Moving, Living, and Retirement in Mexico

How We Did It and Why

Article and photos by Jan Morgan

The coastline of Progreso, Mexico.

Toward the end of 2003, my husband Fred and I decided to move to Mexico. It was not something we had spent years contemplating. We discussed our daughter's plan to move to Mexico and perhaps teach English. We were excited because it allowed us a new place to vacation.

After three years, she still had not made the move. On a cold evening in October, my husband said, "You know, we could do that. We could move to Mexico." And so it started.

We veered into a local Barnes and Noble before going home and bought our first book on retiring to Mexico. The selection was limited. Thank goodness for the Internet.

I started scanning the Web and accumulating lots of great information. I found a place to live for the first six months and began the "winding-down" process at home.

Eight months later, we sold or gave away most of our furniture, put the rest in storage, attended numerous going-away parties, and set out on our new adventure.

Seeking a New Life in Mexico

We were no different from many Americans who seek a new life after retirement. We wanted to learn a new language by immersing ourselves in it. We wanted to experience living in a new culture. We were eager to test ourselves and see what we could do with limited international experience and language skills. The information we picked up along the way may help you if you are considering a move to Mexico.

Before You Go: The Internet is full of great information, so take advantage of it. Learn some Spanish, as much as you can. Buy maps of the regions you are going to and familiarize yourself with the adjacent towns, sights to see, etc.

When You Get There: Be respectful of your new country—remember, you are a guest. Don’t automatically switch to new foods you have not eaten before; take it slow to avoid traveler’s distress. To avoid some illnesses, wash your hands often or carry antibacterial hand cleaner, so you don’t pick up germs you’re not ready to handle yet. Wear sunscreen, comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing. Save your short shorts and scanty blouses for the tourist beaches.

Visas: You will need a visa for Mexico, no matter how long you are staying. Requirements change, so check with your Mexican Consulate or immigration office.

The Tourist Visa is for visitors and valid anywhere from 30 to 180 days. If you plan to be in Mexico for six months, ask the officer at immigration to give you the 180-day visa so that you don’t have to worry about renewal. You will need proof of citizenship—either a passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID.

You can obtain a blank tourism visa form at any Mexican consulate, at the travel agency issuing your ticket, at the airline counter, or even on the plane while en route. If you come across the border by car or bus, you can obtain one at the border office.

A tourist visa is just a permit to enter the country as a visitor. While you are in Mexico you cannot work, and the amount of personal belongings you can bring with you is limited.

If you plan to live in Mexico as a resident immigrant longer than six months, you should apply for a visa. It is needed to open a bank account and set up utilities. It is renewable each year in the city in which you are residing. One form of the visa — the visitante con actividades lucrativas — permits you to work if you so desire. You must apply in person for a visa from a Mexican consulate in one of several U.S. cities or at a city in Mexico.

Get a list outlining what you need to receive a visa from the immigration office or consulate. Requirements include proof of minimum income.

Yucatan, Mexico; A burroman waits outside his home with his burro.

Traveling with Children: If you are traveling with children, you need their birth certificates or passports. If both parents are not traveling with the child, a notarized letter of permission from the absent parent or notarized guardianship papers will be necessary.

Banking: You will not need to bring a lot of U.S. dollars or traveler's checks with you, just an ATM card. However, it is always smart to arrive in Mexico with at least $100 worth of pesos in your pocket for taxis, etc.

Language: You will need basic Spanish to live in Mexico. We have electronic translators that we keep with us so we can always look up a word when we need to.

Expatriates and locals alike visit Progreso's fishmonger.

Cars in Mexico: Mexican law is very strict about bringing cars into Mexico, and if you bring a car in, you are responsible for taking that same car out. There is a “free zone” of about 20 kilometers south of the U.S. border where these guidelines do not apply.

Beyond the free zone owners of personal vehicles must present a valid U.S. driver’s license with a photo or an international driving permit (available at most auto clubs); valid tourist card, passport, or visa; the original certificate of title (if you do not have title to the car you must present a notarized letter of permission from the lien holder authorizing temporary importation of the car, or from the rental agency, or your company); valid state license plates; credit card in the owner’s name to pay the vehicle permit fee.

The title holder, driver, and credit card owner must be one and the same. The title holder must be in the vehicle at all times, and if another person is authorized by the title holder to drive the car his or her name must be put on the car permit by the official at the border. To avoid hefty fines, do not lend the car to anyone else.

A car permit is valid for up to six months. Your tourist visa will be stamped to reflect that you brought a car into the country. Keep these documents in a safe place, because you have to turn them back in when you leave the country. If your permit expires, the authorities can confiscate your car. If you have a visa, your permit must be renewed with your visa.

Car Insurance: Your U.S. or Canadian car insurance will not be recognized in Mexico. Be prepared to buy Mexican car insurance when you cross the border if you haven’t already purchased it. Several companies sell Mexican car insurance.

In case of accident, Mexican law requires that your car be held until damages are paid or until you guarantee proper payment via an insurance policy.

Jan Morgan has been a copy editor, purchasing agent, advertising executive, and travel planner. Jan and her husband, Fred, now live in Merida, Yucatan, after spending two years at the beach near Progreso, Yucatan.