Retiring in Mexico versus Thailand

[jacksam]

After nine years in Thailand, I'm moving to Zijuatanejo (Remember "The Shawshank Redemption?). Three reasons:

1. Tourist Visa is ~$25 U.S. Good for six months. No visa runs, no 90 reporting to immigration, unlimited (thought that may change in the future).

2. NO work permit needed to jam with the local musicians in the bars/clubs.

3. Jomtien beach is a sewer. Looks beautiful from a 5th floor condo, but I tried swimming in it recently and thought I might need to get some shots after, just filthy!

I'll be there in six weeks, I'll keep y'all posted on the progress.

Thanks. Could I ask your travel detail. You prob searched around for good deal. How are you flying from bkk?

Thanks in advance. I want to live in thailand but month or two in Mexico sounds good. One poster made Chile sound inviting also.

[atpeace]

Traveled extensively in Mexico. If Thailand was conveniently attached to the USA, it would decimate Mexican tourism. Mexico is a cheap destination and isn't all bad but compared to almost all other retirement destinations near and far it sucks!

Jomtien beach is dirty? Maybe but do you really think Mexican beaches are pristine?

[dunks]

Mexico sounds great! Much less violent crime than Thailand and people more honest.

[CaptHaddock]

If Trump becomes the US President, I would think that, if you are American, Mexico should not even be on your list. If you like latin flavor, try Ecuador or Panama..

I recently read a story on Bloomberg.com on the top 5 places to retire

and Ecuador was at number 1, it surprised me, i'm seriously thinking

of a holiday there, Panama was also there, we hear that Colombia is

also a nice country to live but what worries me is what the country is

famous for so i pass, don't want any red flags on my passport.

I agree with your remark.

Ecuador raises the same red flags. When I was at the Quito airport waiting to board a flight to Miami at 5 AM I found myself summoned by name over the intercom. I was then escorted out of the passenger waiting area, in the dark, and led to an internal baggage handling area. There a single, uniformed Ecuadorean policeman who had no badge or other identification proceeded to open and inspect my checked-in suitcase to look for drugs. I knew at that moment that he could do whatever he wanted to, including planting drugs himself if he happened to be below quota for the month. He asked me questions in Spanish to which I replied in Spanish. After a few minutes he sent me back to the waiting area. And that, fortunately enough, was that.

I don't plan to return to Ecuador, although I enjoyed the trip right up until the sendoff. Apart from fear of the police, the threat of crime is omnipresent.

[CaptHaddock]

Mexico sounds great! Much less violent crime than Thailand and people more honest.

More rubbish information from the lazy. Mexico has a murder rate of 22.5/100,000/year vs 5 for Thailand.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate

Perhaps you missed the news about beheadings as a normal business practice of the cartels.

Beyond the statistics Mexico has probably already lost control of several states to the narcotrafficantes and could become a failed state without an effective government in the future.

[zurgos]

Does anyone have a link for what the real legal status is, rather than the usual, "I heard it from some guy who heard it from some guy...."

Don't know why no one has mentioned that foreigners don't have property rights just like here in Thailand

Want to own property as a foreigner then you must set up a company to own it, sound familiar

Not sure where you got your opinion but speaking as one that owned land in Mexico, unless laws have changed there, foreigners can own property in Mexico but not within proximity of the coastline.

Thanks for that. You must be correct since I got that info from someone who bought a condo on the beach in Cabo and was complaining about the time and expense setting up a company

Unfortunately the coastline is the only part of the country where I would want to live

[zurgos]

My inner Hemingway fisherman instinct was salivating after reading about this sport fishing....is it expensive to keep a boat there, what about marinas, import duties?

Cabo looks like a cool place, maybe a bit expensive.....I think you can even fish for marlin there. There seems to be lots of variety on both Pacific and Gulf sides though

Cabo is great for fishing because you have the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean offering up excellent bill fish south and to the west in the Pacific, with fine yellowtail, dorado, and tuna south and to the east and north. The Palmilla and Solmar fleets were always the best out of Cabo, but halfway up Baja on the Sea of Cortes is a sleepy little village called Loreto where you can rent a 23' panga boat and skpper from Arturo's fleet and have a magnificent time fishing for dorado, yellowtail and sail fish. Cabo has nearly ten very good golf courses and the best restaurants were always in San Jose del Cabo on the southeastern tip of baja. The only negative is that Cabo has become a bit like a suburb of Los Angeles, with Californians flocking there for fun in the sun and that has driven up the prices. Cabo would not be the first choice for retirement. Puerto Vallarta is far less "Americanized" and has decent fishing, although a bit of a boat ride to get there, but the golf is nice in PV.

Edited September 18, 2015 by zurgos

[Jingthing]

Does anyone have a link for what the real legal status is, rather than the usual, "I heard it from some guy who heard it from some guy...."

Don't know why no one has mentioned that foreigners don't have property rights just like here in Thailand

Want to own property as a foreigner then you must set up a company to own it, sound familiar

Not sure where you got your opinion but speaking as one that owned land in Mexico, unless laws have changed there, foreigners can own property in Mexico but not within proximity of the coastline.

Thanks for that. You must be correct since I got that info from someone who bought a condo on the beach in Cabo and was complaining about the time and expense setting up a company

Unfortunately the coastline is the only part of the country where I would want to live

Facil.

http://www.mexonline.com/propmex.htm

[big carl]

If Trump becomes the US President, I would think that, if you are American, Mexico should not even be on your list. If you like latin flavor, try Ecuador or Panama..

I recently read a story on Bloomberg.com on the top 5 places to retire

and Ecuador was at number 1, it surprised me, i'm seriously thinking

of a holiday there, Panama was also there, we hear that Colombia is

also a nice country to live but what worries me is what the country is

famous for so i pass, don't want any red flags on my passport.

I agree with your remark.

Ecuador raises the same red flags. When I was at the Quito airport waiting to board a flight to Miami at 5 AM I found myself summoned by name over the intercom. I was then escorted out of the passenger waiting area, in the dark, and led to an internal baggage handling area. There a single, uniformed Ecuadorean policeman who had no badge or other identification proceeded to open and inspect my checked-in suitcase to look for drugs. I knew at that moment that he could do whatever he wanted to, including planting drugs himself if he happened to be below quota for the month. He asked me questions in Spanish to which I replied in Spanish. After a few minutes he sent me back to the waiting area. And that, fortunately enough, was that.

I don't plan to return to Ecuador, although I enjoyed the trip right up until the sendoff. Apart from fear of the police, the threat of crime is omnipresent.

good point. When retiring to a country one should always take into consideration the customs agents on entering or leaving in both countries. If you plan on staying and not traveling don't worry bout them.

[uptheos]

After nine years in Thailand, I'm moving to Zijuatanejo (Remember "The Shawshank Redemption?). Three reasons:

1. Tourist Visa is ~$25 U.S. Good for six months. No visa runs, no 90 reporting to immigration, unlimited (thought that may change in the future).

2. NO work permit needed to jam with the local musicians in the bars/clubs.

3. Jomtien beach is a sewer. Looks beautiful from a 5th floor condo, but I tried swimming in it recently and thought I might need to get some shots after, just filthy!

I'll be there in six weeks, I'll keep y'all posted on the progress.

Good Luck!

Public health warning closes Mexican beach made famous by Shawshank Redemption

By SARAH GORDON

PUBLISHED: 09:41, 9 April 2014 | UPDATED: 09:42, 9 April 2014

The beach that Tim Robbins dreamed of escaping to in the 1994 film Shawshank Redemption has been closed to the public due to contamination.

The Mexican beach of Zihuatanejo, on the Pacific Coast, is where Robbins' character, wrongly-convicted Andy Dufresne, dreams of seeing out his days, fixing up a boat and taking tourists out for trips.

But anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps is advised to stay out of the water, due to high levels of pollution in the water which are causing health problems among the locals.

A sign has been placed on the sand, reading: 'Dear tourists, the quality of the water is not suitable for recreational swimming. Please avoid swimming in this area.'

Levels of the enterococci bacteria equal 399 per 100ml of water on the beach, significantly higher than the 200 per 100ml limit imposed by the Mexican authorities.

Zihuatanejo is in Guerrero state, about 150 miles north of Acapulco, and is where Dufresne talks to veteran inmate Red (played by Morgan Freeman) about escaping to in Shawshank Redemption.

Local authorities claim that each year contamination levels soar, before dropping back to normal levels again, but there are claims that the beach is worse this year - just ahead of the peak Easter holidays.

Local fishermen who use the beach frequently complain of skin problems and wounds getting infected due to the polluted water, while one dive instructor claims it's easy to tell each evening who has been swimming in the waters as they have red, blood-shot eyes

[fey]

There are safety issues, much more dangerous then anywhere in asia. Mexico City is a dump with frequent taxi kidnappings, muggings etc. You have to take Uber.

The options for a decent lifestyle and safety are limited to resort/tourist type areas like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, maybe Guadalahara. Merida is also safe. Along with that choice comes tourist prices that are hiked up for people on vacation. Entry requirement is a no-brainer if your a US Citizen just fly back in every 6 months with your passport in hand.

One factor which can't be under-estimated is that people are not as friendly as in Asia in my opinion, along with that comes associated problems like negative attitudes and all that would imply. They also don't leave you alone if you live locally.

All the retirees I've seen cluster together in foreigner enclaves and don't live with the natives like you see in Thailand. Again, that comes with hiked prices.

The only positives for me over Thailand would be the ease of visa and closer to US.

[spidermike007]

I'm wondering.. Do they have $50 a month apartments(wifi included) in Mexico like they do in Thailand?

Sorry for the question, but I'm a bit of a cheap charlie.

Could you provide is more information on your 1800 baht a month apartment?

[spidermike007]

Mexico sounds great! Much less violent crime than Thailand and people more honest.

If you made a grand effort, you could not possible be more incorrect on both counts. The violence in Mexico these days is unfathomably high. There are probably a few choice spots that are safer. But, do not even consider traveling around the country. Who wants to be limited to a tourist enclave?

[Berkshire]

After nine years in Thailand, I'm moving to Zijuatanejo (Remember "The Shawshank Redemption?). Three reasons:

1. Tourist Visa is ~$25 U.S. Good for six months. No visa runs, no 90 reporting to immigration, unlimited (thought that may change in the future).

2. NO work permit needed to jam with the local musicians in the bars/clubs.

3. Jomtien beach is a sewer. Looks beautiful from a 5th floor condo, but I tried swimming in it recently and thought I might need to get some shots after, just filthy!

I'll be there in six weeks, I'll keep y'all posted on the progress.

Good Luck!

Public health warning closes Mexican beach made famous by Shawshank Redemption

By SARAH GORDON

PUBLISHED: 09:41, 9 April 2014 | UPDATED: 09:42, 9 April 2014

The beach that Tim Robbins dreamed of escaping to in the 1994 film Shawshank Redemption has been closed to the public due to contamination.

The Mexican beach of Zihuatanejo, on the Pacific Coast, is where Robbins' character, wrongly-convicted Andy Dufresne, dreams of seeing out his days, fixing up a boat and taking tourists out for trips.

But anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps is advised to stay out of the water, due to high levels of pollution in the water which are causing health problems among the locals.

A sign has been placed on the sand, reading: 'Dear tourists, the quality of the water is not suitable for recreational swimming. Please avoid swimming in this area.'

Levels of the enterococci bacteria equal 399 per 100ml of water on the beach, significantly higher than the 200 per 100ml limit imposed by the Mexican authorities.

Zihuatanejo is in Guerrero state, about 150 miles north of Acapulco, and is where Dufresne talks to veteran inmate Red (played by Morgan Freeman) about escaping to in Shawshank Redemption.

Local authorities claim that each year contamination levels soar, before dropping back to normal levels again, but there are claims that the beach is worse this year - just ahead of the peak Easter holidays.

Local fishermen who use the beach frequently complain of skin problems and wounds getting infected due to the polluted water, while one dive instructor claims it's easy to tell each evening who has been swimming in the waters as they have red, blood-shot eyes

Wow, talk about straight-to-the-point bodyslam. You've quashed Mr. quandow's dream of paradise. Wonder what he's going to do now?

[JoopJoop]

Another 2 Australian friends and I drove from California to Panama 12 years ago and didn't have a problem.

However, my Mexican friends with young children tell me how it's changed for the worse over the last several years; increased kidnappings, corruption and price escalation.

I'd never make that drive again.

I'm disappointed with Thailand's shortcomings, lies, and corruption but if no other choice, I'd choose here.

Having a choice however, a return to Aus is on the cards.

[steelepulse]

All of you commenting about Mexico being a shitehole, you do realize it's 4 times bigger than Thailand correct? It's so funny hearing all of the armchair knowitalls living in Asia or wherever talking about a country as if it's all the same/place. Damn right there's dangerous areas, just as there are in any country. Murder rate is higher than Thailand for a few reasons, one definitely being the cartel wars that primarily involved those in the narcos biz, and of course Thailands famous under reporting and mis reporting of violent crimes.

Feel free to go on any forums about Mexico similar to thaivisa and you'll see the reality is quite different from the perception by arm chair sleuths. Pretty much every expat that lives in a nice area there reports that crime is low ( lower than any decent sized city in the US) as well as statistics show this. The key is finding a nice safe place in a country of 2 million square kilometers, as compared to Thailand of 500,000 square kilometers.

For those interested, check out Riviera Maya on the Caribbean in the Yucatan Peninsula close to Belize.

[KhunG]

Easy choice for me. I lived not far from the Mexican border most of my life (Texas). I like the people and the food.

But, my wife is Thai-American. She has inherited land in Thailand, I speak Thai, and our children though born in the US also have Thai citizenship through her.

Thailand for me.

Edit: I know how to make my own Tex-Mex food.

Edited September 19, 2015 by KhunG

[zurgos]

This post is totally incorrect. The following Asian countries are more dangerous than Mexico.

Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar(in certain areas), North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines(south), Syria, Yemen.

There are also other many areas in Asia which may be dangerous for women travelers.

Also, I have heard that Mexico City has some great areas.

There are safety issues, much more dangerous then anywhere in asia. Mexico City is a dump with frequent taxi kidnappings, muggings etc. You have to take Uber.

The options for a decent lifestyle and safety are limited to resort/tourist type areas like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, maybe Guadalahara. Merida is also safe. Along with that choice comes tourist prices that are hiked up for people on vacation. Entry requirement is a no-brainer if your a US Citizen just fly back in every 6 months with your passport in hand.

One factor which can't be under-estimated is that people are not as friendly as in Asia in my opinion, along with that comes associated problems like negative attitudes and all that would imply. They also don't leave you alone if you live locally.

All the retirees I've seen cluster together in foreigner enclaves and don't live with the natives like you see in Thailand. Again, that comes with hiked prices.

The only positives for me over Thailand would be the ease of visa and closer to US.

[zurgos]

Muchas gracias!

Does anyone have a link for what the real legal status is, rather than the usual, "I heard it from some guy who heard it from some guy...."

Facil.

http://www.mexonline.com/propmex.htm

[puukao]

Beverly Hills or Oakland, CA?

NYC, Upper East side or Harlem?

San Francisco or the swamp lands of Louisiana?

I get Country versus Country at the beginning. Then it really should be specific area versus specific area.

CM, to me, is very different than BKK

[connda]

I have never been with a Latino woman. However I would like to tick it off my bucket list. Can we discuss here, politely please, the pros and cons between Latino and Thai girls?

If you like 'plump', Latinas do tend to plump up as they age. Not bad if your into the 38 to 42 range, and I don't mean age. Lol Lot's of loving to be had. And you can pick up spoken Spanish in about a year. Predominately Roman Catholic if Buddhism isn't your thing. Family oriented and probably a lot less likely to have a gik on the side. If you enjoy Mexican food (I do) you'll plump up too.

[connda]

Breaking news: latest retirement destination with stunning mountains and sunny sandy places are Afghanistan and Irak,visas are easily to obtain and cost of living is extremely cheap...just the lasses are difficult to spot( I mean the pretty ones)...

Afghanistan and Iraq, where the men are men and the goats are scared.

Isn't this New Zealand???

Idaho?

[connda]

I thought about Mexico but I like Thai women much better than chicas.

Ohhh, there's something SO sexy about a pissed off Latin chick!

At least I can understand what a Latina is saying when she is pissed off. Lol

[Stradavarius37]

My first retirement choice was Mexico. This was in the late 80's. I would stay a few months in one town or city and then move on to see more. Always rented a house furnished. Drove an old car. I loved it. Even learned the language very well. Much easier than Thai thats for sure. Permit to stay in country was six months at a time with no reporting. I loved the mountains, the food and mostly the people. Only reason I left was that i had seen all I wanted to in Mexico. So moved to Asia. Big mistake. My heart is still in Mexico.

Quite easy to move the rest of you back there - but a ticket

[connda]

After nine years in Thailand, I'm moving to Zijuatanejo (Remember "The Shawshank Redemption?). Three reasons:

1. Tourist Visa is ~$25 U.S. Good for six months. No visa runs, no 90 reporting to immigration, unlimited (thought that may change in the future).

2. NO work permit needed to jam with the local musicians in the bars/clubs.

3. Jomtien beach is a sewer. Looks beautiful from a 5th floor condo, but I tried swimming in it recently and thought I might need to get some shots after, just filthy!

I'll be there in six weeks, I'll keep y'all posted on the progress.

Good Luck!

Public health warning closes Mexican beach made famous by Shawshank Redemption

By SARAH GORDON

PUBLISHED: 09:41, 9 April 2014 | UPDATED: 09:42, 9 April 2014

The beach that Tim Robbins dreamed of escaping to in the 1994 film Shawshank Redemption has been closed to the public due to contamination.

The Mexican beach of Zihuatanejo, on the Pacific Coast, is where Robbins' character, wrongly-convicted Andy Dufresne, dreams of seeing out his days, fixing up a boat and taking tourists out for trips.

But anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps is advised to stay out of the water, due to high levels of pollution in the water which are causing health problems among the locals.

A sign has been placed on the sand, reading: 'Dear tourists, the quality of the water is not suitable for recreational swimming. Please avoid swimming in this area.'

Levels of the enterococci bacteria equal 399 per 100ml of water on the beach, significantly higher than the 200 per 100ml limit imposed by the Mexican authorities.

Zihuatanejo is in Guerrero state, about 150 miles north of Acapulco, and is where Dufresne talks to veteran inmate Red (played by Morgan Freeman) about escaping to in Shawshank Redemption.

Local authorities claim that each year contamination levels soar, before dropping back to normal levels again, but there are claims that the beach is worse this year - just ahead of the peak Easter holidays.

Local fishermen who use the beach frequently complain of skin problems and wounds getting infected due to the polluted water, while one dive instructor claims it's easy to tell each evening who has been swimming in the waters as they have red, blood-shot eyes

Wow, talk about straight-to-the-point bodyslam. You've quashed Mr. quandow's dream of paradise. Wonder what he's going to do now?

I have friends living in Peru. They like it.

[fey]

This post is totally incorrect. The following Asian countries are more dangerous than Mexico.

Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar(in certain areas), North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines(south), Syria, Yemen.

There are also other many areas in Asia which may be dangerous for women travelers.

Also, I have heard that Mexico City has some great areas.

There are safety issues, much more dangerous then anywhere in asia. Mexico City is a dump with frequent taxi kidnappings, muggings etc. You have to take Uber.

The options for a decent lifestyle and safety are limited to resort/tourist type areas like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, maybe Guadalahara. Merida is also safe. Along with that choice comes tourist prices that are hiked up for people on vacation. Entry requirement is a no-brainer if your a US Citizen just fly back in every 6 months with your passport in hand.

One factor which can't be under-estimated is that people are not as friendly as in Asia in my opinion, along with that comes associated problems like negative attitudes and all that would imply. They also don't leave you alone if you live locally.

All the retirees I've seen cluster together in foreigner enclaves and don't live with the natives like you see in Thailand. Again, that comes with hiked prices.

The only positives for me over Thailand would be the ease of visa and closer to US.

Well some those are Middle East to me, but i appreciate the technical feedback if its accurate.

Mexico City is basically like a toned down version of Manila. Manila is likely more dangerous. So if your ok with metro phillippines your in the right mindset for Mexico City.

They are both bung holes to me. I like big cities but when you cant just wander around at night that rules it out for me since Im not a big taxi person.

All cities have bad areas but there is a line between sketchy and dangerous and Manila and Mexico fall into the dangerous category for me.

The nice areas your referring to have nice homes with big locks and those people stay home after 9pm.

[Berkshire]

I have never been with a Latino woman. However I would like to tick it off my bucket list. Can we discuss here, politely please, the pros and cons between Latino and Thai girls?

If you like 'plump', Latinas do tend to plump up as they age. Not bad if your into the 38 to 42 range, and I don't mean age. Lol Lot's of loving to be had. And you can pick up spoken Spanish in about a year. Predominately Roman Catholic if Buddhism isn't your thing. Family oriented and probably a lot less likely to have a gik on the side. If you enjoy Mexican food (I do) you'll plump up too.

Agree. People always talk about Latino women as if they're all beauty pageant contestants. Not by a long shot. The ones that make it to be Miss Universe are certainly hot. But the vast majority are not. As you say, most are a bit on the large side. And I'd imagine it has a lot to do with their diet...and genes.

This is similar to Thai people who think all American women are hot because of the women they see in the movies. Not quite like that in real life for the majority of American women.

[zurgos]

Glad to be of technical assistance,

Here is a list of Asian countries, which includes all the ones listed,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asian_and_Pacific_countries

Middle East is not a continent, but may straddle several.

I don't know many big cities in the US where you can wander around...LA? Miami? possibly New York....hope you have good running shoes if you are going to wander around LA....

Mexico City is totally different from Manila,....first off, it has decent food, is geographically at altitude and has a totally different climate...

Lots of great American cities also have no go areas, including those listed above.

This post is totally incorrect. The following Asian countries are more dangerous than Mexico.
Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar(in certain areas), North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines(south), Syria, Yemen.
There are also other many areas in Asia which may be dangerous for women travelers.
Also, I have heard that Mexico City has some great areas.

There are safety issues, much more dangerous then anywhere in asia. Mexico City is a dump with frequent taxi kidnappings, muggings etc. You have to take Uber.

The options for a decent lifestyle and safety are limited to resort/tourist type areas like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, maybe Guadalahara. Merida is also safe. Along with that choice comes tourist prices that are hiked up for people on vacation. Entry requirement is a no-brainer if your a US Citizen just fly back in every 6 months with your passport in hand.

One factor which can't be under-estimated is that people are not as friendly as in Asia in my opinion, along with that comes associated problems like negative attitudes and all that would imply. They also don't leave you alone if you live locally.
All the retirees I've seen cluster together in foreigner enclaves and don't live with the natives like you see in Thailand. Again, that comes with hiked prices.

The only positives for me over Thailand would be the ease of visa and closer to US.

Well some those are Middle East to me, but i appreciate the technical feedback if its accurate.

Mexico City is basically like a toned down version of Manila. Manila is likely more dangerous. So if your ok with metro phillippines your in the right mindset for Mexico City.

They are both bung holes to me. I like big cities but when you cant just wander around at night that rules it out for me since Im not a big taxi person.

All cities have bad areas but there is a line between sketchy and dangerous and Manila and Mexico fall into the dangerous category for me.

The nice areas your referring to have nice homes with big locks and those people stay home after 9pm.

[ourdon]

Mexico is not that horrid folks. Over the years I've done the rubbing the whales in Magdalena Bay to swimming with the porpoises in Cozumel. I plan on taking a look at Phuket this winter.

On the Pacific side (Pta Escondido) I rented a North American style two bedroom condo (with pool access) for $2300.00 USD per month. On the Gulf side (Pta Morelos) the rent was triple the Pacific rate. Honestly, I could have found cheaper places but I had family visiting on both sides and did not wish to move to areas where old Gringos are thought of as "financial opportunities".

I had thought of going back to the Med but.......modern times are brutal. All I'm looking for is a beach, a hammock, and a beer (several) in some place where they aren't killing the Westerner.

Regards

[derble]

Lots of excellent food for thought and ideas here.....let's keep the discussion going. I wonder if anyone has considered or done 6 months Thailand/ 6 months Mexico??