![WeExpats Insurance Driving in Mexico](https://weexpats.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WeExpats-Insurance-Driving-in-Mexico.jpeg)

RULES AND ADVICE FOR DRIVING IN MEXICO:

Driving in Mexico is an adventure. It allows you the freedom to visit places off the beaten track, discover treasures, and see gems most people will never experience. My friends in the United States view us in awe that we would attempt such an adventure. They question if it’s true that the roads are dusty lanes amongst the cacti and that _pandillas_ lurk are around every corner. Far from the truth. Mexico—believe it or not—has some of the best toll roads in the world. It can be a safe and relaxing experience. However, one must follow some simple common sense and a few rules. I have had the pleasure over the last decade to drive all over Mexico, with six kids in tow, and I have **never** encountered problems. However, I do follow some basic rules.

CHOOSING YOUR VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING THROUGH MEXICO:

Avoid bringing in an exotic car. Mexico is really the land of Chevys, Fords, Nissans, and Toyotas. Your exotic imported car will be difficult to repair if it should break down. I just had a friend tell me how her new transmission for her Volvo will cost $7,000usd to replace here _and_ it needs to be airfreighted from Sweden! When in doubt, consider renting a car from any airport in the country.

Also, you do not want to draw unwanted attention to your expensive car. I would never drive a newer-model, blacked-out SUV. I follow a yahoo group in San Miguel de Allende. A company was offering a ride back to the United States in, “a suburban with federal plates”. One expat commented, “Hell no, its a cartels dream car!” A simple, older, and plain vehicle the best. Visit your mechanic and tell him what you’re planning. If it is your car, check the tires (make sure they are not unevenly worn) replace the old belts—ensure that your car can make it a long way without maintenance. Have your spare tire ready to go. Simple repairs now can save you the hassle of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Get a front license plate, Mexican police love to pick on cars with no front plates. Pick up a good Mexican road map. I get a recent atlas from Guia Rojo, which is very detailed and up to date. Many expats love Garmins with preloaded Mexican maps.

CROSSING THE MEXICAN BORDER:

I always drive to the border and arrive in the evening the night before. I rest up in an American motel so that I am fresh and ready to cross bright and early in the morning. At first light, I am sure to hustle to to beat the traffic, while not arriving at night. You drive into the Mexican border town and customs (or _aduanas_) are about 15 miles inland. Be sure to read up what you need to cross the border. Avoid crossing in the evening, Mexican holiday weeks, or weekends (especially three-day weekends called _puentes_). Be aware of the rules, especially if you do not have a title and your car is financed. Your lender will need to provide a letter and permission.

CHOOSING YOUR MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE:

Your American car insurance will not cover your car in Mexico. You must buy a policy, so be sure to do this in advance. WeExpats sells Mexican car insurance and we represent all of the top insurance companies. A 30-day policy is as expensive as a 6-month policy. For a bit more you can cover yourself for an entire year. There is little or no underwriting. You can quote and print a policy quickly without added frustrations through WeExpats. It will cost about a fraction of what you are paying in the United States. Be sure to never get into an accident in Mexico without insurance. It is not pretty. Often when you’re a foreign traveler, you are guilty until proven innocent.

WHAT ARE THE ROADS LIKE IN MEXICO?

Many people are surprised that Mexico has great, fast, Mexican toll roads. You always have a choice of a _libre_ (free) or a _cuota_ (toll) road. _Cuotas_ are well maintained, patrolled, and usually have very light traffic. _Libres_ are loaded with the slow-moving, stereotypical old trucks with chickens. You will pay about $50 dollars for a long day of driving, but it is well worth it. You will remain safe, while ensuring a speedy arrival. Also keep those little toll receipts, if you break down or have an accident, there is supposedly some coverage for that.

GAS STATIONS IN MEXICO:

Gas used to be a monopoly controlled by one company called Pemex. These stations are still plentiful. All gas stations in Mexico are full-service stations. When you pull up, jump out and walk over to the attendant at the fill area. They will ask you whether you want an amount or a whole tank. Now you need to watch what he does. Make sure the pump is _reset_. An old trick is to add to the prior sale and you end up paying the previous tank as well as your tank. Also be very aware how you are paying. I estimate how much to put in and show the peso amount to the attendant. This way I do not need to deal with errors in change or a dispute of what bill I gave them. Be sure to tip the attendant a few pesos. This is customary. One little know fact, because of recent laws, gas is more expensive in Mexico—so be sure to mark that in your budget.

PIT STOPS ALONG THE WAY:

There are many choices as you travel throughout Mexico. All over Mexico are convenience stores that are modern, clean, and have great bathrooms. There are 7-Elevens—or a similar Mexican company called OXXO. Here you can get refreshments, simple snacks, and decent bathrooms. I have no problem eating street food, My wife and I follow the simple rule, a vendor who is **_busy_** and has a lot of locals is a good choice. Order what everyone else is eating. This will help you find reasonably fresh and safe food. Locals get sick also, and they wouldn’t frequent a vendor with problems.

THE ROADS ALONG THE WAY:

Mexico is loaded with great roads, however many of the toll roads seems to end in major cities. You will find yourself in a city, driving usually on a busy boulevard. Have someone navigate looking for the highway number or sign for the next big city. It might be just one small sign. If you get lost, stop by a OXXO store or flag down a police officer. Cell Phone GPS can be a lifesaver. Don’t keep driving around, before you know it, you’ll be deep in a city with a long way to the toll road.

If there are repairs in a road, you must be vigilant about unorthodox signs. Watch for a can, stick, or a rag in the road. This can be the only thing telling you that a repair or a breakdown is ahead. You might take a corner, and there is a can with a stick and a rag signaling that major work being done ahead. Mexicans are very bad about this.

SAFETY WHEN DRIVING THROUGH MEXICO:

_Never drive at night._ **NEVER**. Avoid big cities in the evening and rush hours. If you break down, pull over and call the Green Angels. Have their number handy. The Mexican car insurance we provide through WeExpats also has breakdown coverage. Be very cautious if someone pulls over to assist you. I always try to have at least a car-length of space when I stop at a light. I figure this offers me a cushion to bolt forward or out if someone attempts to carjack me. Have a few pesos in coins lying around. In major cities boys will run up to you and clean your windshield. I let them do it, smile and give them a few pesos. They are happy and you get a clean windshield. It’s not worth fighting them.

I keep a wallet with a lot of small bills and one credit card on me. My big stash is well hidden elsewhere in the car. I figure a thief will be happy with the token change in my wallet. Also be aware of a common scam, someone will throw something at the car, or throw something in your way. (I’ve heard of people throwing dead animals.) You think you have hit something and stop to investigate. You can imagine what happens next. Now that I have scared you. Once again I have never been a victim of a crime in Mexico!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR SAFE IN MEXICO:

I install a basic on/off ignition switch that is well hidden in the car. This way no one can start the car. It cost about $60.00 at any local alarm shop. You can also buy a steering wheel lock that is a bar with a lock that goes over the steering wheel. It costs about 30 dollars. It is a great deterrent and will force the thief to go to the next car. It’s admit it, but if your car is stolen you will probably never see it again. I heard in San Miguel de Allende, 38 cars have been stolen expats in one year.

MILITARY CHECKPOINTS IN MEXICO:

You will come across these as you drive in Mexico. These are really meant for drug traffickers. Do not panic. Simply drive up, cooperate, smile, and 99% of the time they will wave you forward. If not, they will do a simple check. Be courteous, smile, and cooperate. The soldiers are usually 18-year-olds who are looking for drugs and just doing their job. A smile will really go a long way. _Federales_ (Federal Police) are more intimidating because they are looking for drugs.

THE BRIBE OR _MORDIDA_:

There are many thoughts as to how to handle this if you are pulled over. Some people bribe their way out of these situations, some stand their ground. When I have been pulled over, I am guilty of bribing my way out of a traffic stop. However lately, I have decided to personally stand my ground. When I ask for the ticket, the officers usually lets me off. Many times the tickets for speeding are negligible. One creative expat carries an extra license that he got from his DMV for a few dollars. If his license is detained for a ticket, he has an extra.

IF YOU NEED CAR REPAIR IN MEXICO:

Ask other expats where they go. Repairs are inexpensive and very reasonable. Mexican mechanics are some of the most creative and ingenious that I have ever seen, but they usually can only work on basic repairs, such as: brakes, leaks, and the like. They try to repair parts instead of replacing parts. They will rewire an alternator or starter instead of getting a new one. They will craft new hoses out of old ones. If it involves a complicated repair, I would suggest letting the car dealer work on it. Mexican mechanics have a hard time saying no to a repair, and if it involves computer parts they can cause more damage than good.

_Interested in getting health insurance while living abroad? Get a free quote today by clicking below._

[Get a Quote](/quote)

[Phone Consultation](https://calendly.com/teamexpat/15min)

RULES AND ADVICE FOR DRIVING IN MEXICO: Driving in Mexico is an adventure. It allows you the freedom to visit places off the beaten track, discover treasures, and see gems most people will never experience. My friends in the United States view us in awe that we would attempt such an adventure. 


driving-in-mexico.jpeg

Driving in Mexico

![Shopping in San Miguel de Allende](https://weexpats.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/WeExpats-Insurance-Shopping-in-San-Miguel-de-Allende.jpeg)

Shopping in San Miguel de Allende can be a pleasant experience without the hustle and bustle of larger cities in Mexico. Small artsy shops are found along the idyllic streets without the name-brand shopping one would come to expect from larger cities. Shopping in San Miguel is often a pleasurable experience with great service and high-quality goods. The Zaras and the Guccis are replaced with hand-died garments and fantastic, artisan accessories. However, when it comes to the convenience of shopping in San Miguel for more commercial goods, we have compiled a short list of stores with some options.

GROCERY SHOPPING IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE:

\-Commercial Stores-

[La Comer](https://www.google.com/maps/place/La+Comer/@20.8970873,-100.7528311,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe2d46eb88f4d44e!8m2!3d20.8970873!4d-100.7528311) – Is the largest grocery store, which looks like a massive Target. Pretty much [everything you need in the way of food can be found here](https://weexpats.com/livin-in-sma/). Inexpensive fish and meats can be found here, however there have been some quality issues. That said, the vegetables and fruit are fantastic. The bread rolls come out of the oven hourly. In addition, it has a decent household section, pet section, and even some clothing.

[Bodega Aurrera](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bodega+Aurrera/@20.9149673,-100.7643281,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x40c794d59b8afcaa!8m2!3d20.9149673!4d-100.7643281) – A smaller-scale version of Walmart—which is also a subsidiary corporation owned by them. It is considered the budget store for locals, however all manner of odds and ends can be found here.

[La Europea](https://www.google.com/maps/place/La+Europea/@20.91461,-100.744737,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x10992ddc62388968?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjo9p70s4TdAhXOJ1AKHZ4uDP4Q_BIwCnoECAcQCw) – Is an alcoholic beverage store (much like a BevMo!) just off the _Jardín,_ with a huge selection of wines from around the world.

For daily staples like milk and odds and end, there is a local convenient store (or _tienda_) almost on every block. We also visit the OXXO—a 7-11 like store—that surprisingly carries decently-priced staples, beer, booze, and wine.

\-Small Scale Stores-

[Bonanza](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Dickinson,+San+Antonio,+37750+San+Miguel+de+Allende,+Gto./@20.9064683,-100.7528386,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x842b51adbf12c7d3:0x270ec7089ab95e1a!8m2!3d20.9064683!4d-100.7506499) – Located on Mesones, this small family market stocks a lot of odds and ends that appeal to American expat customers. If you cannot find something at Mega, then this is a fantastic substitute.

There is a Sunday morning market on [Stirling Dickinson](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Dickinson,+San+Antonio,+37750+San+Miguel+de+Allende,+Gto./@20.9064683,-100.7528386,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x842b51adbf12c7d3:0x270ec7089ab95e1a!8m2!3d20.9064683!4d-100.7506499) very near the Academia. Farmers bring all their fruit and vegetables in from the country. The quality is fresh, and the variety is good. We recommend arriving early and stocking for the week. The prices are generally low, and we end up with a great deal of produce. So much so, that a huge, fully-loaded shopping bag ends up around $5usd. You can also buy _c__arnitas_ sold by the kilo there. This delicious delicacy melts in your mouth.

[Natura Organic Market](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Natura/@20.9063169,-100.7484005,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x6caf75ea5b55546b!8m2!3d20.9063169!4d-100.7484005) – This quaint, family-run store on Ancha de San Antonio has a terrific selection of fresh, ready-to-go salads.

SHOPPING FOR MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE:

[AutoZone](https://www.google.com/maps/place/AutoZone/@20.9063863,-100.7285524,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe5a1e7bd7932468c!8m2!3d20.9063863!4d-100.7285524) – Is a fantastic place to obtain car parts. It’s located across from the mall.

[Office Depot](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Office+Depot/@20.9006672,-100.7311746,14.5z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xdfcbfb2e33a6a9f!8m2!3d20.9031691!4d-100.7285625) – Is where we get our office supplies. You can also print documents here in a pinch.

[Parasina](https://www.google.com/maps/place/PARISINA/@20.9038475,-100.7279609,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x227032a2d4c2efd6!8m2!3d20.9038475!4d-100.7279609) – Is a fabric store chain, similar to Jo-Ann’s in the United States. It also sells art supplies.

[Liverpool](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Liverpool/@20.902417,-100.729066,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xd8dfab71983a7579?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIoc_564XdAhUMDOwKHaMaA0gQ_BIwCnoECAoQCw) – Is a high-end department store. Similar to a Sears or a Macy’s—however the prices can get expensive.

GOING TO WALMART IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE:

There is no Walmart in San Miguel de Allende. In 2013, [this quaint little town rejected the application for a Walmart](https://www.altonivel.com.mx/empresas/negocios/36715-san-miguel-de-allende-rechaza-a-walmart/). As we mentioned above, you can head to their subsidiary corporation’s location in San Miguel de Allende, called [Bodega Aurrera](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bodega+Aurrera/@20.9149673,-100.7643281,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x40c794d59b8afcaa!8m2!3d20.9149673!4d-100.7643281). However, going to an actual Walmart in San Miguel de Allende entails heading to either:

Celaya, Guanajuato – There are 2 Walmarts—for a link to the closest one, [click here](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/celaya+walmart/@20.5481576,-100.9087561,12z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x842cbada3dba966b:0x9e432b7996a1f2e9!2m2!1d-100.8387157!2d20.5481717).

Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro – There are 3 Walmarts—for a link to the closest one, [click here](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Walmart+Juriquilla,+Paseo+de+la+Rep%C3%BAblica+12402,+Epigmenio+Gonzalez,+76147+Santiago+de+Quer%C3%A9taro,+Qro./@19.9827644,-100.2399343,9z/data=!4m17!1m7!3m6!1s0x85d35ac75ec22e47:0xe2c0d892850c0522!2sWalmart+Juriquilla!3b1!8m2!3d20.6759053!4d-100.4331487!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x85d35ac75ec22e47:0xe2c0d892850c0522!2m2!1d-100.4331487!2d20.6759053!3e2).

GOING TO COSTCO IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE:

Similarly, there is no Costco in San Miguel de Allende. For the closest Costco, you have to either head to Celaya, Guanajuato, or to Santiago de Querétaro.

Celaya, Guanajuato – has one location—for a link, [click here](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/costco+in+san+miguel+de+allende/@20.6142641,-100.4636325,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x85d35b1fea06b60f:0x7d3597c72fd10f9d!2m2!1d-100.3935921!2d20.6142782).

Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro – has one location—for a link, [click here](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/costco+in+san+miguel+de+allende/@20.6142641,-100.4636325,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x85d35b1fea06b60f:0x7d3597c72fd10f9d!2m2!1d-100.3935921!2d20.6142782).

OTHER SHOPS IN QUERETARO:

We recommend heading to Santiago de Querétaro instead of Celaya, because it is an absolutely scenic and thriving city. It is very safe, and it is a wonderful place to spend a day. When you are there, you can also take advantage of a lot of other businesses, such as: Sam’s Club, Home Depot, and a huge mall that will rival any you see in the United States, equipped with: H&M, American Outfitters, Guess. . . etc. It also has some American fast food chains in case you are missing home, such as: IHOP, Burger King, Subway, Applebee’s, KFC. . . etc.

_Interested in getting health insurance while living abroad? Get a free quote today by clicking below._

[Get a Quote](/quote)

[Phone Consultation](https://calendly.com/teamexpat/15min)

Shopping in San Miguel de Allende can be a pleasant experience without the hustle and bustle of larger cities in Mexico. Small artsy shops are found along the idyllic streets without the name-brand shopping one would come to expect from larger cities. Shopping in San Miguel is often a pleasurable experience with great service and high-quality goods.


shopping-san-miguel.jpeg

Shopping San Miguel

![American Mail in Mexico](https://weexpats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/WeExpats-Insurance-Receiving-American-Mail-in-Mexico.jpeg)

There are many reasons why someone might need to get American mail in Mexico. WeExpats in particular requires marketing materials, statements, brochures, and policies. These all require the ability to send and receive American mail in San Miguel de Allende. Receiving American mail in Mexico used to be a hassle with lost packages and the like, however now there are practical solutions.

Perhaps it is something more particular to your daily routine, like you enjoy reading your daily print edition of the Wall Street Journal. Or maybe you’re very tall or large, and you are need clothes that will fit—brick and mortar shops for big and tall people are a rarity.

AMERICAN FORWARDING SERVICES IN MEXICO:

To solve this need, two entrepreneurs started a brilliant mail forwarding service: La Conexion and Solutions. WeExpats uses La Conexion. They have small post-office-type kiosk spread all over San Miguel de Allende. One signs up at a location closest to where you live. The cost is about $22.00usd a month. You will receive a box number and a mailing address in Laredo, Texas. Each day, your mail is received and collected together in Laredo, and then you receive American mail in San Miguel de Allende about 2 to 3 days later.

RECEIVING AMERICAN PACKAGES THROUGH LA CONEXION:

Packages are a different deal. The company charges a flat rate of 17% of the value and $1 a pound for shipping—however, books are exempt from the 17% flat rate fee. The process requires a bit of work. Say you order a shipment from some popular clothing brand. You just have to forward a receipt to your La Conexion location. When La Conexion receives the package, you get a notice. Then, you pay the fee and get your American mail in San Miguel de Allende. It can take a while seeing as how packages are driven in by truck—often around 5 business days. Nevertheless, this service is a life saver. WeExpats has had Samsung send replacement power cords, ordered cordless phones, delivered big and tall clothing, sent school textbooks from Amazon, and even replacement credit cards from Chase! The service works phenomenally.

SENDING MAIL THROUGH AMERICAN FORWARDING SERVICES:

Additionally, you can mail letters to the United States through this service. Simply drop it off and your letter is then forwarded to their hub in Texas. This service costs about a dollar for a letter—however they do not accept packages sent to the United States.

SOME CHALLENGES:

There are still a few challenges using La Conexion. Receiving American medication in Mexico presents a challenge because La Conexion will not accept deliveries. Solutions (the other company for receiving American mail in Mexico) still does. If you require medication, perhaps another American forwarding service in Mexico is a better option for you. The other challenge is overnight delivery. Overnight delivery takes a few days using these companies.

USING THE MEXICAN POSTAL SERVICE:

Though notoriously unreliable, we have heard that the Mexican post has dramatically improved recently. Telmex bills and our water bill are often received in a timely manner. Here in San Miguel de Allende, _coreo_ motorcycles can be seen around town dropping off deliveries. The Mexican post office is right off the _Jardín_—or the center of San Miguel. Some expats have gotten a PO Box there. WeExpats recommends that you use this at your own risk.

One new service that has sprung up for expats is a virtual mailbox. Your mail is sent to an American location, and then the letter is scanned. You then receive an email with the image. If you want them to open it, they will then do that and scan you the contents. If you want it forwarded, they will do that. One example of such a virtual mailbox is: [Virtual Postmail](http://www.virtualpostmail.com). WeExpats has not used this service, however we have heard it is quite reliable.

_Interested in getting health insurance while living abroad? Get a free quote today by clicking below._

[Get a Quote](/quote)

[Phone Consultation](https://calendly.com/teamexpat/15min)

There are many reasons why someone might need to get American mail in Mexico. WeExpats in particular requires marketing materials, statements, brochures, and policies. These all require the ability to send and receive American mail in San Miguel de Allende. Receiving American mail in Mexico used to be a hassle with lost  packages and the like, however now there are practical solutions.


how-we-get-mail-here-in-mexico.jpg

How we get mail here in Mexico

![](https://weexpats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/WeExpats-Insurance-San-Miguel-Internet.jpg)

Living abroad can be a challenge. Often things that are as small as finding an internet in San Miguel de Allende. However, WeExpats has made an effort to put together an easy guide to getting internet service in Mexico.

**Internet Service:**

Here in San Miguel de Allende we have four choices for internet providers:

*   Telmex – the local phone company
    
*   MegaCable – the local cable company
    

Or if you live in the outskirts (the _campo_)

*   Live – satellite internet provider
    
*   Unisonno – satellite internet provider
    

In choosing your service provider you ought to consider where you are located and how old the wiring and infrastructure system is in your home.

Telmex

There is an office on the Ancha Boulevard. You can fill out some light paperwork, sign a 6-month agreement, and receive a box to connect to the phone line. This will cost roughly about 200 pesos a month for 3mb service. Many have reported that the service was poor, turning on and off, or often loading very slowly and frustratingly. It seems that the phone lines that carry the signal are generally spliced, and the signal is generally of poor quality. Also, the phone company is only responsible for wires to the telephone pole. At our home, that is about 600 feet away!

Megacable

Megacable has about the same price as Telcel—10mb for about 200 pesos. There is a chance that Megacable may want to charge you roughly 300 USD to run a line in from the street, however as San Miguel de Allende develops, this likelihood becomes rare, and often they will front the bill so as to corner this particular street, and tap this one market.  
Within a few hours, a team of technicians complete with drills, ladders, and wires will arrive to hook you up. The speed is generally 10mb down, .5 up. Reviews say the internet is fairly reliable, and if it goes out, a simple reboot resets the signal.

Choosing between Megacable and Telcel

The best advice we can give is that, when you move here, ask your neighbors what they use. Be sure to try out both systems if you can. The reviews are varied with both companies. If you are unhappy with the service that you have chosen, sometimes nicely pleading with a service technician can help you get better service. Either way, the good news is that there is fairly reliable internet throughout all of San Miguel de Allende.

Satellite Internet in San Miguel de Allende

For those living out in the country (or _campo_) there are satellite internet in San Miguel de Allende. With a package, you are given a small dish which is aimed at a larger dish. Typically, it works well as an option for those living out in the _campo_. However, one challenge is that the signal bounces so far back and forth that Vonage, Magic Jack, and other internet phone services do not work as well. Another is that the signal can fluctuate in turbulent weather, however the typical weather in San Miguel de Allende is pleasant and sunny with rare exceptions.

Update

\*An update as of August 2018. Telmex has wired the city with fiber optic cable. It is supposed to be 100mb. The last opportunity we had to test it, the speed was at 63mb down, 20mb up. Also, AT&T reached a deal with the San Miguel de Allende’s city council, and has installed a fiber optic, public Wi-Fi network setting up Wi-Fi in public parks and squares in the _centro historico_ or downtown area.

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_Interested in getting health insurance while living abroad? Get a free quote today by clicking below._

[Get a Quote](/quote)

[Phone Consultation](https://calendly.com/teamexpat/15min)

Living abroad can be a challenge. Often things that are as small as finding an internet in San Miguel de Allende. However, WeExpats has made an effort to put together an easy guide to getting internet service in Mexico. Internet Service: Here in San Miguel de Allende we have four choices for internet.


san-miguel-de-allende-internet.jpg

San Miguel de Allende INTERNET

![How to get a cellphone in San Miguel de Allende](https://weexpats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/San-Miguel-de-Allende-Cell-Phone-WeExpats-Insurance.jpeg)

Have you wondered what is the best way to get a cell phone in San Miguel de Allende? Like much of the rest of Mexico, getting a cell phone in San Miguel can be cheap and easy if you know what to do. Here we have recommendations on choosing between cell phone service providers in San Miguel de Allende.

_\*This content has been updated to reflect changes in the telecommunications industry – July 2018_

In San Miguel de Allende, cell phone reception is good and service is inexpensive. There really is one major service, Telcel, and a only a few other minor companies which struggle to compete. However, recently AT&T has established a foothold in the industry here by buying up Telcel’s competitors such as Iusacell.

**You Have Several Cell Phone Choices When Traveling in Mexico:**

**\-Keep Your American Plan-**

The first option is to keep your Verizon or AT&T service and add a Mexican plan. Many offer add-on plans to compliment your current American cell phone plan with international services. You get to keep your USA number, and it can call or receive here or in the United States. It rings once as an American number and then it has a a distinct Mexican ring.

We do not recommend this choice. Friends of ours have AT&T with this service, and from our experience only 33% of calls connect—the others receive a recorded AT&T voicemail prompt. We often have to call a few times before we can reach them. AT&T likely piggybacks on Telcel’s system, and the difficulties arise from the communication between the two companies. When they do connect however, it is a clear call.

There is also T-Mobile’s “Mobile Without Borders” plan, which offers unlimited talk, text, and data and up to 5GB of 4G LTE (or a maximum of your high-speed data allotment, whichever comes first) while traveling in Canada and _Mexico_. The jury is still out on this service. If you look at the small print, it states that it’s not meant for long term use in Mexico. However, it seems a viable option for the steady traveler.

**\-Purchase a Mexican Plan-**

The second, and easiest option, is to get Telcel. It is the clear leader here. You can either bring your cell phone and have it unlocked in Mexico or in the United States, or you can purchase a phone here. Then stop by a Telcel store (in San Miguel de Allende, the major service center is near the Mega supermarket) and for about 100 pesos ($5 USD) get a SIM card. They will activate it, provide a new phone number, and you’re good to go.

The Telcel main office here in San Miguel de Allende offers a Mexican plan with unlimited talk and text, as well as 2gb of data. Also with their _Sin Fronteras_ plan, you can use your phone in the USA and Mexico at a cost of only 299 pesos a month. It is relatively simple to switch over. After visiting the main office of Telcel, you show your _Tarjeta de_ _Residente Temporal_ (Temporary Residence card)—sorry no Tourist visas. You must also provide 3 references of people with landlines. Telcel will call one of the landline numbers, and if you are approved, you will receive your service in only a few hours.

**\-Purchase a Pre-Paid Cell Phone in San Miguel de Allende-**

Most people here use Telcel prepaid cell phones. It can be difficult to get month-to-month service here unless you have residency status. If you would like a new cell phone in San Miguel, you can pay cash for the total cost without any 24-month contracts. Contrary to the United States, most Mexicans are on prepaid cellphones.

You can visit OXXO or Mega supermarket at their cash registers in order to buy credit on your phone—whatever peso amount you can afford in increments of 20 pesos, with a maximum of 500 pesos. Often, the more you purchase, the better the deal. For example purchasing 300 pesos worth of credit gets you a bonus of 150 pesos as a gift or “_regalo_”. An instant message comes to you confirming your purchase, and an hour later another arrives with your current credit. A rough estimate offers about 1 peso a minute, however internet and SMS messages have different rates. Calling USA numbers is sometimes this same rate, though often more expensive. However, you don’t use your cell phone in San Miguel de Allende as often. When you are interested in surfing the internet, you can program your cell phone with the internet passwords of local establishments.

Internet for Telcel can get pricey. It is deducted from your account balance at about 2 pesos a mb. Watching a video has been known to wipe out an entire account balance. However, many people do not realize that Telcel offers data packages for prepaid cell phones. Stop by the Telcel store and have them show you how their packages work. As mentioned above, in San Miguel de Allende, this is hardly an issue because wifi signals from local establishments are readily available on every corner.

Simple Samsung models from Telcel that come with 100 pesos of service, the phone, and the SIM card cost about $10-15 USD. Also, there are weekly plans that include data and service for the whole week, however when the week has ended, outgoing phone calls cease to function. (Phones can still receive calls without credit.) It is hard to find a corner of San Miguel de Allende where you don’t get full reception. In the United States, our AT&T bills were easily $100 USD per line. Here in Mexico, we might spend 400 pesos for a pair of cell phones per month.

**A Few Tricks for Prepaid Cell Phones in San Miguel de Allende:**

*   Watch for an occasional text from Telcel. They offer promotions to double your minutes about once a month.
    
*   Make sure you do not sign up for their news updates. Those come fast and furious, eating up pesos along the way. If that happens visit the Telcel service center to turn that feature off.
    
*   To see how much credit is left on your cell phone dial \*133\* and a text will appear with your remaining pesos.
    
*   Whoever dials, pays. If you are expecting a long conversation, have them call you.
    

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Have you wondered what is the best way to get a cell phone in San Miguel de Allende? Like much of the rest of Mexico, getting a cell phone in San Miguel can be cheap and easy if you know what to do. Here we have recommendations on choosing between cell phone service providers in San Miguel de Allende.


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