BajaNomad

US mail and ex-pats/FM2ers

rhintransit - 5-13-2011 at 07:13 AM

well, after ten years, it's finally happened. the last friends/family members I could use/impose on to receive, sort, triage my USA mail are in the process of moving...a process that will involve six months of on the road travel without an address themselves.
I've pretty much gotten the paper stuff down to a minimum but there are those odd checks that companies won't electronically deposit, surprises like screw-ups on online billing/paying of bills, the jury duty that just won't quit, etc etc etc. all stuff one wants to know about but really doesn't want to wait a month or two to hear about.
what suggestions/hints can people give me about mail handling? good mail forwarding companies? I'm in Loreto, BCS.

coho - 5-13-2011 at 07:18 AM

Check out earthclassmail.com I have been using them for over 4 years now. They scan your mail and email you notification and pdf file of contents. Around 30 bucks a month but worth it.

Lauriboats - 5-13-2011 at 07:25 AM

America's mailbox is great.

DENNIS - 5-13-2011 at 07:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lauriboats
America's mailbox is great.


http://www.americas-mailbox.com/

rhintransit - 5-13-2011 at 08:29 AM

thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming.
will check out earthclassmail.com scan and send is very good. but, what about those bank checks and such, will they deposit them or do other special services?
on forwarding services, yes, idea is good and I know about them. but WHERE do you have you mail send after they receive it?

rhintransit - 5-13-2011 at 08:38 AM

earthclassmail.com wow! pricey but all services needed. including check depositing, etc. had never heard of such, what a great idea. thanks for the suggestion.
more suggestions welcome...

cross-border mailing service

Mulegena - 5-14-2011 at 08:01 AM

Here's one way to handle this issue.
Note that I've not done this and cannot vouch for any of it, but may be looking into this as its a common issue with full-timers down here:

Obtain a mail box with Correo International in Otay Mesa (suburb or San Diego).
Address: 2493 Roll Drive, San Diego, CA 92154.
Phone: 619-671-8821
e-mail: correoInternacional2@gmail.com

Give Correo International name(s) of authorized people for pick-up of mail.

Here is the contact information for a young man who is a student and crosses the border frequently. His name is Martin Hucke. For a modest fee he will collect your mail, including packages, and put them on Baja Pack for overnight bus delivery to the town of your choice.

Martin <martin_hucke@ hotmail.com
USA Phone: 619-565-1060
Mex Cell: 664-330-0731

Bob and Susan - 5-14-2011 at 10:49 AM

be careful here...

this is JUST another mailbox-etc place

if it goes under you're screwed
you CANNOT move out of a mailbox place
it is NOT the USPS as they advertise
beware there are different rules

also the "runner" is doing something illegal
crossing with others packages without correct importation documentation

there are several legal importers in the USA
that provide simular service

all mail service to mexico sucks
take my word

BajaBlanca - 5-16-2011 at 11:32 AM

This issue has probably been our number 1 major headache since we moved to Baja Sur 5 years ago .... and we have family who help out ... and once Pompano helped out with our mail dellivery as well ...

It is very difficult to go "paperless" but companies/banks/folks have to face the reality that many of us do not live anywhere near the US after we retire .....

I think it is brilliant that at least some mail companies scan the docs and send every day ... at least that lets you know of potential massive headaches from muchos kilometros away.

rhintransit - 5-16-2011 at 12:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
...
It is very difficult to go "paperless" but companies/banks/folks have to face the reality that many of us do not live anywhere near the US after we retire .....


isn't it interesting that companies who accept online sure pay arrangements still feel the need to send out paper statements saying 'do not pay'? am trying to get my AZ house electricity company and water company to stop doing it.

DENNIS - 5-16-2011 at 12:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
I'll tell you this. I am looking forward to getting no mail.


Just buy one item online from Cabela's and you'll receive constant mail for the rest of your life. :fire: