Recommendations  Here are professionals, workers and service providers we have used satisfactorily or have very reputable friends share their experiences with them.  Each service call is different, personalities are different, and you may not have the same positive experience.  But these people are our suggestions. If you have people you'd like to recommend, send us their names--use the "Contact us" button on the left of this page. If you have had a bad experience with anyone we've recommended, also let us know. Accountant to help start a business in SMA: Rocío Pérez Gonzales, Hidalgo 35, 152-0249, rociperez@notario9sma.com.mx Airport transportation, tours, drivers: San Miguel Supershuttle, www.sanmiguelsupershuttle.com, Jesus 11 Int. 3, inside Cafe de la Parroquia. $24 each way to the Leon airport, $39 Gueretaro airport, $59 Mexico City airport, also private cars and vans for airport runs and tours. $1 of each passenger's fare goes to IREE, Instituto de Rehabilitacion y Enseñanza Especial. www.viajessanmiguel.com owned by same people as Berlin Bar and Restaurant. Fares as low as $28 round trip each way to and from Leon airport, about $50 for bus and shuttle arrangement from Mexico City airport. Make reservations on website. Emergency number 415-152-2537, after hours 415-154-6287. American Express Viajes Vertiz Travel Agency, Hidalgo #1-A, Centro (across from Harry's), 152-1856, info@viajesvertiz.com, $95 per van that seats six to or from Leon Airport. Very reliable. Often there will be people already for the van so fare may be lower per person. Fernando Ibarra, Cinco de Mayo, Col. Allende, 152-3934. $65 per car to or from Leon Airport, $175 per car to or from Mexico City airport, personalized tours. Sol y Luna Tours, owner Reynaldo Vazquez speaks English. Offices on Correo #41 and Hospicio # 10. http://www.solylunatours.com/,  reynaldo_vazquez.tours@yahoo.com.mx Rafa Tourist Tours, Col. Guadalupe, 152-7196, 044-415-149-8463, rafatours@hotmail.com Jorge, 044-415-153-4433. Small car 500 pesos a day, Suburban 700 pesos a day. Transportadora Turistica Imperial, to and from Leon airport 8:30 am to 3 pm, from $25 each way special promotion, 154-5408, transtur.imperial@gmail.com Also operates Trolley City Tours, 60 pesos a person. Tours Mexico Colonial, Portal Allende 4 upstairs from Cafe del Jardin, 152-5794. Appliance repair, including refrigerators: David Troncones, 044-415-101-8539 Art supplies: El Pato, Margarito Ledesma #19,Col. Guadalupe two blocks west of Aurora, 152-0830Lagundi, Umaran 17 at Hernandez Macias, 152-0830, also does framing Lagundi, Umaran 17 at Hernandez Macias, 152-0830, also does framing Attorney, for lawsuits, real estate, businesses: MaryAnn Ramirez, 154-5199 Auto mechanic: Clinica Automotriz, Laureles 5, 152-4459, bilingual manager Jenero Green. Also does vehicle emissions testing for your twice-yearly window stickers. Book store: Libros el Tecolote, Jesus 11, same courtyard as Cafe Parroquia, 152-7395, tecolotebooks@yahoo.com' Biblioteca gift shop, Insurgentes 25. Part of library, www.bibliotecasma.com Cardiologists: Dr. Esmeralda Altimerano Cardosa, 01-442, 207-5065, or 01-442-341-3538, in Doctors office wing of Hospital Angeles, suite 110, Queretaro. Dr. Jorge Alvarez, Hospital de la Fe, Libramiento Hwy. #43, west of Mega glorieta, 152-2233. Specializes totally in cardiology. Also on staff at the Hert Institute of Querétaro and Hospital Angeles in Querétaro. Dr. Robert Maxwell, 152-2365 and 044-415-100-3592. Also an internist. Medical director for SMA Hospice. Offices next to Biblioteca on Insurgentes 29. Excellent English and keeps patient records on his laptop. Computer repair: Eduardo Lara, Indio Triste 7, Los Frailes, 152-0009   Dentists: What people look for in a densits is highly variable. The one who seems to get the best recommendations overall is Dra. Cecilia Berrospe Aurreola, on the staff of Hospital de la Fe. 152-2233 (add 01152-415 before all SMA numbers if you're calling from the US.) Dra. Laura is probably the most highly recommended other dentist in SMA for advanced (and expensive) work. Dra. Laura Elias is certified by the Mexican Dental Association. Her clinic has three other dentists specializing in endodontistry, protheses, implants and periodontistry. San Jorge 12, Col. San Antonio, 152-4330, lauraelu@prodigy.net.mx. I've heard that there are two #12s on San Jorge, be prepared. Many like Dra. Alma Godinez, also ADM certified and a fellow of the International College of Dentistry. She does cosmetic dentistry and the rest, Hidalgo 1-5, Centro, 152-3082, dralmadentista@gmail.com, emergencies 044 415-153-5270. Dra. Beatrix Aguilar, Mantantial 7, near Cinco de Mayo, 152-2474, is another frequently recommended. Dr. Jesus Herrera recently opened a clinic in SMA, part of www.celayadentalgroup.com. He was trained in the US. 152-7937, Stirling Dickinson 27-D, above Pet Vet. Lots of expats go to him. He charges more than most SMA dentists, I hear--but look at the webpage and understand why. It's a highly professional website with 14 SMA personal testimonials, before and after photos of their reconstructive work, detailed credentials for each dentist, etc. One whose ad in Juarde looks interesting is new to me, Dra. Karla Carter, Dental Surgeon who lists every kind of service all the way to full mouth make-over. Her website is www.smile.com.mx, email karlacarter@hotmail.com, 152-1534, office on Terraplen 48 in Centro. She accepts credit cards, which is a biggie. Her website has some nice before and after photos, too. For eight years we've been going to Dr. Jorge Vargas and son Fernando, Libramiento Queretaro (half block east of Pollo Feliz across from Mega), 152-1081 and 152-1986. Though they both speak excellent English and have done continuing education in the US, they don't advertise to the expat community and don't charge accordingly. Our housekeeper first recommended them to us. They charge 400 pesos for a cleaning, 400 pesos for a simple filling, and 50 pesos for a single x-ray, and 600 pesos for plate relining over a period of six days and six visits. Some expats think they are too old fashioned and they don't follow the kinds of procedures many expats are used to, forewarned. They have a dental lab on their premises and the father first started working in a dental lab at the age of 12 and has 60 years of experience in dental work--he's in his '70s and still does his continuing education, certificates on the walls, including from US dental schools. Fernando is taking over most the practice lately. Dr. Jorge's other dentist son is Jose Jorge Vargas, whose partner is Reyna Soraya Jaimes, both ADM registered. They have offices on San Francisco 35-6, 152-4966, Centro. His ads say he does orthopedics, maxilar, orthodontics and implants, and she is a specialist in oral cariology. Dermatologist: Dr. Blanca E. Farias de Villarreal, Hernandez Macias 85A, 152-2321 Doctor, house and hotel calls: Dr. Jorge Martinez, 044-415-153-8832 DJ for parties: CC from Cha Cha Cha restaurant, 152-8340 Dog boarding, grooming, and doggie day care: Will pick up your dog for grooming and deliver--Olimpia, 152-3768. Clinica Izcuinapan (Veterinarian Rodrigo Garibay),  Relampago 22, Col. La Lejona, 120-0043, 044-415-151-9325, garibaymjr2000@yahoo.com.mx. Also does doggie day boarding. Sheryl Dunn, 154-8032, 044-415-109-5210, doggie day care Dog and Cat Shelter: Sociedad Protectora de Animales, www.spasanmiguel.org, Los Pinos 7 across from bus station, 152-6124. Needs volunteers to socialize kittens and puppies, foster homes, and people who want a pet. Low-cost vet services. Also Amigos de Animales, www.amigos-sma.org for free spaying and neutering clinics, education on animal care, work with city on street animals. Education information and tutoring for English-speaking children having problems in SMA schools: James and Anne Olsen, 154-4374, 044 415 111 4371. anne.jim.olsen@gmail.com. Educators who also write column for Atención on schools. Electrician: Master Electricians: English-speaking father/son team with 40+ years SMA experience. Extensive American clientele. Reasonable rates. References. Juan Ruiz Rodriguez, 415-152-5821, or cel 044-415-101-6780, 044-415-107-7330. (Juan is the son of our housekeeper and we've used him a lot.) Electronics repair and installation, including Satellite TV: Daniel Guerra, 154-6331, 044-415-153-2583 EMERGENCIES: General number 066 or 152-0911. Will get you all emergency services. Answered in Spanish. Red Cross/Cruz Roja 152-1616, 152-4121 Fire Department/Bomberos 152-2888 Police/Policia 152-0022 Traffic Department/Transito 154-8420 Electricity/CFE 152-0004, 150-7400 Water/SAPASMA 152-0212 District Attorney/Policia Judicial to report a crime for investigation: 152-2018 City Hall/Presidencia 152-9600 FM3 expediter: Patty Garcia, 044-415-149-3122, patgar5@yahoo.com Eduardo Aguilar, 044-415-117-8796, 120-6169, inpro77@hotmail.com FM3 paperwork to renew it yourself: Escritorio Publico storefront across street from Immigration, end of Canal (Calzada de la Estacion). Also does photos for all government needs. Immigration and the Escritorio Publico are both open 9 am-1 pm M-F. Food poisoning: Dr. Quiroz at Hospital de la Fe for emergencies, 152-2233 Dr. Benito Escutia, Hospital Angeles in Queretaro, 01-442-192-3090 Framing of artwork: High end: Lavinia's Framing, Refugio Sur 35, Col. San Antonio, 154-5344, lavinaj@prodigy.net.mx Boni Marcos y Molduras, Mesones #5 (inside courtyard, to left rear of vet clinic), no phone. Bonifacio Juarez speaks some English. Furniture maker: Renato, 154-7325 General practitioner: Dr. Chris Ramaglia, Pila Seca 52, 152-2111. If you need something very easy, like your medical forms for a Mexican drivers license, go to Farmacia Similares a block west of the Biblioteca on Insurgentes, and the medical clinic next door charges about 30 pesos for an appointment. Hair cutting and styling: Men and women, about 80 pesos a cut, Estetica Unisex Bandala, Hernandez Macias 62 across from Hotel Sautto, no phone, also does manicures and pedicures, walk-ins. 30 pesos for women, 15 for men, at a new Mexican beauty shop on Quebrada a few doors south of Insurgentes, same side as Hotel Sautto parking lot. (Norma and I have been going there for a year and like the haircuts.) Handyman, including most electrical, plumbing, repairs, gardening, everything except electronics and computers: Pedro Romero, 044-415-111-5110 Hospitals: Hospital General of San Miguel, 120-4746, 120-4756. 60 beds, 60 doctors, ER staffed 24/7. Formally the Felipe G. Dobargenes Hospital, it is open to all. Basic ER visit is 63 pesos, additional charges based on ability to pay if you're not in the government's Seguro Publico insurance plan (not IMSS). Take road to Queretaro out of town almost to glorieta of the four heroes statues (by city hall) and come back toward San Miguel, staying in right service lane road. Turn right onto Avenida Primero de Mayo (no sign--look for new white Alternative Justice hall on right and Construrama sign on building on left where you turn). Go to end to yellow and blue hospital on right side. Dial 066 or 152-0911 for emergencies to get an ambulance. Excellent care the two times we've had to use it. We prefer it to Hospital de la Fe--it's larger, newer, and has more full-time doctors. Waits will be longer and fewer doctors speak English. Hospital de la Fe, 152-2233 Hospital Angeles de Queretaro, Bernardino del Razo #21. 01-442-216-9717. More expensive private hospital in Queretaro, considered the best in the region. House painter: Alvaro, 044-415-111-6715. Speaks English. International Relations Office for City of San Miguel de Allende: Fernanda, 120-4528, relacionesinternacionales@sanmiguelallende.gob.mx Internists: Dr. Salvador Quiroz, Hospital de la Fe, 152-2233 Dr. Rodriguez, Santo Domingo 2, 152-2937 (Medical director of Hospital General) Laundry and dry cleaning, including rugs and comforters: Carlos, Lavanderia Express, 154-5441, 044-415-149-2174. Free pickup and delivery to your home. Locksmith, service to home: Martha Vizcaino, 044-415-100-4516, 044-415-103-3306.   Lost and Found, place an ad on the local radio station: Radio San Miguel XESQ, 1289 Khz, Sollano 4 upstairs rear, 152-0227 radiosanmiguelsa@prodigy.net.mx. Ad cost 45 pesos + IVA tax. Ask for 7:30 am or 2:45 pm news placement. Offer large reward. Taxi drivers listen. radiosanmiguelsa@prodigy.net.mx. Mail service: La Conexion, Aldama 3, 152-1599, http://www.laconexion.com.mx/. Also three other mail pickup offices.   Movers: Local moves--Salvadore, 044-415-101-0932. Speaks English. His family moved Carol and Norma into their new house. San Miguel Movers, Scott Francisco Mohoric Salgado, 152-4912, 044-415-101-4962, franciscomohoric@yahoo.com Alan Kent, 154-5404 or 152-3924 Opthalmologist and eye surgeon: Dr. Saenz (Dr. Manuel Saenz de Vireri Siso), 01-442-212-1828. At Angeles Hospital in Queretaro and at Luis M. Vega 29-3, Colonia Cimaterio, off Constitutienes Hwy in Queretaro. Orthopedist and orthopedic/traumatology surgeon: Dr. Michael Schmidt, 20 de Noviembre, 328 Sur, Queretaro, 044-01-442-213-4683. He's the one Carol used for her two knee replacement surgeries. Physical/rehabilitation therapist: Rosa Maria L. Rabern, Esperanza 3, Col. San Antonio, 152-4733. Bilingual, clinic at home, will do hospital and home visits. Uses TENS electrical stimulation equipment as well as exercises and physical manipulation. Propane delivery to home: Gas Express, 152-7777 Plumbers: Ilias, 044-415-101-9307 San Miguel bilingual weekly newspaper and Que Pasa calendar of SMA events: Atención, offices in Biblioteca upstairs, Insurgentes 25. Satellite TV: Daniel Guerra, 044-415-153-2583 School for children starting with no Spanish: Victoria's, 152-0484 Shipping U.S./San Miguel: Mark Bartell, bartell@cybermatsa.com.mx, 415-152-8108 (tel/fax), 415-153-3371 (cell). Private shipping service, will do small household moves of cartons only. Call to arrange shipping to his US address for his next drive to SMA. Leo Chow, leochow@aol.com, also manager of Z-Club and of Scorpio Internet Cafe. Call in SMA first: 152 8190, cel 044 415 101 9764. US cel 214 460 0829, Vonage 214 257 0358. Shoe, leather, suitcase and zipper repair: El Anuj, Puente de Umaran #23A (nowhere near the other Umaran, this one is by Ramirez Market), 154-5924 Small appliance repair: Jose Luiz Garcia, 152-5647 and 044-415-101-4731 Upholsterer: Mario, 415-119-0079, 152-7695 Upholstery cleaning in your home, carpets and leather: mariocleanspace@hotmail.com, 152-1492, 044-415-105-0404 U.S. Consular Agent: Ed Clancy, 152-2357, edclancy@yahoo.com. Plaza Golindrinas across from Belles Artes, Hernandez Macias north of Canal. Only official notary in SMA, about $30 USD a document. Veterinarian: Dr. Edgardo Vazquez Olmos, Mesones 5, across from Academia, inside courtyard. Best vet in SMA for serious illnesses. 152-6273, 154-4785, emergencies 154-8452. Dr. Rodrigo Garibay, Clinica Izcuipan, Relampago 22, Col. La Lejona, 120-0043, 044-415-151-9325. Homeopathic and alternative medicine, too. Water purification systems, colloidal silver halide in tinaco and cisterns: Monarca water purifiers, 152-3991.