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Moving to Merida

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Beginnings

10/1/2019 21:00 EST

I was wondering if it would be possible to bring a guitar along with my carry-on and one suitcase, which is permissible. Would it be an extraordinary expense or treated as a second bag? I'm coming from the United States and I'm not sure how this works.
Also, when I replace my SIM card with a Mexican one, will they give me a new phone number that I can use in Mexico? I tried to sort it out with my present provider and just got more confused.
Finally, as a 70 year old, would it be possible to purchase health insurance? I will be in Merida for 6 months and hopefully staying there.
In advance, I appreciate any information regarding these questions.
Bill

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RVGRINGO

10/2/2019 10:24 EST

I have no answers on the guitar, but if you "may stay", are you aware that you would need a residence visa, which you must apply for at a Mexican consulate before you enter Mexico. There are financial proofs to meet for qualification.
A tourist permit is good for only a maximum of 180 days. You must leave Mexico before it expires.
A tourist may purchase international health insurance/travel insurance. A Mexican resident may consider Seguro Popular, private insurance, etc. It will take some time to process residency, which must come first.

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Naioli

10/2/2019 13:34 EST

¡Hola! Can’t say I did thorough research, but when I found myself in Mexico for a longer period planned, I bought a Sim card (at&t), it costs roughly $15 a month...I don’t remember the initial fee…and yes, I have a Mexican phone number. You might be interested to know that calls to the US are considered local… I don’t know if it’s reciprocal. Regarding staying for a while, there are those who step out of the country every six months and are automatically renewed for another six upon return. You’ll have to check on this but I believe you don’t have to be out of the country for more than a day. Of course this doesn’t help the health insurance issue which I’m currently trying to figure out myself. Saludos

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Eidel

10/2/2019 14:34 EST

I suggest contacting the airline directly regarding how to count your guitar. You will get conflicting and/or old information from people who respond on these forums.

As a fellow 70-year-old, my advice is to go ahead and visit the nearest Mexican consulate in the US and get that Temporal Resident visa because it allows you to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days, thus eliminating the need to leave the country to "renew" the tourist visa. Yes, there is paper work involved but at least you won't be an "illegal" immigrant and you won't have the worry and expense of crossing the border. Plus, who the hell knows what's going to happen next year?

Look at this link to decide what type of visa is best for you so you can make an informed decision: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sanfrancisco/index.php/visas-traveling-to-mexico

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Sydney841

10/2/2019 16:38 EST

This information helps me, too. My question is, if I get some type of residency first, and then decide to locate to another country (not likely), would I have wasted any money in the process? If so, how much? Thanks!

Sydney841

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Eidel

10/2/2019 18:14 EST

The short answer is "yes." The long answer is whether you think it is a waste.

The application fee is $36.00 (I think it's the same no matter which consulate you use.) But then you have to pay more for the actual permit once you safely arrive in Mexico.

Nothing is inexpensive whether you live In Mexico, US, Canada or elsewhere, But it's a matter of perspective I suppose.

Here's another link where you can download for free a booklet that explains EVERYTHING about visas and fees and work permits and getting a visa for the first time, etc. Great resource!

https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/living-in-mexico/visas-and-immigration/

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Sydney841

10/2/2019 18:56 EST

Thanks! That's exactly what I need.

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Eidel

10/2/2019 20:43 EST

De nada

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cc532

10/22/2020 21:02 EST

@Eidel

Thanks for sharing the link to the 2020 Mexican Immigration Guide. Looks like a wealth of good information.

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Mac539

10/29/2020 20:55 EST

I am not a phone expert. But as far as health insurance goes, you can buy it. But be careful. My personnel experience with my wife was a real pain. She has private insurance and needed an operation. The insurance company authorized it, but then would not send the check. I think that IMSS is probably better.

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