The local and national pubic transport is generally lower in cost than the US. It has introduced competition into the market for national airlines and low cost airlines are starting to make a significant difference in air fares for domestic travel in Mexico, which until now have been relatively expensive.

Public utilities are more expensive in Mexico. The electricity prices are high compared to the U.S. mainly due to the lack of competition. Telephone services, both landlines and cell phones, are priced higher than the U.S. and Europe; Telmex, the national telecommunications incumbent, dominates the market, despite its public relations work that tries to play down this fact. The advent of Internet telephony (eg Skype, Vonage) is beginning to make long distance communications, especially affordable.

Tap water is relatively cheap, but not always potable (drinking). Decades of low investment, combined with a general attitude of impertinence toward the payment of water bills has left the network in Mexico water system in poor condition. As a result, most people buy bottled water, often in containers of 20 liters. Bottled water costs hundreds if not thousands of percent more per liter compared to the price of tap water in the U.S.

A widening range of products, especially some types of clothing, electronics, audiovisual equipment, technology (eg iPods, WiFi), computers, software and cameras are more expensive than identical products sold in the U.S.. Cars cost a bit more in Mexico than equivalent models in the U.S..

Gasoline and diesel is subsidized by the Mexican government and therefore not fluctate prices as much as those in the U.S. and Europe when oil prices rise or fall in international markets. However, it is unclear how long Mexico will be able to afford to subsidize the price of fuel.

Rents in Mexico may be higher than equivalent-sized cities in U.S. cities or if the place is very popular or fashionable, especially in places bordering the United States. In less popular towns and cities, you can find good quality accommodation at unusually affordable prices.

A Mexican tourist card is required for visiting Mexico beyond the border cities, or for stays longer than 72 hours. The free tourist cards are available from Mexican immigration authorities at the border and also at Mexican consulates and Mexican government tourist offices in the US. A birth certificate or other proof of US citizenship, such as voter registration, military ID showing place of birth, or passport is required to obtain the tourist card.

Medical Tourism is rapidly spreading throughout Mexico, however if you are living at Lake Chapala it’s a great excuse to invite your stateside friends down for medical care, and it’s only going to get bigger. This great video was produced by our friends at Focus on Mexico

The Foundation for Lake Chapala Charities represents the local charities around Lake Chapala, Mexico, that support orphanages and elderly assisted living homes, provide financial assistance for children of the indigenous poor so they can afford school, and provide medical assistance to help with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, meningitis, cancer, birth defects, hearing loss, etc.

The Charities of Lake Chapala
Amigos del Misión San Pablo
Rotary Club
Casa de Ancianos
Love in Action
Hope House
Terranova School
Niños Incapacitados
Pasos Milagrosos
Niños de Chapala & Ajijic
Golden Strings
Wilkes Education Center
Lakeside School for the Deaf
Cruz Roja/Red Cross

I love this stunning video of Lake Chapala.

Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Lake Chapala at 5,000 feet above sea level, Casa del Sol B&B is centrally located on a quiet residential street, just two blocks from the village plaza.

A recent review of Casa Del Sol:
“Simply stunning B&B. What an oasis of color and design that is a treat for the eyes and the soul. You have done a spectacular work of art throughout your lovely Inn.”

It is affordably priced at around 90 dollars a night, with great service, and luxurious amenities. Definetly a great place to stay if you are heading into Ajijic for a visit.

I love sunsets, especially in a place as gorgeous as Lake Chapala.

This is a great video put together by Steven Miller that really gives you a brief taste of what your missing out on at Lake Chapala & Ajijic.