I send mail back to the States whenever possible with a friend or acquain-
tance that is heading back to the States and is willing to drop the envelope in
the nearest mailbox in the U.S. Every Sunday at the Vineyard Church on
Camarón Sábalo, across from Panama Restaurant and Bakery, the last thing the
minister asks is, "Are there any people heading back to the U.S. or Canada who
would be willing to post letters?" There are always people who answer in the
affirmative. I use this method all the time and have never had a problem with
slowness or loss.
For routine utility bill payments for my home back in the States, I use my
checking account and credit card for automatic monthly payment. Before I
leave for Mazatlán, I hand my good friend and neighbor a stack of birthday
cards, addressed and stamped, with a date on the envelope. On the date
required, he places them in the outgoing mail.
If you are sending mail from the States to Mazatlán, place the zip code in
front of the name, Mazatlán. Also be sure and put "MEXICO" at the bottom
of the envelope in capital letters.
The bus service in Mexico is very reliable for sending and receiving pack-
ages. I have known people who have made purchases in Guadalajara and had
them shipped to themselves in Mazatlán via the bus service.
Linea Castores is a trucking company that will pick up your furniture pur-
chases in Guadalajara and deliver them to your home in Mazatlán. They enjoy
a reputation for delivery in a timely manner at a decent price.
Grocery stores--Supermarkets: I have shopped at all the supermarkets and
Sam's Club and found them to be about the same price. They don't charge the
same prices for everything and they don't all carry the same products. We have
found that we have to go to about two or three supermarkets to fill our needs.
Prices for foods produced in Mexico are generally cheaper than the same thing
produced in the U.S. Food imported from the U.S, however, costs more than
in the U.S.
Sam's Club requires a $35 U.S. per year membership fee. You can cut the
cost of membership in half by going into partnership with someone else. They
allow two cards for the annual dues. Rumor has it that Canadians can get a free
membership because there is no Sam's Club in Canada--Whatever that
means.
Grocery delivery: Gigante's grocery delivery services are available in the
metropolitan area by calling 983-6003 and asking for Aurelia. You can order
from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and it will be delivered within two hours.
Wal-Mart: Has free home delivery of groceries, liquors, and beer, between
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Call by 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. at the latest. Delivery is
made within two hours anywhere in Mazatlán. Credit cards are accepted as
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