Because Mexico is located just across the border from Texas, and the United States as a whole, moving from the Lone Star State to Mexico may not seem like a big leap to take. However, because Mexico is a different country, you will need to put some extra planning, and time, into your move. And, you will ned an experienced international mover to help you make the transition as seamless as possible. To help you prepare, here are 10 of the most important things you cannot move to Mexico without considering.
U.S. to Mexico Visa and Work Requirements
If you plan to live in Mexico for 180 days or less, you may not need a visa. However, any stay longer than 3 months will require you to obtain the appropriate visa. You have two options: A temporary resident visa or card that you can renew annually for up to 4 years, or a permanent resident visa or card that allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely.
If you are not sure how long you will be in Mexico, the temporary card may be the best choice. After 4 years, you can convert it to a permanent card if you choose to stay longer. However, if you know that you will be staying in Mexico long-term, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa at a Mexican embassy near your U.S. home and then convert it to a Permanent Resident Card after your relocation.
Once you obtain the permanent card, you do not need to renew it. You automatically qualify to live and work in Mexico for as long as you desire, receive free health insurance and not have to worry about your immigration status.
Moving To Mexico Tips
When moving from Texas to Mexico, there are a few steps you can take to simplify the process and avoid last-minute surprises. Here are some of our top suggestions:
Start planning early
Any relocation should take you at least 6 weeks to plan, even if you are only moving within the United States. However, moving to another country, even one as close by and familiar as Mexico may be, should take you even longer to prepare for. Not only do you need to make time to obtain your visa (Which can take up to 4 weeks to process), but you must make time to complete essential tasks such as finding housing, finding employment, saving up moving expenses, hiring a reliable international mover and more. Start the process as early as you can, in order to avoid missed deadlines and the stress of being hurried leading up to moving day.
Visit Mexico first
You can hop over to Mexico for up to 180 days without a visa (In most cases). Take advantage of this opportunity to visit the country before you relocate. Even if you already know for sure that you are moving, a visit can give you valuable information. Use your time in the country to accomplish important tasks that may be more difficult to do on the northern side of the border:
- Visit potential cities and neighborhoods to find the right one for you.
- Research the safest areas of the city where you wish to live.
- Get a firsthand experience of the weather, shops and lifestyle where you plan to settle down.
- Find a place to live.
- Get to know your new country a little better!
Find a reliable cross-border moving company
You could drive a rented moving truck across the border, but chances are you will enjoy a much less stressful and potentially complicated move by hiring professionals who have done this before. Instead of getting stuck at customs or worrying about traffic, let a mover like Ward North American take over the details for you. The right business will be familiar with the process of moving your belongings over the Mexican border and be able to ensure the success of your relocation.
Ensure you have the right documents
Once you have your visa, you will not need too many documents to cross the border. However, there are a couple of documents you will need to have. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Visa
- Valid passport
- Valid auto registration if you are bringing your vehicle
In addition, you must NOT HAVE more than $10,000 on your person when entering or exiting Mexico.
Organize your finances
The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso. Moving from Texas to Mexico will require you to adopt this currency, and join the country’s financial system. You can make this process easier by organizing your finances ahead of time. Here are some steps you can take; Moving to Canada means adopting the Canadian monetary system. While much of that process will take place once you are in Canada, you can make things a little easier by starting before you move. Take these steps about 3 months before you relocate:
- Open a Mexican bank account (You must have your visa first)
- Transfer funds into that bank account
- Set a budget for after your move
- Check the money you are bringing into Mexico – You should not carry more than $10,000 into Mexico with you.
- Convert some of your money into pesos before your move to make settling in less stressful.
Best Places to Live
The best place to live when moving to Mexico from Texas will depend in large part on your own preferences. However, there are several locations generally recognized as being comfortable, safe and welcoming places for American expats to take up residence. Here is a list of 10 of them:
San Miguel de Allende
A UNESCO World Heritage Site overflowing with beautiful architecture. One of the country’s safest cities and most popular among expats.
Guadalajara
An affordable and vibrant city with living opportunities for people of all ages. Known as Mexico’s Silicon Valley for its booming IT industry.
Mexico City
Mexico’s largest city, it is also one of the most economically sound and offers a desirable urban feel, public transportation and plenty of jobs.
Riviera Maya
This coastal city has some of the nation’s most beautiful seaside views, white sand beaches and a rich Mayan history.
Monterrey
A thriving, economically strong city. The third largest in Mexico and surrounded by stunning natural views.
Mérida
The capital of Yucatá, Mérida is one of Mexico’s safest cities with a rich Mayan heritage and a strong Indigenous population.
Los Cabos
One of Mexico’s most economically thriving cities and also defined by a diverse landscape of beaches, desert, and mountains.
Puebla
An historic Mexican city known for its luxury real estate, strong cultural offerings and proximity to Mexico City
Puerta Vallarta
A popular tourist city also offering affordable living, good healthcare, and good jobs
Lake Chapala
Mexico’s largest lake and Mexico’s largest population of expats live here. Known for its beautiful weather and artistic culture.
Exchange Rate In Mexico
As mentioned above, the currency in Mexico is the peso. While the exchange rate between the dollar and the peso changes frequently, the dollar is virtually always worth more than the peso. As of June 2023, for example, 1 US dollar was equivalent to a little more than 17 Mexican pesos.
As a result, you can expect your money to go further in Mexico. Just be aware that any financial institution you use to convert your currency will charge you a fee to do so. That means you should plan to pay a certain amount in fees in order to turn your American money into Mexican pesos.
Cost Of Living In Mexico
One of the most immediate changes you will find upon moving to Mexico from the Lone Star State is the country’s extremely low cost of living compared to the United States. For example, beachside homes can cost in the $200s, while beach rentals often cost $600 a month or less.
Food, dining and transportation are similarly inexpensive. In fact, overall, Texas is 2.1 times more expensive than Mexico. Here is how some of the prices in Mexico compare to those in the Lone Star State:
| Expense | Cost Difference |
|---|---|
| Groceries | 74.4% ↓ |
| Transportation | 45.4% ↓ |
| Housing | 300% ↓ |
| Entertainment | 89.2% ↓ |
Salaries In Mexico
While the cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than in Texas (and the United States as a whole), wages tend to be lower as well. As of 2023, the average salary in the country was 399,000 Mexican pesos per year. That translates into about $23,154 US dollars.
While that salary is much lower than the national average of just over $55,000, it will go far in Mexico’s low-expense environment. Before moving from Texas to Mexico, just make sure you understand what your salary will be and budget accordingly. Wages can vary from city to city and job to job so having concrete numbers and a workable budget will help you to make your move with confidence.
Mexico’s Official Language
Because Mexico is so close to the United States, chances are you will encounter many people who understand and communicate in English. However, Mexico’s official language is Spanish, and living comfortably and easily in the country will probably require you to learn at least some of this language.
You can enjoy life in Mexico without knowing Spanish, and many expats make do without a fluent knowledge of the language. However, you may have difficulty reading contracts, negotiating rents, visiting non-tourist areas and completing other essential activities of daily living. A full and convenient life in the country is best achieved by learning enough Spanish to carry on a conversation.
Car Considerations
When relocating across the border, you must be prepared to navigate the transportation issues that may arise. In particular, you must decide how to handle having, or not having, a car.
While you may be able to live in Mexico without a car, you will need to restrict yourself to a small area where you can easily walk or take public transportation to everything you need. If you wish to travel further afield throughout your time in the country, you will need a vehicle.
You can either bring your own car from the United States or purchase one in Mexico. However, if you choose to bring your vehicle, you must formally import it, which could significantly raise your moving costs. Often, expats choose instead ot find a vehicle for themselves once they arrive in the country.
Driver’s Licenses In Mexico
If you are going to have a car in Mexico, you will need to get a Mexican driver’s license. However, there is rarely a rush to do so. You may use your foreign license up until a year after you register a vehicle in your name. And the process does not take much planning. Here is the process you follow:
- Bring your visa, passport and proof of address.
- Stop at the state police department’s auto registration and licensing department.
- Submit your application.
- Pay the relevant fees.
- Undergo an eye test and possible blood test.
- Take and pass a written test.
- Take a driving test.
- Get your photo and fingerprints taken.
Health Insurance In Mexico
Technically, you do not need to purchase private insurance once you relocate to Mexico. The country provides two forms of public coverage. In addition, prescriptions are easily available and much healthcare is inexpensive if you are paying out of pocket.
However, if you end up requiring serious medical care or a hospital stay, you will want insurance to cover your treatment. In addition, Mexico’s public health insurance can be complex and require long waits. As a result, many expats opt to purchase private insurance to meet their healthcare needs in their new country.
Before relocating from Texas to Mexico, you need to take the time to prepare for your new life in a new country. And, you will need a reliable mover who can get you there without stress. You need Ward North American. Discover the comprehensive services, meticulous customer care and dedication to excellence that define every move we make.
