Mexico Magico Book Review's
Advice on avoiding Mexico's many pitfalls
By Robert Shepard
Published by Asociacion Mexicana de
Estandares para el Comercio ElectronicoGerman Estrada Navarro seems to have a fondness for people from other countries who come to visit or live in Mexico. How else could one explain the earnest effort in his new book, Mexico Magico, to make things easier for visitors, to help them avoid many of the common pitfalls that often ensnare and discourage foreigners.
"Our main intention is to give you practical information and, more than anything else, some approaches and proposals that may help you avoid some possible problems in the future, " he writes.
In only some 130 pages, Navarro covers a lot of territory, from arriving in Mexico with a boat or car to getting repair work done to the meaning of mañana.
The result is a compact collection of information and tips that foreigners-whether already in Mexico or planning to come here-would be well advised to add to their library of 'Survival in Mexico's books.
Navarro spends some time trying to explain Mexico and its people and to repare foreigners for the fact that many things are done differently here. "One of the first mistakes that many people make is in trying to compare the way things are done here with the way things are done here with the way they are done 'back home'", he notes.
Of the Mexican tendency to agreeably promise results (or to show up), or to provide information that may not be reliable, Navarro suggest "one possible answer could be that we believe that part of our way of being nice is saying 'yes' to everything. Another is not knowing how to remain 'nice' even if we say 'no'…. or 'I don't know',…. 'I can't do it'".
He is no apologist, however, and readily acknowledges such problems as the Mexican style of driving, TELMEX and the government's dubious record of managing the Mexican economy over the past 70 years, which about covers Navarro's lifetime.
Navarro lives in the Puerto Vallarta area and with that orientation felt obliged to offer extensive advice and information about buying time shares and other property. He urges a go-slow, look-around, ask-around, ask-around, eyes-wide-open approach for foreigners who are considering such investments.
He cites PROFECO (the federal consumer protection agency) as a valuable source of information and guidance, and also includes reprints of U.S. and Canadian government advisories about legal and business matters in Mexico.
He also discusses insurance, the legal system, customs, immigration, bank services, property rentals, traffic, pharmacies, healthy eating, language and more.
While the book's content is interesting and informative, the presentation is a bit jarring. Rather than relying in the main body of text to provide the bulk of his information, Navarro relies heavily on the use of asterisks (as many as four per page), along with "Note", "Another Note" and "Author's note" to expand on what he is trying to tell the reader.
Nervertheless, the book is a worthwhile supplement to other resources for foreigners who live in Mexico or are thinking about doing so, particularly because it offers the unique perspective of a Mexican on how foreigners can get the most out of their time in Magical Mexico.
This book is for sale at Libros y Revistas de Chapala in its Ajijic, Chapala and Puerto Vallarta stores and Sandi Bookstore in Guadalajara.
Robert Shepard
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She Said……
By Anna Raisman
Published by: PVTribune Puerto Vallarta.Wich reminds me: The new book I was telling you about is finally out now. Entitled "Mexico Magico-Everything you wanted to know but noboby told you….". it deals with most of the pitfalls visitors and residents might encounter while trying to "function" in this magical country, immigration, importacion of personal goods, car permits, real estate, bank services, remodeling, paying utility bills, the police, U.S. and Canada government advice, time shares (of course!) etc. etc. This little book tells it like it is without pulling any punches, it is easy to read, full of usefull (legal) advice, and interspersed with lots of humor. Its contents can save readers lots of time, aggravation, and money in the long run. For those of us who have been living here for a while and "experienced" many of the situations described in the book, it may be too late to help us, but for those who have just begun their lives-or vacation- in "Mexico Magico", it can serve as a most valuable" preventive tool", Right now, it's only available at Jamie's Net House (232 Ignacio Vallarta), MailBoxes, etc. near the entrance to Plaza Caracol, and in the boutique of the Camino Real Hotel on the south side. Enjoy!
Anna Raisman
PVTribune……………………………………………………….
Doing Business in Vallarta
By Jamie Coates
Published by PV Tribune Puerto VallartaBefore setting up shop, I would recommend to any foreigner to gain some insight into the local culture and market first. An excellent source is the recently written book by German Estrada entitled "Mexico Magico" It´s written by a Mexican - in good English- and says things that a foreigner had best not publicly write. (I really do like it here!) It´s well worth the $160 pesos for the insight gained which could otherwise take years to learn by trial and error. It can be purchased at various stores throughout town including The Net House. While the information gleaned will not prevent all problems, it will at least better prepare you for the one that happens next.
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By Alan Cogan
COGAN'S REVIEWSMéxico Mágico
Everything You Wanted to know about Mexico….but nobody told you.
By German Estrada NavarroPublished by Asociación Mexicana de Estandares para el Comercio Electronico
We could have used a copy of this book eight years ago when we first came to Mexico. It's a mine of useful information on all aspects of making a move to this country or planning an extended visit here. Judging by the number of e-mails we receive as a result of my having written a handful of articles for Mexico Connect there are a lot of people out there seeking such advice and information.
Basically this is a well-organized and clearly presented compilation of data about this country that any newcomers - and some old-timers, too -could use. Just a glance at the partial list of contents will give you an idea of the scope of the contents.
Entering the country
Immigration
Coming in by car
Dealing with Customs
Bank services
Insurance
How to obtain FM3 visas
Buying real estate
Dealing with lawyers, accountants and architects
Remodelling your home
Making repairs around the house
Renting your property
Paying utility bills
Internet services
Road signs, traffic signs
Dealing with traffic police
Getting a telephone
Buying a condo or a timeshare
And so on….That's just a brief rundown. And apart from the official kind of information listed above, there's a lot of just plain useful down-to-earth advice on, for example, deciding whether or not to get a meal from the various street vendors you'll encounter. "Make sure you have enough medicine with you against diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, etc.," the author advises. "Also, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take out medical insurance."
There's a brief discussion of the meaning of mañana as it is used in Mexico. Technically, of course, it means tomorrow. But if you're waiting for deliveries or a repairman or somesuch, then don't count on things to be that precise. Mañana can have a quite different slant. "Just try to adjust your watch and your mind, and accept it as a fact of life," the author advises. "You're in Mexico!"
This isn't the kind of book you read from cover to cover. It's much more of a reference work. My wife and I have both checked various sections of it on topics we're familiar with and we have no quarrel with the accuracy or completeness of the contents. It appears to be thorough in its details and explanations.
In my humble O: If you're contemplating coming here, for good or for an extended visit, include a copy of México Mágico in your survival kit.
Cogan's Reviews
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Readers' Comments:
I was truly amazed and thankful after reading the book, Mexico Magico. Amazed because I have fallen in love with Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and had so many questions about moving here on a more permanent basis. All of my concerns were addressed and answered in the book, and then some. Thankful because the book teaches you how to "prevent" making serious mistakes and gaining heartaches in the process. When I tell my friends and family about my desire to purchase property in Mexico and relocate, they reflect their fears and concerns. All they need to do is read Mexico Magico. The book helps the reader to better understand the laws and culture; how to go about doing things in the correct ways. It empowers the reader who fears getting "ripped off" in Mexico by having the knowledge. Knowledge of the procedures and policies to follow with confidence.
It is my opinion that every tourist, visitor and resident should have a copy of Mexico Magico. The old saying, "ignorance is bliss," is dangerous when traveling in a foreign country. Also, being naïve about the laws and procedures is not an excuse when doing business, buying property, or remodeling in Mexico. The book teaches the reader the "How To" in Mexico, all one needs to know and learn to avoid serious problems.
One example is that I have discussed with many foreigners and residents in Mexico about changing my status from tourist to visitor to a permanent resident. I have received several different answers regarding the way to proceed. All the reader needs to do is turn to page 9 and, presto, you have the knowledge on "how" to proceed. The book is filled with such clarity and knowledge on everything you need to know about traveling in Mexico and directions to potential residents.
Very great thanks to the author for such a well-written, informative book which makes living in Mexico the joy it should be.
Dianne Ranick
Sonoma, CA
I have recently complted reading the book, Mexico Magico, and it is ny great pleasure to recommend it to others.
I have been a condominium owner in Mexico for many years and, as a long-time real estate agent in northern California, I know how difficult it can be to understand all of the laws regarding the buying and selling of real estate, even in your own country, in your own language. When attempting to buy or sell property in a foreign country, the ins and outs of the process can be very different than in your own country. The book, Mexico Magico, is a wonderful blueprint that enables the prospective buyer or seller to clearly understand the processes and laws and to know who to look for help when it is needed. If you are planning to own property in Mexico, you want it to be a good experience. I feel that this book will enable you to have just that. Additionally, even if you speak Spanish as a second language, the understanding of the legalese will be difficult, just as it is in your first language. Help is always needed and this book, Mexico Magico, truly provides that help. The author has expended many hours in gathering the proper information and presenting it in a clear and concise manner. He will have the thanks of everyone who ever is involved in the buying or selling of property in beautiful Mexico.
Lolita Binns
Mill Valley, CACopies of the entire original texts available upon request.
