Why Mexico Is The Best Place To Live For Expats
From its delectable street food, soft-shelled tacos made from fresh, local ingredients, to its invigorating tequila and mezcal, Mexico's unique heritage and culture creates a distinctive way of life and is a hotspot for tourists and aspiring expats from all over the world.
What is daily life like in Mexico?
Depending on where you are, you can experience optimum year-round temperatures in terms of weather. For places such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Mazatlan, and other similar destinations, it is possible to experience tropical and hot climates for virtually the entire year. In contrast, cities with high elevations, such as San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Mexico City, will have cold evenings during the winter.
With only 12% of Mexicans who are native English speakers, learning Spanish will undoubtedly play an advantage and help you get a fully immersive taste of the culture. If you want to live a laid-back life as an expat, moving to Mexico is a terrific place to start.
Healthcare in Mexico
According to various international health magazines, Mexico is a leading country in healthcare quality and accessibility. Medical care is frequently provided at no cost if you have private insurance. Most medicines are over 50% cheaper in Mexico than in the US, with people traveling far and wide outside of Mexico to purchase the same quality medical care for a fraction of the price.
Where's the best place to live in Mexico?
Expats tend to flock to Mexico City, the country's capital, as it is the most populous metropolis in North America and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world. The western region of Baja, California, is a popular destination due to its stunning Pacific beaches and incredible mountains, while Tijuana is a bustling center of trade and commerce.
If you're thinking about moving to Mexico as an expat and want to know where to live safely, Merida, Cancun, Tulum, and San Miguel de Allende are all excellent places to start.
How to Move to Mexico?
The two types of residency visas offered are permanente or temporal (permanent or temporary). If you intend to stay in Mexico for an extended period, you should apply for a temporary visa that allows you to stay for up to four years. As long as you have the appropriate documentation and proof of expenses, applying for a visa can be a relatively straightforward process.
Before beginning your journey, you must first apply for a visa at the Mexican embassy before traveling to Mexico, ideally at least a month ahead of time. When visiting the Mexican embassy, you will be asked to produce the following documents:
● Visa application form, printed, filled out, and signed
● A passport-sized photo
● USD $44 in cash for payment
● Passport (original and copy)
● Original and duplicate bank statements from the last six months proving a monthly income of more than USD $2,125.50
Within the first 30 days of arriving in Mexico, you must produce your documentation to the Instituto Nacional de Migración. It is critical to make a reservation as soon as possible because appointments can be challenging to come by. On the day of your appointment, you must produce the following documentation:
● A signed online form from the Immigration website.
● Passport (original and copy)
● A request for a visa canje in the form of a letter (in Spanish)
● At immigration, you will be given a tourist card.
● For one year, the cost is USD $215 (the year after, you can apply for a 1, 2, or 3-year card).
Alternatively, you can also complete a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), a tourist visa that allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for 500 pesos (about USD $25).
Final thoughts
While preparation and ensuring you have the correct documentation in place is vital, there is no denying that Mexico is a treasure trove for anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With its vibrant culture to discover, charming people, superb weather, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and cheaper living costs, Mexico has a lot going for it with plenty of upsides. For more information, subscribe to my Youtube channel to get regular updates on living in Mexico. I cover everything from real estate and travel to the best tips on maximizing your expat experience.
