InChapala1

22 minutes ago, Jreboll said:

I just started using Xe.Com and it’s the greatest thing ever. Never going back to ATMs. 

you use XE to send funds to a local checking acct, correct? And instead of an ATM, you go to a bank teller?

21 hours ago, Natasha said:

... you could do what we did and get RID of all grass! ...

I agree, but so far my landlord won't let me make such a change.

NOB, conventional thought is to water one’s lawn before 10 AM. Benefits include grass having water early helps sustain it during mid-afternoon hot sun, prevents growth of lawn diseases, fungus & molds, etc. Every Mexican gardener I’ve spoken with here says its best to water in the evening, b/c they say the water sits on/in the soil overnight rather than evaporating in the blazing sun. And, they say, I’ll save on water. Are they correct? Or, are the pros-cons a wash?

If you have a Mexican checking acct, you can also pay via your bank. I pay via Intercam. No need to walk/drive to Oxxo, no need for paper (I save downloaded bills to cloud storage), and no need to give Telmex your credit or debit card. Takes 3-minutes to pay Telcel, CFE, Telmex, TotalPlay, etc. via Intercam.

the bulletin board at the Legion has several 'for rent' ads. And the staff that work there know about rentals close by. Ask them.

1 hour ago, daisy2013 said:

Lots of trouble with total play also

what kind of trouble are you having with Total Play?

Thanks @NEWMtnMama, I re-read the instructions and I do need an appt. at the consulate to get the card.

@Lou Quillio I no longer have a US driver's license and when I travel within the US, as @Ellie mentioned, it is easier to carry the card. It is "Real ID" compliant and accepted at US airports. For me, its a convenience.

I'm renewing my U.S. passport via https://mx.usembassy.gov/passports/u-s-passport-renewal-by-mail/ and want to get both the passport book and passport card . Price for both is $160. When I try to pay via the payment link (https://www.pay.gov/public/form/entry/102/607957567/ ) it gives me the option to pay $130 for the passport book only. anyone encounter this issue? How did you resolve it? Thanks.

The battery on my mosquito-bug zapper racquet has died and it won't hold a charge. Any place where I can get it fixed? Likely needs a replacement rechargeable battery.

I'm thinking of moving some of my savings here. How complex are the FBAR (Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) reporting requirements for US citizens? Is it something that I can report with Turbo Tax?

On 9/27/2020 at 9:25 PM, rafterbr said:

I have used this money changer many times.  They provide a better rate than almost all the banks.  Highly recommend, just walk in with dollars and walk out with pesos, no ID required.

Could you tell me where this money changer is located on the 200 block of Hidalgo, Chapala Centro? Thanks.

5 hours ago, John Shrall said:

...One possibility is that the response from the bank to the ATM didn't make it.

In this scenario, shouldn't the ATM software at some point inform the user's bank that it didn't receive an OK response, so the user's acct can be credited?

5 hours ago, John Shrall said:

...There should be some fault recorded in the log showing there was a problem at which time Ci Banco should have told your bank to refund the money.

In this 2nd scenario, if CI Banco is acting in good faith, shouldn't they be able to provide Lexy with the fault logs?

I stand corrected. Maybe my memory is failing me! Thanks.

10 hours ago, Shag said:

... Santander in Chapala with a fee of 34 pesos. 

The Santander ATM at Soriana charged me 85 pesos.

Especially the fine print. Some inspectors don't inspect for termites and it is stated in the fine print.

@Lexy Sorry to hear of this and thanks for sharing. CIBanco has been my go-to ATM due to lower fees, but will avoid it now.

Anyone know of other ATM's with similar issues that should be avoided?

A timely news article from today:

Mexico surpassed China as the top U.S. trading partner

https://www.axios.com/2023/07/12/us-top-trading-partner-mexico-china

Thanks for your response. Will it send alert notifications to the Simplisafe app installed on a Mexico (Telcel) phone? Same question for the live camera feed - is the feed available via the app if I'm not home and using Telcel cellular service for data?

Has anyone successfully installed a Simplisafe Home Security system in Mexico? The system is offered on Amazon Mexico, but when I checked Simplisafe's website, it says "SimpliSafe is not able to provide products or services outside of the US and the UK." Source:

https://support.simplisafe.com/articles/alarm-events-monitoring/is-simplisafe-available-outside-of-the-united-states/6344794bd9a8b404da76cc07

and

https://support.simplisafe.com/conversations/what-should-i-get/which-countries-does-simplisafe-operate-in/622edce5a779250528a4d9ce

21 hours ago, Ferret said:

Termites like MDF and also particle board. Google is your friend.

Thanks, Ferret. My understanding was that MDF is pressure treated with chemicals added, and therefore resistant to termites, but I will research this further.

I’m looking to replace kitchen cabinets and closets due to a termite issue and want to use MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard). Which stores locally or in Guadalajara would you recommend for pre-manufactured (off-the-shelf) cabinets and closets? And what about custom-made cabinets/closets? Do local carpenters work with MDF or is it usually only solid wood? Thanks.

Nature happens, hail could damage house windows, roofs, cars, etc. @Go Solar Does home owners insurance cover solar panels? Must it be explicitly added to the policy?

Thanks for the research, @Ferret. Yes, appears what I have is Duranta golden, no flowers.

Thanks dichosalocura. I currently have a few duranta plants in my garden, but they don’t flower. Perhaps a different species than duranta erecta? How fast does duranta erecta grow?

7 hours ago, ibarra said:

Verigated boxwood. Purchase at vivero behind SuperLake. Grows very fast has small thorns, basically no maintenance. Perfect for hedge, available in different sizes.

the leaves seem to have similar design to some varieties of dwarf umbrella plant. Thanks for sharing.