they or their parents were deported. Sometimes the people who “lived on the other side” are called pochos, which can be a derogatory term or not depending how it’s used. Probably more than two million Americans (like us) live 3-6 months in Mexico each year - making sure to stay less than 183 days in the calendar year because they’ll likely not be sucked into the mexican income tax system then. There is an intricate an d overwhelming interlocking of people and culture and commerce between these countries, even more so near the border, with a whole bilingual bicultural society of people who live substantially in both countries, or who commute from one country to the other.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess MB?

@@colleenjolicoeur6059Bingo!

What is MB?

Makes me wonder if the type of people who do not assimilate are targeted…🤔

@@KiKiQuiQuiKiKiNot so sure about that. A person can assimilate all she wants but will still look American, Canadian. Etc. That alone can target her.

@@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi The San Fran guy brought his Lexus to Mexico. Big Mistake. So not assimilated. The other, a superb athlete, played on the best local soccer team and party-hosted his teammates at his Very Nice House in Floresta. Big Mistake. So, assimilated, too much. But same mistake for both: Showing Your Money. But I show Zero (stained T-shirts with armpit holes, $50 bicycle), and that did not help me. See singlewoman comment below...

@@asinglewomanontheloose5590 Correct. See my additional comment to Kiki...

Go back to a place that is the world's capital of mass shootings, drug addicts, crime and toxic people. Ok, that makes no sense 🤷‍♂️

I think we’re a small percentage of the population, lucky enough to do just that.

I heard there's a lot of petty theft and home invasions there. Why people left Costa Rica.

Pura Vida 😊 welcome to CR

I completely agree with you, I'm Canadian and I live in Canada. I'm tired of Canadians, Americans and Europeans going to the Global South saying they're expats. They're not expats. They're immigrants. Period. It doesn't even matter if they're permanent or temporary immigrants, they're still immigrants

One can find just about every US fast food restaurant around the world, which are the symbols of American neighborhoods. So no need to feel nostalgic about American culture when trotting the globe. Just pop in a Starbucks and make yourself at home.

Maybe because there was the Red Line real estate agents lived by. Immigrants where internally not sold homes or could rent in other neighborhoods. It’s against the law now but the damage is done. And one of the favorite and first moves “expats” do is build a golf course and a gated community in the countries they go to.

You’re going to place people’s assets under federal government ownership? ;) The word you wanted is “naturalized.”

I married a Beautiful Yucateca. 8 years ago. We are living the dream! In Mérida.

If you have residency in Mexico, my advice is always to buy in Mexico. The reasons are too numerous to list in this comment. ;)

@@qroo thanks much

BTW, we have temporary residency

You are going to have to do a ton of research and learn all the caveats. Everybody that has researched this issue says by the time they pay all the imports it is not worth bringing your car.

On a Temporary Resident Visa you can drive your foreign plated car for up to four years before having to sell it or import it. You need to get a TIP (temporary import permit) outside of Baja and the money you spend on that is refundable when you leave to sell it in the US. I would say keep it until then because you may decide you don't really need a car after you move here. I brought my car down to Baja with me and very rarely drive it around town. I still like to go remote beach camping and surfing so I am glad to have the option. I will probably always own a car here because of the freedom it offers to just get up and go somewhere with out any hassles. BTW- I understand they will be changing the laws to make it easier and less expensive to import your car.

The only way to get outside and exercise safely in Mexico is to live in a gated community and use trails inside the community. Definitely agree it's not safe to drive long distances and go hiking in Mexico.

It’s one of the reasons I’m spending less time in Mexico as I miss the roadtrips, long walks and hikes in nature- You just feel free, safe and mixed in with other people who enjoy the same.

@@JamesG1126 m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nbWiYK6ZkqeroWw.html&pp=ygURSWNoeSBib290cyBtZXhpY28%3D

Not all that much heat in Rosarito and Playas de Jardines de Tijuana, though, even in the summer.

Yes, you can. If by in-person you mean as an employee of a Mexican company, you'll need a work visa. If you mean as a digital nomad, you won't, nor will you have to pay taxes.

love mexico. the climate, people, culture. my only concern is that as a 79 year old person, if a serious medical codition happens, I want to be in the states. I know there are good hospitals, doctors, surgeons in mexico but i believe the most up to date fcilities and equipment are in the states. If or when i learn different, I would be living in mexico right now.

@@jerrysegal2903 Ever herd of medical tourism in Mexico? People from around the world have been going to Mexico to get superior medical treatment since the 1950's. The only downside to going to another country for medical treatments is you have no recourse if things go bad. Mexico has cutting edge medical treatments with the latest equipment. Doctors in Mexico still do house calls and will give you their cell # if you need to contact them. Many, many doctors go to medical school in Mexico because the cost is way less. Then they practice in their home country, usually the USA/Canada and some go home to Europe or...they stay in Mexico.

If you’re looking for warm to hot winters, tens of millions of Mexicans live in places that will not fit the bill: Mexico City with 20-million-plus people and the Pacific coast of Baja CA (at least norte), which are consistently cooler than people realize. But if you need warm to hot winters, sure, they’ve got that too.

Since you gave up US citizenship, do you have another citizenship?

🤔 you moved to California - that’s in the United States mate! Maybe you want to say „Baja California“ which is Mexico?

@@anneli1735 and I quote: California is Mexico. Roffl

There are a few channels that address that problem. Jose Arteaga Travels is one and Mexican Relocation is another. There are ways around it, at least for some people.

@@MaryGwenDungan yes there are ways around it by buying property but not everyone can do that.

@@sallylee6934 There's another loophole for people who have been travelling to Mexico during a certain timeframe, basically the last several years. No proof of financial "suitability" required. Mexico Relocation and Jose Arteaga Travels has covered it.

Start with temporary residence, as the proof-of-income or proof-of-liquid-savings requirements are getting higher for temp residency but nowhere near as extremely high as permanent residence. We were lucky to get permanent residence without proof of income or savings after my wife gave birth in Mexico - we applied from inside Mexico, which is allowed for such so-called Family Unit Residencia Permanente applications.

There are definitely a segment of people who are like this. Most are not. But I did notice they get paid very little down there and I immediately understood why they are risking their lives to cross the border. I thought to myself if I was doing what they were doing I would leave for the USA immediately

😢

I did Spanish immersion for free from the comfort of my home in Canada. I watched Spanish novelas on KZfaq (back then I didn't have a Netflix subscriptions), completed physical grammar books and signed up on websites and apps like Tandem and hello talk to practice with native speakers.

Excuses. Just get going.

Absolutely

I think that renting for a while is the best option, unit you’re sure about where you want to live, or even to stay.

You assume that everyone leaving will sell his or her home at a loss. Why do you assume that?

Don't believe everything you hear. I live like a Rey on less than $1200us per month in one of the more expensive places to live in Mexico. That includes private insurance. For any thing small it's easily affordable to just pay out of pocket. I got my teeth cleaned last week for $30.00us. An avocado costs around $0.44us and a liter of fresh squeezed organic juices runs about $2.00us. After surfing a couple hours this morning on the walk home I had a lunch of freshly caught fish tacos con todo for $27 pesos or around $1.58us each. When I got home I took a short siesta in my palm frond covered rooftop hammock overlooking the ocean while listening to the muffled sound of a mariachi concert at the distant beach malecon. Buena suerte!

There aren't any mass shootings here. Anything over 4 people always involves drugs and it's always between cartel members. Honest question, have you ever heard of a mass shooting involving tourists, visitors or ordinary citizens going about their day here in Mexico? How about road rage shootings? Sorry, but It just doesn't happen here. Have you ever been to Mexico? Do you even have a passport?

Check out regularization program where you don't need to show economic solvency. If you make less than $1400us per month I'm sure you can't live comfortably on that in the US. I have freinds that have lived here for years just by getting a new FMM every six months. Buena suerte!

If you don’t earn $1400 per month, you are doing something very wrong. A minimum-wage job will earn you that in about two weeks here in LA. Social Security benefits are often higher than that too. Perhaps go back and work a bit longer to boost your social security benefit calculation, or live with family if you can to put money into savings rather than too much into housing.