With warm weather, delicious food, and an affordable cost of living, Mexico has a lot to offer. If you are seriously considering moving there, be aware that the process can take months, no matter what country you currently live in. Americans may find it easier to move because of its proximity to Mexico, but with the right preparation, people from all over the world can move there.
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Part 1 of 4: Familiarizing yourself with the local culture
Step 1. Ask yourself why you want to move to Mexico specifically
Moving to another country is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Whether you're moving for work, love, or simply looking for a change of heart, take the time to clarify why you're moving, including how the move will help you achieve your life goals. For this purpose, it may be a good idea to write in a journal.
Step 2. Decide which city/region you will live in
Where you live will depend a lot on the reason for moving – for example, for work or love reasons, may not be flexible about housing choices. While Mexico's climate is relatively warm and temperate, there is some variation, depending on the region. Weather aside, it's best to live in a big city with lots of shops, or maybe even in the countryside.
- The Central Highlands area is full of cities containing streets, cathedrals, haciendas or Spanish lands, or anything else left over from the Spanish colonial era.
- The Pacific Coast region is home to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range with incredible natural scenery, with a coastline featuring miles of beaches, resort towns, farmland, plantations, palm fields and more. The weather can be very hot in the summer months, making winter the busiest tourist season.
- Mexico City and its surroundings offer a contrast between the fertile valley plains and all the pros and cons of big city life: art, culture, nightlife, overcrowding (over 22 million people), crime and poverty.
- The Yucatán Peninsula consists of 3 states (Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo) with a total population of about 1.65 million people. The majority come from American and Canadian immigrants. Cancún, one of the largest cities in Yucatán, is Mexico's most popular tourist destination.
- If you have the time and funds, it's a good idea to walk around Mexico a bit and try out different areas of rental homes, before deciding to live permanently.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with Mexico's political, economic and historical situation
If you're not already looking for a job, take the time to research the unemployment rate and average salary in the city you're interested in. Also check the crime rate and political tendencies in the destination city.
- A recent report shows that the Mexican economy has recovered from the 2008 recession, including that the unemployment rate, gross income gap, and crime rates (especially kidnapping and corruption in the police force) remain a major problem. Violence peaked in border towns in northern Mexico.
- Many expats say Mexicans are very friendly, but formal and polite in dress and behavior. When in doubt how to behave, ask the locals.
Step 4. Familiarize yourself with the cost of living
This can vary depending on where you live: in general, rural areas are always cheaper than urban areas. Don't be surprised if you have to spend some money:
- Between 3,000 and 8,000 pesos per month for apartment costs (depending on location and number of bedrooms);
- 1,200 pesos per month for Internet and basic devices;
- 580 pesos per month for membership fee at the gym;
- 7 pesos for the bus fare per person to the city center (336 pesos for the monthly package);
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2 pesos per minute for prepaid local calls.
- Also note that the data charges for mobile phone credit here are more expensive than America and Europe. To buy an iPhone 5 with a one-year contract with Telcel costs 7,639 pesos, while a data subscription for 420 minutes, 20 SMS and 3GB of data costs 929 pesos per month.
- For international phone calls, we recommend using digital media. There are many free video calling programs available (including Whatsapp and Skype). Moreover, Skype also offers unlimited monthly data plans based on country. As long as there is an Internet connection, you can communicate.
Step 5. Experience the creative work of Mexicans
Read books by Mexican writers (Octavio Paz and Carlos Fuentes are among the most famous), learn about Mexican artists (Diego Rivera is a renowned muralist), watch Mexican films (IMDb has a detailed list titled "The 100 Best Mexican Films". ").
Step 6. Learn Mexican food
Purchase Mexican cookbooks or look up recipes for popular foods online, such as Chilaquiles, Pozole, Tacos al pastor, Tostadas, or guakamole.
Step 7. Learn Spanish
If you can't afford to take Spanish classes at your local public college or language center, consider purchasing a bundled textbook with a CD (multimedia learning is much better than just reading a book). Even this is a bit pricey, there are a number of free language learning apps available if you have a smartphone or tablet (Duolingo is one of the most popular free apps).
- As part of your language learning efforts, pay attention to body language as well. For example, Mexicans tend to hold onto certain body language a little longer, such as shaking hands, than Americans or Canadians. Also remember not to stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets.
- Be sensitive to dialectal differences in the language. There is a difference in how Spanish is pronounced between Spanish versus Mexican; there are even differences between the Spanish spoken in Mexico and the surrounding area.
Step 8. Join an online expat community
As a person living outside your country of birth, you will automatically be classified as an "expat" (short for "expatriate"). Joining an online community of expats in Mexico will not only help you prepare for your trip, it will even last until you move and live in Mexico. Through this forum you will find the best people from the profession of doctors, pediatricians, hairdressers, grocery stores, or just to make friends with people who understand your struggles, as fellow expats.
Part 2 of 4: Managing Documents
Step 1. Make sure you have a valid passport
If you don't have one, you'll need to register a few months before leaving for Mexico. If you already have one, make sure your passport remains valid during your stay there. To live and work in Mexico, your passport must be valid for at least one year after applying for a visa.
- If you plan to live in Mexico for three years and your passport is only valid for another year, renew it right away, rather than worrying about it later.
- Make sure your passport has a few blank pages for stamps and visas. If there are no blank pages, contact the relevant government agency in your country to determine whether the passport should be renewed or just add a few extra pages.
Step 2. Confirm which visa is required
The type of visa depends on whether you are going to work in Mexico or not.
- If you're not going to work later, all you have to do is buy an FMT (tourist) visa through the Mexican consulate or even through the immigration counter after crossing the border, if you're arriving by car ($20 USD paid by Credit Card). If you are arriving by airplane, the visa will be included in the cost of the flight. The FMT type visa is valid from 90 to 180 days (about 3-6 months); many people live in Mexico for many years on FMT visas. Just renewed every 6 months.
- If you intend to work but do not intend to live permanently in Mexico, you must apply for an FM3 visa (non-immigrant residence permit). There are 10 types of FM3 visas; to determine which one is needed, you have to go to the nearest immigration office or consulate. The cost of making a visa varies, but be prepared to spend around IDR 6.8 million.
- If you want to stay in Mexico permanently (or at least for an undetermined length of time), you must apply for an FM2 visa (permanent residence permit). This visa must be renewed annually for five years, after which you can apply for citizenship. The fee for this visa ranges from IDR 4 million to IDR 5.8 million rupiah.
- Especially for FM3 and FM2 visas, be prepared to face a long application process and the need to go back and forth to the immigration office or consulate.
- Also for FM2 and FM2 visas, you have to show proof of a residential address in Mexico and monthly income ranges between IDR 13.6 million and IDR 27.3 million, depending on your situation.
Step 3. Make sure that you don't need any transit visa
If you have to pass through another country on your way to Mexico, you'll need a transit visa. This visa allows you to pass through a country without having to stay.
Step 4. Check your driving license
Since Mexico does not require its citizens to hold an international driver's license, you can still carry a driver's license from your home country. Upon arrival in Mexico, apply for a Mexican driver's license by filling out a form and presenting a visa.
Please note that if you drive to Mexico, you must leave Mexico in the same car, as this is emphasized on your visa
Step 5. Handle your finances, including any tax obligations in your home country
You have to consolidate many bank accounts into one, to make it easy to manage. You'll also need to register with an international funds transfer company, to transfer money from your bank account in your home country to a new bank in Mexico, usually at a lower fee than your bank.
- You are only allowed to bring cash of IDR 6.8 million to Mexico, on an airplane, or IDR 4 million by road.
- With any money brought into Mexico, bring at least one international credit card.
Step 6. Make copies of all medical records and prescriptions for yourself and the rest of the family
Make sure all vaccinations are up to date before moving. The relevant vaccinations for Mexico are: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Rabies.
Step 7. Book a place for temporary accommodation
This allows you to have a place to live once you arrive in Mexico, while also giving you additional time to find a permanent home and work-around arrangements.
Step 8. Make travel plans and arrangements for your arrival in Mexico
Unless you're driving to Mexico, it's perfect for air travel.
Step 9. Buy car insurance or auto insurance
If you drive to Mexico, be sure to purchase car insurance. Actually not important, but the consequences if an accident occurs can be very serious. You can purchase this insurance once you are in Mexico; no need to buy beforehand.
Step 10. Get a CURP card
Upon arrival in Mexico, get a CURP card (Clave nice de Registro de Población). This is your Identity Card or ID, containing your name, date and place of birth, gender, etc. (same as SIM). You will need to have your passport, visa and proof of residence ready to get it. Apply at your local local government branch, upon arrival in Mexico.
You will need this card before signing for healthcare entitlements in Mexico
Step 11. Purchase health insurance
The cost of healthcare is relatively low in Mexico so you can be sure you won't have any problems with this, but if you have limited funds, it will be easier for you to buy health services.
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The most popular public health insurance in Mexico is through the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). If you work in Mexico, it's more than likely that your company will have it automatically entered, with a deduction from your salary to pay for the costs. Depending on your age, IMSS insurance costs can amount up to IDR 4.7 million per year.
Many expats say that IMSS health insurance is only good for treating aches and pains, but not effective for more serious conditions. The quality of healthcare you receive also depends on the particular hospital and office; it's a good idea to read online reviews before entering--if you can
- You can purchase personal healthcare through a number of companies. Make sure the policy is covered by the insurance company.
- Some doctors and private hospitals are willing to accept the health insurance you have in your home country. But make sure first.
- Just to think about the cost of private healthcare if you pay for it yourself: a visit to a private doctor's office can cost between 150 and 300 pesos, with a specialist it's from 500 to 600 pesos. Laboratory tests can be up to 2,000 pesos.
Part 3 of 4: Taking Care of Luggage and Possessions
Step 1. Think about what you want to do while living in Mexico
This will help decide what to keep and what to throw away when packing. You'll also have to think about other factors, such as the weather and where you're going to live-for example, if you know you'll be moving around a lot in the future, or that you live in a small room, it might be a good idea to digitally version your entire CD, DVD, and Blu collection. -ray so as not to bother carrying. An e-reader device such as a Nook, Kobo or Kindle will also save a lot of space for storing books.
- Once you know what to bring, decide whether to sell, keep or donate the rest. Keep in mind that storage costs can pile up, so if there's something you can't get rid of, it's best to send it by post or courier to Mexico.
- If you decide to ship multiple items, look for the best price notes from shipping companies in your home country and Mexico (be sure to read reviews for each company, before deciding!)
Step 2. Be aware and know exactly what is brought into Mexico
Items such as art and furniture can be brought in without import duty, for at least six months before you enter, but you are not allowed to bring in live predatory fish, dead fish of any kind, and certain drugs, including marijuana for medical purposes.
- FM3 visa holders have a one-time opportunity to import household personal items worth IDR 68.1 million into Mexico, without being subject to import duties, at a cost of IDR 1.3 million. If you decide to take advantage of this opportunity, you should make sure to clearly mark each box and provide a list of items shipped to the Mexican consulate, including the serial numbers of the electronics.
- Unless you're from America, if you're planning to bring in electrical equipment, the voltage requirements of those items probably won't match most larger items. Lower voltage items, such as MP3 players, will usually adjust. If you're from Europe, it's best to just sell it and buy a new one in Mexico. In this way, moving costs can be reduced.
Step 3. Make sure all pets have complete documents
If you have a dog or cat, it must be checked for health and be certified by a professional veterinarian signed at least five days before crossing the border. This certificate must also prove that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies. The local Mexican consulate can provide further information.
- Birds are more difficult to carry on the road because they need official documents and a long quarantine period that costs at least IDR 8.1 million.
- If you have other pets to bring, please consult the local embassy/government for details.
Part 4 of 4: Living in a New House
Step 1. Clean up your new home
Try to make this new home as comfortable as possible. If funds are limited, be smart about spending money. Don't be stingy about buying things that affect your health, such as a good mattress and pillow, for example.
Step 2. Explore the new environment
If possible, don't get to work right away. Take a few weeks off to walk out of the house, wander around the residential complex, meet neighbors, just explore new homes. Find your new favorite café or restaurant. Go on a nature walk. Get to know and explore your area.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with local hospitality
Find the location of your local grocery store, doctor, pharmacy, vet (if you have pets), transit, etc.
Step 4. Be social
Living in a new place can feel lonely, especially if you are alone, without friends or loved ones. Joining an activity group (book club, recreational sports team, community center class) will help you make new friends and greatly reduce feelings of loneliness. Be proactive and do this as soon as possible after arriving in Mexico, rather than feeling down on yourself.
Step 5. Continue to immerse yourself in the local language and culture
Take language classes, go to cultural events. Never stop growing and learning. Benefits of this move!
Step 6. Keep in touch with friends and family at home
Just because you're far away doesn't mean you have to cut contact. With social media and programs like Skype, it's now very easy and inexpensive to stay connected with loved ones. Starting life in a new place is fun, but it can be very difficult too. If you have a good support network, it will certainly help you strengthen your resolve during the struggle.
Tips
- If you don't want to handle all the hassle of planning to move to Mexico, you can hire a relocation consultant.
- Don't forget to set up an emergency fund that will support you for at least the first few months in Mexico. You never know what could happen, so be prepared!
Warning
- The saying, “Wherever you go, there you are”, sounds ridiculous but it's true: if you are not happy with yourself, that gloom will follow you wherever you go. Long-distance travel activities can be a panacea for treating depression, but you yourself must be willing and actively learning and growing from the experience, otherwise you will just go round and round and return to where you started, no matter what country you are in.
- When considering taking out travel/health insurance, read the contract very carefully, both capitalized and especially lowercase. You will likely find that you actually have insurance from a credit card provider. When purchasing health insurance, carefully read the contract for instructions for obtaining claims and their exclusions; sometimes it never hurts to pay a little more to be more secure.
