Testimonials for YES Services

-Stewart Mandy
December, 2013

-Edward Lamp
December, 2013

– Vilma Morey
Merida, Yucatan
November, 2013

We moved to Merida 3 months ago and used YES services a few times for some of the more complicated issues here in Mexico and had excellent service every time.  The entire staff at YES is friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and very helpful and their prices are quite reasonable.  We would highly recommend the services of YES to anyone needing insurance, purchasing and registering a vehicle or getting your permanent visa status, but they can also help you with a variety of other things. Give them a call or send them an email, you won’t be disappointed.

– Rodney & Dixie Chapman
Merida, Yucatan
August, 2013

Yucatan Expatriate Services was good value for money as I was relieved of all the stress associated with standing in line for SO long and numerous times at the Immigration Office. Lizbeth was efficient, spoke good English if it was needed and kept me informed of all the transactions. YES offices are comfortable and easy to locate and I would recommend their services to any newcomers to Merida.

– Joan Preston
Merida, Yucatan
August, 2013

I have been using YES for more than four years now. They give excellent service,efficient and are very charming people to work with. I highly recommend their services as they take the guess work and frustration out of the procedures that are foreign to us as ex pats. More so if one does not speak the language.

– Valerie Pickles
Santa Elena, Yucatan
August, 2013

Yucatan Expatriate Services has been such a great resource to me since I moved to the Yucatan four years ago. I’ve utilized their services for the past three years to renew my Mexican visa and they’ve always steered me in the right direction and the process has always gone smoothly at the immigration offices.

I have also been able to rely on them to answer questions for me on other typical ex-pat issues (cars, business questions, legal issues…etc.) Adriana Cruz always responds quickly via e-mail with answers to any questions I’ve had. Thank you all for you support over the years!

– Christopher Zimmermann
Merida, Yucatan
August, 2013

YES has been a life saver for me.  They have helped me with visa renewals, a work permit and tax registration, car registration renewal, numerous referrals to services, given me advice on business matters,  and much, much more.  They have saved me hours and hours of waiting in lines and frustration.  I have found their prices very reasonable and their service excellent.  When I see potential difficulties or frustrations on the horizon, I don’t make a move without them.  Adriana has become my best guardian angel and most knowledgeable source in Merida.  YES is here to serve the expat community–and they do it, very well.

– Joe Tompkins
Merida, Yucatan
August, 2013

My first experience with YES was when I met Lizbeth at the Immigration Office while I was attempting to obtain my first FM3.  We were chatting while sitting next to each other in the waiting room.  Lo and behold, she was helping other folks like me with their immigration status.  I soon contacted the YES office and asked them for assistance in obtaining my FM3 which they handled with professionalism, friendliness and efficiency.  Subsequently, they have helped me to obtain my permanent residency card under the new immigration laws, and they also assisted me with not only arranging for a civil marriage ceremony, but also standing up as our witnesses.  I highly recommend the team at YES, especially Adriana and Lizbeth.  As a foreigner who speaks very little Spanish, I could not have managed to do these things without their help.

– Linda Steinbacher
Merida, Yucatan
August, 2013

The service you provide is so time saving, cannot recommend it enough!

– Marieke Baumgartner

As YES clients, we recently reached out to them for help with a medical emergency. An evening stroll in the busy downtown lead to a fall resulting in a badly injured ankle. Not knowing if my severe pain was a sprain or a more serious broken bone we called Adriana Cruz at YES for help. We explained the situation and within 20 minutes Adriana identified a Foot and Ankle Specialist, Dr. Mario Arturo Rios Arjona at Star Medica and arranged a same day appointment with Dr. Arturo.

Dr. Arturo is an english speaking specialist with an impressive background. During the unhurried, 30 minute consultation, he thoroughly examined me, assessed the situation and assured me that the injury was only a sprain. His treatment plan was simple and effective. The cost for his services was about the same as my Kaiser copay in California. He showed compassion and professionalism. Because of Adriana’s knowledge of the resources available the medical emergency was handled quickly and efficiently. Thank you Adriana, YES and Dr. Arturo for being there for us.

– Jim Neeley
Merida, Mexico
June 2012

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you over the past two months. You and the entire staff at YES were extremely helpful in getting me information that I needed to consider opening a new business here in Merida. Your organization and efficiency were impressive. Everyone was so professional in returning calls, answering e-mails and responding to my inquiries. It’s important to have a network of people who can help you cut through the red tape and you knew exactly who to turn to for answers to my questions. Your reports told me what to do, when to do it and how much it would cost. Your fees were very reasonable for the amount of work you did and the information you supplied me. I would still be floundering if you had not shown me quickly what I needed to know. Thank you. In the future, if I question whether or not something can be done, I will know who to turn to for my answers. YES! Can they do it? Yes. YES they can.

– Jerry Pawlak
Merida, Mexico
December 2011

Todd and I went to the Money and Legal forum that YES put on earlier this year and it has really helped! I am so glad that someone else did all that homework for us. Our move to Mexico and consequent house purchase with a fideicomiso has been smooth because our information and list of contacts was thoroughly vetted by people who know! I hear stories from other expats about bad experiences and getting ripped off and I am so thankful to always be steered in the right direction due to YES’ hard work and experience. Also, I have no patience and I didn’t want Mexico’s immigration office to suffer my major character flaw, therefore, I hired YES to process my FM3. I like showing up for only 1 appointment versus 3. And when we got to immigration, we were seen at the time we were supposed to be seen. Evidently, that never happens. Again, the stories I have heard! Why doesn’t everyone use YES?

– Allison Nevins
Merida, Mexico
October 2011

I have had a great relationship for 2 years now with Adriana.  I have been very pleased with all her efforts to renew my FM3 each year.  Since I don’t live there full time, I need to get it done quickly.  She expedites everything for me, thus saving me time and effort.  I would highly recommend both Adrianna and YES services!!

– Gay Smith
Texas
October 2011

We have had great experiences with YES!  they are professional and very thorough… we have saved a lot of time using their services!

– Jan Morgan
Merida, Mexico
October 2011

Thank you for your top notch service and incredibly welcoming staff. My husband and I will be moving to the Yucatan area soon and like all expats, we need up to date information.  We emailed a few services in Merida, Mexico with a request for information.  No other sources were as efficient, informative and thorough as your service. Thank you for answering my first email within hours.  As a Business Owner, I was impressed with your follow through and excellent customer service. I give YES the highest recommendation to all individuals and businesses who may be in need of your services.

-Mr.& Mrs. David Nishimura
San Francisco, CA
October 2011

We have arrived safely in Merida with our dear little dog. We are here safe and sound and he is adjusting to his new surroundings. We will be in touch again soon but just wanted to thank you so very much for all your help with the Pet Broker and for speaking with the Mexican Department of Agriculture on our behalf.  We would like to stop by sometime when we are in the city and say “hello” personally. Our sincere thanks and kind regards.

Tina, Jan & “Mr. Frodo”
May 2011

As soon as we knew we were moving from the U.S. to Merida, we contacted Yucatan Expatriate Services and that turned out to be the best decision we could have made. We learned early in the process that customs and procedures in Mexico are completely different than those at home. Even for those who have some command of the Spanish language (which we do not), accomplishing simple tasks can be confusing and complex.

Working with the staff at YES saved us time and money and ultimately spared us from untold amounts of stress and worry. We literally could not have made the move without their help. Even before our move when we had questions about immigration, visas and FM3s, YES was there for us. Once we arrived in Merida, YES staff helped us open bank accounts (not a simple process), arrange for telephone service, document our residence for immigration, order internet service and more. When we were ready to purchase our home, their team of lawyers was there to protect our interests and represent us at closing. No request was too big or too small.

From connecting us with an English speaking physician to finding a telephone directory for us, the entire YES team was warm, receptive and helpful. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Betty, Adriana (our guardian angel), Ignacio (our attorney) and the entire staff at YES.

– David & Suzy Beasley
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
July 2010

My husband and I have been dealing with Lic. Ignacio Puerto, Fernando Lopez and their staff for the last 5 years. Not only did they help us with all the problems that one encounters setting up a business in Mexico but they also were very helpful with many other personal aspects that we came across in our endeavor. Whether we had to open a bank account, find a real estate agent, buy real estate, hire personnel, suggest holiday destinations, find hotels, recommend restaurants, etc. they were always very accommodating. Their advice has always been helpful and they have made our stays in Merida very pleasant. We are very fortunate to have met both of them and we look forward to continue working with them in the future as they have become more of a second family to us than just our lawyer and our accountant.

– Katy Nielsen
Toronto, Canada
March 2010

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my gratitude and satisfaction with the assistance of YES, and Paulina Gongora’s services in particular. From my first impression, when I walked in the door of the YES offices, I felt I was in the company of good, capable and honest people.

It was not an easy task as there were two matters to settle. The registration of the vehicle to a new owner and getting new license plates. It took a lot of time, but I never felt not informed of the situation. Paulina and Juan Diego assisted me with attention to the matter(s), and when we found a way to get around one barrier, Paulina was willing and very helpful. I feel she gave 100% of her time to help. I was very satisfied with the results and I have told friends in the expat community about your valuable and reliable services. I plan to ask for further assistance with my immigration status, changing CFE y JAPAY to my name and plan to contact Paulina soon regarding these matters. Thank you again for contacting me. I was very happy with the services provided.

– David Ochoa
New York, NY
January 2010

If you are an expatriate, no matter how well you know the country you are living in, you still need reliable legal advice.   Ignacio and his staff will always provide the support you need.

– Younghee Moser
New Mexico, USA
November 2009

My partner and I were introduced to Fernando Lopez Macari of Lopez Novelo DFK by our US financial advisors, Zainer Reinhardt Clarke DFK in Sonoma County, California. Both firms are members of the DFK international network of accountants and advisors. Fernando and his team were invaluable in helping us to set up bank accounts, establish good practices for the management of our rental property, and the general “handholding” that goes along with living as part-time expatriates. For the past five years they have provided comprehensive financial services including cross-border tax advice, banking introductions and management, bookkeeping, cash management and other general accounting services. Additionally, they have acted in an ongoing supervisory role to our property manager.

Over time we began buying other properties and engaging in other business ventures throughout Mexico. Fernando introduced us to attorney Ignacio Puerto of Puerto y Pino. Together they and their associates have advised us on immigration law (procurement and renewal of our FM3 visas), multiple real estate purchases, creating two Mexican Limited Liability Companies, establishing a maquiladora, conflict resolution with a neighboring property owner, tax planning in conjunction with our US tax advisors, local and federal Mexico tax filing requirements, and assorted other business issues.

Srs. Lopez and Puerto are smart, professional, well versed in local and international business practices, and have excellent English. Both are invaluable partners to have, as is their entire team. We highly recommend utilizing the services of Yucatan Expatriate Services in your full or part-time move to Mexico.

– David Dow
Santa Rosa, California
November 2009

I have been using the legal services of Attorney Ignacio Puerto and associates for the past twelve years. At first, my husband and I came to Puerto y Pino for help with our Mexican work visas, when we were based in Merida as General Managers of hotels in an international hotel chain. We were introduced to Attorney Puerto by the local owners of the hotels.

In 2005, I was hired to set up a regional office for an international architectural firm with headquarters in Asia. As this required both legal and financial services, Attorney Puerto introduced me to Accountant Fernando Lopez Macari of Lopez Novelo DFK, an accounting firm which is a member of the DFK international network of accountants and advisors.

The results of the close cooperation between the two men and their companies greatly benefitted both myself and the company I represented.  Ignacio and Fernando and their teams were invaluable in setting up the architectural firm’s regional office. They created two Mexican Limited Liability companies; they opened bank accounts for both the companies and for the newly hired 20 architects who were sent for three months to the headquarters in Asia. They also arranged for residential and work visas for the expatriates that were hired. They made all the employee contracts and advised on labor law issues. They did all the legal and financial work for purchasing a property and, by applying a smart strategy, they were able to save significantly on property taxes. They handled all the bookkeeping from the start. Furthermore, they advised us on any legal, financial or management matters, enabling me to administer the new companies efficiently. Their smart tax advice on several occasions was most appreciated by the owner of the new companies.

They saved me so much time. As a foreigner living in Merida without any knowledge of how to do business here, I was unfamiliar with the business or administrative requirements of opening a business. Activities such as opening a bank account, renewing a visa, daily bookkeeping, buying a property, setting up a legal company that would take a certain amount of time back home, take at least twice as long here in the Yucatan if you don’t know what you are doing.

Ignacio and Fernando represent a powerful combination of expertise and skills. They have both been exposed to international business issues, their English skills are excellent, and most importantly, both Ignacio and Fernando are locals, with deep understanding of the cultural and personal issues that are so important to doing business in Merida. They are the ideal team to help any foreigner starting a business in Merida.

Today, five years later, I am no longer with the regional architect firm. The two companies I worked for are still being fully served by Puerto y Pino and DFK Merida, Ignacio Puerto’s and Fernando Lopez Macari’s firms. Personally, I continue to use their legal and financial services for my private business matters and for my small company that produces arts & crafts.

This brings up another aspect I have always appreciated about Ignacio and Fernando: every client, large or small, gets the same attention and quality of service from them and from their staff.

I can highly recommend Attorney Puerto and Accountant Lopez Macari and their associates should you move to Mexico. Whether you are moving to retire or to do a business, their services are invaluable to any client, large or small.

– Marieke Baumgartner
Hilversum, Netherlands
November 2009

Seriousness and a high-level degree of professionalism are two aspects that characterize the services that this company offers. I am very satisfied with the results that I have obtained with them, as well as with the effectiveness and kindness of their personnel, who transmit the feeling that you are dealing with people who understand the needs of the client.  I recommend them without hesitating.

Seriedad y alto grado de profesionalismo son dos aspectos que caracterizan los servicios que esta empresa ofrece; estoy muy satisfecho con los resultados que he obtenido. Además de la eficacia y amabilidad de su personal, que transmite la sensación de estar tratando con personas que entienden las necesidades del cliente. Los recomiendo sin dudar.

La serietà e l’alto livello di professionalità sono due aspetti che caratterizzano i servizi che offre questa azienda . Sono molto soddisfatto dei risultati che ho ottenuto ed in più l’efficienza e l’amabilità del suo personale ,  trasmette la sensazione di stare collaborando con gente che capisce le necessità del cliente. Senza dubbi lo raccomando.

– Fabio Atti
Ferrara, Italia
November 2009

I have known Betty for the past five years and I have been consistently impressed by both Betty’s attitude towards her work and her performance on the job. Betty is highly intelligent and has good analytical and communication skills. Her interpersonal and communications skills have allowed her to develop productive working relationships with both our clients and our staff. Betty has wide knowledge of the Mexican laws and their applicability. She also has a very strong accounting and financial background.

– David Bellman
New York, NY
May 2009