AboutRon Russell Expertise I lived full time in the Chapala-Ajijic area for 7 years, and now Manzanillo area 4 years. During that time I provided information (health care, working papers, immigration, driving, cost of living, insurance, culture, divorce in Mexico, trusts vs direct deed,etc) to help people make the decision about whether the area was right for them, either full or part-time.
Now living north of Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast. I live legally in Mexico.
Experience Founding partner of a facilitation company for people thinking about relocating to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. I am no longer involved in this company's activities.
Have driven extensively in the area, to the coast (Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Colima),to Patzcuaro, etc. Bused to Mexico City, flew to Chiapas. Also driven in Honduras, from Ontario Canada through border crossings at Laredo and Reynosa Texas to Lakeside. Can provide instructions and border crossing info. Publications: DISCOVER MEXICO, HEAD FOR MEXICO-THE RENEGADE GUIDE BY DON ADAMS. Video and MM production specialist. I do NOT sell real estate!
Question Dear Ron
We are a Canadian couple interested in retiring in the Lake Chapala area. Could you provide some info regarding health insurance,cost of living,
and accommodations.I have read much about the area but it was a few years ago. Maybe it has changed. We would appreciate any info you can send. Thank you
Joan Zupanski
Answer Hola Joan, well things are certainly changing here. The monthly Canadian Club meetings attract up to 250 Canucks. Take a look at their website www.canadianclubmx.com Last week was lobsterfest with live lobsters flown in from NB and Moosehead beer. It is amazing studying license plates.
Lots of new subdivisions being built. Prices start at $79,000USD for homes that you would find acceptable meaning grounded wiring, pressurized water systems, full kitchens, and all utilities in place. There are less expensive ones, but in remote areas. The site www.ajijicvillagehomes will give you an idea of the luxury homes available
It is much easier to get here now with paved toll roads almost all the way. We frequently drive to the coast for beach breaks and exploring. High speed wireless and DSL internet is available and a lot of folks bring down their StarChoice Satellite receivers too.
We just renewed our IMSS health care, for us aged 52 and 59 the coverage totals 3600 pesos/year (rate today about 8.3 pesos/Canadian$). We have never used IMSS, but have friends with mastectomies, cancer, heart conditions, etc. They all say the heathcare itself is first rate, the staff caring, but the bureaucracy a nightmare. We pay a local English speaking doctor $30 for a visit. However if you do not become non resident Canadians and only stay out of Canada 180 days, you can submit bills to OHIP and they usually pay. I had an operation last year that IMSS would not cover because it was a pre existing condition. For the operating room, blood tests, EKG, xrays, surgeon, nursing, one night in hospital, medications the cost was $3,000. I was diagnosed on Thursday, had all the tests and operation and was home by the next Wednesday. If I was covered by OHIP they would have paid that bill pretty quickly.
FM3 resident visas cost 1650 pesos/year if you renew yourself, which is easy to do.
As non-residents we are not eligible for OHIP, but we pay only 7-8% Canadian Income tax now. For more info on non-residency see if you can find the book Canadians Resident Abroad(not sure if it is currently in print)or look at their website www.canadiansresidentabroad.com Just remember they want you to invest with them, but they have lots of good info.
We own our home here so if you are renting your cost of living will increase. We live on under $1,000 Canadian/month. That includes food, healthcare, car insurance, house insurance, utilities,house taxes (only$120/year, eating out once/week and holidays in Mexico. We have friends who spend 3 times that amount. How do we do it? We shop the Mexican markets and stay away from the local gringo supermarkets. The prices in the gringo supermarkets are outrageous, but the stores are convenient. It takes us longer to shop, but the savings are tremendous. Gasoline is 6.03 pesos/litre, roughly 73 cents/litre. Every 3 months or so we go into Costco in Guadalara to buy in bulk.
If you come for a visit I can recommend these B&Bs:
Villa Eucaliptos, Ajijic-email mrram@laguna.com.mx Clean quiet rooms, garden and pool. Close to centre of village. Mike and Ralph know everything about this area.
Swan Inn, Ajijic -email swaninnajijic@hotmail.com
-website www.mexconnect.com/amex/swab
Wonderful rooms,quiet restful gardens,pool. Next door to Lake Chapala Society.Close to centre of Ajijic.
El Sueno Guest Suites, San Antonio Tlayacapan (short 20 min walk to Ajijic)-email connie@laguna.com.mx website www.elsueno.ca Finished suites, rv parking.
Los Artistas, Ajijic owned by former Sec'y of Treasury for Alaska. email Kent at artistas@laguna.com.mx
House Rentals in high season start from $450USD and up/month.
Ok what is wrong with living here? Well some people can just not adjust to the Mexican way of life. Sit down at the donut shop across from Lloyds in Ajijic any day to listen to the same complainers, but I won't be there. Traffic on weekends from Guadalajara is frightful. There are SO MANY real estate sharks...if you look like a visitor watch out. Most are part time. Don't get taken in by Home Tours. I would be pleased to recommend a couple of honest agents if you are interested.
Personally I don't like the dust nor the garbage, but I clean up the trails we walk our dog on. Mail service is slow, May is hot and dry(worst month of the year, but our cottage in Ontario has blackflies in May). My language skills are not great but I manage to get along. We have been here almost 5 years full time and don't regret it for a minute.
You might like to pick up a copy of a book that my wife and I wrote a few pages for:
"Head for Mexico---The Renegade Guide" by Don Adams available at www.amazon.com For more information visit www.headformexico.com for excerpts and reviews.
What is there to do? My wife is involved in the local theatre (just finished My Fair Lady), church choir and Cantantes Del Lago-singers of the lakeside. Me, I like to hike the mountains, garden, play tennis, swim and relax. You can be as busy as you want to be or not. There are 3 cinemas with most movies in English, 2 local golf courses, skating and bowling in Guad, shopping-Sears, Costco, WalMart, Sams, etc. Lots of wonderful historic cities and sites to visit. No curling but pickup hockey in Guad.
If you would like driving instructions or more info, please respond to the website again.
