INSEN cards

[Nancybelle]

I need information, please, about obtaining INSEN cards. My husband and I are 63, a year over the required age of 62. We have our FM3 visas and own property here. Some sources tell us an FM2 is required, but we have friends here in Guanajuato who have obtained the discount card for seniors with the FM3. Several books we have read say the FM3 is sufficient; queries to the local office are varied, dependent on who is on duty! Any enlightenment would be much appreciated!
Gracias,
Nancy Bell

[RVGRINGO]

An FM3 was needed a while back. We just missed our chance a few years back when the requirement was changed to FM2 status. That is why you are getting conflicting answers; old publications & folks who got theirs but don't know that there has been a change.

[moisheh]

I was told that these cards are no longer being issued to foreigners.

Moisheh

[ddavid]

I Received my INSEN card in Morelia this past July. I am 60 years old and qualified with no problems. I have an FM-3 . The card is great, I've already saved mucho dinero on ETN bus trips from Morelia to Guadalajara. 50% discount. You must buy ticket a day in advance, as only 1 or 2 senior discounts are given on each trip. If someone else gets the discount first your out of luck. A booklet is given out with the card and describes all the discounts you are entitled to. It's great how senior citizens are treated here in Mexico. You should have no problem getting your card.

[RVGRINGO]

David,
Can you give us the details of applying for an INSEN Card?
Agency, Benefits, Requirements, etc.
With everything constantly changing, you may be the most recent source.

[Nancybelle]

Thanks for the info, y'all. I felt sure my husband and I would qualify with the FM3 because two of our Canadian pals got theirs with the same visa last Wednesday; yet when we went to the local office we were told "No." I suppose, like so many other aspects of life south of the border, the answers depend on which person is in the office that particular hour! I'll keep trying. I just wish I could find something in writing (in espanol) that looks official that I could take to the office that states the INSEN is granted to foreigners and to those with the FM3. Do you think the law has changed, David, since you received your card in July???

[ddavid]

I'll try to simply explain, I best I can, the process for getting an INSEN Card. First of all an INSEN card is a Mexican identification card for anyone over 60 years old and it entitles the person to discounts on many common purchases.
The new name for the INSEN Card is INAPAM (Institute Nacional Para las Personas Adultas Mayores) I will list the requirements directly of the pamplet I was given listing benefits. The requirements:

1. At least 60 years old
2. Original and a copy of birth certificate. I also had mine translated into Spanish at the Migrante Office in Morelia. They provide certified copies of documents translated into Spanish at no cost! I have the address' of these offices in the different states of Mexico. Ask if you want the address and phone number. The office in Morelia even had English speaking agents.
3. Proof of identification with a photo. I used my Calif. Driver's License.
4. Name and phone number is a person who can be reached in an emergency.
5. Proof of residency in Mexico. I used an electricity bill.

The requirements don't mention an FM-3, but that is what I used.

At the office they will take your photo and issue you a laminated card with your photo while you wait. Everything happens the same day.

I will list just a few of the benefits, you will be given a book listing all the benefits by state and city within that state.
National Benefits:
1. 50% discount bus travel. Only two discounts given per bus, so I advise getting tickets the day before. Once when I tried to buy tickets for that day, someone else had already used the discount.
2. Aviacsa airline 25% discount
3. Continental and Mexican airlines 10%
4. Museums free
5. VIPs, Sanborns restaurant 15%
6. many hotels, pharmacies, labs, doctors also are listed by city along with their discounts. Too much to list, but you will be given the information when you get your card.
The card is well worth the trouble getting it, good luck.
David

[Nancybelle]

Thank you so much for this very detailed report. We'll try again next week and perhaps we can obtain this card. I could put it to good use!!

[Nancybelle]

Here's the latest in my ongoing quest to obtain the INSEN/INAPAM card: Friday went to the office and was cordially greeted by an elderly gentleman who said he could not process my application, but I had everything I needed--he instructed me to return on Monday at 8 o'clock. Today, Monday, my husband and I showed up at the office at 8:15 where a very polite young woman told me there was NO way we could receive the cards without an FM2. I asked to speak with her supervisor who said the same thing. The gentleman from Friday was nowhere in sight! Off to Dolores Hidalgo manana and then onto to Morelia if I have no luck in Dolores. I am determined to get this card.
Saludos, y'all,
Nancybelle

[Rolly]

The rule does indeed require an FM2, but there are a few offices here and there that will allow an FM3 despite the rule.