MISCONCEPTIONS:

First-time visitors to Lake Chapala are frequently jolted by the number of misconceptions they brought with them. These include:

1. Modern conveniences don't exist. WRONG! Just about everything you've taken for granted in your native country is available here. High-speed Internet service, indoor plumbing (complete with water purification and pressure systems), Cable and satellite TV, computers, VCRs, DVDs and other high-tech gadgets, cappuccino and espresso, state-of-the-art medical facilities, known name-brand imported products, and even retail outlets such as Wal-mart, KFC and Office Depot (in nearby Guadalajara) are all available, if you are willing to pay for them. Back

2. Everyone speaks Spanish. WRONG! In addition to the thousands of English-speakers from all over the world that have retired or relocated to this area, a great many Mexican nationals take pride in knowing how to communicate in English. Although it is always best to learn at least basic Spanish to ease those instances when Spanish is needed, many expatriates never learn Spanish and get by just fine. Back

3. Everyone rides a burro. WRONG! Although you do see the occasional burro or horse being ridden alongside automobiles on side streets, most people get around by car or by using the excellent bus transit service here. Auto dealerships such as those found north of the border are also found here, along with knowledgeable mechanics and auto parts outlets. Back

5. THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR: Even though many fears about Mexico are unfounded, there are some genuine pitfalls. These include: Back

6. Don't drink the water. Ground water in Mexico is usually not purified before being piped to homes. Water for consumption (drinking and cooking) can be readily purchased by the bottle, including large 5-gallon containers for home use. Ordinarily, the Mexicans themselves drink bottled water and restaurants serve purified water. Just don't drink from the tap. It is a habit that is actually very easy to overcome, and many homes in the Lake Chapala area are equipped with whole-house purification systems. Back

7. Choose your food carefully. The stories about tourists getting diarrhea are often true. Produce available in markets has not been pre-washed, so you will need to get into the habit of washing it thoroughly with purified water before eating. Anti-bacterial drops to add to the water are also available. A good rule of thumb is to avoid street food until your body has become acclimated to the food here.

It is interesting to note that a great many foreign visitors get sick upon returning home, if they have been in Mexico for awhile. It seems to be largely a matter of what the body becomes accustomed to. Bacteria found here in Mexico may not exist north of the border — and vice versa. It is usually exposure to an unaccustomed variety of bacteria that is to blame for gastric disorders. The best course is to eat normally while exercising common sense. Should you develop unpleasant symptoms of gastritis, go to a reliable pharmacist. If fever accompanies diarrhea, consult a doctor. In lingering cases, it is wise to take a stool sample to a local lab for analysis, and then take the results to a doctor or pharmacy so that the correct medication can be prescribed. Back

8. Watch out for scorpions. It is not uncommon to come across a scorpion or other noxious insect. Many residents choose to spray their home regularly for pests such as these. It is a good rule of thumb to always check shoes before putting them on, and avoid going barefoot. The fear of scorpions seems to be greatly amplified in foreigners; the Mexicans tend to chuckle over what they consider an exaggerated fear. In truth, most scorpion stings hurt terribly for a few minutes (similar to a bee sting) and then disappear. However, the neurotoxin from a scorpion sting can cause a bad reaction in a very small percentage of individuals, particularly the elderly and children under age three. Should you be stung and exhibit shortness of breath or other alarming symptoms, the local Red Cross has injections available to counter these symptoms. In many cases, people report that their symptoms have disappeared by the time they reach the Red Cross. Try not to be overly alarmed at the prospect. A great many people here have never been stung, even after decades in the area. Back

9. Population

Lake Chapala's North shore community, often simply called "Lakeside", is an intercultural mix of native Mexicans, and individuals from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, etc, etc. Between 20,000 and 30,000 English-speaking foreigners reside in this area. Because Lake Chapala is predominately a retirement area for expatriates, the majority of them are over age 45, although a growing number of families with children are moving here. The towns of Jocotepec and Chapala are the North shore's largest, followed by Ajijic, which holds the largest segment of the expatriate population. Back

10. CRIME RATE

When newcomers to Mexico see the large number of law officers holding machine guns, they assume they are in danger — either from criminals or the police themselves. There does seem to be, by U.S. standards, an inordinate number of officers, and the gun wielders do tend to make the gringos nervous. To the Mexican, however, the officers are seen as a reassuring presence for law-abiding citizens, and a warning to the criminal element ... and that is how it is intended.

Although the Lake Chapala area has in the past been seen as easy prey for out-of-town burglars, this threat has almost been eliminated. Today — although the youth of Mexico seem to have an affinity for graffiti — serious crime is rare, and it is much safer to live here than north of the border. Even women can safely walk down the street at night. It is recommended that residents follow the Mexican example of not placing temptation in the path would-be criminals. This means using common sense such as locking your doors, etc. Additionally, in keeping with the "don't tempt `em" philosophy, most Mexican homes are surrounded by high walls and have iron bars (usually decorative) over the windows. (This also creates a very private sanctuary for the resident.) After living in Mexico for awhile, the unbarred windows and often-unfenced properties up north look very vulnerable and "inviting" to prospective burglars. Back

11. COST OF LIVING

Despite promotional claims that one can "live in Mexico on $500 USD a month", it simply isn't so. At least, not if you expect some semblance to your accustomed lifestyle. However, compared with the United States and Canada and, indeed, most of the "first world" countries, the cost of living here remains quite low. This is partially due to the fact that mortgages are nearly unheard of (bank interest is still exorbitant) so home and automobile ownership usually requires all cash or owner financing with a hefty down payment. Since homes are owned outright, most labor intensive expenses, such as meals in a restaurant, construction or auto repair is generally a bargain. In fact, it is difficult to find a first-rate evening meal that exceeds $12 USD. Building costs are in the $45 USD per square foot range. Nearly all construction is masonry so fire insurance is seldom purchased. Real estate taxes are minimal at about .015% of fair market value.

An annual physical check up by a well qualified, bilingual, often US-educated physician is about $30 USD plus tests. Maids and gardeners work for $1.50 USD per hour or a little more depending upon their length of service.

While some items are more expensive than one may be accustomed to (such as gasoline, phone service and goods imported from the US), other items are much cheaper (such as fresh produce, property taxes, utilities and services), and still others are about the same. One thing to make note of is that used merchandise maintains a value close to that of new merchandise. Back

12. Buying a home

Generally speaking, housing costs are significant but comparable to costs in rural or small town America. Comfortable and adequate housing can be had for around $100,000 USD. Views, pools and deluxe amenities, of course, drive the price higher.

Depending on which Lakeside village you reside in, rent for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home will average in the $250-$550 USD range. A modest one-bedroom apartment in Chapala may rent for $150 USD per month, while upscale executive homes with a pool in elite areas of Ajijic rent for $1,000 USD or more. Many times, rent will include a part-time gardener and/or maid. Back

13. Shopping

As stated previously, just about everything you've taken for granted in your native country is available here. High-speed Internet service, water purification and pressure systems, cable and satellite TV, computers, VCRs, DVDs, digital cameras and other high-tech gadgets, cappuccino or espresso, state-of-the-art medical facilities, name-brand imported products are all readily available. On rare occasions, one may need to order a special item from the U.S., in which case an incoming "duty" may have to be paid.

While Lakeside offers food outlets such as Dominos Pizza and Golden Fried Chicken, others such as Chili's, Sirloin Stockade, Pizza Hut, KFC, Burger King, McDonald's, Applebee's, Subway and Baskin & Robbins are as close as Guadalajara. Retail outlets such as Wal-Mart, Sam's, Home Depot, Price Club, Ace Hardware and Office Depot are also available in Guadalajara, about 45 minutes away.


At Lakeside, you will find blocks of stalls, street markets, galleries, and workshops in the area. Antiques, furniture, tapestries, glassware, lamps, wrought-iron furniture, masks, pottery, jewelry, art and artesanias of all kinds are sold here. In fact, the Lake Chapala area is fast becoming the region's supplier of quality crafts, replacing Tonala. Back

14. Relocation

For anyone considering a move to Lake Chapala, it is recommended that you first visit the area to determine which area you would like to live in, what you will need to bring with you, etc. Many people sell their household furnishings and move down with nothing more than the essentials. However, should you wish to have your furniture shipped down, you will need to contact a reputable moving company, which will handle all permits, etc.

Depending on the length of your stay, you will need to research the type of visa you will require. The simplest and most recommended way is to simply acquire a tourist (FMT) visa as you cross the border. If arriving by air, the airport routinely issues an FMT for 30 days. If entering by car, an FMT valid for 60 days can be obtained. You must apply for a more permanent visa before your FMT expires. It is highly recommended that you contact an immigration lawyer to assist with this process. The money you spend will be worth the time and hassle you'll save.

Should you be from a country other than those Mexico has designated as "unrestricted" (such as Europe, North America, Japan and Australia), you will be required to obtain your visa through a Mexican consulate in your country of origin before you can actually enter the Mexico. Back

15. Health Concerns

Quality health care is always a concern for those traveling far from home. Lake Chapala has many well trained (some in the U.S.) English-speaking physicians and specialists. Some are in private practice (and even make house calls); others work out of clinics. These clinics all have emergency capability, outpatient surgical facilities, and short-term hospital care. Further, all these clinics are associated with major hospitals in Guadalajara, and ambulance service to these hospitals. There are also several reasonably priced medical insurance options, including air evacuation. Various assisted living facilities are available.

The Chapala Red Cross also provides emergency ambulance service to Guadalajara. In Guadalajara there are many excellent hospitals, including those of two university medical schools, where the latest diagnostic tools are available, as well as up-to-date treatment of all diseases.

Mexico has nationalized medical care and makes certain hospitals and emergency facilities available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. Additionally, the government-run IMSS hospitals are some of the best equipped in Mexico. However, be aware that there may be a waiting time until you can be "worked in" for consultation, treatment or surgery. Back

Cost: Many foreigners come to Mexico to take advantage of low-cost plastic surgery, dental procedures and other services. Most doctor visits cost between $9 and $22 USD, with specialist consultations slightly higher. Prescription drug costs are a fraction of the costs north of the border, and most can be purchased over-the-counter. The government's IMSS insurance is available to those under 60 for approximately $140 USD per year, and to those over 60 for just over $200 USD. Back


 

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