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Expat Exchange > Mexico

Mexico

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: No
Bus Service: Yes (ADO, ETN, Primera Plus, Omnibus de México, relatively safe)

Mexico is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, located in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States, to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean, to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea, and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. With a diverse landscape that includes deserts, high plains, and mountains, Mexico is known for its varied climates and ecosystems. The country's history is a tapestry woven from indigenous civilizations such as the Maya and the Aztecs, and the influence of Spanish colonialism, which is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Mexico's capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and is rich in cultural heritage, with landmarks like the Plaza de la Constitución and the ancient city of Teotihuacan. The country's economy is one of the largest in Latin America, with significant contributions from manufacturing, oil production, and tourism. Mexican cuisine, recognized for its flavors and diversity, is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Festivals such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the vibrant music and dance traditions, like mariachi, reflect the country's strong sense of identity and community. Mexico's tourism industry is bolstered by its beautiful beaches, such as those in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, as well as by historical sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Despite challenges such as economic inequality and political corruption, Mexico continues to be a country of incredible resilience and pride, with a growing role in global affairs and a population that is a blend of indigenous and mestizo (mixed indigenous and European) heritage. The nation's art, from the murals of Diego Rivera to the paintings of Frida Kahlo, captures Mexico's revolutionary spirit and rich traditions, making it a country of both historical significance and contemporary appeal.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico
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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Expat Survey: More than 80% of Expats in Mexico are Happy There Expat Survey: More than 80% of Expats in Mexico are Happy There
Living in Mexico Guide Living in Mexico Guide
Mexico Visa & Residency Mexico Visa & Residency
Expat Survey: Mexico Still Popular Among Expats Expat Survey: Mexico Still Popular Among Expats
Tax Guide for Americans in Mexico Tax Guide for Americans in Mexico
Is Mexico City Safe? Is Mexico City Safe?
Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Mexico Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Mexico
Expats in Mexico: Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico Expats in Mexico: Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico
Living Abroad in Mexico: Q&A with Author Julie Doherty Meade Living Abroad in Mexico: Q&A with Author Julie Doherty Meade
10 Tips for Living in Mexico 10 Tips for Living in Mexico
Volunteering in Puerto Vallarta Volunteering in Puerto Vallarta
Volunteering in Playa del Carmen Volunteering in Playa del Carmen
Volunteering in Mexico City Volunteering in Mexico City
Volunteering in Merida Volunteering in Merida
10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Mexico 10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Mexico
Culture Shock in Mexico Culture Shock in Mexico
Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico
Getting a Driver's License in Mexico Getting a Driver's License in Mexico
Guide to Residency in Mexico Guide to Residency in Mexico
Best Places to Live Overseas: Panama vs. Mexico Best Places to Live Overseas: Panama vs. Mexico
12 Best Places to Live in Mexico 12 Best Places to Live in Mexico
10 Best Places to Live in Mexico 10 Best Places to Live in Mexico
9 Best Places to Live on Mexico's Pacific Coast 9 Best Places to Live on Mexico's Pacific Coast
5 Best Places to Live in Riviera Maya, Mexico 5 Best Places to Live in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Expat Mexico: 5 Best Places to Live in Mexico Expat Mexico: 5 Best Places to Live in Mexico
Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Mexico (Plus, Itineraries) Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Mexico (Plus, Itineraries)
10 Best Places for Families to Live in Mexico 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Mexico
15 Best Places to Live in Mexico 15 Best Places to Live in Mexico
10 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Mexico 10 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Mexico
Healthcare in Mexico Healthcare in Mexico
9 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Mexico 9 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Mexico
Top Hospitals in Mexico by Specialty Top Hospitals in Mexico by Specialty
Prescription Medications and Pharmacies in Mexico Prescription Medications and Pharmacies in Mexico
Understanding Mental Health in Mexico Understanding Mental Health in Mexico
Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Mexico? Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Mexico?
Having a Baby in Mexico Having a Baby in Mexico
Health Insurance for Expats in Mexico Health Insurance for Expats in Mexico
Dengue Virus in Mexico Dengue Virus in Mexico
Chikungunya Disease in Mexico Chikungunya Disease in Mexico
Zika Virus in Mexico Zika Virus in Mexico
How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Mexico How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Mexico
How to Navigate the Health System in Mexico How to Navigate the Health System in Mexico
Cost of Living in Mexico Cost of Living in Mexico
Mexico Visa & Residency Mexico Visa & Residency
Moving to Mexico: 8 Things to Know Before You Move to Mexico Moving to Mexico: 8 Things to Know Before You Move to Mexico
Moving to Mexico: Buying Property in Mexico Moving to Mexico: Buying Property in Mexico
Moving to Mexico: Renting in Mexico Moving to Mexico: Renting in Mexico
Moving to Mexico with a Pet Moving to Mexico with a Pet
Homeschooling in Mexico Homeschooling in Mexico
How to Enroll Your Children in School in Mexico How to Enroll Your Children in School in Mexico
Educational System in Mexico Educational System in Mexico
10 Things to Know Before Moving to Mexico 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Mexico
How to Buy a Home in Mexico How to Buy a Home in Mexico
How to Rent a Home in Mexico How to Rent a Home in Mexico
Guide to Residency in Mexico Guide to Residency in Mexico

Podcasts

Episode 5: The Dream Pro of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Episode 5: The Dream Pro of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

An American expat moved to Mexico and has become one of the most successful realtors in the world.  Find out all about Greg Gunter, San Miguel de Allende, and get a fantastic primer on how to realize your dream of living in a luxury home in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hosted by Josh Wood of ExpatExchange.com.
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Living in Mexico

Movies Set: Amores Perros, Y Tu Mamá También, Frida, Desperado, Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Popular Foods: Mexican cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and colorful presentations. Some of the most popular dishes include tacos, made with soft corn tortillas and a variety of fillings such as carne asada (grilled beef) or al pastor (marinated pork). Another staple is the enchilada, a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a chili pepper sauce. For dessert, churros, fried-dough pastries coated in sugar and cinnamon, are widely enjoyed.
Unusual Eats: Escamoles, also known as ant larvae, are considered a delicacy in Mexico. They are often referred to as "insect caviar" and can be found in some gourmet restaurants, served in tacos or as a topping.
Popular Sports: football (soccer), boxing, baseball, lucha libre (wrestling)
Popular Teams: Club América (football), Chivas de Guadalajara (football), Los Diablos Rojos del México (baseball), Canelo Álvarez (boxing)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When greeting someone in Mexico, it is common to give a light hug and a pat on the back, especially among friends. Avoiding this can be seen as cold or unfriendly. It's also important to be punctual for business meetings, but social events often start later than the scheduled time, so arriving "on time" can sometimes be considered early. Refusing food or drink offered to you can be seen as impolite, so it's best to accept at least a small amount to show appreciation.

Best Places to Live in Mexico

Discover the top-ranked towns in Mexico. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
San Miguel de Allende
2
Cancun
3
Merida
4
Cabo San Lucas
5
Puerto Vallarta
6
Playa del Carmen
7
Tulum
8
Mexico City
9
Lake Chapala
10
Todos Santos
11
Zihuatanejo
12
Queretaro
13
Monterrey
14
Guadalajara
15
Puebla
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Temporary Resident Visa, Permanent Resident Visa
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Temporary Resident Visa and it allows them to live in Mexico for up to four years

Obtaining a residency in Mexico is a process that can be straightforward if the applicant meets the necessary requirements and follows the steps diligently. There are primarily two types of residency visas: the Temporary Resident Visa and the Permanent Resident Visa. The Temporary Resident Visa is suitable for those who wish to stay in Mexico for more than six months but not longer than four years. It is popular among expats who are not yet ready to commit to permanent residency. To apply for this visa, one must visit a Mexican consulate abroad. The applicant will need to provide proof of sufficient economic means to support themselves, or they must show that they are employed or have a job offer in Mexico. The Permanent Resident Visa is for those who intend to settle in Mexico indefinitely and is often sought by retirees or those with family in Mexico. To qualify, applicants must meet stricter financial requirements or have certain family connections with Mexican citizens or other permanent residents. The application process for the Permanent Resident Visa is similar to that of the Temporary Resident Visa, but with additional documentation required to prove the applicant's long-term economic solvency or family ties. The difficulty of the process can vary based on individual circumstances, such as the applicant's nationality, financial situation, and the specific requirements of the Mexican consulate where the application is submitted. Generally, the process is considered average in terms of difficulty when compared to other countries. It is important to note that all documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of origin. Once the visa is approved, the applicant will receive a visa sticker in their passport, which must be exchanged for a resident card within 30 days of entering Mexico at the nearest office (Instituto Nacional de Migración). The process involves submitting various forms, taking photographs, and possibly attending an interview. Overall, while there are several steps to follow, the process is well-documented and can be navigated with patience and careful preparation.

Healthcare in Mexico

The healthcare system in Mexico is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is made up of institutions like the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), which provide services to employed citizens and their families. There is also Seguro Popular, a government-subsidized program aimed at providing healthcare to those not covered by IMSS or ISSSTE. The quality of public healthcare can vary significantly, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. Private healthcare in Mexico is known for its high quality and is often used by those who can afford it or have private insurance, including expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals and clinics are generally well-equipped and staffed with English-speaking doctors. The cost of private healthcare is lower compared to that in the United States, but it can still be expensive for locals. Expats and digital nomads can gain access to public healthcare by contributing to the social security system through formal employment or by directly purchasing health insurance plans from providers like IMSS. However, many expats and digital nomads opt for private health insurance to ensure access to private hospitals and clinics.

"My husband has taken a job in Monterrey, Mexico and am 31 weeks pregnant. I need any available info about childbirth, doctors, healthcare, cost, etc. Please help! I have no idea how the healthcare works in Mexico at all and obviously need to find a doctor ASAP. Thanks!" - gloryb23

Connect with Others on the Mexico Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mexico can be considered moderate, with expenses varying significantly between urban and rural areas, as well as tourist destinations. Basic goods and services are generally affordable, but imported items and luxury goods can be expensive.

Weather

Mexico's climate varies from arid to tropical, with a temperate climate prevailing in the central regions. The country experiences a rainy season from May to September and a dry season from October to April. Coastal areas are typically warmer and more humid, while higher elevations, such as Mexico City, have a milder climate with cooler temperatures year-round.

Educational System in Mexico

The educational system in Mexico is overseen by the Secretariat of Public Education. It is mandatory for children to attend school from the age of four to fifteen, which includes three levels: pre-school (preescolar), primary (primaria), and lower secondary (secundaria). Pre-school, for children aged 4-6, is the first stage and focuses on physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Primary education lasts for six years, typically for children aged 6-12, and covers basic education. Following this, lower secondary education, or middle school, lasts for three years, usually for students aged 12-15. Upper secondary education (educación media superior), which is not mandatory, includes diverse options such as general upper secondary school (preparatoria), technical professional education (profesional técnico), and technological baccalaureate (bachillerato tecnológico). Students typically start this level at the age of 15 and complete it by 18. The quality of education in Mexico varies significantly across regions and socioeconomic levels, with private schools generally offering higher quality education but at a higher cost. Public education is free, but schools may have limited resources. The academic year runs from September to June, and the curriculum includes Spanish, mathematics, natural sciences, history, arts, and physical education.

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