Mexicana
Mexico's other flagship airline, Mexicana de Aviación, is about to go under. it's started bankruptcy proceedings, pretty much, in Mexico and, if I understand correctly, in the US as well. This is relevant as Mexicana had several daily flights to Vegas from Mex City and from Guadalajara.
Management has been citing high labor costs, specifically pilot and crew salaries. naturally the pilot and crew unions blame company missmanagement.
Management propposed selling the company to the unions for $1 plus the obligation to pay the company's debts (much like Newsweek was sold recently). It's worth noting that the corporate parent of Mexicana also runs two other airlines, the low cost Mexicana Click and a wholly domestic operation called Mexicana Link. Both of these are doing well enough.
The company up for sale apparently handled international flights and a few domestic ones (I'm guessing the triangle of routes involving Mex City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, which are the most traveled business routes in the country).
How will this affect Mexican tourism to Las Vegas?
Perhaps not that much. Aeromexico now has a daily flight from Mex City and one from Monterrey. This doesn't replace the two daily fligths from Mex City that Mexicana has cancelled (allegedly temporarily), but there are other options. Viva Aerobus also flies from Monterrey, and you can also get to Vegas via LAX with AA, Phoenix with USAirways and Houston with Continental. Pressumably also via Atlanta with Delta, but that's going too far east to go west.
From LAX, moreover, you can also catch Southwest to Vegas. There are lots of flights to LAX from Mex City and Gudalajara, including AA, but also Alaska Air, Volaris and Aeromexico. If you don't mind crossing the border by bus, there are lots of lfights to Tijauna via Aeromexico, Volaris, Interjet and Mexicana (Link). Border crossing aside, it's a relatively short ride to Lindbergh field in San Diego. Southwest goes to vegas from there too.
Is Mexico subsidizing flights from the US to Mexico? If not, perhaps they should. I'm sure we gringos spend plenty of dinero when we vacation south of border.
Quote: WizardThat's too bad. There are already zero direct flights between Vegas and any coastal city in Mexico. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I can't say with certainty, but I know of none. On the other hand, it's not the kind of thing I look into.
At that way back in the 70s and 80s there were just about zero flights from the US to anywhere in Mexico but Mex City and Monterrey.
Quote:Is Mexico subsidizing flights from the US to Mexico? If not, perhaps they should. I'm sure we gringos spend plenty of dinero when we vacation south of border.
Not that I know of. There are ads placed in the US media, and the government does attend as an exhibitor to trade shows.
BTW in the 80s there were rumors that Vegas casinos subsidized flights to Las Vegas. Thinking back on it, I think it was bunk. Any thoughts?
Quote: WizardThat's too bad. There are already zero direct flights between Vegas and any coastal city in Mexico. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Is Mexico subsidizing flights from the US to Mexico? If not, perhaps they should. I'm sure we gringos spend plenty of dinero when we vacation south of border.
There used to be flights to San José del Cabo. on Mexicana. Phoenix has flights to 8 Mexican coastal cities, as well as three inland cities. Most of the market was generated by Air West before it was bought by USAirways. With USAirways abandoning Las Vegas it is unlikely to return.
As was pointed out earlier, airlines are reluctant to connect two vacation destinations. They feel as if you can connect in Phoenix.
They don't subsidize flights, but the government owns the airlines. They can run at a loss.
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I considered making the Tijuana-San Deigo trip when I was trying to get to Los Mochis a few years ago. There are very few flights there (One daily from Houston connecting in Monterrey). The border crossing and transport eventually seemed too much of a hassle, even though the price was very attractive. Ended up paying through the nose for a connection in MEX.
Quote: pacomartinThere used to be flights to San José del Cabo. on Mexicana.
I've seen that flight listed. It says the stop in the Cabo is "technical" This usually means the plane lands but no passengers get on or off. Presumably the plane is refueled or serviced, but "technical" may also means it lands someowhere along the way merely so it won't count as a direct flight. I've no idea why. I also may have it all wrong.
Quote:They don't subsidize flights, but the government owns the airlines. They can run at a loss
Not anymore. Mexicana has been private for several years, and the government sold its majority stake in Aeromexico in 08 or 09.
The other airlines, Volaris, Interjet, Magnicharters and Viva Aerobus, have always been private. As were the late, lamented Alma de Mexico, Avolar, Aviacsa, Aerolineas Azteca, Aerocalifornia, TAESA and Aerolineas Internacionales. Actually Aviacsa isn't quite late and lamented yet, but it's a matter of time; it's been grounded for months now.
Quote: teddysThere won't be any flights to a coastal city in Mexico because there aren't any coastal cities significant enough to generate any traffic to and from Vegas. (Remember we discussed this at our coffee?!) The biggest is probably Cancun, and flying there wouldn't make much sense as you would be connecting two vacation destinations.
There are a number of international flights to Cancun. Indeed the airport there is large for Mexico. But I think most flights come from Europe and the East Coast. Anyway, flying from Vegas to MEX and thence to Cancun doesn't take you too far out of the way. Even better would be to fly to Monterrey on Aeromexico and take the Interjet flight to Cancun. Worse would be to fly to MEX, drive or ride to Toluca and take a flight from there. Whatever else you do, don't do that.
Elsewhere, particularly the western coast of Mexico, I've no idea whether there are any flights there from Guadalajara. There are fligths to almost everywhere in the country from Mex City.
Quote:Do you know what will happen to them? Are they likely to be swallowed up by Aeromexico? That would probably be the best option for them, I think, and might open up more space for low-cost Mexican carriers to jump in.
Not too long ago the govenrment did own both Mexicana and Aeromexico, operating them through a corporation called Cintra. Back then a 70 minute flight to Monterrey was more expensive than 120 minute flight to LAX. Today, as you point out, the low costs provide comeptition, so a monster national airline wouldn't necessarily employ the powers enjopyed by a coercive monopoly.
On the other hand, Azteca, Aviacsa, Aerocalifornia and Avolar, were killed partly by low sales, partly by government action, such as grounding whole fleets citing safety violations. I don't think the governemtn was deliberately targeting small and mid size airlines, but I point out it could. Also culturally air travel is a bit suspect. it's seen as "high class" in a largely poor country. So it's vulnerable to populist governments.
There was somethign in the news today to the effect that an investment group wanted to buy Mexicana, but the details were sketchy.
To sum up: I've no idea what's going on, and if I wanted to fly to Vegas I'd take Aeromexcio, Viva or even USAriways or Continental.
*This is a smaller amount than it would be if the destination were, say, L.A., because the pilot really wants to land the plane; he figures he might be able to sell it and bet the money on the Mexican national football team. Goal goal goal goal goal!!!!!!
Quote: mkl654321I can't see ANY Mexico-Vegas flights being economically viable, not these days at least.
Grow up. Then you'll see.
Quote: mkl654321I can't see ANY Mexico-Vegas flights being economically viable, not these days at least. It would just be too expensive: first you'd have to pay the fare, then the bribe to the person who issued you the boarding pass (so you would actually GET a boarding pass), then the bribe to the baggage handler to not send your bags to Panama City, then the bribe to the stewardess for a seatbelt and/or a drink of water, and finally, of course, the collection taken up to bribe the pilot so that he actually lands the plane.* Then you have to endure the processing by Homeland Stupidity when you land. Not worth it.
*This is a smaller amount than it would be if the destination were, say, L.A., because the pilot really wants to land the plane; he figures he might be able to sell it and bet the money on the Mexican national football team. Goal goal goal goal goal!!!!!!
Seriously? Idiots usually avoid this website. In many ways the Mexican economy may be part of the salvation of Las Vegas. Clark county already has a 27% latino population. I could see Vegas growing in popularity as a Mexican vacation resort.
San Diego will have [seasonal; begins November 12] flights to Puerto Vallarta on Alaska Airlines. Personally, I think going to PV will be more useful to people than flying to Cabo. Cabo is simply too expensive and is very much part of gringoland.
Quote: pacomartinSeriously? Idiots usually avoid this website. In many ways the Mexican economy may be part of the salvation of Las Vegas. Clark county already has a 27% latino population. I could see Vegas growing in popularity as a Mexican vacation resort.
It is quite popular already. Three airlines, out of six or so, fly there frequently. I've said before that for mexicans looking for a good place to gamble, Vegas is the easiest, cheapest option.
BTW I heard on the radio that the FAA downgraded Mexico in some sort of category. I don't recall why or when, but it seems no other airlines based in Mexico can add routes to the US for the time being. So much for Interjet or Volaris snapping up Mexicana's Vegas slots.
American Airlines does have shared codes with mexicana, and they're both in the same frequent flier alliance. Maybe it can take Mexicana's place for the time being.
Quote: FAA Downgrades Mexican Aviation Rating
The United States has downgraded Mexico from a Category 1 to Category 2 International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating. U.S. regulations prevent air carriers from Category 2 nations from launching new services to the United States, although they are allowed to maintain existing services.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Authority, under the IASA program, assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries with airlines that operate or have applied to fly to the United States and makes that information available to the public. The assessments determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards, not FAA regulations.
A Category 1 rating means the country’s civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with international standards, or that its civil aviation authority – which is equivalent to the FAA for aviation-safety matters – is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping or inspection procedures.
The FAA says it found that, while Mexico has been responsive to the FAA’s findings and has made significant improvements in recent months, it was unable to fully comply with all of the international safety standards. The agency says it is committed to working closely with the Mexican government and providing technical assistance to help Mexico regain its Category 1 rating.
While Mexican carriers are allowed to continue normal operations to and from the United States, US carriers must terminate codesharing with Mexico-based carriers. US carriers cannot put their own name and flight number on a flight operated by a Mexican carrier. This will affect passengers booked on American Airlines codeshares with Mexicana, and Delta codeshares with Aeromexico. Both carriers are offering to reissue tickets using the Mexican carrier’s name and flight number. There should be minimal disruption to passengers.
Countries with air carriers that fly to the United States must adhere to the safety standards of ICAO, the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation that establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance
Mexico lags behind Britain as a source of non-stop international passengers for Vegas, but is well ahead of Germany, France, and Asia. These are only scheduled passengers (I have not included a smaller number of charter passengers). Time frame is first half of the year 2010, but as most passengers are round trip, it is a good estimate of visitors for the year. Britain keeps adding new serivice so that is a fast growing market.
| AIRLINE | PSGRS |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | 223,326 |
| Westjet Airlines | 426,476 |
| Sunwing Airlines, Inc. | 17,709 |
| 667,511 | |
| British Airways | 86,923 |
| Virgin Atlantic Airways | 131,927 |
| 218,850 | |
| Mexicana | 101,113 |
| Aeromexico | 32,435 |
| Vivaaerobus | 23,226 |
| 156,774 | |
| Condor Flugdienst (German) | 25,344 |
| XL Airways France | 5,123 |
| | | |
| Korean Airlines | 26,480 |
| Philippine Airlines | 34,971 |
| 61,451 | |
| TOTAL | 1,135,053 |
Unlike the USA, Mexcan startup airlines face significant competition from the bus companies which responded with new bus terminals, and upgraded luxury service. Only Hermosillo, Tijuana, Merida and Cancun are extremely difficult and time consuming to reach by bus.
Many of the new low cost airlines are trying to boost profits by flying to the USA.
With travel in the doldrums, it is unlikely that the Vegas to Mexican Coastal cities service will be restored soon (with the exception of Los Cabos).
Quote: pacomartinThe lowering of the safety rating for Mexico is probably in response to the start up airlines.
Unlike the USA, Mexcan startup airlines face significant competition from the bus companies which responded with new bus terminals, and upgraded luxury service. Only Hermosillo, Tijuana, Merida and Cancun are extremely difficult and time consuming to reach by bus.
I think you're a bit late with that analysis. When the low cost start-ups began a few years ago,t hey were true low costs with much lower ticket prices than the larger airlines. At that time, their pricing was competitive with bus fare. But all that prety much ended in 08 when oil prices and jet fuel prices rose. Since then Interjet moved the majority of its operations from Toluca to mex City, which costs them more (but there they can access a bigger market). Volaris has also moved a few flights to Mexico and Viva Aerobus is beginning to.
Additionally Interjet built a maintenance facility at Toluca's airport, which has some sort fo very fancy quality certification. It serves its A-320 fleet there, but also has been taking planes from airlines in South America.
The prices of the former low costs are a bit lower than the big two's but not much lower. Last time I traveled to Guadalajara on business, the price difference bewteen Interjet and Aeromexico was under 5 bucks, in favor of Aeromexico.
The start ups that have survived are doing quite well as far as I know. Viva even took over or built a third terminal at its base city of Moneterrey (terminal B is still under construction).
Quote:Many of the new low cost airlines are trying to boost profits by flying to the USA.
As of yet Volaris flies to LAX and Oakland (sold as SF/Oakland) and Viva flies to Vegas and I think Austin, TX. Interjet had a flight to Guatemala two years ago, but closed the route down.
Quote: pacomartinMexico lags behind Britain as a source of non-stop international passengers for Vegas, but is well ahead of Germany, France, and Asia. These are only scheduled passengers (I have not included a smaller number of charter passengers). Time frame is first half of the year 2010, but as most passengers are round trip, it is a good estimate of visitors for the year. Britain keeps adding new serivice so that is a fast growing market.
I'm surprised Viva carries that many passengers to Vegas.
Around April Aeromexico added more flights to Vegas, BTW. They sued to have two flights per week, now they have two per day (from Mex City and Monterrey). A good thing, too, if they want to pick up some of Mexicana's slack. Too abd for the time being they can't add another from Guadlajara...
Quote: NareedI'm surprised Viva carries that many passengers to Vegas.
Around April Aeromexico added more flights to Vegas, BTW. They sued to have two flights per week, now they have two per day (from Mex City and Monterrey). A good thing, too, if they want to pick up some of Mexicana's slack. Too abd for the time being they can't add another from Guadlajara...
The 2006-2008 estimate for the Latino population in Clark County NV is 505,213. Obviously the majority of that population is Mexican. I am surprised that Viva Aerobus doesn't carry more than 23K over six months. Remember that is total passengers, so that is abou 12.5K each way.
Mexicana carries roughly 100K passengers per month into and out of LAX.
BTW: Vegas does beat out Phoenix for international travel. Rank follows:
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Miami International Airport
O'Hare International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Logan International Airport
Honolulu International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
McCarran International Airport ============================
Orlando International Airport
For the LAS - MEX flight, you have the two Mexicana flights and an American flight.
That's why you don't see any LAS regular service to coastal mexican cities; it would need to be supported by an American carrier.
For charter flights however, I don't know how this works.
Quote: boymimboFor the LAS - MEX flight, you have the two Mexicana flights and an American flight.
That's why you don't see any LAS regular service to coastal mexican cities; it would need to be supported by an American carrier.
Hate to break it to you, but the direct AA flight from Vegas to Mex City is a code share with Mexicana. I just checked their website, and all their current MEX-LAS flights involve a connection in either Dallas, Miami or LAX.
Quote: boymimboLas Vegas is not a hub city for any airline, save SouthWest, who does not travel outside of the nation. International treaties will only allow international routes if a domestic carrier gets the same route. Therefore, for Mexicana to have permission to fly into Vegas, an equivalent route must be allowed for a domestic carrier. So while Air Canada flies to Vegas, that means United also has two flights a day.
That's why you don't see any LAS regular service to coastal mexican cities; it would need to be supported by an American carrier.
This statement doesn't seem right.
Viva Aerobus has service between Las Vegas and Hermosillo (an industrial town less than 540 miles from Vegas with a population of 3/4 million). There would be only the tiniest amount of gringo tourist traffic to Hermosillo as some people would drive or take a bus to Guaymas or Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point in gringo speak). An American carrier would probably not be interested in this route.
It sounds like you are saying that Viva Aerobus can only fly this route if an American carrier also flies the route or enters into a code share partnership with Viva Aerobus. As far as I know, Viva Aerobus has no code shares with an American airline. VA is part owned by Ryan Air (the European low cost carrier).
| AIRLINE | PSGRS to Vegas Jan-June 2010 |
|---|---|
| Mexicana | 101,113 |
| Aeromexico | 32,435 |
| Vivaaerobus | 23,226 |
The immediate loss is the non-stop from Vegas to Guadalajara. As Volaris has signed a code-share agreement with Southwest, it may replace the Vegas to GDL nonstop. Hopefully Aeromexico and Vivaaerobus can add flights to Monterrey and Mexico City.
On a positive note, as a result of the United/Continental merger Southwest will be given 18 gates at Newark airport, so it will undoubtedly result in lower costs in flying to Las Vegas from the New York Area.
Quote: pacomartinThe immediate loss is the non-stop from Vegas to Guadalajara. As Volaris has signed a code-share agreement with Southwest, it may replace the Vegas to GDL nonstop. Hopefully Aeromexico and Vivaaerobus can add flights to Monterrey and Mexico City.
That would be great.
Mexicana is on track for being taken over by the government. But even that's not so certain. After all, this government picked a fight with a more powerful union, of a government-owned company no less, so maybe they'll let the airline go broke and rehire part of the personnel under different terms. We'll see.
Quote: NareedGrow up. Then you'll see.
Unusually assholeish thing for you to say, Nareed.
A flight route has to attract passengers to be profitable. Very few Mexicans have the money to afford a Vegas trip. Relatively few Las Vegans want to go to Mexico for vacations (since they are already in an area with mild winter weather), and anyone from some other city already has multiple flight options.
Another thing inhibiting U.S.-Mexico tourism is the violence, lack of rule of law, corruption, and third world infrastructure, in all but protected zona turista. I would probably fly to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, but I wouldn't drive there unless I had a sealed armored vehicle. No, scratch that--it would be stolen while I was at the beach.
And the devaluation of the peso, along with the general state of the Mexican economy, means that only drug lords would be able to afford a stay at the Mirage and a weekend of rolling dem bones (Ten, pass line winner! Goal goal goal goal goal goal gooooooooooal!).
Quote: mkl654321A flight route has to attract passengers to be profitable. Very few Mexicans have the money to afford a Vegas trip.
Yeah, that's why there are five daily flights from Mexico to Vegas.
try using facts to back slander, it makes you look less foolish.
Quote: NareedYeah, that's why there are five daily flights from Mexico to Vegas.
try using facts to back slander, it makes you look less foolish.
Considering there are over 65 daily flights to Vegas from California alone, you're making my point rather nicely. Only FIVE from the whole country? Wow.... Sounds like YOU are the one "slandering" Mexico Magnifico.
Obviously you're defending Mexico rather than making a cogent argument. The fact remains that a trip to Vegas is no more within the financial reach of the average Mexican than a trip to the moon is within the reach of the average American.
The above is simple fact. I have an extremely low opinion of the Mexican government, but I love the country and the people (and the food); but the simple fact is, the place is POOR. Poor people don't take international flights to Vegas.
Quote: EvenBobIn the mid 90's I toyed with the idea of retiring to Mexico, I was in my 40's then. The list of pro's from people who did it was 3 times as long as the list of con's. Now the list of con's is 3 times as long as the list of pro's. Feggdaboutit...
I actually had similar thoughts, about ten years ago. Then I learned that us gringos are NOT ALLOWED to own property within X (I think, twenty) miles of the coast. What you get is a LEASE. And if you don't own the property you live on, you are vulnerable: in the short term, you will have to pay bribes to the chief of police to make sure you won't get raided in the middle of the night, bribes to the mayor to make sure your water and electricity don't get shut off, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. And suppose they have another revolucion and decide to kick out all the gringos? There goes your lease, and any money you've invested, not to mention all your personal belongings (you'd be lucky to get out with your pants).
The only secure option would be to open up some kind of business, so that you might have some leverage; the local tinhorn authorities might be less inclined to kick your gringo ass out. But that sort of strategy contradicts the whole idea of low-cost living that was the whole reason to move there in the first place.
Of course, bargaining is everything in Mexico. I had $200 on me when the Policia assaulted me in Nogales and tried to kidnap me, and they wanted the whole amount as mordida before they would let ne go. I held out $40, and stuffed the other $160 down my shorts, and told them if they wanted the rest, they were going to have to come and get it. They laughed and took the $40 (which was a whole week's wages for any one of them, so they were probably happy to get it).
In 2009, there were 3 airlines with about 287,000 passengers to and from Mexico. Canada's numbers were closer to 1.3 million with 2 airlines and a charter service. The per capita income of an average Mexican is $8,052 (2006) while the United States is $44,155.
MKL is absolutely exaggerating.
Quote: boymimboThe per capita income of an average Mexican is $8,052 (2006) while the United States is $44,155.
MKL is absolutely exaggerating.
How so? When I said the country was poor?
Quote: boymimboThe per capita income of an average Mexican is $8,052 (2006
I just Googled it and as of last month it was $5178. Big difference from 2006
Quote: EvenBobI just Googled it and as of last month it was $5178. Big difference from 2006
Looks like any tourists on the flights from Mexico will be staying at the Gold Spike (or the Western: scary thought) and eating the $2.49 breakfast special at the El Cortez.
Quote: EvenBobIn 1995 when I went down to central Mexico to an American retirement community and had a look see, it was paradise. For $800 a month you could live like a king, with servants and a lifestyle that would cost 5K a month in the States. Now its paradise with the threat of robbery, murder or kidnapping constantly looming over your head. No thanks.
And now they are not even covered by Medicare.
1) AVIACSA has been taken over by an investment group, which vows to have it back on the air by November with a reduced flight schedule. There are plans to update the fleet and expand. given Mexicana's absence from the market, they have a good chance of doing so.
2) Today's paper had a half page ad from Qatar Air looking to hire pilots, both as captains and first officers. This struck me as extremely odd, but given that Mexicana will come back in reduced form, if it comes back at all, there will be a relative large number of Mexican pilots looking for a job.
Quote: JerryLoganI thought we were trying to keep Mexicans OUT of the country until The Messiah figures out how to get them all free healthcare, drivers licenses, welfare and social security payments, foodstamps, housing, college educations, and a bath.?
And a free house and a new car every other year. Just because my great grandparents came here legally from EU with nothing and died with little more than nothing, and ditto for my grandparents, that doesn't mean illegals shouldn't be able to sneak in here and have their asses wiped with gold flecked toilet paper..
Quote: EvenBobI went to mexico many times in the 80's and 90's and never had a problem. It gradually started to change after 9/11 and now I wouldn't go there if it was all expenses paid. I don't care if you can retire there for $400 a month and live like its 10K in the States. I don't like having a target on my back.
I've said this before. The state department keeps a list of every American that dies in Mexico and the reason for the death.
The number of gringos that are murdered in Mexico is very small, certainly comparable to our safest cities.
The victims of the violence that occurs in Mexico are almost all Mexican. The cartels do not target tourists as it interferes
with the ultimate purpose of the violence, to make money. Kidnapping an American, even if they have money, brings too much heat.
Now gringos are often targeted by police for shakedowns. That is decidedly true. But they are very very seldom the victims
of the kidnappings, political riots or murders.
link to graphic image of decapitated heads.
Edit: I removed your image above, because I thought it was too graphic and in poor taste. Same goes for your R rated image in another thread. Let's try to keep things PG13. -- Wizard
Most of the violence that does occur is in six cities along its northern border with the United States. In 2009 79 Americans were murdered
in Mexico, but I would believe that 3/4 of them were probably engaged in some illicit activity.
I would encourage people to visit the colonial cities in Mexico: Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Taxco, Guanajato,
Morelia, Merida, Queretero, Dolores Hidalgo, San Louis Potosi, Zacatecas, Saltillo and Oaxaca.
==========
The idea that you can spend $400 a month and live like its $10K in the States is a bit of a stretch. Your money does go further,
but not like that. If you are a beer and tacos kind of a guy, your money will go very far. But if you like hard liquor, wine and
other luxuries you will often pay as much as you would in the states. Good tequila is the same price. You can get cheap tequila
or cheap mescal for very cheap.
Most gringos also don't easily adapt to eating in the street or the markets where food is very inexpensive. The nice places
are cheaper than their equivalent in the states, but more like a factor of 3:2 or 2:1, not by 10:1.
It is much cheaper to take a taxi (so you don't need to maintain a car), or to hire some help to maintain your home.
If you want to spend $400 a month and live relatively well, you need to go to very rural Mexico or Nicaragua. However, you may
not want to live in those conditions.
Anyway, if you want cheap food without going to a street market to eat, look for any urban area with offices around. You'll find small restaurants offering a limited menu, or a kind of fixed price meals, at very reasonable costs. Say about $4 for a sandwich, or perhaps around $7 for a full meal (soup, rice or pasta, a main dish with beef, chicken or pork, and a glass of flavored water, sometimes a small dessert).
What many Americans may have more trouble with is the meal schedule. Breakfast is pretty much the same, but the mid-day meal is the big one with three course, and dinner tends to be light and closer to bedtime. If you eat at the cheaper restaurants, you'll need to change your schedule.
Quote: NareedPaco, a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Yours defeats the purpose of your post.
Paco's picture was actually taken in the security office of the old Horseshoe casino circa 1980. The persons shown were card counters.
I was exaggerating to make a point. Obviously $400 won't equel 10K. But Americans are targeted in Mexico, theres no way you can say they're not. Just because they aren't murdered doesn't mean they aren't robbed and on a regular basis.
Quote: JerryLoganAnyone who goes to Mexico from the US for any reason and gets robbed, raped or killed gets exactly what they asked for. That POS country would have no effect on the civilized world if it were to be wiped off the face of the earth.
I am sorry if my photo offended people (I will keep it PG-13), but your comment is deeply offensive to me.
I put in the photo since I am acknowledging that their is some extreme violence in Mexico, but I am just saying that it is not aimed
at tourists.
Quote: pacomartinI am sorry if my photo offended people (I will keep it PG-13), but your comment is deeply offensive to me.
I put in the photo since I am acknowledging that their is some extreme violence in Mexico, but I am just saying that it is not aimed
at tourists.
I understand. But watch Bill O'Reilly as he tells it like it is about this ridiculous and harmful politically correct atmosphere we live in today.
Quote: pacomartinI am sorry if my photo offended people (I will keep it PG-13), but your comment is deeply offensive to me.
I put in the photo since I am acknowledging that their is some extreme violence in Mexico, but I am just saying that it is not aimed
at tourists.
From what I understand, the Federales have expended a lot of effort to keep the zona turista safe. I wouldn't bat an eye about traveling to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, or Cabo. Your point is well taken about tourists not being the targets of the violence, and another point to be considered is that the epicenters of the violence are where tourists don't usually go.
However, what I really like to do when I visit a foreign country is go into the backwaters, the small towns, the places where no one speaks English, and find out what the place is really about. I am concerned about the danger level inherent in doing that, and crusing along from Monterey to Durango in my gringomobile just might make me a bit too conspicuous and tempting of a target.
Oh, well, at least I can still go to South Tucson if I want to visit the real Mexico. (Best Mexican food in America, gabachos.)
(and BTW, JerryLogan may be worried about the dangers that Americans may face traveling to Mexico, but Mexicans should be equally worried about traveling the the US and possibly encountering JerryLogan.)
Quote: pacomartinI am sorry if my photo offended people (I will keep it PG-13), but your comment is deeply offensive to me.
It's uselss to take offense at Jerry's verbal diarrhea. I don't suppose he can help himself. It's disgusting, true, but no more offensive than other types of incontinence.
Where'd you get the photo anyway? Fangoria?
Quote: mkl654321The epicenters of the violence are where tourists don't usually go.
Tijuana, Guadalajra, Morelia and Oaxaca, among other major destinations, have had significant problems with the violence. Even Acapulco has experienced shootings in the beach/hotel area.
Quote: SanchoPanzaTijuana, Guadalajra, Morelia and Oaxaca, among other major destinations, have had significant problems with the violence. Even Acapulco has experienced shootings in the beach/hotel area.
Oops! Wrong again.
Any country who's citizens plays soccer with chopped off heads and who's President claims the US is illegally stopping illegal aliens from sneaking in here to do who knows what to American citizens after they rape the financial system dry, should be wiped off the face of the earth.
Go Sheriff Joe!
