Don’t Use Your Cell Phone in Banks
Using a cell phone in a bank is almost always prohibited in Mexico, as it is increasing being done elsewhere. Keep Reading
Walmart Offering Cash back on Debit Cards
Up until a short while ago, I could only get cash back at my local Lake Chapala Walmart if I used Bancomer bank’s El Libreton debit card. The maximum cash back is 2,000 pesos (currently about $153 US). In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that they’re also offering up to 2,000 pesos cash back… Keep Reading
Mexico Has Higher Voltage Than US and Canada
While Mexico uses the same electric wall plug configuration used north of the border, Mexico uses 127 volt electricity (sometimes surging to the 140’s) rather than the standard 120 volts used in the US and Canada. I’ve been advised by my electrician not to use the High setting on my hairdryer because the increased volts… Keep Reading
New Immigration Law Causes Confusion
Many details of the new immigration law have yet to be published by the INM (National Migration Institute), causing widespread confusion and concern that many expats may no longer be qualified to stay in Mexico, except as visitors. Extensive provisions of stay are outlined in the new immigration law for migrant workers and those seeking asylum… Keep Reading
Test Yourself: Is Mexico Right for You?
Everyone has their own specific reasons for leaving Mexico after having lived here for a time, but the most common categories seem to be: • health reasons, • family and relationships, • wanting or needing employment, and • inability to adjust well to cultural differences. Keep Reading
What Does a Typical Expat Budget Look Like?
If you’re going to be a new expat in Mexico, the law says you have to show proof of a monthly income of $1,918 USD (using current conversion rates) if you’re single and not planning to work in Mexico. If you’re a couple, add 50% to that, for a total of $2,877 USD for both… Keep Reading
Our Mission & What it Means to You
Lake Chapala Reporter is a monthly online magazine which serves existing and prospective expats who are visiting or living in the Lake Chapala region of Jalisco, Mexico. It was founded in December of 2012. The mission of the magazine is to provide its readers with the unbiased information they need about living in this region. The magazine… Keep Reading
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Is Mexico Still a Buyer’s Real Estate Market?
“Mexico’s real estate market is a reflection of the US real estate market,” according to Richard Tingen, owner of Coldwell Banker Chapala Realty. His was the first realty in the Lake Chapala area 35 years ago. Now there are 25 realties, so he has seen a lot of growth and changes. “Back in the 70’s,… Keep Reading
What Do We Know About the New Immigration Law
Q: The new immigration law became effective on November 9th, but there is still a lot of confusion about what it means for existing visa holders and new prospective immigrants. Where does it all stand today? A: Part of the confusion is that not all of the procedures and policies have been published. The Point… Keep Reading
