NoVaDamer

We just flew back to the States to visit the grandkids and get vaccinated. Here's our experience and some tips: We checked out various options for rapid antigen testing, and chose to use the clinic in the perking lot in front of Soriana for about 489 MXP each. You go into Soriana and go to the checkout, tell them what kind of test you want (for the States, you need the PCR or the antigen, not the antibody test). The antigen test is the cheapest and quickest. The checkout lady gives you a receipt, and you walk over to the clinic.The woman there has you fill out a simple form,and for the antigen test, she sticks the swab pretty far up one nostril (one time). That's it. She said the results would be emailed in 2 hours, but we had not received them at four hours, so we drove back and she printed a copy for us and sent them to us (not sure what the hold up was, probably just Mexico). We did this the afternoon before our flight. For our flight, we had to process thru immigration as usual, then check in and show our ID papers, immigration form, negative Covid test, and an attestation form which is something you can download from your airline. Its just a form saying you had a negative test and you sign and date it. Also, while checking in, you have to access the Mexican government website on your phone and fill out the Covid survey (which has been the case for several months). You have to show this to the security people before going to your gate. Once we got to the plane, no one on the US side asked for any paperwork wrt Covid; that responsibility is all on the airlines. When looking for vaccinations stateside, I strongly recommend you access facebook and search for "vaccine hunters (state/city)" where you are going. Join the largest, most active community you find. I did so, and within 12 hours of arriving I had a confirmed appointment for a single-shot J&J vaccination, based on tips posted by my new vaccine-hunting Facebook friends! Good luck!

This may not help yu this time, but perhaps in the future. I rarely find good customer service at AeroMexico. I recently cancelled a flight and they gave me an eCredit only good until the end of the year. Anyway, I try to schedule most of my AeroMexico flights via Delta (their partner) and Delta is good at refunding the tourist tax.

We've been visiting for almost ten years (living here for four) and the change just in that time has been noticeable. Quite correct about increasing car ownership by Mexicans, and add to that many of the drivers (regardless of age) are new drivers which makes it more interesting. I second the idea of being strategic about when you go out, which is something I always did NOB, but did not expect at lakeside. Also, think about the relative issues. Yes, it's been 15 minutes across Ajijic at times, which is a crawl. But no one cares if you're late. roll down the windows and take in the sights. It's only a bother if you let it bother you (unless, of course, if you need an ambulance!).

Just to second lakeside7's point, the requirement to file FBAR is not eliminated by achieving dual citizenship in Mexico (or anywhere else), only by formally and legally renouncing your US citizenship. The IRS has successfully charged several such case. Also, because the FBAR is only a reporting requirement (and has no tax implications of its own), the IRS views avoiding it (by manipulation of totals) or simply ignoring it as a criminal matter, so the OP is quite right to want to get it right!

The way las cabanuelas was explained to me, it's a Mexican folk version (like Poor Richard's Almanac) of predicting the weather for the year. The weather on January 1st predicts January, January 2nd predicts February, January 3rd predicts March, and so forth. Anybody else heard this?

From the CDCP on domestic (US) travel: "Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19." The warning with respect to Mexico is as much about being sick where you are unsure of your health care.

There are two major factors interacting to affect the Mexican Peso. One is the dynamic between the coronavirus and the Mexican government's response. This drove the Peso down quickly, as Mexico was seen by currency traders and economists as not taking sufficient steps to combat the virus' spread and to mitigate the long-term effects on the economy. The second is the probable realignment of supply chains away from China. Many countries recognized they were far too vulnerable to supply chain disruptions as whole sectors of manufacturing (for example, medical supplies) came from one country--China. When the US looks to move supply chains, the obvious candidate is Mexico: existing relationships, cheap labor, close transport. So some economists suggest Mexico's economy is due to boom in the 3-5 year range as a result, putting some upward pressure on the Peso (wrt the dollar). You'll continue to see variations in the 10-30% range for the next few years as speculators get hints at which of these factors is more important to Mexico's economic performance.

I just flew to the States (two weeks ago) and returned to Guadalajara (via Cancun) last week. This advisory is just that: advice. There was no health form requirement when entering the US, no inspection by ICE/CBP and no testing. So there is no way for the US to determine whether I was exposed/infected. Likewise, many US states have introduced stay-at-home quarantines, but there is no enforcement mechanism at international arrivals in airports. Mexico does have a form you fill out (online or paper) where they ask you where you have traveled and if you were exposed. No verification, although we did walk past temperature-taking stations (doing no testing) at both GDL and CUN airports. Enforcing a testing regime or quarantine at US airports would take days to weeks to prepare.

On a related note, the route via Cancun also works when returning from the US. We are in Playa del Carmen right now, having taken a Southwest Airlines flight (CVG-BWI-CUN) GottaGetAway fare of $100 USD. Part of SouthWest's regular fare sales.

There's a website for that: https://www.flightconnections.com/ The short answer is no for nonstop. Yes for connections via Mexico City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, LA. Keep Cancun in mind, as European airlines fly nonstop there and have return flights for their vacationers, too.

I visited yesterday. The eastern entry/exit will become exit only, one-way towards Chapala. Whether they can enforce that direction or not is an open question, but it probably won't be an entryway. The western entry/exit (between the AutoZone and Domino's) will probably stay the same, although it's not very useful as an exit (hard to head west, why not use the other exit to go east?). The main exit will be at the light (new).Right now, there is no signal for those exiting, so it's a mess; they will need to install another signal and left turn light. Thus the intersection will slow down some, as there is another light sequence to add. But there will be less of the wild-west driving atmosphere than before. Note I said less: this is Mexico, after all.

We live in Ajijic and visited the States for two weeks in August. We few roundtrip, non-stop Guadalajara to Chicago/ O'Hare (ORD) on Aeromexico. Masks were required at all airports, along with social distancing, meaning lines were spread out, many seats/chairs were either removed or spaced out. Only a small number of vendors were open in the airports (e.g., at ORD international terminal, the only food available was Burger King). Lines were short, as there are few flights.Some of the airport lounges were closed. Planes were boarded back-to-front, and the boarding rules were one or two rows at a time, strictly enforced. Masks were required during the entire flight except when eating/drinking. Service from the flight attendants was limited. Lakeside, most restaurants and shops are open. Masks are required, but many locals are not wearing them (I would estimate 50%). Seating is limited , and you must sanitize your hands when you enter. Also, in Mexico you often have to step on a mat which has/had disinfectant on it. Still no large events/gatherings here either.

Three years ago, we bought four sets of "loveseat" style, synthetic rattan chairs from their store on Lopez Mateos. Very comfortable and they show no signs of wear and tear.

I have US Dish Network via satellite. Maybe I misunderstand what you wrote, but I have only one, small (probably 4') dish. I get around sixty channels (including all the major networks and ESPN) for about $90 USD a month. Reception is excellent, with the exception of heavy rain. To put that in perspective, I lose satellite lock probably two or three times a year, usually for ten minutes or less.

My apology. The New York Times has a good piece on this today, confirming the original claim about American citizens not receiving the stimulus based on their spouse's ITIN use. I should have known better than to respond as I did: Mea culpa! I got so tired of correcting other people's comments ("it's just a loan" "it's only for residents") that I failed to research BEFORE I shot off my mouth. Again, sorry! https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/us/coronavirus-undocumented-immigrants-stimulus.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage&section=US News

1) yes, 2018/19/20, all (minimal) refunds, all filed with TurboTax

Nonsense. There is nothing on the IRS website stating such a condition. There is a statement saying "non-resident aliens" are not eligible, but that does not change the status of a US citizen spouse. And there is no condition that one be a US resident. I am a US citizen with a permanente here, and my wife and I already received our stimulus checks. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions

This website from US Customs & Border Protection has wait times for border crossings. I bet they will also show other restrictions/changes/etc. https://bwt.cbp.gov/

Second the notion to check with a tax advisor/attorney. As a US citizen, you have a tax domicile whether you choose one or not. It is the last place you resided/paid taxes to, unless you made a positive effort to change it. Some expats claim you don't need to pay state taxes, but it all depends on your last state of residency (tax domicile). For example, I am an Ohio resident and I pay taxes to that state. I can file an affidavit stating I don't live in Ohio anymore (and pay no taxes), but then that state has the right to revoke my driver's license, voter registration, etc. Each state is different. Also, even if you owe no taxes, if you ever plan to have a will probated in the US, the state where that happens will want to know where you paid taxes, or they will attach a lien against your will. Just FYI.

I listened to their promotional pitch, because I was interested in their business model. I don't recall the exact costs, so I don't want to throw something out there; anybody interested can get a quote from them, I am sure. I am also sure there are cheaper places in the States; you get what you pay for in either case.

It's a continuing care retirement community, modeled on many similar successful communities NOB. You buy-in once for a level of service (meals, health care, utilities, transport, etc) and then pay a monthly rent for the type of dwelling you want: home, apartment, etc. The idea is you can start off in independent living, move to assisted living when you need it, and end up in full time (nursing) care at the end, without leaving your community. Some % of the original buy-in is redeemable by you (if you leave) or your heirs (if they carry you out). What makes this interesting is the model is being imported to Mexico, where costs are much less. La Pueblita is the first of several planned communities in Mexico, and is much less expensive than the communities NOB. It is not a timeshare. The developers are professionals with a good track record NOB. Whether it works here, or not, TBD!

According to their webpage, they are at Gate K, international departures. https://www.aicm.com.mx/en/government-entities/inm

Look at the bright side! Some of the topes near Chantepec have become simple bumps due to the repaving. Now that is progress!

Several suggestions. 1) You can get pesos from any ATM once you cross the border, at a much more favorable rate. However, you do face the possibility of an empty ATM, or your card not working (any of the problems which can happen when relying on online banking). If you need to feel secure by having some pesos, contact AAA and you can buy some through them. Just get enough to cover you to an ATM. 2) Don't rely on one form of travel info. Get a good Mexican road atlas delivered to you in the States. If you use GPS, make sure you have the most recent update downloaded to it. I suggest you also get the WAZE app on your phone. It uses Google maps but is augmented by real-time data from all WAZE users. You create a (free) account and it gives you immediate updates on police, road debris, accidents, etc. You need more than one source of travel data in case one isn't working. 3) In picking where to cross, consider what Mexican States you will travel through. For example, Tamilaupas is under a "do not travel" advisory from the US State department, with the following comment: "Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state in marked and unmarked vehicles and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa northwest to Nuevo Laredo." I have crossed at Nuevo Laredo several times without incident, and you are quickly out of Tamilaupas. 4) Travel times in Mexico are much longer. You just can't drive as fast, and you do not want to travel after dark, so many people use two days to get from the border to lakeside. Some make it all the way in daylight, so it is possible. It all depends on your druthers. 5) If you're not in a hurry, take a little time on the US leg of your trip and visit some of the country. Many people make a smuggler's run of 12 hour driving days to get to the border. Taking shorter drives and visiting some places can be more relaxing and rewarding. There is a lot of country, history, culture, and cuisine you're driving by. The same goes for the Mexico leg. 6) Use Mexican toll roads (Cuotas) whenever possible. They are expensive, but faster, safer, and with better services. Also less prone to that Mexican phenomenon of a massive bovine-induced travel back-up. They also have the Green Angels ("Angeles Verdes") who patrol and help stranded motorists. Enjoy!

First of all, the topes they installed on the libramiento are the warning kind: not large enough to do serious damage, but they do jolt you (in a car) and make a loud noise. You can drive over them at speed (40 kmh) in a well maintained car (I have repeatedly) without damage to the vehicle. In a large truck, they would be barely noticeable. Second, if your large truck does not have functioning brakes, hitting a series of noisy topes is just going to move WHERE you have the accident, not prevent it. If cars in front of the truck slow down and crawl over the topes, the truck (without brakes) is going to rear end them, or veer off right into the small buildings, or veer off left into oncoming traffic. If the truck is alone on the libramiento, the same conditions apply: they will zoom over the topes and plow into the intersection. So topes add nothing to the equation if the problem is runaway trucks. If the problem is people speeding on the libramiento as they come into the commercial area near Walmart (which is a problem), warning topes will slow them down, at the cost of some damaged chassis (due to poor maintenance and surprise), some rear end collisions (you stop, I don't), and some bad driving (passing on the left/right to avoid the topes and slower drivers). Such is the nature of all warning topes, yet that is the way Mexico chooses to control traffic speed.