Frequently Asked Questions

A: It depends on your motivation and the method you use to learn it. If you are highly motivated, use the methods I mentioned in Chapter Nine. You will advance rapidly.

2. Q: Is learning the peso-dollar exchange rates difficult?

A: Not at all. If an item costs 200 pesos, just divide by the current exchange rate to find out the amount in US Dollars. The rate has been over 11 pesos to the US Dollar for several months, so we just divide the number of pesos by 11 to calculate the amount in dollars. After a while, you will find that you stop comparing pesos to dollars and just think in pesos.

3. Q: Can a foreigner buy real estate in Mexico?

A: Yes, foreigners can buy real estate. However, the process is a bit different in Mexico than in the USA.

4. Q: Can I open a Mexican bank account?

A: Yes. You will need to ask the bank what documents they need. Some will only allow you to open an account if you have a valid FM-3 visa; some will open an account if you just have a tourist visa. You will also need to have a copy of your lease (if you rent) and current copies of utility bills showing your address (it doesn't matter if the name on the bill is your landlord's name and not your name). You will also need to have a minimum amount of pesos for your first deposit.

5. Q: Can I direct deposit my Social Security, disability or pension check into my Mexican account?

A: You CAN to do this, but check with the Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) or your pension company. Also, check with your Mexican bank to see if they can handle direct deposits from the United States.

You may want to have your check deposited into a U.S. bank and then withdraw a lump sum each month to deposit into your Mexican account to use as you need it. The value of the peso has changed over the years (sometimes a great deal) and your peso account could devalue overnight. Most experts recommend keeping most of your money in a U.S. bank and only transferring enough to your Mexican account to cover a month or two of expenses.

6. Q: How can I avoid getting "la turista?"

A: "La turista", also known as "Montezuma's Revenge", refers to a gastrointestinal upset caused by bacteria. You can avoid it by practicing the suggestions we list in Chapter Fourteen. Drink only purified water (and use it to brush your teeth) and wash your hands often (especially before eating). Peel vegetables and fruits or soak them in a chlorine or iodine solution, and avoid foods that have been sitting out without refrigeration. Many travelers carry antibacterial hand cleaners to use when sinks are not available.

If you get a case of "la turista" despite taking proper precautions, drink plenty of clear liquids (chamomile tea is easy on the stomach). Avoid alcohol and dairy products for a few days. When you can keep liquids down, you can introduce plain gelatin, tortillas, and rice. If you cannot keep liquids down or if the diarrhea continues, see a doctor immediately. You may need an antibiotic as well as medication to slow down your gastrointestinal tract.

7. Q: How can I check my e-mail?

A: Almost everywhere you go you will find Internet cafes. The computer age has come to Mexico, but most Mexicans cannot afford home computers or Internet connections. Therefore, Internet cafes have sprung up all over. For 8-15 pesos an hour, you can check your e-mail, surf the Internet, play computer games, or type papers.

8. Q: How can I get around?

A: In Guanajuato, cab fares are around 25 pesos in town and around 35 pesos if you want to go to the bus station. If you call a cab, you will have to pay an additional 10 pesos. City buses cost 2 ½ pesos (about $0.20 USD) and have routes all over town. Guanajuato is small enough that you can walk most places.

If you want to travel around Mexico, buses are very inexpensive and comfortable. The buses have air-conditioning, movies, and restrooms. Some have galleys where you can fix yourself a cup of coffee or hot tea and some even serve snacks.

9. Q: How can I get money in Mexico?

A: There are ATM machines in most cities where you can access your US (and Mexican) bank account. Some machines only dispense pesos; some give you a choice between pesos and dollars. Usually, the ATM will give you a better exchange rate than a bank or a currency exchange office. If you have traveler's checks, banks and some hotels will cash them into pesos for you, but you need to show your passport. If you have cash in dollars, you will have to exchange them for pesos at a currency exchange office (unless you are in certain resorts cities or border towns where dollars are accepted). You can also get a cash advance on your credit card at ATMs or banks.

10. Q: How can I avoid being a crime victim?

A: Take the same precautions you would if you visited Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, New York City or Miami. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, don't flash large amounts of cash in public, don't leave cameras and other attractive items in your car in plain view, and be aware of your surroundings.

11. Q: What if I am disabled?

A: In Guanajuato, there are few concessions for the disabled. Some downtown streets and sidewalks have wheelchair ramps, but not many of the surrounding areas do. Guanajuato has many steep streets and many steps, so wheelchair navigation is difficult.

Also, since many buildings are constructed on the sides of mountains, houses and hotels can have many steps (and few elevators). However, we have seen an increasing number of people in wheelchairs or using walkers and canes, so it is possible to get around.

Newer resort hotels provide more accommodations for the disabled than many of the older hotels in the country. These have elevators and wheelchair ramps and may have rooms with extra-wide doorways, roll-in showers, and grab bars.

12. Q: Will I need a passport?

A: YES! If you plan to use traveler's checks or if you plan to move to Mexico, you will need a US passport.

The U.S. State Department recently changed the requirements for Americans returning to the States after visiting Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Now, they require travelers to have a valid passport or other acceptable documentation to enter the United States. You may want to check with your airline or the State Department before your trip to find out what their requirements are then.

13. Q: How do I find public restrooms?

A: There are public restrooms in Mexico, but they are not as plentiful as in the United States. Large department stores and supermarkets have them, but you may need to pay a few pesos to use them. Restaurants and movie theaters have restrooms, but you can only use them if you are eating a meal or attending a movie.

You can find a few public restrooms close to parks, in bus stations, and in some of the markets. You will be charged a few pesos for the privilege of using them. Be sure to carry some tissues with you as your pesos will only buy you a small piece of toilet paper. Also, it is a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you since sometimes, there are no paper towels available and sometimes there is no water. Some of these restrooms are clean, others are not, and many have no toilet seats.

14. Q: How should I behave while visiting Mexico?

A: If you read Chapter Two, you know inappropriate behavior in public is one of our pet peeves. Rudeness, obscenities, and rage behavior are not the way to act in any country. Instead, be polite, kind, patient, humble, and treat others the way you would like to be treated. Remember that you are in Mexico where things don't always work the way you are used to in the United States. Remember that you are a guest in Mexico and behave as you would as a guest in someone's home.

15. Q: Should I use traveler's checks?

A: Traveler's checks from a well-known international company like American Express, Visa, or MasterCard are the most familiar and therefore the easiest to cash. You will need to exchange your traveler's checks for pesos at a bank or currency exchange office since most stores and restaurants will not accept them as payment. Some of the more expensive hotels may cash them for you, but you may not get as good an exchange rate as a bank would give you.

16. Q: Can a woman safely travel alone in Mexico?

A: Yes. However, you must be prepared to deal with much male attention including catcalls and whistles on the streets. Be cautious and travel with a group, especially at night. Also, be aware that many bars, especially cantinas, are for males only…women are not welcome. If you want to go to a bar or nightclub with a group of women, ask your hotel manager to recommend a suitable place.

17. Q: How much should I tip for various services?

A: You are not required to tip taxi drivers unless they help you with your luggage (though we give them a small tip anyway). Waiters should receive 10% of the total bill (more if the service was excellent). The same goes for the barber or stylist who does your hair. You should tip your hotel maid the equivalent of a couple of dollars a day. If you take a guided tour, you should tip the guide 10% of the cost of the tour.

18. Q: Can I use my electrical appliances in Mexico?

A: The electric current is the same in Mexico as in the United States. However, many older houses and hotels do not have grounded outlets that accommodate 3-prong plugs. If your razor, clock, or hair dryer has a 3-prong plug, you should bring an adapter for it.

There are frequent voltage surges, brownouts, and occasional power outages, so you should bring a surge protector and maybe a voltage regulator as well to protect your stereo and television. Also, it would be a good idea to bring a voltage regulator with a battery backup if you want to use your laptop or desktop computer.

19. Q: Are vaccinations necessary?

A: We have met many Europeans, both students and tourists, who got all manner of immunizations before they left home and became ill anyway. Our U.S. doctor told us that no special immunizations were necessary for central Mexico, but we would need vaccinations for various tropical diseases if we planned on spending any time in the tropics. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on destinations, vaccinations, diseases, and more.

20. Q: Can I work in Mexico? A: Maybe. To work in Mexico, you must provide a service that no Mexican in that area can adequately perform. In addition, you must have a work visa allowing a specific company to employ you. If you change companies, you must get a new visa for the new company.

Teaching English is a possibility if you are a native English speaker. Schools, both public and private, are almost always in need of native English speakers. They may have Mexican teachers who can teach English, but want to use native speakers whenever possible.

Don't expect to strike it rich teaching English in Mexico. You may be offered as much as $12 an hour in Mexico City, but the norm throughout the rest of Mexico is between $3 and $6 an hour. If a large school hires you, they may offer you full-time work. If, however, a small school hires you, they may only offer you 10 or so hours a week. We have met several English teachers who have to teach at 3 or more different schools to make a modest living.

21. Q: What should I pack for my trip?

A: Check out The Weather Channel website, type in the name of the city or cities you plan to visit, and click on averages and records. There is a chart which gives you the average monthly highs, lows, and rainfall. You can also look at the current forecast. This will give you an idea about the clothing you will need.

If you are planning to visit areas at high elevations, you will need to bring a sweater or light jacket for the evenings, even during the summer. During the winter months, you should bring a heavier jacket, a sweater, and a warm hat. You won't need these during the day, but it can get chilly after the sun goes down. Also, you should bring something warm to sleep in (like sweats or flannel pajamas) since most hotels do not have central heat.

If you are planning to visit tropical areas, bring light clothes that breathe well (like cotton). Jeans and shirts that contain polyester are just too warm and don't allow perspiration to evaporate. In these areas, you will need a hat that gives you complete coverage and good shade as well as sunscreen with a high SPF rating.

Of course, you should bring clothing suitable for whatever activities you are planning to pursue. Bring bathing suits for the beach and boots for hiking. If you want to snorkel or scuba dive, you don't need to bring your equipment with you (unless you are driving and have room to spare) since you can rent whatever you need here.

Another important item to pack is a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes that give you proper support. For the cobblestone streets and sidewalks of central Mexico, we find that All-Terrain walking or running shoes give us the best support.

You should bring an umbrella and light raincoat even if your visit is not scheduled during the region's rainy season. It can rain any time of the year and the downpours can be very heavy, especially in the tropics.

It is easy to find a place to have your laundry done for you, so you don't need to pack enough clothes for the entire trip. Your hotel may have laundry facilities or a laundry service.

If you are flying or taking the bus, you should pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. All your medications, essential toiletries, and pertinent papers should be packed in your carry-on luggage in case the rest of your luggage is lost or delayed.

I just want to give a word of advice about toiletries. You will be able to find many American brands of makeup and other toiletries, but they are expensive. Mexican brands are just as effective and are less expensive. However, you should bring enough of your essentials to last a few days. Who wants to spend time looking for a drugstore immediately? Also, if you are visiting somewhere with an arid climate, moisturizer is a necessity. Even if you have oily skin, you will find your skin will be drier than normal. Also, you may want to switch to a moisturizing shampoo.

22. Q: How can I make phone calls?

A: If the housing you secure does not have a telephone, you can buy telephone debit cards to use at public pay phones. Many stores and markets sell these cards—look for a sign in the window or ask the shopkeeper.

These cards are easy to use, come in various denominations, and can be used to make local as well as long-distance calls. The telephones have computer screens which show you how much credit remains on your card. Most telephone booths have detailed instructions on how to make international calls.

23. Q: What can I bring into Mexico?

A: If you enter on a tourist visa, you can bring a camera, some film, a few CDs, a laptop computer, medications (in their original bottles and accompanied by written prescriptions from your doctor), toiletries, and clothing. Access the U.S. State Department website, click on "Regional Information" under "Tips for Traveling Abroad" on the left side of the page, and then click on "Tips for Travelers to Mexico" for a complete list.

If you get an FM-3 visa, you have 3 months to bring a "reasonable" amount of household items into Mexico without paying duty. You can find a list of customs rules at the Mexico International Movers website. Click on "Customs Regulations" under "Quick Links" and then click on "International Movers Mexico". You will find a list of required documents, items on which you will have to pay duty, forbidden items, information on how to import your car, truck, or boat, and how to bring in your pet. You can also get an estimate of the cost of moving your household items on this website.

24. Q: I don't speak Spanish. Who could I contact in Mexico for assistance?

A: In regions where there is a large English-speaking population, you will have little difficulty finding someone to help you. If you are in a more traditional Mexican town, you may have some trouble finding people who speak English. The tourist office may have someone who speaks English or will know someone who does. You can also go to any of the language schools that teach Spanish to foreigners—there will be English speakers there who can help you.

25. Q: As a senior citizen on a limited income, how would I go about finding an economical community to live in if I want to stay in Mexico?

A: Depending on your physical condition, you could live in one of the colonial cities like Guanajuato. However, if you don't speak Spanish or you have physical limitations, you might want to consider places where expatriates congregate-Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende or Puerto Vallarta. Some of these areas may not be as economical as smaller Mexican towns.

26. Q: How can I find a reputable doctor?

A: In small towns where there is not a large expatriate community, you might have difficulty finding a doctor who speaks English. If your Spanish is good, you won't have trouble finding a good doctor in any but the most rural areas of Mexico.

If you visit or live in a city with many expatriates, ask several people to recommend doctors that they like. You may find there are several English-speaking doctors from which to choose.

27. Q: If I have special needs, such as being on a low-fat or low-sugar diet, will I be able to find the products I need easily?

A: The low-fat, low-sugar craze has just appeared in Mexico recently. You will be able to find low-fat and fat-free milk and yogurt, though we have not found low-fat cheese in Guanajuato. There are several sugar substitutes, diet soft drinks, and fruit drinks made without sugar. You will not find as extensive a selection of low-fat, fat-free, and sugar-free products as you may be used to seeing in the United States, at least not in the smaller cities or towns. You are likely to find better selections in larger cities and places that have large numbers of expatriates.

28. Q: If the water is not safe to drink, what do you use for drinking and cooking water?

A: Most people use purified bottled water for drinking and cooking. Companies will deliver five-gallon bottles of water to your doorstep in most areas. You can also buy bottled water in most grocery stores.

Some people boil their water to kill the germs. We have read various opinions on the boiling time needed for the water to be safe; just until it reaches a rolling boil or maintaining a rolling boil for 10 to 40 minutes. We don't use this method because the water in Guanajuato contains minerals and we don't like the taste.

There are single-faucet and whole-house water filtration systems available. These filter out most of the bacteria and minerals. The single-faucet filters cost less than $50 and the filters, which last for six months, only cost about $10 each. This is the method we use. Whole-house filtration systems are more convenient, but also more costly both to install and maintain.

29. Q: What is the average cost of cab service?

A: In Guanajuato, cab fares within the city are 25 pesos (less than $2.25 USD) and around 35 pesos (around $3.10 USD) for most of the outlying areas. Prices vary from city to city, so ask the price before you jump in.

30. Q: How can I find out which places Americans should avoid in Mexico?

A: Remember the golden rule of safety: When in doubt, don't. Just like in your own city or state, exercise common sense. Avoid secluded ATMs, especially late at night. Don't walk down unfamiliar, deserted streets alone, especially at night. Ask your Mexican neighbors which areas to avoid.

For regions of Mexico to avoid, check the U.S. State Department website for current travel warnings.

31. Q: How can I meet new people and make new friends, both American and Mexican?

A: In areas that have large expatriate populations, you are just liable to have the Welcome Wagon at your door before you can unpack. These communities have many clubs and events where you can meet people.

In smaller towns where there is less of an expatriate presence, you won't find as many clubs or activities. However, you will see other expatriates on the streets, in the stores, and in the parks. Be brave and introduce yourself. They will likely know most, if not all, the other expatriates in town and can tell you about any clubs or events in which you involve yourself.

Making friends with your Mexican neighbors may be a bit more difficult. They will be polite toward you, but will be slow to warm up to you and become friends. It's not you-it's cultural. Be friendly, greet your neighbors whenever you see them on the street, ask about their families and eventually they will open up. Of course, you will have to speak some Spanish to accomplish this as many do not speak or understand much English. Be persistent--it is worth the effort.

32. Q: How long does it take to become a legal resident alien?

A: You can apply for legal resident status at a Mexican Consulate in the United States before you make the move. Use an Internet search engine to find a list of Mexican Consulate offices in the United States.

Some people recommend coming into Mexico for the first time on a tourist visa, then applying for resident status at a Mexican Immigration office once you decide that you want to live in Mexico. This is because a tourist visa is inexpensive (around $20 USD) and requires little paperwork. A resident visa is more costly and requires more paperwork.

33. Q: Are U.S. brands available in Mexico or will I have to buy only Mexican brands?

A: You will find a few U.S. brands in the supermarkets and places like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, and Costco. Keep in mind the stores import most from the U.S. and they will be more expensive than they were back home. Mexican brands are just as good as U.S. brands and are much less expensive.

34. Q: Can I bring household electronics such as microwaves, televisions, and computers into Mexico?

A: If you come into Mexico on a tourist visa, you can bring a laptop computer in duty-free. However, you may not be able to bring in other electronics (or you may be required to pay a duty or import tax).

If you come in within 3 months of receiving your FM3 visa, you can bring in used (more than six months old) electronics. However, you must list the items with their serial numbers, date you bought them, cost, and descriptions on the required customs forms.

35. Q: What is the monthly cost for Internet service in my home?

A: Prodigy reigns here in Guanajuato, as well as in other regions of Mexico. A broadband, high-speed Internet connection will cost you around 400 pesos a month (about $36 USD). If you sign a 2-year contract, there is no installation charge. If you don't want to sign a long-term contract, there is an initial fee of 1000 pesos (about $89 USD).

There are also companies which provide dial-up service for about 189 pesos (about $17 USD) a month. These can become almost as expensive as broadband if you are not careful. Telmex, the Mexican telephone company, allows you 100 phone calls a month before they start charging you for each call. If you dial your service provider several times each day, get disconnected and have to reconnect (something that happens often), plus make regular phone calls, your charges can add up fast.

36. Q: Can a single person live comfortably on $1000 USD a month in Mexico?

A: Yes, depending on the region you choose and your lifestyle choices. An employee who works for minimum wage in Mexico earns around $400 USD a month. With $1000 a month, you will live well above that level.

37. Q: Are older people treated with respect in Mexico?

A: Our observation is that young people treat older people as important parts of the family and society. Older people are considered to be full of wisdom and knowledge, and as people who can contribute to those around them. Mexico has few, if any, nursing homes. Instead, the elderly live with children or grandchildren when they are not able to live independently.

38. Q: Do most homes have bathtubs as well as showers?

A: Most homes we have seen only have showers. A few have bathtubs, but they are the exception. Most of the houses and apartments advertised for sale or rent, at least in our area, say the bathrooms are equipped with showers.

39. Q: Is it safe to brush your teeth or shower using tap water?

A: We've heard both yes and no in response to this question. Some guidebooks say to brush your teeth only with bottled water and to keep your mouth shut while showering. Others say that brushing your teeth with tap water is fine as long as you don't swallow. I brush with tap water and have not experienced trouble. My wife only brushes with filtered water, but she has had more gastrointestinal problems than I have had. It is your choice on this one.

40. Q: Is the electrical service reliable or are there frequent power outages?

A: It is more or less reliable, though there are sometimes outages during thunderstorms or when there is high wind. Sometimes, though, there are outages for no obvious reason. We have noticed that power outages sometimes occur during large festivals that require huge amounts of electricity for lighting and sound. The power is rarely off for long, though. Five hours is the longest we have had to wait for it to be restored.

41. Q: Are there good markets in most neighborhoods or will I have to travel long distances to shop?

A: Guanajuato has small stores just about everywhere, so you won't have to walk far to get what you need. If you want a supermarket or a Wal-Mart SuperCenter, then you may have to take a bus or drive your car a long way to do your shopping.

42. Q: What is the most difficult thing, besides the language, to get used to in Mexico?

A: For us it was the noise level. It seems that Mexicans will have a party or celebration for any reason or for no reason. These parties have loud music and sometimes explosive charges (not just fireworks) that rattle windows. There is also a lot of singing, loud talking, and laughing. Sometimes, the celebrations start at dawn and last all day and into the night. All you can do is get some good earplugs and wait it out. Or, you can go join the party and have a good time.

43. Q: What can I expect my cost-of-living expenses to be?

A: As we wrote in Chapter Four, it is difficult to estimate costs since they are dependent on the region you choose and your lifestyle choices. That chapter gives you some estimates.

44. Q: How long will it take me to adjust to the culture?

A: Our opinion is the faster you learn enough Spanish to carry on simple conversations with your Mexican neighbors, the faster you will become comfortable in the culture. Also, if you can read the daily newspaper, you will find out what is going on in town. That will also help you adjust as well as tell you about events you can attend to get out into the community. In our view, not being able to ask questions (and understanding the responses.) about things you don't know or understand is the chief problem that causes culture shock.

45. Q: Do cities like Guadalajara and Guanajuato have direct airline service to the United States?

A: Yes, though you may have to make connections in the U.S. to get to your final destination.

46. Q: Do Mexican cities have a type of "9-1-1" emergency telephone number?

A: Yes. In Guanajuato, the number is "066". Check your city's telephone book for the number in your region.

47. Q: Is it safe to walk my dog in cities where there is a feral dog problem?

A: Usually, yes. If you have a small dog, you may have to hold it if you meet aggressive feral dogs. For all dogs, it is advisable to keep their vaccinations up-to-date as these feral dogs are not vaccinated and often carry diseases. No matter how friendly the other dog seems, we would not advise allowing your dog to have any contact as feral dogs often have mange and other diseases.