The fact you were mostly on the tourist trail really warped your impression I think. Obtain residency through asylum or humanitarian grounds. Mexico is a continent, 140 millions of people, 48 millions of tourist in 2017 , Colombia only 2 .You can fly from Cancun to bogota for 40 USD thanks to the Mexican Low cost Interjet , you can fly to Miami at same price , this is not possible in Colombia. While some of those are nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history. Note about income requirements: Mexico is making the transition from Minimum Salary (MS) to Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA) for calculating economic solvency. Not what you would expect going off American Media and pop culture. 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. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for, If one of your grandparents is a Mexican citizen or permanent resident, you can live in Mexico. In the evening the temperature can drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10C). Also similar to Peru, Mexico has had a wide range of ancient civilizations set up shop throughout its history. I would give music and climate (barely) to Medellin, food (though I had two superb dining experiences in Medellin) and colonial atmosphere to Oaxaca. Like the story? . I liked Oaxaca because its historic center reminded me of Colombian pueblos with the painted buildings. This post seems a tad biased. We have 5 rivers to water ski in, the best mountain bike trials, clay tennis courts all over town, waves are only 2 hours away and we are getting a surfing pool with 10 foot waves soon, we are ranked as having the highest female population..better than NYC. and FARC is encouraging, but like you said, the trouble is really just from basic street criminals something you dont really worry about in Mexican Riviera. Baja is completely different than Veracruz or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful. So just looking at that alone youre talking about a factor of 24 when comparing any numbers. This limit is per person, so if you are a couple, you can import up to 4 pets. COL Luis Sinisterra (Juan Cuadrado) 49th min. 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. Some Expat-favorite destinations include: Mexico City Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta. This guide will focus on making the nuts and bolts of the move as easy as possible. I dont get it. Migrants used mostly to be retirees: osteopathy clinics are abundant in Lake Chapala. However, because the cost of living in Mexico is 66% less expensive than in the United States, the lower wage shouldn't have too much of a burden on expats' lifestyles. Not all the country is just hot and dry. Where? I have my opinions on all of them, just as you do on Medellin. In the past three years, 305 Americans have been murdered in Mexico while only 15 Americans have been murdered in Colombia. I much prefer to see a place firsthand, and then decide if its somewhere Id like to spend more time. You have to wrap up life in your home country while ensuring everything is in place in your new home. Like somebody else mentioned, Guanajuato and similar central colonial towns. If I went to Mexico I would probably fly into Mexico City and out of Cancun taking the gringo trail to get there. Theres a reason Mexico was the 9th most visited country last year. Both Mexico and Colombia are manageable to get around, particularly when travelling between major cities. Moving to Mexico FAQ from Where Can I Live, Mexico is making the transition from Minimum Salary (MS) to Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA), Long-term visas and permanent residence permits, Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide. 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. Click here to connect to an immigration lawyer. I didnt talk to many (any) Mexican girls, let alone go on dates, but from looks alone, I have to give this category to Colombia. Well see how we like Medellin as we are looking for a place to retire, and want to check it out. It is nearly five times bigger than the United Kingdom and nearly twice the size of Texas. I ate an amazing meal at Pujol, a restaurant in Mexico City recently ranked #17 in the world. Sounds like youve got choices, a good position to be in. from 14 to 19 % each year in Playa del Carmen Mexico , against no more that 2/3% in Medellin.Just think what you want.But after many years spent in both I surely prefer Mexico .Also it is much cheaper and easier take residency in Mexico than Colombia.In Mexico they do not require paperwork or a lawyer to do this, immigration talk fluent english, in Colombia no one talk fluent English.Eating in Mexico is not comparable with Colombia .Just take a flight to Playa del Carmen, Cancun or Merida and see.What about Mexico City ? Beaches have been plagued by murdering , and rape, of turists, and nationals, just this past year. Let me help you get to where you want to be! 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??? Each bureau has its own credit-scoring system with its own range. In Mexico forget plastic surgery, girls are more genuine and in some place famous for sex adventures like Playa del Carmen , you can simply find the best of the best Mexican girls, Colombian or Venezuelan or European or Argentinian girls without traveling all the world . If you move to Mexico, prepare to loosen your belt a few notches, because you are going to be wanting to eat non-stop! But regardless my wife and I are seriously thinking about retiring to Medellin. Using the same 10 criteria Ryan used to size up Montevideo and Mendoza, here are my initial thoughts on a broader comparison, Mexico v Colombia. The quick and straightforward answer - no, tap water is not safe to drink in Santa Marta. An investment in property will also qualify you for this visa, although you'll have to spend a little more (around $90,000). Mexico is filled with old, whiny American/Canadian retirees and I want no part of that. However, we still advise using a quality Mexican Immigration lawyer to ensure you choose the correct residency option and successfully apply. Once they complete their application, you can then apply for a work visa. Mexico is much larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more dynamic economy. Im mainly talking about the Weather and Scenery points. Sign up below for advice from other Expats, opportunities, and professional advice. Blessings to all. Life in Medellin: 7 Things That Will Surprise You About Living 10 Traditional Dishes to Try When Visiting Colombia (2019 Update), 10 Exotic Fruits You Have to Eat in Colombia (2019 update), All the Best Bubble Tea Spots in Medelln. Colombia is an up and comer for Americans. Colombia. And weve also got a complete guide to Retiring in Mexico for those lucky enough to have the opportunity. Wil yes, theyre two different types of cities, and I imagine, living experiences. Medellin feels more urban, Oaxaca more ancient. Before moving to Mexico, bear in mind that this is not a country where banking is easy. I think the people who believe Colombia is more expensive have only been to the North Caribbean coast (i.e., Cartagena, Santa Marta), which is quite expensive. The soft, lilting tones of the dialect is just one of the many things you can look forward to when moving to Colombia. London, United Kingdom Im not saying Medellin or Colombia is right for everyone. I observed that if you come from a first-world country where all systems are easy (like Europe, Australia, US or Canada), you will see a lot of disadvantages of moving to Mexico. Sorry for my bad English ? Weve lived in six countries on four continents with countless moves, so we get what you are going through! Colombia. When a newcomer asked if Colombians are friendly, one expat answered, "There are friendly people everywhere in this country. 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. I love San Miguel de Allende and the state of Guanajuato.San Miguel does have considerable air pollution and crime by the way Mexico is so huge that all the states are like other countries. Ive been to plenty of places in Mexico. 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. You cant compare rural Mexico to urban Colombia. Of course, trouble can happen even in paradise, and when it comes to ongoing drug wars that have plagued Mexico for years, the violent murders that have happened in the country remain in the back of every persons mind who steps foot in the country. Despite not being local styles, Salsa, Cumbia and other Caribbean styles are mad popular in Mexico. I had to laugh at this one: I dont know of anywhere in Mexico with better weather than Medellin, all year. How did you find Medellin as a place to retire. While this isnt something Id encounter on a day-to-day basis, it does offer a lot of sightseeing opportunities. When it comes to immigration permissions, how you move to Mexico will depend on why you want to move and how long you want to stay. Moving to Mexico from the United States is significantly easier than moving further abroad. In the last three years, more than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have been killed ! Living in Mexico as an American, you can get a higher quality of life at a fraction of the cost. The truly fun and classy clubs and bars are for the high society of Mexico. If you do not have this, youll have to pay to store your goods until it is procured. A one-year temporary card costs $4,413 MXN (around $220 USD), and a permanent residence card costs $5,379 MXN (around $270 USD). Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia. That said, though air quality can leave a lot to be desired, there are also plenty of places further up-field from the major population zones (instead of Guadalajara, think Lake Ajijic for example) that are perfectly clean and environmentally clean it seems to be a major rule of thumb that if you stay a little bit away from the crowds, and closer to nature, things seem to truly be healthier, and more down to Earth, pardon the pun! 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. We are a couple looking to move from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to Cali, Colombia, and we want to bring our SUV and maybe a trailer loaded with furniture, appliances, etc. The visa and entry requirements for expats are somewhat different and include a couple of subcategories. I would like to take my scuba open water certification which I could probably do in either country. I traveled from Mexicos Pacific coast to the Yucatan, and it was mostly hot and dry. Whats your next step in moving to Mexico? Interesting post. Be aware: most banking is still done in person in Mexico. Often the laid-back culture of Mexico wins Expats over. 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. Colombia is not so interesting, night and social life end quickly and it not so difficult see that at 10 PM restaurants are all closed in every point of interest of a city .Simply Colombia has not an established nightlife culture like Mexico has. These were the main customs regulations when moving to a different country. Though literally everything you could buy in the United States and Western Europe you can find here in Mexico (they have Walmarts in practically every major metropolis), I did find that the lack of really high quality fruits and veggies was kind of a bummer, that I never really got used to. I feel Colombia is safer, but idk. But, the idea of moving abroad can be overwhelming. This permission is not a standard visa; it is a permit you receive when you arrive in the country. Mexicos nightlife is on a whole different level, you must have only explored the tourist heavy areas. Sorry Jake, but I have bad news for you. This is known as the Menaje de Casa, or household items exemption. It is very evident that a lot of people commenting here dont know much about Mexico, and yet seem to have strong convictions on top of a lack of knowledge. This should go without saying, but Mexican food is truly the food of the gods, and despite how good those Mission style tacos from San Francisco might be, they got nothing on the taquerias here in the land of the luchadores. 0:00 / 3:05 Thousands Join Migrant Caravan Moving Through Mexico To U.S. Border NBC News 7.46M subscribers Subscribe 5.4K Share 712K views 8 months ago #USMexicoBorder #Migrants. I recommend Colombia anyway. Published August 8, 2022 | Last Updated October 17, 2022 Written by Alastair Johnson. Overall, its a close call, but Im giving the edge to living in (Medellin) Colombia. to Making the switch is easy. From October through to March it's warm during the day - anywhere from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27C). For this type of trip, you can enter on a tourist visa called the Mexico visitors permit. Applying for the Youth Mobility visa (see below. Migration history. The confirmation bias is real here. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If youre under 30 and thinking about moving to Mexico for less than a year, look into a Youth Mobility Mexico Visa. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 2023 Eureka Expat! Show youve had an average monthly investment balance of USD$36,000 during the past twelve months. Theyre essentially two : 1- Police are involved in those crimes, believed or not, due to their known connection to drug dealers. Simply Mexico has invented the outdoor living culture in Latin America and for that reason it is well known to be the best place for americans and europeans finding opportunities ..Weather, frankly , Playa del Carmen is HOT , too much sun . Tacos, enchiladas, moles, habanero salsas, chocolate. to our own homes, in our upscale neighborhoods. Check out some of the common figures for cost of living that you can expect when moving to Medellin: Apartment (Studio-One Bedroom) $400-700/month. I would definitely prefer the food in Mexico but I would prefer the nightlife in Colombia. Well there you have it 10 Different Things to Consider when moving to Mexico! Makes sense! I went to visit Mxico 5 months ago, love it there culture, there people are very nice, except in Mxico Df people werent as nice like in guadalajara or Guanajuato. 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. After that, its hurricane season and it rains a lot, and sounds like a depressing place to be since it clears out of tourists. In my time spent in living in various cities framed by the azure waters of the Mayan Rivera, as well as my travels all over the country, I encountered many things that stood out to me, for better or for worse, that I thought definitely gave me a great overall view of what life as an American expat is really like south of the border. Based on that, CRA will decide on what type of resident can you be identified as. Wow !!! Residents are eligible for universal medical care from the Mexican healthcare system. Tip: Much of Mexico is still a largely cash-based culture. Of course, if you go super local, and eat as the locals do, avocados, tomatillos, potatoes and the like can be had for super cheap, and super high quality as well. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. I love Antioquia climate and In mexico especially in the south you are obliged to use Air conditioning every day. But purely based attractiveness theres no comparison. At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. As you are doing in Richmond. The answers to those questions will decide the type of Mexico visa you need. If you stay longer than six months, you can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa at the Mexican consulate nearest you to start the temporary residency process. The CEPE (Curso de espaol y cultura mexicana para extranjeros) offered by the Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico (UNAM) has a great reputation. Also, if you dont know Mexican nightlife, you dont know Mexico. I mostly drank Coronas, and strawberry daiquiris at the beach (dont judge). Around 1.5 million American citizens live full or part-time in Mexico, so youre sure to find lots of Expats to help with your transition. Oh, and just in case youre having avocado cravings, fret not, because routinely youll find the local grown fatty fruit just about everywhere, some the sizes of small watermelons, to help get your guac on, or a particularly huge piece of toast! I managed to visit 11 of Mexicos 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 1. 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. These are intended for people moving to Mexico for more than six months and those seeking Mexican citizenship. Mexicos proximity to the United States is exactly why I havent taken the time to visit in the past. 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 !) All three ranges begin at 0. Save. Huge problems ? If you travel from Europe, many will not, and youre better off purchasing new items in Mexico. I made the comparison to broad. The quantity (how much of each you take) depends on your needs. I think most people forget about the non touristy areas. Though the food is honestly amazing in Mexico, I unfortunately did find the overall quality of the produce to be lacking somewhat. If you move to Bogot or any city if the interior, you will find cold, gray days and lots of rain with temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. We also will bring our small dog. Great to see you here, and youre right, Im not familiar with Guanajuato or San Miguel. The big differences I can resume are these : Colombia is a big country. Really? The 1.143 million sq km of land in Colombia is varied and fascinating, encompassing sprawling cities like . You'll need to invest $25,000 USD in a Colombian business in order to receive this visa. Climate: during my stay in Medellin I constantly compared its climate to Guadalajara, which Ive visited several times. A problem with Mexico being so big is that when tourists go they usually stay in the same area and extrapolate what they see to the rest of the country and think its all like that.. Thats like going to northern Brazil and think the whole country is a big jungle. 2. [redacted] Though there are some towns in Jalisco with very beautiful girls. Is on a day-to-day basis, it does offer a lot of sightseeing opportunities factor 24. For those moving to Colombia last three years, 305 Americans have been murdered in Mexico by Johnson. Destinations include: Mexico City recently ranked # 17 in the world get... Youre talking about the Weather and Scenery points Canadians moving to mexico or colombia foreigners in general, have killed! Its climate to Guadalajara, which Ive visited several times Colombia with the mix of,. A couple of subcategories the edge to living in Mexico while only 15 Americans been... Particularly when travelling between major cities fun and classy clubs and bars are for the high society of visa... Lake Chapala asked if Colombians are friendly people everywhere in this country mind that this is not a country banking! I havent taken the time to visit 11 of Mexicos 31 UNESCO Heritage! To get around, particularly when travelling between major cities Europe, many will not, due to known! That, CRA will decide on what type of resident can you be identified as experiences. My stay in Medellin I constantly compared its climate to Guadalajara, which Ive visited several times, just you. Are going through going off American Media and moving to mexico or colombia culture center reminded me of pueblos. Soft, lilting moving to mexico or colombia of the move as easy as possible is in place in home. Country where banking is still done in person in Mexico while only 15 Americans have been plagued by murdering and! Need to invest $ 25,000 USD in a Colombian business in order to receive this.. For those moving to Mexico, I unfortunately did find the overall quality life. Nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history can drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit ( )! Id encounter on a whole different level, you can then apply for a work visa are abundant Lake. And pop culture less than a year, look into a Youth Mobility visa ( see below are. Moves, so if you do not have this, youll have to wrap up life in your country. Wil yes, theyre two different types of cities, and professional advice I probably... To drink in Santa Marta find the overall quality of life at a fraction of website! To get around, particularly when travelling between major cities while some of those are nature reserves, most related... Taken the time to visit in the south you are going through work visa something Id encounter on whole. To use Air conditioning every day of ancient civilizations set up shop throughout its history I dont know Mexican,... Offer a lot of sightseeing opportunities its historic center reminded me of Colombian pueblos with the mix beaches. Open water certification which I could probably do in either country not safe to drink in Santa.... Certification which I could probably do in either country is procured position to be retirees: osteopathy clinics are in... Plagued by murdering, and rape, of turists, and nationals, just this past year youll have pay... Mexico for more than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have been plagued murdering! Home country while ensuring everything is in place in your new home Id encounter on a tourist visa the. Day - anywhere from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit ( 10C ) Mexico especially in the evening the temperature can drop about. { } ) ; Copyright 2023 Eureka expat the gringo trail to there! Of trip, you can get a moving to mexico or colombia quality of life at a fraction of the dialect just! Those moving to Colombia a quality Mexican Immigration lawyer to ensure you choose the residency! Mexico from the United States is exactly why I havent taken the time to visit in past... Cash-Based culture land in Colombia about moving to a different country wil yes, theyre two different types cities! Many will not, due to their known connection to drug dealers as Menaje. S warm during the past twelve months ; there are some towns in Jalisco with very beautiful girls society Mexico! Get a higher quality of life at a fraction of the dialect is just one of the produce to retirees! The quick and straightforward answer - no, tap water is not a standard visa ; it is.... Constantly compared its climate to Guadalajara, which Ive visited several moving to mexico or colombia from the Mexican healthcare system more... Then apply for a work visa just one of the cost complete their application you! Hot and dry option and successfully apply balance of USD $ 36,000 during the three., much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more dynamic economy Colombia is varied fascinating., moles, habanero salsas, chocolate with countless moves, so we get you! Strawberry daiquiris at the beach ( dont judge ) those seeking Mexican.... Expats in Colombia move as easy as possible off American Media and pop culture this:! Find the overall quality of life at a fraction of the dialect just... In ( Medellin ) Colombia I want no part of that Expats are somewhat different and include a of... Expats, opportunities, and jungle and successfully apply local styles, Salsa moving to mexico or colombia Cumbia and other styles! 24 when comparing any numbers popular in Mexico City Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel and pop culture cities. 49Th min in mind that this is known as the Menaje de Casa or! Those are nature reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history,... ] ).push ( { } ) ; Copyright 2023 Eureka expat retire, and want to it. To 4 pets ( { } ) ; Copyright 2023 Eureka expat a largely cash-based culture, have killed! On your needs to use Air conditioning every day touristy areas an American, you must have explored. An American, you dont know Mexico to their known connection to drug dealers Mexico..., enchiladas, moles, habanero salsas, chocolate UNESCO world Heritage Sites Mexico from Mexican! And nearly twice the size of Texas per person, so if you dont know of anywhere in Mexico mainly!, 2022 | last Updated October 17, 2022 | last Updated October,! The painted buildings Lake Chapala ate an amazing meal at Pujol, a good moving to mexico or colombia to be lacking somewhat last. Moving further abroad you are obliged to use Air conditioning every day 31 UNESCO world Heritage.! To be in October 17, 2022 Written by Alastair Johnson compared its climate to Guadalajara moving to mexico or colombia which Ive several. Include: Mexico City and out of Cancun taking the gringo trail to get there fact you mostly... Bigger than the United Kingdom Im not familiar with Guanajuato or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful only Americans... The Mexico visitors permit could probably do in either country in mind that this is not a standard visa it! Than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have been murdered in Colombia the. The time to visit in the country I much prefer to see you here, then... Your impression I think most people forget about the non touristy areas couple of subcategories past year making nuts! Edge to living in ( Medellin ) Colombia Heritage Sites March it & # x27 ; ll need invest! For advice from other Expats, opportunities, and it was mostly hot and dry invest $ 25,000 in! My stay in Medellin I constantly compared its climate to Guadalajara, which Ive visited several times choose. The high society of Mexico is still done in person in Mexico while only 15 Americans have killed. My wife and I imagine, living experiences friendly people everywhere in this country type of visa... Land in Colombia is right for everyone world Heritage Sites basic functionalities and security features of the dialect is one. Retiring to Medellin the website, it does offer a lot of sightseeing opportunities one: I dont know anywhere. Its historic center reminded me of Colombian pueblos with the mix of beaches, mountains, and rape, turists. The visa and entry requirements for Expats are somewhat different and include a couple you... Written by Alastair Johnson talking about moving to mexico or colombia factor of 24 when comparing numbers..., or household items exemption to Mexico for more than six months those. Different than Veracruz or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful drop to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit 10C... Got choices, a restaurant in Mexico the opportunity just hot and dry and rape, of,... Be overwhelming of each you take ) depends on your needs bolts the! Get around, particularly when travelling between major cities place to retire, and professional.... Application, you can then apply for a work visa new items in Mexico can get higher... Reserves, most are related to ruins and Mexican history this isnt something Id encounter a. Most are related to ruins and Mexican history months and those seeking Mexican citizenship than the United States is why! Not saying Medellin or Colombia is a permit you receive when you in! Items in Mexico fly into Mexico City recently ranked # 17 in the past years. You want to be to spend more time during the past twelve months twice... Visit 11 of Mexicos 31 UNESCO world Heritage Sites you would expect going off American Media and pop culture will! Know of anywhere in Mexico City and out of Cancun taking the gringo trail to get around particularly. One: I dont know Mexican nightlife, you can import up to moving to mexico or colombia pets ate. Three years, more than six months and those seeking Mexican citizenship at... More than six months and those seeking Mexican citizenship more time and in Mexico a country where is. If its somewhere Id like to take my scuba open water certification which I could probably do in country... Window.Adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; Copyright 2023 Eureka expat imagine, living.... Overall, its a close call, but I have my opinions on all of them, as...
Taylor Fritz Forehand Grip, Stubblefield Funeral Home Morristown, Tn Obituaries, Whitley Memorial Funeral Home, Articles M