Expert: Ron - 3/6/2004

Question
I'm coming down w/my STB wife for a week to find a place to rent for 6-12 months w/view toward longer stay. Questions:

1. Will our American health insurance cover us there for our one week stay? Suggestons on reasonably priced place to stay while looking for long-term rental at Lakeside?

2. What is the coverage/cost of Mexican Health Insurance (M/65 - F/52)?  Pre-existing conditions?

3. Cost of an FM3? Can I get one from Los Angeles?

3. Is there a local theater copany which does plays in English?

4. How long to drive from US border to Chapala? Where to stay if not driving straight through?

5. Current price of unleaded gas in Chapala area?

Thanks.

David

Answer
Hola David: a lot of the info you require can be found at http://www.canadianclubmx.com/ and
http://www.lakechapalasociety.org/ plus book mentioned below.

1. I don't know about your health coverage, check insurance company

Where to Stay:

I recommend:

Villa Eucaliptos, Ajijic-email mrram@laguna.com.mx  Wonderful 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 toAjijic)-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

2. IMSS Health Coverage 1707 pesos for her, 2568 for you. Coverage for pre existing conditions depends on many things. Best not to use the system for 2 years and then most illnesses are covered. We use a private doctor for day to day sicknesses and IMSS for long term problems. LCS has lectures on current coverage.

3. FM3 approx 1650 pesos. You can get it at any Mexican Consulate, but you still must register it here which takes just as much time and effort. So I suggest coming in on a Tourist Visa and applying in Chapala.

3+ yes Lakeside Little Theatre, 1 play for month, My Fair Lady currently running. Also Three cinemas in Ajijic.

4.10 hours from Laredo on toll road(Cuota), could stop in Matehuala, 30 hours from Nogales - stop in Mazatlan, Tepic or perhaps Puerto Vallarta - a little out of the way.

5.Reg unleaded gasoline 6.03 pesos/litre. No credit cards, cash only in pesos.

Hope that helps,

Ron

"Head for Mexico---The Renegade Guide" is now available at www.amazon.com For more information visit www.headformexico.com for excerpts and reviews.