Costalegre Jalisco Mexico

The web site has not been updated in 3+ years so this may be all B.S. at this point. There are some interesting hints ... but I can't tell if this is a real organization or just the efforts of one person. I emailed them them quite awhile back and got no response
--------------------
The primary purpose of HELP! is to assist people who are visiting and living for any length of time in the Manzanillo area by providing them with the most up to date information available via phone, FAX, or online. HELP! is not a charity and does not solicit funds for any purpose. The service that HELP! will provide aids you when you need any information regarding the area and emergency service, for illness, legal matters, immigration problems, etc. HELP! provides translation services and guidance for this area to members living away from Canada and the U.S.A. The costs for these services are provided by members dues and contribution requests for most services away from the office.


http://www.helpinmexico.com/

Also ...
http://www.guiacolima.com/

HELP! is run by a woman with a strong ego who uses it to promote herself. She charges stiff fees to help people with FM3 application, etc. I know people who have been charged her high hourly rate even when they were out to lunch with her! She does a party/event for orphans every xmas that is more self-promotion. People who I know who have volunteered are completely fed up with dealing with her. If you read one of her newsletters, the self-promotion is readily apparent. I believe she preys upon people's fear of the unknown--the very idea that Mexico is so difficult that you need "help" to survive is rather insulting. Sure, in an emergency situation a tourist might need some help, but people who choose to live here can get by quite well, even without strong language skills. I venture to say that any one who goes to immigration to apply for an fm3 can manage to do it with the help of the staff there, and doesn't need to pay the Help! lady hold their hand.

I must agree with Deidre...I few years back when we first decided to start the whole FM3 process we used this organization. It certainly was an experience interacting with Bonnie. I do know one person who was helped greatly by Bonnie regarding a medical issue but in general you can get most of what she offer done on your own or just ask someone who has lived in Mexico for sometime...they will usuallly help you for free...or you may want to thank them with a nice dinner for helping you out. Just one person's opinion.

Cheers...

There is another group called manzamigos which is not like the previous one that you mentioned. They offer names and information of people that can help you where needed. I attended a evening with them and they were a nice bunch!
I do not think that they have a website?

Katrine

Thanks Kat ... they do have info pages on both TOMZAP and GOMANZANILLO web sites

http://www.tomzap.com/manzamigos.html

http://www.gomanzanillo.com/bay%20watch/index.htm

Just to add about the FM3 process. I went down to Immigration a few days ago with a friend and they make it so easy these days. The woman that works the window is very helpful and has enough English if you have half a clue what you are doing. It's just a matter of having all the papers together. Took us all of an hour and a half including the trip to Banjercito to pay the $140us.

We also signed him up with Telmex for a phone, had lunch at Portifinos .... and spent an hour in Sorianas. Got home around 5

Doesn't even sound like Mexico .....