Hello there
First of all, if you are only going to be there six months a year (180
days), all you need is a Mexican Tourist Card which is good for a 180
days. The Mexican government provides tourist cards free to visitors.
You will need the following.
1 - Proof of citizenship. - - This may be a passport (even if it has
expired in the past five years) - An original birth certificate - A
notarized affidavit of citizenship (this is not recommended for the
simple reason that while Mexico will accept it, you may have problems
with US immigration when you return) - or U.S Naturalization Papers.
When you arrive in Mexico, you will first visit Mexican immigration.
They will inspect your proof of citizenship and validate your tourist
card. They will give you the blue copy. Do not lose it. You will
have to give it back when you leave.
As previously mentioned, tourist cards can be validated for up to 180
days.
OK, now we have easily gotten you into Mexico.
Next we need to get you fixed up in middle class comfort in Mazatlan.
Now in spite of what you may have heard about the "bargain" of living
in Mexico, the cost of living is not cheap, but it can be affordable.
The term "middle class" has a wide meaning. It may surprise you that
most Americans consider themselves "middle class" even when they are
in the upper levels of what is 'officially' poverty level. It just
depends on what your comfort level is. So, I'm going to toss out the
term "middle class" and just give some cost of living figures and you
can determine which of them applies to you.
There are apartments available in reasonable parts of Mazatlan, if not
in the Centro Historico itself for as little as 1000 to 1200 Pesos a
month. The US Dollar is currently worth just over 9 Pesos. These
apartments won't be near the beach and obviously not in the more
fashionable neighborhoods. You also need to know that these bargain
apartments are normally not "turn key" operations. There may be
considerable damage from past residents and landlords may be reluctant
to make repairs. These apartments usually don't come with a stove or
a refrigerator, but the attractive thing about them for many is that
you can fix them up and decorate anyway you want.
If you can afford the range of 2500 Pesos, thing get a lot better.
You will be a lot closer to the beach for one thing, but you will
still probably have to completely furnish it yourself.
Furnished apartments can be found beginning at about 2000 Pesos. Here
is a listing of some that are available for rent. The prices range
from 2000 Pesos to 12,000 Pesos.
http://www.maz.itesm.mx/pi/apartments.html
The lower end may be what you would consider middle class or the upper
end may be. Once again, with a question such as the one you posted,
the term "middle class" is quite undefinable.
As for medical costs, that too is subjective depending on your state
of health. However, most medical facilities in Mazatlan charge
"gringos" the same as they charge Mexicans, and that is a fraction of
what comparable care would cost in the US. You can find some
additional information about that on this page:
http://www.peoplesguide.com/1pages/best/mexico/pac-coast/mazatlan/general-health-art1.html
As the webpage states: "Not only can folks get fixed up cheap but,
depending on the shape they are in, can probably have a good time
doing it."
What it boils down to is that you can live in Mazatlan "con mucha
felicidad" on $600 - $1000 a month. The prices there have not reached
the astronomical levels of Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco or other popular
beach towns. Of course your standards by which you judge "middle
class" may be higher than that.
You may notice I have not mentioned the amenities or attractions of
the city. I must presume you are already aware of them since it is
the destination you seem to have decided on.
My own retirement plans eventually call for the other side of the
country; the Gulf coast; Vera Cruz.
Most of the above information was composed from the following
websites.
Mexican entry requirements passports and visas
http://www.cancun-travelnet.com/Travel%20Tips/mexicoentryrequirements.htm
- website of Cancun Travelnet.com
The people's guide to Mexico
http://www.peoplesguide.com/1pages/retire/cost$/1costsindex.html - web
pages by Carl Franz & Lorena Havens
Mazatlan index page
http://www.peoplesguide.com/1pages/best/mexico/pac-coast/mazatlan/1mazatlan-index.html
- this is a good overview of most of what you asked about.
Search - Google
Terms - cost of living mazatlan, housing mazatlan, apartments
mazatlan, furnished apartments mazatlan, medical expenses mazatlan
If I may clarify anything before you rate the answer, please ask.
Cheers - save a marguerita and some good seafood for me.
digsalot |
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