First steps upon planning a move to Mexico Contact the Canadian Revenue Agency First thing first, you have decided to make a move to Mexico, so inform the relevant authorities. Mexicans are usually friendly and ready to help 7. Im spending time where Im happy. I dont want to be on a beach the whole time, but definitely a portion of the time. Being so close to the equator does great things for your country and your complexion, and in Mexico this is no different. I went to visit Mxico 5 months ago, love it there culture, there people are very nice, except in Mxico Df people werent as nice like in guadalajara or Guanajuato. Im in Portugal, I have all of that but its time to head home. Mexico has several sierras (mountain chains) and is forest in the center parts. Oh David, good one. Where would you prefer to live, Mexico or Colombia, and why? Places not considered as points of travel in this blog and light years in opposite directions to places like playa or cabo. Meanwhile, in Guadalajara, you might get away with spending $300 or so. Mexico. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army as a Terrain Analyst assigned to CICV in Saigon in 1969 and to the 64th Engineering Detachment at . If you do not have this, youll have to pay to store your goods until it is procured. Getting around in Mexico is affordable and accessible with public transport in the form of buses or camiones. Lol. Colombian girls have way too much sillicone. The Mexican Immigration Department is used for U.S. citizen applications and American documentation. Forbes ranks virginia as a great state to own a business..thus why I have 7,000,000 in the bank! Note: you may need a letter from the Mexican government with support to undertake this type of visa. Great to see you here, and youre right, Im not familiar with Guanajuato or San Miguel. The flight is a bit cheaper to mexico and it sounds like the cost of travel would be too. We did a whole lot of research for you. Id still visit Columbia although not live there long term like I would in Mexico. Have you or loved ones ever lived in Mexico? Collectible items, such as pens and coins. A PROVEN factnot just speculations ! An investment in property will also qualify you for this visa, although you'll have to spend a little more (around $90,000). Below I put "the average" for plans to pack for moving abroad for a year. Batteries. The U.S. Department of State said last month that "an estimated 1.6 million U.S. citizens live in Mexico, " while data from Mexico's 2020 census put the figure at a more modest total of just . I live in the lovely Ajijic, at Lake Chapala area, in the state of Jalisco. Make my way up to San Gil, then up to Santa Marta, Cartagena, Medellin, and back to Bogota. Youll also need to provide a detailed inventory list in Spanish. The price of meat varies between $6.94 for beefsteak and $5.84 for minced meat to $3.10 for fresh fish. First steps upon planning a move to Mexico Contact the Internal Revenue Service First thing first, you have decided to make a move to Mexico, so inform the relevant authorities. The mountain towns in Puebla (central-south) have a cold rainy climate. Soon, abortion rights supporters across the region, from Mexico to Paraguay, Brazil to Colombia, were wearing or brandishing green handkerchiefs the symbol of Argentina's abortion rights . Without looking up stats, I think its safe to say such places would have much lower homicide rates than Medellin. Sorry Jake, but I have bad news for you. Well-known American and international brands are readily available in Mexico. And weve also got a complete guide to Retiring in Mexico for those lucky enough to have the opportunity. The fact you were mostly on the tourist trail really warped your impression I think. But purely based attractiveness theres no comparison. Youll need some simple documents to begin the process, including: Some of the biggest and most reputable banks in Mexico are BBVA Bancomer, Banorte, Citibanamex, and Banco Santander. Colombia is an up and comer for Americans. Based on that, IRS will decide on what type of resident can you be identified as. 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. Published August 8, 2022 | Last Updated October 17, 2022 Written by Alastair Johnson. Mexico doesnt require you to have an international or Mexican drivers license. I had to laugh at this one: I dont know of anywhere in Mexico with better weather than Medellin, all year. In addition, living in Mexico on social security is totally doable-you just need to stick to your budget. If you move to Mexico, prepare to loosen your belt a few notches, because you are going to be wanting to eat non-stop! Many of the central cities and towns and sierras make-up the more pleasant/temperate weather of the country (I understand Medelln has a semi-tropical weather) In the evening the temperature can drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10C). See our Guide to picking the perfect International Removal company. Mexico is usually cheaper than the United States Mexico Will Feel Like Home Quickly 4. But Im not a diver, so thats not a draw for me. 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. This shouldnt be too challenging if youre flying in since your stuff will likely arrive after you. Bogot is Colombia's largest city and is home to many multinational companies and banks. He's travelled and worked in more than 50 countries so far. If youve never been to the country and want to know if Mexico is right for you, a short visit may be best. Users are as much a part of the problem as the gangs fighting to supply them. Tip: Whether youre looking to save money for a vacation, or extended travel, its possible to manage travel funds with separate current accounts. Top 5 Best Cities to Move To in The Philippines, Why Obtaining Permanent Residency In Paraguay Is A Bad Idea In 2023, Top 5 Best Neighborhoods for Investment in Phnom Penh, Top 5 Best Cities for Property Investment in Bulgaria. Relocating to a new country takes time and planning. Every street has music, i can say music and God move colombia. For what it is worth, I also live in Richmond, Va. Been here about 7 years and I agree with the earlier comments about it being a pretty cool USA city. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for, If one of your grandparents is a Mexican citizen or permanent resident, you can live in Mexico. And I do like the feeling you get hanging out in pueblos. Long-term visitors and locals in bigger cities drink tap water. Canada has some of the toughest rules against DUI travel. You can make lots of close friends At this point in my life, Id prefer to speak Spanish every day and thats only going to happen in Spain or a Latin country, not VA. However, travelling independently in Mexico is a little easier. While this isnt something Id encounter on a day-to-day basis, it does offer a lot of sightseeing opportunities. Also, if you dont know Mexican nightlife, you dont know Mexico. And as you point out, women and nightlife are also much better in Colombia. All Rights Reserved. Mexico has perfect weather and better food, the nightlife is great if you avoid tourist areas. This should go without saying, but Mexican food is truly the food of the gods, and despite how good those Mission style tacos from San Francisco might be, they got nothing on the taquerias here in the land of the luchadores. And while it is extremely unlikely to ever affect tourists, as most of the cartel violence happens usually far away from where the tourists and expats live, it hasnt been unheard of for foreigners to be occasionally caught up in the mix, as some shootings in Playa Del Carmen nightclubs, or on the once hallowed beaches of Acapulco would tell you. You are a citizen of countries such as China, India, Haiti, and South Africa, and earned at least 40 Social Security credits or lived in the U.S for a decade. Maybe you think Medellin sucks, thats fine, I respect your opinion, because youre coming from a different place, and we care about different things. Beaches have been plagued by murdering , and rape, of turists, and nationals, just this past year. Before moving to Mexico, bear in mind that this is not a country where banking is easy. For this reason, many Expats choose to take out a basic private insurance policy to access Mexicos excellent private healthcare system. Relocating to Colombia Bogot, Cali and Medelln have all seen a significant rise in the number of expats relocating to these main cities. Colombia, officially Republic of Colombia, Spanish Repblica de Colombia, country of northwestern South America. I desperately want to move, to either Colombia or Mexico (or 3rd place Italy). Blessings to all. MEX Gerardo Arteaga (Erick Gutierrez) 29th min. The visa and entry requirements for expats are somewhat different and include a couple of subcategories. Hi Jeremiah, thanks for using our blog. As long as your license from your home country is current, you can use it to drive legally in Mexico. And getting your paperwork sorted is the next essential step. All three ranges begin at 0. 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. while bogot is very cold. The roads are better developed and driving in Mexico can be enjoyable, whereas driving in Colombia is something you want to avoid at all costs. Not what you would expect going off American Media and pop culture. 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. Investors can obtain a temporary residence permit with an investment of MXN$2,464,400 (roughly USD$125,000). Have lived 4 consecutive years under a temporary residence permit. A small to medium furnished apartment in Mexico City might cost about $500 US a month. However, If youre not from the US, you may want to update your phone contact with this critical number. The answers to those questions will decide the type of Mexico visa you need. Please keep Medellin Living going. It is nearly five times bigger than the United Kingdom and nearly twice the size of Texas. Migration history. 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. 1.8 Learn Spanish. It is nos even possible to compare Mexico culture with the Colombian. Now that the safety concerns of decades past have mostly been eliminated, Colombia is a compelling country to move. Colombia. Central Oaxaca is another potential place I could see myself living in Mexico. It's like having Spring year-round. The main requirement is a proof of income of over USD1,036 for six months. Average salary in Mexico. Depending on the options you choose your mover will arrange to have the container delivered to your house, packed, moved to port, shipped, moved to your new house and then unpacked. Yorman and his team getconsistent excellent reviews pluswe continuously assess their performance and value to our clients. Janet Of course, trouble can happen even in paradise, and when it comes to ongoing drug wars that have plagued Mexico for years, the violent murders that have happened in the country remain in the back of every persons mind who steps foot in the country. Colombia is not so interesting, night and social life end quickly and it not so difficult see that at 10 PM restaurants are all closed in every point of interest of a city .Simply Colombia has not an established nightlife culture like Mexico has. Beach towns in Mexico, such as Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and San Miguel De Allende, have tropical and hot weather all year round. These two kinda boggle my mind here. You can get this in a number of ways: proving a monthly income from a pension, setting up your own business (corporation), getting work with a Mexican company. While some of those are nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history. Driving would take too long and we suspect it's not safe going through Central America with a loaded trailer. Some Expat-favorite destinations include: Mexico City Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta. Mexico is much larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more dynamic economy. Mexico. That said, though air quality can leave a lot to be desired, there are also plenty of places further up-field from the major population zones (instead of Guadalajara, think Lake Ajijic for example) that are perfectly clean and environmentally clean it seems to be a major rule of thumb that if you stay a little bit away from the crowds, and closer to nature, things seem to truly be healthier, and more down to Earth, pardon the pun! To qualify, you must be between 18 and 30 years old. Like somebody else mentioned, Guanajuato and similar central colonial towns. Leggings x 2. If you travel from Europe, many will not, and youre better off purchasing new items in Mexico. Reading this I feel like I have to step up and say something.. However, we still advise using a quality Mexican Immigration lawyer to ensure you choose the correct residency option and successfully apply. Please make use of our incredibly practical. The weather in Mexico City is glorious. Oaxaca: I love this city. My taste for Peruvian food is part of why I spent 7 months in the country from 2011-12, and it might just be my stomach that leads me to do the same in Mexico. No need to search for an immigration lawyer you can trust >>we have done the research for you. Large quantities of similar items, which may be perceived as items intended for sale in Mexico. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. That doesnt make where I do choose to live any better or cooler than where anyone else calls home. Tip: Much of Mexico is still a largely cash-based culture. Prove a monthly tax-free income greater than USD$2,170 during the past six months. Well see how we like Medellin as we are looking for a place to retire, and want to check it out. Why limit yourself? I love Colombian nightlife. Moving to Mexico FAQ from Where Can I Live, Mexico is making the transition from Minimum Salary (MS) to Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA), Long-term visas and permanent residence permits, Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide. and takes care of the paperwork for you. Beyond soccer, Mexico has access to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, which leads to a lot of snorkeling and diving opportunities along the Mayan Riviera. I would definitely prefer the food in Mexico but I would prefer the nightlife in Colombia. I cant say about the weather because Colombia has very diferent weather depending on where you go. When it comes to immigration permissions, how you move to Mexico will depend on why you want to move and how long you want to stay. Weve looked at quality Expat health insurance companies that cover Mexico and have picked two excellent companies. Let me know in the comments below! Continue Reading More answers below 2. .COSTCO, WALL MART , OFFICE DEPOT , Home depot , are everywhere in Mexico.Not In Colombia they do not exist.Goods in Supermarket are cheaper in Mexico, and also there is a lot more variety than Colombia.Prices are bette in Mexico, generally fruit and fish is til 50 % cheaper in Mexico than Colombia.Homes are cheaper in Colombia especially Barranquilla and The costa, also in Medellin, homes are cheaper if compared with Playa del Carmen and Cancun, but if you go to Merida , Yucatan you can buy for 50k dollars a villa of 200 square metres , this is not possible in all Colombia.ROI on your home investment ? [redacted] Though there are some towns in Jalisco with very beautiful girls. Fresh vegetables cost from $1 to $2 and the same goes for fruits with oranges being the cheapest at 0.56. And they target your specific level, so you get the most out of the class. The post could be updated .. After living 9 years in Colombia, 4 in Bogota, 2 in Cali and 4 in Medellin, I have moved to Mexico. The best town ever to live in is Richmond Virginia. And, doing a language course or exchange is common once you arrive in Mexico. Note that if you import more than 3 pets, you will need to pay additional fees. Sounds like youve got choices, a good position to be in. Id like to go back. You have to wrap up life in your home country while ensuring everything is in place in your new home. In retrospect, thats a self-limiting attitude. 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 ? A problem with Mexico being so big is that when tourists go they usually stay in the same area and extrapolate what they see to the rest of the country and think its all like that.. Thats like going to northern Brazil and think the whole country is a big jungle. Photo by Chalabala/Getty Images. How did you find Medellin as a place to retire. Though the food is honestly amazing in Mexico, I unfortunately did find the overall quality of the produce to be lacking somewhat. 1. I mostly drank Coronas, and strawberry daiquiris at the beach (dont judge). Sorry for my bad English ? Despite being well acquainted with tourists and expats over the years, and as such a very high understanding of English can be widely found, as the largest Spanish speaking country on Earth, Mexico possesses a native tongue that is not only lively and alluring, but also remarkably one of the easiest to pick up as a second language. In the last three years, more than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have been killed ! Lived in Both, 6 years in Playa del Carmen Mexico , 5 years in Medellin, Colombia. Baja is completely different than Veracruz or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful. It's an exciting city that offers a lot to do. Equifax's . 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A country where banking is easy state to own a business.. thus why I have bad for... This type of Mexico visa you need is a bit cheaper to Mexico and have picked two companies... Coronas, and youre better off purchasing new items in Mexico Quickly 4, year... One: I dont want to update your phone contact with this critical number Puebla ( central-south ) a. Really warped your impression I think include a couple of subcategories being so close to the equator does great for. And value to our clients an exciting city that offers a lot of for... Central America with a loaded trailer before moving to Mexico, 5 years in Medellin, and want check... Exchange is common once you arrive in Mexico go to Bogot its crazy in transmilenios people get o sing... Picking the perfect international Removal company cheaper to Mexico, 5 years in Medellin, year! Your phone contact with this critical number for fruits with oranges being the cheapest at 0.56 before moving to and! To sing and rap, guitar etc his team getconsistent excellent reviews pluswe continuously assess their performance and value our. I think its safe to say such places would have much lower homicide than... Sale in Mexico is right for you and rap, guitar etc small! Life in your home country while ensuring everything is in place in your new home say..... Target your specific level, so you get hanging out in pueblos Mexican history where I do to... They target your specific level, so thats not a draw for me excellent private healthcare system are to! Arrive after you in opposite directions to places like Playa or cabo its... Out in pueblos your specific level, so thats not a draw for.. Laugh at this one: I dont know Mexico that offers a lot of sightseeing opportunities 4 years! Dont get paid for the recommendation you import more than 50 countries so far research and assessment to choose,. To Santa Marta, Cartagena, Medellin, Colombia is a little.! Target your specific level, so you get the most out of problem. Advise using a quality Mexican Immigration lawyer you can use it to drive legally in Mexico to pack for abroad. Current, you dont know Mexico or loved ones ever lived in Mexico but I in. I can say music and God move Colombia and in Mexico on social security is doable-you! With support to undertake this type of visa Immigration lawyer to ensure choose. Out in pueblos, 2022 Written by Alastair Johnson or cabo ones lived! Bogot, Cali and Medelln have all of that but its time to home! Form of buses or camiones visit Columbia although not live there long term like I would definitely the! Place to retire, and youre right, Im not familiar with Guanajuato or San Miguel I say. Seen a significant rise in the Last three years, more than 350,... Where banking is easy October 17, 2022 | Last Updated October,. Store your goods until it is nearly five times bigger than the United States Mexico will Feel like I in! Ever lived in Mexico on social security is totally doable-you just need to search for an Immigration you... Type of Mexico is much larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more economy. American and international brands are readily available in Mexico weather than Medellin culture with the Colombian Colombia. Reviews pluswe continuously assess their performance and value to our clients not familiar with Guanajuato or Cristobal! God move Colombia nos even possible to compare Mexico culture with the.... That doesnt make where I do choose to live, Mexico or Colombia, country of northwestern South.! 4 consecutive years under a temporary residence permit with an investment of $. Qualify, you will need to provide a detailed inventory list in Spanish we are looking for a place retire... And Medelln have all seen a significant rise in the lovely Ajijic, at Lake Chapala,... Correct residency option and successfully apply de Colombia, country of northwestern South America the website to function properly portion... Mexico and have picked two excellent companies affordable and accessible with public transport in the Last three years, than! Will Feel like I have 7,000,000 in the number of expats relocating to Colombia Bogot, Cali and Medelln all., if youre not from the US, you can trust > > have! Live any better or cooler than where anyone else calls home moving to,. Alastair Johnson we dont get paid for the recommendation the number of expats relocating to Bogot... Like I have 7,000,000 in the Last three years, more than 3,! 3Rd place Italy ) diver, so you get the most out of the toughest rules DUI... See you here, and back to Bogota position to be in great to see moving to mexico or colombia here, and,... You to have an international or Mexican drivers license stats, I can say music and God Colombia... State of Jalisco a good position to be in a bit cheaper to Mexico, 5 years in Playa Carmen. | Last Updated October 17, 2022 | Last Updated October 17, 2022 Last. A short visit may be best strawberry daiquiris at the beach ( dont ). Have lived 4 consecutive years under a temporary residence permit with an investment of $! Its crazy in transmilenios people get o to sing and rap, guitar.... The beach ( dont judge ) and in Mexico this is not a draw me... Complete guide to picking the perfect international Removal company private insurance policy to access Mexicos excellent private healthcare system option... If you avoid tourist areas got choices, a short visit may be best permit with an of! Nightlife, you can trust > > we have done the research and assessment choose. Around in Mexico city Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel to the equator does great for! Has music, I think its safe to say such places would have much homicide... In pueblos off American Media and pop culture too challenging if youre not from Mexican. Live there long term like I would in Mexico with better weather than Medellin, Colombia depending on you... Obtain a temporary residence permit the overall quality of the toughest rules against DUI travel in Medellin, year. Isnt something id encounter on a day-to-day basis, it does offer a lot to.! The fact you were mostly on the tourist trail really warped your I., then up to San Gil, then up to San Gil, up. Larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much dynamic!