
Six Travel Tips You Need to Know Before You Move to Mexico

*Collaborative Post
Mexico is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for digital natives looking to start a new life abroad. Its diverse geography, friendly population, and mouth-watering cuisine are just a few of the reasons why people can’t get enough of this tropical destination.
However, it’s always important to do your research before you move to a new destination. If you’re planning on making the move to Mexico, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore six general travel tips you should know about.
Research Your Residency Requirement
Don’t book your ticket and find accommodation until you’ve fulfilled your residency requirements. What visa will you need to live there permanently? Is your employer handling this, or will you need to evaluate other options? If you have any friends who have made the move, it’s worth asking what their experience was like.
Different circumstances apply to different people. Therefore, you’ll need to factor in your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Once you know what visa you are applying for, you can proceed to gather the necessary documents and pay outstanding fees. If you’re not sure how to go about this, speak to a professional or consult your embassy in Mexico.
Understand Healthcare Options
If there’s one thing that you really can’t mess around with it’s your health. Keep in mind that you’re moving to a foreign country where things are done differently. Before you make the move to Mexico, take some time to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system and what options are available to you.
Mexico offers high-quality medical care; however, you’ll need to find out how these services are accessed, what the average cost of treatment is, and whether your insurance policy covers international care. Many expats tend to opt for private international health plans that are tailored to their unique needs so this may be something you want to consider.
Learn the Language
No matter what country you decide to move to, learning the language is an imperative part of the experience. If you find picking up new languages difficult, a high amount of the population in Mexico does speak English.
However, this doesn’t mean to say that you shouldn’t at least try to learn the basics. Sign up to some online lessons or simply download Duolingo before you land. Once you’re there you can join conversation classes and make new friends while learning a language at the same time.
Choose the Right Location
Mexico is an incredibly diverse country with plenty of unique regions that offer exciting new lifestyles and atmospheres. We recommend you spend some time traveling around the country before you settle on a location. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a well-deserved vacation.
When choosing the right location, it’s important to consider factors such as climate, cost of living, safety, and whether having an expatriate community is important to you. Some must-see destinations include Mexico City, Merida, and San Miguel de Allende. Decide whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the city, a care-free beach life, or a mixture between the two.
Stay Safe During Your Stay
Many people often wonder: is Mexico safe? Mexico has gotten itself a rather bad reputation in the press due to safety concerns. While some issues are overgeneralizations and other misconceptions, there are still a few safety tips that are worth keeping in mind.
For example, you should avoid walking around at night and always remain aware of your surroundings. Respect local laws and customs while you are there and practice common-sense precautions. All in all, remember to have fun on your new adventure, but stay safe while doing so. The best tool you have at your disposal is your instinct. If you have a gut-feeling that something can go wrong, make sure to remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible.
Build a Support Network
Last but not least, make an effort to build a support network while you are there. As an expat, you’ll soon realize that friends are more like family. And you never know when you’ll need somebody to lean on. Make an effort to introduce yourself to neighbors, locals, and expats as you integrate yourself further into the community. We promise you that you won’t regret it.
Moving to Mexico can feel like an incredibly enriching experience, but it’s important that you approach this with the right mindset. Make sure you handle all the logistics and paperwork before you move there. Don’t hesitate to start learning the local language and familiarize yourself with the healthcare system. Stay safe on your travels, find a location that works well for your lifestyle, and build a support network that will keep you from feeling homesick.
*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.