BajaNomad

Mexico's proposed Dollar deposit restrictions... any nomads impacted?

Woooosh - 8-4-2010 at 08:33 AM

I saw in the dollar-realted Dibble UT article a Rosarito authority said the USA retirees living in the Rosarito area would not be negatively affected by the $1500 per month cash dollar deposit limitation because many had their entitlement checks direct deposited to a Mexican bank. Huh? I don't know anyone who does that, or would consider trusting a Mexican bank to even think about doing that. Just me or is she right about that? I would think the reason we Rosarito retirees wouldn't be affected is because we do 90% of our shopping on the USA side and only use cash for incidentals.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jul/25/mexicos-new-d...

"U.S. retirees living in Mexico won’t be greatly affected, either, because many receive their pensions through wire transfers, said Laura Torres, head of the Business Coordinating Council in Rosarito Beach, which has a large expatriate community."

DENNIS - 8-4-2010 at 08:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
"U.S. retirees living in Mexico won’t be greatly affected, either, because many receive their pensions through wire transfers, said Laura Torres, head of the Business Coordinating Council in Rosarito Beach, which has a large expatriate community."


I think there's a law against honesty in Rosarito. I wouldn't believe anything I heard if it came from there.

knuckles - 8-4-2010 at 09:46 AM

I have been wondering about this as I have read many times about people running to the US for this or that. Big sales at Henry's etc.

Why would you not shop on this side of the border????? Most everything is available here. If you want to be a part of the community you should be doing your business in the community.

As for the dollar issue, unless you working on a big project, as many of us do, there will always be the ATM access. Unless you are laundering money I really dont see a problem. However time will only tell.

I know of nobody using the direct deposit to Mex banks.

DENNIS - 8-4-2010 at 09:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by knuckles
Why would you not shop on this side of the border????? Most everything is available here.


Most, but not all. Prime example....Home Depot will sell you a nail gun, but they don't carry the nails.
They're coming close to getting it all together, but a bit more time and experience is needed.

On the other hand, I can't find a good Fish Taco north of the border. Rubio's should be closed down by the Decency Department.

noproblemo2 - 8-4-2010 at 10:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by knuckles
Why would you not shop on this side of the border????? Most everything is available here.


Most, but not all. Prime example....Home Depot will sell you a nail gun, but they don't carry the nails.
They're coming close to getting it all together, but a bit more time and experience is needed.

On the other hand, I can't find a good Fish Taco north of the border. Rubio's should be closed down by the Decency Department.

Well there is always the homedepot.com to order from plus all the other dot.coms

Not even close

Dave - 8-4-2010 at 10:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by knuckles
Why would you not shop on this side of the border????? Most everything is available here. If you want to be a part of the community you should be doing your business in the community.


While it is true that you can find similar products, they are typically of lesser quality and like items are prohibitively expensive.

If the local community wants to do business with me they will carry the products I want to buy... In the quantities and at the price I'm willing to pay. Otherwise, I'll take my business elsewhere.

bajajudy - 8-4-2010 at 10:53 AM

This has been impacting our business for almost two years. First HBSC refused cash dollars so we switched to Scotia. They accept dollars but only a certain amount per month....after that you have to pay a penalty(I believe 2%). If someone issues us a check in dollars, we can only get dollars from their bank. Then we have to go to a money exchange who takes all of our information(passport) and we can only cash $300 per day or $1500 per month.
I really have a hard time believing that the drug cartels use the banks, so am confused by this cash penalty.

Woooosh - 8-4-2010 at 10:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by knuckles
I have been wondering about this as I have read many times about people running to the US for this or that. Big sales at Henry's etc.

Why would you not shop on this side of the border????? Most everything is available here. If you want to be a part of the community you should be doing your business in the community.

As for the dollar issue, unless you working on a big project, as many of us do, there will always be the ATM access. Unless you are laundering money I really dont see a problem. However time will only tell.

I know of nobody using the direct deposit to Mex banks.


When Mexicans in the border areas prefer to shop in their beloved Mexico I will give your knee-jerk reaction post some more thought. If you lived here you would know the quality is better and the price less in the USA- even at chain stores with the same name (Smart & Final, CostCO, WalMart, HomeDepot...). We have never figured out why everything, including food is more in Mexico than in the USA- but that's pretty much their problem. I spend all my money protecting their beaches for them- so I shop where it's cheaper, easier, better and a one-stop experience without a second though or apology.

[Edited on 8-4-2010 by Woooosh]

Use banks all the time

lookingandbuying - 8-4-2010 at 11:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajajudy

I really have a hard time believing that the drug cartels use the banks, so am confused by this cash penalty.


Of course the drug cartels use banks. They have to as you can only do so much with bags full of cash. Some find crooked bankers to help them, others open legitimate cash generating business's and launder the money through the business. It is unfortunate that having CASH has become a bad thing!! Just another thing we have lost as a result of others.

Woooosh - 8-4-2010 at 11:46 AM

seems the US banks are more of a problem than the Mexican ones where laundering money is concerned. There was another article (I could not find the link) of a US bank bypass sing the laundering process and simply buying a plane for the narcos to transport drugs with, how convenient.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=379_1277857138

The most recent drug lord caught last week had $7 Million in his house. He WAS the bank in that town I guess.

[Edited on 8-4-2010 by Woooosh]

knuckles - 8-4-2010 at 01:53 PM

Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh


When Mexicans in the border areas prefer to shop in their beloved Mexico I will give your knee-jerk reaction post some more thought. If you lived here you would know the quality is better and the price less in the USA- even at chain stores with the same name (Smart & Final, CostCO, WalMart, HomeDepot...). We have never figured out why everything, including food is more in Mexico than in the USA- but that's pretty much their problem. I spend all my money protecting their beaches for them- so I shop where it's cheaper, easier, better and a one-stop experience without a second though or apology.

[Edited on 8-4-2010 by Woooosh]


no offense intended, just my opinion.

The reason we were drawn south in the first place were the differences.

I would prefer to shop at the old Calimax or the mom and pops like Pablo and Alicias. Of course we were here long before Rosarito had any big box stores.

Yeah Dennis, Rubios sucks!!!!!! :lol:

rts551 - 8-4-2010 at 02:33 PM

Woosh

You post a question... and then get upset when it is not answered the way you want... why not just rant without the question? Or better yet. stay in off-tpic

Ralph

noproblemo2 - 8-4-2010 at 02:41 PM

Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by knuckles
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh


When Mexicans in the border areas prefer to shop in their beloved Mexico I will give your knee-jerk reaction post some more thought. If you lived here you would know the quality is better and the price less in the USA- even at chain stores with the same name (Smart & Final, CostCO, WalMart, HomeDepot...). We have never figured out why everything, including food is more in Mexico than in the USA- but that's pretty much their problem. I spend all my money protecting their beaches for them- so I shop where it's cheaper, easier, better and a one-stop experience without a second though or apology.

[Edited on 8-4-2010 by Woooosh]


no offense intended, just my opinion.

The reason we were drawn south in the first place were the differences.

I would prefer to shop at the old Calimax or the mom and pops like Pablo and Alicias. Of course we were here long before Rosarito had any big box stores.

Yeah Dennis, Rubios sucks!!!!!! :lol:

Knuckles, this I agree with you on, we were all drawn here for a reason, and many of us have adapted ourselves to the local environments and cultures, when one shops locally, one supports their community and that is an important part of being here also.

Woooosh - 8-4-2010 at 05:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Woosh

You post a question... and then get upset when it is not answered the way you want... why not just rant without the question? Or better yet. stay in off-tpic

Ralph


I wasn't upset- just stating the economically obvious to the oblivious. Shopping in the border stores and restaurant pays the owners mortgages in Chula Vista. ;)

[Edited on 8-5-2010 by Woooosh]

Mexicorn - 8-4-2010 at 08:22 PM

Bar Bill = $400 a month-
Rent $1000.00 a year FM and fidi-
Food= $600.00 includes going out most nights-
Gas= $300.00 a month.
Propane and CFE= $60.00 a month.
Extra unrelated expenses=$500 a month.

$4000 a month yea I've got that covered.

knuckles - 8-4-2010 at 08:49 PM

Mexicorn beat me to it. What I save if I live in baja full time more than covers that little extra cost of some items. Quality is another issue. Of course some things are better purchased north, but in general everday stuff south is fine and the Filet at my carnicera is just as good at half the price.

But back to the dollar issue. Woooh's link to the Wachoiva Bank misdeeds just goes to show that the US Banks are immune to wrong doing. The government will not let the banking system fail and will even give them the bailouts to keep afloat. Just a different type of corruption in a different country.

The people with power and money will always find a way around the laws and regulations to keep that money and power. Working people on both sides of the border (ie: baja judy) will alway have to fight to keep what they earn.

Woooosh - 8-4-2010 at 11:07 PM

I thought it was $1400 a month though, not $4000. $1400 is doable until a family emergency pops up.

knuckles - 8-5-2010 at 02:24 PM

Where was the Dog Food in that Budget? Dingo Treats cost a lot on either side of the border.:biggrin:

Debra - 8-6-2010 at 06:25 PM

I used to feel abit guilty bringing stuff down except what I couldn't find in the village.........A couple of years ago I decided that the fact that EVERYTHING cost at least twice (except veges) and I was taking 2 teenage boys with me I would do what I had never done before, I went to Costco and stalked up, never mind though........I was "relieved" of my guilt (and food) when everything was stolen off the top of my truck at Cielito Lindo south of SQ. Luckly the 2 cases of "Cup of Noodles" was inside my truck and the boys and I lived on that for 2 months pretty much. (and veges) and China's tacos (not complaining about that!, she has the best) I understand why everything is so expencive in BoLA, they have to import everything pretty much. But, I'm poor, and what I have to spend in gas to get round trip from Seattle already cuts into our budget big time! But, I keep going............Will never stay at CL again though. Didn't blame them except for the fact that when they found out what had happened, they said that I should have parked around back (that would have been nice to be told at check in.........:light: ya think!?) I lost probably about $600 dollars worth of food and goods. UGH!


Sorry, got alittle bit off the topic.

[Edited on 8-7-2010 by Debra]

Woooosh - 8-6-2010 at 07:26 PM

to further off-topic. What do the Mexican grocery chains do with their money? We know a man who works at one- 500 pesos per week. The US grocery chains are all union and they pay very nice hourly wages. Yes, there's some import cost- but wtf?

willyAirstream - 8-6-2010 at 07:37 PM

digging onto way off topic
How much higher is food in Baja? rough percentage?

Debra - 8-6-2010 at 10:03 PM

Anything that is imported is at LEAST 2 X's and most everything is imported, in Mexico generally not so bad, but in out of the way places like Bahia de los Angeles they have to truck everything down............so, time and gas is a factor. That is just a fact of commerce, and expences. Don't blame them they have to make a living just as the rest of us do. There are however a couple of stores that take undo advantage.........which I will not name here (U2 me for more info. if you like) I can only give you info. on what you ask for Bahia, others in their own areas can fill you in more I think

Rompope

Skipjack Joe - 8-6-2010 at 10:43 PM

Tell me about it.

I had to pay 150 pesos for the Nun in BOLA. She was 85 pesos in Gonzaga.

Santa-Clara.jpg - 47kB

irenemm - 8-6-2010 at 10:49 PM

we closed our dollar accounts this year. will not pay another 2% tax on top of the taxes we already pay. what business can operate with such a small limit to deposit in cash.
i have lived her so long and have over paid i feel like everything is almost free in the states.
went to Hawaii and everyone said oh how expensive everything is there. found the prices the same as the baja. only Hawaii is 2500 miles off the main hwy. so it will be high.
the dollar deal and the banks is just another genius who though they had a great idea to stop the illegal money. yeah like all the bad guys put there money in the bank.
Debra stop and give us a try on your next trip. we have a night watchmen. so sorry to hear that someone stole your belonging.

Woooosh - 8-7-2010 at 08:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Tell me about it.

I had to pay 150 pesos for the Nun in BOLA. She was 85 pesos in Gonzaga.

Blue Nun... see vinophile thread. lol Seriously though- they probably thought it was Virgin Guadalupe wine and charged you double for the blessing it will bestow upon those who partake...
OK... not so seriously.

mercedes - 8-7-2010 at 06:41 PM

What a dysfunctional thread. On the first page there are a bunch of people saying Mexico is cheaper. On the second page, there are a bunch of people saying Mexico is more expensive, even on par with Hawaii.

Can everybody get together and decide what it is?

Debra - 8-13-2010 at 12:24 PM

As stated, dependes what area you are in.

toneart - 8-13-2010 at 01:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mercedes
What a dysfunctional thread. On the first page there are a bunch of people saying Mexico is cheaper. On the second page, there are a bunch of people saying Mexico is more expensive, even on par with Hawaii.

Can everybody get together and decide what it is?


To answer you last sentence: NO! :lol:

Bob and Susan - 8-13-2010 at 03:16 PM

i don't know where you're living
but it's WAY cheaper down here
in mulege...

gas in usa $3.13
gas here $2.45

milk in USA $2.59
milk here $2.00

purified water in usa $5.50 for 5 gallons
water here .60 for 5 gallons

fresh fish usa $12.99 a pound
fresh fish here $4.50 a pound (and really fresh)

24 pack of pacifico usa $27.09 (out the door)
24 pack of pacifico here $13.82

MitchMan - 8-13-2010 at 03:28 PM

What cost more in Baja than in USA are: manufactured goods, imported goods, 50% more for clothing when compared to similar quality, local cell phone service by up to 60% more,

What cost less in Baja are: Real Estate (by up to 25% of USA costs - Vs Californa), Property taxes (by up to 1/20 of USA costs compared to California!), Utilities (Electricity 67% cheaper, propane 35% cheaper, manual labor by up to 75% cheaper, plumbed water and sewer is cheaper by about 75%, gasoline 25% cheaper, and professional services are generally less per hour and that will vary immensely, medical services by up to 75% cheaper, prescription meds are roughly 50% cheaper but that will vary widely depending on the specific med, and skilled labor is around 50% - 60% cheaper, and restaurant prices are a bit cheaper at the same quality level.

What is approximately the same cost are food except for can goods which is more expensive in Baja), and internet access, cable/Dish TV.

The real savings that one really gets by being in Baja is on entertainment, auto expense and gasoline, and food. But, that's not because of the prices.

In Baja you don't have big auditoriums where celebrities come to entertain, so you are not spending $200 - $300 per ticket for concerts. Also, there aren't many movie theaters to spend $16 per adult admission and $6 for a Coke or popcorn. The popular formo of entertainment in Baja is to socialize at your place or somebody eleses place. Also, you are not getting your clothes dry cleaned and you are not walking around in expensive clothes.

When you live in any of the towns in Baja, you are bordered by desert for miles to the next town, and therefore you are not commuting 30 - 40 miles to work every day. If you drive more that 5 miles in any direction, you are out of town, so therefore you are not spending a bunch on gasoline or auto repairs.

Also, you can save on food if you eat like the locals and do much of your own cooking.

Further, there is la lot less pressure to keep up with the Joneses. I suppose I am keeping up with the Moraleses next door and so far that hasn't cost me much. I don't even have to keep my place in perfect repair nor do I have to pay for a monthly gardener. Yeah, I don't seed the lawn once a year anymore (what lawn?)