We did it! Our first video is live. Thanks for watching! Have you wondered if Mexico is a good option for expats or what the cost of living is like? Drop your questions below-we’d love to hear your thoughts! This is a brand new channel, and we need your support, to help us grow it. Please comment and give us a thumbs up!! We will be sharing more on expat living, slow travel, and life in Mexico and beyond. See you on the next one!!!🎉🥳
Glad to have found you! Great content for your first episode. We are moving to SMA at the end of the month and have been vlogging our journey at "wading into retirement".
Excellent first video, very polished and great information. In California a typical movie ticket is about $15. I subscribed and looking forward to following your channel!
$10 for a movie ticket and $18 total if you want a medium popcorn and medium drink!! Its crazy! I am moving to Merida (actually Progreso beach area) with my husband to retire at end of October.....if we make it through hurricane Milton that is hitting us tonight😬 (we are in SW Florida)
My wife and I have been all over Mexico and finally visited SMA about a month ago and loved it. Now we’re trying to figure out where to find a place to live there. We took a look at some attractive and affordable (for us) houses in the fraccionamiento Jardines de Allende just east of centro. Do you guys have any thoughts or opinions about the newer neighborhoods outside of centro? Thanks for the video and look forward to more 😊
Thank you for subscribing!! There are many communities similar to Jardines de Allende surrounding the city. You might want to check out the ones on the north side as well, such as El Secreto and El Milagro and others. There’s also Tierradentro on the west side. All are great options, but you’ll need a car or taxi to get to and from Centro.Good luck!!
Great video! I find the same thing about the folks I live near. We've been here about a year now and can honestly say have made some good friends. It wasn't something we really saw in the North bay (Sonoma County area - I hear you mention you're from the Bay Area). I love that you guys have 15 years behind you so you come from a place of true experience. We're coming up on a year here and I feel I'm just starting to scratch the surface of all there is in this beautiful country.
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! It’s amazing how living here opens up new connections and experiences. We completely understand what you mean about making deeper friendships here in Mexico compared to back in the Bay Area. There’s just something about the warmth of the people and the slower pace that fosters those connections. It sounds like you’re really settling in, and a year in is such a great milestone-there’s still so much to discover! We’re excited to see what unfolds for you as you continue your journey. If you ever have any questions or want to compare notes, we’re happy to chat!
Great video. It's good to see you producing videos again. We still plan on moving to our home at Capilla de Piedra as soon as we get our home in Maui sold. Rick and Dawn
Hey, congratulations on your upcoming move!! Cambodia is amazing too. We spent 4 days there almost 20 years ago. I can’t imagine how much it’s changed since then, but we’d love to go back. We remember the super friendly people and incredible temples fondly.
@@AandFBeyond Thank you! And yes, Cambodia has changed a lot in our almost 10 years there. I imagine that being that you were last there 20 years ago, that the changes you will notice will probably blow your mind!
I think you did a great job on your video. I’m planning on spending Dia de los muertos in San Miguel de Allende at the end of this month. First time there. Wishing you success with your channel! Ps: movie tickets are about $15 usd where I am. That includes a big cushy reclining chair with cup and popcorn holders!
Thank you so much! That’s awesome-San Miguel de Allende is a magical place to experience Dia de los Muertos for the first time. You’re in for a treat! If you have any questions or need tips before your trip, feel free to reach out. And wow, $15 for a movie with all the luxuries sounds pretty great! We’ll take our $3 ticket here though, even if the chairs aren’t quite as fancy. 😉 Wishing you a fantastic time in San Miguel, and thanks again for the well wishes on our channel!
@@AandFBeyond Well, I'm in the throws of my planning for this trip and will take you up on your offer! Are there any local tour guides you highly recommend? I want to do a city/cemetery/altar tour with a guide and learn about the tradition. Are there other tours or attractions you believe are "must sees"? This can bee off the beaten path or even outside fo the city. Also, I have accommodations booked, yet I'd love to hear which are your favorite 4* or above hotels in town. Thanks for offering the help. I noted you would talk about health insurance next and look forward to that video.
@@hsandechick There are many tour guides to choose from, and your hotel or B&B should be able to help you find one. It may be tough to find a guide for the cemetery during this time, as it’s a very personal time for families. My favorite place to stay is Antigua Capilla Boutique Bed and Breakfast (full disclosure: we own it), but Casa Schuck and Casa de la Cuesta are also excellent options. It’s great you’ve already booked-Day of the Dead is the busiest time of year here! Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for our Medical health options video!
Good overview though I do have to say the movie theater comments were a bit unfair to Mexico. Mexico is the one who basically invented the luxury experience in movie theatres, in fact USA theatres copied the concept verbatim some years ago (I assume Thailand too). It was introduced as cinepolis VIP around 1999, not every city has them but there are many who do. By the way Its competitor cinemex has beds, in that particular case I don't know if they innovated or what but well at least it does exist within the country.
Thanks for your comment and for sharing this insight! You're absolutely right-Mexico did pioneer the luxury movie theater experience with Cinepolis VIP, and it’s impressive how that concept spread globally. We actually mentioned the VIP theaters located in Querétaro in our video, but it’s great to hear more about Cinemex and how they’ve upped the game with beds too. We appreciate your feedback and love learning more about what makes Mexico unique!
Thanks for sharing. Your video popped up on my feed. Very well done. Sorry to ask this question: Could you share your thoughts about safety, including dealing with police? We've primarily looked at expat areas like Playa Del Carmen, and I hear mixed reviews about safety concerns. Thanks so much. P.S. How is your Spanish? Blessings,
Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughtful question! Safety is definitely a nuanced topic, and we completely understand why you’d want more info. Speaking from our 15 years of experience here, we’ve felt very safe overall, even when traveling to regions that the U.S. State Department advises caution about. We’ve never encountered anything dangerous on our trips, except for the notorious invisible speed bump or animals on the road! That said, we do take precautions, like avoiding driving at night in unfamiliar areas. Regarding police, most are there to protect and serve. However, it’s true that traffic police on highways can sometimes target out-of-state cars for bribes. In all our years here, it’s happened to us twice. Our advice is to stay calm, know your rights, and handle the situation respectfully. As for Spanish, we’re fluent, which has really helped us immerse in the culture. Learning the language makes a big difference in feeling at home here, especially when it comes to navigating everyday life. We hope that helps! Let us know if you have any more questions.
Hola Greg! The vast majority of Mexico is very safe. There are places where cartels are known to frequent and do their business but those areas are very well known and easy to avoid if you just don't go there looking to do business with them. They tend to keep any violence between themselves. Violent crime is so much more random in the US and has become hard to avoid anywhere you go or live with everyone packing a gun or having one or two within easy arms length. The average person in Mexico doesn't own a gun. There are only one or two places in the whole country where you can even purchase a gun. Playa del Carmen is whole other thing as far as crimes are involved. You have to understand that Playa del Carmen is a major tourist destination for people all around the World so a lot of money is being loosely thrown around there. Being what it is, it is not where you go to experience the real Mexico. Many of those same people like to wear expensive jewelry and flaunt their wealth. You just don't do that in Mexico or any other major tourist hub in any country you may visit. If you do this you are just asking to be relieved of those expensive things by thieves who frequent those types of areas and are very accomplished at what they do. You also have to understand that only one good "targeted" theft will feed and house a poorer family in Mexico for over a year. It's a nice place to visit for a short vacation but most people wouldn't move there. Mexico is a big diverse country with so many much nicer places to live where you wouldn't have to have your head on swivel 24/7 just to live there. BTW- If you are looking for the "Americanized" lifestyle you should stay where you are and just come here to visit. Living in Mexico isn't for everyone. Buena suerte!
Thank you for your comment!! Part of the beauty of México is its incredible diversity that offers something unique for everyone. We love Michoacan, and visit quite often. We’re planning our yearly migration to the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve!!
@@Patrick-er9tq Yes, of course. It’s called Redbridge. It isn’t the only one out there. We suggest you shop around. We will be posting a video about it soon.
Looking forward to your video about your health insurance. Do they require a physical exam, tests/bloodwork? Please let us know if you like your insurance. Thanks.
@@Chelalagringa Most require physicals and lab work. None cover preexisting conditions. Our insurance is OK. We just used it for Antonieta’s operation. (Stay tune for that). The procedure was approve, but it has been a challenge to get reimbursed for the post-op medication. We’ve learned a few thing and will be sharing it all with you soon.
That’s an interesting observation! There are definitely aspects of life here in Mexico that remind us of a simpler time, especially in terms of community and connection with others. It's one of the things we've come to appreciate after living here for 15 years. Every place evolves in its own way, and it’s fascinating to experience those differences firsthand. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for your comment! 🙌 We completely agree-'expat' is definitely a social label and can have various interpretations. You’re absolutely right in pointing out that terms like 'economic refugee' can reflect a deeper context. This is why we try to minimize the use of the term. In this video, for example, we didn't use the term. However, we chose to use 'expat' from time to time in our content primarily because it's a widely searched term on RUclips, helping more people discover our videos. But we’re always open to deeper conversations around the language we use and its implications!
@@TruckGal We feel completely safe living here in Mexico. To clarify, there is a U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, along with U.S. Consulates in many other cities across the country, including one close to our home in San Miguel de Allende. These offices provide essential services for U.S. citizens living and traveling here. Regarding food safety, youre right, the USDA operates within the U.S., but Mexico has its own rigorous food safety systems. The agencies responsible for this are SENASICA (National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality) and COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks). These agencies regulate food safety, and in fact, back in 2020, they formed a partnership with the U.S. FDA to further enhance standards and cooperation between both countries. We always feel that Mexico takes food safety seriously, and as expats, we’ve had no issues with the quality of food here. If you ever have any concerns, doing a little research can show that food safety practices in Mexico are strong and in line with international standards.
@@TruckGalHola! I have many fresh meat and fish markets along with fresh organic fruit, veggie and juice shops all within walking distance of me. I frequent a kind of famous open fish market near the harbor malecon called Mercado Negro (Google it on google maps!) I don't eat a lot of beef but I have a butcher shop just a few blocks from me where I can go in point to live chicken and take it home in less than an hour. I feel very safe living here. I have beach camped, fished and surfed down into deepest darkest Baja hundreds of times since the eighties with never any problems that I couldn't talk or pay few pesos to get out of. I have a taco place down the street that stays open as late as long as people are coming in. I've walked home from there close to midnight. One time it was late on a weekend and a car pulled up to me going really fast and almost stopped next to me, it was car load of young women who were eating there and they yelled "Guapo gringo!!" at me and sped away. I was pretty startled but I smiled the rest of the way home. Buena suerte!
My husband and I just visited SMA. We are from the Bay Area and are considering spending more time in San Miguel. Can’t wait to come back. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Subscribed!
Im on disability and get 1520$ a month i supplement it by donating plasma twice a week for 115$ does anyone know if i could live in Mexico on this amount and do they have plasma donation
Thanks for your question! Yes, it’s definitely possible to live in Mexico on $1,520 a month, depending on where you choose to settle. There are areas where you can rent an apartment for around $600 or even less. It might not be the most luxurious place, but it will be comfortable, and that will leave you with about $900 for food, utilities, and other expenses-which is more than enough in many parts of the country. We’ve heard of people getting by on much less than $1,500 a month here, so with some budgeting, it’s doable! As for plasma donation, it’s not really a common practice here like it is in the U.S., so that may not be a viable way to supplement your income. It might be worth considering other side gigs or remote work opportunities to add a bit more cushion to your budget.
Hola A and F! Hola Rob! You can live here and collect SSDI but you can't live here and still collect SSI. If your household in Mexico had a minimum income of $134Ous per month in 2024, you would be considered in the "middle class." BUena suerte!
Haha, fair point! We try to be honest in all our videos, whether it’s in the title or not. 😉 But we get it-sometimes using ‘honest’ helps to emphasize that we’re sharing our true experience. Thanks for watching, and we hope you’ll find all our content is just as genuine!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We understand that moving abroad or adopting a different lifestyle isn’t feasible for everyone, and the rising cost of living in many places can be challenging. Our goal is to share our personal experience living in abroad and provide helpful insights for those considering a similar path. We always try to be mindful of how our choices impact both where we come from and where we live now. Everyone’s journey is different, and we hope our content can offer information to those exploring new options.
Mexico is a difficult choice as I don’t speak Spanish. Living now in France for 18 years, but need to move as my husband died at age 99.7. & I am 77. Many concerns about safety in Mexico, the fact Mexico taxes foreign income of Americans if you live there + 6 months, crime, socialist government, water issues, TOLIET issues, and how to get help if needed.
I’m so sorry for your loss, and it’s completely understandable to have concerns about making such a big move. It sounds like you've built a life in France, and at 77, it might feel more comfortable to stay somewhere familiar, especially with the language and systems you’re already used to. Mexico can be a wonderful place, but it’s not without its challenges, especially for those new to the language and culture. Maybe staying where you have support is a good option, or perhaps exploring other places in Europe that might feel more like home could be easier than starting fresh in Mexico. Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this next chapter.
Mexico doesn't tax your foreign income. If you make Mexican pesos you will have to pay an income tax. I was at the local organic fruiteria picking up some produce and met a couple of women in their 80's from Oregon who moved down here together after having lost their spouses. They love living here and neither spoke any Spanish when they moved here two years ago. Since then I've seen them at the free concerts down at the harbor malecon dancing with the local men and they are always smiling. I have to say is that they were flirting with me when I met them! Buena suerte!
We did it! Our first video is live. Thanks for watching! Have you wondered if Mexico is a good option for expats or what the cost of living is like? Drop your questions below-we’d love to hear your thoughts! This is a brand new channel, and we need your support, to help us grow it. Please comment and give us a thumbs up!! We will be sharing more on expat living, slow travel, and life in Mexico and beyond. See you on the next one!!!🎉🥳
Very informative. You're on your way!
@@OldMeLiving thank you! Looking forward to our journey beyond.
And I am now subscribed. Good luck with the RUclips channel!
@@poeryudo thanks so much!!!
Glad to have found you! Great content for your first episode. We are moving to SMA at the end of the month and have been vlogging our journey at "wading into retirement".
That's awesome. We'll check out your channel.
Excellent first video, very polished and great information. In California a typical movie ticket is about $15. I subscribed and looking forward to following your channel!
$15? Yikes. We remember when it was $5! Thank you for subscribing!
Great video! I❤ 🇲🇽 Keep it coming!
Thank you. More to come!
You are blessed. Have a great life together!!!
@@WilliamsOWilliams thank you!!
$10 for a movie ticket and $18 total if you want a medium popcorn and medium drink!! Its crazy! I am moving to Merida (actually Progreso beach area) with my husband to retire at end of October.....if we make it through hurricane Milton that is hitting us tonight😬 (we are in SW Florida)
That part on Mexico is beautiful. We’re sure you’ll love it. Stay safe in Fl with the hurricane. Good luck with your move.
My wife and I have been all over Mexico and finally visited SMA about a month ago and loved it. Now we’re trying to figure out where to find a place to live there. We took a look at some attractive and affordable (for us) houses in the fraccionamiento Jardines de Allende just east of centro. Do you guys have any thoughts or opinions about the newer neighborhoods outside of centro? Thanks for the video and look forward to more 😊
Thank you for subscribing!! There are many communities similar to Jardines de Allende surrounding the city. You might want to check out the ones on the north side as well, such as El Secreto and El Milagro and others. There’s also Tierradentro on the west side. All are great options, but you’ll need a car or taxi to get to and from Centro.Good luck!!
I like the format of your video. I appreciate the honest review. You have provided some refreshing inspiration to me of the need to explore the world.
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video! I find the same thing about the folks I live near. We've been here about a year now and can honestly say have made some good friends. It wasn't something we really saw in the North bay (Sonoma County area - I hear you mention you're from the Bay Area). I love that you guys have 15 years behind you so you come from a place of true experience. We're coming up on a year here and I feel I'm just starting to scratch the surface of all there is in this beautiful country.
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! It’s amazing how living here opens up new connections and experiences. We completely understand what you mean about making deeper friendships here in Mexico compared to back in the Bay Area. There’s just something about the warmth of the people and the slower pace that fosters those connections. It sounds like you’re really settling in, and a year in is such a great milestone-there’s still so much to discover! We’re excited to see what unfolds for you as you continue your journey. If you ever have any questions or want to compare notes, we’re happy to chat!
Great video. It's good to see you producing videos again. We still plan on moving to our home at Capilla de Piedra as soon as we get our home in Maui sold. Rick and Dawn
Thanks Rick and Dawn!! How did you find this video?
My wife and i are excited to be moving to Aguascalientes after almost a decade of living in Cambodia. SUPER excited for our move later this month!
Hey, congratulations on your upcoming move!! Cambodia is amazing too. We spent 4 days there almost 20 years ago. I can’t imagine how much it’s changed since then, but we’d love to go back. We remember the super friendly people and incredible temples fondly.
@@AandFBeyond Thank you! And yes, Cambodia has changed a lot in our almost 10 years there. I imagine that being that you were last there 20 years ago, that the changes you will notice will probably blow your mind!
@@poeryudo we’re very curious to find out! We also want to go to Laos. I imagine Laos being more like Cambodia of 20 years ago.
I think you did a great job on your video. I’m planning on spending Dia de los muertos in San Miguel de Allende at the end of this month. First time there. Wishing you success with your channel! Ps: movie tickets are about $15 usd where I am. That includes a big cushy reclining chair with cup and popcorn holders!
Thank you so much! That’s awesome-San Miguel de Allende is a magical place to experience Dia de los Muertos for the first time. You’re in for a treat! If you have any questions or need tips before your trip, feel free to reach out.
And wow, $15 for a movie with all the luxuries sounds pretty great! We’ll take our $3 ticket here though, even if the chairs aren’t quite as fancy. 😉 Wishing you a fantastic time in San Miguel, and thanks again for the well wishes on our channel!
@@AandFBeyond Well, I'm in the throws of my planning for this trip and will take you up on your offer! Are there any local tour guides you highly recommend? I want to do a city/cemetery/altar tour with a guide and learn about the tradition. Are there other tours or attractions you believe are "must sees"? This can bee off the beaten path or even outside fo the city. Also, I have accommodations booked, yet I'd love to hear which are your favorite 4* or above hotels in town. Thanks for offering the help. I noted you would talk about health insurance next and look forward to that video.
@@hsandechick There are many tour guides to choose from, and your hotel or B&B should be able to help you find one. It may be tough to find a guide for the cemetery during this time, as it’s a very personal time for families. My favorite place to stay is Antigua Capilla Boutique Bed and Breakfast (full disclosure: we own it), but Casa Schuck and Casa de la Cuesta are also excellent options. It’s great you’ve already booked-Day of the Dead is the busiest time of year here! Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for our Medical health options video!
Good overview though I do have to say the movie theater comments were a bit unfair to Mexico. Mexico is the one who basically invented the luxury experience in movie theatres, in fact USA theatres copied the concept verbatim some years ago (I assume Thailand too). It was introduced as cinepolis VIP around 1999, not every city has them but there are many who do.
By the way Its competitor cinemex has beds, in that particular case I don't know if they innovated or what but well at least it does exist within the country.
Thanks for your comment and for sharing this insight! You're absolutely right-Mexico did pioneer the luxury movie theater experience with Cinepolis VIP, and it’s impressive how that concept spread globally. We actually mentioned the VIP theaters located in Querétaro in our video, but it’s great to hear more about Cinemex and how they’ve upped the game with beds too. We appreciate your feedback and love learning more about what makes Mexico unique!
Thanks for sharing. Your video popped up on my feed. Very well done. Sorry to ask this question: Could you share your thoughts about safety, including dealing with police? We've primarily looked at expat areas like Playa Del Carmen, and I hear mixed reviews about safety concerns. Thanks so much. P.S. How is your Spanish? Blessings,
Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughtful question! Safety is definitely a nuanced topic, and we completely understand why you’d want more info. Speaking from our 15 years of experience here, we’ve felt very safe overall, even when traveling to regions that the U.S. State Department advises caution about. We’ve never encountered anything dangerous on our trips, except for the notorious invisible speed bump or animals on the road! That said, we do take precautions, like avoiding driving at night in unfamiliar areas.
Regarding police, most are there to protect and serve. However, it’s true that traffic police on highways can sometimes target out-of-state cars for bribes. In all our years here, it’s happened to us twice. Our advice is to stay calm, know your rights, and handle the situation respectfully.
As for Spanish, we’re fluent, which has really helped us immerse in the culture. Learning the language makes a big difference in feeling at home here, especially when it comes to navigating everyday life.
We hope that helps! Let us know if you have any more questions.
@@AandFBeyond Thanks for sharing! God bless you guys!
Hola Greg! The vast majority of Mexico is very safe. There are places where cartels are known to frequent and do their business but those areas are very well known and easy to avoid if you just don't go there looking to do business with them. They tend to keep any violence between themselves. Violent crime is so much more random in the US and has become hard to avoid anywhere you go or live with everyone packing a gun or having one or two within easy arms length. The average person in Mexico doesn't own a gun. There are only one or two places in the whole country where you can even purchase a gun. Playa del Carmen is whole other thing as far as crimes are involved. You have to understand that Playa del Carmen is a major tourist destination for people all around the World so a lot of money is being loosely thrown around there. Being what it is, it is not where you go to experience the real Mexico. Many of those same people like to wear expensive jewelry and flaunt their wealth. You just don't do that in Mexico or any other major tourist hub in any country you may visit. If you do this you are just asking to be relieved of those expensive things by thieves who frequent those types of areas and are very accomplished at what they do. You also have to understand that only one good "targeted" theft will feed and house a poorer family in Mexico for over a year. It's a nice place to visit for a short vacation but most people wouldn't move there. Mexico is a big diverse country with so many much nicer places to live where you wouldn't have to have your head on swivel 24/7 just to live there. BTW- If you are looking for the "Americanized" lifestyle you should stay where you are and just come here to visit. Living in Mexico isn't for everyone. Buena suerte!
@@davidsebastianelli1326 Thanks, David, for such a thorough and thoughtful answer. Many blessings to you, friend!
Our theater here in San Antonio Texas has reclinables seats for $10.
Not bad!!!
Dang what theater are you going to? I’m in San Antonio and pay $16-$20 depending on the theater/experience
@@stephknoodle santikos matinee movies, before 5 pm ,they're $8 per person
Great overview. My experience is pretty different living off grid in rural Michocan.
Many ways to live in Mexico. I need here since 2004.
Thank you for your comment!! Part of the beauty of México is its incredible diversity that offers something unique for everyone. We love Michoacan, and visit quite often. We’re planning our yearly migration to the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve!!
Wonderful look at your experience living in Mexico.
Thank you! There’s much more to come. Stay tuned!!
Can you tell me more about the insurance you talked about....is it a plan in the US or in Mexico? Thanks
@@Patrick-er9tq Yes, of course. It’s called Redbridge. It isn’t the only one out there. We suggest you shop around. We will be posting a video about it soon.
Looking forward to your video about your health insurance. Do they require a physical exam, tests/bloodwork? Please let us know if you like your insurance. Thanks.
@@Chelalagringa Most require physicals and lab work. None cover preexisting conditions. Our insurance is OK. We just used it for Antonieta’s operation. (Stay tune for that). The procedure was approve, but it has been a challenge to get reimbursed for the post-op medication. We’ve learned a few thing and will be sharing it all with you soon.
sounds like how the US used to be...
That’s an interesting observation! There are definitely aspects of life here in Mexico that remind us of a simpler time, especially in terms of community and connection with others. It's one of the things we've come to appreciate after living here for 15 years. Every place evolves in its own way, and it’s fascinating to experience those differences firsthand. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Expat is a social label, not a legal term. If we're gonna use social labels, might as well call it "Economic Refugee" instead of "Expat"
Thanks for your comment! 🙌 We completely agree-'expat' is definitely a social label and can have various interpretations. You’re absolutely right in pointing out that terms like 'economic refugee' can reflect a deeper context. This is why we try to minimize the use of the term. In this video, for example, we didn't use the term. However, we chose to use 'expat' from time to time in our content primarily because it's a widely searched term on RUclips, helping more people discover our videos. But we’re always open to deeper conversations around the language we use and its implications!
@@AandFBeyond appreciate the understanding!
$10-$15 for a movie ticket for movies in my area in the US: Chapel Hill, NC
Not too bad. Thanks for sharing!
🙏🙏👍
👍
But do you feel safe? There is no US Embassy in Mexico. There is no food inspected by USDA in Mexico.
@@TruckGal We feel completely safe living here in Mexico. To clarify, there is a U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, along with U.S. Consulates in many other cities across the country, including one close to our home in San Miguel de Allende. These offices provide essential services for U.S. citizens living and traveling here.
Regarding food safety, youre right, the USDA operates within the U.S., but Mexico has its own rigorous food safety systems. The agencies responsible for this are SENASICA (National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality) and COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks). These agencies regulate food safety, and in fact, back in 2020, they formed a partnership with the U.S. FDA to further enhance standards and cooperation between both countries.
We always feel that Mexico takes food safety seriously, and as expats, we’ve had no issues with the quality of food here. If you ever have any concerns, doing a little research can show that food safety practices in Mexico are strong and in line with international standards.
@AandFBeyond Thank you so much for all the info. With this upcoming election I may need to escape fascism if DJT wins!💙
@@TruckGalHola! I have many fresh meat and fish markets along with fresh organic fruit, veggie and juice shops all within walking distance of me. I frequent a kind of famous open fish market near the harbor malecon called Mercado Negro (Google it on google maps!) I don't eat a lot of beef but I have a butcher shop just a few blocks from me where I can go in point to live chicken and take it home in less than an hour. I feel very safe living here. I have beach camped, fished and surfed down into deepest darkest Baja hundreds of times since the eighties with never any problems that I couldn't talk or pay few pesos to get out of. I have a taco place down the street that stays open as late as long as people are coming in. I've walked home from there close to midnight. One time it was late on a weekend and a car pulled up to me going really fast and almost stopped next to me, it was car load of young women who were eating there and they yelled "Guapo gringo!!" at me and sped away. I was pretty startled but I smiled the rest of the way home. Buena suerte!
My husband and I just visited SMA. We are from the Bay Area and are considering spending more time in San Miguel. Can’t wait to come back. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Subscribed!
@@tracyevansramsey5861 That’s awesome! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the area!
Im on disability and get 1520$ a month i supplement it by donating plasma twice a week for 115$ does anyone know if i could live in Mexico on this amount and do they have plasma donation
Thanks for your question! Yes, it’s definitely possible to live in Mexico on $1,520 a month, depending on where you choose to settle. There are areas where you can rent an apartment for around $600 or even less. It might not be the most luxurious place, but it will be comfortable, and that will leave you with about $900 for food, utilities, and other expenses-which is more than enough in many parts of the country. We’ve heard of people getting by on much less than $1,500 a month here, so with some budgeting, it’s doable!
As for plasma donation, it’s not really a common practice here like it is in the U.S., so that may not be a viable way to supplement your income. It might be worth considering other side gigs or remote work opportunities to add a bit more cushion to your budget.
Hola A and F! Hola Rob! You can live here and collect SSDI but you can't live here and still collect SSI. If your household in Mexico had a minimum income of $134Ous per month in 2024, you would be considered in the "middle class." BUena suerte!
Hello from Montebello, California. To go and watch a movie will cost, $15 to $20 Dlls for a ticket, popcorn and a soda $50 Dlls😂😂😂
Wow! For $50 we can get a very nice meal out in San Miguel de Allende.
If you don't put "honest" in a video's title I assume it's not honest.
Haha, fair point! We try to be honest in all our videos, whether it’s in the title or not. 😉 But we get it-sometimes using ‘honest’ helps to emphasize that we’re sharing our true experience. Thanks for watching, and we hope you’ll find all our content is just as genuine!
Great for those who can afford this lifestyle making things a little worse for those in the USA
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We understand that moving abroad or adopting a different lifestyle isn’t feasible for everyone, and the rising cost of living in many places can be challenging. Our goal is to share our personal experience living in abroad and provide helpful insights for those considering a similar path. We always try to be mindful of how our choices impact both where we come from and where we live now. Everyone’s journey is different, and we hope our content can offer information to those exploring new options.
Mexico is a difficult choice as I don’t speak Spanish. Living now in France for 18 years, but need to move as my husband died at age 99.7. & I am 77. Many concerns about safety in Mexico, the fact Mexico taxes foreign income of Americans if you live there + 6 months, crime, socialist government, water issues, TOLIET issues, and how to get help if needed.
I’m so sorry for your loss, and it’s completely understandable to have concerns about making such a big move. It sounds like you've built a life in France, and at 77, it might feel more comfortable to stay somewhere familiar, especially with the language and systems you’re already used to. Mexico can be a wonderful place, but it’s not without its challenges, especially for those new to the language and culture.
Maybe staying where you have support is a good option, or perhaps exploring other places in Europe that might feel more like home could be easier than starting fresh in Mexico. Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this next chapter.
It’s so bad don’t come
Mexico doesn't tax your foreign income. If you make Mexican pesos you will have to pay an income tax. I was at the local organic fruiteria picking up some produce and met a couple of women in their 80's from Oregon who moved down here together after having lost their spouses. They love living here and neither spoke any Spanish when they moved here two years ago. Since then I've seen them at the free concerts down at the harbor malecon dancing with the local men and they are always smiling. I have to say is that they were flirting with me when I met them! Buena suerte!
So sorry for your loss. You sound like a strong person, but if you want to, just visit for a few weeks and check it out.
19.50 Philadelphia
Looks like you're on the high end. The range seems to be $15-20 so far. Thanks for your comment!
$20-$30 for a movie ticket
@@Xambit23 yikes! Where are you?
@@AandFBeyond California! Not very far away 0.0 …. Crazy difference in prices
@@Xambit23 jeez
$23. Naples fl movies
Yikes! That’s more than a month of Netflix with no commercials!! Thanks for letting us know.
Less camera switch please.
Thanks for the feedback! We'll definitely keep that in mind for future videos. We appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts!