11 replies to this topic

[elevator]

My wife and I are seriously considering a retirement out of the US and in particular to Mexico and the lake Chapala area. I lived in Guadalajara back in 1972 for seven months playing basketball for the Charros de Jalisco.
I enjoyed my time there and always remembered the great weather and nice folks. There were many retired military expats living in Gudalajara even then and we would interact with them at the American Legion on Sundays. Never gave a thought to my retirement at that age of course, but over the years I often thought of buying land in Mexico...wish I had. Anyway, it appears to be a wonderful option. I've lived out of the country,
other times ( Belgium ansd Germany ) for extended periods, and believe I am prepared for doing so. My wife, to my surprise, is really getting excited about the prospect as well. We have no children or parents here in the US, which I know will make the transition easier and my wife is an understanding, patient and adaptable person. Even with all of that in our favor, I know there will be difficult situations and decisions. That is why we are beginning to prepare for a move in the next 18-24 months. we have a house in Atlanta and a cabin in SC, so we will need to downsize quite a bit.

Our plan is to visit Lake Chapala in about six months for 7-10 days, so any advice for that occasion is welcome. I know there are various tours etc.but we want some flexibility as well with our time. If all goes well, we plan to move down and rent for six months or a year to find out for sure. Of course, that depends on selling real estate etc.

Anyway, hello to all and congratulations on your successful transitions. I welcome any comments, advice etc. on anything pertaining to what I've posted, or anything else for that matter. I know I will be pestering you guys for a lot of information in the coming months.

[carib]

Hey, Welcome
We are going back to the states, specifically Atlanta, for health reason and to be close to our 2 daughters. Can you tell me about the house you are thinking of selling there. Location, size, price....etc. We are selling our house here and planning to buy in Atlanta.
Thanks

[gina]

Dear newbie,
I can really understand your motives of moving to Lake Chapala. neither my husband nor I have parents and my husbands only brother lives in Mexico DF, mine in
Wsahington DC. We are looking for new friends/family like and an adventure in our sixties. We will hpoefully come down in a year, rent and only bring 2cats and 2 dogs, if they let us. We can talk about germany, when you come, since I am German, with European passport, having lived now in the USA for 30 years.We decided we need some fresh air! Gina

[elevator]

Gina,

Nice to hear from you. It appears from what I have read that each person can bring two animals into Mexico, we have three cats and two dogs, but we'll work it out. I liked Germany, but it was probably the exact opposite of Mexico as far as the pace of life etc.

[ohjoni]

You can bring in more than 2 animals, but must pay an import duty. When I came in in late January, 2010, it was $1,630 pesos total for the two extra cats.

Unfortunately, the customs inspector was a witch (one of those people that, given a badge and a gun, thought she ruled the world) and insisted on temporarily confiscating 2 of the cats and insisted that I get a customs broker to do the paperwork, although the agriculture inspector said it was OK just for me to pay the import duty. The customs broker cost me almost $300 USD and when I got the cats back, they apparently had not been given any food or water during the 2 days.

Since I came in from Germany, I arrived at the airport in Cancun. I understand it's somewhat easier if you come in over land.

Much easier if you drive your animals over the border. I have done it twice and they never even looked at my animals or papers. Flying with them works, but is a big hassle.

[elevator]

It's still a ways off, but was thinking of the wife taking the two cats by air and I would drive down with the dogs. Thanks to all who have replied.

[elevator]

Hey carib,

Did you receive my message with my email?

[carib]

Hey carib,

Did you receive my message with my email?

Yes I did respond last night. Sent me a new one with information about your house in Atlanta.

[elevator]

carib,

I never received your email reply.

[sandykayak]

Gina, are you a US citizen? If you move to Mexico and then want to move back to the US, you might find that your "green card" will no longer be valid. Even 20 years ago, my cousin (origianlly from Ecuador but was US resident) would get nasty looks and comments when she went back to the US every year. Since 9/11 things are much worse obviously.

I believe that having an exit strategy and not burning one's bridges are good MOs.

[gina]

Thank you Sandy Kayak
I had not thought of a problem with my green card, but it makes sense. However I will stay German citizen
and hope USA will let me at least visit our son, who is US citizen. There is no dual citizenship for Germans.
I am rather thinking of my German soc. Sec. coming to Mexico via USA. Hope to meet you! Gina