Tingting

Hulu will eventually break the vpn. We had it and lost it several times and gave up. The programs on tvmob and livenet are good, but not reliable. Finally, we just got youtube tv because it works well with Express vpn. The vast majority of shows are there. It's not perfect, but it's definitely worth a look.

This is definitely not our Wal-Mart

pappy, you did a MUCH better job than I ever could at explaining what I meant. I know we can vote (and thanks for posting the link, Ibarra!) and all of that, but I was trying to explain why we wanted to stay linked with the US and didn't do such a hot job.

The original point of the topic was trying to get a virtual phone and text, if possible, but it really branched out into some very interesting points. Again, I want to thank everyone for their help and I'm definitely stealing your lines about text, Lou!

Of course you're right, Lou, and I realize that the party won't be forever. We once had Dish and didn't think twice about it...until it was an issue and we found out that the address used was questionable. These were early days and we honestly thought it was a regular Dish setup since we were still paying the company directly. It didn't take too long to find out otherwise, however.

I have to take (a small) issue with your comment about the trend. My point wasn't about the media (we know better), but simply that the noose is really tightening for expats. It's very hard to open up accounts if you're no longer a US resident. When we decided to switch our brokerage because of the acquisition, it was hell trying to find someone that would TAKE our money! No state driver's license? It's a hard nope. Keeping a small toehold in the US is important because we want to vote in federal elections, bank in the US because our of our savings and pensions, and medical. I have no intention of leaving Mexico, ever. We're fortunate enough that we have insurance that will always cover us so heading back because of medical isn't an issue for us. BUT I never say never because I don't know what's around the corner...and should that day ever come, it won't be the day to scramble and try to get accounts established. My point is that they ARE tightening the noose...or you can call it enforcing rules that have always been there, whatever floats your boat, but just don't assume that because something is working now that it always will. JMHO, of course. I only make this claim because I've lived it...and I was very open and honest will all of the companies I dealt with about our residency, hence the issues. 

1 hour ago, ibarra said:

We haven't had a U.S. phone number since 1998. We bank, receive Social Security, buy items online and have no problem not having a U.S. number or address.  

Keeping in mind that I'm the original technodino...

We've been here since 2005 and have kept our our US accounts but have added a cc or two. That was then. Now we're just trying to hold onto what we have because things are rapidly changing up north. You may find that one day you're asked for a US address (if you're from the US, of course) and phone number. While I'm one step away from illiteracy when it comes to all of the new "stuff," what we're facing is happening to everyone. They are REALLY cracking down. Most of us aren't trying to do anything illegal, we just want to have a bank account in our home country, a TV service for the shows we like, etc.

We're changing our accounts because our brokerage was acquired by another and the downgrade in services is noticeable. The new company is also one of the biggest names to close accounts of expats. You don't live in the US? No soup for you!

I could go on and on, but please be careful.

Thanks to everyone for responding. You came through for me and I truly appreciate it. I'm paying for the service with TextFree for the little extra they give. Oh, and I can now both received AND send out texts. Don't ask...it's embarrassing enough already.🤪

Lou:  you made some really good points. Normally, I tell the company to send an e-mail, but a lot of things were done online and the options were strictly "call or text." We would just use our local number as though it was in the US and then stick our heads in the sand. 

I really like your solution about calling and saying I have problems with texts. Heck, as illiterate as I am with technology, it's totally believable!

If there was any other option than a VP, I'd take it but for the particular situation we're in, there isn't. Just having a US phone number is enough and if the verification works with the text, it's a bonus. 

So for now, this works. If things change, I'll definitely update this.

Again, BIG, BIG THANKS!!

Yes, we've been just putting our local number in and crossing fingers that they didn't send a text that bounced and opened up that can of worms. This has come up many times in the past and we were able to skirt it, but now it's causing a major problem with a credit union. So...read on for the next exciting chapter in the continuing saga of "Technodino Gets Dragged Kicking and Screaming Into the Modern Age."

I just signed on with Textnow. I have a Laredo number and can receive verification texts and regular calls. Right now I can't send out texts with them, but I think that may be because I don't have their sim card(?). Meanwhile, I'm going to sites and selecting the equivalent of "call me." Eventually, I'll have to do more, but it's a start.

Yeah, that's part of the problem...the "call me" since our number isn't from the US. Google Voice tells me that it's not yet available in this country and some companies are requiring a US number. So, I'm still looking.

Thanks for the info and I'll definitely look at the textnow site. From what both of you wrote, it sounds exactly like what I need. Usually the texts are after I've punched something up on the computer and the bank/credit card/whatever sends a verification text. Since it's always when I'm home, I'd definitely have a quick internet connection. I don't even care if it is ever used for a phone call, just to be able to put a US phone number on a form would save so much heartburn. 

BTW, I was actually considering flying up north to get a phone because I didn't know about virtual phones. Holy crap is technology ever running over my dumb buns! 

. I was searching online for some info on phone plans and ran across companies advertising virtual phones. I am about as technically illiterate as you can get, so I'm hoping someone here can answer a few basic questions for me. Can you use a US virtual phone from Mexico? I'm looking to have a US number to match our mailing address so that we can get texts from companies that won't call out-of-country or their websites won't allow anything but US numbers when filling out forms. Most of the companies that offer this service seem to cater to businesses (no surprise) but I found a couple that do personal VPs. If you use one, could you please tell me if you like it, if you've had any problems, etc? Anything else that you might think important would also be very much appreciated. TIA!

Get a vpn. Sometimes you have to try a different city, but it's worth the cost.

Is that a choir of angels I hear?

TY, Spencer!

Or maybe they read Wheat Belly and want to see how much it might help.

On 7/29/2023 at 1:50 PM, HookEmHorns said:

 

I think some people just eat that style because it is an "in" choice, if'n you know what I mean. 

OK, I'll give some general info because this isn't my story to tell and not my place to give someone else's info...but...(lol, always a but)...

After using quite a few of the docs in the area with varying results -- and the same with the hospitals -- we now go to Guad for the specialists. Yes, some folks have had good luck with "X" doctor and will defend him/her, but that wasn't our experience. As it turns out, it was an excellent decision because specialized cardiac work is needed and there is no one or place here that I would trust for this particular procedure. Again, it's just our experiences, so please take with a large grain of salt.

For those interested, Doctoralia i(an app) is an excellent site that gives you the background on the docs, their specialties, languages spoken, real reviews, etc. 

I really like checking them out every couple of weeks. As mentioned, there are a lot of hard-to-find items and even things-I-didn't-know-I-needed items. It doesn't hurt that the staff are very friendly and helpful.

22 hours ago, Ferret said:

Not interested in ever doing business with Telmex again or iLox. If I didn't have the option of TotalPlay, I would definitely look into Starlink.

I don't blame you, but at least it's a backup (for now). TotalPlay wasn't (and still isn't) available at the time in our area, so we went with the satellite. Meanwhile, Starlink has cut their monthly bill in half. We no longer have the buffering issues we had in the past and couldn't be happier with it. I know it's not an option for everyone, but it works for us. 

22 hours ago, Ferret said:

TotalPlay is fiber and it blows the socks off any other company available Lakeside in terms of speed, reliability and customer service.

We have the Starlink satellite and couldn't be happier. The TM fiber optics are in your area now and definitely worth it.

Considering the number of times their ATMs have failed to give me my $$ but it was taken out of the account (yes, I got it back after a phone call to my bank), I'm not mourning their possible exit.

The process was quick and efficient. When I went, they took us in time blocks. If I remember correctly, I was in either a tad early or on time. A lot of folks will stand near the entrance until it's their turn, but if you ask what their time is and yours is earlier, they will step back. Either way, it went very smoothly.

I wanted to add that it wasn't my intent to dump on Rick (very sorry) for sharing his own experiences,  but just wanted to emphasize  that Richmond barely scratched the surface of how truly awful the US TSA is. Mexico could definitely teach them a LOT when it comes to disabled passengers. 

Getting back to the original post, a proper walking stick, cane or crutches shouldn't cause trouble. Happy traveling!

Since I know the individual, I can say that it's not an exaggeration; the US TSA is an absolute joke. Every. Single. Trip to the US, he is tested for explosives because he has a prosthesis which he openly shows by wearing shorts. It would be semi-understandable if the TSA folks were proessional, but they're not. They are abrasive, rude, and incredibly stupid, in many cases. Worse, there is absolutely no oversight. You may feel otherwise, Rick, but it IS a "most likely to happen" and the poster speaks from experience.

16 hours ago, RickS said:

No. Disagreeing with the 'well said' relating to the 'tested for explosives' and 'put through the wringer' and 'part of a training exercise' Post suggesting this is a 'most likely happen' situation for TSA in the US. It isn't. 

My opinion of course... as was your 'well said'.  

You aren't the first and you won't be the last, so relax. As long as it looks like a walking cane and not just a large stick, it's pretty obvious why you have it. Hubs goes through with one every time he travels. You have to walk through the security part without it as it goes through the baggage x-ray line, but that's it. If you have real problems walking without it, just ask for wheelchair assistance. On this side, they're extremely helpful...

21 hours ago, Ferret said:

This is why I have two Geek Air Rechargeable Fans. Worth every penny and especially so if you have pets. At this time of the year, they are always plugged into the wall outlets and turned on BUT, if the power goes out, the battery will continue to work on medium for about 8 hours. 

Geek Air Fan, Battery Operated Floor Fan, Rechargeable High Speed Portable Fan with Metal Sheet, Integrated Durable Battery for All Day, for Camping, Travel, Hurricanes, 12 Inch : Amazon.com.mx: Home & Kitchen

Larger 16 inch fan available on Amazon U.S. and they all ship to Mexico

Amazon.com : geek aire rechargeable fan 16 inch

 

 

If you're interested, go to the US Amazon site first. Even with the import fees, it's still about 700 pesos cheaper.

I don't care why it rained, it means I get a few days free from watering!

For reasons that have been discussed elsewhere, I would think twice. Of course, that's just my opinion.