20 Game-Changing Services to Save & Thrive in GDL!
Living in Guadalajara as an expat can be an incredible adventure, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Discover the top 20 game-changing services to save you time, money, and stress.
Cut through the noise of hundreds of apps and focus on the best! At TWIG, we've done the research and testing for you, curating the ultimate list of essential services for expats in Guadalajara.
Explore Our 20 Top Picks for:
📲 Connections: Stay in touch with loved ones back home
📲 Finances: Manage your money wisely
📲 Travel: Explore Guadalajara and beyond with ease
📲 Languages: Improve your Spanish skills
📲 Security: Stay safe and secure
📲 Getting the best of your home country from abroad
📲 Insider knowledge: Master life in Guadalajara!
Be a smart expat! Use our expert guide to unlock the best hacks, services, and apps tailored specifically for expats in Mexico. Say goodbye to unnecessary expenses, wasted time, and unwanted stress.
CONNECTIONS (3)
Best Worldwide Expat Community🫂
Winner! InterNations (Free & $10/month paying version)
Why is it our top pick? InterNations offers a large network in 420 cities worldwide, local events, and resources, organized by members who are expats themselves or have lived abroad before, to help people connect, socialize, and navigate life abroad, ultimately fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Benefits for Expats:
Making Friends
Cultural Immersion
Career Opportunities
Overcoming Homesickness
Finding Support
Best Guadalajara Expat Community🫂
Winner! TWIG (ThisWeekinGuadalajara.com). Free to $200 pesos a month.
Why is it our top pick? A beautiful melting pot of 2000+ members (60% foreigners and 40% locals) connecting and supporting one another.
How to Use TWIG:
Subscribe: Choose a one-month or one-year plan, cancellable or pausable anytime. Only 200 pesos a month.
Connect with the Community: Join 50+ weekly meetups and groups.
Get Live Help: Use TWIG's free WhatsApp support, connecting you with the TWIG Team and 2000+ members ready to assist.
Explore the Events Calendar: Browse 1000+ events, searchable by day, month, or category.
Discover Top City Guides: Access 50+ curated guides on dining, activities, savings, and living happily in GDL.
BONUS BENEFITS: Know who to hire with trust, get help relocating to GDL.
Best Communication Tool in Mexico💬
Winner! WhatsApp (free)
Why is it our top pick? In Mexico, WhatsApp is the go-to messaging app for everyone from travelers and doctors to businesses and service providers. It's indispensable. Its widespread adoption stems from the fact that traditional cell phone plans in Mexico typically don't include unlimited texting.
What You Should Know:
WhatsApp uses your phone data plan, so ensure your existing plan includes unlimited data in Mexico or you will need to get a SIM card to avoid data roaming charges.
The easiest place to buy a SIM card is at convenience stores like OXXO, found throughout the country.
10+ Hidden WhatsApp Features: Such as audio voice transcript. scan document, create a custom sticker, or incredible new video call backgrounds.
LANGUAGE (2)
Best Translation App🗣
Winner! Google Translate (free)
Why is it our top pick? Google Translate is great because it's fast, and widely used tool that translates text and speech across a vast number of languages, breaking down language barriers and facilitating communication.
How to Use Google Translate:
Choose Languages: Select the languages to translate from and to.
Translate Text:
Type or Paste: Type or paste the text you want to translate into the text box.
Camera: Use the camera icon to translate text in real-time from images or point the camera at a sign or text.
Microphone: Use the microphone icon to speak the text you want to translate.
View Translation: The translated text will appear below the original text.
Additional Features:
Translate Conversations: Use the "Conversation" mode to translate real-time conversations.
Translate Documents: You can also translate documents by clicking on the "Documents" tab and uploading your document.
Translate Websites: You can also translate websites by clicking on the "Websites" tab and entering the URL.
Best Language Learning App🗣
Winner! Duolingo (free)
Why is it our top pick? Duolingo is great for its gamified, engaging, and accessible approach to language learning, offering bite-sized lessons, a wide range of languages, and a fun, interactive experience that makes learning enjoyable and manageable, especially for beginners. Watch video tutorial.
How to Maximize Learning a Language on Duolingo:
Daily Practice at same specific time slot.
Utilize Duolingo's Resources:
Duolingo Stories
Duolingo Podcasts
Review Lessons
Utilize the Guidebooks
Speak Each Phrase Aloud
3. Maximize XP and Engagement:
Keep Your Streak: Aim for a consistent streak to stay motivated and track your progress.
Early Bird Reward: Consider using the early bird reward to earn more XP.
Attend Duolingo Events (now called "Classrooms") for XP boosts.
Timed Challenges and Events
Unit Reviews: Do more than one "bubble" at a time
4. Go Beyond the Basics:
Look Up Concepts
Write Everything Down
Make Your Own Phrases
Tell a Story
Challenge a Friend
Learn One Through Another
Duolingo Max: Consider upgrading to Duolingo Max for additional features and benefits
FINANCES (5)
Best ATM Fee Saver App💲
Winner! ATM Fee Saver (free)
Why is it our top pick? It's the first mobile app to find fee free ATMs in 90+ countries with foreign ATM fees, withdrawal limits, forex places, emergency numbers, and visa info!
ATM Fee Saver Great Features:
ATM Nearby Fees - Zero fee, low-fees, and high-fees
ATM cash withdrawal limits
Currency exchange and money transfer places nearby
Cash related tips & tricks for Mexico
Free access to credit reports and scores from TransUnion and Equifax
Emergency numbers in Mexico
Visa information for Mexico
Best Currency Converter App💲
Winner! XE (free)
Why is it our top pick? Xe was named a Top International Money Transfer Provider in the 2024 Expat Choice Awards! It is trusted by millions for its secure, fast, and user-friendly platform, making international money conversion simple. XE services over 200 countries worldwide, and handles around 100 currencies.
How to Use Xe Convert Tool:
Click on the Convert tab.
Enter the Amount.
Choose your From and To currency pairing.
Click Convert.
Sign up to receive daily notifications for the exchange rate of your home currency to Mexican pesos. This gives you the advantage of knowing when the best time to withdraw money is to get the most for your conversion.
BONUS Feature: Xe also offer one of the most affordable way to transfer money abroad.
Best Money Transfer App💲
Winner! Wise (free)
Why is it our top pick? Wise is the most affordable way of getting money from your foreign account into your Mexican bank account. It uses a peer-to-peer transfer model, which matches your currency conversion with other customers to minimise fees. This means you get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup, saving you money compared to high-street banks. Also, you'll know exactly how much your transfer will cost upfront. You can send money in 50+ currencies to 160+ countries, with the mid-market exchange range and no need to worry about intermediary fees creeping in.
How to Use Wise:
Go to "Send": From the Wise home screen, select "Send".
Choose or Add Recipient: Search for existing recipients or add a new one.
Enter Amount: Specify the amount you want to transfer.
Choose Payment Method: Select how you'll pay for the transfer (e.g., debit card, credit card, or bank transfer).
Review and Confirm: Review the details and confirm the transfer.
Watch the Wise Money Tranfer Tutorial
Best Money Management App💲
Winner! Credit Karma (free)
Why is it our top pick? Credit Karma is praised for its free access to credit reports and scores from two major credit bureaus (TransUnion and Equifax), helping users monitor their credit health and make informed financial decisions.
Credit Karma Great Features:
Track your net worth: View your assets, debts and investments in one place and see how they factor into your net worth.
Free access to credit reports and scores from TransUnion and Equifax and tool to dispute errors on TransUnion credit reports.
Free financial education
Early Payday: Ability to access your paycheck up to 2 days early and federal government benefits up to 5 days early when you set up direct deposit.
Early Tax Refund: Up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit.
Automatic Cash Back: On eligible purchases.
Relief Roadmap: automatically see if you're elligible for be presented with resources about government stimulus programs, unemployment benefits, debt relief opportunities and loan options you may qualify for.
Credit Builder: Offers a credit builder loan to help build or improve your credit.
Savings Account: Offers a high-yield savings account with a strong APY.
Free ID Monitoring: To help you spot potential identity theft.
Personalized Approval Odds: by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for this product, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender.
No Monthly Fees: Credit Karma Money accounts do not have monthly service fees.
Best Travel Reward Credit Card💲
Winner! Chase Sapphire ($95/year)
Why is it our top pick? Chase Sapphire Preferred has snagged the award for Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for the seventh year in a row.
Core Features:
✨Low annual fee ($95 US annual fee)
✨No Foreign Transaction Fees
✨Earns Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed in several ways. Points Are Worth DOUBLE Paired With the Southwest Companion Pass.
✨Excellent roster of 14 transfer partners (11 airline & 3 hotel partners). (Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents each through this redemption route.)
✨Generous travel protections and perks:
- Baggage delay insurance
- Lost luggage -reimbursement
- Primary rental car coverage
- Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Trip delay insurance
✨Annual $50 hotel credit for any hotel booked through Chase Travel
✨Concierge: Contact Visa Signature Concierge at 1-800-953-7392 for help with dinner reservations or Broadway, music and sporting event tickets.
✨BONUS: Currently, new applicants can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 US within the first three months of account opening. Based on TPG's December 2024 valuations, this welcome offer is worth a solid $1,230 US.
TRANSPORTATION (5)
Best Public Transportation App🚍
Winner! Moovit
Why is it our top pick? Moovit is a highly useful app for navigating public transportation in Mexico, especially in larger cities, offering real-time updates, route planning, and information on buses, trains, and other transit options.
How to Use Moovit:
Select "Directions": Tap on the "Directions" tab, which is usually the default home screen.
Enter your destination: Type your destination address in the "Where do you want to go?" search bar.
Choose your starting point: If your starting point is different from your current location, make sure to add it on the next screen.
Review route suggestions: Moovit will suggest multiple routes to your destination, showing details like total duration, walking time, number of transfers, and when you should leave.
Choose your preferred route: Select the route that best suits your needs.
Set options: You can set options for your journey to limit the amount of walking and select your preferred transport mode.
Choose a departure time: Select a departure time using the clock icon.
Start live directions: Once you've chosen your route and departure time, tap "Start Live Directions" to get real-time updates and directions.
In Mexico Moovit partner with inDrive car ride.
Best Transportation Planner App🚖
Winner! Rome2Rio
Why is it our top pick? Rome2Rio is praised for its ability to compare and coordinate various transportation options like flights, trains, buses, ferries, and rideshares, making it a convenient one-stop shop for travelers.
How to Use Rome2Rio:
Enter your starting and destination points: Type in the locations you want to travel between.
Select your preferred mode of transport: Choose from the available options (train, bus, plane, ferry, or car).
View the routes and options: Rome2Rio will display various routes and transportation options, along with estimated travel times and costs.
Book your tickets: If you find a suitable option, you can book your tickets directly through the platform or be redirected to the relevant booking page.
Best International GPS🚖
Winner! WAZE
Why is it our top pick? Waze and Google Maps are both good in Mexico but Waze takes the #1 spot, especially for real-time traffic updates and avoiding congestion, with a large user base and active community contributing to its accuracy.
What Sets Waze Apart:
Waze uses real-time traffic data and alerts from other users to provide the fastest routes.
You can customize your avatar and see other Waze users on the road.
Waze also displays icons for gas stations, coffee shops, and restaurants along your route.
Watch the Waze Tutorial
Best Ride-Sharing App🚖
Winner! Both Didi and Uber. It is recommended to have both apps installed, in case one service is unavailable or has a longer wait time. In Mexico, both Uber and DiDi are generally considered safe ride-hailing options, with safety features like driver information and trip tracking, but it's always wise to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
In Mexico, DiDi is often cheaper than Uber, in both ride-hailing and food delivery services, and they are both cheaper than traditional taxis. DiDi is also known for charging drivers lower fees than Uber, which can be a positive factor for local drivers.
Uber, the most popular ride-sharing app in the world, is available in almost every city in Mexico with some caveats. A lot of cities in Mexico have put in regulations that don’t allow Uber to pick you up at airports or bus stations in an effort to support taxi drivers. To use it, you connect a credit card to your profile and when you ask for a ride Uber will connect you to drivers nearby. You can see the fees Uber charges before accepting a ride, and don’t worry; you don’t need to carry cash.
TRAVEL (2)
Best Travel Service ✈
Winner! Kayak (free)
Why is it our top pick? With Kayak, no need to download multiple travel apps.
Access everything in one place: Flights, hotels, car rentals, and itinerary management. Kayak's comprehensive travel search platform offers a multitude of benefits in one convenient place.
Core Features:
Trips: Get a clearly organized itinerary of all your bookings, flights, hotels, dining and activities in one place.
Price Comparison: Like Google Flights, Kayak searches hundreds of other websites and flight booking platforms to find the best deal for you.
Hacker Fares: Book one-way flights to save money on round-trip itineraries. Combine flights from different airlines for the best prices. Here’s an example of a Hacker Fare from Salt Lake City to New York City. Rather than booking a single round-trip fare for $350, this Hacker Fare offered a flight to New York on JetBlue, with a return flight on Delta. All for $257.
Price Alerts: Monitor airfare prices and receive notifications when prices drop.
Price Freeze: Lock in prices for a fee, in partnership with Hopper.
Price Check: Upload a screenshot of a flight price, and KAYAK will find lower prices.
Explore: Discover destinations based on your budget.
No extra fees added by Kayak on top-tier offers
Best Short-Term Rentals App ✈
Winner! AirBnb (free)
Why is it our top pick? AirBnb is the number one marketplace for finding furnished short-term rentals in the world. Explore their curated collections of homes chosen for their style, location, or nearby activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin with views or apartments by the beach, Airbnb Categories helps you find places to stay that are right for your trip.
Core Features:
Security of booking: Every booking comes with AirCover for guests if your host cancels within 30 days of check-in, you're unable to check-in, or the listing is significantly different than advertised and your host can't fix it or you feel unsafe in your Airbnb.
Unique lodging options: These can include everything from treehouses, yurts, and airstreams to boats, tiny homes, and even igloos.
Unique city experiences: Such as cooking classes, wine tastings, and hot air balloon rides.
OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES (5)
Best Guide to Activities, Meetups & Events in GDL 🎟
Winner! TWIG (ThisWeekinGuadalajara.com). $200 pesos a month.
Why is it our top pick? As the only comprehensive guide to Guadalajara, TWIG leaves the competition behind.
How to Use TWIG:
Subscribe: Choose a one-month or one-year plan, cancellable or pausable anytime. Only 200 pesos a month.
Explore the Events Calendar: Browse 1000+ events, searchable by day, month, or category.
Discover Top City Guides: Access 50+ curated guides on dining, activities, savings, and living happily in GDL.
Connect with the Community: Join 50+ weekly meetups and groups.
Get Live Help: Use TWIG's free WhatsApp support, connecting you with the TWIG Team and 2000+ members ready to assist.
BONUS BENEFITS: Know who to hire with trust, get help relocating to GDL.
Best VPN🛜
Winner! NordVPN ($35 pesos a month)
Why is it our top pick? NordVPN is praised for being the best VPN in Mexico for its fast speeds, extensive server network, robust security features, and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for securing online activities and accessing geo-restricted content.
NORD Best Features:
NordVPN has over 10 servers located in Mexico, which is beneficial for accessing Mexican content while traveling or for those who want to appear as if they are in Mexico.
Headquarters in Panama means Mexican authorities can’t access your browsing history or any other personal information about you.
Independently audited “no-logs” policy
Block ads and third-party trackers
Antivirus "Threat Protection Pro” also blocks fraudulent sites and downloads containing malware.
Wide server reach: Right now, NordVPN has physical and virtual servers in 118 countries, giving it the widest reach among all VPNs we’ve tested.
Connect up to 10 devices at a time
Best Virtual Mailbox📧
Winner! Anytimemailbox.com (start as low as $10 a month)
Why is it our top pick? Anytimemailbox.com is praised for its virtual mailbox service offering real street addresses worldwide, allowing you to view and manage your mail from anywhere in the world, reducing the need for physical mail handling.
Best Features:
Virtual Mailbox Service: Those living abroad can still receive their mail, making it a convenient option for expatriates and digital nomads who may not have a permanent physical address in their home country.
Real Street Addresses Worldwide: Access to over 2,500 real street addresses globally, providing you with a professional and legitimate address for various purposes.
Mail Scanning and Digitization: View and manage your mail online, anytime, from any device.
Mail and Package Forwarding: Have your mail and packages forwarded to a different location.
Secure Mail Shredding and Recycling
Flexible Storage Options: Ideal for travelers who may need longer mail storage times.
Check Deposits and Package Consolidation: Select locations offer check deposit and package consolidation services.
User-Friendly and Transparent Pricing
Ideal for Personal and Business Users
Anytime Mailbox has 11 locations in Mexico.
Best Wifi Detector🛜
Winner! WiFi Map® (Free)
Why is it our top pick? WiFi Map® is the largest Wi-Fi community in the world with more than 150 million WiFi hotspots available worldwide and the number is growing daily thanks to their community. With the app, you can connect to WiFi hotspots for free, get actual passwords, and make updates together with millions of WiFi Map users!
Core Features:
Strong Presence in Mexico: Beyond Mexico City, the app can also help users find free Wi-Fi in other cities like Cancun, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca.
Global WiFi Finder: Locate and list millions of free WiFi hotspots, contributed by users, in over 200 countries, ensuring connectivity worldwide.
VPN: WiFi Map integrates a VPN service to enhance security and privacy, especially when connecting to public WiFi networks.
eSIM: For those traveling, WiFi Map offers eSIM functionality, allowing users to access mobile internet without a physical SIM card.
Speed Test: Users can measure the quality and speed of their internet connection, whether it's WiFi, 4G, or 5G.
Additional Features & Benefits:
Community-Driven: The app relies on a community of users to contribute WiFi hotspot information, ensuring a continuously updated and accurate database.
Rewards for Contributors: WiFi Map uses its own utility token ($WIFI) to reward contributors for their efforts, creating a positive feedback loop.
Travel Tools: Beyond WiFi, the app includes helpful features like nearby restrooms, ATMs & fountains finder, a currency converter, tip calculator, and world clock, making it a comprehensive travel companion.
Offline Maps: Users can download offline maps to access WiFi information even without an internet connection.
Best Streaming Platform🎦
Winner! TWIG Partner Entertainment Deal
Why is it our top pick? It's an amazing deal that's about to change the way you watch entertainment! Similar services cost $1,000 pesos per quarter, so don’t miss your chance to save big!
🎬 What’s the Deal?
For just $1,000 pesos per YEAR/ per Stream, you’ll enjoy:
✅ Over 8,000+ international TV channels
✅ The latest movies and TV series (more than Netflix, Amazon Prive, Disney+ and Apple+ combined)
✅ Available on Firestick, Android, or Smartphone.
That’s less than $3 pesos per day for non-stop entertainment—movies, shows, sports, and more right at your fingertips!
🎉 Hurry! Offer Ends March 1, 2025!
All you need is:
✔ An Amazon Firestick, smartphone, or Android device
✔ A love for great entertainment
✔ Medium speed Internet connection (50 MB or greater)✔
📩 Contact: +52 33 26 49 99 83
Best Shopping Delivery Service🛜
Winner! Rappi (Fee based)
Why is it our top pick? Rappi connects you with a wide array of products and services, from groceries and restaurant meals to laundry and even cash withdrawals, delivered quickly. Rappi distinguishes itself from competitors by offering a "super app" model that goes beyond traditional e-commerce, and a commitment to sustainability and economic development in Latin America.
Core Features:
Free Recycling Program pick-up: Rappi, in partnership with Coca-Cola Mexico, offers a recycling program called "El Botón de Reciclaje" (The Recycling Button) where users can schedule pickups of recyclable materials like PET, cardboard, glass, multilayer, or aluminum, contributing to Coca-Cola's goal of recovering and recycling 100% of its packaging by 2030. How it works:
Open your Rappi app and click on “Recycling” in the “More Services” menu.
Select the collected materials and schedule the collection free of charge at the address of your preference in the schedule options provided. You need a minimum 15 items per category (Ex. 15 bottles).
A collector will come to your home to collect waste and/or packaging in a mini van, including PET, cardboard, glass, aluminum and paper.
The PET bottles will be taken to PetStar to be given a second life, and Arca Continental will make the donations to charities.
Rappi Impact to build a better Latin America
Best Shopping Platforms🛜
Winner! Amazon Mexico
Why is it our top pick? Amazon Mexico offers a wide variety of products, with safe, secure credit transactions, (usually) speedy and reliable delivery, and an easy return process, all while supporting local businesses and contributing to the Mexican economy.
Core Features:
You can pay in MXN: Avoiding foreign transaction fees.
Access to a Large Market: Mexico is a large and growing e-commerce market, with Amazon Mexico providing a platform for businesses to reach a wider audience.
Amazon offers various tools and resources to help sellers succeed, including programs like "Lógralo Online" and "Hecho a Mano".
Sustainable Shopping: Mexican consumers are increasingly interested in sustainable shopping options, which can be a great opportunity for sellers.
Items that are imported will be designated Importación, and there may be further alarming looking words — sometimes in red — about customs and import costs.
Generally, purchasing from Amazon Mexico can be cheaper than Amazon US due to lower shipping costs and potential currency exchange benefits, but it's important to compare prices and shipping costs for each specific item.
Amazon Mexico may have a different selection of products compared to Amazon US, so it's important to always compare prices and shipping costs for important items on both Amazon US and Amazon Mexico before making a purchase. No matter if you order from Amazon Us or Mexico it will be delivered safely to your door.
Amazon Prime: You must have a separate Amazon Mexico Prime account to receive the advantages of a Prime membership (free shipping, Prime video, Amazon Music, etc.) in Mexico. Your U.S. Prime account will not work. The first month is free and then the cost is $99 pesos (about $5 dollars) a month, billed automatically.
Returns: Go back online — just like you would in the U.S. — and click on devolver o reemplazar productos. The site will walk you through the return process step-by-step, including giving you a return label to print or download to your phone.
For Everything Else✨
Winner! TWIG (ThisWeekinGuadalajara.com). $200 pesos a month.
For everything else, subscribe to TWIG and access unlimited curated Guides on mastering the healthcare system, dealing with emergencies, car ownership, purchasing real-estate, where to eat, and more in GDL!
Voila!
The smartest expats spend less, stress less, and enjoy more. TWIG helps you navigate the best deals, services, and life hacks in GDL. Encourage readers to share their own money-saving tips!
👉 TWIG's Events Super Calendar: https://www.thisweekinguadalajara.com/events
👉 Not a TWIG Members yet? It's not too late 👉 https://bit.ly/3Ehc8Gy
🌟 Join our free community chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E9AdJQ3BGeLKYrKGaUCdrc
FAQ´S -
What is Guadalajara famous for? Guadalajara is famous for being the capital of Jalisco, the Silicon Valley of Mexico, and the land of mariachi music, charros, and tequila. It also offers a wide range of cultural events, historical sites, and unique attractions throughout the year.
What are some must-visit attractions in Guadalajara? Some must-visit attractions in Guadalajara include the Guachimontones circular stepped pyramids, Hospicio Cabañas, San Juan de Dios Market, and the numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
Why Guadalajara is an Ideal Expat Destination? Guadalajara is considered the cultural center of Mexico. Also named the Silicon Valley of Mexico, it still maintains it authentic Mexican culture. Living in Guadalajara will introduce you to eccentric coffee shops, fashionable restaurants, suburbs that contain markets and small shops with traditional folklore and Mexican souvenirs. The prices are still not gringofied and the quality of life is high!
How to Make Your Move to Guadalajara Smooth and Stress-Free? Sign-up to TWIG's Relocation Program and learn in 4 days what it takes other years. From where to eat, where to stay, what to see, and connecting you to all the top professionals you need for your new life, you’ll feel home in an instant.
How can I stay updated on the latest events and attractions in Guadalajara? Subscribe to TWIG’s free weekly newsletter to get the best of Guadalajara delivered directly to your inbox.
We hope this article helped you turn from a newcomer to a smart local, embracing and enjoying your new home in beautiful Guadalajara!
Want more of everything going on in Guadalajara? Subscribe to TWIG’s free weekly newsletter to get the best of Guadalajara in your inbox. And get the “Best of Guadalajara List” to know the top bilingual professionals in 30+ categories (from private drivers to doctors).
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