21 replies to this topic

[Jistme]

We've been trying to obtain these elusive INAPAM cards for months. This morning we made our 5th run to the office in Chapala.

We'd been assured that this was the day that we'd finally secure our cards.

Arrived early expecting our perseverance to finally be rewarded by the coveted cards, only to be told that we should come
back again in three weeks.

At this point we're ready to throw in the towel...unless someone has some advice for us on an alternative way to go about this.

Gracias.

[barbara habacht]

Here in Jocotepec...we have helped many people get the state and national cards...now we are told that with the election nearly here...cards will not be available until that date has passed.

[Carolina]

Last summer, I went to a "senior's fair" on the malecon in Chapala. I believe it was in July, but you might want to start watching in June for an article or two in the Guadalajara Reporter. There was a table with a couple of attendants and a typewriter, that was dedicated solely to providing the INAPAM cards. This was at the far, far west end of the malecon. So, if you're coming from Ajijic, you won't even go as far as the main big intersection. You would look for that far west end of the malecon, and park your car on the street, and walk down the embankment or stairs to the malecon. There were about 35 Mexicans, with more walking up all the time, and only about 4 gringas. Chairs were put out to sit and wait. We waited for I'm guessing more than an hour, and then it came our turn to go to the table, and we got our cards right away. BE SURE to bring all pertinant documentation, and at least one xerox copy (2 is better) of each document. If you don't have everything you need with you, you're out of luck. Also, be prepared to be assertive with the Mexicans who are walking up and butting into line, for you could spend a few hours there if you don't speak up and assert yourself. Explain to anyone who rudely butts in that there is a system of seating to keep the earlier ones moving on up and the later ones should be going to the end of the line. Besides the normal documentation, have the name and phone number of a friend with you (someone to call in case of accident) as they ask for this & it gets typed onto the card.

[Mad_Max]

We've been trying to obtain these elusive INAPAM cards for months. This morning we made our 5th run to the office in Chapala.

We'd been assured that this was the day that we'd finally secure our cards.

Arrived early expecting our perseverance to finally be rewarded by the coveted cards, only to be told that we should come
back again in three weeks.

At this point we're ready to throw in the towel...unless someone has some advice for us on an alternative way to go about this.

Gracias.

Thanks for the info - saved me a trip.

I have the state DIF card - and a friend said that it wasn't good on the bus to Guad - so I figured what the heck, I would try it anyway. So my friend was ahead of me in line, she pulled out her card - and he waved her onto the bus to pay the driver the INAPAM rate - so I pulled out my card, and got waved onto the bus for the INAPAM rate too.
After I sat down, I glanced at my card as I was putting it away. Opps - it was an FM3. Lesson learned was that sometimes they don't really look at the cards:)

[Jistme]

Carolina..thanks for this tip. We'll make a point of attending this event, and as we already have all the necessary documents, it could be 6th time lucky.

[myblueheron]

What exactly is needed in order to get the card?

[Irish Gal]

2 copies of picture page of passport,
2 copies of FM3 or FM2,
proof of residence (utility bill or tax bill) and copy
4 copies of pictures (colour or black & white) (2 for DIF and 2 for INAPAM)
proof of blood type (for the DIF card I used my Red Cross donor card from Canada)
Name & phone number of contact person in the event of an emergency

We obtained our DIF and were going to go tomorrow to try to get INAPAM cards. Thanks Jistme for saving us a trip.

[Ajijic]

Very odd in that in San Miguel one goes to the DIF office and gets the one card INAPAM. There are no two cards for seniors. One applies on a Tuesday at 8 am and receives it the following Friday at 8 am.

[myblueheron]

2 copies of picture page of passport,
2 copies of FM3 or FM2,
proof of residence (utility bill or tax bill) and copy
4 copies of pictures (colour or black & white) (2 for DIF and 2 for INAPAM)
proof of blood type (for the DIF card I used my Red Cross donor card from Canada)
Name & phone number of contact person in the event of an emergency

We obtained our DIF and were going to go tomorrow to try to get INAPAM cards. Thanks Jistme for saving us a trip.

I have everything except "proof" of my blood type. I know my type but that isn't enough? How do I get proof?

[cedros]

I have everything except "proof" of my blood type. I know my type but that isn't enough? How do I get proof?

I didn't need proof. I've never needed it in Mexico for anything-they just accept my word.

[rckrckr]

2 copies of picture page of passport,
2 copies of FM3 or FM2,
proof of residence (utility bill or tax bill) and copy
4 copies of pictures (colour or black & white) (2 for DIF and 2 for INAPAM)
proof of blood type (for the DIF card I used my Red Cross donor card from Canada)
Name & phone number of contact person in the event of an emergency

We obtained our DIF and were going to go tomorrow to try to get INAPAM cards. Thanks Jistme for saving us a trip.

Very odd in that in San Miguel one goes to the DIF office and gets the one card INAPAM. There are no two cards for seniors. One applies on a Tuesday at 8 am and receives it the following Friday at 8 am.

Another great example of each office handling national programs in different ways. I went to the INAPAM office in Colima with my passport, FM2, CFE bill & one copy of each. A clerk reviewed the paperwork, filled out a form on the computer, and snapped a photo, and I walked out 15 minutes later with the card.

[Griffin]

I have everything except "proof" of my blood type. I know my type but that isn't enough? How do I get proof?

I didn't need proof of my blood type in Joco. The intake person asked and I told her. I guess if I got it wrong and I'm given blood that isn't the correct type, that's my tough luck. Two Mexican/American women I didn't know who were getting theirs also, helped me with the paperwork. When I was asked my blood type one of the women chimed in, O Positive. She said everyone is O Positive. Fortunately I am.

[txroseinajijic]

I am very new to the Chapala area and need to obtain a INAPAM card. I have read everything on this forum and am wondering what the address is in Joco to obtain the card since it is so hard to get in Chapala? Can someone help me with this? Also, what are there hours?

[jeznel]

Sorry, I'm new--what is an INAPAM card?

[cedros]

Sorry, I'm new--what is an INAPAM card?

http://rollybrook.co...scount_card.htm

[El Toro Furioso]

Very odd in that in San Miguel one goes to the DIF office and gets the one card INAPAM. There are no two cards for seniors. One applies on a Tuesday at 8 am and receives it the following Friday at 8 am.

The DIF card being referred to is the Jalisco DIF card. San Miguel de Allende wouldn't be issuing that one. I have heard from friends who live in Colima and other states that their DIF offices don't offer state cards, just the national INAPAM ones, which is what you really want anyway. INAPAM is the biggy.

[txroseinajijic]

Does nobody have the address...or directions to the Jocotopec or Chapala offices? Please...

[elehne1]

The Joco office is on the north side of Morelos just east of Independcia. Two buildings from the corner. A senior care facility is downstairs. We got both of them last year in about 15 minutes. I think they opened at 9.

[El Toro Furioso]

In Chapala, going into town from Ajijic, make the left on Madero at the first light, then the first right that is one way going (obviously) east. The DIF building is about four long blocks along that road on the left. Be prepared to wait for up to an hour or more. Gringos have turned geriatric Mexicans onto the two cards and there is a great demand for them. Unfortunately, because of this, they often run out of them. You will find this out after a possibly long wait unless you assert yourself to ask if they are available early on, since the office also dispenses other documents. Good luck! If it is more convenient to find out what you need to bring with you, you can pick up a list of requirements at the Ajijic DIF in La Floresta on El Camino Real. Be forewarned, helpful photocopiers may want to blow up your FM2 or FM3 (or any other document) to make it more legible. These will be rejected and you will leave and return to the back of the line. Every copy must be exactly to the original size. Why?...we don't ask those questions.

[Luke]

We were in the Chapala DIF office this morning to see if they had the cards yet. They do not. Again, we were told next week. We have been trying to obtain one for about 2 months. We will try the Joco office next.