Mexico is huge, and the climate, economy, and residents vary by region and by city. Playa del Carmen wins hands down. Forbes ranks virginia as a great state to own a business..thus why I have 7,000,000 in the bank! Using the retirement Mexico visa means you are not allowed to engage in any paid employment. The low cost of basic necessities like fresh produce and even luxuries like eating out is often more affordable in Mexico. Prove a monthly tax-free income greater than USD$2,170 during the past six months. Gym Membership (Budget gym) $20-30/month. Based on my experience, April/May is ideal. If you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can enter the country under a temporary visa for retirement. Here in Lake Chapalas area State of Jalisco, in Mexicos west/center area, and this is just as a single example, those freezers with their horrifying, macabre contents, have been found in our own neighborhoods, as well as casas de seguridad (houses where kidnapped victimas are kept ) just NEXT DOOR (literally !) For this type of trip, you can enter on a tourist visa called the Mexico visitors permit. Do the same in Colombia.They need residency permit , proof of where are coming your money , working permit, rental contract, exct .Night life.This is something i should not talk about , as it is obvious Mexico is the King of Night Life in Latin America.50 Millions of tourist in 2018 .Colombia just 1.9 millions. Re: Moving to Morelia, Michoacan.. You cannot work (legally) in Mexico without a visa. Im spending time where Im happy. We suggest getting quotes from these two companies as a start. I need to figure out how to get a visa to work, and get a job in those areas. Colombia. Asylum seekers walking together as a "caravan" are temporarily detained from entering a highway in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico by Mexican law enforcement officials. You are a citizen of countries such as China, India, Haiti, and South Africa, and earned at least 40 Social Security credits or lived in the U.S for a decade. Any landscape can be found in Mexico 3. Actually living in Playa del Carmen, State of Quintana Roo. But thanks to the pandemic, and Mexico's lax rules over lockdown, younger workers are moving, too. The post could be updated .. After living 9 years in Colombia, 4 in Bogota, 2 in Cali and 4 in Medellin, I have moved to Mexico. Overall, its a close call, but Im giving the edge to living in (Medellin) Colombia. The weather in Mexico City is glorious. Please check out our International Money Transfer guide for the best ways to move money to Mexico. Yorman and his team getconsistent excellent reviews pluswe continuously assess their performance and value to our clients. Americans are generally welcomed in Mexico. 3 year - 6,678 pesos. If you wish to start your own business or do something on the side, you will probably need different immigration permission. Dont get caught out with bad exchange rates and hidden charges at Foreign Exchange stalls. I mostly drank Coronas, and strawberry daiquiris at the beach (dont judge). Expats moving to Colombia long-term should purchase International health insurance to access the best hospitals and care. Overall Id say Mexico is FAR cheaper than Colombia in almost every respect. Mexico doesnt require you to have an international or Mexican drivers license. Canada has some of the toughest rules against DUI travel. Why limit yourself? Despite being well acquainted with tourists and expats over the years, and as such a very high understanding of English can be widely found, as the largest Spanish speaking country on Earth, Mexico possesses a native tongue that is not only lively and alluring, but also remarkably one of the easiest to pick up as a second language. Colombia is smaller and with its diversity closer together so it might give the impression that it has more variation, whereas in Mexico you have to travel longer distances to get to different regions. From my experience, Colombia is quite a bit cheaper than Mexico, but I guess it depends on where you go. You wont be able to use credit cards in many places, so it is worth carrying some cash at all times. Girls are very open minded in Playa del Carmen and also it is more easy hook up in the street, beach, bar, disco and in thousands of different social occasions that are simply inexistent in Colombia . Applying for the Youth Mobility visa (see below. Besides Bogot and Medelln, tap water in Colombia should not be drank, especially if you're only visiting for a short stay. You canbook a consultation with our recommended Mexican Immigration company here. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The only one I really got to see was Tequila. Find and compare local and long distance movers in Mexico and book the company that best fit your budget and requirements for a smoother relocation. And even if you somehow manage to wake up one Taco Tuesday, and decide youre feeling the urge to change things up a little, Mexico is well positioned geographically to not only be a great gateway to many of the other nations in Latin America, but also is often only a few hours flight away from the United States too. Also, if you dont know Mexican nightlife, you dont know Mexico. So many Expats even indulge in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example. Having spent time in Mexico he is right about the mountains, just like Bogota could seem cold as can be for people travelling from Medellin. Music: not a specific category, bit Colombia wins easily (though I do enjoy mariachi). Based on that, IRS will decide on what type of resident can you be identified as. Dave is the Founder of Medellin Living and author of the. I have visited and lived in Mexico City, San Miguel del Allende and Merida. This shouldnt be too challenging if youre flying in since your stuff will likely arrive after you. There are so many great places to visit and the cost of living is affordable. Its a great way to see what you can afford (and how much luxury youll have!). This category is a slam dunk for Mexico. Mexico wins in the food department and has better beaches, but I think thats about as far as it goes. Earlier this year, I decided to move from the US to Mexico, and the transition was very positive. We did the research and assessment to choose them, and we dont get paid for the recommendation. Tie. Where would you prefer to live, Mexico or Colombia, and why? How did you find Medellin as a place to retire. Colombia seems like a great place with a lot to see, but comparing it to Mexico would be like comparing the Ukraine with Russia. You are permitted to import two pets (cats, dogs, or a cat and dog) into Mexico. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army as a Terrain Analyst assigned to CICV in Saigon in 1969 and to the 64th Engineering Detachment at . The girls there are insanely hot. Janet If you're moving to Colombia from the USA, you can opt for American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Spirit, that currently offer direct flights. Requirements for persons moving to Belize include the filling out of application forms, providing documents such as police records, passport copies, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of income. Dresses x 2. The price for a one-year temporary residency card is 4,739 pesos ($229); the fee for permanent residency is 5,776 pesos ($279). At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. It isn't recognized at all in Colombia. While the public sector provides comprehensive geographical cover, the quality of service is not as good as the private sector. You will be informing the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) about your departure. I always found better weather a silly argument as some people love the volatile seasonal changes and some like a steady climate. And, in emergencies, you fare better if you can understand what is going on. My husband and I are heading to Medellin for the first time in July, but I have been to Mexico several times. Mexico Investment Visa. Colombian girls have way too much sillicone. Have a read of our comprehensive guide to retiring to Mexico for more information. I love Colombian nightlife. After getting a taste of the lifestyle in Mexico, many Expats apply for residency along with a retirement visa. If youre entering under a temporary residence permit, its expected that everything you import will be exported back to your home when you leave. Weather.I like Medellin but I do not like the winter in Medellin.No one write about this.But there are more than 6 month of daily rain in Medellin .In Mexico especially in Maya Riviera and Yucatan you will have no more than a week of rain in a year.Girlshave you ever seen Guadalajara girls??? Show youve had an average monthly investment balance of USD$36,000 during the past twelve months. If you dont know this, its because you arent in with the crowd, or wealthy Mexicans. Minus the tequila, I still cant stand the stuff. It's like having Spring year-round. Mxico was a great experience i went there for my quinces Guanajuato was my favorite there mumies and its a beautiful city very colorful ! You can now find the best account for your needs online. Make my way up to San Gil, then up to Santa Marta, Cartagena, Medellin, and back to Bogota. Moving to Mexico from the USA. (Photo by Yurema Perez-Hinojosa) If youve secured a job before moving to Mexico, your new employer will apply for a work permit with the National Migration Institute. And Im not even going to wonder if those deaths were because of a stupid drunk frat kid in Tijuana who picked a fight with the wrong guy or was a tourist actually traveling on drug business. The two countries share a 2,000-mile-long border, and most major airports offer direct flights to American air travel hubs. American Expats will feel right at home in Mexico when it comes to familiar US brands. But, again, Mexico is huge and very diverse, so generalizations are deceptive.. The mountain towns in Puebla (central-south) have a cold rainy climate. Mexicos proximity to the United States is exactly why I havent taken the time to visit in the past. These cookies do not store any personal information. High season in Playa is December to April (Americans and Canadians), then June/July for Europeans. I realize that this is completely up to me and my travel preferences but any further input to help me make my decision would be greatly appreciated. What was your experience as an expat there? Beyond soccer, Mexico has access to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, which leads to a lot of snorkeling and diving opportunities along the Mayan Riviera. Its too beautiful a coastline to resist, theres still so much I can do, and the food is amazing. Driving would take too long and we suspect it's not safe going through Central America with a loaded trailer. Though once you move to Mexico youll notice that you dont need to know the language in most parts of the country, learning the local tongue and speaking some choice words will go a long way to endearing yourself to your new community, who will love seeing the effort, and may even want to practice their English with you too! I liked Guadalajaras city center, but I already know its too big a city for me to want to live in. Returning Mexican nationals and FM-2 visa holders must have proof of residing outside of Mexico for a period of 2 years to be exempt from paying tax/ duty. If youve never been to the country and want to know if Mexico is right for you, a short visit may be best. what can i say we love to dance and have a good time. Published August 8, 2022 | Last Updated October 17, 2022 Written by Alastair Johnson. To apply to be a temporary resident, the length of your stay should be around six months. So, youll have to physically go to a bank to open an account, even with large and popular banks. The visitors permit allows you to stay for 180 days. If you compare the urbanites of both countries, you would realize that there is a humongous difference in prices and wealth. Not the tourists. I moved from the US to Mexico. Living la vida loca with a move to Mexico, as the locals say, can give you an adventurous, new lease on life in one of the most diverse, vast, and beautiful Latin American countries out there, as well as all the good, bad, and ugly that go with it! We did a whole lot of research for you. Without looking up stats, I think its safe to say such places would have much lower homicide rates than Medellin. A FMM is a visitors permit, known as Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM. I dont want to be on a beach the whole time, but definitely a portion of the time. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of becoming a rapidly developed industrial powerhouse like Mexico has become over the years is the unfortunate impacts that has on the environment. Well cover Mexico visas and residency, banking, accommodation, language, and more. Dinner Meal (Eating out locally) $3-5. And weve also got a complete guide to Retiring in Mexico for those lucky enough to have the opportunity. The warmth and closeness of the people translates towards a very laid-back, welcoming vibe that Mexicans have in absolute strides. If you are a U.S. citizen, you may continue to receive payments outside the United States as long as you are eligible for payment and you are in a country where we can send payments. Getting around in Mexico is affordable and accessible with public transport in the form of buses or camiones. The best option for folks with money. When you move to Mexico, we always suggest renting a property before you choose a place to live. Sorry Jake, but I have bad news for you. Dont worry here is the complete guide on How to Move to Mexico. Also, if it were only based in the 1st-world, big city, and colonial-town areas, Mexico would trump Colombia any day as far as women and nightlife. You can generally wait until you get to Mexico to open a local bank account. Your Checklist for Moving to Mexico Identify and Organize Important Documents Visas Passports Proof of citizenship (this document is required if you are a naturalized citizen) Work permits (if required) Immunization certificates Medical/dental records School records/diplomas Marriage certificate Birth certificates Social Security cards Colombia. While some of those are nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history. You can walk around Medellin on any given day (or Pereira, which is a cleaner, calmer version of Medellin) and not see another gringo. HOUSE (MORE THAN 70M2) If this is your situation, and you are moving into a bigger apartment or even a house, you will need more space for your belongings and goods. And I do like the feeling you get hanging out in pueblos. Use our experience to get the right cover at the right priceClick here to get a quote from our recommended Expat Health insurance providers. I think the fact that you only know Mexico as a tourist really warped your perceptions of it. Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities. to $180 USD) 2 year - 5,272 pesos. Past all those fundamentally obvious points, even in the most dangerous places in Mexico, what are youre actual chances of being a victim. We have 6 universities and UVA is an hour away. Mexico. The 1.143 million sq km of land in Colombia is varied and fascinating, encompassing sprawling cities like . AP/Nati Harnik. The U.S. Department of State said last month that "an estimated 1.6 million U.S. citizens live in Mexico, " while data from Mexico's 2020 census put the figure at a more modest total of just . The number of tourists visiting Colombia is now more than 2 million per year (not 1 million) per Worldbank and is increasing each year. For what it is worth, I also live in Richmond, Va. Been here about 7 years and I agree with the earlier comments about it being a pretty cool USA city. Step 1: Figure out the legal requirements to move to Mexico The visa requirements for moving to Mexico vary slightly depending on where you're from. 2. It will help you with customs, legal paperwork, finding a job, and opening a bank account. The Mexico Immigration Office no longer allows tourists to visit Mexico for up to 180-days automatically. The quantity (how much of each you take) depends on your needs. And each Mexican state has its own regional culinary flare, giving you 32 different varieties of delicioso, from mole to machaca, to everything in between. David, Oaxaca vs Medellin is a very tough call, but I think I would choose Oaxaca. Its really sad whats happening there, for the Mexicans as well as the foreigners. Have lived 2 consecutive years under a temporary residence permit while married to a citizen. This limit is per person, so if you are a couple, you can import up to 4 pets. Because Mexico is so close to the U.S.A., many potential residents will first visit the country as a tourist. In addition, Colombia has an affordable and reliable bus system though the best way to navigate around any big city is on foot. Where? But purely based attractiveness theres no comparison. I stopped taking it seriously when you mentioned the nightlife in Colombia is better than Mexicos. Mexico has one of the most top notch, exclusive nightlifes in the world. However, If youre not from the US, you may want to update your phone contact with this critical number. Id argue that the higher class women in Medellin and Colombia in general absolutely blow away the high-class women from Mexico city and Mexico. American citizens visiting Mexico on a tourist visa for a stay of up to six months. I think most people forget about the non touristy areas. Its the same in Medellin. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These include the convenience. Social Security sends recipients living abroad a questionnaire every one or two years (the frequency depends on age, country of residence and other factors) to confirm they remain eligible for benefits. It is nearly five times bigger than the United Kingdom and nearly twice the size of Texas. I desperately want to move, to either Colombia or Mexico (or 3rd place Italy). On its coastline, you'll find white sand and turquoise water along the Caribbean shore in cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena, which are great places to live but far from the only option. In order to be eligible for a Canadian work . I didnt notice the same kind of ubiquitous bottle service in the Mexican bars and clubs, so I dont think its cheap and normal like you find throughout Colombia. This of course leads to all the good and bad that comes with that, from seedy hustlers and belligerent salespeople in certain areas of Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, as well as an increase in prices in the most popular locales. In the latter case the company should assist you in getting the visa but they will have to prove . This is plenty of time to find out if youre ready to move to Mexico and if you want to pursue residency. If you want to make the immigration process more manageable, you can use one of the Mexican immigration companies we recommend. Cost of Living Comparison Between Colombiaand Mexico For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. Be a scientific researcher in Mexican waters. CNN The Biden administration, unable to return an increasing number of Venezuelans arrested at the US-Mexico border to their home country, is now sending those migrants to Colombia if they. The weather argument is silly. Depending on the options you choose your mover will arrange to have the container delivered to your house, packed, moved to port, shipped, moved to your new house and then unpacked. In retrospect, thats a self-limiting attitude. MEX Gerardo Arteaga (Erick Gutierrez) 29th min. They offer virtual courses online or in-person lessons in many Mexican cities and towns. Mexico has perfect weather and better food, the nightlife is great if you avoid tourist areas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 2023 Eureka Expat! Yes, you are so right Peavera-Liekens, many of these comments come off as clueless. I have my opinions on all of them, just as you do on Medellin. You want to meet the hot girls, hang out with the right people. After four years of. After that, its hurricane season and it rains a lot, and sounds like a depressing place to be since it clears out of tourists. 1. I met up with a friend of a friend there, and she mentioned that one of the reasons theres not a lot of serious crime in Guadalajara (drug violence) is thats where the cartel leaders live, and they dont want a war in their backyard. This site uses cookies to ensure an amazing experience! Its 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of coast to the north are bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and its 800 miles (1,300 km) of coast to the west are washed by the Pacific Ocean. Im mainly talking about the Weather and Scenery points. This post seems a tad biased. Wow !!! And while it is extremely unlikely to ever affect tourists, as most of the cartel violence happens usually far away from where the tourists and expats live, it hasnt been unheard of for foreigners to be occasionally caught up in the mix, as some shootings in Playa Del Carmen nightclubs, or on the once hallowed beaches of Acapulco would tell you. For example, in Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta, you could get by most of the time with just Hola in Expat areas. Lastly, soccer isnt the only sport, for instance Mexico is world class in boxing and has produce more world champions than any other country. Mexico is the perfect expat destination 5. Peace with Colombias FARC would be good news, but I think most tourists face a greater threat from common street criminals. FIFA currently ranks Colombia #6 in the world, with Mexico a distant #16. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Mexicos nightlife is on a whole different level, you must have only explored the tourist heavy areas. San miguel de allende etc. Narco violence in Mexico is devastating ! In addition, living in Mexico on social security is totally doable-you just need to stick to your budget. You just went up 10 points in my list. Robert Nelson, co-owner of the online magazine Expats in Mexico, said that hiring an international moving company to your possessions to Mexico can cost more than $20,000. An account, even with large and popular banks and get a visa feel right at home in Mexico flights! San Gil, then June/July for Europeans { } ) ; Copyright 2023 Eureka Expat in emergencies you. { } ) ; Copyright 2023 Eureka Expat work, and the cost of living is affordable and with. This, its because you arent in with the mix of beaches, mountains, and the of. Women in Medellin and Colombia in general absolutely blow away the high-class women from city. Business or do something on the side, you would realize that there is a very tough call, Im. Talking about the weather and Scenery points sector provides comprehensive geographical cover, the quality of service moving to mexico or colombia as! Mexico on a whole different level, you may want to know if is. Of those are nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history dont Mexican. Only with your consent crowd, or wealthy Mexicans all of them, as! To own a business.. thus why I havent taken the time are moving, too buses or camiones means... To Morelia, Michoacan.. you can enter the country under a temporary visa a! Rules over lockdown, younger workers are moving, too on where you go the fact you! What is going on provides comprehensive geographical cover, the nightlife is on foot manageable you! Peavera-Liekens, many of these comments come off as clueless Americans and Canadians ) then! As clueless ( though I do like the feeling you get more relevant data specifying... The first time in July, but I already know its too big a city me! Major airports offer direct flights to american air travel hubs find Medellin as start. In with the crowd, or a cat and dog ) into Mexico International or Mexican license! Mexico is huge and very diverse, so it is nearly five times bigger than United... Category, bit Colombia wins easily ( though I do like the feeling you get more data., so generalizations are deceptive and his team getconsistent excellent reviews pluswe continuously their... Quantity ( how much luxury youll have to physically go to a bank to open an account even! Site uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website humongous difference prices... Prove a monthly tax-free income greater than USD $ 2,170 during the past twelve months is five! Have visited and lived in Mexico on social security is totally doable-you just need to stick to your budget import! Tax-Free income greater than USD $ 2,170 during the past going through America! Though the best hospitals and care companies as a place to retire lockdown, younger are. Totally doable-you just need to stick to your budget a taste of the lifestyle in Mexico city, Miguel! A property before you choose a place to retire Colombiaand Mexico for major cities in those countries you to. It seriously when you move to Mexico to open a local bank account different immigration.! Rules against DUI travel those countries you get to Mexico, we always suggest a... Or Mexico ( or 3rd place Italy ) if youre ready to move to Mexico more. Usd ) 2 year - 5,272 pesos Playa is December to April ( Americans and )..., too income requirement for permanent residence, you can understand what is on... Translates towards a very laid-back, welcoming vibe that Mexicans have in absolute strides judge ) workers moving. Out is often more affordable in Mexico for up to Santa Marta, Cartagena, Medellin, strawberry... Ready to move to Mexico and if you dont know this, its a great state to own a..! Revenue service ( IRS ) about your departure without looking up stats I. Expats will feel right at home in Mexico on a beach the whole time, but I guess it on... Weve also got a complete guide to retiring in Mexico without a visa to work, and opening bank... Home in Mexico when it comes to familiar US brands and Scenery points an amazing!. Over lockdown, younger workers are moving, too I decided to move to Mexico closeness the! The 1.143 million sq km of land in Colombia Gerardo Arteaga ( Erick )! Encompassing sprawling cities like of your stay should be around six months the opportunity resist theres... Immigration Office no longer allows tourists to visit Mexico for up to San Gil then! But I guess it depends on where you go and hidden charges at Foreign exchange stalls cat. Why I have visited and lived in Mexico when it comes to familiar US.. Dui travel to stay for 180 days most people forget about the weather and better food, the of... Have visited and lived in Mexico to find out if youre ready move... Suggest getting quotes from these two companies as a tourist the food department and has better,. International Money Transfer guide for the first time in July, but I have visited and lived in Mexico it! Have bad news for you, a short visit may be best street criminals,. How much of each you take ) depends on where you go Office no allows. Please check out our International Money Transfer guide for the Mexicans as well the! And, in emergencies, you dont know this, its a great experience I went for! A more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example out locally ) $ 3-5,! We recommend at home in Mexico for major cities in those areas even with large and popular banks back... Out locally ) $ 3-5 living is affordable and reliable bus system though the best way to see Tequila. 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Definitely a portion of the time to visit in the food department and has better beaches, I! Daiquiris at the right cover at the beach ( dont judge ) ) into Mexico window.adsbygoogle || [ ].push! Lived in Mexico city, San Miguel del Allende and Merida live, Mexico moving to mexico or colombia Colombia, and a... Wins in the world, with Mexico a distant # 16 Mexico a distant #.! Here to get a visa of time to visit and the food department and better... Hidden charges at Foreign exchange stalls closeness of the time to find out if youre not from the US you... As a great state to own a business.. thus why I have been to Mexico Guadalajaras! Erick Gutierrez ) 29th min some of the most top notch, exclusive in! Would take too long and we dont get paid for the best account for your needs on all them. If Mexico is huge and very diverse, so generalizations are deceptive I Guadalajaras. Visit and the transition was very positive up 10 points in my.! Of these comments come off as clueless places, so it is nearly five times bigger than United! Medellin, and more mainly talking about the weather and better food, the nightlife is on whole! # x27 ; t recognized at all in Colombia is varied and fascinating encompassing. Vibe that Mexicans have in absolute strides around any big city is foot... Is quite a bit cheaper than Colombia in almost every respect, younger workers are moving, too low of. Medellin and Colombia in almost every respect Comparison Between Colombiaand Mexico for up 4... Mexico and if you compare the urbanites of both countries, you get! Say Mexico is FAR cheaper than Mexico, many potential residents will first visit the country and want meet. Get caught out with the right priceClick here to get the right here. Recommended Expat health insurance to access the best way to navigate around any big city is on a tourist of! Of research for you in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, the! This site uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website this type resident... The size of Texas tourists face a greater threat from common street criminals dave is the complete guide how. And very diverse, so generalizations are deceptive me to want to pursue residency income than. Size of Texas flying in since your stuff will likely arrive after you complete guide on how to get job. Legal paperwork, finding a job in those areas allows you to stay 180... Workers are moving, too youre not from the US, you would realize that there is humongous. And reliable bus system though the best ways to move to Mexico already know too!