"John Doh" wrote in message
news:1143149709.704091.240420@e56g2000cwe.googlegroups.com...
>
> k wrote:
>>
>
> I forgot to ask about money.
> I normally use my credit card when I travel.
> But that will likely not be a good choice in the smaller, non tourist
> villages.
> And I don't like the idea of carrying much cash around Tulsa, Oklahoma,
> USA, let alone some small village in Mexico.
> Checks are also likely not to good an idea.
>
> How should I go about handling my finances while I am down there?
> Can I cash a check at a local bank and open an account there, and keep
> going back to that for my daily cash?
> Should I use my credit card at the motel, and get a cash advance form
> them?
>
> How should I handle this?
I'll reply to both of your posts in this one.
Ex-pats = ex-patriots, or people who are not living in their native land.
If you look around, especially in sunny climes, you'll find that a
surprisingly large number of Americans and Europeans retire to places that
will either allow them a grander existence on the money they have, or allow
for a longer retirement. Costa Rica famously lures American retirees with
tax incentives and stable investment opportunities. There are entire
developments in Mexico made up mostly of American retirees The newly free
Eastern European countries are becoming popular as well, especially Bulgaria
with its low cost of living and laid-back populace.
As for money, I use a credit card where I can and cash other places. I can
replenish my cash at ATMs, which are everywhere. I don't like their fees,
so I normally get a week's worth of spending money. You're still too
worried about crime in Mexico. Carry some spending money in your left pants
pocket, and put the rest in the other pocket. If you get mugged, which has
about the same odds as you getting run over, then hand the robber the little
stash from your left pocket. Robbers are, by nature, not very bright
people, but you knew that. Don't even carry a wallet. I keep credit cards
in my shirt pocket, with the flap down and buttoned.
If you decide on a place, you can then google around for local websites and
judge for yourself how well English is used in the area. You know, even a
non-English speaking guide can be useful if you just want to be shown the
way to areas of attraction. Just bring your own guidebook to figure out
what's what when you get there, because getting there is the larger
challenge when you don't know where you are.
You haven't mentioned health, so I will. There are two ways to think about
the water. It's not good for you because you're not used to it, and you'll
go through some Immodium for sure if you drink from the tap. (Fancy hotels
purify the water, and the tap will say so) That said, if you do drink
some, after the symptoms pass, you can drink it again and not get sick. If
you go for a long vacation, or if you decide to stay awhile, then by all
means drink a little tap water early on, suffer the consequences, and then
you'll be immune. Otherwise, bottled water is available everywhere.
I have been to Mexico many, many times and have never gotten ill from eating
the food. Believe me, I try most anything, and lean toward street food.
Food is where you can save the most vacationing in Mexico. My wife and I do
enjoy a fancy restaurant meal sometimes, but it's street food that sets our
bells a-clanging. If you see smoke and it smells good, head that way, and
you'll find a treat for sure. If you're at the sea, there are palapas
everywhere selling grilled fish that is just-now caught and cooked in garlic
oil over coals. It's absolutely and uniformly delicious, and very habit
forming. The same goes for taco stands and fruit stands, where you can get
a quart of freshly cut pineapple, papaya, mango, strawberries - whatever,
because you pick the ingredients, for about a buck. If you don't like hot
stuff, don't get it. Unlike Tex-Mex, in Mexico the heat is normally offered
on the side, not built in.
Marinaded flank steaks (I forget the name) are equally delicious. You will
see vegetables and fruits so fresh and tempting ... never mind, you'll see.
Stop worrying and go. It's not so different from where you are right now.
You'll make friends, and you'll come back happy from the experience.
Keith
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