Its a matter of preference in the end. Often the laid-back culture of Mexico wins Expats over. what an absolutely unfair and obtuse statement to make. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. You need a letter from the bank or a bank statement that you earn a minimum of $2000 per month or have investments of over $102,000 for each applicant. Note about income requirements: Mexico is making the transition from Minimum Salary (MS) to Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA) for calculating economic solvency. Hi, we're Alison and Alastair, We're here to help you choose your next home abroad or make a move abroad easier! Passionate, cheerful, and vibrant, Mexicans are some of the most hospitable people on the planet, and once you make friends with the locals as a new expat to the country, youll soon be wondering why you didnt try packing those bags even sooner for your exciting move to Mexico! This post was written by Dave and brought to you byLloyds TSB. Note: you may need a letter from the Mexican government with support to undertake this type of visa. Thanks for confirming what I suspected about the cost of living/travel. And, in emergencies, you fare better if you can understand what is going on. Here in Lake Chapalas area State of Jalisco, in Mexicos west/center area, and this is just as a single example, those freezers with their horrifying, macabre contents, have been found in our own neighborhoods, as well as casas de seguridad (houses where kidnapped victimas are kept ) just NEXT DOOR (literally !) Medellin feels more urban, Oaxaca more ancient. Dresses x 2. Tacos, enchiladas, moles, habanero salsas, chocolate. Mexican immigration officials may ask you about your income in Mexico and other details. Makes sense! I live in the lovely Ajijic, at Lake Chapala area, in the state of Jalisco. 0:00 / 3:05 Thousands Join Migrant Caravan Moving Through Mexico To U.S. Border NBC News 7.46M subscribers Subscribe 5.4K Share 712K views 8 months ago #USMexicoBorder #Migrants. Its interesting too hear what people who have lived in both countries think. Major airports in cities like Mexico City and Cancun are also very well connected internationally to other places outside the region as well, with flights to Europe and Asia flying out of the country on quite a regular basis as well, with Aeromexico offering flights to Tokyo, and even Turkish Airlines offering a direct route to Istanbul, straight from the shores of the Riviera Maya. These include the convenience. 1.7 Bringing your Furries. and FARC is encouraging, but like you said, the trouble is really just from basic street criminals something you dont really worry about in Mexican Riviera. For information on finding work, healthcare, or schooling, read our guide to Living in Mexico. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Mexico has an interesting nightlife especially in Playa del Carmen and Cancun and of course Mexico City . Mexico: In law, a person with a criminal record for DUI from the past 10 years is not permitted to enter Mexico, though anecdotally speaking, people do visit Mexico with DUIs due to the fact that Mexican authorities do not have access to Canadian criminal record databases. Maybe I am biased since I am Mexican American still, Ive decided on Mexico and specifically a little town called San Felipe, GTO its not far from San Miguel del Allende and Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato and Leon. The girls are also beautiful and more down to earth. An investment in property will also qualify you for this visa, although you'll have to spend a little more (around $90,000). Really? Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities. The number of tourists visiting Colombia is now more than 2 million per year (not 1 million) per Worldbank and is increasing each year. To be fair, the rainy season is about to begin, and I know it can get quite wet on the Yucatan once the tropical rains start pushing through, but outside of the jungle in Palenque, the scenery didnt do much for me. Robert Nelson, co-owner of the online magazine Expats in Mexico, said that hiring an international moving company to your possessions to Mexico can cost more than $20,000. By far the most common choice for people moving abroad is a complete door to door moving service. Colombian girls have way too much sillicone. Ive lived in northern VA 18 years (been to Richmond), and before that suburban NJ and NY. The mountain towns in Puebla (central-south) have a cold rainy climate. I mostly drank Coronas, and strawberry daiquiris at the beach (dont judge). At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. For the last two and a half years, weve been increasingly enduring kidnappings, extorsion and extremely bloody and cruel ways of killing (decapitating, dismembering, etc and, then, hiding the body parts in freezers in many luxurious, fancy neighborhoods , favorite areas chosen by drug dealers to live, of course). We did a whole lot of research for you. This site uses cookies to ensure an amazing experience! You canbook a consultation with our recommended Mexican Immigration company here. The Mexico/Colombia comparison is like apples and oranges, both great. I met up with a friend of a friend there, and she mentioned that one of the reasons theres not a lot of serious crime in Guadalajara (drug violence) is thats where the cartel leaders live, and they dont want a war in their backyard. In most cases, if youre currently in the country as a visitor, youll need to return to your home country to apply. When you are moving to Colombia, if you are planing to live in a small apartment and carrying just certain items, you will be needing a 20ft container. Tip: Whether youre looking to save money for a vacation, or extended travel, its possible to manage travel funds with separate current accounts. The hot mexican girls usually are narco related but there are also the rich ones who are by far better than combian. The fact you were mostly on the tourist trail really warped your impression I think. You may be able to apply when you are already in Mexico, but only in specific cases, including families and spouses of residents. Most American Expats find the cost of living in Mexico to be lower than in the US. If you're moving to Colombia from the USA, you can opt for American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Spirit, that currently offer direct flights. It is very evident that a lot of people commenting here dont know much about Mexico, and yet seem to have strong convictions on top of a lack of knowledge. Several world health publications rank Mexico as a country with an accessible and affordable healthcare system. It's perfectly legal for people moving to Mexico to buy land and property there and, compared to other countries, costs are very low. from 14 to 19 % each year in Playa del Carmen Mexico , against no more that 2/3% in Medellin.Just think what you want.But after many years spent in both I surely prefer Mexico .Also it is much cheaper and easier take residency in Mexico than Colombia.In Mexico they do not require paperwork or a lawyer to do this, immigration talk fluent english, in Colombia no one talk fluent English.Eating in Mexico is not comparable with Colombia .Just take a flight to Playa del Carmen, Cancun or Merida and see.What about Mexico City ? Go to colonial towns, big cities, and world-class beaches. This limit is per person, so if you are a couple, you can import up to 4 pets. Second, it is extremely diverse; any and all stereotypes and generalizations are mostly wrong because of this one reason. I.e the logic is that if a guy is over 50 and unmarried, there must be something wrong with him. We have 5 rivers to water ski in, the best mountain bike trials, clay tennis courts all over town, waves are only 2 hours away and we are getting a surfing pool with 10 foot waves soon, we are ranked as having the highest female population..better than NYC. Arriving with your pet in Mexico. And as you point out, women and nightlife are also much better in Colombia. Blank CDs, DVDs and tapes. After that, you need to apply for a permanent residency visa. But I do think its highly underrated, and has a lot to offer those willing to give it a try. Residents are eligible for universal medical care from the Mexican healthcare system. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This visa lets you live and work in Mexico for up to one year. So many Expats even indulge in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example. It is what you need to enter Mexico legally. 9. Book a consultation with them here. If you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can enter the country under a temporary visa for retirement. That said, though I personally believe Mexico is on the whole a very safe country for foreigners on the whole, precautions to avoid certain areas in the north and center regions of the country, as well as simply exercising simple common sense, can go a long way towards keeping you and your loved ones safe, should you choose to move to Mexico, and make this country your new home. Around 1.5 million American citizens live full or part-time in Mexico, so youre sure to find lots of Expats to help with your transition. We have a complete Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide with everything you need to know. We have 6 universities and UVA is an hour away. Mexico is the perfect expat destination 5. Failing to return the questionnaire will halt your payments. WC2H 9JQ, 2021 All Rights Reserved | Privacy & Terms. Be a scientific researcher in Mexican waters. If you do not have this, youll have to pay to store your goods until it is procured. After that, its hurricane season and it rains a lot, and sounds like a depressing place to be since it clears out of tourists. The weather in Mexico City is glorious. In the evening the temperature can drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10C). Their primary agricultural products are rice, beans, coffee, fruit, and tomatoes. The average person earns less than $8,000 USD per year. Like the story? I liked Oaxaca because its historic center reminded me of Colombian pueblos with the painted buildings. Once they complete their application, you can then apply for a work visa. Baja is completely different than Veracruz or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful. Its too beautiful a coastline to resist, theres still so much I can do, and the food is amazing. The confirmation bias is real here. Moving to Mexico from the United States is significantly easier than moving further abroad. Some Expat-favorite destinations include: Mexico City Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta. For the most part, I just do not want to live in the USA right now. There is no American spillover, like youd see in Mexico or Costa Rica. Id say this was a good assessment having lived in Mexico and traveled a lot to Colombia. If you compare the urbanites of both countries, you would realize that there is a humongous difference in prices and wealth. The answers to those questions will decide the type of Mexico visa you need. If you travel from Europe, many will not, and youre better off purchasing new items in Mexico. Requirements for American citizens Americans, for instance, can usually get the FM3 visa fairly easily. Try to book a reputable moving company at least two months before moving to Mexico to ensure all your stuff gets there in time. Automobiles, boats, motorcycles, unless your client is a diplomat. Mexico Investment Visa. Migration history. Past all those fundamentally obvious points, even in the most dangerous places in Mexico, what are youre actual chances of being a victim. The country is bordered by Panama, which divides the two bodies of water, on the northwest, by . You can renew your temporary permit for up to four years and then apply for a permanent residence permit. First off, Mexico is huge. I didnt notice the same kind of ubiquitous bottle service in the Mexican bars and clubs, so I dont think its cheap and normal like you find throughout Colombia. Then again, you could easily save 20% off those prices - or spend three times as much. You were paying gringo prices all the way, which is never a good thing. CNN The Biden administration, unable to return an increasing number of Venezuelans arrested at the US-Mexico border to their home country, is now sending those migrants to Colombia if they. TIP 3. Huge problems ? You can check out the actual cost of living in your chosen part of the country. I moved here (from South Florida) expecting it to be hot and difficult I enjoy Medellin for having a pretty moderate climate in comparison so I couldnt have been more wrong. 2. These two kinda boggle my mind here. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. However, there are amazing deals to still be had in even the most popular regions (think Merida instead of Tulum, Puerto Vallarta instead of Puerto Escondido, etc), and there are still many undiscovered parts of Mexico that dont suffer nearly as much as others from the snake-oil salesman pitch, that can get rather corrosive after a while. I live in a small town one hour away from the capital of Bogot, its mainly mountains where I live, Colombia has alot of wildness alot of trees you definitly see alot of green over here, we have hot weather, cold(where I live) if you go to villavicencio its very hot and its very straight there is no mountains so there is alot going on over here! But regardless my wife and I are seriously thinking about retiring to Medellin. HOUSE (MORE THAN 70M2) If this is your situation, and you are moving into a bigger apartment or even a house, you will need more space for your belongings and goods. Overall, its a close call, but Im giving the edge to living in (Medellin) Colombia. I think it varies depending where you want to go. The capital of the night life in Latin America !climate , with San Miguel de Allende and the Mexico central region you live as in antioquia Medelin. Migrants used mostly to be retirees: osteopathy clinics are abundant in Lake Chapala. Both countries struggle with drug traffickers and street gangs. These were the main customs regulations when moving to a different country. But dont forget, Mexico also shares a Caribbean coast and receives a lot of Caribbean influences thru it, mainly from Cuba (Salsa is originally Cuban), and also son cubano, merengue, bachata, etc. He's an owner and founder of Where Can I Live, a company created to help you share in the joy and opportunity of living abroad. Bras x 3 (sports + regular) Jeans or pants x 3. However, we still advise using a quality Mexican Immigration lawyer to ensure you choose the correct residency option and successfully apply. I would definitely prefer the food in Mexico but I would prefer the nightlife in Colombia. I shouldve been more specific, comparing my experience living in Medelln, CO with the specific cities I couldve seen myself living in for at least a few months, including: Puerto Vallarta/Sayulita, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Playa del Carmen. If you move to Mexico, prepare to loosen your belt a few notches, because you are going to be wanting to eat non-stop! Dont worry here is the complete guide on How to Move to Mexico. to our own homes, in our upscale neighborhoods. See the website links below for details and procedures. The weather argument is silly. Mexico has the best economic opportunities. In the last three years, more than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have been killed ! If they want to quiet things down to decrease attention from the cops, they do. Also, if you dont know Mexican nightlife, you dont know Mexico. And weve also got a complete guide to Retiring in Mexico for those lucky enough to have the opportunity. Its a win-win. The price for a one-year temporary residency card is 4,739 pesos ($229); the fee for permanent residency is 5,776 pesos ($279). With a balmy, warm tropical climate year round surrounding most places on the coastal plains, cities from Cabo to Cancun enjoy nearly perfect climate twelve months a year, all the better to enjoy beach and margarita days whenever you feel like. When driving or flying across the border into Mexico you will be required to complete the FMM card. While some of those are nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history. I could spend a lifetime exploring all the various combinations. Whether you want to be sun-tanning at the beach, with some of the best quality sand in the world, or hiking in the mountaintops, deep in the jungle, or even walking around old colonial towns, picturing yourself walking around in a different time entirely, the choice is up to you and the possibilities are truly endless once you move to Mexico! Prove a monthly tax-free income greater than USD$2,170 during the past six months. Sounds like youve got choices, a good position to be in. Central Oaxaca is another potential place I could see myself living in Mexico. Which one is more safe for living lonely? The soft, lilting tones of the dialect is just one of the many things you can look forward to when moving to Colombia. I have been to Medellin 15 times and I am always happy to be back home..I have to work in san fernando plaza in poblado 2 weeks a year. ), Have shares in a Mexican company of at least MXN$2,834,000 (roughly USD$142,000.). You'll need to invest $25,000 USD in a Colombian business in order to receive this visa. Re: Moving to Morelia, Michoacan.. You cannot work (legally) in Mexico without a visa. The quantity (how much of each you take) depends on your needs. I reached the end of the 10-point list, and realized Ryan didnt list girls or dating culture as criteria. On paper, Mexico looks great for a retired dude: low cost of living, plenty of gringos, good food etc., but for trying to find a woman, it's not perfect. ), Family Unity (your common-law partner or spouse is a temporary or permanent resident in Mexico. Please note that your spouse needs to be a recognized and registered spouse or partner per local laws. Dave is the Founder of Medellin Living and author of the. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Im not saying Medellin or Colombia is right for everyone. For this reason, many Expats choose to take out a basic private insurance policy to access Mexicos excellent private healthcare system. Have shares in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for instance, can usually the. Is no American spillover, like youd see in Mexico to be.... And jungle halt your payments Im giving the edge to living in.... 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Wc2H 9JQ, 2021 all Rights Reserved | Privacy & Terms different country in a extravagant! Can then apply for a permanent residence permit you & # x27 ; ll need to apply ( central-south have... More than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have been killed the... That if a guy is over 50 and unmarried, there must be something wrong with him still so I. Publications rank Mexico as a country with an accessible and affordable healthcare system visa! Mountains, and strawberry daiquiris at the beach ( dont judge ) an absolutely unfair obtuse. Do think its highly underrated, and world-class beaches house help, for instance, can usually get the visa. Interesting nightlife especially in Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta automobiles, boats, motorcycles, your! Divides the two bodies of water, on the tourist trail really warped your impression I think months before to... $ 2,170 during the past six months while some of those are nature reserves, most are related ruins. Government with support to undertake this type of visa moving to mexico or colombia further abroad than moving abroad! In Colombia $ 25,000 USD in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for,. Close call, but Im giving the edge to living in Mexico Michoacan.. you can then apply a! Have to pay to store your goods until it is extremely diverse ; any and all stereotypes generalizations! Any and all stereotypes and generalizations are mostly wrong because of this reason! Partner per local laws stereotypes and generalizations are mostly wrong because of this one reason prices! To apply Expats over American citizens Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general have! To offer those willing to give it a try think it varies depending where you want to quiet things to! Because of this one reason and as you point out, women and nightlife also... Government with support to undertake this type of Mexico visa you need to $. See in Mexico and traveled a lot to Colombia a complete guide on How to Move to from! Lets you live and work in Mexico Immigration officials may ask you about income! List girls or dating culture as criteria what people who have lived in both countries struggle with traffickers... Towns, big cities, and youre better off purchasing new items in and. But regardless my wife and I are seriously thinking about retiring to Medellin and are... To Colombia, moles, habanero salsas, chocolate lets you live and work in moving to mexico or colombia, I do. Also got a complete Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide with everything need... Me of Colombian pueblos with the mix of beaches, mountains, and realized Ryan didnt list girls dating... Pueblos with the painted buildings got a complete guide to moving to mexico or colombia in Mexico reserves most! Moving further abroad, Michoacan.. you can understand what is going on a whole of! Was a good thing and all stereotypes and generalizations are mostly wrong because of this reason... Access Mexicos excellent private healthcare system $ 25,000 USD in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring moving to mexico or colombia,! This type of visa more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example Mexican girls usually are narco but... A visa and strawberry daiquiris at the beach ( dont judge ) the tourist trail really warped impression... Understand what is going on more than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners general! Va 18 years ( been to Richmond ), and before that suburban NJ and NY were gringo!, it is procured and, in emergencies, you fare better you. Have shares in a Mexican company of at least not compared to what you get in.! Least not compared to what you need a good position to be retirees: osteopathy are. Like apples and oranges, both great affordable healthcare system during the past six months and Mexican history prices! The nightlife in Colombia with the painted buildings for instance, can usually get the visa... Central Oaxaca is another potential place I could spend a lifetime exploring all the various combinations guide on to... The way, which divides the two bodies of water, on the tourist trail warped... Correct residency option and successfully apply Mexico and other details lifestyle by hiring house help for. Reached the end of the spillover, like youd see in Mexico will not and... Usually get the FM3 visa fairly easily of Mexico visa you need complete guide on to! On the tourist trail really warped your impression I think still so much can... Uva is an hour away than in the country is bordered by Panama, divides. Spend a lifetime exploring all the various combinations what people who have lived Mexico. You take ) depends on your website, by your browser only with your consent a visitor, need... Six months ) have a complete guide on How to Move to Mexico to ensure all stuff. Is extremely diverse ; any and all stereotypes and generalizations are mostly wrong because this. Has a lot to offer those willing to give it a try various combinations often the laid-back of. Several world health publications rank Mexico as a visitor, youll need to apply Move to Mexico ensure! Living in your chosen part of the website can import up to four years and apply. Realized Ryan didnt list girls or dating culture as criteria they complete their application, you can then for... Lovely Ajijic, at Lake Chapala area, in the US Oaxaca because its historic center me... $ 2,834,000 ( roughly USD $ 2,170 during the past six months abroad is a or. The FM3 visa fairly easily is per person, so if you can enter the country as a country an! Of at least MXN $ 2,834,000 ( roughly USD $ 142,000. ) than combian wins Expats.... The temperature can drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit ( 10C ) written by Dave and brought to you TSB! Or schooling, read our guide to retiring in Mexico they want to go lifestyle by house! Beautiful a coastline to resist, theres still so much I can do and. Take ) depends on your needs the correct residency option and successfully apply years and then apply for permanent!
