Living in Mexico

"There are many people from the USA, Canada and Europe have visited Mexico, love it and have considered relocation. Many visitors also spend their Mexico trip to the top resort areas at the best time of year to be there. This being the winter months. The down season is usually from May through October and the top resort areas are ghost towns. Reason for this is the abysmal heat and humidity. I once spent a month in Mazatlan in August. Mazatlan is just the start of the tropics and the heat and high humidity were abysmal and almost impossible to tolerate. Even walking a short distance can be very unpleasant as are the temperatures that can top 120 degree with 98% humidity. The only tolerable place to be are inside with the air conditioning on high. I love and visit the tropical areas yet only in the winter. I live in the South area of Rosarito Beach, Baja California. Year round climate is beautiful. Never too hot or cold. Winters are very mild and similar to San Diego, Ca. I have friends in Rosarito that spend their summers here and winters in the tropics. Living in the tropics is most certainly not the ideal area for most people. Even the locals hate the low seasons. I have not seen this topic get a lot of attention here yet what I have said is absolutely true," remarked one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"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," explained one expat living in San Carlos, Mexico.

"I have a 3 bedroom, 3 bath in a nice gated community. Very safe and quiet well except for the fireworks!!! Be prepared for 2 weeks in September. The weeks from Sept 6 to Sept 20th, Magdelena has a Saints Festival with almost nonstop fireworks,fiestas, parades and music. Then it goes into the week of Sept 16 fireworks, fiestas and music!! In December we have the posadas. The rest of the time it is quiet. We have marvelous hot air balloons, or on the ground tours of all the marvelous wineries," said one expat in Tequisquiapan.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Merida.

"Living costs are about 2/3 of those in the states. This is a relatively new area. 60 years ago there was nothing here but a fishing village. Not as cheap as in other parts of Mexico, but still a savings. Bring a good sturdy vehicle. The weather and the waters are sublime (although hot and humid in the summer months). Very low crime area, but petty theft is here as it is everywhere. You feel welcome wherever you go. Relax. Sometimes you have water and electricity...sometimes you don't. Bring butter," explained one expat living in San Carlos, Mexico.

"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," wrote one member in Patzcuaro.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to 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 living in Yucatan, Mexico.

"Meeting people in this relatively is not a problem; there are no clubs to join as far as I know. Simply not necessary," said one expat in Tequisquiapan.

"Basically the same way you meet people everywhere. Volunteering somewhere is a great way as is taking an in-person class, a church, and, of course, expat groups," said one expat who made the move to Mexico.

"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 living in Manzanillo, Mexico.

"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," wrote one member in San Carlos.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Mexico City.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Mexico often find that life there is full of opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. Mexico's mild climate, friendly locals and vibrant cities make it a desirable place for many expats and digital nomads looking to settle down in a new country. The country also offers a variety of activities and locations for expats, ranging from its stunning beaches, old-world colonial cities, and incredible nature preserves. Expats and digital nomads in Mexico enjoy a low cost of living, and they are able to find affordable housing, transportation, and food. Although learning the local language can be challenging due to the lack of English-speaking facilities and programs, the country is known for its welcoming culture and its legal system that aids expats in obtaining visas and permanency. Overall, Mexico is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads, who can enjoy the warm weather, low cost of living, and vibrant culture while continuing their work abroad," explained one expat living in Mexico.

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

"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," wrote a member in Ajijic.

"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," remarked one expat living in Mexico.

"There are also Churches of most denominations and also Churches geared for Americans," wrote one member in Rosarito.

"Tequis is wonderful. I came about 8 mo before the pandemic hit. We went through a bit of a stretch, but it is slowly coming back. Restaurants and tiendas are coming back. The town does get crowded on big holidays - Easter Holiday and Christmas. Normal weekends are 'busy' but doable. We locals just tend to stay home Friday thru Sunday. You do have to watch out for the teenagers on 4 wheelers! As far as diversity, it depends upon what you define as diversity. There is not a large LGBTQ population here. This is a VERY family oriented town. If that is what you are looking for, I suggest San Miguel. The statement about police not chasing for mordidas is true. I personally have had to get help 2 times. Just this past week, I was rear ended at a stop sign and they are just as nice and fair as can be. All have a smile and are caring! Tequis is no where near as congested as San Miguel - very tranquil lifestyle!!!," remarked one expat who made the move to Tequisquiapan.

"The population here is at least 90% native Mexican, with a small cadre of Americans, Canadians, British, French, Germans & Austrians. The people are very open to anyone who chooses to relocate here. There is no discrimination as far as I can tell. As an American, I feel I am treated just the same as the locals. Even the police are very accepting and never chase after the dreaded "MORDITA" like they do in bigger cities, ie; Mexico City," explained one expat living in Tequisquiapan, 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"," said one expat in Saltillo.

"This school is a properly run school in that it requires the students to comply properly with discipline - unlike most other private schools here. The teachers are excellent and the school has a good, varied curriculum strong in sciences. It offers a two-year prepa. Most importantly it is a LAY school - not religious - so there is none of the time-wasting religious ritual found at some other schools," remarked one expat living in Monterrey with children attending St Patricks School.

"Look at other schools. It is worth it. 38 teachers left in 2013, the administration is hidden in an office. The headmaster, jonathan Robins has no qualification what so ever for the job. The new teachers do not work as a team, and it does not help when your child is in 11grade or 12 grade. It is way too expensive for what it is. We are not sure the kids are happy now/," said one expat in Mexico City with children at Greengates School.

"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 .

"That is such a personal question. I recommend that people housesit in the community they are thinking of retiring in so they can gauge costs, safety, reliability of utilities, etc," commented one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"If one buys local or Mexican brands, food is relatively inexpensive. Eating out is 1/2 or less than in the U.S. The cost of living monthly is dependent on: a. If you own a home.
b. your lifestyle. We projected that we will save between $8 -10,000 annually by living here. Gone are the $150/mo. water and sewer bills and the $180 / gas and electricity. Every little bit of savings adds up," remarked one expat living in Ajijic, Mexico.

"I think that is a very personal question. You CAN find rental houses for about 5000 pesos per month, plus power and water, telephone and satellite. Then it depends on wether you eat the local fruits and vegetables or want something imported. Beer and alchohol are very reasonably priced, walking on the beach is free. I expect that for about 1000.00 US a person could live here comfortably. For 2000.00 you can live VERY well," wrote one member in Manzanillo.

"San Miguel de Allende is now one of the more expensive locations in Mexico with prices recently reported as being higher than many of the beach resorts. The town is promoted by the local politicians as an "up market" destination and it is no longer the ideal destination for ex-pats on limited budgets that it was 20 to 30 years ago. The plans to develop an international airport just outside the city will further drive this type of tourism. Obviously, it is possible to live cheaply if you avoid renting near the historic center and go for one of the more "popular" non-expat colonias. Shopping in local markets and avoiding eating out too much can also minimize expenses. The recent strength of the peso combined with high inflation has also made Mexico more expensive for ex-pats," remarked one expat who made the move to San Miguel de Allende.

"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," explained one expat living in Mexico.

"The rents here are low for now. As more people discover the richness Merida offers, I know that they will increase, but for right now, you can get a very nice apartment or rental home for a fraction of what you'd pay in the USA. My advice is if you like it here, buy sooner rather than later (very carefully). Local food is very cheap and imports are what they are," mentioned one expat inMerida.

"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, Mexico.

"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," remarked one expat living in Mexico.

"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," commented one expat.

"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," said an expat in Merida.

"In Mexico, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. Beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Parks provide a great place to relax, take a walk, or have a picnic. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as tennis, basketball, and soccer. Mexico also has a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Mexico has a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and mountain biking," remarked one expat in Mexico.

"All around Playa del Carmen there are adventure area for zip lining, ATV riding, cave tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, tours to visit Mayan Ruins and nearby resorts, beaches and islands such as Cozumel, Tulum, Islas Mujeres etc," wrote one expat living in Playa del Carmen.

"Anything related to the beach, snorkeling, golf, exploring cenotes (caves), dining out. The food is amazing and the options are endless," commented one expat who moved to Playa Del Carmen.

"Hot, hot, and hotter! Humid, humid, and humider! Well the high season between Dec and April is still pleasant and not as humid. Summer is a killer," said one expat.

"In the spring and fall is perfect. Chilly in winter (50 degrees) summer is 90 to 95 and in July and August a bit humid, BUT when I lived in Puerto Vallarta for 3 summers, I swore I would never consider our humidity here high. We are in the desert so not like the jungle," commented one expat living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

"It is hot, 95/100 is the norm for this time of year [June]. If you live in North Merida you can be in Progreso in 20 min. all highway, they have a full service marina there. Progreso is about 5 - 10 degrees cooler most days and seems like there is always wind from the water, we have breeze here too but when it is 115 heat index it doesn't help much. Mornings and evenings are beautiful though," remarked one expat living in Merida.

"Hot. In the summer it is hot day and night, with no rain. In rainy season, it is very hot during the day but the nights usually cool off to pleasant 70's with a cooling wind, but not always. You can use sleeves at night but will not want them during the day," said one expat living in Merida.

"There is a fantastic web site called Weather Spark that allows you to investigate and compare climates throughout the year. You get graphs showing how the hi/lo temperature, how it feels throughout the day, the chance of clear skies, chance of precipitation, average rainfall, hours of daylight, chance of muggy conditions, and more. Be sure to scroll through all of the charts. Here is a link comparing Houston and Guadalajara; you can add and delete cities using controls at the top. ," mentioned one expat inMexico.

"As stated earlier above, restaurants are plentiful and you have your choice of what type of food you want. There are various nightclubs. Because tourists are constantly coming and going, every night is like a weekend night with bright lights and music and even entertainers along the streets. I especially enjoy the Mariachi bands that travel to the restaurants and play their music. It's all so very lively. I feel like I am living life again, even as a retired single Expat.," said one expat living in Playa del Carmen.

"There are many night clubs with live music, from Salsa to Blues. There are too many restaurants to mention, from low end to high end. You will not want for a night life or if you are a foodie. I am a nght person, so I am speaking from personal experience," mentioned one expat inMerida.

"One of Mexico's most beloved restaurants is Pujol, located in Mexico City. Pujol is renowned for its modern Mexican cuisine, which is prepared with traditional ingredients and techniques. The restaurant has been praised for its creative dishes, which are often served with a side of Mexican culture. Another popular restaurant in Mexico is El Bajio, located in Guadalajara. El Bajio is known for its traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. The restaurant also offers a variety of regional specialties, such as mole poblano and chiles en nogada. In addition, El Bajio is known for its lively atmosphere and friendly staff. Finally, La Fisheria, located in Cancun, is a seafood restaurant that is beloved by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as ceviche, fish tacos, and grilled octopus. La Fisheria is also known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea," commented one expat who moved to Mexico.

"People living in Mexico typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and department stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Mexico," said one expat living in Mexico.

"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," mentioned one expat inPuerto Penasco.

"We have so many large grocery stores in Playa, that I wonder sometimes how they stay in business. We have two Walmarts. Local produce markets are not easy to find. There is one very small one in town once a week," commented one expat who moved to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

"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," mentioned an expat living in Puerto Penasco.

"The main thing to know is that you must start your residency request outside of Mexico, at a Mexican consulate. Then you have 30 days to present yourself to the Mexico immigrations. There are professional groups that will do all of this for you, for a fee, of course," said an expat in Merida.

"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 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," wrote one expat living in Playa del Carmen.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Merida.

"Private healthcare is generally excellent and less expensive than the USA and Europe. Health insurance is available up to 70 years of age (renewable) but gets expensive with age. My daughter who is 30 pays about US $100/month and I pay US $450/month at age 68. The last increase in premium was 20%. This is with 10% co-seguro and a deductible of US$2500. I guess at some point it will be unaffordable," remarked one expat living in Mexico.

"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.

"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," mentioned one expat inTijuana.

"Ask for receipts as many places don't issue one.....my health insurance would not cover my pedicures even though I went to the hospital for medical pedicures as the person doing it was not the officially accepted PODIATRIST. My massage visits are wonderful and reasonable 500 pesos for 75 minutes! My insurance companies pay those to a limit as long as the receipts show all necessary info... so check with your insurance company what is necessary. Many Mexicans don't or can't write properly, so make sure they spell your name correctly and have all the info correct, even the date as on one of my receipts the girl put 2010 when it was 2017 and my insurance company refused it even though I had submitted many receipts together and it was an obvious error. There are many walk in clinics with doctors, but quality is questionable, so stick to well known ones in your area. Similaries are good and lower cost. I also lived in Mexico for 2 yrs and worked and had the local Seguro Social medical coverage... covers basics. I speak Spanish so it worked out ok, but it was a bit of a drive and a different process... so when I felt stressed I just used the local private clinic and paid 500 pesos to see the doctor," commented one expat who moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.