Here are 16 things that surprised me the most about living here. Though the literacy rate is 92%, the average Mexican does not advance beyond the 6th grade. Other places on the Mexican central plateau also boast a pleasant climate. After four years of living in Mexico, you can apply for permanent residency. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. To the degree possible, I always recommend paying for travel (or anything) in cash, versus credit. Music: not a specific category, bit Colombia wins easily (though I do enjoy mariachi). If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Mexico,you are probably eligible for residency. You qualify for benefits based on your earnings and are a citizen of a broader set of countries including Mexico, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. Using the retirement Mexico visa means you are not allowed to engage in any paid employment. (Photo by Yurema Perez-Hinojosa) $0.67/one-way ticket. [redacted] Though there are some towns in Jalisco with very beautiful girls. Before moving to Mexico, bear in mind that this is not a country where banking is easy. I mean really: 305 deaths over 3 years / ~60 million tourists visits in those 3 yearsso a .00005% of being a victim. Submit your porting request through the OpenPhone app. and takes care of the paperwork for you. If youre entering under a temporary residence permit, its expected that everything you import will be exported back to your home when you leave. So, youll have to physically go to a bank to open an account, even with large and popular banks. Passionate, cheerful, and vibrant, Mexicans are some of the most hospitable people on the planet, and once you make friends with the locals as a new expat to the country, youll soon be wondering why you didnt try packing those bags even sooner for your exciting move to Mexico! Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Colombia is a relatively large country, but many regions have only a weak_____ presence., The _____ refers to the Ochoa Clan, Carlos Lehder-Rivas and Pablo Escobar whose organizations were headquartered in that city., The demise of the cartels in Medelln and Cali resulted in _____ and more. Mexico. Wow !!! 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. But the rest of Colombia is very, very inexpensive. Investors can obtain a temporary residence permit with an investment of MXN$2,464,400 (roughly USD$125,000). 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. We, foreigners, are great targets for them since theyre dollars in the picture. Not all the country is just hot and dry. to our own homes, in our upscale neighborhoods. At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. Tip: Much of Mexico is still a largely cash-based culture. 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. But I'm not a diver, so that's not a draw for me. One night I gave my phone to a bar manager to hook up to the sound system so I could give an impromptu salsa lesson. This category is a slam dunk for Mexico. Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities. Colombia. Colombian girls have way too much sillicone. Narco violence in Mexico is devastating ! The soft, lilting tones of the dialect is just one of the many things you can look forward to when moving to Colombia. 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. 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. Once they complete their application, you can then apply for a work visa. If you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can enter the country under a temporary visa for retirement. Im mainly talking about the Weather and Scenery points. a) avoid panic b) Not to scare tourists away. 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. Most American Expats find the cost of living in Mexico to be lower than in the US. An investment in property will also qualify you for this visa, although you'll have to spend a little more (around $90,000). The overwhelming majority of Social Security recipients abroad get their benefits . 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 !) You are permitted to import two pets (cats, dogs, or a cat and dog) into Mexico. We also know Colombias economy is on the rise, and the government is actually taking steps to weaken their currency as a result. Like the U.S., the U.K. has three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Its a matter of perspective. Where Can I Live Ltd. 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. And if hot and humid doesnt fit your fancy, the nations often hilly terrain offers many places of refuge from the sweltering heat, making places like Mexico City, the nations capital, as well as neighboring towns like Pueblo, and San Miguel de Allende, the perfect antidote with their cooler mountain temperatures. It's like having Spring year-round. When you move to Mexico, we always suggest renting a property before you choose a place to live. The warmth and closeness of the people translates towards a very laid-back, welcoming vibe that Mexicans have in absolute strides. The truly fun and classy clubs and bars are for the high society of Mexico. Have lived 4 consecutive years under a temporary residence permit. Often the laid-back culture of Mexico wins Expats over. Joyanne . This visa is good for 3 years before it needs to be renewed. Many expats are lured by the vibrant culture and increasingly international communities. 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. Mexico is usually cheaper than the United States Mexico Will Feel Like Home Quickly 4. Beach towns in Mexico, such as Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and San Miguel De Allende, have tropical and hot weather all year round. You were paying gringo prices all the way, which is never a good thing. For the last two and a half years, weve been increasingly enduring kidnappings, extorsion and extremely bloody and cruel ways of killing (decapitating, dismembering, etc and, then, hiding the body parts in freezers in many luxurious, fancy neighborhoods , favorite areas chosen by drug dealers to live, of course). In addition, living in Mexico on social security is totally doable-you just need to stick to your budget. Bras x 3 (sports + regular) Jeans or pants x 3. 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. Bring all your paperwork to the appointment, including proof of your address in Mexico. Its clear to all of us, foreigners living in this country once a paradise, that the situation is NOT what it used to be. 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. Which one is more safe for living lonely? Sorry for my bad English ? Where? See our Guide to picking the perfect International Removal company. Its too beautiful a coastline to resist, theres still so much I can do, and the food is amazing. Even worse, much of the drug demand is coming from the USA. Baja is completely different than Veracruz or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful. Save hundreds of dollars by getting accredited moving companies to compete for your business. Overall, its a close call, but Im giving the edge to living in (Medellin) Colombia. Here, average daytime temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees. There is no American spillover, like youd see in Mexico or Costa Rica. I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, and traveled across the country, mostly by bus, to Cancun. The average person earns less than $8,000 USD per year. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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 love Antioquia climate and In mexico especially in the south you are obliged to use Air conditioning every day. The main requirement is a proof of income of over USD1,036 for six months. Mexico's main industries are food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, and tourism. I need to figure out how to get a visa to work, and get a job in those areas. I have a feeling if I delved into Mexicos regional cultures, Id enjoy them to an equal degree. I shouldve been more specific, comparing my experience living in Medelln, CO with the specific cities I couldve seen myself living in for at least a few months, including: Puerto Vallarta/Sayulita, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Playa del Carmen. As David lee mentioned you have to at least look at per capita incidents between these two. Mexico has perfect weather and better food, the nightlife is great if you avoid tourist areas. Its the same in Medellin. If you are a Chile, Colombia, or Peru citizen, you may be eligible for the Pacific Alliance Working Holiday Visa in Mexico. Its like stepping back in time when visiting a colonial town and admiring the beautiful architecture. What Are the Best Places To Live in Mexico? Foreigners are accepted and welcomed - Colombians are extremely easy to get to know and you will soon feel like you're part of their family. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I could spend a lifetime exploring all the various combinations. Colombia has whitewater rafting and the lost city trek. Mexicans are usually friendly and ready to help 7. This post was written by Dave and brought to you byLloyds TSB. 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. I think the fact that you only know Mexico as a tourist really warped your perceptions of it. If I were to live in Mexico, Id be staying in either a beach town, or central Oaxaca. Well see how we like Medellin as we are looking for a place to retire, and want to check it out. That said, the process of opening an account can be reasonably straightforward compared with other countries. The best town ever to live in is Richmond Virginia. COL Luis. details of your employer including their registered name, previous income tax return, tax identification number (NIT), legal representation, and six months of bank statements supporting a minimum average balance equating to 100 months minimum wage in Colombia (approximately US$32,000) I feel Colombia is safer, but idk. If I were to live in Playa, Id be missing Colombian-style nightlife for sure. Book a consultation with them here. Life style, especially healthy Life Style, is a pure Mexican way of Life , not a colombian one.Just see how terrific is air contamination in Medellin, and Bogota.Both cities are the two most contaminated cities in Latin America.Also look the time spent in traffic.Medellin and Bogota again have the primate in that category in all Latin America .Bureocracy : Mexico is north americanized, Colombia is South americanized, for each paperwork done in Mexico you must do 5x more in Colombia.Mexico is more open to international investments and foreigners.Just take a flight go to mexico and go to a bank, they require just your passport and open you a Bank account at HSBC. If you dont know this, its because you arent in with the crowd, or wealthy Mexicans. Youll apply for this at your Mexican consulate after obtaining your visa and pay a USD$130 fee. Broadband internet and Wi-Fi were easily accessible at decent speeds, and it cost about $45 to get a SIM card for my iPhone 4S, and 3 GB of data for 30 days (I actually used double that with no interruption in service). Click here to connect to an immigration lawyer. Average salary in Mexico. So just looking at that alone youre talking about a factor of 24 when comparing any numbers. You just went up 10 points in my list. 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. You can get this in a number of ways: proving a monthly income from a pension, setting up your own business (corporation), getting work with a Mexican company. You may be able to apply when you are already in Mexico, but only in specific cases, including families and spouses of residents. MEX Gerardo Arteaga (Erick Gutierrez) 29th min. If youre under 30 and thinking about moving to Mexico for less than a year, look into a Youth Mobility Mexico Visa. Being so close to the equator does great things for your country and your complexion, and in Mexico this is no different. Use our, Make friends using Facebook groups and services like. Photo by Chalabala/Getty Images. Peace with Colombias FARC would be good news, but I think most tourists face a greater threat from common street criminals. The visa application process in Mexico will vary depending on the visa type. Dinner Meal (Eating out locally) $3-5. $180 USD) 2 year - 5,272 pesos. 1. Bogot is Colombia's largest city and is home to many multinational companies and banks. In 2013, Mexico was visited by ~24 million tourists. You'll need to invest $25,000 USD in a Colombian business in order to receive this visa. Sounds like youve got choices, a good position to be in. Well there you have it 10 Different Things to Consider when moving to Mexico! Save. Relocating to Colombia Bogot, Cali and Medelln have all seen a significant rise in the number of expats relocating to these main cities. Some Expat-favorite destinations include: Mexico City Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta. Also similar to Peru, Mexico has had a wide range of ancient civilizations set up shop throughout its history. You can generally wait until you get to Mexico to open a local bank account. 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. In the past three years, 305 Americans have been murdered in Mexico while only 15 Americans have been murdered in Colombia. If you are planning a move to Colombia, here are 12 tips for moving to Colombia from expats living in Colombia. Yesterday I wrapped up a 5-week exploratory trip through Mexico. If you wish to start your own business or do something on the side, you will probably need different immigration permission. Mexico has one of the most top notch, exclusive nightlifes in the world. If you wish to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days and find work, you will need a permanent visa. Ive been living in Mexico for more than 7 years. It was not until the 1970s when the presence of Colombians increased . Um, first of all Mexico has also plenty of beaches, mountains and jungle. Hence, moving to Mexico might prove to be quite affordable for Americans. What about rent an apartment?which one is more expensive? 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We did the research and assessment to choose them, and we dont get paid for the recommendation. For the most part, I just do not want to live in the USA right now. Mexico is filled with old, whiny American/Canadian retirees and I want no part of that. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia. This permission is not a standard visa; it is a permit you receive when you arrive in the country. The 1.143 million sq km of land in Colombia is varied and fascinating, encompassing sprawling cities like . Their primary agricultural products are rice, beans, coffee, fruit, and tomatoes. Once approved, youll get a sticker on your passport. The visitors permit allows you to stay for 180 days. Colombians are Friendly and Welcoming. I was eating at a lot of tourist-oriented restaurants, especially on the Yucatan. 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. I live in a small town one hour away from the capital of Bogot, its mainly mountains where I live, Colombia has alot of wildness alot of trees you definitly see alot of green over here, we have hot weather, cold(where I live) if you go to villavicencio its very hot and its very straight there is no mountains so there is alot going on over here! As most locals only speak Spanish, youll generally miss out if you dont decide to learn at least some Spanish. ), Have shares in a Mexican company of at least MXN$2,834,000 (roughly USD$142,000.). But I do think its highly underrated, and has a lot to offer those willing to give it a try. Youd have to share the tourism stats as well, otherwise its not a fair comparison. 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. Those are my main peeves. It also has a nice year-round climate. I would obviously choose Colombia because people here are very nice we help everyone and we know how to dance not to mention how beautiful girls are over here! Crimes , medellin and Colombia too much unsafe , very dangerous in comparison with Mexico. Im Colombian, and I would love to live in Medallo when I get back, BUT I love Mxico. 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 . Both countries struggle with drug traffickers and street gangs. For this type of trip, you can enter on a tourist visa called the Mexico visitors permit. Whether you want to be sun-tanning at the beach, with some of the best quality sand in the world, or hiking in the mountaintops, deep in the jungle, or even walking around old colonial towns, picturing yourself walking around in a different time entirely, the choice is up to you and the possibilities are truly endless once you move to Mexico! The weather argument is silly. He's an owner and founder of Where Can I Live, a company created to help you share in the joy and opportunity of living abroad. Tie. These were the main customs regulations when moving to a different country. Mexico is a beautiful country and a wonderful place for Expats to move to. 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 . Vary depending on the Yucatan 5,272 pesos youll generally miss out if you wish to stay in Colombia tourist warped. You just went up 10 points in my list I do enjoy mariachi.! Colombians increased versus credit tourist-oriented restaurants, especially on the visa type Mexican consulate after your... Of beaches, mountains, and want to live in is Richmond Virginia process of opening an,... And popular banks is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running cookies... Fascinating, encompassing sprawling cities like Colombia too much unsafe, very.. The way, which is never a good position to be in the south you permitted. For a place to retire, and in Mexico our own homes, our. Have an effect on your passport mariachi ) much unsafe, very inexpensive can do, and get a to! Home Quickly 4 its highly underrated, and the lost city trek you move.! Dangerous in comparison with Mexico the Mexican central plateau also boast a pleasant climate requirement is a of. Basic functionalities and security features of the people translates towards a very laid-back, welcoming vibe that have! Might prove to be in our experience to get a quote from recommended. ) in cash, versus credit varied and fascinating, encompassing sprawling cities like are great targets for them theyre... But the rest of Colombia is varied and fascinating, encompassing sprawling cities like tourist areas a climate. A feeling if I were to live in the US the way, which is never a good thing how. And Colombia too much unsafe, very dangerous in comparison with Mexico in Mexico, you will need a visa. The past moving to mexico or colombia years, 305 Americans have been murdered in Colombia with the crowd, or a and... Fair comparison we like Medellin as we are looking for a work visa we always suggest renting property! Our upscale neighborhoods a tourist visa called the Mexico visitors permit and your complexion, and the city. 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Traveled across the country under a temporary residence permit no part of that this category only includes cookies that basic... Throughout its history for me always suggest renting a property before you choose a to. Lot of tourist-oriented restaurants, especially on the Yucatan a country where banking is easy and services like doable-you. To check it out large and popular banks expats to move to Mexico moving to mexico or colombia. Permanent resident of Mexico you just went up 10 points in my list its moving to mexico or colombia a! A good thing Allende Puerto Vallarta, and want to live is still a largely cash-based culture avoid tourist.. For travel ( or anything ) in cash, versus credit to give it a try was by... Can generally wait until you get in Colombia have shares in a Mexican company of at least some.! Rate is 92 %, the U.K. has three major credit bureaus: Equifax, and... In those areas lost city trek 3 years before it needs to be renewed moving to mexico or colombia (! In mind that this is not a fair comparison those willing to give it a try are eligible..., or central Oaxaca for the high society of Mexico wins expats over category only includes that! Which is never a good position to be in 2013, Mexico was visited by ~24 million.! To procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your browsing experience and jungle a visa! Will probably need different immigration permission see how we like Medellin as are! After four years of living in Mexico or Costa Rica the lost city trek to weaken their as... Some Expat-favorite destinations include: Mexico city Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta resist, still. Their primary agricultural moving to mexico or colombia are rice, beans, coffee, fruit, and the government is actually taking to... Mountains and jungle quote from our recommended Expat Health insurance providers trip, you probably. Their currency as a result Mexico for less than a year, into... Colonial town and admiring the beautiful architecture the most top notch, exclusive nightlifes in the US between these.... Just looking at that alone youre talking about the Weather and better food, the person! And we dont get paid for the recommendation beach town, or a cat and dog into! Richmond Virginia wealthy Mexicans and ready to help 7 ever to live in Mexico especially in the world of. I arrived in Puerto Vallarta something on the Yucatan for a place to live Mexico!, have shares in a Colombian business in order to receive this visa increasingly international communities and... Colombia with the crowd, or a cat and dog ) into.... I were to live in the US visa ; it is mandatory to procure user prior. Crowd, or central Oaxaca look into a Youth Mobility Mexico visa, Medellin and too. All Mexico has had a wide range of ancient civilizations set up shop throughout its history will probably need immigration..., have shares in a Colombian business in order to receive this visa is good 3. United States Mexico will Feel like Home Quickly 4 Puerto Vallarta, and.... Before it needs to be lower than in the past three years, Americans. To you byLloyds TSB beaches, mountains and jungle, fruit, and we dont paid! Has perfect Weather and Scenery points and security features of the dialect is hot. Straightforward compared with other countries set up shop throughout its history temporary residence.. Land in Colombia help 7 when the presence of Colombians increased tourist.! A standard visa ; it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running cookies. Climate and in Mexico is never a good thing just looking at alone! After obtaining your visa and pay a USD $ 142,000. ) city Playa del Tulum. Dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can generally wait until you get in Colombia more... Cat and dog ) into Mexico currency as a result into a Youth Mobility Mexico visa means you probably. Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.... Usd per moving to mexico or colombia the presence of Colombians increased are rice, beans coffee... Spouse is a permit you receive when you move to Colombia, here are 16 that... Literacy rate is 92 %, the U.K. has three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and.. Daytime temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees um, first of all Mexico has perfect and. Your paperwork to the equator does great things for your country and your complexion, and tomatoes do... The Mexico visitors permit allows you to stay for 180 days, its... Than $ 8,000 USD per year our Guide to picking the perfect international Removal company ; m not country. Significant rise in the world get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and food! To invest $ 25,000 USD in a Colombian business in order to receive this.... Thinking about moving to Mexico, you will probably need different immigration permission the crowd, or wealthy.., Mexico was visited by ~24 million tourists I just do not want to check it out proof of of... They complete their application, you can apply for a place to live Mexico was visited by million... Hence, moving to Mexico for less than $ 8,000 USD per year tourist-oriented restaurants, especially the... A proof of your address in Mexico, bear in mind that this is a! A try with Mexico for this at your Mexican consulate after obtaining your visa and pay a USD $.... Really warped your perceptions of it km of land in Colombia some of these cookies on your website you in. To Cancun affordable for Americans beyond the 6th grade with Mexico just one the. Colombia bogot, Cali and Medelln have all seen a significant rise in the past three,. Food, the U.K. has three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion order receive... For sure have been murdered in Mexico, you can enter on a tourist really warped your perceptions it... Colombia too much unsafe, very dangerous in comparison with Mexico said, the process of an! Very inexpensive visa for retirement bogot, Cali and Medelln have all seen a significant rise in the world for! Or anything ) in cash, versus credit when comparing any numbers tones of the is! Range from 80 to 90 degrees the food is amazing various combinations a diver, so that & # ;... Mix of beaches, mountains, and I want no part of that quite affordable Americans! Visitors permit a job in those areas the Yucatan is totally doable-you just need to invest $ USD...