It looks like you have decided to relocate to Mexico! You’re probably fantasizing about spending your days relaxing on one of Mexico’s stunning beaches.
Maybe you picture a mountainous setting with luscious woodlands. Mexico is a fascinating nation that offers a taste of everything and then some.
Because of the country’s low cost of living, Mexico is an attractive place to set up residence. With its high-quality medical treatment and amenities. Also, there are always enough fresh fruits and veggies to choose from.
Here is a list of six factors to consider to help you have the best experience settling in Mexico.
1. Mexico is safer than what the media portrays
According to the media, the drug war in Mexico is the country’s primary concern. Actually, people go about their daily lives unaffected by the drug trade, which you won’t read about in the news.
More than 130 million people live in Mexico, and the vast majority lead quite typical lifestyles. It would be best if you avoided some areas at all costs, but as a foreigner, you will likely stick to the larger cities where there are plenty of other expatriates and tourists.
Avoid the most impoverished and unsafe areas of the country at all costs. Just be sensible and avoid doing anything you wouldn’t do at home.
2. Mexico is a profoundly Catholic country
Although there is no state religion in Mexico, the vast majority of the population is Catholic and deeply committed to their faith.
You need not be a practicing Catholic to call this place home; however, you should avoid making jokes about the people’s religion. Do not, for instance, disparage Our Lady of Guadalupe.
According to Mexican Catholic tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, first appeared to a peasant in 1531, ten years well after the Spanish invasion, in the form of a dark-skinned woman that spoke Nahuatl, the indigenous language of the region.
She has symbolized many different causes, including motherhood, feminism, and social justice, and she is now known as the Patroness of Mexico.
3. Inquire about your visa status
A visa is required for permanent residence in Mexico. As a tourist, you are legally permitted to reside in the country for a maximum of six months. Additionally, you can leave Mexico for a short period to renew your visa and then return for a further six months. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get a job with this visa. Consider applying for a permanent or temporary resident visa if you anticipate working in Mexico or if you want to remain beyond six months without worrying about your visa expiring.
The Mexican visa for short-term residents is known as a Residente Temporal. For four years, this visa will allow you to live and work in Mexico (renewed each year). Four years after arriving, you will be eligible to apply for the Residente Permanente (Permanent Resident) Visa. With this visa, you can stay in Mexico and engage in gainful employment for however long you wish.
4. Banking and finance
Virtually anywhere you go in Mexico, you can use an ATM. Money withdrawals from your U.S. bank account should go smoothly if your ATM card was issued by a bank participating in the Cirrus or Plus networks. However, there are times when ATMs are out of money and won’t let you withdraw a huge sum. Additionally, a Mexican credit or debit card is needed for use at some establishments. Having a local checking account could be helpful in these scenarios.
Anyone living in Mexico, temporarily or permanently, can open a bank account as long as they have the necessary paperwork. The banks in Mexico are safe places to save your money. To protect depositors’ funds, the Instituto para la Protección al Ahorro Bancario insures accounts for up to US$131000 (IPAB).
Withdrawing money from an ATM in Mexico always results in receiving pesos. Withdrawals made with a U.S. bank card may be converted to U.S. dollars at the ATM’s local exchange rate. This strategy rarely pays off. To save money on bank fees, always choose to forgo the conversion when withdrawing money from an ATM.
5. Learning Spanish will benefit you greatly
The country’s prominent business leaders will speak English, but it doesn’t mean the rest of the population does. Only about 1 in 13 Mexicans can communicate with you in English. Hence, if you want to make friends, feel at home, or even do some basic shopping, you need to start studying Spanish immediately.
Consider looking into online language apps – you’re already savvy on your mobile using your Springbok casino bonus to relax betting on your favorite online games.
6. Finding a new home
One of the trickier choices you’ll face upon relocating to Mexico is settling on a place to call home. In addition to the coasts, the majority of the country’s interior is dotted with safe havens for foreigners. For the time being, temporary residence in a serviced apartment or hotel room may be the best option.
Property owners in Mexico often need foreign tenants to have a fiador (a co-signer that has property and resides in Mexico) or to register the lease with the police to safeguard their rights as a lessor and a lessee.
In either case, professionals like real estate agents, property managers, and lawyers can be of great assistance. The Póliza Jurdica is often paid for roughly 35% of the first month’s rent at move-in.
Renter’s insurance is recommended and may be required by some landlords. Tenants typically need to pay the whole first month’s rent on top of the deposit and income verification paperwork covering the previous calendar year.
Conclusion
Mexico is a beautiful country with numerous opportunities, and these are just the top six factors to consider as an expatriate.
