INAPAM Card INAPAM is a great benefit for retirees living in Puerto Vallarta. Who doesn’t like to save money, given the opportunity? The goal of INAPAM, officially Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores, is to provide programs for those over the age of 60 years who wish to stay active. This covers a lot of territory. INAPAM’s focus is making sure that elderly people in Mexico are taking advantage of their due rights and opportunities. INAPAM has been around for a long while but it was only at the turn of this century that the government began implementing the program to affect coverage for families, run at both a state and federal level. They provide education on the topics of mental and physical health, host cultural activities and help care providers get the training they need to assist with elderly living situations.
Anyone can get an INAPAM card, as long as you’re 60 years or older and have the proper papers. You are entitled to some great discounts in Puerto Vallarta if you qualify. Property taxes are chief among them. You already get a discount if you pay early and with your INAPAM card you will get a full 50%.
To get your very own card, go to one of the DIF offices in Puerto Vallarta; there are several locations around the city. It helps to speak Spanish but it’s not completely necessary; we know those who’ve managed to stumble their way through the process but it rarely takes only one visit. Bring originals and copies of passport, electric (CFE) or water (Seapal) bills in your name, and any residency card you may possess. It is not necessary to be a permanent resident of Puerto Vallarta but if you are, if might speed up the process. If you come fully prepared, there’s a good chance of you leaving the DIF office with your INAPAM card in hand. Arrive early, no later than 8 am and get your name/s on the list. The office doesn’t open until 9 am but a guard will be there to take names, which will allow you to receive a number ahead of those who come later. By 9 am, that list will be a couple dozen people long and it’s too late then. Take a book, knitting, a friend to talk to, or whatever helps you pass the time, because, like the immigration office, they’re in no big hurry. You’ll also need photos for your card; the photographer (we recommend Plaza Caracol) will know the correct amount required.
As stated, the discount for your Predial (property taxes) is worth the trip, but there are many other advantages. In Puerto Vallarta you’ll get a discounted bus fare, which doesn’t seem like a big deal but you also get the same discount on tour buses, traveling distances all over Mexico. Some restaurants give discounts if you show your card. Ask. Traveling within the country by air can also be discounted. If you have a Mexican driver’s license, it will cost you half price for renewal; theater tickets are cheaper; special events are discounted. INAPAM puts on events specifically for cardholders.
Our advice is to arrive at the DIF office very early, as they are known to run out of cards on busy days.
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About Vacation Villas of Mexico Founder, Vanessa Cole
The founder of the company, Vanessa Cole, lived in Puerto Vallarta for 10 years and in Cancun for 2 years. She has worked in Luxury Vacation Villa Rentals since 2001.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Vanessa earned a degree from the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in International Business and Latin American Studies. Fluent in Spanish, she has worked and traveled all over Mexico and South America.
This is the type of experience you can count on to assist you with your vacation villa rental in Mexico….
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