As the temperature starts falling as fast as the rain, this week is a good time to focus on where I will be in about 6 more months.
I have not mentioned anything about Melaque during the past few weeks for a number of reasons. The chief reason is simple: I have been extremely busy with my work. As a result, my negotiations on finding a place to live have been put on hold.
But things have developed enough today that I think I am confident that I have found a place to live in Melaque, and that I wil be there for at least 6 months before I start sampling other areas of Mexico. (And, yes, I know the photograph is of the beach at La Manzanilla -- and not Melaque -- but I like the photograph.)
Now that I have a place to live, I can start planning on whether to get an FM3, or whether I should simply rely on an FMT for my first foray south. I am leaning in favor an FM3, and trying to get it from the consulate in Portland before I leave next April.
But that is not the news I hinted at earlier. I will probably post that news tomorrow or so.
For now, I am just happy that I have arranged a place to alight.
I have not mentioned anything about Melaque during the past few weeks for a number of reasons. The chief reason is simple: I have been extremely busy with my work. As a result, my negotiations on finding a place to live have been put on hold.
But things have developed enough today that I think I am confident that I have found a place to live in Melaque, and that I wil be there for at least 6 months before I start sampling other areas of Mexico. (And, yes, I know the photograph is of the beach at La Manzanilla -- and not Melaque -- but I like the photograph.)
Now that I have a place to live, I can start planning on whether to get an FM3, or whether I should simply rely on an FMT for my first foray south. I am leaning in favor an FM3, and trying to get it from the consulate in Portland before I leave next April.
But that is not the news I hinted at earlier. I will probably post that news tomorrow or so.
For now, I am just happy that I have arranged a place to alight.
So, one thing is resolved, that's a GOOD thing! A BIG thing. Just a zillion left to go.........
ReplyDeleteso what happened to the place you were planning on renting? i don't remember your saying that it had fallen through. i read your blog every day. did i perhaps miss that on one of my weekends away? just curious. anyway, i am glad you found a new place to live and i look forward to tomorrow's blog.
ReplyDeleteteresa
Babs -- Having a place to start makes me feel as if I have moved down the road -- even though I had pretty much made that decision in July.
ReplyDeleteTeresa -- No, you did not miss anything. I was simply preoccuppied with other matters that kept me from finalizing my Melaque living arangements. It appears everything is ready to go there. Now I need to start wrapping up the American end -- and I think I have managed to do that, as well.
Congratulations Steve!! As someone who retired early and went through a million daily ups and downs about it beforehand, I think it will be the best decision you've ever made. I wouldn't give back these last 7 years of adventure and life for double my pension. It's wonderful, and it keeps getting better.
ReplyDeleteI would opt for the FMT - it is easier to get, costs about 5 times less - and it is typically easier to get stuff down there as they assume you will bring it back. At least that has been my experience so far. In our case Anita has an FM3 and I have been just using an FMT for 5 years, We get both opportunities that way using which ever is the better document at the time - might get the FM3 next year as we have been staying less and less in the States. Just thought I would throw that in - food for thought.
ReplyDeleteThe one drawback in this State (Veracruz) you need an FM3 to buy land. If you fall in love with something, you will need the FM3. But, I think you are less compulsive than me, being an attorney and all ;-)
congratulations on finding a place. We are going to start our FM3 in November. I'll let you know how it goes. We tried to work with the Denver consulate but it seems the papaerwork must be completed in Mexico. I believe Manzanillo is the nearest place to file the paperwork.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finalising a place to live. Now onto the rest of the projects.
ReplyDeleteSteve, I once had an FM3 back in 2002 when I rented a house in LaManzanilla. You have to prove you live in Mexico by taking your FM3 to immigration office in Manzanillo and it is a real pain. You have to show them an electric bill from CFI in your name and with the address and you have to also have possibly a Telmex bill. I did not therefore my FM3 was useless. If you plan to return to the states within 6 months do not spend the money, All an FM3 will let you do is stay 12 months without a new visa and import personal possessions (stereos, tvs, furnishings) without paying import duty. Don
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you have settled on a place. Those months before you leave will pass swiftly. I read you other post about Mr. Jiggs walking a little better. I'm glad. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJonna -- Your comment could not have arrived at a better time. I woke up this morning thinking I could not retire because my family may need to rely on me if the economy gets worse. Of course, that is sucker logic. No plans would ever get made if worry bacame our central concerns. There is a good reason that Jesus taught his disciples that they should not worry. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteJohn -- I know that individuals have had mixed results with FM3s. But I may very ewll stay more than 6 months on this trip, and I suspect that I may drive down and need to leave my car behind on at least one return trip. I do not need the FMT complications with that.
visitlamanzanilla -- I have not been to the consulate in Portland, yet. I may change my mind once I start the process there. Reading these boards, I am ready for almost anything.
Brenda -- Thanks. Now for the rest of the news.
Don -- Thanks for the information. I will eventually get an FM3 because I plan to live permanently in Mexico. The only question is whether I will be stayting for longer than 6 months on this coming trip. I think I will.
Gloria -- Thank you for your continued kind words for The Professor. He was in fine fettle this morning.
I'm a proponent of getting the FM-3 in the US, provided you qualify. Some consulates will not grant an FM-3 to those under the age of 55 years; some will. The Portland Consulate is very, very accommodating. The nice thing about getting the FM-3 in the US is that you're entering the country with one task already done. You will still have to register it within 30 days of landing here, and that process is almost as involved as getting the initial FM-3. With the FM-3, you are obligated to advise INM of any change in address; no similiar requirement is imposed with an FMT.
ReplyDeleteAnother issue is whether you intend to take advantage of the one-time opportunity to import your personal effects duty-free under the menaje de casa. There is a time frame for doing so under your FM-3.
For now, you're taking the cart before the horse. Wait until about 6 weeks before you actually move to make the FM-3 v. FMT decision.
Jennifer -- As always, thank you for the wise counsel. I was thinking of stopping by the consulate in early January to gather the necessary forms.
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