MexicoFlow — Settle In, Branch Out

Hola from Mexico! This week we’re talking about a major cultural festival in Guanajuato, smart ATM safety practices, and a practical insurance option for short-term travelers.

🗞️ Need-to-Know Update

🎭 Festival Internacional Cervantino — Returning Oct 10–26, 2025

One of the world’s most celebrated arts festivals returns to Guanajuato City with:

International music and orchestras
Theater and contemporary dance
Cultural showcases from across the globe

Important: Tickets and hotels sell out fast—book early if you plan to attend.

💵 Cash Access in Mexico: ATM Tips

Not all ATMs are equally safe. The best options are inside major bank branches:

Banorte
BBVA
HSBC

Avoid:

Freestanding ATMs in tourist zones
ATMs in convenience stores or bars

These often have high fees, low limits, or a higher risk of card skimming.

🏡 Mexico Living Tip

🏧 ATM Safety & Fees

Always use ATMs inside bank lobbies—they’re monitored, safer, and better maintained.
Decline “currency conversion” when prompted to avoid inflated exchange rates.
Bank ATMs typically allow higher withdrawal limits with lower fixed fees.

💸 Carrying Cash Smartly

Mexico is still a cash-forward economy, so carry:

Smaller bills (50, 100, 200 pesos)
Avoid relying solely on 500-peso notes—many small shops can’t make change.

🛡 Health & Insurance Highlight

Contacting an Ambulance as an Expat in Mexico

🎥 YouTube Video Link: Watch here
(Or link to Brett’s channel if the video is not available.)

Short Summary:
Brett explains how short-term emergency medical plans protect travelers from sudden illness or accidents. Ideal for:

Digital nomads
Snowbirds
Visitors staying weeks or months
Anyone who doesn’t need a full annual plan but wants reliable protection

📌 Learn more: Get a Free Quote

🌍 City Spotlight: Guanajuato City, Guanajuato

Walkability: High — winding alleys, historic tunnels, pedestrian plazas
Cost: $$
Health Access: Fair (private clinics locally; major hospitals in nearby León)

Why Expats Love It:

A vibrant, nonstop arts scene
World-class cultural festivals
Colorful colonial architecture
Unique cafés, museums, and nightlife

📚 Spanish Phrase of the Week

Phrase: “¿Dónde compro los boletos?”
Meaning: “Where do I buy tickets?”
Perfect for concerts, museums, tours, and Cervantino events.

⚖️ Legal & Residency Corner

Digital Application Pilots for Visas

Some Mexican consulates are testing online document submission systems.
This may reduce in-person visits, but:

Requirements still vary by consulate
Not all consulates participate
Always confirm before applying

A promising step toward faster, more efficient visa processes.

🔗 Call to Action

Planning a trip or living part-time in Mexico?
Get a short-term or long-term insurance quote:
👉 https://brettlamar.com/quote/?source=wifi&id=newsletter

Already living in Mexico?
Share your city and we’ll match your plan to covered hospitals:
👉 https://brettlamar.com/quote/?source=wifi&id=newsletter

📬 Closing Signature

Stay safe & enjoy the journey,
Brett LaMar
Senior Insurance Broker for Expats in Mexico

📱 WhatsApp: +52 322 274 0391
📧 brett.l@expatinsurance.com
🌐 https://brettlamar.com/?source=wifi&id=newsletter