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Practical Considerations for Living in Mexico
As you contemplate a move to Mexico, there will be several practical considerations to take into account.
This guide covers some of the key practicalities and also connects you to other pages in the living and working section that contain additional information and resources.
Also See: Living in Mexico Q&A
Practical Considerations For Living in Mexico
Few people would arrive in Mexico (or any other foreign country) and immediately think to themselves, 'this seems like a nice place, I'll live here'.
Emigrating to any foreign country takes research, knowledge, commitment, planning, time, and resources.
This part of our living and working section highlights some of the principal factors that need to be considered as well as to raise issues which you will need to work through as you plan your move to Mexico.
Some of the topics in this guide may encourage you to re-evalate some of your pre-conceptions or initial plans; they may help to re-enforce your understanding what a move to Mexico entails and the advantages it may afford those who make the effort and take the right steps towards a successful move to Mexico.
These topics are designed as a precis only and, in many cases, connect to other parts of the guide which offer a more in-depth review of the topic as well as advice and local knowledge to help you make informed choices.
Is Mexico the Right Place for Me / Us to Live?
To answer this question properly you need to have visited Mexico, probably more than once (although there are success stories involving 'love at first sight'), and preferably lived there for a period, before deciding to move to Mexico for a longer period of time.
You may not have a choice in the move: perhaps your company is relocating you to Mexico temporarily or permanently. If this is the case, the resouces on Mexperience will help you to get an excellent grounding in Mexican culture and prepare ahead of time for your move to Mexico.
Also See: Society & Culture in Mexico, Social Etiquette in Mexico
If you know Mexico already, then you are likely to know where abouts in Mexico you want to live. Some people spend their first months or, perhaps, a couple of years, traveling to different places in Mexico so as to find a place that feels right for them.
Also See: Travel Guides, Travel Essentials
In any event, if you plan to live in Mexico you should have at least a basic conversational level of Spanish, although there is no better place to learn than by being there.
Also See: Learn Spanish
Whether Mexico is right for you, only you, and your partner/family, can answer. By doing your research (being on this web site is an excellent start!) and getting properly informed you may begin to make certain commitments. It's at that point that you will need to plan your move, find the necessary contacts, put resources in place and finally - act on your plans!
Also See: Moving to Mexico, What Part of Mexico? (section on this page)
Why Am I / We Going to Mexico? And For How long?
This question is related to the one above, but importantly, you need to establish how long you intend to be in Mexico for.
If the move to Mexico is due to relocation of your work, then you may arrive in Mexico for a set period depending on your contract and have every intention of leaving afterwards. Some people come to Mexico to work on this basis and end up staying permanently -- with or without the original work contract that brought them here.
If your move is tentative or experimental, or only part time -- perhaps in the winter months -- and you own a house back in your home country, perhaps you'll rent it out while you are not there and move back into it each time you return for visits, or when you return from an extended stay in Mexico.
Some people decide to sell their homes, if they own one, and all their belongings and move to Mexico 'until further notice', i.e. indefinitely. This is often the case with people who fall in love and move to Mexico to be with their new life partner as well as people who like to break ties with one place so that they can be motivated to make things work in their new country of residence.
Others, and particularly those who have the financial wherewithall to do this, will keep a house or apartment in their home country and buy a second home in Mexico. However, the majority of people either down-size to a smaller property back in their home country (for example, when the children leave home) or sell-up completely and use the proceeds from their sale to buy a small home in Mexico.
Every situation is unique. However, it's important to get an understanding of your intentions as doing so will help you to make some important choices in relation to the immigration permit you will acquire as well as how you organize your accommodation needs.
The issue of immigration permits is important. If you will want to work in Mexico, you will need to satisfy the Mexican authorities that you have an income from a foreign company or that a Mexican company is sponsoring you. There are various routes you might take and you can get an excellent overview from our Guide to Immigration in Mexico.
In broad terms, if you plan to live in Mexico but do NOT want to take up permanent, long-term, residence (i.e. become fully immigrated or naturalized) then you should choose one of the FM3 visas. However, if your intention IS to take up permanent, long-term residence (i.e. become a legalized immigrant or naturalzed Mexican) then you should chose one of the FM2 visas. If you sign-up to an FM3 and later decide that you would really like to stay in Mexico permanently for any reason, then any years you have 'accumulated' on an FM3 visa will NOT count towards your FM2-Immigrado (Immigrated) status.
If, after reading our guides and looked at the Mexican Immigration web site you are still unsure, you should consider hiring the services of an immigration lawyer in Mexico.
Also See:Guide to Mexican Immigration
How long you plan to stay will also affect some of the choices you make a propos accommodation in Mexico. If your stay is going to be short, or intermittent, perhaps renting a house or apartment will be your best option. However, if you plan to stay longer, or if you plan to retire here permanently or with frequent visits, then perhaps a property investment would be a wiser choice. The choices you make will also depend on your specific situation and your financial means. You can find full information about renting, buying and selling real estate in Mexico here on Mexperience.
Also See: Guides to Real Estate in Mexico, Banks, Banking & Credit in Mexico
Tax Considerations when Moving to Mexico
If you are leaving your home country for an extended period (usually more than one full tax year) you will need to let the tax authorities in your home country know about your intentions.
If you are earning money through work on investments while living in Mexico, it's worth knowing that many countries now have 'double taxation' agreements with Mexico, so any money you earn in Mexico (or investments earning money at home) will not be taxed twice.
Taxation can be one of the most complex areas for foreign expatriates to deal with: especially so if you have significant financial assets to manage. On the plus-side, being a foreign expat can be extremely tax-efficient -- provided that you get the planning right and execute your affairs according to tax laws in both your home country and Mexico.
People with significant financial assets should seek professional tax accounting advice at the earliest opportunity because you absolutely need to plan your comemrcial, work and investment affairs ahead of time in order to avoid paying too much tax and to avoid falling foul of tax laws, not just in Mexico but in your home country, too.
You may already have an accountant who may advise you on these matters. International tax planning is a specialized service; some 'domestic' accountants may be able to give general counsel, but most will refer you to a specialist.
Immigration Policy and Visas
As was mentioned earlier in this guide, you will need to consider your immigration status and apply for permits to live and work in Mexico.
Mexico operates a strict immigration policy which seeks to protect the interests -- especially the job interests -- of its own citizens. You will need to prove an income from a foreign company or have specialized skills to be granted leave to live and work in Mexico.
If you are planning to retire, or take a sabattical of some type, proving that you can sustain yourself financially will suffice. There is no 'official minimum' amount, by law, which Immigration Officials seek from people: each case is dealt with individually. That said, a good rule of thumb is to be able to prove an income or have assets which will provide US$1,000 per month of your intended stay plus US$500 per month for each additional dependent. See the guide to immigration for details.
There are various routes to applying for and acquiring the necessary visas to enter Mexico. Connect to our Immigration page for details.
Also See: Guide to Mexican Immigration, Finding Jobs and Working in Mexico
Where to Live in Mexico
Mexico is a country with nearly 2 million kilometers of land space: it's a big place, and you will need to decide what area of Mexico you want to live in.
For the majority of foreigners moving to Mexico, there tend to be two over-riding factors which affect the choice of location: either they have fallen in love with someone who is already settled in Mexico (Mexican or other foreigner) or their work dictates their location.
Also See: Getting Married, Working in Mexico
For some, moving to Mexico is part of a journey that aims to create a more simplfied life-situation for them and/or their partner and family. They may have savings or investments and plan to open a small enterprise (perhaps a knowledged-based enteprise) in Mexico. In these circumstances, the people usually know Mexico and know whereabouts in Mexico they want to live.
Also See: Self Employment in Mexico
Retirees are spoiled for choice in terms of locations to choose from. The location may depend on previous experience of having lived, worked or visited Mexico on some occassions. In any event, this topic and many others are covered in detail in the guides on Mexperience to retirement.
Also See: Guide to Retirement in Mexico, Retirement Locations
Securing Accommodation in Mexico
Once you have decided where you need or want to live, you need to find accommodation that will suit your needs and budget.
Most people start out by renting in Mexico, although the trend now is toward buying property, as it can represent a better investment of your money over the long term -- provided that you do it properly.
If you need somewhere to stay on a very short-term basis, perhaps for an exploratory visit to a city you are considering, you can find an excellent range of hotels here on Mexperience.
For longer term accommodation, whether it's to rent or buy, the Mexperience guides to Mexican real estate are comprehensive and will give you an excellent grounding to begin your search well prepared.
Also See: Find a Hotel in Mexico, Guide to Real Estate in Mexico
Moving Your Personal Belongings to Mexico
You can have all your personal belongings (including furniture) imported into Mexico free of any duty, provided that you have the correct permits to live (and if applicable, work) in Mexico: i.e. an FM2 or FM3 visa.
There are certain rules you must adhere to when importing your personal goods and chattels: princiapally, you have 90 days from the date of your entry into Mexico (using your FM2 or FM3 visa) to import your items free of any duty. After this time, you will need to hire the services of a customs agent and may have to pay some duty.
You can read a very comprehensive guide to Moving to Mexico here on Mexperience, which deals with a range of matters you will need to consider and address before and during your move to Mexico -- including the issue of what to do with your personal belogings.
Also See: Moving to Mexico
Banking and Money Matters in Mexico
Opening a bank account in Mexico is quite straightforward, although expect to have minimum balances for current and savings accounts - with penalties for not conforming to the rules.
Banks in Mexico don't operate overdraft facilities for individuals; this service is only offered on business accounts. Charges for cashiers checks and ATMs are made on certain types of personal accounts - so check with your bank to make sure you open an account that is right for your needs.
Credit cards are available, but expect interest rates to be signifcantly higher than you're used to in the US/CA, Europe or Australasia.
Personal loans and mortgages are becoming more common and can be now be arranged, but this will depend on your financial history with the bank, and rates are much higher than you're probably used to back home - so beware. Some people borrow money from their home country to purchase property in Mexico; there are increasing numbers of US banks doing this especially, although European and Australasian banks will almost certainly reject any application for mortgages for property in Mexico. Remember that when you borrow 'foreign currencies' to purchase assets, you may be left severely exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates if your earnings are not in the same currency as the loan.
Some banks now offer US Dollar currency accounts for individuals; before this service was only open to businesses. Any foreign currency you deposit (or which is wired) into a Mexican bank account that is not US Dollar denominated is immediately converted to Mexican Pesos.
If you still have an account back home, you should be able to draw down a reasonable amount per a day (equivalent in Pesos) from ATMs using your plastic card, which will be debited back to a home-based account, but beware, ATM charges for international travelers have crept up in recent years. See Money for details about this and other money matters in Mexico.
The guides on Mexperience about money and banking are comprehensive and will give the information you need to open and manage your finances effectively in Mexico.
Also See: Money in Mexico, Banks, Banking and Credit in Mexico
Blogs: Blogs Related to Money & Finance, Blogs Related to Mexico's Economy
Driving in Mexico
Driving in Mexico -- even in Mexico City -- is not as scary as many people make it out to be. Our guide to driving in Mexico will give you plenty of background informatoin and practical tips to help you stay safe on Mexican roads.
If your stay in Mexico is going be more permanent, you may want to buy a car and get an international driver's license, although you can also apply for Mexican Driver's license as well.
Car loans are becoming commonplace in Mexico, although to apply for a loan you will need to have a FM2 or FM3 resident's visa and a good credit standing in Mexico -- this may take time to build up with your local bank. Sometimes, they will extend credit based on proof of income and a letter of reference showing good standing from a bank in your home country. In these circumstances, banks lending the money will also want to see bank statements going back 3-6 months.
Also See: Driving in Mexico, Banks, Banking and Credit in Mexico
Keeping in Touch While in Mexico (e.g. Phone, Internet, Media)
Mexico's telephone infrastructure in improving all of the time and home internet connections are readily available nationwide.
Telmex, the virtual-monopoly and incumbent telephone operator is now offering high-speed (ADSL) 'broadband' internet connections using a normal telephone line.
Cable operators (where available) also offer internet access and, in Mexico City, Toluca, Monterrey and Guadalajara, a city-wide wireless internet service is available for purchase via monthly subscription.
In addition to excellent communication services, Mexico also offers plenty of media channels including Sky TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines.
Also See: Communications in Mexico, Media in Mexico
Blogs: WiFi Internet Access in Mexico, 3G Wireless Services in Mexico
Insurance, Health and Medical Matters
Depending on your residential status, you and your family may be entitled to Mexican Social Services for health matters, which are free at point of delivery.
If you live in Europe are used to some European State's free-at-point-of-delivery systems, be warned that facilities are nowhere near as developed. Western Europeans used to high levels of social and welfare care funded by the State will need to adjust their expectations of public health care and other social services.
You should buy private medical insurance for you and any dependants to be covered for illnesses and medical conditions (if the company you are working with does not already provide it).
Mexico does have some very fine clinics and hospitals, but like the USA, they are not free at point of delivery; and like the USA you WILL be asked for insurance details and, even if you are insured, expect to be asked for a hefty deposit using a credit card or cash.
The Mexperience Guides to Insurance and Health Matters in Mexico will help to give you an excellent understanding of insurance and healthcare in Mexico and help you plan ahead.
Also See: Health & Healthcare in Mexico, Insurance, Health & Safety Matters
Settling-In to Mexico
Once you arrive in Mexico, there will be an inevitable settling in period. It takes time to get used to living 24 hours a day, every day, in a brand new environment and culture.
Expect low times, and home sickness. The books and resources that you'll have read before moving to Mexico should have covered this area in detail and have advice so that you, and your family if they are traveling with you, may be prepared.
The Mexperience guides to Moving to Mexico as well guides to Mexican culture will help you to plan ahead.
Also See: Moving To Mexico, Society & Culture in Mexico, Social Etiquette
Choosing Schools for Your Children
If you have children of school-age, then you will need to find a school in Mexico suitable for them.
If you have full residential status, your children may be entitled to attend Government funded schools or colleges, and you need to decide whether you will take this option or pay to have your children educated privately. The second option is expensive, and if a company or sponsor is not paying for this, it is so mething you will need to have budgeted for.
Also See: Schools and Schooling in Mexico
Getting Around in Mexico
Getting to Mexico for a holiday is easy. Do some planning, buy some stuff, pack a bag or two and be at the airport two hours prior to departure. Two weeks later, you'll be back at home washing your clothes...
No such thing when moving to Mexico. You'll need to plan the shipment of your personal goods AND have the authority to import them into Mexico. The last thing you want is for all of your sentimental worldly goods to be seized at Mexican Customs through a lack of planning. For advice about getting to and around Mexico, connect to the Travel Essentials Section on Mexperience.
Getting around in Mexico will be different. If you lived in Britain, Ireland, Japan or other country where they drive on the left, you'll need to get used to driving on the right! Read the Driving in Mexico section for more details. You may be used to ample public transport; regular buses, trains, cycle routes and lanes, ample sidewalks, et al. You may find that the place you're living around in Mexico offers a fraction of, or none of these and you'll need to adjust or get used to new arrangements.
Also See: Moving to Mexico, Entry Requirements, Driving, Travel Essentials
Returning Home from Mexico
Returning to your home country will require as much planning in reverse as your move out to Mexico. If your trip was scheduled for a set period of time, and you (had and) still have a house back home, then the process will be more straightforward; although advance planning to ensure your house is empty (if it was rented) and in good condition will be required, as well as the transportation of your personal belongings back home.
If you have children of school age, they will need to re-adjust back into their home school and school system; they may need to catch up, or they may be more advanced, either way their perspectives will have changed too, and you will need to help them through the inevitable culture shock, as you may have had to with them they started school in Mexico.
You'll also need to get your tax affairs organized, to ensure that you are not unnecessarily penalized on any income or investments, either in Mexico or in your home country. Make sure you plan ahead - going home at the 'wrong time' of the tax year can cost your dearly.
Settling back into your home ground lifestyle will also require time, as you will return with a whole new perspective, and could even suffer culture shock in reverse!
Also See: Moving To Mexico
