michael nuschke, Author at Focus On Mexico Page

Mexico Banking Basics

Now that we've talked about Mexican currency, let's review some banking basics. Whether you are a visitor, snowbird, or making a permanent move to Mexico, knowing how and where to bank will help free your time for the all the things you really want to do as part of your Mexico vacation or life. It's Easy! First and most importantly, no matter what you may think or have heard, banking in Mexico is not difficult. It can be as simple as using your U.S. ATM card in an ATM machine for most daily transactions. The ATM machines charge a variety of fees ranging from ~$1.50 US to ~$4.50 USD per … [Read more...]

Watch Those Pesos…

They Spend Like Real Money! While Mexican money may look like Monopoly money at first glance, it spends just like real money, so it's good idea to get familiar with the Mexican peso before you arrive. If you're not used to dealing in more than one currency, it can feel daunting at first to convert from your home currency to pesos quickly and confidently. It's common to see flustered people thrust a handful of cash and coins at cashiers in Mexico so that vendors could pick out the appropriate amount from their hands. That's NOT the recommended way of doing things, even though there are many … [Read more...]

Giving Back Lakeside

Congratulations - the decision is made and you are heading south of the border! When you arrive Lakeside it's a good idea to take several months to acclimate and manage all the business involved with starting a new life in a new country, but once you're feeling settled you may want to find a way to give back to the community that is hosting us. From the first expats who came to the area, Lakeside has a long history of volunteerism and today there are many established charities that could use your help and, if there is something you would like to do that's not currently available, you may … [Read more...]

Focus on Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead on November 1-2 is one of the most important holidays in Mexico. It's a wonderful opportunity to see life and death through the eyes of the Mexican culture as you visit the altars set up all around Lakeside to honor ancestors who have passed and their return to visit their living loved ones on this holiday. If you are interested in a possible move to Lakeside, our October 27-Nov. 1 fast track learning seminar is the perfect opportunity to explore what Lakeside has to offer and the Day of the Dead celebrations. Day of the Dead Lakeside In Ajijic, the altars are … [Read more...]

Mexico Climate Highs and Lows

A Mexico Climate Overview Topography of Mexico The Climate in Mexico varies according to its topography. Along the coast (on both sides of the country) it is hot and humid, unbearably so in the summer. Inland communities at higher elevations such as Guadalajara (5200 ft above sea level) and in particular close-by Lake Chapala, are much dryer and more temperate. Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico), with its much higher elevation of 7545 ft (2300 meters) above sea level, can reach freezing temperatures in the winter. You'll be surprised to find snow-capped volcanoes. San Miguel … [Read more...]