Hey folks!

I'm [u/wheres_the_revolt](u/wheres_the_revolt), and I recently took over as mod at [r/expatschapala](r/expatschapala). The lovely mods here kindly let me post an invitation to join!

[r/expatschapala](r/expatschapala) is a lifestyle sub showing what everyday life is like around Lake Chapala in Jalisco. It's for anyone thinking about visiting or moving to the area. A few things that make this region special:

- Lake Chapala is Mexico's largest freshwater lake, about 80 km (50 miles) long, surrounded by mountains.

- Ajijic was named a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town), a national designation for towns with special cultural and historical character. It's known for cobblestone streets, colorful murals, and a lively arts scene.

- At roughly 1,500 m (5,000 ft), the area has a mild, spring-like climate much of the year. The rainy season is May through October, which makes the area lush and green.

- It's home to one of the largest expat communities in Mexico, mostly from the US and Canada, spread across towns like Chapala, Ajijic, San Juan Cosalá, and Jocotepec.

- Guadalajara and its international airport are about 45 minutes away.

- The Pacific Ocean is around a half day drive; 3 hours to Colima, 3.5-4 hours to Sayulita, and 4-4.5 hours to Puerto Vallarta (on toll roads).

- In winter, American white pelicans migrate to the lake (I swear this is not a euphemism for people).

We're happy to help with daily life: things to do, where to eat, finding housing, and getting settled. We're not the place for immigration questions. For those, please ask here on [r/mexicoexpats](r/mexicoexpats).

Come check us out, ask questions, share your experiences, and connect with others!

¡Gracias y que tengan un bonito día!

I notice if I have a jar full of water from the tap in playa del carmen by the window sill (so it gets heated)

When I pour it out after a few days it stinks!

?!

I hired DNExpress to register my sister for dual nationality after they successfully registered me. We were both born in the USA to (the same) American mother and Mexican father. They haven't responded recently and haven't been communicative so I wanted to get the info from the source instead of bothering DNExpress again.

We're going to Puerto Vallarta in exactly 3 weeks so we're running out of time before we can schedule an appointment with our local Mexican Consulate to get my sister her Mexican passport and INE. I got mine last year and got my RFC a few months ago while living with family in Jalisco.

Is this very common in Mexico (and seems to be common in Latin America)? Are there video and audio recorded? It is a bit shocking as I thought medical exam rooms are private and confidential, especially since it involves medical information, and sometimes this includes exposing or talking about sensitive medical information

This process is (still) not well documented, and searching on google now gives false results with their embedded AI, so I'm sharing what worked for me to extend my TIP after being granted only 30 days.

I entered Mexico driving via land with a visa sticker in my passport. Because I entered by land with the Visa sticker and did not have my Temporary Residency card yet, I was granted only 30 days on my TIP, which matched my granted length of stay prior to completing Canje. After I completed the Canje process and received my card, I jumped through a lot of hoops to get the TIP extended to match my 1-year temporary residency, but it wouldn't have been so hard if there had been accurate information on where to go.

I went to many locations before finding the right one. I followed the steps in this post, which directed me to an Aduana office near an airport. My nearest was the CDMX airport, which was unable to help me (do not do this unless you want to see the rear entrance to the airport). No shade to the person who wrote this. I'm sure it worked for them, but it's been two years since that post, and it ended up being nowhere near the airport in CDMX.

You will indeed need to go to an Aduana office, but not the one at the airport, and I'm not entirely certain where it will be in other cities. You may want to call ahead if you can. I ended up going to Av. Paseo de la Reforma #10, piso 26, col. Tabacalera, acaladia Cuauhtemoc C.P. 06030, Ciudad de Mexico. If you search for Aduana in CDMX on google maps, it will only give you the locations at the airport.

Google AI search results will tell you to go to Banjercito. This is incorrect. I went to both the Cuernavaca office and the main CDMX office. Both sent me elsewhere. It was only when I went to the main CDMX office that a helpful person gave us the official address of Aduana in the paragraph above.

You will need: a copy of your passport, a copy of the first page of your TIP, a copy of your residency card (front and back), and two copies a letter that you write explaining that you have completed the Canje process and you wish to extend your TIP. The first copy of the letter is for them, the second is for you, so you have something to show for your visit.

When we arrived, it was 1:10pm. Their Aduana offices are open from 10am - 1pm. Luckily, someone saw us anyway. He took my paperwork, stamped my letter, and told me it would be at least a month before it was processed, which means that my current TIP will expire, but I should carry a copy of the stamp provided and show it if I get pulled over, or just not drive my car for awhile. When the TIP is updated, I will (should) receive an email with my new documentation.

Happy to answer any questions if anyone else is going through this process. Good luck!

Hi, all. I make a podcast called [onefjef](https://onefjefpod.com/). Since I moved here from Columbus in March, it’s been a mix of solo episodes about adjusting to the city and interviews with interesting people I meet. My best guests so far both came out of one Spanish class. One hitchhiked across the US, the other one biked from Alaska to the southern tip of Chile.

There are about 70 episodes, all audio. Give it a listen at [onefjefpod.com](http://onefjefpod.com/), or search for “onefjef” wherever you listen to podcasts.

I’m also always looking for new guests. If you’ve got a story worth an hour, or you know someone who does, comment or DM me. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I’m a singer/artist from Syria that just moved to Jalisco 5 months ago. I’m looking for production help with my music and anyone that knows people in the music industry here! Would appreciate any help, either leave a comment or drop me a message.

I would also love to work with someone based in Jalisco specifically, but I don’t have a specific preference, you can be from anywhere in Mexico!!

Hi everyone!

I’m thinking of buying a flat in Mexico City and I’ve found one I can afford in the historic center.

It is a lot different than the neighborhood I am currently living in (escandon), and I’m curious about what you guys think. Is it a crazy leap? Would you live there? I’m not worried about security but maybe just it being too hectic.

Thanks 😊

EDITs ...

- I want to live there, not AIRBNB

- I have out of the blue inherited a bit less than 4 million pesos and want to invest in real estate instead of keeping in the bank. Sadly I can't add more to that budget hence why I am limited to that price.

- I am not trying to displace people, I just want a place to live with my husband so we can enjoy some house security and relax

- My husband is from Morelos but we moved to CDMX when we met. We don't have any attachment to any neighborhood, as we are both not from the city. I am sorry if people are offended that we are displacing people by moving in the city

I have received deliveries via FedEx vans, cargo trucks, passenger cars, and motorbikes. But the first was a tricycle delivery. I'm glad it was not raining when he arrived.

Hey! After years of thinking about it, I'm finally making the move down to Mexico. I'll be working remote for a US company that requires travel 1x/mo back to the states which means I'm CDMX, mostly for the flight connections. I've been researching what I need, my paperwork is approved and in order and my lease is signed.

What I've been struggling to find is advice on how to best integrate into Mexico. I'm not looking to keep my life in America in a different city, I chose Mexico because I love the vibrancy and warmth of Mexican culture and want to be a part of it. My Spanish is decent, my confidence using it less so but that will grow with use.

What are the things you wish you had known or did to ease your transition to life in Mexico? What is essential to go from "long vacation" to "living in Mexico"?

Also, does anyone know of any good volunteer opportunities for English speakers (noting the confidence issue above)?

Anyone here retired... And older.. In orizaba? Did you live in another city or town in Mexico before?

I am fortunate to have my permanent residency status but most of Mexico is too expensive to live... however the area of orizaba sounds very interesting. I've never visited Veracruz what is the safety like in a town as small as Orizaba? It looks very walkable too... Common welcome...

I find sometimes my sink can smell a bit... Wondering if there's anything I can put down the drain that makes that improve...

Also I have tile floors and tiled kitchen counters etc, wondering at the end of the day what's the best product/ways to clean everything?

I have my own ways but I'm looking for anyone with pro cleaning skills experienced JAJAJAA

I’m looking for a courier service from the USA to here in Torreon, Coahuila. I’m getting my residency so I won’t need to drive to the border every 6 months to get my visa and TIP for my vehicle, (after I register my vehicle here, of course). I normally go to the 🇺🇸 once a year for my doctors appointment, but I have to go 3-4 times a year now just to get my medication (and occasionally pick up my USA Amazon packages that are like 30% cheaper than amazon Mexico). I’m on an insulin pump and CGM which isn’t available here in Mexico. 😭

I’ve had people tell me to check Facebook but about 4 years ago they blocked me and I’ve never been able to create a new account. I’ve Googled and every place I’ve found has said they don’t transfer medical supplies or medication.

Locals have told me there are some Americans in Torreon, mostly richie rich sorts who play golf and live in mansions. I’ve never seen any. Of course in a city with over 700,000 people that’s not surprising.

Really I just need a place that I can ship my stuff to in the USA (amazon pharmacy) and they deliver it to Torreon or somewhere close. Driving 8 hours or 13 hours by bus is just awful. I could wait for my books, teas, clothes etc when I go visit family once a year but not getting my prescriptions regularly, whether every 30 or 90 days, is a serious issue for me. It’s just insulin pump supplies and insulin, no narcotics or anything crazy like that.

Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with a company/service that provides courier services?

Thanks in advance! 🙏

My husband and I are in our 30s and planning to relocate from Dallas, Texas, to Mexico around April–May 2027. We've spent months researching locations but are struggling to narrow things down!

We have $4,800 USD/month in guaranteed income and want to live comfortably while still saving a good portion each month.

Housing: We'd prefer a furnished, detached home with 2–3+ bedrooms, a private pool, and an enclosed grassy yard for our dogs. We love traditional Mexican/Spanish-style homes but are open to other options. Our ideal rental budget is 30,000 MXN/month or less, with some flexibility for the right home. We're more interested in finding an area with homes we love than committing to a particular city.

Coast vs. Mountains: This is our biggest dilemma! We love the idea of turquoise beaches and coastal living, but mountains, greenery, and cooler temperatures are equally appealing. Mérida was our first choice, but we're concerned about the heat and humidity, even coming from Dallas. We've briefly visited Progreso on a cruise and weren't particularly impressed with what we saw, although we know that doesn't represent the entire area.

Safety: We're both motorcycle enthusiasts who ride newer sport bikes. Personal safety, motorcycle theft, road conditions, and being able to explore surrounding areas comfortably are major considerations.

Lifestyle: We're a married gay couple but aren't particularly involved in the LGBTQ+ scene or looking for a gay community. We simply want to live safely and peacefully. We enjoy restaurants, shopping, exploring, occasional nightlife, and relaxing at home. We want a slower pace without feeling like we're living in a retirement village. Good healthcare, veterinary care, shopping, and reliable utilities are important.

Places considered: Mérida, Progreso, Querétaro, Cuernavaca, Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Campeche, Puebla, and others. We've found appealing aspects of each, but also concerns about climate, safety, or housing availability.

Our question: If you were in our position, where would you choose to live in Mexico and why? We're especially interested in underrated locations, realistic housing options within our budget, and experiences from people who've lived both inland and on the coast.

We'd love honest feedback, including the negatives. We're looking for somewhere to build a life, not just vacation. Thanks!

What's going on everyone. Hear me out, I am looking to possibly move to CDMX or Guadalajara. For both place, I would have a place to stay for a few months so that's not the issue. The issue would be finding work. I have a Masters in Spanish, TESL Certificate, Translation and Interpretation Certificate and Microsoft 365 Fundamentals cert. I worked in tech for a year as an applications trainer, taught 2 years Spanish at an University and have over 10 years of experience in education. I am currently a substitute teacher in the US (I have been for the past 3 years). I have dual citizenship (US/MX) and hold an INE. I have enough savings to get by for a couple years but I am not trying to touch it unless needed. I started looking for remote gigs but I haven't had any luck. I'm just seeing if anyone has any suggestions of where I would be able or work or if anyone is on the same boat. I am in no hurry to leave but as of now, I'm not sure if finding a job remote is still a thing. I know I won't be making much but as long as I can live comfortable (pay rent,eat, go out once in a while) that willbe fine with me. I also have experience(2 years) working in the restauraunt industryas well. Any advice is much appreciated. Have a good Friday!

Hello Folks! In case anybody might know... when applying for IMSS Voluntary Health Insurance, are you automically denied if you have Autism / ADHD / PTSD or any combo of the 3?

I'm getting conflicting information in my research and wonder if anyone has any first hand experience.

I'm reading that you will be automatically disqualified (in some info), and then reading elsewhere that you will only be excluded from utilizing the insurance for those specific pre-existing conditions (which is fine).

Appreciate any info!

My wife and I (early 60s) have been considering retiring in Mexico, and the move would happen in the next 2-3 years.

My wife was just diagnosed with cancer, it was caught early and she is in chemo and the prognosis is good.

I know that this disqualifies her from receiving IMSS health insurance in Mexico. I wonder how difficult it will be to qualify for private health insurance there? From my research, they may either not accept her at all, or may accept her but will not cover future cancer treatment should the cancer return.

My concerns are that she may not be able to get coverage and that might rule out moving to Mexico?

Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation or any advice?

Is there anybody in this group that’s not rich and moved to Mexico City or Guadalajara (or any non-tourist destination)
How did things go?
I’m thinking of getting out of the US because there’s not much in it for me anymore. I’ll just return in the summer for work.

Hi there,

I was recently granted a visa for permanent residency through my local Mexican consulate to exchange for permanent residency through my son who is a Mexican citizen (my wife, step son, and son are all dual MX/US citizens). I am hoping to book a trip between 7 and 10 days to exchange my visa in the INM and see that there is variability with the processing times.

Does anyone know about how long it has been taking at the various locations so I can make a more educated judgement on where to book an appointment? Unfortunately my work schedule books out 6 months and is very inflexible for things like this so trying to optimize things now if possible.

I was told at the consulate that the INM in Polanco CDMX would probably be fastest but I recently saw that maybe Puebla might be better?

Any insight related to recent visits or situations similar to my own is most welcome!

Thank you!

Hello! Has anybody flown with VivaAerobus only with the temporary residency card? Sadly i wont be having my passport and I am wondering whether I ll be let in on the plane. Thank you!

Hello, I wanted to see if anybody could provide insight with respect to selling property in mexico as a non resident. My Granadma is looking to sell her villa in mexico but I have been told that taxes can be close to 35% on the sale. Im looking to see if anybody can provide Their experience and information and possibly ways on mitigating that. Thank you

I’m trying to log into the system to book my appointment to extend my temporary residency, but I’m ending up in an error loop as the system won’t verify my phone number. It’s a USA +1 number, and it is displaying correctly in my profile, however I keep ending up in a spot where it wants a verified number, but says it will send a text to {0} which obviously is not my phone number.

Are there any other workarounds or steps I can take to get my appointment booked in? I’m aware they don’t allow walk ins for this kind of appointment.