Cozumel News January 13th, 2017: Cozumel’s Race of Love for CAED Tomorrow, Bleak Study on Mexico’s Economy, Cozumel 2017 Carnaval “Rumba Son y Diversión!”, The Cozumel Sun’s Cozumel Guide, Cozumel’s Important Documents and How to: The CURP CARD, The RFC, The Plan Cozumel, The Plan Locale, The INAPAM (Senior Card), Mexico Social Security, Mexico Driver’s License, The FPMC Card, and The Emergency Contact Card.
Cozumel’s Race of Love for CAED Tomorrow
The Service Center for Students with Disabilities (CAED) needs to expand its infrastructure. They need to raise money for concrete, blocks, rods, and the cost of labor to be able to construct the more classrooms. They are calling on the community to participate in the event called ” Carrera de Amor” (Race of Love for CAED Cozumel) to be held on Saturday January 14th starting at 5 p.m.
Registration will cost $150 pesos and you will receive a kit that includes a shirt, participant number, bottle, backpack and medals to winners in the two Categories.
The number of students in the community with disabilities has grown and more space is needed. CAED began with a dozen students in 2015, and now has organized morning groups that serve more than 35 students in the school system.
CAED is organizing various activities to raise funds, and receive donations in kind such as a building material, as project this year to expand the classroom but That costs and we need the support of the community.
The “Race of Love for CAED Cozumel” will have two categories that is Family with a circuit six kilometers and professional 50 kilometers on the Avenue of the Colonia Felix Gonzalez Canto on the cross road, ”
On Tuesday morning staff of CAED Cozumel received computer equipment donated to the program and plans to have an area for this function that will allow students to access computers in the future.
Blue Angel Resort Dive Shop
Cielo Cruises (Snorkel) – Dive Packages –
Hotel – Hotel & Dive Packages
Scuba School 5 Star IDC Center
www.blueangelresort.com
info@blueangelresort.com
+52 9878720819
Bleak Study on Mexico’s Economy
The purchasing power of Mexicans has declined. In the past six – year period, the purchasing power of workers decreased by 11 percent, while the minimum wage increased 12.8 percent, according to a study by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
This report, prepared at the Center for Multidisciplinary Analysis of the Faculty of Economics, is based on the prices of the basic necessities for a family of four.
The estimate is made up of 40 foods but does not include preparation costs or costs of shelter, transportation or clothing. The cost of food was $218.06 pesos a day in October 2016 when the minimum wage was 73.04 pesos PER DAY.
According to the UNAM, three basic wages are needed to purchase the basic products, so that a worker can meet his needs he or she would have to work at least 23 hours.
The study also emphasizes that the increase of four pesos a day to the minimum wage will not suffice, because inflation will be affected by the increase in gasoline and fuels.
Buccanos Beach Club
Beach Club Open Daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Reservations: 01 987 872 0100
Email buccanos@yahoo.com
http://buccanos.com/
Cozumel 2017 Carnaval “Rumba Son y Diversión!”
It is official, the 143rd annual Carnaval de Cozumel’s theme will be “Rumba, Son y Diversion! Todo una tradicion!”
While the competitions for King and Queen and other events, will officially begin on January 28th, the contestants for King and Queen and dance groups have already begun their campaigns and parties.
The 2017 Carnaval de Cozumel Coronation of the Royal Court will be on February 22nd. Parade nights will be Saturday February 25th, Sunday the 26th and Tuesday the 28th. The Carnaval will end on Wednesday March 1st with the traditional burning of “Juan Carnaval.”
Albatros Charters
Fishing & Cruising Cozumel
Local Telephone in Cozumel:
987- 872-7904
Email: info@cozumel-fishing.com
http://albatroscharters.com/
The Cozumel Sun’s Cozumel Guide
The Cozumel Sun has a Cozumel Guide section that contains the following Sections:
Banks & Money
Consumer Complaints PROFECO
Emergencies
Home Maintenance
Hurricane Preparation in Cozumel
Important Documents
Mexico Immigration
Bringing Foreign Plated Cars into Cozumel
Mexico Consulate Requirement for Lost Cards
Mexico Immigration Fees
Mexico Real Estate
Traveling as a Mexican Resident
Shipping and Transporting Goods into Mexico
U.S. Consular News & Information sub item
Page U.S. Consular News & Information
U.S. Immigration Border Crossing
Death Abroad
Sergio’s Silver from Taxco
Cozumel Town Square Park
Juárez Ave. #117 x 5th Ave
Mon- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8 p.m
Phone: 01 987 872 7632
Email: sergiosilver@live.com.mx
Website: http://www.sergiosilver.com.
Cozumel’s Important Documents
Important Documents in Cozumel
Every official document is important in Mexico. There is a lot of red tape involved to acquire them, and even more red tape if you lose them. It is imperative that you keep all your documents and documentation organized and current. You must keep copies of ALL the documents that you carry with you in your purse, wallet or vehicle. Even if you keep these documents in a safe until you are ready to use them, it is good practice to have a copy. When traveling in Mexico you must have proof that you are in the Country legally at all times! I am afraid of losing my originals so I make a color copy of my resident card, license and senior card, cut to size, front and back faced and glued and laminated. I carry my copies and leave my originals at home in the safe. Have copies of your Passport, CURP, Plan Locale, INAPAN, Driver’s License, FPMC, RFC, Mexican Social Security, AND your Immigration Card.
At home in a safe place you MUST keep the following documents:
– Official Certified Birth Certificate & Certified Translation
– Official Marriage License & Certified Translation
– Last Will & Testament from your Country of Citizenship & Mexican Last Will & Testament
– Power of Attorney (Officially translated if not filed in Mexico)
– Living Will Officially Translated
– Burial / Cremation Preferences Officially translated & notarized.
– Keep Receipts of Paid Taxes and Utilities for 5 years
– Homeowners: Deeds & Land Trust documents & Insurance
– Renters: Rental Contract & Receipts of payments
– Vehicles: Permits, Ownership, taxes, & Insurance
– Business Owners: Ownership Documents, Paperwork, receipts, taxes & Insurance
– Business Owners instructions for termination of employees in the event of your death.
– Banking: Documents & an authorized backup person you can entrust to withdraw your funds to pay your expenses should you be incapacitated, hospitalized, or for your burial expenses in the event of your death.
There are Nine important Mexican Documents that you will need to apply for, some mandatory and some that will give you discounted services.
What these credentials are for: A CURP number is now being assigned by immigration to new applicants for temporary and permanent residents, a copy of the card will be required for a number of things. A MEXICAN DRIVERS LICENSE is mandatory to drive in Mexico if you have a Permanent Resident status. The INAPAM (Senior Card), PLAN LOCALE (Ferry Discount also frequently used for proof of residency), and FUNDACIÓN DE PARQUES Y MUSEO DE COZUMEL cards are equally important because they will enable you to receive discounts only available to residents on the island. You will need a MEXICAN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER to apply for IMSS Insurance and an RFC number if you want to receive and give out Facturas, or in other words, file taxes, ask for tax exemption or lower the amount of taxes when you are earning an income or selling property.
The Cozumel Sun Step by Step Instructions:
The CURP (Clave Unica de Poblacion) is needed to apply for a Mexican driver’s license, employment, collecting pensions, enrolling a child in school, registering your cellular telephone, and certain bank transactions. The CURP number is now assigned to you as part of the immigration process. Once you receive your CURP number, you can go on-line and print out your CURP card. Here’s the link to the page http://consultas.curp.gob.mx/CurpSP/ .
The RFC is your Tax Identification Number, needed if you are selling or providing services that create revenues. It is issued by SAT, Secretary of Hacienda and Public Credit, the Mexican version of the IRS or Revenue Canada. As of September 2014, it is needed in order to sell or purchase Mexican Property. It is my understanding that you can start the process by applying on line at www.sat.gob.mx using your CURP number. I applied at the SAT office on 30th. I took along all my copies of: CURP, Immigration Credential, Utility Bill, and Copy of my Passport front Page. In no time I was issued a tax ID number, (RFC) and handed a how to disk with instructions and informational pamphlets. You can make an appointment with their accountant who can assist you on a one to one basis if you run across any problems. I am able to issue and receive Facturas for my work with The Cozumel Sun. I am able to do it all on-line including filing my taxes every two months. An RFC number will enable you to receive facturas for your home improvements and repairs to offset your capital gains tax in time of sales. The document is letter size. The above illustration is what the very top of the document looks like.
There is a Car Ferry Discount Program for Mexican plated Vehicles called Plan Cozumel. You must also have a Mexican driver’s license to qualify. It is vehicle and owner specific, in other words, if you have multiple vehicles, you must get a discount card for each. While you need not be driving, you must be in the vehicle to receive the discount.
At the time that I obtained this information, there was a big demand for the discount, so they were only processing about 85 per day. The guard on duty handed out numbers starting at 7 in the morning. One number is only good for one vehicle; ask for more if you have multiple vehicles.
I was told foreigners should present their car registration card (Mexican) their Driver’s license (Mexican) and their Immigration Credentials. The discount card is free of charge, but replacement cards for damaged or lost cards will be 100 pesos. They are located on Calle 6 North #14 between 10 and 15th Avenues. They are open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from nine a.m. to two p.m. The cost for an economy car not exceeding 5.5 metros will be $723.98 pesos. The discount will lower that rate to $380 pesos. This includes the driver; extra passengers will be $60 pesos each.
The Plan Locale card serves both as a discount card at both passenger ferry companies and as proof of residence for local businesses that give discounts to the residents. I applied at the “Modulo De Plan Locale” located outside the offices of Mexican Waterjets on Avenida 6 Norte between 10th and 15th. The process was fast and easy. You need your original Immigration card, your proof of residence (current cable, light, or water bill) and present your senior card (INAPAM) if you have one (50% Ferry discount for seniors). The cost is $100 pesos. They take your picture and issue your card right on the spot. The card is renewed annually and coincides with your immigration renewal date if applicable.
I met with an official of Mexican Waterjets on behalf of the many residents that live on the island six months per year and hold no Visa. I am sorry to report at this time that they will not make an exception.
2 copies of proof of residence (CFE or CAPA Bill)
2 copies of IFE (Instituto Federal Electoral) This would not apply to foreign nationals as we can’t vote Substitute with your Visa or Permanent Resident Card Copies
3 infantile color photographs without glasses
Name and telephone number of a person to contact in case of an accident
The Mexico Social Security Number: You need a Mexican Social Security Number in order to apply for the Mexican Social Security Medical Insurance. Apply on line at: http://www.imss.gob.mx/tramites/imss02008 . All you need to have handy is your CURP number, an Email address and a printer. Follow the step by step instructions and you can print out this valuable document in minutes.The document is letter size the above illustration is what the very top of the document looks like.
Mexico Driver’s License
Where: The Police station adjacent to the Municipal building. As you enter take an immediately left to office at end of the hall.
Other Requirement: They will give you an appointment for a 2 hour class, Exam and driving test. The course and exam are 100% in Spanish. 2 hour course first, then a 4 page written exam. Exam can be oral if necessary and translators are allowed.
Cost: Cost was $383 pesos for the license $20 pesos for the exam, $80-$100 pesos for Blood Test.
Renewable: Every Two Years
The Fundacion De Parques Y Museos De Cozumel Card is what I call the Park Card for short. This card is a must have to get the local discounts at all the Municipal Parks and the Museum. It is issued by the Fundacion De Parques Y Museos located next to Oxxo on 30th Avenida near Juarez and at their office in Chankanaab Park. (On 30th it is the white building with red trim with huge letters “FPMC”, you can’t miss it). Their hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You will need a copy of your immigration credentials, your Plan Locale Card, a copy of your INAPAM card (if applicable), and a copy of a current utility invoice for proof of residence. There is a minimal charge for each card ($30 pesos in 2014).. Just like the Plan Locale, they have a machine that takes your picture and transfers it to their computer. They show you the picture and then print it on a hard plastic card with your data in a matter of minutes. It is well worth the effort as the discount is 50% at Chankanaab Park alone!
Emergency Contacts
Now, this is totally different than the arrangements that you make in your will in the event of your death. The arrangements that you make in case of your death is to make things easier for your loved ones, and to make certain that your assets are distributed per your instructions. This is more important, what happens if you are ill and incapacitated, can affect the quality of the rest of your life.
This person or persons should live here on the island. There should be more than one, in the event you have an emergency while your first choice is on vacation, or was with you in the same car accident. (This will typically be the case if your emergency Contact is your spouse or significant other that lives with you in Cozumel).
An” In Case Of Emergency Card” should be in YOUR CAR, MOTO, WALLET / PURSE, and taped next to the telephone in your HOME in the event the emergency happens at home. Do not forget allergies, blood type and medical conditions!
Add your hospital preference! Remember, in Cozumel we are having the ambulance drivers compete to get patients to designated hospitals. You do not want to have coverage at IMSS or General Hospital and wake up with a huge bill at CMC! This in-case-of-emergency card should be typed in SPANISH & English with the names and contact information of your emergency Contacts.
The EMERGENCY CONTACT should have the knowledge and ability to:
- Contact your family back home, & your Power of Attorney, etc.
- Schedule themselves and others to remain by your side until your family arrives from abroad. Family members and friends are expected to be with the loved ones in most Mexican Hospital to assist with the care of the patient. This is toileting, bathing, feeding, and changing diapers, etc. It is also important if there is a language barrier.
- Have knowledge and access to the whereabouts of all your documents.
- Have access to your home to care for or arrange for the care for your pets.
- Have knowledge of your home in case it needs to be locked up indefinitely or prepared for severe weather.
If this person happens to also be your Power of Attorney, they should have a means of accessing funds through a debit card. If you have not designated a friend or Family member back home to be your POA , with the legal document translated Officially and Notarized in Mexico, you better find someone you trust here to be your POA. Here are some reasons why:
It is not uncommon in Mexico to have a patient’s family purchase medication not in-stock or have laboratory or other test done by another institution that requires pre-payment.
There are some insurance policies that do not cover all procedures. Those not covered will require payment.
In addition to hospital expenses, are there household employees (maid, gardener, pool guy) that will need to be paid? Will your pet or pets need money on hand for food or care?
If you are single and/or living alone:
Do you wish to stop all housekeeping, pool service, laundry service? These people will need to receive their final payment, or have someone in-charge of continuing to pay them in your absence.
What do you want to happen in your Contracted Services if you will be in the hospital long term or returned to your home country for treatment?
If instructed, the POA will be able to turn off your cable service, telephone service, and internet service. These services will only close the account once they receive payment in full for what is owed to them.
Now, these are things that I have come up with based on a household only. If you have a business here in Mexico, you will need to think through and make arrangements to have all your bases covered within the business.
Please help keep this information current. Mexican laws and procedures are constantly changing. Please bring any changes you might encounter to our attention so that we may keep this information current at all times. Thank you!
Welcome New Sponsors Bandida Fishing Charters
Fishingbandidacozumel@prodigy.net.mx
Phone México (052) 987 8724573
Or Give Aura a Call at US # 386-445-8702!
Cozumel Tours by Cab
Enjoy a Tour of beautiful Cozumel designed by you!
20 years of experience in Cozumel, reasonable rates!
See Our Excellent Reviews in Trip Advisors!
From Mexico: 987-800-8676
From U.S.: 949-459-3802 Taz or Aura at 386-445-8702
https://cozumeltoursbycab.com/
I believe that it is illegal to make a copy of your permanent or temporary resident card and laminate it. You may make a paper copy in black and white, or take a photo of it to keep on your phone, but if it looks exactly like the original the officials will destroy it.
A black and white copy is legal. The idea is to have all the information and not risk losing the original. Your idea of a telephone picture is great for those that have the fancy telephones and unlike me know how to use them (ja ja ja).