Living in Mexico

"Mexico offers many attractive benefits for retirees looking for a warm climate and a lower cost of living. Before retiring to Mexico, expats should familiarize themselves with the country's laws, customs, and culture. Additionally, they should investigate the cost of living in their preferred location, as prices and availability vary greatly depending on the region. Expats should also consider enrolling in Mexico’s medical insurance program or purchasing private coverage to ensure they have access to quality medical care. Additionally, expats should be aware that many medicines not available in Mexico can be ordered online or imported. Finally, many retirees in Mexico find it beneficial to learn some conversational Spanish, since the language is widely spoken throughout the country," remarked one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"We chose Merida over Tulum, Cancun and all of the of the primarily tourist destinations in MX. There are a thousand cities each unique. I would not live in Tulum for the dame reason I would not choose to live in San Diego. We live in a quiet Mexican suburb, have access to the beach (many) in 20-30 min, Have all the conveniences that we would have in a city of 1 mil. people. Many whine about the heat in Merida, but with 5 minutes of research you know what the weather is month in and month out. As a beautiful historic city Merida is a dream at least for us. The city is feeling it's growing pains but the people and culture are a delight. We (I) recently had occasion to undergo an emergency cardiac procedure here and spent time with multiple specialists, most spoke English well, at the costs were much lower than expected; the technology and care was exceptional. Tulum, to me at least, is not what I want; neither is anywhere near there like Cancun Playa del Carmen, Akumal, etc. A little like trying to have a quiet normal life in the FL Keys," explained one expat living in Merida, Mexico.

"Learn basic phrases in Spanish, be patient and kind. Remember Mexico is a foreign country and nothing like the United States. If you are an arts and crafts person and are retired or have your own income, I think you would like it here," said one expat in Patzcuaro.

"I suggest you never secure a 6 mo lease until you see and feel the property. Committing to 6 month online is not recommended whether you get a 180 day visa or not. Get a hotel when you arrive and make that your base camp to find longer arrangements. Don't think what you see online is what is actually there. Bait and switch happens in Mexico....and don't forget it. Once they have your money you are behind the curve," said one expat who made the move to San Carlos.

"I would say, "Brother, you will not find a more excellent choice for a place to retire here in Mexico". Sure, there are more exciting places with nightclubs, wild bars with loud music and perhaps an ocean to frolic in, but with that comes a lot of undesireable "junk". The weekdays here are very quiet and relaxing, while the weekends are fun filled due to tourists and special functions designed by the Presidencia municipal. The elevation here is about 6,000 feet, which means we do not get hot. Most days are in the 75-80 degree range, though it can get a little chilly at night during the winter. I enjoy a second floor two bedroom apartment right across from the main town plaza. I keep the balcony doors open at all times and revere in the almost constant breeze that keeps my place cool, night & day. Rent? Under $300 US per month. Try and beat that in the US," explained one expat living in Tequisquiapan, Mexico.

"Saltillo appears to be a much friendlier city than others I have lived in (Puebla, Cuernavaca, Toluca). However, it was not easy to get to know people until I got connected with the Saltillo International Church (www.saltillointerationalchurch.com). They have bilingual services on Sundays, and for those who may not be "church-y" (or, like me, prefer the neighborhood church) have book studies for adults, men, and women throughout the week. Also, if your Spanish is decent www.desaltillo.com is helpful to find out events that are going on in town. If you friend them on facebook, they'll send daily updates--so helpful for me, as we don't regularly buy the newspaper," said one expat in Saltillo.

"It depends on who you want to meet. There is an English library inside the restaurant, Lupita's, a few steps from the Bascilica on Arciga Street. A volunteer group has their meetings there. English is spoken. They would welcome volunteers. If you want to meet Indigenous Purepecha, Mulle (dock) San Pedrito is run by them and it is a beautiful park next to the lake. Also they sell their art on the street and in the mercado in Centro ( open every day-even Christmas.) They also sell fruits and vegetables, clothes, shoes, socks, anything you need. To become friends with local people, it is necessary to speak Spanish and they are friendly. There are usually English speakers sitting outdoors at a cafe on Plaza Grande. One can take Spanish lessons as well," said one expat who made the move to Patzcuaro.

"It's really no different that meeting people anywhere, with the exception that Mexicans - in general - are more welcoming. Smile, laugh, wave, learn simple greetings. Breathe..," explained one expat living in Mexico.

"We have two groups to meet other ex-pats. One is for couples, they meet weekly and go to dinner. Their name is Thirsty Thursdays. The other is a ladies lunch group. we meet once a month at the restaurant El Tablau, at 1 pm. Everyone is welcome and we generally have a speaker. From these two groups you can learn about the charities and opportunities in Manzanillo," mentioned one in Manzanillo.

"Make learning Spanish a priority. Hire locals to clean your house or build your house or walk your dog or wash your car... whatever. Force yourself to interact as much as possible," explained one expat who made the move to Yucatan.

"Renovating old colonial homes, enjoying the beach, learning about the Mayan culture," remarked one expat living in Yucatan, Mexico.

"People tend to work long hours during the week, not much on the weekends which is generally reserved for families. If you have kids you will be invited to tons of birthday parties, parents are expected to attend, not just drop the kids off. The parties are quite extravagant compared to the US," wrote one member in Mexico City.

"Generally the expats are retired and their lives revolve around golf, tennis, bridge, socializing, walking or swimming in the ocean, reading, and whatever else they feel like. We have quite a few artists and others willing to share their knowledge. There are charities and animal welfare groups always looking for help," remarked one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.

"People here love kayaking, fishing, scuba and off-roading. There is a large, modern marina. There are rocky beaches, sandy beaches, public and isolated. There are also many restaurants with excellent food - Italian, Mexican, American, Greek, and even Texas Style BBQ," explained one expat living in San Carlos, Mexico.

"There is less crime here than where we lived NOB. There is some petty crime.. burglaries and an occasional mugging. But these appear to be no worse than many places up north," commented one expat who made the move to Ajijic.

"No. We have a little petty crime, which is new for us, but it is much safer here than any Us city . We all walk around at night and do not worry," remarked one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"Tlaxcala State has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. But there is always petty crime everywhere and a person should always be alert and cautious," wrote one member in Apizaco.

"Crime is a major problem in Mexico. Drug-related violence and organized crime are especially prevalent, and citizens in many parts of the country face increased threats of kidnapping and extortion. Mexico has some of the highest rates of homicide in the world, with high levels of gang and cartel activity driving much of the crime. Robbery and carjacking are also common in Mexico," remarked one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"I would think that most people are Catholic. I haven't seen any other churches and the children attend Catholic schools. As anywhere the wealthy are interested in making more money. Mexicans are very polite here and would rather lie than hurt your feelings. So it is difficult to know," said one expat who made the move to Patzcuaro.

"Mexico boasts an incredibly diverse population that reflects their country's mixed heritage and history. People in Mexico are generally very accepting of differences and strive to celebrate the variety of cultures that make up their nation. Mexico's culture is a blending of many customs, values, and traditions from different backgrounds, which has created a unique atmosphere of acceptance and respect for people from all walks of life," explained one expat living in Mexico.

"Like most of Mexico, Saltillo is fairly homogeneous, both racially, culturally, and religiously (although at times it feels that there are nearly as many tiny, hole-in-the-wall Protestant churches as there are large Catholic ones). While I fit the mold, I can't really say whether they are accepting of differences. But the prevailing attitude seems to be that of "live and let live"," mentioned one in Saltillo.

"This town is the perfect blend of the local community and expats. Although one would recommend learning the language of any country where you live, English speakers can get by very well in San Carlos without it. So many expats have made San Carlos their home, that it is a well known "English" community. If you are looking for total immersion in the Mexican culture this may not be the place," explained one expat who made the move to San Carlos.

"There are also Churches of most denominations and also Churches geared for Americans," said one expat living in Rosarito, Mexico.

"The British School of Monterrey (BSM) is the best international school in Mexico. Located in the north of the country, BSM offers a curriculum based on the UK National curriculum and an education that prepares students for university studies worldwide. Additionally, the school promotes bilingualism in Spanish and English. The school is home to many facilities like art and sports complexes as well as an extensive library. The Monterrey Institute of International Studies (TEC De Monterrey) is another great international school in Mexico, offering a learning environment that promotes the collective communal use and exploration of knowledge, preparing students to become highly educated, bilingual global citizens. This institute offers Dual Degree programs and Exchange of Studies both nationally and internationally, as well as five specialized programs; study abroad, foreign languages, bilingual studies, Pre-University and founding studies. The American School Foundation of Guadalajara is among the best bilingual schools in Mexico. They follow an American-based model of learning, offering both English and Spanish language instruction. The school provides quality education and facilities in an environment where diverse nationalities are valued. It also has Advanced Placements, an International Baccalaureate Program, and an extensive range of clubs and activities. Finally, the American School Foundation of Mexico City is a widely recognized bilingual school. It offers diverse academic programs ranging from Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten to College Preparatory and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. ASF has full bilingual language instruction in Spanish and English, as well as enrichment activities including international exchanges and competitions, robotics, and participation in sports leagues," remarked one parent with kids at in .

"The cost of living in Mexico can vary widely depending on the particular city, but generally speaking, it tends to be more affordable than in the United States. Food, housing, transportation, and many other everyday items are all significantly less expensive in Mexico than in the US. Groceries, in particular, are often much cheaper than their American counterparts. Additionally, the cost of entertainment, such as going to the movies or out to eat, is also much more affordable. Mexico is a great destination for travelers interested in stretching their travel budget further," said one expat in Mexico.

"I have found that the cost of living in Playa is much lower than in the States. This makes living on a retiree income and budget very satisfying. Even stores outside of Wal-Mart have lower prices. And because of the currency exchange rate, I am paying less for my rent than when I first moved here," mentioned an expat living in Playa del Carmen.

"It is still quite reasonable to live in Playa del Carmen, but prices have increased for restaurants significantly over the past few years. We used to eat on 5th Ave all the time. But now we tend to eat off the main tourist drag because the price and overall value of the food is better found outside," said an expat in Playa Del Carmen.

"Unfortunately due to major influx of Californians, New Yorkers and big oil Texans, Puerto Penasco aka Rocky Point is no longer a destination for moderate to lower income retiree. Its a sad fact. While many bloggers, RE professionals will disagree with my view, as a retiree with median range retirement income I have watched as cost of living for serviced based needs have gone up as much as 100%. In 2018 you could buy breakfast for two at a nice restaurant for near $18 USD. Now, the same place and breakfast for two ends up much closer to $38. Beach side margaritas used to be $5- $7 in 2018. Now $10 to $12 depending on the vendor. While there are a few spots remaining reasonable, its no longer cost effective for them to remain low priced because their competitor is raking in the Cali cash. Tours and seaside adventures have gone up as well. What used to be $80 for a day at sea is now $140 per person. Even panga banana boat operator's are charging more these days and its not due to gas. Upkeep of your house. It used to be usual to pay someone to work on little projects around your house (reapplying elastomeric) for about $200 including your balusters. Not no more. $400 and up. Rentals. Jesus! American developers renting out for 1200k monthly seems like alternate reality but it's not. Gone are the days of the reasonable, and sadly that also affects the locals. Yet, since Californians stating, "its so cheap," they are leaving the rest of us in a real pickle. So. Sorry to say. Good ole Rocky point, no longer for all of us," remarked one expat in Puerto Penasco.

"Mexico's cost of living is generally very affordable, with the cost of basic necessities such as food, housing, transportation, and entertainment well below many other developed nations. There are, however, regional variations throughout the country with certain areas commanding higher prices. Coastal cities, such as Cancún, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, boast significantly higher rental prices for even basic one-bedroom apartments with prices ranging from $400-$600 USD, depending on the season, while two bedrooms can range anywhere from $550-$800 USD. On the other hand, renting a one-bedroom apartment in a smaller city can cost as little as $200 USD per month, while two-bedrooms can range from $250-$350 USD. Eating out in Mexico can vary in cost depending on the location and type of restaurant, however an average dinner at a moderately priced restaurant is typically around $10 USD," wrote one expat living in Mexico.

"You can live in Puerto Penasco on as low as $400 per month, small apartment (not in the tourist area) and utilities and some food. Add more for going out to eat," commented one expat who moved to Puerto Penasco.

"There is a large sport club here for tennis and golf. Every Sunday the streets are closed for bikeathons for the entire family to participate in. And any time you want to hike, go visit a ruin. Most of the cenotes allow swimming and are wonderfully cool and magical," mentioned an expat living in Merida.

"The weather in Mexico is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot depending on the season. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to the mid-30s Celsius, while in the winter months they can drop to the mid-teens Celsius. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the summer months," commented one expat living in Mexico.

"From what my friends in Mazatlan report, the summers there are hot and humid. Not as bad as PV but definitely uncomfortable. The central highlands have much more temperate climates year round, cheaper cost of living, and less touristy than the beach areas. I plan on arriving in Mazatlan in January, staying until the summer weather gets too rough for me, then heading to Morelia or Queretaro," remarked one expat living in Mazatlan.

"EVERY type of restaurant. At one time, Playa had the largest amount of Italian expats. As a result we have ton of great Italian places. Ironically, there are not many "fine dining" Mexican restaurants. Many great taco carts and very casual places for Mexican. The nightlife scene has expanded in Playa as more and more younger people are visiting here," said one expat living in Playa Del Carmen.

"We have Super Ley, Ley Express, Bodega Aurrera (Walmart) Sam's Club, Local vegetable and meat markets, Oxxo convenience stores, and a local store that brings special U.S. food here for our convenience (salami, bacon, sausage, bagels, english muffins, diet sodas, cheeses, spices, pies, etc) and special orders," wrote one expat living in Puerto Penasco.

"It has been over 3 years since we went through the process at the Seattle Consulate. They were very specific and they looked at our investment income with social security AND our savings accounts. We provided 2 years of statements downloaded from the brokerage house as well as deposits into our accounts from income. We knew that we would qualify for PR status so it was a breeze. There was no mention about notarization of downloaded documents but we were well organized and made it easier for them. I am unsure about future income from work since we were both retired, but I would think it will be more difficult to convince them that you will have ongoing income from work unless you provide a letter from HR or some other source that shows that you will continue to have income while residing in MX. The best method is to go fully prepared to show your financial qualifications absolutely meet or exceed their requirements," mentioned one expat inMerida.

"Live here with a temp visa FMM you get at the border when you cross, show your passport and cost is about $25. If you purchase property, same thing. Many people that rent, don't bother with getting a resident card, they stay under the radar. The foreigners like me, that work, must have one, either it's temp or perm resident card. In the old days you may have heard them called FM3 and FM2's," commented one expat who moved to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

"The process of applying for a visa in Mexico depends on the type of visa you require. Generally speaking, you will need to submit a visa application form, photographs, your passport, a valid return ticket, and the required visa fee to the Mexican consulate. Additionally, depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may have to provide additional documentation such as a proof of address, a medical certificate, documentation of sufficient funds, employment records, and proof of relationship to a Mexican citizen. The process of applying for Mexico residency is slightly more involved and documented evidence will often be required from you. In most cases, an application will be required that contains your personal information, orientation for the request, and a copy of your passport. Additionally, you will need to submit evidence of sufficient financial resources, proof of accommodation in Mexico, a medical certificate, a criminal background check, and proof that you have been a resident of Mexico for at least two years. After submitting the application and the required documentation, you will be called for an interview and your documents will be verified. Finally, after being approved, you can collect your residency card," remarked one expat living in Mexico.

"This should be addressed at the immigration office here in Playa. Many come in on a Tourist Visa that is generally given for 180 days. After that, the person has to leave the country and return to hopefully get another Tourist Visa. However, their requirements for getting a Temporary or Permanent Visa are online and are affordable," commented one expat.

"Excellent. I have had open heart surgery in the national system, I was diagnosed promptly and the level of care was as good or better as that in the USA, More recently I broke a bone in my foot and was X-Rayed, diagnosed, and treated in less than 90 minutes. Level of service significantly better than in the UK. And all free of charge," said one expat.

"I only have Medicare part A. It is pretty much useless stateside or elsewhere. For a time I purchase dental insurance but gave it up because it's cost was higher than the cost of the care I received," commented one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"If you are planning on gettin a permanent recidency visa you could look into getting in the public insurance program, I think it is called IMSS, but they have a long list of pre existing conditions and some of those take years to expire, in other words if you do not have the conditions, but get it in a set amout of time, it will not be cover, you do have to pay a yearly fee but it would be cheaper than private. I think your best option would be to live close to the border and cover any minor issues out of pocket and cross to the US for anything major, there are medifvac insurance programs that you can look into," remarked one expat living in Merida.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Mexico can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a lower cost than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it often provides more comprehensive coverage and access to better quality care. Additionally, many employers in Mexico offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," said one expat living in Mexico.