Mexico wins in the food department and has better beaches, but I think thats about as far as it goes. You are permitted to import two pets (cats, dogs, or a cat and dog) into Mexico. I liked Oaxaca because its historic center reminded me of Colombian pueblos with the painted buildings. Really? Im sure its fantastic. And I do like the feeling you get hanging out in pueblos. Not all the country is just hot and dry. Mexico is a beautiful country and a wonderful place for Expats to move to. No need to search for an immigration lawyer you can trust >>we have done the research for you. N/A. Colombia is a far more interesting country to me. Migrants used mostly to be retirees: osteopathy clinics are abundant in Lake Chapala. There are so many great places to visit and the cost of living is affordable. Mexico has surfing and ruins. Janet 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. Mexico. Your Checklist for Moving to Mexico Identify and Organize Important Documents Visas Passports Proof of citizenship (this document is required if you are a naturalized citizen) Work permits (if required) Immunization certificates Medical/dental records School records/diplomas Marriage certificate Birth certificates Social Security cards 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. The country is bordered by Panama, which divides the two bodies of water, on the northwest, by . If Colombia I would fly in and out of Bogota. I much prefer to see a place firsthand, and then decide if its somewhere Id like to spend more time. 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. If you want to make the immigration process more manageable, you can use one of the Mexican immigration companies we recommend. Almost always sunny, never too hot, never too cold, almost no pollution. Go to colonial towns, big cities, and world-class beaches. You can walk around Medellin on any given day (or Pereira, which is a cleaner, calmer version of Medellin) and not see another gringo. I would definitely prefer the food in Mexico but I would prefer the nightlife in Colombia. Social Security sends recipients living abroad a questionnaire every one or two years (the frequency depends on age, country of residence and other factors) to confirm they remain eligible for benefits. Sorry Jake, but I have bad news for you. I got to meet the kids from the suburbs and expensive neighborhoods. This visa is good for 3 years before it needs to be renewed. When moving your personal goods to Mexico, know that you have a unique one-time window to bring these items duty-free into the country. Joyanne . Parts for automobiles, boats and motorcycles. Interesting post. Tourism is increasing in Colombia, but Im sure Mexico has gotten far more in the last three years than Colombia. For import into Mexico, all inventory lists must be notarized and stamped by the Mexican Consulate at origin. Some Expat-favorite destinations include: Mexico City Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta. Something comparable in Cancun could ring in at about $100 less. Theres a reason Mexico was the 9th most visited country last year. 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. 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. I dont like it at all.ghetto. 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. 3 Some other posts you might enjoy reading: In this post, you will learn how to move to Mexico and what are 8 important things you should know if you're planning to settle down in one of beautiful Mexican cities. Colombia. If you choose to move to Mexico, youll have your pick of whatever climate you prefer, all in a beautiful Latin American setting. Soon, abortion rights supporters across the region, from Mexico to Paraguay, Brazil to Colombia, were wearing or brandishing green handkerchiefs the symbol of Argentina's abortion rights . Without looking up stats, I think its safe to say such places would have much lower homicide rates than Medellin. 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 ? Check out our Living in Mexico guide for the best places to rent or buy property in Mexico. I cant say about the weather because Colombia has very diferent weather depending on where you go. This requirement means you have to visit your local immigration office right after arriving to get your physical residence card. Earlier this year, I decided to move from the US to Mexico, and the transition was very positive. For example, in Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta, you could get by most of the time with just Hola in Expat areas. Reading this I feel like I have to step up and say something.. Book a consultation with them here. And each Mexican state has its own regional culinary flare, giving you 32 different varieties of delicioso, from mole to machaca, to everything in between. Automobiles, boats, motorcycles, unless your client is a diplomat. Though the food is honestly amazing in Mexico, I unfortunately did find the overall quality of the produce to be lacking somewhat. The quick and straightforward answer - no, tap water is not safe to drink in Santa Marta. The overwhelming majority of Social Security recipients abroad get their benefits . I am taking a 2 week trip in February and have narrowed it down to Colombia or Mexico. This of course leads to all the good and bad that comes with that, from seedy hustlers and belligerent salespeople in certain areas of Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, as well as an increase in prices in the most popular locales. Failing to return the questionnaire will halt your payments. We suggest getting quotes from these two companies as a start. If youve never been to the country and want to know if Mexico is right for you, a short visit may be best. Im spending time where Im happy. Donate here! Here, average daytime temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees. It's like having Spring year-round. We also will bring our small dog. Bras x 3 (sports + regular) Jeans or pants x 3. So many Expats even indulge in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example. Have lived 2 consecutive years under a temporary residence permit while married to a citizen. It took 30 seconds get some tourism stats on these two countries. 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) Colombia, officially Republic of Colombia, Spanish Repblica de Colombia, country of northwestern South America. If youre under 30 and thinking about moving to Mexico for less than a year, look into a Youth Mobility Mexico Visa. You'll need to report to a Department of Immigration office in Mexico before the visa expires and within 30 days of your arrival. You have to wrap up life in your home country while ensuring everything is in place in your new home. . 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. Sounds like youve got choices, a good position to be in. Users are as much a part of the problem as the gangs fighting to supply them. If youre entering under a temporary residence permit, its expected that everything you import will be exported back to your home when you leave. It is what you need to enter Mexico legally. 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. The CEPE (Curso de espaol y cultura mexicana para extranjeros) offered by the Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico (UNAM) has a great reputation. AP/Nati Harnik. We think theyll help you choose the best Mexican Visa and ensure your application is accepted. To make the best of both worlds I think having a Colombia wife or GF and living in Mexico would be the best of all combinations or opening a legit Mexican restaurant in Colombia. 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. Tip: Whether youre looking to save money for a vacation, or extended travel, its possible to manage travel funds with separate current accounts. Maybe you think Medellin sucks, thats fine, I respect your opinion, because youre coming from a different place, and we care about different things. If you travel from Europe, many will not, and youre better off purchasing new items in Mexico. 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 . Yorman and his team getconsistent excellent reviews pluswe continuously assess their performance and value to our clients. only three hours away from Bogot is very hot. Interesting post. 2. The big differences I can resume are these : Um, first of all Mexico has also plenty of beaches, mountains and jungle. Mexico is much larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more dynamic economy. I liked Guadalajaras city center, but I already know its too big a city for me to want to live in. The roads are better developed and driving in Mexico can be enjoyable, whereas driving in Colombia is something you want to avoid at all costs. Moving to or from Mexico? Residents are eligible for universal medical care from the Mexican healthcare system. You'll need to invest $25,000 USD in a Colombian business in order to receive this visa. 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. The best town ever to live in is Richmond Virginia. You will be informing the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) about your departure. 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. Relocating to a new country takes time and planning. 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. Moving to Mexico from the United States is significantly easier than moving further abroad. Minus the tequila, I still cant stand the stuff. Collectible items, such as pens and coins. My personal travel philosophy is to move around often and I dont see why I couldnt go to Colombia often as well as Mexico. You were paying gringo prices all the way, which is never a good thing. Prove a monthly tax-free income greater than USD$2,170 during the past six months. From my experience, Colombia is quite a bit cheaper than Mexico, but I guess it depends on where you go. 1 year - 3,519 pesos (approx. And getting your paperwork sorted is the next essential step. We, foreigners, are great targets for them since theyre dollars in the picture. First steps upon planning a move to Mexico Contact the Canadian Revenue Agency First thing first, you have decided to make a move to Mexico, so inform the relevant authorities. It's an exciting city that offers a lot to do. Moving to Mexico from the USA. Also, I can guarantee Mexico is a lot more expensive than Colombia. But thanks to the pandemic, and Mexico's lax rules over lockdown, younger workers are moving, too. You can also work with a permanent residence visa without having to apply for a separate work permit. Mexican immigration officials may ask you about your income in Mexico and other details. Canada has some of the toughest rules against DUI travel. Which one is more safe for living lonely? There is no American spillover, like youd see in Mexico or Costa Rica. 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. 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? The group had been on the road for nearly two weeks after leaving Tapachula in the southern state of Chiapas in late October, 2021. 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. Medellin feels more urban, Oaxaca more ancient. Colombia is an up and comer for Americans. In the latter case the company should assist you in getting the visa but they will have to prove . In the past three years, 305 Americans have been murdered in Mexico while only 15 Americans have been murdered in Colombia. 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. Have a read of our comprehensive guide to retiring to Mexico for more information. Our culture Vallenato if you go to Bogot its crazy in transmilenios people get o to sing and rap , guitar etc. Major airports in cities like Mexico City and Cancun are also very well connected internationally to other places outside the region as well, with flights to Europe and Asia flying out of the country on quite a regular basis as well, with Aeromexico offering flights to Tokyo, and even Turkish Airlines offering a direct route to Istanbul, straight from the shores of the Riviera Maya. what an absolutely unfair and obtuse statement to make. This is a close call, and made all the harder by the fact that I was always on the tourist trail in Mexico. Living in Mexico as an American, you can get a higher quality of life at a fraction of the cost. Our publication, "Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States", explains how being outside the United States may affect your Social Security payments. After four years of living in Mexico, you can apply for permanent residency. Oh David, good one. 2- Media are not allowed to publish about this (specially about the most gruesome cases .) Asylum seekers walking together as a "caravan" are temporarily detained from entering a highway in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico by Mexican law enforcement officials. The truly fun and classy clubs and bars are for the high society of Mexico. Use our experience to get the right cover at the right priceClick here to get a quote from our recommended Expat Health insurance providers. Migration history. Nightlife , Cancun , Mexicos city Forbes ranks virginia as a great state to own a business..thus why I have 7,000,000 in the bank! Its a win-win. 9. Sports. The UMA figures are significantly lower than the MS figures, making qualifying easier for those on fixed incomes to move to Mexico. Im in Portugal, I have all of that but its time to head home. What Are the Best Places To Live in Mexico? . Colombia. Places not considered as points of travel in this blog and light years in opposite directions to places like playa or cabo. Of course it would be remiss to not add that while a move to Mexico is a great idea, it isnt exactly a very unique one. Tie. However, travelling independently in Mexico is a little easier. How did you find Medellin as a place to retire. 1. Batteries. I dont want to be on a beach the whole time, but definitely a portion of the time. Nice to hear Oaxaca has a good climate. Mexico wins hands down. Published August 8, 2022 | Last Updated October 17, 2022 Written by Alastair Johnson. If you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can enter the country under a temporary visa for retirement. Driving would take too long and we suspect it's not safe going through Central America with a loaded trailer. If you're moving to Medellin on a tourist visa, you will be given 90 days upon entry in the country and you can extend another 90 days online. 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. 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. Be patient. At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. Its the same in Medellin. A small to medium furnished apartment in Mexico City might cost about $500 US a month. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many of the central cities and towns and sierras make-up the more pleasant/temperate weather of the country (I understand Medelln has a semi-tropical weather) So just looking at that alone youre talking about a factor of 24 when comparing any numbers. People get o to sing and rap, guitar etc allowed to about... Right cover at the right priceClick here to get the right priceClick here to get the cover... I was always on the tourist trail in Mexico or Costa Rica s lax rules over,. Your personal goods to Mexico, but Im sure Mexico has gotten far more in the three! Have bad news for you, a short visit may be best a month for me to to. Allende Puerto Vallarta company should assist you in getting the visa but they will have to step and. Window to bring these items duty-free into the country would prefer the nightlife in Colombia with the buildings. By Alastair Johnson hiring house help, for example my personal travel philosophy moving to mexico or colombia! 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