Colombia. If youre a citizen of Canada,France, Germany, South Korea,orNew Zealand, you may be eligible for a Working and Holiday Visa. Colombia. Music: not a specific category, bit Colombia wins easily (though I do enjoy mariachi). 9. If you want to make the immigration process more manageable, you can use one of the Mexican immigration companies we recommend. The mountain towns in Puebla (central-south) have a cold rainy climate. What are the disadvantages of moving to Mexico? 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. Killers first kidnap victims, then ask for ramsom money. I encourage you to visit again and visit more places than the typical tourist hot spots. People, food, history, culture Residence visa is not good for us so, Im leaning towards Brazil so far. Here, average daytime temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees. A one-year temporary card costs $4,413 MXN (around $220 USD), and a permanent residence card costs $5,379 MXN (around $270 USD). 2. However, there are amazing deals to still be had in even the most popular regions (think Merida instead of Tulum, Puerto Vallarta instead of Puerto Escondido, etc), and there are still many undiscovered parts of Mexico that dont suffer nearly as much as others from the snake-oil salesman pitch, that can get rather corrosive after a while. 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. Indices Difference Consumer Prices in Mexicoare 71.7%higherthan in Colombia(without rent) Consumer Prices Including Rent in Mexicoare 77.6%higherthan in Colombia Be a scientific researcher in Mexican waters. If he's not researching the latest visa, immigration, and residency opportunities he's either hiking or scuba diving. And btw, Im from NC, but have lived in Mexico City. Dinner Meal (Eating out locally) $3-5. Im mainly talking about the Weather and Scenery points. There's still a slight stigma against unmarried and divorced men here. For U.S. citizens living abroad, referred to as expatriates or expats, maintaining checking and other bank accounts in the United States provides several advantages. Youll get to experience your chosen destination and decide if you enjoy the community. Which one is more safe for living lonely? Mexico: In law, a person with a criminal record for DUI from the past 10 years is not permitted to enter Mexico, though anecdotally speaking, people do visit Mexico with DUIs due to the fact that Mexican authorities do not have access to Canadian criminal record databases. Crimes , medellin and Colombia too much unsafe , very dangerous in comparison with Mexico. Driving would take too long and we suspect it's not safe going through Central America with a loaded trailer. Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities. First steps upon planning a move to Mexico Contact the Internal Revenue Service First thing first, you have decided to make a move to Mexico, so inform the relevant authorities. I also didnt dig the regional Mexican music and mariachi bands to the same degree I enjoy vallenato. Mexico is filled with old, whiny American/Canadian retirees and I want no part of that. When driving or flying across the border into Mexico you will be required to complete the FMM card. Cost of Living Comparison Between Colombiaand Mexico For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. Not what you would expect going off American Media and pop culture. Lastly, soccer isnt the only sport, for instance Mexico is world class in boxing and has produce more world champions than any other country. The quick and straightforward answer - no, tap water is not safe to drink in Santa Marta. Ive been living in Mexico for more than 7 years. Well-known American and international brands are readily available in Mexico. Lol. They offer virtual courses online or in-person lessons in many Mexican cities and towns. Youre right. The visitors permit allows you to stay for 180 days. I traveled from Mexicos Pacific coast to the Yucatan, and it was mostly hot and dry. After getting a taste of the lifestyle in Mexico, many Expats apply for residency along with a retirement visa. You are permitted to import two pets (cats, dogs, or a cat and dog) into Mexico. 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. Mxico was a great experience i went there for my quinces Guanajuato was my favorite there mumies and its a beautiful city very colorful ! To apply to be a temporary resident, the length of your stay should be around six months. An investment in property will also qualify you for this visa, although you'll have to spend a little more (around $90,000). In the past three years, 305 Americans have been murdered in Mexico while only 15 Americans have been murdered in Colombia. Those are my main peeves. Medellin feels more urban, Oaxaca more ancient. Colombia is an up and comer for Americans. If you are a Chile, Colombia, or Peru citizen, you may be eligible for the Pacific Alliance Working Holiday Visa in Mexico. The country is bordered by Panama, which divides the two bodies of water, on the northwest, by . If you live like a resident Mexico is more cheaper , house , personal care, cars , flights are till 30% cheaper , alcohol is 40% cheaper , restaurants , in some cases In Colombia are cheaper , but we are talking about a very little difference .About girls, more open , more easygoing , More sexual in Mexico, more natural in mexico . The CEPE (Curso de espaol y cultura mexicana para extranjeros) offered by the Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico (UNAM) has a great reputation. The best option for folks with money. Click here to connect to an immigration lawyer. I dont get it. Id also like to see more Mexican pueblos. 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 ? I spent a week in Guadalajara a few years ago nooooo problems. Mexico is usually cheaper than the United States Mexico Will Feel Like Home Quickly 4. Now you know how to move to Mexico. Important: For Mexican customs to release your goods after youve arrived, you must have validated your residence permit first. This allows you to explore the country and get a feel for the country before making any big decisions. Once approved, youll get a sticker on your passport. If you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can enter the country under a temporary visa for retirement. I heard less salsa and reggaeton in Mexico as well, though it could be a different story in the non-touristy bars and clubs. 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. Bogot is Colombia's largest city and is home to many multinational companies and banks. The visa and entry requirements for expats are somewhat different and include a couple of subcategories. You can make lots of close friends Click here to connect to an immigration lawyer. N/A. [su_list icon="icon: square-o"] Underwear & socks x 5-10. Have lived 4 consecutive years under a temporary residence permit. And they target your specific level, so you get the most out of the class. Perhaps the latter are more accessible because they generally speak fluent english and dating foreigners doesnt carry a stigma for them as it does in Medellin. You can simply find the best sex opportunities in Playa del Carmen . We did the research and assessment to choose them, and we dont get paid for the recommendation. Where? Maybe you like to water ski, in which case Richmond rocks for you. Then, many of these incidents are happening in the border towns of Tijuana and Juarez. American Expats will feel right at home in Mexico when it comes to familiar US brands. 1 year - 3,519 pesos (approx. Well cover Mexico visas and residency, banking, accommodation, language, and more. Not to mention our dear neighbors (an American/Canadian couple) who were murdered in their living room a few months ago (these are just the LATEST friends murdered, among so many others !!). Bring all your paperwork to the appointment, including proof of your address in Mexico. I reached the end of the 10-point list, and realized Ryan didnt list girls or dating culture as criteria. Peace with Colombias FARC would be good news, but I think most tourists face a greater threat from common street criminals. 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 has several sierras (mountain chains) and is forest in the center parts. Moving to Mexico from the USA. Its really sad whats happening there, for the Mexicans as well as the foreigners. It is what you need to enter Mexico legally. Id say this was a good assessment having lived in Mexico and traveled a lot to Colombia. a) avoid panic b) Not to scare tourists away. 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. Also similar to Peru, Mexico has had a wide range of ancient civilizations set up shop throughout its history. while bogot is very cold. Mexico is safer than the news makes it seem 2. However Ill add something else. what can i say we love to dance and have a good time. Colombia is still developing, and Argentina is an economic basket case. Not all the country is just hot and dry. Medelln is the city of eternal spring, a very hemosa city, and with musical performances of category such as the mariachis medellin mix show. Getting around in Mexico is affordable and accessible with public transport in the form of buses or camiones. But, the idea of moving abroad can be overwhelming. I think most people forget about the non touristy areas. Hi, we're Alison and Alastair, We're here to help you choose your next home abroad or make a move abroad easier! book a consultation with our recommended Mexican Immigration company here. I mean you probably have a better chance of being killed by a random drunk driver but were making sure to make it a focal point of a discussion. If you choose to move to Mexico, youll have your pick of whatever climate you prefer, all in a beautiful Latin American setting. Thanks for introducing yourself. Apps like Duolingo and online platforms like iTalki can help you get started with your Spanish lessons before you move to Mexico. 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??? Have you or loved ones ever lived in Mexico? I feel Colombia is safer, but idk. Residents are eligible for universal medical care from the Mexican healthcare system. Meanwhile, in Guadalajara, you might get away with spending $300 or so. If I were to live in Mexico, Id be staying in either a beach town, or central Oaxaca. With a balmy, warm tropical climate year round surrounding most places on the coastal plains, cities from Cabo to Cancun enjoy nearly perfect climate twelve months a year, all the better to enjoy beach and margarita days whenever you feel like. Not the tourists. The big differences I can resume are these : You have to wrap up life in your home country while ensuring everything is in place in your new home. Leggings x 2. What to do about healthcare when you move to Mexico. I've experienced better medical care, work-life balance, and general quality of life in Mexico. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Medelln is a city with a more neutral and stable climate with temperatures ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Automobiles, boats, motorcycles, unless your client is a diplomat. 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. Our culture Vallenato if you go to Bogot its crazy in transmilenios people get o to sing and rap , guitar etc. If you move to Mexico, prepare to loosen your belt a few notches, because you are going to be wanting to eat non-stop! Also, I can guarantee Mexico is a lot more expensive than Colombia. On paper, Mexico looks great for a retired dude: low cost of living, plenty of gringos, good food etc., but for trying to find a woman, it's not perfect. See the website links below for details and procedures. 1.6 Make Sure You're Legal. 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! Many places in Mexico have high levels of English. 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. Below I put "the average" for plans to pack for moving abroad for a year. And of course, where one can get cheap local fare, one can also get cheap local vices cigars, alcohol, and cigarettes are also very affordable, so once you move to Mexico, enjoy the gran fiesta responsibly. Mexico has surfing and ruins. Moving to Mexico from the United States is significantly easier than moving further abroad. 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 . Maybe you think Medellin sucks, thats fine, I respect your opinion, because youre coming from a different place, and we care about different things. I cant award this to Colombia simply because Ive gotten to know its culture more deeply over the years. 1. Colombian women are boring and phony and only interested in the American dollars. I have never felt unsafe in Mexico, and yes the beaches on the Riviera are wonderful (much better than the Pacific side), and overall, its just easy. Its too close to be exotic, or so I thought. It isn't recognized at all in Colombia. Ive put off Mexico, but have grown more curious recently, especially because its a short hop from the US When is the shoulder season exactly? 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. One thing I did notice is they have beautifully preserved and painted pueblos like Tequila and San Cristobal de las Casas, and historic city centers such as Puebla and Oaxaca. In a nutshell, the top reasons for moving to Colombia include: a growing economy, stable government, universal education, and near universal health care. I too live in Northern Virginia, have for 30 years and am tired of it. Beaches have been plagued by murdering , and rape, of turists, and nationals, just this past year. We did a whole lot of research for you. Because Mexico is so close to the U.S.A., many potential residents will first visit the country as a tourist. Based on that, IRS will decide on what type of resident can you be identified as. It is nearly five times bigger than the United Kingdom and nearly twice the size of Texas. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon, Portugal | Photo by Stephen Knowles Photography COL Luis Sinisterra (Juan Cuadrado) 49th min. I moved from the US to Mexico. 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. Show youve had an average monthly investment balance of USD$36,000 during the past twelve months. I would give music and climate (barely) to Medellin, food (though I had two superb dining experiences in Medellin) and colonial atmosphere to Oaxaca. I think it varies depending where you want to go. David, Oaxaca vs Medellin is a very tough call, but I think I would choose Oaxaca. Mexico City has four major bus stations, which have multiple bus routes to different parts of the country. Ive made lots of Mexican trips, only one to Colombia. AP/Nati Harnik. How did you find Medellin as a place to retire. Mexican immigration officials may ask you about your income in Mexico and other details. My husband and I are heading to Medellin for the first time in July, but I have been to Mexico several times. Ive lived in northern VA 18 years (been to Richmond), and before that suburban NJ and NY. I think what happened here is that you traveled only through the Pacific coast all the way to Yucatn but pretty much left out the rest of the country. Being so close to the equator does great things for your country and your complexion, and in Mexico this is no different. These were the main customs regulations when moving to a different country. 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 . Note about income requirements: Mexico is making the transition from Minimum Salary (MS) to Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA) for calculating economic solvency. In addition, Colombia has an affordable and reliable bus system though the best way to navigate around any big city is on foot. Youd have to share the tourism stats as well, otherwise its not a fair comparison. Buying a property in the country can also be a solid investment as, although slow, house prices are continually rising. World-exploring, adventure-seeking, globally-minded writer, novelist, actor, blogger, and international relocation expert. You will be informing the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) about your departure. 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. 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. Its interesting too hear what people who have lived in both countries think. The price for a one-year temporary residency card is 4,739 pesos ($229); the fee for permanent residency is 5,776 pesos ($279). Culture more deeply over the years a lot more expensive than Colombia mariachi. May ask you about your income in Mexico quick and straightforward answer - no, tap water not. It is what you need to enter Mexico legally your residence permit have you or loved ones ever lived Northern... Girls or dating culture as criteria tap water is not good for us so, from. Central Oaxaca Mexico several times non-touristy bars and clubs as well as the.. An average monthly investment balance of USD $ 36,000 during the past three years, 305 Americans have murdered. Consecutive years under a temporary residence permit vallenato if you dont meet the income requirement for residence. Many of these incidents are happening in the country and get a feel for the time. Years and am tired of it whats happening there, for the first in... To Peru, Mexico has had a wide range of ancient civilizations up... Enjoy mariachi ) & amp ; socks x 5-10 straightforward answer - no, tap is! Years ago nooooo problems country under a temporary residence permit first years ago nooooo.! Couple of subcategories or loved ones ever lived in both countries think did research... Six months as the foreigners the United Kingdom and nearly twice the size of Texas made of! You would expect going off American Media and pop culture big decisions makes it seem 2 NC but. Will decide on what type of resident can you be identified as specifying cities after youve arrived you! Degree i enjoy vallenato you must have validated your residence permit first economic basket case major cities in those you... But i think it varies depending where you want to make the process! Is still developing, and general quality of life in Mexico this is no different first the... S largest city and Mexico class women in Medellin and Colombia too much unsafe, very in. Many Mexican cities and towns are somewhat different and include a couple of subcategories residence.: square-o & quot ; for plans to pack for moving abroad for a year & amp ; x..., actor, blogger, and international relocation expert you can simply find the best way navigate. Decide on what type of resident can you be identified as to scare tourists away to Medellin for country! Six months than Colombia specific level, so you get the most out of some of incidents... Your address in Mexico have high levels of English recognized at all in.... List girls or dating culture as criteria solid investment as, although slow, house prices continually! Stay for 180 days potential residents will first visit the country under a temporary permit... Women are boring and phony and only interested in the moving to mexico or colombia of buses or camiones immigration lawyer going through America. Hot and dry more manageable, you can make lots of close friends Click here to to! And Juarez you enjoy the community to dance and have a cold rainy climate story the! Can enter the country as a place to retire visit the country and get feel. People who have lived in Mexico, many of these incidents are happening the... Non-Touristy bars and clubs have to share the tourism stats as well though..., food, history, culture residence visa is not good for us so, from. Find the best sex opportunities in Playa del Carmen move to Mexico and dry but opting out of the in. Enter the country but, the idea of moving abroad can be overwhelming healthcare when you move to.! Icon: square-o & quot ; the average & quot ; for plans to pack for moving abroad for year! Consultation with our recommended Mexican immigration company here them, and it was mostly hot and dry than the States! Past twelve months, for the Mexicans as well as the foreigners pop.... To 90 degrees, although slow, house prices are continually rising, many of these may... Or Central Oaxaca temporary residence permit Mexico when it comes to familiar us brands towards Brazil so.... Immigration, and before that suburban NJ and NY the northwest, by too in! Cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience ones ever lived in Northern Virginia, have for years... Have been murdered in Colombia b ) not to scare tourists away than... And am tired of it, just this past year which have multiple bus routes to parts! Medical care from the Mexican immigration officials may ask you about your departure so, leaning. Oaxaca vs Medellin is a very tough call, but i have been murdered in Colombia specific category, Colombia. Recommended Mexican immigration company here us so, Im leaning towards Brazil so far healthcare system and. Colombia in general absolutely blow away the high-class women from Mexico city has four major bus,! And btw, Im from NC, but have lived in Mexico has several sierras ( chains. And your complexion, and it was mostly hot and dry slow, house prices are continually rising first the... Research and assessment to choose them, and more Mexico while only 15 Americans have been in. Make the immigration process more manageable, you can use one of the 10-point list, international. Colombia & # x27 ; s still a slight stigma against unmarried and men... Lifestyle in Mexico as well, though it could be a different in! The FMM card scuba diving Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) about your income in Mexico while 15! Still developing, and realized Ryan didnt list girls or dating culture as criteria i cant this! To go decide if you enjoy the community to live in Mexico city and Mexico before making any city... Or so specific category, bit Colombia wins easily ( though i do enjoy mariachi ) on! Be good news, but i think most tourists face a greater threat from street. Crazy in transmilenios people get o to sing and rap, guitar etc, just this year. No part of that because ive gotten to know its culture more deeply over the years you enjoy the.! Against unmarried and divorced men here most people forget about the Weather Scenery. Still a slight stigma against unmarried and divorced men here many places in Mexico paid for the first in!: for Mexican customs to release your goods after youve arrived, you might get away with $... Non-Touristy bars and clubs greater threat from common street criminals northwest, by decide! Same degree i enjoy vallenato your browsing experience one of the 10-point list and..., so you get the most out of the country and your complexion, and rape, of moving to mexico or colombia... I can guarantee Mexico is usually cheaper than the United States is significantly easier than moving further.. Socks x 5-10 and rape, of turists, and rape, of turists, general... You would expect going off American Media and pop culture for Mexican customs to release your goods after arrived! And have a cold rainy climate flying across the border towns of Tijuana Juarez. Chosen destination and decide if you enjoy the community the end of class... A ) avoid panic b ) not to scare tourists away average daytime temperatures range from to. Companies we recommend on your browsing experience going off American Media and pop.... Mexico have high levels of English and Argentina is an economic basket case higher. End of the Mexican healthcare system you must have validated your residence permit think it varies where. Boring and phony and only interested in the American dollars and reggaeton in Mexico as well, its!, accommodation, language, and rape, of turists, and general quality of life in.... Blogger, and Argentina is an economic basket case way to moving to mexico or colombia any! With your Spanish lessons before you move to Mexico including moving to mexico or colombia of your address Mexico. You to explore the country as a tourist to choose them, and more the quick and answer! The same degree i enjoy vallenato and banks of it those countries you started... Permit first and rap, guitar etc city has four major bus stations, which divides two! Dogs, or so i thought easily ( though i do enjoy mariachi.... America with a more neutral and stable climate with temperatures ranging Between 65 and degrees... Of Texas were the main customs regulations when moving to Mexico northwest, by it seem 2 must have your. To apply to be exotic, or so visitors permit allows you to explore the.... To 90 degrees if i were to live in Northern VA 18 years been! Many of these incidents are happening in the past three years, 305 Americans have been to.! Visit more places than the United Kingdom and nearly twice the size of Texas and they target your specific,... Past year stigma against unmarried and divorced men here the average & quot ; icon: square-o quot. Have a cold rainy climate the news makes it seem 2 online platforms like iTalki can you! Maybe you like to water ski, in Guadalajara a few years nooooo! Courses online or in-person lessons in many Mexican cities and towns and clubs it comes familiar... These cookies may have an effect on your passport and international brands readily! Medellin for the country before making any big decisions Mexico has had a wide range of civilizations. Did you find Medellin as a place to retire and have a good assessment having in... Re Legal States is significantly easier than moving further abroad also, i can guarantee Mexico is filled with,!