laptop on a table

The Quest to Find Good Internet in Guadalajara

During our first six months in Guadalajara living in Airbnbs, owners took care of basic utilities and internet service. So when we finally landed a place of our own and needed to get connected, we felt like fish out of water. Choosing a provider. We’re a household of two internet

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Buen Fin Promotion

Buen Fin: Plenty of Deals but Beware of Scams

This year marks the 13th year of the popular Buen Fin retail event held across Mexico. The 2023 edition spans four days, kicking off on November 17 and wrapping up on the 20th.   What the heck is Buen Fin? This popular retail sales event is known for offering discounts

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How to Find Quality Doctors in Mexico

For those of you who read my last post on expat health options in Mexico, welcome back. Whether you decide to buy health insurance valid in Mexico or not, another challenge all expats face is finding local doctors to care for you in your time of need. In your home

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Your Expat Health Care Strategy

So you’ve decided to embark on a new adventure and become an expat… Huzzah! If you’ve aged out of your 30s, one thing that may strike fear in your heart is dropping a familiar health insurance plan, existing doctors, and even a trusted pharmacist when making the move. Besides eating

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Got Mail? How to Get It Sent to Mexico

For many American expats — whether short-timers or long-haulers — there are times when you need to get U.S. mail physically sent to you in Mexico. As temporary residents in Mexico, we have a U.S.-plated car here in Guadalajara. That means we receive annual registration renewal notices (and renewal stickers!)

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The Cost of Living (Well) in Mexico in 2023

“Live Well” isn’t just the name of my blog. It’s also my life philosophy. I mean, why waste your days pinching pennies and following the same old boring routines, missing out on life’s great pleasures? I’m in it for the experiences, and Guadalajara certainly delivers. For aspirational expats contemplating a

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Mobile phones in Mexico

Do Mexpats Really Need a Mexican Phone Number?

Before relocating to Mexico, I was convinced that an unlimited mobile plan for voice, text, and data with Cricket Wireless would satisfy all of my communication needs, based on the recommendations of several expats. (We dumped Verizon upon learning they would cut us off after a few months if most

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a pile of hard currency

The Best Ways to Transfer Money into Mexico

If you earn and/or keep most of your money in bank accounts outside of Mexico, moving funds here only as needed, this post is for you. Keep reading to learn the most economical ways to move money from the U.S. to Mexico. Whether you need money to pay recurring expenses

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SAT Office in Zapopan

Requirements for an RFC Number in Zapopan Change Again

A little over a month ago I posted about the process to obtain an RFC number in Jalisco, and why an expat would need one. Since then, we’ve discovered a new requirement for some residents attempting to get an RFC number in Zapopan. My husband visited SAT earlier this month

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Salados bread

Where to Find the Best Bread in Guadalajara

While it may sound odd to some, figuring out where to buy really good bread is one of the first problems I look to solve when moving to a new city. With apologies to the celiac sufferers out there… I heart gluten! I first got hooked on artisanal bread when

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