Retiring in Yucatan

InternationalLiving.com recently voted Mexico as the best choice for retiring overseas, citing the price of real estate, level of medical services, cost of living, stability, and availability of cultural and entertainment options. read the full article here:

http://www.internationalliving.com/retire/paid/09-01-07-top-heavens.html

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them. The SSA considers you to be outside of the United States if you are overseas for at least 30 days in a row, until you return and stay in the U.S. for at least 30 days in a row. Your payments can be directly deposited into a bank in the United States, or one here in Yucatan.

Check out the offical website at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10137.html

Also, see the article about Social Security written by the US Consulate in Merida here:

http://www.yucatantoday.com/culture/eng-asktheusconsul-7-05.htm

The Federal Benefits Unit in Mexico serves over 65,000 US citizens living in Mexico. See the article from the US Consulate here:

http://www.yucatantoday.com/culture/eng-asktheusconsul-01-06.htm

Has anyone had problems receiving their Social Security payments? Please post a comment!

Next posting: Medicare - what's covered, what's not, and the push to change the current laws

Foreigners who are age 60 or older and who hold a valid residence visa, such as an FM3 or FM2, can participate in Mexico's Personas Adultas Mayores benefits program.

The program offers discounts on a wide range of services, including health-related services (hospitals, doctors' visits, lab tests, medical devices, pharmacies, and dental work); cultural activities like theater tickets and entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites; transportation and accommodation, including airline tickets, buses, car rentals and purchase; and at hotels and many stores. Discounts can range from 5% to 50% off the full price of the good or service.

Non-Mexicans who wish to take part in the program must go to a local office of the Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores (National Institute for Senior Citizens, or INAPAM) to request a membership card. If you already live in Yucatan, you can visit the office at:

59 x Av. Itzaes y 90,

Modulo 2, C.P. 97000

Merida

999 923 9600

You'll have to show the following documentation:

-Original passport (plus a photocopy) showing that you're at least 60 years old

-Picture ID (original plus photocopy)

-Contact information for someone responsible for you in case of an accident or emergency

-Passport-size photo

-A valid FM-2 or FM-3 residence visa, plus proof of address in Mexico

Once you have your INAPAM membership card in hand, show it at participating locations to get your discount. The card is valid throughout Mexico-as well as for some services in foreign countries. You can get a list of specific services in Yucatan from the INAPAM ofice.

Some examples include:

*50% discount on public buses

*20% discount on medication purchases at Farmacias del Ahorro pharmacies, and major discounts on health care services.

*10% to 50% discounts from participating attorneys and accountants

*Up to 30% off the cost of automobile service work and 30% off the cost of new tires

*25% off hardware, 20% off construction materials, and 20% off the cost of construction work

*Up to 50% off at the hair stylist's

*25% off floral arrangements

*25% off dry cleaning

*Up to 50% off veterinarian and pet grooming services

*50% off language classes

* Free admittance to almost all museums and archaeological sites

According to INAPAM officials, they're adding more participating companies all the time. So, flash that card before buying anything, it could save you money!

Residents of Yucatan - have you had experiences getting and using this card? Please share in the 'Comments' section!