7 HAZARDS OF WALKING AND “WHEELCHAIRING” IN MÉXICO—and 7 Safety Suggestions

 Walking in México can be Dangerous

Careful! Don't Step Off the Curb Here!

Walking in México can be dangerous—but not for the reasons you might think. It’s the obstacles in the sidewalks and streets that you need to watch for constantly because there are many. I’ve included “Wheelchairing” in this because now that my husband, Jon, sometimes uses a wheelchair, we’ve learned that there are even more obstacles, ones we had previously overlooked.

The Sidewalk Ends Abruptly Without a Warning

Watch for obstacles constantly while walking. This might seem obvious, but I’ve seen too many tourists with new casts on their arms or ankles. Bleeding knees and black eyes are all-too-common among newcomers, too. No, it’s not from being mugged. Stumbling, tripping, and falling can easily happen in México and there’s no one to blame. The belief in this country is that if you fall and hurt yourself on the sidewalk, it’s the sidewalk’s fault. 

Everyone is responsible for themselves here. So, to help keep yourself safe, here are 7 common hazards to watch for when walking or “wheelchairing”.

1.     Tripping Hazards

Beware of Bent, Damaged Drainage Grates in the Middle of the Sidewalk!

Tripping hazards come in more shapes and forms than you can imagine. And they pop up in the most unexpected places, even walking along a popular tourist Malecón. It’s easy to become so distracted by all of the amazing views in México that you don’t see the danger your feet are about to encounter.

Bolts are Left Sticking Up When Signposts are Removed--Ow!

This Toe-Stubber is Right at the Crosswalk!

Abandoned Raised Concrete Slabs in a Walkway are Common

     These are just a few examples of the many tripping hazards for pedestrians. We now understand how abruptly these obstacles can jarringly bring a wheelchair to a halt, too.

2.     Crossing Bike Lanes Next to Walkways

Look Both Ways Before Crossing Bike Lanes!

     Once, I stepped into this bike lane without looking when I crossed from the sidewalk to the street to get on the bus! Fortunately, there weren’t any bicycles coming. Bicyclists travel fast in México! Be aware that they travel on sidewalks and streets, as well, so always be on the lookout for bikes and motorcycles. And they sometimes ride against traffic or the wrong way on a one-way street, so look both ways!

3.     Steep Ramps Can be Slippery, Especially if Damp or Sandy

There are No Slope or Width Requirements for Ramps

     Stepping onto a steep ramp can be dangerous, especially if it is damp or has a film of sand on the surface. I once stepped onto a tiled ramp that had a film of dust on it, my foot slipped out from under me, and down I went—fast and hard! Taking a wheelchair down a narrow, steep “Handicap” ramp can be especially treacherous. This one is in the middle of the block, drops onto the rough cobblestone road, and has no ramp up to the sidewalk on the other side of the street. 

 4.     Uneven Step Heights and Treads, Double-Step High Curbs

Watch that Extra Unpainted Step by the Taxi Bench, Too!

     This photo shows multiple hazards that make this corner especially dangerous. I saw one young man try to quickly hop up the high double-step curb, trip, and nearly land on his face. Fortunately, he had quick reflexes and was fine—others are not so lucky. The hidden steps,  uneven stair treads, and broken concrete add to the risk of corners like this one. I've watched people fall going down unseen steps just as often as walking up! Be careful.

     And in a wheelchair, good luck! Thankfully, Jon is able to stand from his chair and walk down these steps.

Concrete Humps On the Handrail Side can Cause Stumbling

       Puerto Vallarta has plans to make sidewalks accessible to all, but some areas of Old Town still need improvement. High, broad, uneven steps and no ramp as shown in this photo make some businesses inaccessible for those in wheelchairs.

5.     Trees in the Middle of Sidewalks and Plant Cut-Outs in the Concrete are Possible Stumbling Points

Someone Tried to Repair this Broken Planter Area, But...

Trees are Protected Here, Even When Taking Over the Sidewalk

     Trees take priority in México, which is overall a good thing for the environment and the appearance of cities. Just be aware that trees are often growing in the middle of the sidewalks with little room to maneuver around them. Also, the edging of the concrete cut-out for the tree may be broken, raised, or sunken, creating a trip-and-fall hazard. Tree roots sometimes extend into the sidewalk and lift the concrete. Beware, be aware.

6.     Cobblestone Streets, Especially with Missing Stones and Loose Gravel

Loose Stones, Missing Stones, and Missing Concrete

     Many streets in Mexican cities are paved with cobblestone or other types of pavers. I love the old-world feel, but these streets take some practice to walk on without twisting an ankle. If stones are loose or missing, a hole is left that is even more treacherous. Stepping wrong on sand and gravel in the streets can cause your feet to fly right out from under you. I have first-hand experience with that!

7.     Pedestrian Bridges are Wicked to Cross but Sometimes Necessary

Wild Motion plus Protruding Rebar and Wire Fencing 

     Suspended walking bridges like this one are scarier to cross than they look. And they’re more common in México than you might think—we have to walk on this one to cross the Cuale River to our Zumba class on the Isla Cuale in Puerto Vallarta. As soon as you begin walking on this bridge, it begins to bounce and sway. If more than one person is walking, their differing cadences cause the bridge to dip and dance in three directions. On top of that, the curled rebar and bent wires at the base of the chain-link fencing will cut into your calf if you get too close. We usually end up laughing at ourselves, walking as though we are drunk, even while holding onto the fence. 

     And there’s often a guy with a motorcycle patiently waiting at the other end for the bridge to clear so he can walk his moto across. The moto will barely fit side to side, so no pedestrians can be in the way. The locals know to clear the bridge and give the moto the right of way when it’s his turn—we follow their example. Another Lesson Learned...

7 Safety Suggestions for Walking and “Wheel-chairing” in México (Part 2 will be published next week)

     Have you read my latest book in the Healthy Living in Mexico series, Living in Mexico More Lessons Learned? Available on Amazon worldwide, it's free with kindleunlimited.

Living in Mexico

More Lessons Learned

Healthy Living in Mexico eBook #5

     I invite you to SIGN UP for my Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Newsletter, published monthly with stories about our latest adventures, my recent blog articles, and news about my books.

     Thank you for reading my blog articles, newsletters, and books. As a self-published author on Amazon worldwide, I love it when readers leave a brief review of my books. Check out my Amazon Author Page to see all of my books.

     Happy reading and traveling!

     Terry

Terry L Turrell, Author

Amazon Author Page

We Got Our México Drivers’ Licenses! 🚗 —Thanks to Pat’s Plates for All Their Help!

Jon and I are So Excited to Have Jalisco, México Drivers Licenses!

     What’s the big deal about applying for and receiving our México driver's licenses? We don’t even own a vehicle! Taking Uber works well for us in Puerto Vallarta.

     So, why go to the trouble of applying for a driver’s license in México? And why would we have Pat’s Plates help us tackle this cumbersome project?

     Carrying our Permanent Resident’s Visas as identification is not recommended. If we lost one, getting a replacement from INM (México’s National Institute of Migration) would be a major ordeal.

     We recently had a difficult lesson on Mexican government procedures. After spending three frustrating appointments over one month at the Puerto Vallarta INM office just to register our change of address from Sayulita, Nayarit to our new home in Jalisco, we now know the challenges of completing government paperwork precisely the way they want it. We never want to have to apply for a new visa de residencia permanente! We never want to lose ours!

Waiting for Hours Just to Update Our Address

     So, we decided it’s safer to carry a México driver’s license for identification. But we now know that we need help from an expert to navigate any government system here. So, we hired Pat’s Plates to help us and we’re so glad that we did!

     Pat’s Plates emailed the list of documents we needed to take with us to the DMV in Puerto Vallarta, the number of copies of each document to take, plus the size and type the copies had to be (another example of how exacting government procedures are here). The application they emailed to us looked simple enough, but thankfully, they checked for accuracy and found that I had not completed them as they had instructed.

     Who would think we needed to apply for a Chofer license? I thought that meant “chauffeur” and had incorrectly marked that I was applying for a Automovilista license. Pat’s Plates made sure this and everything else was corrected before we ever went to the DMV.

     Then Pat met us at the DMV at our appointed time and already had a number for us when we arrived so our wait time was shortened. The computers at this government office were on the fritz off and on while we were waiting our turn, so things were moving slowly. The DMV employees and customers were all patient and calm, as Mexicans seem to be no matter how long the wait is. But after about two-and-a-half hours, we received our official Jalisco driver’s licenses. I must say, they are pretty, too.

     We checked the licenses for accuracy before leaving the counter and, thanks to Pat’s Plates, everything was correct! We now show our México driver’s licenses when asked for identification at the hospital, doctor’s office, or other places. Our Permanent Resident Visas are stored in our safe, as recommended. (Edited 10/10/22: We do carry our Resident Visas and Original Passports any time we travel away from our Mexican hometown.)

     Thank you for reading my books and blog articles. I invite you to SIGN UP for my "Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Newsletter", published monthly with stories about our latest adventures, my recent blog articles, and news about my books. 

     Check out my Healthy Living in Mexico 5-eBook series available on Amazon worldwide! Happy reading and traveling!

Terry L Turrell, Author

Amazon Author Page

My September HEALTHY LIVING IN MEXICO NEWSLETTER has been Published!

 September Special 📚 Series Sale for Seven Days Only!

For the first time ever, I'm offering a SALE PRICE for the entire Healthy Living in Mexico 5-eBook Series! Only $4.95 from September 15 through September 21, 2022!

Important Note: If the 1-Click price on Amazon.com still shows the series at the regular price of $14.95, click on each of the five books and buy them individually at 99¢😃

See more in my September Healthy Living in Mexico newsletter. 

Terry L Turrell, Author

Amazon Author Page

SUMMER COLORS IN PUERTO VALLARTA—Mountains, Doors, Flowers, Sunsets, and More

 Summer Brings Rain And So Much More

Oranges Are Common in Puerto Vallarta Summer Sunsets

Summer in Puerto Vallarta means rain. Fortunately, the days are still sunny and the rain usually waits until evening to begin. And then it lets loose in a downpour that quenches the thirst of the palm, ficus, and parota trees. The surrounding hills turn a healthy green.

The Day Before a Storm, Blue was the Dominant Color

Even the Clouds are Amazing as They Gather in the Afternoon

Dinner at Di Vino Dante Gallery Surrounded by Color

The Colorful Market Under the Bridge in Centro

A Floral Mural Next to A Gate in Old Town

Orange is a Dominant Color in Gardens

Yellow and Gold Sunsets Offset the Dark Summer Clouds

We see so much more when we walk around our neighborhood, Emiliano Zapata, the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. The days and evenings are often free of rain so we can enjoy the beach and Old Town sights. 

The Changing Colors of the Los Muertos Pier are a Favorite

Our Orchid from Vallarta Botanical Garden is Still Blooming

Our Caladium Transplant is Happy During Summer

The Mountains Behind Our Condo are Green After the Rain

Our Pirate Ship Adventure in July was a Colorful Event

I invite you to SIGN UP for my "Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Newsletter", published monthly with stories about our latest adventures, my recent blog articles, and news about my books.

Have you read all of the books in my Healthy Living in Mexico series? 

Book #5, Living in Mexico More Lessons Learned, was recently published. Thank you to everyone who has downloaded it.

Happy Travels!

Terry

Terry L Turrell, Author

A SPIN DEBIT CARD BY OXXO—(EDITED 9-13-25) USES for Us as Expats

EDITED September 13, 2025 

Why and How to Get A Spin Debit Card 

EDIT September 13, 2025

We’re excited that we can order from Guadalajara Pharmacy online again using our Spin by OXXO card! Read why HERE. 

We were relieved to discover this online pharmacy to order from--Farmacias Klyns. Not only are their prices and service good, but they also stock our hard-to-find, specialty medications. And they take our Spin by OXXO Visa card--in fact, we can pay at checkout with TWO Spin cards if we have a high order price!

We didn't want to open a Mexican bank account or have a Mexican bank visa card. But we finally opened an Intercam account so we could transfer money directly onto the Spin by OXXO card. Then Intercam had a shake-up, and many foreigners decided to close their accounts. I hung in there, kept my Intercam account open, and am glad I did. Intercam is now Kapital Bank. Today I used my Kapital Bank app to transfer money to my Spin by OXXO debit card. It was easy, nearly instantaneous, and cost me the same fee per transaction--5.8 MX (about $0.03 US).

Email: Proof of SPEI Transfer from Kapital Bank

Email from OXXO: Receipt of Deposit onto Spin Card

Ready to Shop Again--Easy with Spin by OXXO Card!

Another Time-Saving Use for the OXXO Spin Card! Today we paid our Puerto Vallarta predial (Property Tax) bill online with my Spin Card. The website had rejected our U.S. Visa cards, but allowed the OXXO Visa. What a relief! (Just remember to turn off your pop-up blocker before using the website.)

My Spin Card by OXXO Saved Us Again!

Jonathan discovered another handy use for the OXXO Spin card! Today, he paid for our Mexican-plated vehicle registration online with it. It saved lots of time and frustration! No U.S. credit or debit card was needed.

As of this date, some online retailers have stopped accepting the Spin by OXXO debit card. We no longer can use it online for Farmacia San Pablo. When we inquired as to the reason, we were told that they only take debit or credit cards backed by a Mexican bank. So, some of the information below is not currently valid. We don’t know the reason or if this is a permanent situation.

We can still use the Spin by OXXO card to pay our CFE bill and for our Telcel Amigo Sin Limite 200 phone plan. We also have been able to order from Costco online. That’s still a benefit.

Vallarta Cares Donations: As my husband Jon discovered, donating to Vallarta Cares on their new website can be challenging. He set up monthly donations using our Spin by OXXO card and had difficulty at first. When it didn't work, he contacted them through the website, and Frankie responded quickly to help.

We shop online a lot in México—home delivery of medications, groceries, and supplies is a real benefit! But we don’t have a Mexican bank account and so we haven’t had a Mexican debit card—we’ve heard too many horror stories about that. That limits which online stores we can shop at. But we've found a solution! Keep reading.

Other than on Amazon, we don’t want to use our U.S. bank debit card online for fear of fraudulent activity. We had that happen once and it was a nightmare! We had to cancel our debit card and have a new debit card shipped here from the United States—what a hassle! We’re very cautious now, but some things we HAVE to order online and Amazon doesn’t stock everything.

Guadalajara Pharmacy Delivers to Us in Two Hours

Having our specialty medications delivered from various pharmacies here in México has been one of our biggest challenges since moving here. We order online from four pharmacies, buying each medication from the least expensive source or, in some cases, from the only source that has it in stock.

This Specialty Pharmacy is Sometimes Our Only Source

Each pharmacy has a different requirement for payment. Fortunately, two of our favorites allow us to pay cash upon delivery to our home. We tip the delivery person well for this convenience. Farmacia Guadalajara and San Pablo Farmacia require payment with a Mexican debit or credit card, so this is why we started our quest to obtain one without opening a Mexican bank account.

My first idea was to apply for a Citibanamex Credit Card through Costco. We took all of the necessary documentation to Costco and spent over an hour completing an application. The associate finally announced, “Felicidades!” (Congratulations!) and handed us our Visa card. We did our shopping at Costco, presented our new Visa card at the checkout, and it was declined. The credit card associate could not tell us why and referred us to a Citibanamex bank. An hour-and-a-half wait for our turn at the bank only clarified that the card had been canceled, but no reason was given. It also confirmed that I do not speak Spanish well enough to deal well with a Mexican bank. It was just as well, it would have cost us $25 US per year. That was a bust!

Jon’s next idea was to open a México PayPal account since some stores do not accept U.S. PayPal. I transferred money to his account twice and we waited for them to release it for use. After our money was tied up for three weeks, Jon refunded the money to me. It appeared that they wanted Jon’s Mexico PayPal account attached to a Mexican bank account and we were determined not to open one. Also, there was a high fee and a low exchange rate with each transfer to the Mexico PayPal account. Another bust!

OXXO Convenience Stores Now Sell Spin Debit Cards!

Jon’s best idea was to buy a Spin debit card at an OXXO store. He had read in Forbes (December 2021) “Oxxo debuts as a fintech: launches app to send and receive money: After consolidating itself as the main banking correspondent in the country, Oxxo will look for its users to make transactions with its Spin app.”

It looked easy—we thought we could just go to an OXXO convenience store and buy a card. Not as easy as that! Well, maybe it’s easy for the Mexican Nationals. But after weeks of trial and error, and much frustration, we figured out how we, as expats, could buy and use a Spin by OXXO debit card! We’re now able to order from our online pharmacies. And we can order from Costco and Home Depot online, as well as other online stores, and the stores deliver directly to our home. What a convenience!

As an expat with a Temporary or Permanent Resident card, Mexico cellphone, and a México address, you can buy and use a Spin by OXXO debit card without opening a Mexican bank. Here are the steps to take:

1.     Set up a Mexican Google Play account by:

·       Open Settings on your Phone

·       In Settings, Click Accounts

·       In Accounts, Click Add Account

·       Click on Google

·       Sign in with an email or phone that you will open a NEW Google account for México. (This needs to be a different Google account from the one you normally use because your primary Google account is usually linked to your home country apps and you won’t find the “Spin By OXXO” app there.)

·       Enter Password and click Agree 

Now Log In with that New Google Account and password

2. Download the “Spin by OXXO” app in the Mexico Google Play Store—Now go to the Play Store and search for the “Spin by OXXO” app and Install it. (You may have to go to Settings, then General, then Account and device preferences, and switch it to Mexico).

*Finding the “Spin by OXXO” app means you are in the Mexico Play Store

3. Open the Spin app and Allow the Spin by OXXO app to access this device location while using the app. Below, I will walk you through the screens which are all in Spanish. If you need help, I recommend using Google Translate, but below, I have translated most necessary phrases.

·       At the Bienvenida! screen (it’s in Spanish), press “Si, soy nuevo en la app” (Yes, I am new in the app)

·       At the Agiliza tu dinero screen, press Registrarme en la app (Register me in the app)

·       At the Regístrate y agiliza tu dinero (Register and streamline your money) screen, press Empezar mi registro (start my registration).

·       At the Tienes un Código? (Do you have a code?) screen, press No tengo Código (I don’t have a cod

·       At the Verifica tu número (verify your phone number) screen, enter your Mexican cell phone number, accept the conditions and tap Continuar.

·       When it asks for a code, it will be text to your phone. Enter code.

·       In the Escribe tu correo electrónico screen, put in email address associated with this Play Store account twice and then tap Continuar.

·       In the Crea tu contraseña (Create your password) screen, enter a password for your profile. It should have 8 characters, 1 lower-case letter, 1 upper-case letter, and 1 number.

·       At the Tu ubicación screen (your location or address), you will need to confirm that you are in Mexico. Press Continuar.

·       At the Tu información con INE o IFE (Your Information from your Permanent or Temporary Resident card), get your card ready for a photo and press Continuar and Allow the Spin app to take photos.

·       At the Tomar la parte de Enfrente (Take a photo of the front), press Entendido (I understand), and prepare your identification card.

·       Press Tomar Photo to take photo of the front of your resident card. When it is clear and complete, press Mi INE es legible

·       At the Tomar la parte de atrás, press Entendido (I understand

·       Take a photo of the back side of your resident card, repeating above steps.

·       At the Completa tu información screen, enter your personal information and on the next screen, confirm your CURP number matches your Resident Card CURP. On the next screen, enter your Mexico address.

·       Crea un codigo de seguridan para autorizar tus transacciones (Create a security code to authorize your transactions) Press Continuar and create your 6-digit security code. Your code must not have more than 3 consecutive numbers or 3 equal numbers. When it is accepted, press Siguiente (Following).

·       Agrega a tus beneficiaries (Add your beneficiaries): press Agregar beneficiaries and enter the information for the beneficiary of your card if you die.

4. When your information has been correctly entered and accepted, you will see Felicidades! Tu Cuenta Spin Base está lista para usarse (Congratulations! Your Spin Base Account is ready to use). It will ask, Quieres conocer los limites de tu cuenta? (Do you want to know the limits of your account?). Press Si, ver detalles de mi cuenta (Yes, see my account details). A few more steps and you’ll be finished with the app:

·       Actualizamos nuestros Terminos y Condiciones, Aviso de Privacidad y Programa de Lealtad (We update our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Notice and Loyalty Program), Accept the 3 terms and press Continuar.

·       The next Hola screen will tell you Tu saldo disponible (your available balance) and your Todavia puedes depositar (meaning “you can still deposit”, or “the amount you can deposit onto your card at an OXXO store”)

5. You will receive an email from Spin by OXXO to Verify Your Email.

6. Go to an OXXO Store and purchase a Spin card. It cost us 50 pesos, a one-time charge.

7. Sign your card and make a note of your NIP (the card’s PIN).

8. Go into an OXXO store and deposit money onto your Spin debit card. Open your Spin app and tell the cashier how much you want to deposit. (Our app says we are allowed 5570 pesos maximum deposit per month, but it appears it’s possible to ask for an increase in the limit.) Give the cashier the pesos to be deposited plus 5 pesos fee. She will record the deposit in the store’s computer, it will go into your account, and then she will give you a receipt.

You are ready to shop with your Spin debit card!

We’re so relieved to now be able to order from all of our online pharmacies and receive home deliveries. This will simplify our life and save us money in the long run. We think we can order from Costco and Home Depot online, as well as other online stores. We’ll try that next week.

Another lesson learned! And this one isn’t included in my newest book. Check out other lessons learned in Living in Mexico More Lessons Learned (Healthy Living in Mexico Book #5).

Healthy Living in Mexico Book #5

Don't Miss My Novel Series Set in Mexico!

Living in Paradise was a Dream...

Until it became the Only Way to Find Healing

Download the eBooks or Purchase the Paperback HERE

I invite you to SIGN UP for my "Healthy Living and Traveling in MexicoNewsletter", published monthly with stories about our latest adventures, my recent blog articles, and news about my books. My eBooks are available in all Amazon marketplaces. Free with kindleunlimited.

Thanks for reading my blog articles and books. If you enjoy my books, please leave a brief review on Amazon so others may find them, too.

Happy Travels!

Terry

Terry L Turrell

Amazon Author Page