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Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: ULSD in Baja
ULSD stands for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. This would only apply to vehicles manufactured after a certain year.
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kca87
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05/17/13 10:08am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Border Agents rude and difficult at Nogales
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) has on their website a place to enter compliments and complaints. I have done both and have received responses from them. This is also a good avenue to submit questions or comments about their policy or rules that one may not agree with.
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kca87
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04/30/13 02:35pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Mexico online
When I use the URL, I get to the page and then immediately redirected to my local weather (La Paz, BCS, Mexico). Given the URL, maybe it has to do with what MSN considers to be your "locale" and does a redirect based on your ISP or something. Who knows. They sound like great articles so maybe someone could post their contents here for the rest of us to read.
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kca87
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04/11/13 08:55am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Are we the first...
For the clicky, when you are posting or replying to a message, there are a bunch of icons. There is one that looks like a globe with a chain (for internet links). Click on it and a dialog box will appear. You plug in the link at the top of the dialog box and the word that will be displayed at the bottom. Click "Finished" and the dialog box will close. You can experiment first by previewing your message to make sure it is appearing the way you would like.
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kca87
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01/27/13 09:33am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Are we the first...
Your link as a clicky.
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kca87
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01/27/13 08:43am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Coast to Coast and R.O.D.
We use ROD and Thousand Trails. Our winters are spent in Mexico so we only use those services 6 months or less a year in the summer. Our membership in TT requires us to be "out of the system" for 7 nights every 14 days so ROD fills that gap. Some parks are really nice and some not so much . . . but it works well for us in our situation.
Charlene
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kca87
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01/22/13 06:31pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: winter full timing in oregon
We bought a used Alpenlite and did spent one winter
in the Seattle area. What we liked was that the pipes were wrapped and in with the heating ducts so they didn't freeze. Maybe that's the way they all are - this was our first RV.
We bought something a little heavier and sturdier and that meant used for us. Although I really like some of the newer ones, my husband was very picky about construction, leakage avoidance, etc.
One other thing we did was to get a dehumidifier so that there was less condensation inside. We got this from a marine store and that really helped. Otherwise, you'll get mold growing, etc.
Good luck!
Charlene
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kca87
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01/13/13 07:47am |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Mexico "Next Hot Market"
Returning to the OP topic, regardless of what we might see in a handful of specific situations, it is true that Mexico's economy is on the rise and can be measured as such by economists. This improvement is good for Mexico and good for the US and it seems that we should be applauding their efforts to better themselves.
Here is another recent article that supports the CNBC broadcast.
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kca87
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01/06/13 07:06am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Mexico "Next Hot Market"
Now the real problem, Baja or Mainland? I can play with my toys more in Baja. Mainland is a little more restrictive for off-roading & dirt biking.
If you choose Baja, rocmoc, or even La Paz we'll show you all the best places to play with your toys.
Good luck on your decision - great discussion!
Charlene
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kca87
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12/31/12 06:22pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: eyeglasses in Baja Sur?
Susie -
We're in La Paz and there is a Walmart here with an optical department. You can also go to the La Paz Gringos Yahoo group (you need to join first) and ask - a lot of the members live in and around La Paz including Los Barriles, La Ventana, etc.
The LPG group has quite a few members and will be able to give you very specific information based upon recommendations from those who bought also.
I know there are also optometrists and opticians - but I would just be tell you about them from seeing their offices, I couldn't make a recommendation like someone from LPG could.
Good luck!
Charlene
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kca87
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12/29/12 11:44am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Want a Spanish-speaking American ride-along for Baja trip?
Thanks Rocmoc - what actually happened to my friend is that she used a service to renew her FM3 and it got fouled up. Her FM3 expired and now immigration has told her she must return to the border. I'll check to see if she can do something at the airport - you're right that would make a lot more sense!
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kca87
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12/16/12 03:50pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: where to cross in California?
So, now, WHICH border crossing?
We want the fastest one with less wait.
We also do not yet have our tourist cards. Can we get those at any border crossing?
Our favorite border crossing is Tecate because we have never been stopped and never yet had to wait. You drive through the Ruta del Vino on the route to Ensenada - so it takes a little longer driving, but it is our preference.
There really isn't any parking at this crossing, though, for a big RV if you want to get your tourist card at the time you cross.
Our preference is to stay at one of the campgrounds near the border (Thousand Trails Pio Pico) and a day or so ahead of time we cross over with just our truck for diesel and propane. At this time you can also get your tourist card.
The advantage of doing this is that when you cross, you don't spend any time having to take care of those things and can get quite a ways south on your first day.
At San Ysidro, we get pulled into secondary even when we get a green light.
Some here prefer Otay Mesa, so I'm sure they'll chime in on that.
Good luck and enjoy the trip!
Charlene
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kca87
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12/16/12 12:29pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Retirement and RVing
We also retired early - so no Medicare or SS. It was interesting, because our costs were lower than one might expect. Mostly because we had "time" to really think about purchases before we made them, and didn't have to rush through the supermarket or other places and be back to work.
Also - when we went full time and changed our state of residence, health care insurance costs dropped like a rock.
Lastly, we spend 6 months or more in La Paz, Mexico in the Baja (and yes, I read the US State Department's warnings and just met with the Consulate General for the area and we are very safe here).
Costs for dental work and health services are so low that we just pay out of pocket and that further reduced health insurance costs since we claim to be out of the country 6 months of the year or more. Fuel, propane, and other costs are equally low so we have enjoyed a good quality of life on a very small budget.
Well - you will find ways to save as you embark on retirement that you never thought about as well. Good luck and enjoy!
Charlene
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kca87
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12/15/12 08:11am |
Full-time RVing
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Want a Spanish-speaking American ride-along for Baja trip?
A friend of mine here in La Paz needs to get back to the border to take care of her immigration papers. She is American but has been here in the Baja for several years teaching and speaks Spanish quite fluently. If anyone is heading from La Paz to the border or from the border to La Paz (since she needs to get back to La Paz when she is done with immigration) and would like a Spanish speaking American along, please send me a PM and I'll get you her contact information so you can work out the details.
Thanks!
Charlene
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kca87
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12/14/12 08:46am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Going to live RV full time - looking for constructive tips
5 - Can I have home base in one state and work in another? (I currently live and work in California)
You might need to be careful about this. We retired after living and working in California and changed our residence to Washington State. Since California has it's own IRS (Franchise Tax Board) and doesn't like to lose that revenue, we had to take very specific steps to show that we were no longer residents of CA to avoid having to continue to pay state income taxes there and get penalized, etc. for having vehicles licensed in WA when, in fact, the FTB considered us residents of CA. For at least two years, we continued to get bills for licenses and other tax items and had to contact various agencies to get those to stop and "prove" we were no longer living in California.
We also were extra cautious in case of an audit down the road and being liable for California taxes plus penalties.
In that regard, things were unique for us. We couldn't use North Dakota or places that a lot of people use because if we got audited and it looked like we spent more time in California than the state where we claimed residence, the FTB could fine us.
Things may have changed and so this may no longer be an issue - but it would be good to check with a tax advisor on this for your specific situation.
If you are actually residing inside the California State borders and collecting income from California based businesses (whether they are considered foreign or domestic), you might have some problems.
At least in our situation, we found the FTB, DMV, and other state agencies didn't want to take their claws out of our backs very easily.
Charlene
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kca87
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12/09/12 08:37am |
Full-time RVing
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Baja Road Report (Mex 1) - Tecate to La Paz
In summary, Mex 1 is in good shape and damage from the winter storms and Hurricane Paul seems to be under control. There are washouts that have been covered over with dirt and gravel - all marked well. Go slow through these and all will be fine. This is a beautiful year to travel to the southern Baja as the summer rains have the desert looking lush and . . . well . . . not like a desert! More details:
Green light at the border and no inspection. This is as it was last year.Construction zone south of km 36; dusty and visibility can be poor as workers are blowing dust onto the road. Seems to end and then suddenly road gets rough again. So don't be fooled - stay at a slow speed until past all the rough patches and the constructions signs are gone.Nice new rest stop just before km 43 with restrooms, cafe, store, water.Waved through most military checkpoints. Only two cursory inspections.No spray at the Ag station at Guerrero Negro (GN) this time.The construction on Cuesta del Infierno seems to be complete and the road is nice - still very steep.Around Loreto is where there are washouts but all are marked well and if you go slow it is fine.After all the rains this summer, the southern Baja looks like one massive garden. It is beautiful so be sure to keep your eyes on the road when you come through!City of La Paz - lots of big potholes so be careful. It will take time to get these all fixed from last summer's storms.
Anyone thinking of coming down the Baja, especially Baja Sur, this is definitely the year to come. Greenery, wild flowers, and just breathtaking!
Charlene
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kca87
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12/02/12 06:22am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Film of Baja in 1949, a different one!
I really enjoyed that - thanks for sharing!
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kca87
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12/01/12 09:28pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Sunny Weather
Just arrived in La Paz today. Crossed in Tecate and we love the Baja. Can't wait to get out on our kayaks to see the dolphines, whale sharks, and all sorts of colorful marine-life.
Getting ready to head down the Malecon tonight to our favorite watering hole for a cerveza and to enjoy watching the families stroll by.
We'll be here until the end of April. This is our third trip and we love it.
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kca87
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12/01/12 06:42pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Looking for a couple of RVers to caravan down Baja
We actually posted for someone to go with us on this forum. We plan to leave 11/25 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) and will probably take 6 days toget to La Paz. So that may not be slow enough for you.
This is our third year going south for the winter and we love the drive town the time in the Baja - all of it.
Feel free to PM me if I can help with any planning or if you would be interested in caravaning given our schedule.
In any event, if you make it to La Paz, be sure to PM us and let us know and we'd love to hook up.
Charlene
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kca87
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11/14/12 06:25pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: class A in mexico
Has anyone had any experience living in Mexico. I here the cost of living is much cheaper. I am 61 and wife is 57.
We traveled down in our RV for two years to the Baja peninsula and the lower half which is the state of Baja California Sur and the city of La Paz. We got our permanent resident status in the first year (while still living in our RV) and this last year just bought a home. We are about 3 years away from getting citizenship (no - you don't have to give up US citizenship, either - you can be dual citizens).
Once you turn 60, there are several discount programs available that make living in Mexico even cheaper than it would be otherwise. Property taxes for one, citizenship (if you choose that route), use of buses, etc.
We found Mexico can be much cheaper than the US unless you choose to live in a Gringo-type resort with all the amenities. We bought in a nice Mexican neighborhood and our ongoing costs are very low.
There are RV parks you can stay in where you are hooked up to your own electric meter. This is how we got residency. One must have a utility bill or something else to show permanent status. You must also show an income by showing bank statements for the past X months (I think it is 6 now- for us it was 3) with deposits that equal a certain amount (I think it is now around $1938 USD - but it varies based upon the exchange rate because this is really a Mexican peso amount set according to minimum wage).
Health care is cheaper and quality is good - at least in La Paz where there are numerous universities and hospitals. I am not in the medical profession, but my cousin who is found the quality of health care there to be very good.
Just like the US, Mexico is a big country. I wouldn't want to frequent many places in east LA or Chicago but that doesn't mean the entire city, state, or country is off limits to us and that is how we view Mexico - be aware, be careful, and you may even find cities that are safer than where you live now (we did!).
Check out Rolly Brooks' site for information on moving to Mexico and keep in mind that each municipality is different. We found getting our residency much easier than described on Rolly's site, but were prepared in case it was not.
For RVing, there are places you can stay full time if you talk to the owners. Getting hooked up to utilities is key for getting residency.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or need specific details. Good luck to you.
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kca87
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11/10/12 04:27pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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