Our last post from our Tropicasa Tips
series explained the role of the fideicomiso and how it applies to purchasing
real estate in Mexico. This week, we’re shedding some light on the INAPAM Card and
its availability for foreigners living in Mexico.
First, you maybe be wondering, what is an INAPAM
Card? It’s a program for older residents of Mexico (aged 60+) that can offer a
wide range discounts on goods, services and activities. The INAPAM card is
intended to provide support to those on a fixed income, offering discounts that
range from 10% to 50%, which may include:
- Doctors, dentists, and medications
- Bus tickets and plane tickets with AeroMexico (purchased
in-person)
- Property
taxes
- Public utilities like SEAPAL
- Supermarkets & convenience stores
- Some services like auto repair, plumbers, electricians, hair
care, dry cleaners, etc
- Veterinary care
- Tourism excursions and museum admission
- Some restaurants and retail outlets
If you already have an INAPAM card, hold
onto it, because by most accounts, they are increasingly difficult to come by
and perhaps on their way to extinction for many foreign residents.
However, depending on the day, the person
working at the counter, and the number of cards in stock at that moment, you
may still be able to secure an INAPAM card. If you’d like to give it try,
here’s a list of things to bring along to the DIF
office to increase your chances.
What you NEED to have:
- Passport and driver’s license or your birth certificate
- Residente Permanente visa
- Recent utility bill as proof of address
- Two photographs taken and stamped within the last month, in the
same size and format as your residency visa photos
What you MAY need, based on recent reports:
·
Proof that you own a property
in Mexico
Check back with us next week when we’ll
provide an easy explanation of the escrow process when buying a home in Puerto
Vallarta.
Click here for
more Puerto Vallarta real estate and lifestyle tips from Tropicasa Realty.
