Surviving Yucatan

Oct. 22, 2015
On October 18, the Mexican Congress amended the tax law for 2016.

Under the new rules, most gains from selling our primary residence will be exempt from capital gains after living in the home for just 3 years, instead of the current law’s every 5 years. … Read our main article on Capital Gains for more details at:   ~ Capital Gains Taxes on Mexican Properties ~

Soda pop manufacturers got a reward of  50% reductions in taxes on high-calorie drinks  (as Mexicans drink the most soda per person in the world).

The business deduction tax limit on cars has been raised from 130,000 pesos to $175,000 for 2016.   … Thanks to  Lic. Spencer Mullen for this good information!

http://www5.diputados.gob.mx/index.php/esl/Comunicacion/Boletines/2015/Octubre/18/0257-Avala-Comision-de-Hacienda-Miscelanea-Fiscal-2016

For more details on Mexican Tax policies, see our main Mexican tax article at:

~ Capital Gains Taxes on Mexican Properties ~

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© Steven M. Fry
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Sept. 22, 2015
The first “super-moon” total lunar eclipse since 1982 is coming this Sunday night, for people in the eastern half of the USA and … all of Yucatan.

This “blood moon” total lunar eclipse will start to have a super-moon in partial eclipse (penumbra) at 7:11 PM Central Daylight Time on Sunday 9/27/2015 for Yucatan Peninsula viewers.

With moon-rise at 6:30 pm, and sunset at 6:40,  we should have a fine FULL eclipse starting at 9:11 pm CDT of umbra (total eclipse) for 1 hr 10 minutes of viewing from 9:11 – 10:23 on Sunday evening (CDT – Yucatan) … peaking at 9:47. After 10:23, the moon then shifts back to penumbra until 11:27 pm CDT.

Yucatan Supermoon lunar eclipse foto by Bill Drennon

Let’s hope for clear skies next Sunday evening, since the next super-moon total lunar eclipse will not happen until 2033** – as lunar eclipses rarely happen when the moon is at the triple-event of simultaneously:
~ Moving through its closest point to the earth (perigee)
+  being “full” (syzygy – with sun/earth/moon in a line)
+   having the moon fall totally inside the shadow cast by the earth (umbra => total lunar eclipse).

This unique combination of celestial positions happens roughly just 5 times a century.

**The three 2033 Total Lunar Eclipses (including the super-moon total eclipse) … will not be visible from the USA or Yucatan.

So set aside this coming Sunday evening … just after sunset … for what will be the final chance for many of us to see this unique combination of heavenly bodies in our lifetime.

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© Steven M. Fry

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August 2017 TSA Official Update:

• “Starting January 22, 2018, passengers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight.  To check whether your state is compliant or has an extension, click here.  Passengers with driver’s licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID (or a state that has been issued an extension) will still be able to use their driver’s licenses or identification cards.“
• “Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.”

  https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs
  

Sept. 22, 2015  (Original Article) 
Under TSA’s upcoming Phase 4 of the Bush-Cheney 2005 “REAL ID” program, in 2016 some state’s driver’s licenses will no longer qualify Americans to board a domestic US flight. …  Flyers who want guaranteed access to their 2016 domestic flights should use their passports to meet the new TSA requirements.**

For example,  New York State standard drivers licenses do not meet the Bush-Cheney prescribed 2016 Homeland Security standards for approved Federal Identifications.  New Yorkers can pay an additional $30 for a new “enhanced” level NY state drivers license  (officially called an “EDL” for US states ) … or just bring your passport.

PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 24, 2010

**Security Sidelights:   TSA security checks have stopped 0 (zero) terrorist attacks since Bush-Cheney created a whole new Fed. Govt. Agency:  Homeland Security  … Meanwhile on the real security front … Over 400 TSA employees have been convicted of crimes involving thefts of passenger’s goods, organized sexually assaulting passengers etc.
=> improved security ?

TSA’s troubling sub-culture of law-breaking is exemplified by a single TSA employee stealing over $800,000 of goods & cash from various passengers’ luggage …   *sigh*

(a very real problem for people like us who’ve had our luggage raided by TSA employees during “secure” baggage handling & “security” inspections …)

https://www.rt.com/usa/tsa-stealing-from-travelers-358/

http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs

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© Steven M. Fry

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Jan. 14, 2016 UPDATE:  This NY Times report explains is why it’s SO IMPORTANT to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in & around our Merida and Yucatan homes: Zika is carried by the same Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry Dengue and Chikungunya.

Sept. 18, 2015 ~ Dec. 12 update ~
Time to add a new dot to the map. ~ Zika virus is in Yucatan. ~

Zika virus is spread to people through Aedes aegypti mosquito bites. Zika virus disease (Zika) most common symptoms are fever,  rash,   joint pain, and  red eye. Symptoms are usually mild, lasting from several days to a week. Severe symptoms requiring hospitalization are uncommon.

Does this sound like any fever-disease(s) you already know?

Unfortunately, Zika presents very much like Dengue and Chikungunya.

Right… You just learned how to say “Chik” -“coon” – “Goon” – “ya” … and another Aedes aegypti borne virus pops-up.

There is no vaccine to prevent nor medicine to treat Zika. Protect yourself from this disease by preventing Aedes Aegypti mosquito bites: Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens ~ especially in the morning ~ as that is when Aedes Aegypti females are most actively feeding.

Treatment for Zika is the same as for Chikungunya and Dengue Viruses: No aspirin, no NSAIDs (Advil, ibuprofen, Advil etc), rest, stay hydrated, and watch for serious symptoms (esp. symptoms of during low platelets**) during Days 4 – 6 of the fever.

Because Zika/Dengue/Chikungunya patients with fevers can infect female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, if someone comes down with the symptoms, it is very important to spray the house 3 times to kill all mosquitoes,  to prohibit mosquitoes from infecting your family, household members, or neighbors.

It’s also worth noting that people with fevers and Dengue/Chikungunya/Zika virus symptoms, SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOL.    Many patients with Chikungunya fevers also have significant liver inflammation, as shown by seriously elevated liver enzymes – often 3X above normal levels.  Physicians are saying ~ no alcohol ~ for 6 months to 1 year,  because alcohol causes even more liver damage, when the liver is already inflamed.

Since Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses have so many of the same symptoms, it’s important to treat potential Zika infections just like the more dangerous Chikungunya & Dengue virus infections.   **Dengue infections can sometimes proceed to very serious bleeding into the gut (vomiting congealed blood like coffee grounds – or passing black stools) or bleeding from the eyes or profuse bleeding from the gums or nose …  Chikungunya & Dengue infections both can proceed to seriously low platelet counts:

**So WATCH FOR nasty (“thrombocytopenia”) low platelet symptoms during Days 4-6 of the disease … and GO TO A HOSPITAL for treatment if you have these symptoms …
Low platelet count symptoms include:

Because the patient may have dangerously low levels of platelets due to EITHER Dengue or Chikungunya virus infections … we should treat infections with Dengue or Chikungunya or Zika symptoms … with care and caution.

Since Zika is caused by the same Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as Dengue and Chikungunya virus,   and because they have very similar symptoms,  please read about Dengue and Dengue prevention … AND TAKE ACTION

… because Chikungunya can cause fatigue and joint pain that last months to years

… and Dengue sometimes proceeds to the dangerous symptoms of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

Dengue Fact Sheet

and

Dengue Fever Information: What to Do?

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We know of only two labs in Merida that can test for 2 of these viruses  ~ Clinica de Merida ~ on Avenida Izaes ~ and the UADY Hideo Noguchi lab …

Know that the treatments are the same for all 3 diseases, so knowing which virus you have does not change your actions nor your treatments  …

~ Also know that we should wait until at least Day 4 of infection to Day 6 of infection BEFORE getting tested,   because our bodies do NOT make enough antibodies for the typical hospital lab serum (blood-antibody) tests to work.

Blood antibody tests made earlier than Day 4 likely  INCORRECTLY report that you have no Dengue/Chikungunya/Zika virus.

Finally … Zika virus cases have been sporadically confirmed on & off for the past 3(?) months in Merida, but they were so few that it was unclear whether they were coming in with tourists/travellers – or whether Zika was here to stay (endemic) from entering our Aedes aegypti Yucatan mosquito population. … Based on recent Zika patients: It looks like Zika might be endemic (might be here to stay) … and may be approaching epidemic levels – but there is no laboratory test confirmations of this.

~ But because Zika symptoms are so similar to Dengue & Chikungunya virus infections, that achy joint, feverish, and achy muscles you had these past 3(?) months, may actually have been Zika – especially if you had only a few days of symptoms.

Keep your racquet at the ready … Keep your screens in good condition …

… and eliminate even table-spoon-sized mosquito breeding sites from inside and outside your house …
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© Steven M. Fry

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Sept. 7, 2015 Update:
We are happy to report this very good update from the fine Mexican Lawyer, Lic. Spence McMullen, as he has contributed many superb legal insights to Yucalandia.com in the past.   Lic. McMullen’s further research has found:
“We have verified with COFEPRIS (The Mexican equivalent of the FDA) that the CURP field on the doctors online prescription system is optional and is verifiable on their web page at
http://www.cofepris.gob.mx/Paginas/Recetarios%20y%20libros%20electr%C3%B3nicos.aspx and
downloading their user manuals for Pharmacies
http://www.cofepris.gob.mx/Documents/RecetariosLibros/ManualFarmacias.pdf
and
looking on page 13 where it says optional fields and one being the CURP number, best for people to print that page to be able to show Pharmacies that the CURP is not a mandatory field. ”

Sept. 5, 2015 Original Post – be sure to read the update (edited)
4 Mexican Doctors (2 in Guadalajara, 1 in Chapala, and 1 in Puerta Vallarta) are reporting that the Mexican government now requires that every prescription for controlled pain medications (like barbituates and opiates) include the patient’s CURP number. As has happened with Immigration & visas and Customs & importing vehicles, the Mex. Gob. now has the ability to tracks prescriptions with a new national computer data-base system.

This can present significant problems for Visitors in Mexico on Visitante / Tourist visas, because they have no CURP number. CURP numbers are mostly equivalent to having a US Social Security number – so temporary visitors to Mexico do not get CURPs with their visas. Residents, as Residente Temporal and Residente Permanente, do get CURPs as a part of their visa.

Specifically, medical tourists who come to Mexico for economical treatments may not be able to get controlled pain medications under this new policy.

Please read Lic. Spencer McMullen’s update on this at the top of this post.  Lic. Spencer McMullen’s further research into this issue believes that the CURP reporting requirement is optional.

We will provide updates, if there are changes in the law/rules, or if an amparo is filed.

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© Steven M. Fry
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Aug. 4, 2015
INM issued new residency application forms, effective Thursday, July 30, 2015. The old forms are valid for 3 more months, but it’s better to use the new forms.

The new forms cover:
~ Renewing our Residente Temporal visas within Mexico,
~ Changing from Residente Temporal to Residente Permanente,
~ Changing from a Tourist visa to Temporary or Permanent residency in Mexico,
and
~ Registering of Employers.

Among the changes, note that the new forms ask us to report any prior criminal records. There is no evidence that they are investigating our criminal backgrounds, but it gives them significant future leverage if we have future problems and they find that we lied on our visa applications.

This link takes you to the new form:
http://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/laredo/images/stories/docs/visas/sol_visa_esp.pdf

This link takes you to the DOF citations for the new form:
http://www.dof.gob.m…echa=30/07/2015

For more info on visiting Mexico and Mexican immigration policies, please see our main article on immigration at: ~ Current Rules and Procedures for Immigration, Visiting, and Staying in Mexico

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© Steven M. Fry
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July 8, 2015:

Lic. Spencer McMullen, a well respected Mexican attorney who serves expat community needs (and regular Yucalandia contributor), has reported the following update on INM policies for foreigners residing in Mexico, with permission to work:

“Last month, June 2015, immigration circulated an internal update to their offices with changes to how they would treat renewals for people who have work permits.  There was no change in the current immigration law or its regulations.  This change was made at the whim of higher-ups in immigration.

This change will apply to people who did not originally enter Mexico with an offer of employment work visa and will only apply to those who entered with a regular temporary visa and who later changed to a visa with permission to work.   People renewing work visas obtained which were changed from temporary visas will be required to submit bank statements to prove that they either have income from outside Mexico or savings that meet the published Residente Temporal guidelines (400 times minimum wage or 28.040 pesos for income or 20,000 minimum wage or 1,402,000 pesos in assets. ”

“…   plan accordingly so you will not have problems when it is time to renew. ”

Additional important  details and the rest of Spencer’s good report are at:  https://yucalandia.com/answers-to-common-questions/inms-new-policies-for-working-residente-temporal-visa-holders/

“Lic. Spencer Richard Mc Mullen is an attorney and official court translator who has offices in Chapala and Guadalajara and specializes in immigration and administrative law and has litigated in all courts and wins his cases.”

Lic. Spencer may be reached at 376-765-7553 Chapala / Guadalajara (33)1592-3801

http://www.chapalalaw.com

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For more details on INM policies on visiting and immigrating to Mexico, see our main immigration article at: ~ Current Rules and Procedures for Immigration, Visiting, and Staying in Mexico

The full text of Lic. Mc Mullen’s report is at the full article:  https://yucalandia.com/answers-to-common-questions/inms-new-policies-for-working-residente-temporal-visa-holders/

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© Steven M. Fry

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June 2, 2015
Current News Update for American Expats: There are reports around the internet describing severe penalties for American owners of foreign corporations who have not yet filed US Commerce BE-10 forms.

In particular, some sharp readers are asking if we are required to file BE-10 forms for their Mexican corporations that hold their personal real estate, homes, properties.

I drilled into the US Govt’s BE-10 website and found that  “NO”,  “a U.S. person that does not meet the reporting requirements  and that has not been contacted by BEA   is not required to report any BE-10 form to BEA.”

From the official Instructions on filling out a BE-10:
“Ownership of foreign residential real estate by a business enterprise, the sole purpose of which is to hold the real estate for the personal use of the owner(s) of the business enterprise,    is considered to be real estate   held for personal use and   therefore not subject to the reporting requirements. ”

………
For Americans who do own 10% of a foreign business that is not a corporation for personal real estate: Yes, you do have to file a BE-10 by June 30, 2015 for any foreign business enterprise owned in 2014.

Why now? One legal accounting website describes:   “As this is a “benchmark year,” this reporting is required of all relevant persons, regardless of whether the Reporter has been contacted.”

We have written a detailed article on this that you can read at:

Requirements for US Citizens Who Own a Foreign Business or Corporation – 2015 BE-10 Filing

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Disclaimer: This information is not meant as legal advice. It is for educational and informational purposes only. Government policies vary between States and offices, and Mexican Government officials have broad discretion in how they individually enforce policies, so, your personal experiences may vary. See a professional for advice on important issues.

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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry

June 6, 2015
This is just a quick announcement to caution foreigners driving UCD or ONAPPAFA plated cars to NOT drive their foreign-titled vehicle outside of the specific state for which it has UCD or ONAPPAFA plates, because the Federal police are currently threatening to confiscate GTO UCD-plated vehicles driven outside of Guanajuato.

According to an expert on UCD plates, with direct contact with the UCD national organization and with high-level Aduana officials:  “ Federales are threatening to confiscate cars with a GTO UCD plate driving in another state including QRO which has its’ own UCD plate. ”

per “Sonia” of San Miguel Allende – an expert who has personally gotten 100’s of vehicles UCD plates.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonia/252211011634302

Per our previous advice on this,  UCD’s are campesino organizations,  organized in individual Mexican states,  with NO formal federal and NO national legal rights to ignore Aduana rules on importing vehicles.    The UCD organizations depend on their members, campesinos, coming out to protest any violations of their “rights”.

See past info on this at: ONAPPAFA – An Alternative to Paying Aduana Import Duties and Permit Fees? – The Article

For general issues and details on importing cars into Mexico, see our main article at:
Importing & Driving a Car in Mexico

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Disclaimer: This information is not meant as legal advice. It is for educational and informational purposes only. Government policies vary between States and offices, and Mexican Government officials have broad discretion in how they individually enforce policies, so, your personal experiences may vary. See a professional for advice on important issues.

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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry

May 28, 2015
Driving season is now upon us, as some of us escape the heat, go to the beach or visit far-off places.

That means that it’s time to check out which PEMEX stations PROFECO found are pumping short liters – pumping less gasoline that we paid for: La Procuraduría del Consumidor’s Official List of Short Liter Gas Stations

Merida’s PEMEX stations on PROFECO’s List:

Name of Station … Franchise SA CV … Address … Colonia
AUTOSERV YUCATAN … AUTOSERV YUCATAN … CTO COLONIAS NO 101 X 11Y13 … YUCATAN
COMB LUB POLIFORM … COMB Y LUB POLIFORUM … C 18 NO 407 X 79Y81 … ALVARADO SALVADOR SUR
E S ABIMERHI … EST DE SERV ABIMERHI … 59 NO 519 0 … CENTRO
E S JACINTO CANEK … ESTA DE SER JACINTO … 59 A NO 306 … YUCALPETEN SECTOR PECUARIO
E S JUAN PABLO … ESTACION SERV JUAN PABLO … 65 NO 996 … XOCLAN
E S VISTA ALEGRE … EST DE SERV VISTA ALEGRE … 7 NO 512 … MAYA
EST DE SERV NVA MAYAPA … EST DE SERV NVA MAYAPAN … 39 B NO 463 … MAYAPAN
EST SERV CAMPESTRE … ESTAC DE SERV CAMPESTRE … 33 NO 500 … GUERRERO GONZALO
EST SERV PERIFERICO SU … EST SERV PERIFERICO SUR … C 96 NO 771 B … OBRERA
GASOL MERIDA … GASOL DE MERIDA … CALLE 60 NO 277 … BUENAVISTA
GRECIA … GRECIA … PERIF KM 45 418 T CATAST 1820 … POLIGONO … TIXCACAL
GRECIA DEB … GRECIA … PERIF KM 45.418TABLAJE C 18820 … POLIGONO … TIXCACAL OPICHEN
MEGA DIESEL SURESTE … MEGA DIESEL SURESTE … C 77 NO SN 528A … CENTRO
SERV CD INDUSTRIAL ES … SERVICIO CD INDUSTRIAL … CALLE 21 NO 441 … CD INDUSTRIAL
SERV DEL FUTV DEL EDO … SE DEL FRE UNI D ES D Y … 59 NO 621 … CENTRO
SERV GTA SAN FERNANDO … SERV GTA SAN FERNANDO … C 60 NO 338 J … CENTRO
SERV MERIDA 2000 … SERVICIO MERIDA 2000 … 35 DIAG NO 359 … SAN LUIS
SERV MERIDA NORTE … SERVICIO MERIDA NORTE … 9 A NO 304 … CHICHI
SERV PERIFERICO OTE … SERV PERIFERICO ORIENTE … 25 C NO 600 0 … CHICHEN ITZA
SERV POLIFORUM DEB … COMBUSTIBLE Y LUB POLIFO … CALLE 97 NO 300 … SALVADOR ALVARADO SUR
SERV TAC … SERVICIOS TAC … 86 B NO 589 A … SAMBULA
SERV TAC … SERVICIOS TAC … 81 A NO 837 … SAMBULA
SERVMBUDELCARIBE … SERV COMB DEL CARIBE … AV INSURGENTES ESQ BELICE SN … CENTRO

(Yes, this is the infamous white Bronco…)

We take no responsibility for this list, except that we extracted the “Merida” stations from PROFECO’s national master list at: http://www.alconsumidor.org/docs/Lista_negra_de_gasolineras_que_dan_litros_incompletos.xls

Happy Trails … and Safe Travels,
steve

Other Yucalandia Articles on Gasoline issues in Mexico:
~  Water & Sediment Separating Out:  Pemex Gasoline: Issues? – The Yucalandia Article
~  Ongoing Problems with PEMEX Gasoline
and
~  No More Monthly Mexican PEMEX Gasoline Price Increases for 2015

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Disclaimer: This information is not meant as legal advice. It is for educational and informational purposes only. Individual stations may have changed since PROFECO evaluated them in Jan. 2015

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© Steven M. Fry

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April 26, 2015
Basic Information on filing FBAR – FINCEN Form 114 for 2014

Notes:
Who must file a Form 114 FINCEN FBAR Form:

• Any United States person who had a financial interest in or signature authority over at least one financial account located outside of the United States; and
• the aggregate value of all foreign financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any time during the calendar year reported.

~ The FBAR (filed on-line) must be received by the Department of Treasury on or before June 30th of the year immediately following the calendar year being reported.

~ The June 30’th filing date may not be extended.

~  We advise reading  all  of the instructions before starting to fill out the FBAR .PDF form,  because the government software is somewhat cranky – and if you mistakenly fill out some fields, they cannot be abandoned, corrected, or deleted. (in our experience)

Simplified Instructions:
1.  Get your account information together for all foreign accounts – noting the annual
…   Want to continue reading?
Full details and translations can be found in the Main Article (see Header): 
Filing FBAR Foreign Financial Account Information for US Citizens for FINCEN 114 – Article

Also see our Master article on Taxes at: IRS Tax Issues for Americans Living and Working Abroad in Mexico – Master Article for more FBAR and FATCA filing information & requirements.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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April 15, 2015
Warning:  Graphic Images …

Time to learn a new habit:

10 and 2:  Bad for you.

3 and 9:   That’s just fine

4 and 8:   Also Great

This is the latest news from driving professionals for people who drive modern cars with air bags.

10 and 2 o’clock Hand Positions on the Wheel:

16 year old Permanently Blinded by Airbag

.
Air bags explode with such tremendous force that they ram our hands and arms into our faces if we follow the old Driver’s Ed rules of keeping our hands at higher positions on the car’s steering wheel.   The exploding bags bust up our faces by turning our hands, wrists & forearms into missiles that slam into our eyes and break our noses and cheeks.
.
If we keep our hands low on the wheel – at…  “~ 3 & 9  ~ Just Fine ~ ”   or
… “~ 4 & 8 ~ Also Great ~ ”
then the bags blast our hands downward and outward ~ away from our faces ~ .

Low Speed Airbag Deployed with No Damage to the Car

Also Remember:
Small people and kids under 13 really should  never  sit in the front passenger seat of cars with airbags,  unless you turn OFF the airbag.

Why?
Airbags are designed to stop heavy 200 lb – 350 lb people,   so they launch out with such explosive much force that they can permanently maim or kill people under 100 lbs or children under 13 years of age.

Doubt this advice?
Note that the car in the foto was in a very minor accident, had no real damage and no threats to a person wearing their shoulder belt … but check out the blood on the bag. …

Again:  Small people and kids under 13 really should  never  sit in the front passenger seat of cars with airbags,  unless you turn OFF the airbag.

My apologies to people who are sensitive to graphic images ~ but this issue threatens us and our families and friends.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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© Steven M. Fry
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April 9, 2015
CSU researchers have predicted the mildest Atlantic/Caribbean Tropical Storm season in decades.

Climate change?   …  Only 7 named storms predicted for the 2015 Atlantic storm season.

To keep things in context, Dr. Gray and the CSU team have provided the best Atlantic-basin tropical storm predictions since the 1970’s.

Source:

Click to access apr2015.pdf

Happy Trails,
steve
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Read-on MacDuff . . .

Jan. 14, 2015

http://www.mexconnect.com/cgi-bin/forums/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=1408;

As of March 14, 2013:
All American cars imported into Mexico by everyone must be formally exported from the USA, using the CBP export process. This effort was expanded to try to stop car thieves from moving stolen cars or parts across the border.

Jan. 12, 2015
Jan. 2015 Update for Rules on US Vehicle/Car Imports into Mexico

The US Homeland Security CBP “Officer Program Manager of the Export Control Division” has sent an email to a Yucalandia reader, answering his questions about CBP’s rules for the 3 day formal Exporting Rules for US-titled vehicles, before bringing them into Mexico.

The US CBP email is published on Mexconnect’s forums, explaining CBP policies on how many American vehicles are required to go through the 3 day export before being imported into Mexico.   See “Playaboy”‘s original post, and the CBP email at:   http://www.mexconnect.com/cgi-bin/forums/gforum.cgi?post=203928;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread (Playaboy has been on the front lines of this issue,  running a business that legally takes US cars from Chapala to the US border for sale or processing for years).

Why pay attention to this?
The CBP official email describes some of the potential issues that  might  cause American citizens legal problems with CBP and Homeland Security.  Here is a summary of some of the legal issues for Americans   for both:   ~  permanent imports of American titled cars  and for  ~ temporary imports of American titled cars  (TIP cars) ~  brought into Mexico:

• The only part of CBP law on vehicle Export rules that is   “new”    is the Census Bureau filing requirements   regardless of dollar value and destination.
  .
• US-titled  vehicles that are imported into Mexico or Canada must be first formally exported using the CBP’s 3-day inspection and investigation process at the US-Mexico border, prior to being taken into Mexico.
  .
• These same rules have also applied for years to US vehicles taken into Canada – for people who want to read US Homeland Security / CBP  existing previous websites (described for taking vehicles into Canada) on the USA’s Vehicle Export policies.
  .
• The US CBP acknowledges that the US Homeland Security system for tracking vehicles and exporting vehicles was previously not well-coordinated with Mexico’s import processes,   but now,  Homeland Security and Mexico have changed their systems to work together:
  .
• Homeland Security now has electronic databases in place to track the movements of US-titled cars being taken out of the USA,  and
  .
• Now,  Mexico’s Aduana requires that US vehicles imported into Mexico must have their US-titles officially cancelled by US CBP before Aduana will process them,   and
  .
• Mexico’s Aduana is now sending US Homeland Security the Aduana’s electronic records of the US vehicles that are being brought into Mexico,
  .
• The US Govt now has the ability to   enter our Passport numbers   or  names   or   VINs   into their database,   and potentially check whether we have taken a US-titled out of the USA,   and    imported it into Mexico    without previously completing the 3 day CBP export process at the border.
  .
• This means that US Homeland Security databases and CBP now  also have the capability to track the “paper only” imports done inside Mexico, like Sonia & Canadian-John (of San Miguel Allende) and other auto brokers who do NOT take the US cars to the border – putting their US clients at risk.
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• Since Sonia & Canadian-John’s and other’s “paper only” processes that have had no drives to the border,  include our vehicle VINs and our US passport information,   CBP now has the tools to easily find,   prosecute   and penalize Americans  who break US CBP / Homeland Security law.   *sigh*
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• The US CBP Export process is needed to stop/limit  the car theft rings that operate on both sides of the US-Mexico border,  as the 3 day hold allows CBP to search all 50 states auto theft database records,  ferret out “salvage titles”  of vehicles that likely consist of stolen-car parts,  etc.  Again,   ordinary US citizens are inadvertently caught in the nets designed to stop criminals. …
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• Once a US-titled vehicle has passed the 3 day VIN checks, motor checks, and background checks at the border,  the US CBP CANCELS THE TITLE…  and sends that information to the Mexican Aduana officials.
  .

There’s not much good news here for US citizens with US-titled cars that have been in Mexico for more than 12 months,  nor for US citizens who have gotten  ‘paper-only” imports from inside Mexico,   as US Homeland Security begins to enforce the laws they’ve had on the books for years,

This means that the routes and practices we used in the past,    processes that worked easily in the past,  are now subject to prosecution and fines.      (Just like what has happened in Mexico – shifting enforcement of the rules)  *bleah*

Finally,    once a US vehicle has been formally exported by CBP,   cancelling our US state title,   how do we get a new title to take the vehicle back into the USA ?

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For more details on importing cars and driving in Mexico, see our main article on importing cars at: Importing & Driving a Car in Mexico .
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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution:
YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan. ©Steven M. Fry

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Jan 1, 2015:
A good friend offered this following important US Tax update:
“The US IRS (changed) the limit on the number of IRA rollovers on December 08, 2014.   The IRS announced that beginning January 1, 2015, you’ll be limited to only one IRA-to-IRA rollover within a 365-day period, no matter how many IRAs you have.

Previously, the IRS permitted one rollover per year for each IRA you owned.

Benefits of an asset transfer:
If you still want to move IRA assets, you may want to consider doing so via an asset transfer instead of an indirect rollover. Asset transfers aren’t affected by the rollover limit or subject to tax reporting.

With an indirect rollover, IRA proceeds are made payable to the owner, who has 60 days to deposit them into another (or the same) IRA. With an asset transfer, IRA proceeds move directly from one IRA custodian or trustee to another.

What’s staying the same:
This change doesn’t affect conversions from traditional to Roth IRAs. Rules for direct rollovers from an employer plan to an IRA also remain unchanged, and there are no limits on the number of direct rollovers you can make in any given year.

Also, you’ll still get tax forms to report your rollover activity. Both a direct rollover from an employer plan and one between IRAs will generate a Form 1099-R to report distributions and a Form 5498 to report rollover contributions into IRAs. ”

Click to access ISGVEMO.pdf

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Please see our main article on Taxes at:  IRS Tax Issues for Americans Living and Working Abroad in Mexico – Master Article

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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry

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Dec. 18, 2014
Jan. 2015 Update for Rules on Vehicle/Car Imports
SAT/Aduana has announced their latest rules for permanently importing cars and non-dually pickup trucks into Mexico.  The rules take effect on Jan. 1, 2015, and are described in the following video:

The ever-helpful, very talented Mexican attorney Spencer McMullen ( Chapalalaw.com ) has offered the following summary of the new Aduana rules for permanent vehicle imports by private individuals.

“What vehicles can be imported:
~ Used NAFTA cars and non-dually pickups:  VIN shows they were made or assembled in Mexico, the USA or Canada.
~ 8 to 9 year old cars. **
~  Vehicles whose rights are restricted or prohibited from being driven in their home country are prohibited from importation.

Requirements & Notes:
~ Importation fee: Ten percent of the value of the vehicle, plus taxes due for entry into the country. ***
~ Cars can be imported by Mexicans living in Mexico and abroad.
~ Importers need official ID and CURP, car title in their name or signed-over to them,  emissions certificate,  nothing limiting their right to be driven in their home country

Procedures
1.  Go to a customs agent with your ID, letter of appointment of customs broker, and vehicle title.
2.  Verify that the customs agent:
~    ~ Obtains a certificate that the vehicle complies with physical / mechanical conditions and environmental protection (verification centers exist close to the border zone Aduanas).
~    ~ Verifies that the vehicle has not been reported stolen
~    ~ Verifies that the vehicle VIN number matches the title.
~    ~ Presents any/all US-titled vehicles to American Customs (CBP) to perform the required US export (this process takes an average of two days – but CBP rules say to bring the vehicle to them 72 hours before the planned export).   (Editor’s Note: The rules for Canadian vehicles are still being resolved on this issue.)
~    ~ Prepares the importation pedimento.
~    ~ Pays the proper taxes
~    ~ Turns in the definitive importation pedimento fully paid.

3.  Present the vehicle along with the pedimento at the aduana module for inspection and receive the import pedimentos with its attachments and register the vehicle in the Public Vehicle Registry.

Remember, only a licensed customs agent can do the procedure with Aduana.  Vehicle importations are not done in the street.  Do not turn over money or documents in the street.

I am just the messenger, I do not know how Canadians will fare without a title, or why they should deal with US customs or heck if anybody but a Mexican can import as it doesn’t mention foreigners at all.  Also I have no idea how people will babysit customs agents and make sure they comply with the list of items SAT gives.”

This good information was prepared by Mexican licensed attorney Lic. Spencer Richard McMullen (Cédula #7928026) and official court translator (Perito Traductor). Mx 376-765-7553   Chapalalaw.com

Yucalandia’s Notes:
** The upcoming NAFTA requirements describe 4 year old and older vehicles as being eligible for import by Jan. 1, 2015:

NAFTA Agreement Effects on Importing US/Canadian Used Cars into Mexico

“… (d) beginning January 1, 2015, Mexico may not adopt or maintain a prohibition or restriction on imports from the territories of Canada or the United States of originating used vehicles that are at least four years old; … “

*** Ten percent import fees are based on the Mex. Gob.’s official published values at:  http://www.aduanas-mexico.com.mx/…_estimados.html#ane2 

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For details on driving in Mexico, see our main article on importing cars at: Importing & Driving a Car in Mexico https://yucalandia.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/
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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution:
YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan. ©Steven M. Fry

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Dec. 15, 2014

New SAT/Aduana Manual for Temporary Importation of Vehicles

SAT recently released the latest version of their Vehicle Importation Manual.   The new manual can be found here: http://www.sat.gob.mx/informacion_fiscal/normatividad/Documents/manual_importacion_vehiculos.pdf

This post highlights some of the most important changes for vehicle Temporary Import Permit (TIP) holders:
1.   Since June 2010, foreigners with TIPs must notify Aduana each time they renew their INM permit, or when they exchange their FMM & consulate preauthorization for a Residente Temporal card.   THE Nov. 2014 CHANGE: ~ Aduana now allows us to send them our INM renewal notice EARLY.   Aduana now requires  either  the copy of the new INM card OR  ~ the NUT number ~ OR INM’s printed resolution authorizing the new card.  INM’s printed “resolution”  authorizing the new card is the paper they give you when you are approved for fingerprinting – because when we receive this INM “resolution”, it means  we are formally approved for the visa.     (Item 2.4)

Ironically, the INM “resolution” document only has your NUT printed on it, and does not show your name or any personal identifying information.

This means we can now notify Aduana early – before receiving the INM card – using the 2 INM papers we get while processing our new INM visa (renewal) application.  If you have a TIP:   SAVE  that INM paper with the NUT number,  and  SAVE   that INM paper that approves you for fingerprinting.

Even though the new SAT/Aduana rules say we can use just the NUT,  savvy travelers note that it’s best to use both INM papers to renew your TIP:   If Aduana receives our request to renew out TIP with just the NUT paper, there can be a problem if Aduana checks the INM records before INM finishes approving your application.  When we have both INM’s  NUT paper and the notification of approval for fingerprinting, we have cleared that final key INM hurdle.

To avoid losing your deposit, good immigration attorneys are having their clients file their Aduana vehicle notification the very day they are notified they can place fingerprints, including a copy of the notification, as well as the pdf notification with no personal information.

2.  SAT/Aduana’s Second Big Nov. 2014 Change:  SAT/Aduana has changed to 15 business days  for the grace period for filing our INM permit-renewal / TIP renewal (after INM card approval).   It is no longer 15 calendar days.    (Item 2.4)

3.   SAT/Aduana maximum duration periods for renewing TIPs now matches INM permit periods:  The new maximum periods that we can have TIP vehicles imported with Residente Temporal is up to 4 years.   Residente Temporal Estudiante’s TIPs are for the duration of their studies.    TIPs for FMM para “canje”  (foreigners entering Mexico using the 30 day canje preauthorized visa from a Mexican  consulate) are for up to 30 days, and can be extended up to 4 years when you get your Residente Temporal. (Item 2.2)

Sidelights:
~  The SAT/Aduana manual continues with the same 3 ways for to applying for TIPs:  Apply at the border ($51 USS + IVA).   Apply online at http://www.banjercito.com.mx ($45 USD + IVA).  or  Apply at the Mexican consulates in Chicago, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Albuquerque, Denver and Phoenix  ($51 USD + IVA). (Item 2.3)

~  Vehicle deposits paid remain the same.
$400US for car models 2007 – 2015,
$300US for car models 2001 – 2006, and
$200US for cars 2000 and older. (Item 2.3)

~ The people allowed to drive our TIP cars are the same:  e.g. Tourists, Residente Temporales, and family members if the TIP holder is not in the car. (Item 2.8)

As with other articles, we thank the fine Mexican attorney, Lic. Spencer Richard Mc Mullen
(Cédula #7928026) and official court translator (Perito Traductor). Mx 376-765-7553 for providing this good information.

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For details on driving in Mexico, see our main article on importing cars at: Importing & Driving a Car in Mexico https://yucalandia.com/driving-in-mexico-issues-fun/importing-driving-a-car-in-mexico/
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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution:
YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan. ©Steven M. Fry

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Dec. 5, 2014
Howler Monkeys gone Wild
Calakmul world heritage site Maya ruins and Biosfera reserve treated Yucatan Bill,  me, and about 20 totally clueless tourists to a battle royale for dominance of a 12 member Howler Monkey pack. We had watched the pack resting and lounging-about in the distance about 2 hours earlier ~ the first howler monkeys in the wild Bill and I had ever seen ~ never expecting what was just over the horizon.

A free-for-all pitched battle started right in front of the Big Pyramid (Estructura #2) – when a big strong #2 male challenged #1, for Leader of the Pack… in the treetops, right next to the bottom set of stairs in this foto.

A wild battle raged for over 20 minutes … 4 big male howler monkeys thrashing and crashing around the top of the jungle canopy, jockeying for position, slashing at each other’s flanks with nasty canines , as the majority remainder of the troop of Howler spectators (6-8 others) ~ hooted, howled and roared – and watched for a winner.

Continue reading the full article at:  Howler Monkeys Gone Wild ! Calakmul 2014

Here are a few of Bill Drennon’s exceptional fotos …
Note that these fotos are the personal property of William Drennon, fully copyrighted, and are NOT permitted for use without Mr. Drennon’s prior approval.

Howler Monkey #2 – “The Usurper” issues a challenge to #1, the Leader of the Pack. ©William Drennon

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The Leader of the Pack replies … ©William Drennon

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Full Article can be seen at:
Full article at: Howler Monkeys Gone Wild ! Calakmul 2014

YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan. ©Steven M. Fry – no copying permitted this time.
Text and Captions by ©Steven M. Fry and Fotos by ©William Drennon

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Dec. 1, 2014

http://aristeguinoticias.com/2911/mexico/artistas-si-el-gobierno-no-puede-cumplir-que-renuncie-video/

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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan. ©Steven M. Fry

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