Moving to Mexico can be an exciting and enriching life changing experience, but it requires some careful planning and preparation. Whether you are relocating for work, retirement, or just a change of scenery, here are some important first steps to consider:

1. Visa and Residency

• Research and determine the most suitable residency option for your situation. This may include a work visa or temporary - permanent resident cards. Mexican Government - residente temporal (RT) card.

• Prepare and gather the necessary documentation for your chosen application, which typically includes proof of income, a valid passport, and other supporting documents.

2. Housing

• Start researching the housing market in your desired location. Many rent first to see if they like the area.

• Consider working with a reputable real estate agent who can assist you in finding the right property.

3. Healthcare

• Research the healthcare system in Mexico and consider securing health insurance to ensure you have access to quality medical care.

• Explore local healthcare providers and hospitals in your chosen area to determine where you can seek medical assistance if needed.

4. Finances

• Open a local bank account to facilitate financial transactions and manage day-to-day expenses. Intercam is a very popular option with expats. Many use Wise to make foreign currency transfers as you get mid-market exchange rates.

• Familiarize yourself with the local currency, banking regulations, and tax obligations for expats.

• Understand a factura, fideicomiso (if you a buying property near the coast), FACTA reporting (USA IRS).

• Cost of Living: A Little Adrift - Expatistan - Mexico Relocation Guide - Points and Travel

5. Language and Culture

• If you are not fluent in Spanish, consider enrolling in language classes to improve your communication skills and better integrate into the local community. Speaking Spanish page.

• Take time to learn about Mexican customs, traditions, and etiquette to ease into a smoother cultural transition.

• Living in Mexico with kids? Families in Mexico

6. Transportation and Logistics

• Research transportation options within Mexico, whether it's purchasing a vehicle, using public transportation, or relying on taxi/Uber services.

• Importing your vehicle to Mexico? Expat Insurance, Qroo Paul

• As a residente temporal (RT) you can purchase a vehicle or motorcycle/scooter in Mexico: Mexico Relocation Guide - Backpacking Brunette - Mexico Living - Playas y Plazas. All those Hilux, HiAce, and Jimny fans will rejoice in this.

• Plan the logistics of your move, including moving belongings, obtaining necessary paperwork for bringing personal items, and understanding customs regulations. Movers with a solid reputation: Best Mexico Movers - Solutions Mexico - Puerto Vallarta Pet Transporter

• Purchasing furniture in Mexico? Tonalá, Jalisco & Ocotlán, Jalisco are popular choices.

• Need something transported to Mexico after you have moved? Mexico Mule Forum Facebook

• Communications and technology is always a big consideration as you move.

  Do you need a US or Canadian phone number for calls, work or banking (2FA - Two Factor Authentication)?

  Open Phone offers plans where you have a virtual US or Canadian phone number for calls and texts anywhere in the world.

• A few housing issues I read about often:

  Many properties do not have proper 3 wire electrical grounding (green wire / tierra). Another common issue is electrical voltage supply to your house often has low-voltage brown-outs (dimmed lights) and spikes / over-voltages. Check if there is properly installed 3 wire ground in your house. If your outlet plug is only 2 prongs, then you do not have a ground wire. The green ground wire goes back to the earth via a copper wire and copper rod driven deep into the ground. Any electrician can add this, if just for your computer / TV plug only.

  During lightning storms or electrical surges, if you don’t have a ground wire the electrical surge heads to your electronics and frys them. Once you have a 3 wire grounded outlet, then a voltage line conditioner is a must for you computer and TV. This fixes electrical voltage fluctuations that also destroys your electronics but slower. Brown outs are very common in Mexico and hard on electronics. Add a simpler voltage regulator to each your appliances. Your fridge and such will last longer.

  Most buildings are built with cement blocks and thus WiFi connections are poor as it does not pass thru easily. Telmex will probably be your Internet service provider with a wireless router box on your property. WiFi repeaters exist, but they don’t work well and can be problematic over time. A better solution is adding (piggy-backing) an additional high-powered wireless router to your Telmex equipment. This sends and receives a much stronger WiFI signal. If you have a very large property with rental casitas, then a WiFi mesh system is your best solution or commercial grade WiFi equipment. This Radio Labs router can push a Wifi signal up to a mile in range.

  These additional long range routers exist along side your existing Telmex router and take over the WiFi function. Your Telmex equipment is still bringing Internet into the house, but the new wireless router provides the enhanced WiFi coverage. You will connect the included Ethernet cable to the back of your Telmex equipment & to the back (WAN) input plug on your new equipment and power it up. It will auto-configure the connection and WiFi and you will use the new WiFi connection for Internet now with much better range. Disconnect from the Telmex WiFi and only use the new WiFi connection.

  If you ever loose your Internet connection (or it gets real slow) from Telmex, then power off both routers. Power up the Telmex equipment until all the normal lights are back on, then power up your new wireless router. It takes a few minutes to all re-connect. As long as there is not a problem at Telmex, your Internet is back. Restart other equipment if need be…when i doubt re-boot.

• Shipping to/from Mexico is expensive. DHL is considered to have the most reliable inbound and outbound global shipping services. When shipping to Mexico, only ship to hold at the DHL office for customer pickup. Often packages are not delivered to homes.

• Getting your US mail in Mexico? Post Scan Mail - Traveling Mailbox - Your Best Address

• Flying out of Mexico? Tourism tax refund.

• Have a temporary resident (RT) or permanent resident (RP) card and flying out of country? You know need a INM stamp in your passport or risk loosing your status.

7. Legal and Administrative Matters

• US Embassy and Consulate in Mexico. Canadian Embassy and Consulate in Mexico. EU Embassy and Consulate in Mexico.

• Consult with a legal advisor to understand the local laws, regulations, and any specific requirements for foreigners residing in Mexico. Mexlaw

• Make sure to complete all necessary administrative tasks, such as registering with local authorities and obtaining a CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) – a unique identification number for residents in Mexico.

• RFC / Federal Taxpayers Registry - who needs it?

8. Where Should I Move?

• There are several well know Expat hubs: Ajijic, Cancun/Puerto Morelos, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Huatulco, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Riveria Nayarit, San Carlos, San Miguel de Allende.

• Each has a different feeling and cost. Go visit for a month and see how you like it. Study the year round weather.

By carefully considering these essential steps and thoroughly preparing for your move to Mexico, you can ease the transition and embrace the opportunities and adventures that await you in your new home.

Please visit these valuable resources for the full picture!

Where to move? Expat Exchange - Nomads Nation - Mexico Relocation Guide - Points and Travel - PS I’m On My Way - Slightnorth

Online resources: Sonia Diaz - Mexico Relocation Guide - Move to Mexico Guide - Anna Everywhere  - Mexperience Guides - PS I’m On My Way - Hippie In Heels - Live Well Mexico - The Travels of BBQ Boy - Facebook Expats in Mexico

Moving guide books: The Move To Mexico Bible - Retirement Secrets of Mexico - The Gringo Guide to Moving to Mexico - Terry Turrell Mexico Books - What the Mexpat

Author Interviews: Debbie Vorachen (What The Mexpat) - Russell Blake (Retirement Secrets of Mexico)