Mexican Benefits for Foreigners Over 60

With more retirees moving to Mexico than ever before, there has never been a better time to explore all of the different ways you can save money upon relocating to this charming and beautiful country.  Living costs in Mexico are much more affordable than those in the United States, Canada and Europe, making it an appealing place to relocate upon retirement.  What’s more, you can take advantage of even more discounts with these Mexican Benefits for Foreigners over 60.

When you enroll for the INAPAM (Instituto Nacional para las Perso1nas Adultas Mayores) discount card, you can enjoy impressive discounts on an incredible range of goods and services, which can help you stretch your retirement money even further.  The process to apply for the card is easy, and it also happens to be free.  Once you have your discount card in hand, you will be able to present it to countless businesses.  Here is just a sampling of the services you can enjoy discounts on:

Food & Groceries

As a daily expense, you can save big at specialty food shops, grocery chains and convenience stores.

Dining Out

From diners to cafes, as well as restaurant chains, you can save when you go out to eat. 

Healthcare

Although medication already costs far less in Mexico than in countries like the U.S., seniors can receive additional discounts at many pharmacies.  Several doctors, dentists and medical specialists also offer discounts to card holding seniors.   

Culture

You can find discounts at a variety of art galleries, museums, archaeology parks and bookstores. 

Travel & Leisure

Many travel agencies and hotels found throughout Mexico provide discounts for seniors.  

Party Venues

It is common for festivity halls (salon de fiestas) to offer discounts to seniors who are planning a party at their facility. 

Transportation

Discounts on fares are provided by several airlines, bus companies and sometimes even local taxis.

Discount on Property Taxes and Water Bills

Seniors can receive a discount on their annual property taxes (Predial) as well as their water bills in some municipalities.  

Other Discounts

While discounts for seniors vary between businesses and are not always offered, remember to always present your card and ask just in case.  You will find discounts at a wide range of businesses including accountants, legal firms, construction companies, hardware stores, electricians, locksmiths, plumbers, car service and repair centers, printers, dry cleaners, veterinary services, florists, art stores, jewelry shops, beauty salons, clothing stores and so much more.

The original article can be found at Mexperience:

https://www.mexperience.com/inapam-mexicos-discount-card-for-seniors/

Recommended articles: 

World’s Best Places to Retire – Mexico is No. 1

Why Nuevo Vallarta is Great for Retirement

 

 

Checklist for Relocating to Mexico

Relocating to Mexico, or to anywhere in the world for that matter, is an exciting yet complex step. You will find there are many things you need to organize on both sides of your move to make sure that everything runs smoothly while relocating to Mexico.

There are dozens of reasons for relocating to Mexico: great opportunities, adventure, fantastic weather, the chance to expand your linguistic and cultural horizons, and, of course, the delicious food. But, now that you’ve decided to make the move… do you know how to go about making it happen smoothly? With so many things to do, so much to consider before relocating to Mexico it can be very overwhelming. Here are some of the most essential things to consider when you’re making this big move to Mexico.

Do you have all your documents in check?

It’s so key that you make sure that you, and everyone in your family relocating to Mexico with you, have a current passport, and that you have applied for all the appropriate visas to live and work in Mexico. If you need to, you should contact your local Mexican consulate for any of the forms you will need to complete, and to pay any fees that are required. You should also gather together any important documents you wish to take: birth certificate, marriage certificates, and diplomas should be gathered up and kept safe. You may wish to have them all apostilled before relocating to Mexico.

Have you made a list of what to take?

Not everyone is a “list person” but when relocating to Mexico a list will come in handy to help you decide what to take with your. What items you will take with your to Mexico really depends on you as a person, and your personal circumstances. If you don’t see relocating to Mexico as a permanent or long-term move you might wish to leave some of the larger items (furnishings etc) behind in storage and take only the essentials (like clothes) with you. After all you will find plenty of furnished rentals for grabs in Mexico, and you can always purchase some items when you get there. If you do leave your larger items in storage you can always have them sent at a later date when you’ve settled in. On the other hand, if you’re sure that this is it you may want to get it all over with in one go, and as such a professional moving company which specializes in long-distances should be your priority.

Do you want to take your car with you to Mexico?

If you live in the Americas already and have a vehicle you’re in a good position of being able to bring your car with you if you wish to. You should think about whether you wish to sell, store, or bring your car, and this, once again, will depend really on you and how permanent you see your move being. If you intend to drive to your destination with some of your belongings you should make sure that your car is serviced and in top condition before taking such a long journey. You will also need to apply for a special permit for your car, which is only valid while you are in the country as long as you current visa is valid.

How will you arrive?

If you cannot drive or do not wish to, then flying will be the quickest way when relocating to Mexico, although you may find you are paying high fees for your excess baggage.

Where will you live when you first arrive?

Firstly, you’ll need to deal with your current housing. This means giving notice that you’re leaving if you’re in rented accommodation, or deciding what to do with your home (if you own it). For homeowners there is always the option of renting your house out to secure extra income, but you can also sell it or leave it vacant. As soon as you know when you’ll be moving you should begin to look for accommodation in your destination. Renting is perhaps the best option when first relocating to Mexico so that you can get to know the areas where you may wish to purchase real estate once you are settled.

What do you have planned for your children?

If you’re bringing kids on this move you’ll definitely want to look into the best schools, maybe even private schools, and plan some time to tour a few when you arrive so that you can decide which best fits your family. Before relocating to Mexico, you will need to arrange for their last day of school (if its mid-term), and pick up their academic transcripts/report cards. Make sure you know what official paperwork you will need.

Deciding whether to bring your pets

Taking your beloved family pet is less hassle than you might think; you really only need to ensure they have the necessary shots and a certificate from a licensed vet. Some more unusual animals may require permits, however, so look into that before relocating to Mexico with your pet tarantula.

Are all your finances in order?

You should first of all find out if any of the banks in Mexico are affiliated with your own bank; this can help you to avoid ATM fees at their machines. You might also consider simplifying your finances by closing bank and savings accounts, and culling unnecessary credit cards. Make sure you have online accounts for all your banking needs and any gadgets that you need for logging in securely while living in Mexico.

Have you tie up all loose ends?

Make sure all pending bills are paid, and that your memberships, subscriptions, and unneeded services are cancelled before you leave for Mexico.

Related notes: Relocation to Mexico – Coping with Missing your Family

Get more recommendations in our FAQ section.

 

Puerto Vallarta’s Local Art Galleries

The picturesque Mexican seaside town of Puerto Vallarta just 30 minutes from Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta is a location brimming with art galleries, public sculptures and street art. Each of the numerous art galleries in Puerto Vallarta has a very distinct line of work, displaying art from artists that come from all parts of the world. You will find a wide variety of sculptures, ceramic artwork and paintings in these galleries at reasonable prices for you to decorate your vacation home or choose as gifts for special occasions.

Puerto Vallarta’s Local Art Galleries and the ArtWalk

There’s something for all kinds of art lovers in Puerto Vallarta, from serious collectors to the casual browser to the home decorator, while the weekly Art Walk is a fantastic seasonal event that will introduce you to the Puerto Vallarta gallery scene and local artists. The following list provides you with some useful information about the top galleries in Puerto Vallarta and how to make the most of the weekly ArtWalk

Puerto Vallarta’s ArtWalk

The downtown area of Puerto Vallarta comes alive each Wednesday evening when the seasonal ArtWalk is up and running from October through May. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the weekly activity which involves many of the top Puerto Vallarta galleries opening up in the evening throughout the Centro Historico area, offering a glass of wine and a chance to meet local artists. The ArtWalk provides a great opportunity for mingling and sharing one’s appreciation of art.

Galeria Uno

The first to open in Puerto Vallarta, this art gallery carries a host of artwork created in various styles and mediums. You can expect to find abstract sculptures and modern paintings among a host of colorful exhibits.

Omar Alonzo

The chic look of this gallery is the perfect setting for the ultra-contemporary exhibits held here. This gallery specializes in sculptures, paintings and photographs, and is one of the most professional galleries in Puerto Vallarta.

Peyote People

Your can expect the most unique indigenous artwork to be found in this Mexican art gallery that pays homage to the crafts and artwork carried out by local indigenous artists. Here you will find stunning beaded artwork, yarn “paintings”, statues, Oaxacan wood carvings and traditional artworks crafted in tin.

OPC

Short for Office for Cultural Products (or Oficina de Proyectos Culturales), the OPC gallery functions as a nonprofit organization geared towards promoting the unique talent of Puerto Vallarta’s very own contemporary artists and providing a platform for discussions about art and educational programs.

Ro’Wo Gallery

This colorful art gallery contains remarkable work done by Mexican artisans: furniture, fashion items, jewelry, home accessories and novelty gifts.

There is so much to see when it comes to the various art styles and mediums found in Puerto Vallarta’s art galleries. There is always something to catch your eye.

Picture from internet

Relocation to Mexico – Coping with Missing your Family

While deep down you know that moving to Mexico is going to be an ideal change for you, your first months or year will require you to adjust to such things as missing your friends and family from your home country. For some people, relocation to Mexico means leaving behind elderly parents and grown up children, while for others, a sense of homesickness is created just by the simple fact of not being in your home country. Here are some tips for coping with missing your family upon relocation to Mexico.

Relocate to destinations in Mexico that have direct flights to your home city

Where possible, a great tip is to choose where you are going to live wisely. Relocation to a city in Mexico that is served by direct flights or budget airlines will help you bridge the distance between your new life and your home town. Your relatives and friends will find it easy to give you a visit and you will be able to get home quickly in an emergency.

Take advantage of Mexico’s Lower costs of Living

You will be happy to hear that life in Mexico is less expensive than in many other countries, particularly when you compare the USA and Canada. Not only will this be a great bargaining tool to encourage your friends and family to come and visit you but also allows you to make savings. A great tip is to save money for regular flights home or even to pay for members of your family to come and visit you; that way coping with missing your family after relocation to Mexico will be less.

Choose a place for relocation where the sun shines

Mexico is the ideal place to escape the uncomfortable winter climates of North America, which will encourage your friends and family to come and visit.

Purchase or rent somewhere with rooms to accommodate guests

Finding a place where there are plenty of rooms and bathrooms for your guests is another way to ensure that visitors will want to visit you in Mexico. People are more likely to feel comfortable staying with you if they know that your home is tailored for having guests. Likewise, homes with easy access to amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, stores etc will give your guests freedom so they are not dependent on you, which will encourage them to visit more regularly.

Call Family and Friends Regularly

Setting a regular schedule to get in touch with your closest friends and family will help you cope with homesickness. Find a schedule that fits well with you. That might mean every few days, once a week, once a month, or every time there is a holiday; the key is to make it regular. Having a routine with regards to communicating with your dear ones is better than realizing that a whole year has gone by.

Use Technology to Get in Touch

Your internet connection and gadgets such as webcams make communication easier and faster. Use free services such as FaceTime and Skype so that you can even have a face-to-face connection with your closest back home. With the abundance of technology and internet access we have now, there is no excuse not to get in touch regularly. Before your relocation to Mexico, make sure you get someone to show you how to use this technology so that it is easy for you to stay in touch.

Create a New Social Circle

The best way to fight homesickness upon relocation to Mexico is to have a new set of friends and acquaintances. Be as sociable as possible if you really want to find new friends. You can join dance classes, yoga, take Spanish lessons, and other activities that will help you widen your circle of friends within your community. Your new acquaintances might be Mexicans, expats or both.

Rent or Buy in Mexico?

Many foreigners who choose to make Mexico their home for an extended period of time will most probably ask themselves the question as to whether it is better to rent or buy in Mexico. The personal circumstances of each individual or family will have an impact on the answer to this question, depending on finances, long term goals and experience of the country. Here are some pointers to help you decide whether to rent or buy in Mexico.

Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Mexico

There are a number of benefits of buying real estate in Mexico, which is why it has become popular amongst foreign investors and retirees as well as young families and couples looking for a new pace of life. Here are the top benefits of buying real estate in Mexico:

  • A sound investment
  • You can’t deny that buying real estate is one of the most secure forms of investment, especially if you are looking at buying real estate in Mexico’s top tourist destinations that do not look to be going out of fashion anytime soon.

  • More stable
  • Owning your own home gives you greater stability than renting a property as you are not at the mercy of the whims of your landlord/lady, who could at any minute decide to sell the property that you are living in or decide that it is time for you to leave. Likewise, the death of your landlord/lady can leave you in a difficult situation and vulnerable to being asked to vacate the property that you call home.

  • Potential for appreciation
  • Real estate has the potential for appreciation and therefore you might stand to make money on your property should you choose to sell it at a later date, keeping your money safe.

  • Freedom
  • Owning your own home gives you the freedom to decorate, make enhancements and change your home as you wish. Any improvements that you choose to invest in will add value to your property. Likewise, you can rent your property when you are not using it should you need extra income or decide to return to your home country.

Benefits of Renting

Depending on your financial circumstances, it may be necessary for you to rent a property in Mexico rather than purchase real estate. Some people even choose to rent for a period of time before committing to buying real estate to see if life in Mexico is really suitable. Here are some of the benefits of renting in Mexico:

  • No need for a large investment
  • Perhaps the most obvious advantage of renting a property in Mexico is that you do not need to invest large sums of money. Usually with a couple of months’ deposit and your first month covered you can start renting a property in Mexico.

  • Less Responsibility
  • Renting means that you can hand over the responsibility of repairs and maintenance to your landlord/lady. If the boiler stops working, it’s not your responsibility (or cost), or if you need a new roof, your landlord/lady will have to cover the expense.

  • No long-term commitment
  • Rental contracts can range from one month to one year contracts, with some landlords offering two year contracts, with the possibility of terminating your contract when giving sufficient notice. This means that you have more freedom of movement.

Has this article helped to you decide whether to rent or buy in Mexico? Leave your comments.

Living in Nuevo Vallarta with a Young Family

If you have decided that living in Nuevo Vallarta is the right thing for you and your family, or perhaps you are still undecided if it is the right move, here are some reasons why living in Nuevo Vallarta with a young family could be the best decision you ever make.

Living in Nuevo Vallarta with a Young Family

Nuevo Vallarta and neighboring Puerto Vallarta have many different kinds of activities for people of all ages, budgets, and persuasions, and so you can find something to do in every corner of Banderas Bay, even if you come with a young family. The beach in Nuevo Vallarta is perhaps its best feature with shallow waves ideal for playing and bodyboarding, but there is also a good shopping mall, dolphin sanctuary and a small marina with a boardwalk. Plus, the streets are safe for bicycles, and there is a jogging lane that can also be used for rollerblading.

North

On the North Shore just a short drive from Nuevo Vallarta, you can find Bucerias with its quiet yet hip atmosphere, art galleries, beach and water sports. Further north you will come to Punta Mita where the sun, sand, and seafood make for a great time for all the family. This is the area to be in if you want to enjoy some sport fishing, bird watching, boating, or a leisurely cruise around the bay. When living in Nuevo Vallarta, going north is sure to be something you do regularly.

Sayulita

If you head just a little further North, you will come to the famous Sayulita, which is known as a surfer’s paradise. If you have demanding teenagers this hip and funky town is a must visit; the crowd here is young, and the waves are a most stunning and affordable playground. In Sayulita great restaurants catering to all budgets can be found around the plaza.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Heading into Puerto Vallarta is about a 30-minute drive when living in Nuevo Vallarta. The downtown area of Puerto Vallarta is teeming with activities for people of all ages, and the boardwalk is a great place to see and be seen. Your teenagers might like to hit Senor Frogs, and little ones will love the Papantla dancers and the street performers. Either way, you should walk along the boardwalk to see the open air theatre at Los Arcos, where there are generally a variety of shows, and of course the Los Muertos Pier where you can enjoy an ice-cream and some really stunning views.

Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore

Starting where the cobblestones meet a paved highway after Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town, the South Shore heads towards Barra de Navidad along a beautiful coastal. Along this road you can find beaches, jungle, and river walks, and even bungee jumping. Your young children may enjoy the zoo and a trip to the Vallarta Botanical gardens too. The south shore is a great place for nature-loving people living in Nuevo Vallarta.

Mountain Towns

For those days when you have had enough of the beach, you can always head into the mountains for a cooler experience. The towns of Mascota, El Tuito, and San Sebastian are charming towns which are fairly close to Nuevo Vallarta, taking between an hour and two hours to reach. This can be a very rewarding way to spend your time if you want to do something away from the beach. If you travel just an hour inland from Nuevo Vallarta and you will find San Sebastian where there is a wonderful plaza to stroll along, a river to hike along, and wonderful eateries in which to cool off and recuperate.

Mascota is found only half an hour from San Sebastian and has a wonderful medieval church to see. Close to here is the Sierra Lago Resort where you might choose to visit for a relaxing weekend; this is a heavenly mountain resort nestled by a hidden lake is surrounded by forest. This resort has horses, bicycles, and serves some of the most gorgeous meals in the area. This is a must when you have growing kids who love to explore the outdoors.

Nuevo Vallarta is without a doubt a fantastic family friendly place to live. Living in Nuevo Vallarta will certainly bring a host of wonderful experiences.

Mexico’s Villa La Estancia Mentioned on US News’ Lists of Top Hotels

We are proud to share with residents and potential clients that both Villa La Estancia in Cabo San Lucas and Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit featured on more than one of the prestigious lists released last month by US News naming the top hotels around the world for 2016. US News have gained a lot of credibility over the years as the media outlet ranks hotels independently based on user reviews and the feedback from unbiased travel experts.

Villa La Estancia in Cabo San Lucas enjoyed the #16 position for Best Hotel in Cabo San Lucas; #17 for Best Baja California Hotel and #20 for Preferred Lifestyle Collection Hotels worldwide.
In Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast, Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit came in #8 position for Best All Inclusive in Puerto Vallarta; #8 in Best Puerto Vallarta hotels; #17 in Best Pacific Coast Hotels and # 8 in Preferred Lifestyle Collection Hotels worldwide.

US News releases its eagerly awaited league tables every year around this time ranking resorts and hotels around the world. The lists provide an important source of information for consumers who can trust the rankings because they are based on the independent opinions of guests and reports from industry experts.

World’s Best Places to Retire – Mexico is No. 1

Mexico has edged out the competition to take the number one slot as the best country to retire in amongst U.S. expats, according to International Living (IL), which is one of the foremost authorities when it comes to global retirement and relocation statistics. The findings of this poll are rated on categories such as cost of living, the ease of obtaining visas and residence, and fitting into the local climate. With over 1 million American expats currently living in Mexico, it is clearly an attractive place to relocate, and the transition to live here is one of the easiest a person can find.

The trend of retiring abroad is one that continues to grow, with numbers expected to further increase in the coming years. While other countries on the top 10 list include Panamá, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Malaysia, Spain, Nicaragua, Portugal and Malta, Mexico has outshone them all as the top contender for a place to retire, and here are some of the main reasons why:

Affordable Living

One of the biggest concerns that retirees face is finding somewhere to live that is affordable, and Mexico definitely delivers in this category. You can live comfortably on relatively little money in Mexico, with everything from housing to food costs typically lower than back home. Healthcare is extremely high quality and costs much less than what you would pay for comparable care in the U.S., which is also endlessly appealing.

Incredible Exchange Rates

The recent exchange rates between the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar have been strongly in favor of the dollar, meaning your money will go farther than ever before. This is a great time to take advantage of these historic numbers.

Close Proximity to the United States

With many tourist destinations such as Cabo, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta offering direct flights to several U.S. cities, getting back and forth can be relatively painless. Knowing you can hop on the next flight and be at your destination in mere hours is a major relief for retirees who travel frequently between the two countries.

Impressive Amenities and Entertainment

Depending on where you choose to move within Mexico, you may find conveniences comparable to what you would find back home, from shopping at places like Costco and Walmart to fast food chains common in the states. World-class dining options are also plentiful, as are English-language movies in many theaters, festivals of all types, major musical acts that tour through larger cities and a wide variety of nightlife.

English is Widely Spoken in Many Cities

From coastal towns to big cities, it is very common for English to be spoken by the locals in Mexico, making a move away from the U.S. less intimidating if you don’t speak Spanish.

Why do you think Mexico is a great place to retire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box.

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More Flights to Mexico

Great news for people who are looking to purchase real estate in Mexico, the Air Transport Agreement announced at the end of 2016 shows that the aviation markets are opening up even further between the USA and Mexico, starting in August 2017. In response, a number of airline companies have taken advantage of this agreement, announcing new flights to and from Mexico.

Interjet Flights from USA to Mexico City

Firstly, one of Mexico’s most popular budget airlines, Interjet, announced added flights from Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas to Mexico City. Interjet is Mexico’s second largest airline.

Interjet Flights from USA to Puerto Vallarta

Interjet has also indicated that it will add new routes from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, which is already a popular flight from the USA to the leading tourist town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

Volaris Flights from USA to Mexico City

Another of Mexico’s popular budget airlines, Volaris has also started services from Houston to Mexico City.

Southwest Airlines Flights from USA to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Los Cabos

Southwest Airlines will be offering flights from Los Angeles to Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, with flights pending approval from Oakland, California to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.

American Airlines Flights from USA to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Merida

American Airlines has announced new services from Los Angeles to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta as well as services between Miami and Merida.

Delta Airlines Flights from USA to Cancun and Los Cabos

Delta will be running new daily services from New York to Cancun and from Los Angeles to Los Cabos, as well as flights on Saturdays from Kansas City to Cancun.

Activities for Young Children in Banderas Bay

The hotel beach and pool area are not the only places where your young children can have lots of fun while on vacation in Banderas Bay. There are other activities available to you if you want your toddler to explore more activities in Banderas Bay. The following is a brief list of some of the activities you might explore with your young children in Banderas Bay.

The Zoo

El Zoologico de Puerto Vallarta is about 30 minutes when traveling by car or taxi from Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s located in a mountainous jungle area between Mismaloya and Mismaloya beach, and it’s a great place for your young children to have lots of fun. Unlike a lot of zoos out there, this zoo will allow you to interact with the animals by petting some of them (like baby tigers) and feeding them. The zoo is not that big, so a whole trip’s journey can be completed in a few hours. Your young children will have plenty of colors and sounds to occupy their imagination while there.

Water Parks

Two major water parks where toddlers can play are located in the Banderas Bay area, both of which are about 10 minutes drive from Villa La Estancia. The largest park is called Parque Aquatica, and it has a smaller pool area with shallow water that is perfect for toddlers. There are also smaller slides fit for them that they can use to make a splash in the smaller pools. The other park, Splash, is not expensive as Parque Aquatica, and it also has a pirate theme. The pirate ship has slides coming from it that are suitable for older children and adults. The beach area (manmade) is ideal for toddler play and a great location for parents to enjoy. Both parks have marine creatures like seals, dolphins, and sharks, so that is also something else to keep your toddler entertained.

Equestrian Bucerias

In Bucerias, a small town just 15 minutes from Nuevo Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is an educational farm community that teaches young children about animal life. For a little less than $8, your children will enjoy hours of fun petting, feeding, and talking to the animals. They will also get a chance to ride a pony, which is sure to be a thrill for your child. Your toddler is sure to enjoy this adventure of fun and education.