Kindle models

As of April 2011 the current Kindle model is the Kindle 3, which is available in a wi-fi only model (currently $140) or a model with wi-fi and 3G ($190). Some of the features I'll discuss (such as the web browsing and applications) will not be available in earlier models.

The Kindle 2 was available in two versions, a US version which has CDMA phone technology (which will not work in Mexico, for 3G), and an "international" version that does.

If you do find differences in the way your earlier model works, please add them to the comments. The rest of the article refers to the current Kindle 3, 3G model. (October 2011 update: following the release of new models, the Kindle 3 3G has been renamed by Amazon as the Kindle Keyboard 3G).

Reading books

If you have books already loaded on your Kindle, and want to read them while in Mexico, nothing is different from when you read them in the US. It'll work the same. Just remember to keep the Kindle out of the sand!

Buying books

If your Kindle is registered with a US address, you can buy books (and get free books) from the US Amazon Kindle store while in Mexico. If you have the 3G model, and the 3G switched on, it will find the Telcel 3G signal (where available) and download books from your account. It will also use the older Telcel GSM/EDGE signal when outside 3G coverage areas, but this is much slower.

If you have the wi-fi model, and are in range of a wi-fi signal, it'll also work exactly the same as when in the US.

When the Kindle was first launched outside the US (the Kindle 2 International), Amazon charged $2 to deliver each book (including free books) by 3G (Whispernet) in Mexico. This charge was abolished in 2010. There is now no additional charge for book delivery by 3G.

Magazine and Blog subscriptions

The situation is different for downloading newspaper, magazine and blog subscriptions. They are not available free over 3G while outside the US. If you want them delivered while in Mexico over 3G (Whispernet on Telcel) there is a rather high $4.99 per week charge. The one charge covers all your subscriptions, it's not charged for each one.

You won't be charged this automatically, you have to specifically request it. If you don't, the subscriptions will not be downloaded, but will remain in your account until you either download them via wi-fi, or download them via a US 3G network when you return there.

Content Delivery

You can transfer your own files to the Kindle by USB cable for free, regardless of country. You can also transfer them over 3G, for a fee. This fee is 15c/MB while in the US. In Mexico, this increases to 99c/MB.

Active Content

Active Content is Amazon's name for Kindle programs (apps). These are mostly games, but do include a useful notebook application. Some are free, some are a few dollars.

You cannot, in theory, buy active content while outside the US. If you look at the listings for the programs on the Amazon site while in Mexico, the price will be missing, and they cannot be ordered.

In practice, it's just the ordering that has to be done from a computer which appears to be located within the US. If you share your Kindle account with someone who is still in the US, get them to order it. If you have satellite internet, it probably has a US IP (network) address so should also be able to order. If you understand how to use them, proxy servers and VPN's can also be used to give the impression you're in the US. You'll know it works if you can see a price on the listings for the program.

Once you've ordered it, it doesn't matter where you are for delivery. It will still be delivered free to your Kindle over 3G (if available), or wi-fi, even while you're in Mexico.

Web Browser

The Kindle 3G comes with a very basic web browser, labelled as experimental. It's not exactly a pleasant way to browse the web (very slow, no color, page flashes a lot) but it can be used for basic lookups like wikipedia, news headlines, webmail etc.

The good news is it's totally free. There is no charge for accessing web pages on the Kindle, either over 3G (using Telcel's network while in Mexico), or over wi-fi. In some countries the sites that can be reached are limited, but in Mexico it currently appears to work exactly the same as in the US, unrestricted web access for free. This may change at any time.

It can be handy for travel, if you simply need to check your email (via a webmail service). You don't need to buy separate internet access, it's already included. It's possible to reply using the Kindle's very basic keyboard, or you could use the Kindle just for checking, and go to a cybercafe if you need to write a lot.

Newer Kindles

(added: October 2011). Many of the newer Kindle models, including the Kindle Fire, only have wi-fi, so these need a wi-fi network to operate and will mostly work the same in Mexico as they do in the US. The Kindle Touch 3G does have 3G and should work the same as the Kindle (Keyboard) 3G described above. However, the lack of a keyboard on the newer basic Kindle makes email, web and some applications unusable.

Library Lending

(added: October 2011). Many US public libraries are now lending Kindle books, via Overdrive (a company the libraries subscribe to to provide the service). Most libraries have been lending ePub books (for other book readers) for a long time, they are now gradually introducing Kindle book lending. Canadian libraries should follow soon.

To borrow ebooks, you just need your library card number from a public library that participates, and often a PIN number provided by the library. Follow the instructions on your library web site, they vary.

The books cannot be delivered over 3G, you must have a wi-fi connection for your Kindle. This means that as it doesn't use the 3G network at all, it should behave in Mexico (and elsewhere) exactly as if you were in your home town near the library. You can borrow the books regardless of your location. Most libraries have a 14 day or 21 day lending period, when it is reached the books automatically expire from your Kindle (or other ereader).