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We are Canadians considering moving to Progreso or somewhere else close by.
We have never been there but have been to Cancun - all inclusives. We are well aware that daily life is not the same as being on vacation.
The reasons we would move for are basically sun and a new experience. Cheaper living helps too. I run an internet based business so I can do it from anywhere there is reliable internet.
Anyway..here are my questions:
1. Is it safe to bring my SUV when we come? I know I will have to get a permit and insurance but I am worried that my Canadian plates will make me a 'target'.
2. Our plan is to take a vacation rental for 2-3 months so we can get to know the area before either renting longer term or buying. Do you see any problem with this idea?
3. We are not interested in living a lavish lifestyle but are not overly frugal either. We would like to be able to have a reasonably modern 2-3 bedroom house or condo as close to the beach as possible. We would like to dine out a couple of times per month. We do not buy super expensive groceries but would like to buy steak and Dos Equis when we want to. We would like to put our 7 year old into a private school. We would like medical insurance. Here finally is the question - Is $3000 per month reasonable to accomplish all of this or am I dreaming?
4. Is there anything that you would warn me about?
I have more but don't want to be a burden.
Thank you very much - it is nice to hear from someone who has done what we want to do.
I am a former Ontario, Canuck/LA Calif and now retired in Baja Mex south of Rosarito. What you are asking is possible up to a certain degree.
I can give some info but not about Progresso/Meridia etc.
Lets go down the list.
1. Your Canadian plates will stand out like a sore thumb as would US plates. People would know you have MONEY to be there and adverse problems may arise.
2. You would need a 90 day or 180 day Visa (only twice in a 360 day callendar yr).
You can Rent (no problem at all)...to buy next to the coastal water will need going thru a lot of paperwork, money deposited into a Mexican Bank plus extensive paper work. To do all this a FM2 and FM3 residency/work paperwork needs to be completed first.
3. Large grocery stores are all over Mexico and no different then those in Canada.
As far as school...not sure...may depend on the number of English students needs in the area.
Medical Ins is available from what I heard from friends...as for me I use the Military Veterans hospital in San Diego thus why I'm close to the border.
4. Too much to tell about Mexico after 16 yrs.
To get a phone a person needs proof of rental or purchase and the address for a land phone and connection to the Internet using Mexican Telnor.
Has been a long time since living in Canada...most of the time in Calif...now here in Mexico where the laws are way different then what you may expect.
You may DM me if you wish. I did give some satisfactory info to two different couples from the west coast that ended buying property/house in Baja.
Remember that any info given by Americans or Canucks will be of a personal nature/experience and may no be the average normal conditions depending on the area of choice.
I am a former Ontario, Canuck/LA Calif and now retired in Baja Mex south of Rosarito. What you are asking is possible up to a certain degree.
I can give some info but not about Progresso/Meridia etc.
Lets go down the list.
1. Your Canadian plates will stand out like a sore thumb as would US plates. People would know you have MONEY to be there and adverse problems may arise.
2. You would need a 90 day or 180 day Visa (only twice in a 360 day callendar yr).
You can Rent (no problem at all)...to buy next to the coastal water will need going thru a lot of paperwork, money deposited into a Mexican Bank plus extensive paper work. To do all this a FM2 and FM3 residency/work paperwork needs to be completed first.
3. Large grocery stores are all over Mexico and no different then those in Canada.
As far as school...not sure...may depend on the number of English students needs in the area.
Medical Ins is available from what I heard from friends...as for me I use the Military Veterans hospital in San Diego thus why I'm close to the border.
4. Too much to tell about Mexico after 16 yrs.
To get a phone a person needs proof of rental or purchase and the address for a land phone and connection to the Internet using Mexican Telnor.
Has been a long time since living in Canada...most of the time in Calif...now here in Mexico where the laws are way different then what you may expect.
You may DM me if you wish. I did give some satisfactory info to two different couples from the west coast that ended buying property/house in Baja.
Remember that any info given by Americans or Canucks will be of a personal nature/experience and may no be the average normal conditions depending on the area of choice.
Steve
Excellent post. I lived in various places in Mexico for 6 years, and you are right on the head with your comments.
"now here in Mexico where the laws are way different then what you may expect."
Thanks,
Russ
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