My dear friend has sold her house in Seattle and moved to Ajijic. I intend to visit her in March or April. She is soooo happy there. She is a totally different person in Mexico. When she returned here to spend the holidays with family, I could not help but notice how calm and positive she has become since moving there. After about 3 weeks here, I began to notice a bit of doom and gloom come over her. Thankfully, she will be returning tomorrow. I look forward to getting some of that Mexican magic for myself.

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

I think a lot of people seem to get their second wind in Mexico. No pun intended 😉...Thanks for the comment Jackie😊. Look forward to seeing you around in Ajijic in March. Cheers Rich

Wow feliz de que les guste Mexico, Jalisco, CHAPALA... EL MUNDO es bienvenido en todo Mexico....

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Muchas Gracias Víctor. Saludos Rich

Thank you to Shelby and Lee for allowing me to interview them. It was a lot of fun!! If you have any questions about living here in Mexico please leave me a comment down below...thanks for watching! ;)

@gininitaly

5 жыл бұрын

A lot of good information there Rich... what was that lawyers name or email? I'm trying to get a visa temporal as we speak and it seems to be shaping up as hellish!

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

@@gininitaly Hi Ginnitaly, Immigration Lawyer in Ajijic...Azucena Bateman legalabc@yahoo.com.mx Thanks for watching 🙂👍

very informative...coming down in march/april...just getting everything in order...retiring....want permanent visa .. waiting for my passport, then mexican consulate ... also vancouver area...very excited and happy to spending my retired years in such a beautiful country surrounded with beauty .. i feel blessed

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Dawn, thanks for the comment! I feel that way every day here, blessed🙂 Thanks again for watching. Cheers Rich

Just discovered this channel. Really enjoyed hearing from some people who recently moved there as opposed to those who have already lived there for many years. Gave a fresh new perspective. I stayed in Ajijic last year, and am coming back in October for a second visit. Planning to retire here in about 3 years if everything goes to plan.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Shirley, thanks for the comment. Glad you like videos! More on the way. Cheers Rich

This was a great interview. Guadalajara is a beautiful city, I grew up there and left over 50 years ago. 50 minutes away is shorter than the 2 hours it takes me to go 25 miles in LA !!!

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment Leticia. Greetings from Mexico 👍😊

@dennishassler605

2 жыл бұрын

I think those storming the border are, in fact, going the wrong way. There's more freedom South of the border and it's like going back in time to a better place in time.

I really appreciated this video! Thank you for sharing and for the interview. Lee and Shelby seem like wonderful people and I loved hearing their insights especially about how easy it is to get to Guadalajara from Ajijic! I had written off Ajijic and was considering Puerto Vallarta bc it seemed so remote. However, I think Ajijic is back in the running for me!

Yes, please, on the immigfration process, especially for those married to Mexican citizens. Thanks!

Yes on a visas video. Also yes on a couple more rental price points.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the ideas Greg. I will definitely put them suggestions in to videos in the next few weeks. Thanks again for watching 👍🙂

Cute couple, great interview, thanks for sharing.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Crystal. Greetings from Mexico 🙂

Lee sound's Canadian...…..Shelby American and good old Rich Varney British WOW, what a combo ! People from all over the mundo want to live in Mexico, great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TCB.

welcome to mexico and Ihope you stay for live in mexico

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias Rigoberto 👍😊

Love what they have done with the property. Beautiful

Thank you for sharing the interview

You DO A GREAT JOB getting the information we who hope to move to Mexico need. Thank you!!

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Joan. I'm glad you find it helpful. Many more videos on the way🙂 Cheers Rich

Hey Rich you’re an amazing reporter , great video and interview , you remind me of those news icon through big mainstream news media , really great interview , simple , clear about pretty much everything , I really enjoy watching your videos so far I have seen few with others , I think your work comes first ranking compares to other videos I have seen , it’s educational about different aspects of life , any way I have few questions for you Rich can you tell me how much is the tax rate in Mexico in general ? As I am planing to come to Mexico for some dental implants as we don’t have good dentists here in Algeria and the whole healthcare system is disaster , however I am paying cash full amount , also I have a question for you regarding Mexican customs do you have any idea if there’s taxes on electronics like personal PC , iPhone and cameras ? Finally is there any possibility for opening a business ? Because I am hoping if I like down there I probably buy something and settle there , your help is appreciated .

tumps uppppppps amigos...very informativre video thanks...

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍😁

Tipping for good service is important

Thank you so much. This video has been very helpful. 👍

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Orcaspest. Thanks so much for watching 😊

Thank you. I found your answer. I am new to this and did not know where all the buttons are. Lol

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Peter.

Great to see the heat of the coast addressed . Thnx

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Great that you find the video helpful. Thanks for your comment Russ👍🙂

@russlogan181

4 жыл бұрын

@@RichVarney yes the information is very helpful. The house the couple purchased was asking 175 000 US, can I ask roughly what area of lake chapala it is located? It sounded like it was in Chapala but I couldn't make it out. I'm guessing 175000 in Ajijic doesn't get u much thnx

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

@@russlogan181 Hi Russ, The house was located in Riberas Del Pilar, 10 minutes walk from Chapala. Same property in Ajijic center will be around 280 to 300 I would imagine, location is everything. Sorry for the PUN!

@russlogan181

4 жыл бұрын

@@RichVarney thnx

Hi Rich, We would love to see a video on $1500. USD per month. We have not decided where to retire as of this time. Ajijic does sound more interesting thanks to Shelby and Lee’s interview. Currently, San Miguel is our favorite, but we’re not sure it will work with our budget.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Hi David, thanks for the comment! I will do a video in the next few weeks on that topic. Thanks again for watching 👍🙂

@spirit4joy327

5 жыл бұрын

Yes.. Please give us an idea of lifestyle in chapala area at 100 for a single senior or 1500 for a couple per month. Thank. You.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

@@spirit4joy327Hi spirit 4joy, I will put together a video in a few weeks. Did you mean 1000 usd for a single person? Cheers Rich 🙂

@gm-qn8ri

5 жыл бұрын

HI ,I'm also thinking San Miguel de Allende .Ajijic is my second choice .I'm still about 5 years or so away from retirement . Good luck with your choice .

It is very easy to live here in Lakeside for $1600 US per month. $800 for rent, another $800 for everything else. Been doing it for two years now.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Troy. 👍🙂

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Troy, I have an idea...would you like to be in video to show what 1600 per month gets you in lake Chapala? Just let me know if its something that interests you👍

@troymills9437

5 жыл бұрын

@@RichVarney - do they have reruns on TV in the UK? I'd like to oblige you but my story has already been told: kzread.info/dash/bejne/l4p3yc-AZMrglsY.html

I loved your video as always. Thank you Rich! If you have also made that video regarding living on approx 1500 US I would be very interested as that is close to my monthly retirement.

$900USD for rent is high. I live in Ajijic and pay a fraction of that. You guys should look around more.

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

You must have got a really good deal. 🙂👍thanks for the comment.

There's many benefits to living in Mexico including a much better and healthier food chain, people with good family values and weather that allows you to be outside most of the time. The coastal climate is excellent, too, but summers are hot and humid, but you get used to it and it's much nicer than cold winters and the isolation of staying indoors, too. Certainly, for those that like cold weather, there's mountain towns in Mexico with brisk climates, too. Some cities can be primitive without a lot of services, but the people are friendly and accommodating everywhere in Mexico.

I'm glad you tip because people that sweep the strees in Guadalajara get 8 dollars a day so the pay is bad.I tiped well in the states n wherever we traveled to. Mexico city has so many places to eat.

Please do a video on getting your resident's visa.

Very interesting to hear about Mexican health care! I’m in Canada and the health system here is getting worse every year while the cost goes thru the roof. You have to wait for everything sometimes years for joint surgery. I am coming to Chapala in December for a month to have a look!

@RichVarney

3 жыл бұрын

I think I might do a video on that topic at some point. Cheers Rich

Hi ! Rich my husband n i ate many times in the hotels as always did in usa with incredible dinners n prices we loved the french hotels ,there's all kinds of international restaurants just googled in larger cities,n ask for prices n what THEY serve !!!

I’m flying into Guadalajara late September to check out lake chapela as a place to move permanently. You mention bus is a nice way to get there. My question is how do I catch one if flying into the airport?

Great information Rich. Thank you. I'll be traveling down with a dog. Is it very difficult to find places to rent when you have a pet with you?

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Karla, thanks for you comment! Regarding your question, a lot of people travel down to lake Chapala with their dogs. I don't think you would have much of a problem 🙂. Check first with the rental company or Airbnb you should be fine. Thanks again for watching!

Should I? Pack a bag sell my stuff and get out? Im an inch away

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Good luck with the packaging Light Post😀👍

Really appealing life style. Might sell my farm in cold wet north west ireland go go thete.

@RichVarney

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, it's not bad at all here Ian. The only thing missing is a good pint of Guinness mate😁👍

What does a typical rental include in terms of services?

Rich, how hard is it to rent a place that allows dogs? We have two golden retrievers. I really want to rent and live there for a bit before committing. My wife and I are from Vancouver as well and can really related to this two folks.

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Les, thanks for your message and Merry Christmas to you!! To answer your question, many people come down to Mexico with the pets .As long as you check in advance that pets are allowed in the rental or Airbnb for example you should be fine. One of the rental companies to contact is romawebsite.com, also try Airbnb. By the way, I just love goldens😊👍. If you have set plans and dates to come to Ajijic, let me know in advance, I may know of a rental that fits the bill for you. Thanks again and happy holiday's!! Rich

Tipping the grocery bagger is not something people would know. I was surprised. What else do we need to know like that?

I would like a video on procedures and cost of temporary visa and permanent visa from USA. If you haven’t done one yet. I’ll search.

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Jim, that video is coming soon. Should have something ready to upload by the end of October. Cheers Rich

It seems as though Ajijic is the Florida of Mexico?

rich which is better place to buy property jocotepec or ajijic

Hi Rich my husband and I will be coming down to Ajijic in Dec. for several weeks. We are interested in checking rental properties and home sales. We are looking for 3 beds hopefully a pool with a pool. (I know you haven’t heard that before). We are retired and need advise.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Joy. Thanks for your comment! It will be my pleasure to take you around to view some properties. Feel free to email at rich@ajijic.com for further correspondence. Cheers Rich

and the prices pleace

We are also from Vancouver, BC. We were in Cancun at a 5 star resort a few years ago and both got very ill from the food and/or water. Is the water and food safe down there? Have you been ill?

@RichVarney

2 жыл бұрын

To be honest. Yes, I got sick a lot when I first arrived to Mexico. Nowadays not so often. You need yo stick to the bottled water. Some places have there own filtration systems to drink water. From my experience it is still not that common in hotels yet. All the best Rich

I want to see higher end living. We live in 5200 sf home in AZ and are looking at homes at least this size to rent in Lake Chapala area. Beautiful homes.

What size is their apartment? Bedrooms, baths etc?

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Big living area with full kitchen. I've left Shelby and Lee's contact in the description of the video. Cheers Rich

One thing I need to say also is that it is so sad that so many Mexicans need to move away from there so beautiful country and then Mexico have all the foreigners moving in...……………..it makes me very sad. It all have to do with the money. TCB.

Do you also deal in long term rentals like the one these people have.?

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, thanks for the comment. I've helped people find rentals in the past yes. As I work in the business I hear of rentals all the time. Also, I always recommend this rental management company in Ajijic. www.romawebsite.com/ Feel free to email me at rich@ajijic.com with you personal requirements. I will do my best help👍🙂

TIPS ARE NOT MANDATORY IN MEXICO buuuuuuuut.... If u want to tip in a restaurant its usually 10% In FANCY restaurants will be 15% minimum That applies to BARS and Nightclubs as well of course u can tip more if the service was excelent If your bill in a restaurant is around $120 pesos or less... DONT tip them the 10% because $12 pesos is NOTHING..... so always try to tip at least 30 pesos in cheap restaurants. In the grocery stores (Wal-Mart, Soriana, etc) u can give at least $10 pesos to the guy that packs your groceries (if they pack you like 5 bags)........ But usually u wild find old people packing the bags and they are VOLUNTEERS (they dont receive any payment from the store) so I always tip them $20 or $30 PESOS And when you go to the gas station we usually give the employees around 10 pesos.... BUT if they clean your windshield or check the pressure of your tires $20 pesos will be FINE $20 - $30 pesos tip is OK to the guy that cleans your car in the "Car Wash" and THAT´S IT YOU DONT HAVE TO GIVE TIP TO TAXI DRIVERS / Ubers.... most of the people dont do that but ive heard that some drivers ASK for tip to the tourist but IT IS NOT MANDATORY.... so dont let them fool you. If u dont live in a gated community.... you will usually give the Trash Truck workers around $20 pesos every time they come and pick up the trash which is usually twice a week. BUT ITS NOT MANDATORY cuz its a goverment service You DONT HAVE TO TIP the gardener... the plumber... the electrician... etc... but you can offer them a jar of water while they are working in your home or some tacos.... You dont have to tip any doctor Usually when u park in the street there are people that "take care" of the cars.... but thats pretty much a lie cuz they dont do nothing, they are just fooling everyone and asking tips just because they are standing next to your car hahaha.... so just drive away... but if u want to give them some money $5 or $10 pesos will be fine In a private parking lot ALWAYS ask whats the price per hour before you leave your car there... because sometimes the workers try to take advantage of "gringos" that dont speak spanish.... and once u want to leave the parking lot they will try fool you and tell you that its 15 dollars per hour or some shit like that. I MEAN ITS NOT THAT USUAL BUT IT MAY HAPPEN TO YOU..... so keep in mind that the average price in parking lots is 20 pesos per hour I GUESS THATS ALL YOU HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT TIPS IN MEXICO WELCOME TO MY COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are glad to have you here!!!!!!!!!

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the detailed description of tipping in Mexico. 👍🙂

@raularellano1975

4 жыл бұрын

@@RichVarney MY PLEASURE RICH!!!!! I hope my english is fine. I havent practice it in a couple of months. Sometimes I forget how to write properly!!!!!

If I get to visit Ajijic, I’d like to grab lunch and talk for a bit with you guys? On me, I can also bring a little something from L.A. as well.

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Ricardo. Look forward to seeing you in Ajijic.

@ricardomorales3096

4 жыл бұрын

Rich Varney I plan visiting Mexico City & Puerto Vallarta then I will guide myself for the best way to get there

I am Jealous

You did not answer my question.

@RichVarney

5 жыл бұрын

I've just answered it for you👍

Hi, great channel, new subscribers. Small bit of feed back, especially when interviewing a Canadian couple. Can you NOT quote everything in USD. Super annoying and disrespectful in my opinion. If you don't want to hear what it is in CAD......... then quote the Peso. US is not the center of the flipping universe, most certainly is not the center of mine.

@fredtello

3 жыл бұрын

Triggered...lol

@denisemuill3018

3 жыл бұрын

@@fredtello oh hey how about a simple Fuck You!

you might get more clients - if you could only STOP saying "Guys...!" after every two words

@RichVarney

4 жыл бұрын

Lol thanks for the advice 🙂👍