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Decades of first hand Mexico tourism information from me, "Mexico" Mike Nelson.

Internet in Mexico

Here are three basics to Internet in Mexico:

  • Get a room close to the office or a repeater in the hall. Or plan on using the restaurant.
  • A VPN secures your connection, but slows you down.
  • Take long extension cord (and surge protector). Best wifi signals are outside by door.

Taking Computers Into Mexico as Tourists or As Expats

As an expat, you can bring a whole houseful of computers into Mexico when you use the exemption afforded you when you get your resident visa. Until then, you are treated as a tourist. And please don’t try to argue with the customs inspectors by telling them that you live in Mexico on your tourist permit. No, no, no.

You can bring your laptop computer into Mexico with no problems. For some reason, a desktop computer will raise a custom’s inspectors eyebrows. However, this is not the problem it used to be, so if that is all you have, you can try to take it, but be ready to pay an import fee, generally about 16% of the value according to aduana’s book. Cost basis is equivalent item on eBay.

OK all that said, I know lots of tourists living in Mexico illegally who brought lots of computers down with them by not declaring them and not paying a duty. I, of course, cannot recommend you do that. I can just tell you what I have observed and let you make your own decision.

Internet Phone Service

IIn 2022 mowst Mexicans are enamored of WhatsApp, so you might as well get it. Some of us still like Skype and Zoom for keeping in touch with the folks back home. Regardless of what platform you choose, it will be easy to keep in touch.  

If you live in Mexico, you may still be happy with Skype. You will find high-speed Internet these days. If you want good call quality, you can get a VOIP phone. I have met people who are happy with MagicJack. I use an unlocked cell phone and buy a Telcel chip for it. When in a hotel room, I use Skype and am very happy with it. There are always new and improved services, so these are just suggestions.

You’ll spend time outdoors seeking an Internet singnal.

Internet in Mexico

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Make Your Traveling Life Easier

A hunched back from using a low hotel desk (or your lap) for your laptop can be avoided by thinking outside the box. You are not flying. A couple of extra pounds in your vehicle won’t cost you a thing. Get a real, extendable desk for your laptop or, as I do, a collapsible table, about half the size of a card table.Oh yeah, I make a small commission when you buy something.

MAKE YOUR TRAVELING LIFE EASIER

Internet in Mexico: What is Inalambrico?

You’ll find WiFi Internet connections at hotels throughout Mexico-even at budget hotels. Finding Intenet in Mexico is not difficult anymore.

Remind the front desk cat forget to give you the codigos or codes needed to access the network. They get distracted.

WiFi (pronounced Wee fee) means wireless Internet. But you are more likely to hear Internet Inalambrico. You will soon learn to cherish and hate those words.

They will become like reminders of an ex-spouse long on promises, short on delivery. Internet Inalambrico (in al AM bree co). It means Internet that is wireless or cordless or without cables! Whee!

When a hotel desk clerk tells you they have Internet inalambrico, you will at first jump up and down in joy. Your joy will be short-lived, however, It means that, Si; they have wireless Internet, but no, it may not reach to your room.

Thus, unless you are close to the hotel router or repeater, you will have to wander the halls blindly like a vampire in search of blood, with your laptop in your hand, tripping over hidden pitfalls that lurk in hotel hallways, or go to the lobby or restaurant. 

 You can cast your Internet from your phone to a certain extent if you have an unlimited plan in Mexico.

How to choose a range extender

I’ve used 7 different brands. Be sure to read the reviews to make sure you get one that will work in a hotel without access to the router. Antennas are worthwhile. I’ve used several: Netgear, TP-Link, Techkey and Panda. Each have had their good and bad points.. Most all will connect with the old-style USB connector so if you’ve only got “C”, get an adapter. And most extenders dropped support for Apple products, so verify that what you get will work for you.. Each few months a new one comes out, supposedly better than the last. So just read the reviews and buy two.

Internet in Mexico: Coffee Shop

Just like in the States or Canada, you will get a codigo or code for the wifi connection when you buy a coffee or sandwich. Sometimes these expire after 15 minutes or half an hour, sometimes not. Be sure to ask the waiter to write the code down. You know, of course, that the connection is not secure, so be careful. I use a VPN private network, just in case. I got a lifetime subscription to Keep Solid and they do a good job. But there are many others these days, so just look around.

Even hotels that have strong routers and a series of repeaters can be compromised by employees who share the code with their primos in the neighborhood.

If you need any cables or general computer stuff before you leave go to Amazon. Computers-Tablets. Since Best Buy Mexico closed in 2021, you will have to hope WalMart, Mega or another big box store has what you need. Office Depot is a good source. For real geeky stuff, you will have to find a “Tianguis de Computadoras” or flea market that specializes in computers.

If you prefer, there are Internet cafes everywhere, even in many small towns that you would hardly expect — even in Real de Catorce, which is about as remote as most people will get. High-speed Internet connections (well, medium-speed as in 2-3 Mbits) are the norm in Mexico today. I did get 10 Mbits in Jalapa and Orizaba, but that will be very rare. Most Internet cafes will let you connect your laptop computer at Internet cafes in Mexico. Internet cafes are dwindling because so many people have computers at home, or through their cell phones these days. I suspect they will go the way of the larga distancia or long-distance telephone offices. 

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