MexConnect.com Forums: General: General Forum: What to Bring to Live in Mexico: Page 2

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La Isla

Mar 21, 2010, 1:18 PM

Post #26 of 54 (2451 views)

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Re: [Gringal] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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I know you didn't mean to be harsh, and I do agree with you that, in most cases, those who make the best adjustment to living in Mexico do so by living here full time, both physically and mentally. Since I don't live in an expat-enclave (though my neighborhood is just a few blocks from the US Embassy), and have never even visited one, I've never run across people who do their best to preserve the illusion that they're still living in the States or Canada or wherever they hail from by surrounding themselves with consumer products from NOB. It sounds so unnecessary. What's the point of moving hundreds or thousands of miles from your home country, only to recreate the life you used to have in your new home? I like the differences! When I can't find certain foods and householdproducts that I got used to in the States, I just find something else to eat or to wash the dishes with. Lucky for me, though, that I've never been a fan of peanut butter of either variety (: .

Gringal

Mar 21, 2010, 1:34 PM

Post #27 of 54 (2447 views)

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Re: [La Isla] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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I've heard a reliable rumor that if you really need some crunchy peanut butter......buy the peanuts and scrunch them to the proper consistency in a cocina machina.
Personally.....I lived on peanut butter sandwiches long enough to not miss 'em. Gimme chicken.

tashby

Mar 21, 2010, 1:49 PM

Post #28 of 54 (2441 views)

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Re: [La Isla] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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^^ The peanut butter thing is amazing to me, too. I had no idea it was such an obsession. But anyway.....back on topic!

Since nopogayle plans on renting a FURNISHED place(s) for the first few years, I'm assuming by that she means a more or less completely outfitted house/condo or whatever. (Sometimes "furnished" down here means there's still a hot-water heater.....) If that's what you're anticipating, then I'd focused on the two most important rooms in the house.

Kitchen
Bedroom

Even well-furnished rentals generally have junk in the kitchen. Stuff you can get get by with in the short-term, but over a year or so....

Bring a really comfortable pillow if that's important to you. Sometimes rentals inherit the pillows that have "graduated" from the owner's other house. Or, again, you can just get a pillow here.

Mexico has everything you need!

La Isla

Mar 21, 2010, 2:07 PM

Post #29 of 54 (2438 views)

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Re: [tashby] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Since nopogayle plans on renting a FURNISHED place(s) for the first few years, I'm assuming by that she means a more or less completely outfitted house/condo or whatever. (Sometimes "furnished" down here means there's still a hot-water heater.....)

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I don´t know how things are in the rest of the country, but in Mexico City it's hard to find a place to rent furnished with anything more than a "boiler" (aka a hot-water heater). Furnished places tend to be available in nicer neighborhoods, like mine, where visiting businessmen are looking for short-term rentals and where residential hotels are common, and quite pricey!

Gringal

Mar 21, 2010, 2:33 PM

Post #30 of 54 (2432 views)

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Re: [La Isla] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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So I've heard........that when the tenants leave, everything might leave with them, including the kitchen sink and the sanitario, with the result that the next tenant has a few problems. Chances are, our OP isn't planning to retire to the Big Taco, though, and things are a bit better out in the provinces. However, when looking for a rental, our OP needs to remember that again, it's not the States, and she needs to watch her back on the contract and the contents issues.

Note: I understand that for a lease to be binding, it must be in Spanish as well as in English. Correct?

Hound Dog

Mar 21, 2010, 3:10 PM

Post #31 of 54 (2420 views)

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Re: [Gringal] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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I miss the scenery along the Big Sur Coast and that's it. Viva Mexico!

As an ex-Northern California brother, Gringal, allow me to help you through that delimma. While the California coast at Big Sur and farther north from the Santa Cruz and San Mateo Coasts to the Sonoma Coast and then on to the "Lost Coast" in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties is a place of great beauty, the place is also a bit forbidding with countless miles of fog-plagued and almost incessantly cold, rough and uninviting high seas . A magnificent landscape unequalled in most of the world but the place is for gazing mindlessly in rapture or hunting for abalone in a wet suit in turbid frigid waters along rocky shores, not for enjoying the pleasures of a sparsley populated, bucolic coast with magnificent mountains and beautiful plains ending in a warm and inviting sea. For that I recommend the Chiapas and Oaxaca Coasts - especially the undiscovered and largely uninhabited coast of the Soconusco. The Big Sur Coast would gain from the attributes of this splendid region including not a Californian or (God forbid!) Oregonian or Washingtonian or British Colombian in sight. Praise The Lord!

(This post was edited by Hound Dog on Mar 21, 2010, 4:14 PM)

Gringal

Mar 21, 2010, 4:03 PM

Post #32 of 54 (2404 views)

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Re: [Hound Dog] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Darlin' dawg: That's waaaay off the topic, but I'm sure a bit of diversion won't hurt. However, the question is, in fact, WHY do it miss it, and cannot find a substitute in Mexico? How about: The cold, forbidding, windy weather feeds my particular and perhaps peculiar soul.
Now, what do you think the OP should bring to Mexico?

Hound Dog

Mar 21, 2010, 4:12 PM

Post #33 of 54 (2398 views)

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Re: [Gringal] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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The cold, forbidding, windy weather feeds my particular and perhaps peculiar soul.
Now, what do you think the OP should bring to Mexico?

The OP should leave that wet suit, those brogans and long-johns back north where they belong. OP should also leave those bermuda shorts and black knee socks for needy rednecks who may venture out of Eugene for the first time one day when the clouds lift or for Canadians traveling from the Frozen Tundra to Vancouver who took a wrong turn.

What the OP should bring here is a change of underwear and temperment. All else is excess baggage. You will eitehr adjust or become maladjusted.

By the way, I have seen nothing mentioned by posters above that I cannot find or for which I can easily find a suitable substitute in Mexico and I have lived down here practically without having ventured outside the country for over nine years . Well, great oysters on the half shell would be nice and RC Cola and Moon Pies would be welcome along with some decent pulled-pork BBQ sandwiches and sauteed abalone or geoduck clams to say nothing of bolied green peanuts or fine heirloom tomatoes in season or for that matter rutabagas or parsnips and, furthermore, .....

(This post was edited by Hound Dog on Mar 21, 2010, 4:44 PM)

nopogayle

Mar 21, 2010, 4:33 PM

Post #34 of 54 (2381 views)

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Re: [Gringal] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Yes, you are correct, I would prefer to live closer to the sea, and not in DF itself, though nearby Cuernavaca is still on my list of possible retirement sites, as is Colima, Morelia, Patzcuaro, Oaxaca, San Cristobal, etc... I've travelled throughout Mexico by VW bus (back in the day), but my basic needs are still pretty basic. I need a small enclosed garden for relaxing (dog & myself), but other than that a small living space is adequate for a few months, furnished with a bed, sofa, stove/frig, hot water tank. In any case, through both public & private postings via this question, I've developed this list of 'bring along items', thanks to your help...

Clothing: outerwear/underwear & items for both hot & cold temps, including sturdy hiking boots/socks
Legal documents: cert. birth certificate, passport, vehicle ownership, etc.
Medications: rx's themselves, enough meds for a few months, insurance cards (non-medicare)
Electrical: mosquito bulbs, portable ventless standup heaters and AC units, area fans, MagicJack for phones
Auto: anti-shatter tint & sunscreen film, WRAP steering wheel lock, cover & alarm, NEW tires, trailer hitch & possible trailer, possibly a car satellite radio/antenna
Banking: extra ATM cards (increased daily limit), new bank in Mexico
Bedding: queen/king sheets, towelling, down comforters, wool blankets, sheet corner-stays, favorite PILLOW (yes!)
Kitchen/Bath: quality knives/scissors, favorite gadgets, pots/pans, cookbooks, manual can opener, salad spinner (I dry mine with a linen towel!), pepper/sea salt grinders, coffee pot
Electronics: computer, printer, surge protectors
Cleaning supplies: 'Works' bath cleaner, 'plexus' cleaner for computers, etc.
Misc: 'Guard' alaska bear repellant/pepper spray; first aid kit/supplies, 'boom box' for outdoor music; cooler w/Mountain Dew for the trip(s); memorabilia/photos, etc.
Tools: portable drill, hammer/screwdriver set, stud finder (where IS that guy?!!)
Hobbies: books, a Kindle (check out 'international' version), crafts, my cd collection & player, etc.
Food/Spices: whatever I can't live without from NOB (never was big on PB&J, either...)
Brain: ensure I understand what I'm signing & what is included/not included BEFORE I sign!
Heart: a sense of adventure, love of the Latino culture, people & language
Stamina: am I 'in' or 'half-in'? I don't plan to return to the EEUU often, if at all; if I can't find it there, I already don't need it.
Soul: Soy Mexicana de alma y de corazon...

Feel free to add to the list. Is the car full yet? LoL!!

nopogayle

Mar 21, 2010, 4:38 PM

Post #35 of 54 (2382 views)

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Re: [Hound Dog] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Some posters have recommended bringing cold weather gear. Now, I don't personally wear a coat here in Portland, even in Winter. Rather, I just chip the ice off those Bermudas every day & head back out to the foggy mists. The black socks? They cover the EARS...

La Isla

Mar 21, 2010, 6:01 PM

Post #36 of 54 (2359 views)

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Re: [nopogayle] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Re cold weather gear... Keep in mind that while it doesn't get terribly cold in Mexico in the winter, in the higher elevations nighttime can be quite nippy, and central heating is almost unheard of. So sometimes I find myself wearing my winter parka indoors!

mexliving

Mar 21, 2010, 6:18 PM

Post #37 of 54 (2356 views)

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Re: [Gringal] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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shower towels..... hard to find towels that absorb the water of your skin..

bournemouth

Mar 21, 2010, 6:59 PM

Post #38 of 54 (2344 views)

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Re: [mexliving] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Costco in the Guad area has some lovely, thick, plush towels and bath sheets that do a good job - not cheap but not expensive for the quality and they wash well. Bit of a diversion from the o.p. - sorry.

tashby

Mar 21, 2010, 6:59 PM

Post #39 of 54 (2343 views)

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Re: [nopogayle] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Good Lord.

I liked your first list better.

It's a Subaru, not a burro. 8-)

nopogayle

Mar 21, 2010, 8:07 PM

Post #40 of 54 (2324 views)

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Re: [tashby] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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LoL!!! Thanks, I think I prefer my first list as well! But, so many posters have also offered so MUCH advice about things they MUST HAVE...! I didn't want to rule any out, as a possible list for others. If I had my druthers, I'd just pack my clothes, crockpot & computer & just go. With new tires & a pillow, of course...

You are funny! I like your other posts & would love to meet you sometime!
PS: Should I bring you some PB&J? Pickles? Navy beans & molasses? Mosquito bulbs? The list goes on....

La Isla

Mar 21, 2010, 8:16 PM

Post #41 of 54 (2317 views)

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Re: [nopogayle] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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In Reply To

Don't let the well-meant suggestions of others have you overload your "burro". After all, it's not as though you're moving to Tierra del Fuego (-: ... There are lots of large, well-supplied stores in almost all of the nooks and crannies of Mexico, so I don't see why you need to bring area fans and a manual can opener, for example. And keep in mind that since you plan to move around the country in search of the perfect spot for your new home (an exciting concept!), you should keep the stuff you'll be shlepping around with you to a minimum.

esperanza

Mar 21, 2010, 8:29 PM

Post #42 of 54 (2315 views)

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Re: [La Isla] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Truly, a manual can opener is commonplace in Mexico, as are area fans AND portable propane heaters. I wouldn't waste space bringing a portable AC machine; if you end up needing one, they are available here. I've been here 30 years and have never felt like I needed one even though I hate hot weather with a passion.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

La Isla

Mar 21, 2010, 8:41 PM

Post #43 of 54 (2311 views)

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Re: [esperanza] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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I haven't lived here anywhere as long as Esperanza has (just going on three years this time around), but I do hate heat with a passion too! During the hottest days of the year (usually in May before the summer rains start), I manage just fine with the small fan sitting on the refrigerator in my living room (my apartment is really, really small).

sioux4noff

Mar 21, 2010, 11:06 PM

Post #44 of 54 (2285 views)

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Re: [cookj5] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Quote

usually at a fraction of the price we would pay up North

But sometimes that fraction is 5/3rds.

Peter

Mar 21, 2010, 11:34 PM

Post #45 of 54 (2283 views)

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Re: [La Isla] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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True thing, get your list down to size again. Plenty of manual can-openers here. My suggestion was for the type that open the side of the lid rather than the common ones that open from the top, but only if you already have one and prefer it, they don't take up much room.

Less is better.

There may be a few things you would like after you get more settled, but by then you'll know what they are. For now I think most valuable Hound Dog's suggestion, a change of underwear, nothing more. The freedom to move freely about should serve you best.

To start out you might as well go native. If it is needed it will be here. The change of latitude will surely bring a change of attitude.

MazDee

Mar 22, 2010, 8:55 PM

Post #46 of 54 (2179 views)

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Re: [nopogayle] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Nopogayle, I would ditch a lot of that list. But.. I WOULD take the cooler, and in it would be a lot of extra sharp cheddar. Sure, you can live without it, but why not bring some? Ditto for some spices. I go to the states about once a year, and I pick up little baggies of caraway and fennel seeds, dill weed, garam masala, and a curry that I like in a bottle. And extra sharp Tillamook! I don't need any of these things, but I enjoy having them. I am not sure why Rolly said to leave the cooler. If you are driving, I think it would be great. You can keep cold drinks and snacks in there, as well as anything you brought from home.

Gringal

Mar 23, 2010, 7:59 AM

Post #47 of 54 (2144 views)

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Re: [MazDee] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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I've found all the spices listed, here in Mexico. Sometimes it was a real hunt, and sometimes it was expensive........but they are there.
The problem with bringing along something perishable, like cheese, is that when it's gone.......it's gone. Slows down the letting go. (There are stores that carry what you want, in the larger cities). I'm with Hound Dog on this, up to a point. Don't bring much. I'm amazed at the list of cooking utensils listed in some posts. Obviously, those folks never lived on a boat! lol. The biggest cooking problem you'll have here is that the Mexican stoves (a) don't usually have a broiler and (b) the oven temp. control is a joke. Can't count on it. If you ever buy a house, you can get a stove that works right....but they're expensive, just like in the states.

A lunch size cooler should do the job for comfort on the trip.

Maesonna

Mar 23, 2010, 3:26 PM

Post #48 of 54 (2094 views)

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Re: [MazDee] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Some herbs and spices are plentiful and easily obtainable here, others can be found after a long and arduous search, and a few I've never found in Mexico.

Peter

Mar 23, 2010, 3:55 PM

Post #49 of 54 (2086 views)

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Re: [Maesonna] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Here in Morelia I've found just about any spice I've looked for at the mercados, the permanent mercados not tianguis. The supermarkets have often been lacking some things though. Just the other day I was looking for tarragon and they didn't have it where I was looking but it is common enough just that day I only found it in a flavored vinegar.

Perhaps the trouble finding them is in the Spanish names for these, or that they have different names in different forms, i.e., fresh, dried, seed, etc. I may not be seeking exotic enough spices to have difficulty finding them, or just that Morelia is a sufficiently large enough city to have most of these available. I'd be curious to hear what spices people have been having problems finding.

Tab

Mar 23, 2010, 4:44 PM

Post #50 of 54 (2067 views)

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Re: [nopogayle] What to Bring to Live in Mexico

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Has anyone crossed the border with dried dog food? That is something that I want to bring a few large bags of, as it is one that is not available in Mexico. It is a meatless dry powder (I mix it with water, meat and fish at home) made in Canada. My Consulate here in Toronto Canada suggested I have a letter from my vet saying my dog is on a special diet and see if they accept it. If I try to bring it into Mexico, I am going to have to buy it in the States, as the US does not allow us to bring any "made in Canada" dog food across the Canada/US border. However, they do sell it in the States so I'd buy it there and try to bring it into Mexico. Any experiences?

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