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Mexico

Mexico
	Capital	Mexico (Distrito Federal)
	Population	111,211,789
	Area	1,972,550 sq km
	Language	Spanish, Nahuatl, other languages
	Currency	Mexico, Peso (MXN)
		100.000000Mex$ (MXN) = 8.220304$ (USD)

In the last ten years or so Mexico has emerged as one of the expat retirement destinations, particularly for Americans and Canadians. There are estimated to be some 1 million Americans alone living here either full or part time. And why? Because life is never boring in Mexico.

There’s something for everyone in Mexico; pristine beaches with accompanying baking temperatures; cooler mountain climes; stark deserts, lakes, and vibrantly busy towns and resorts. 

Some expats like to congregate, in the same place, or in gated communities with expat network groups to stop them feeling homesick, while others are dotted about the countryside leading a quiet life…alone but not lonely. 

One of the attractions for the majority of expats is that although not desirable, you can get away without speaking Spanish; the other is that Mexico is one of the few places left on earth where you can live for 30-50% less than you did at ‘home’, with no loss of quality of life…and in many instances, and enhancement of lifestyle.

The other attraction is of course is its accessibility to the rest of the US, and for those who can afford it, a way of having a dual north/south American existence.

Added to that is Mexico’s rich history – the country has more UNESCO Heritage sites than either the US or Canada – the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan, or the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco and, just the slower pace of life.

Top Places to Live

Most foreigners settle in one of 5 main locations:- Lake Chapala, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Guadalajara and the Pacific Beach towns.

Guadalajara, The City of Roses, is home to some 30,000 expats who enjoy big city life…it is close to home in terms of what’s available….shopping malls, multiplex cinemas, museums and excellent hospitals.   The climate is reputed to be perfect…dry and rarely more than 85degF or less than 40deg so no need for heating or air conditioning; the leaves are green and the flowers in bloom all the year round and when it rains it only does so at night.

Oaxaca is at the other end of the spectrum and more as you would imagine a Central American town to be with old buildings, plazas where people sit and while away a few hours and small shops and artisan stalls, in fact Oaxaca is known as the art capital of the country – wood carvings, hand woven rugs and pottery abound.  Local Indians make up a large portion of the inhabitants of the area and the few hundred expats have not grouped into little communities as they have done elsewhere in Mexico. Weather patterns are similar to Guadalajara, but it is a big distance from the border with the US so only suits Americans who are not trying to ‘pop’ home regularly.

Matzalan is the first big urban centre south of the Tropic of Cancer. The vegetation is lush but it is hot and sticky in the summer.  Because of the beautiful beaches it is quite touristy, but just a few miles away, there are nice residential areas that expats favour, with golf, fishing and wonderful seafood. It is also feels less foreign than other Mexican towns and for this reason is quote popular.

Health and Senior Living
There is no specific pensioner visa for living in Mexico.  You can arrive as a tourist which will give you 3 to 6 months in the country, after which you will have to leave…if you want to stay, request the 180 day visa as it won’t be offered automatically. On this visa you are not allowed to work, have a car or import your household goods free of import tax.

If you decide you want to stay and do not wish to leave the country every six months you will need to apply for an FM3, which is valid for a year and is renewable each year; this requires an inordinate amount of paperwork - rental agreements, copy of passport and bank statements translated into Spanish amongst others. You have to provide three months bank statements to prove that you have paid the required ‘income’ into your bank account. This amount varies from year to year and needs to be checked. If you own a house in Mexico, the income requirement is halved. 

This visa allows you to bring your car into the country and your household effects, import tax free.

Healthcare
Depending on where you live the health and medical care is very good…consider that Mexico is a prime destination for medical tourism, and is particularly known for its good and cheap dental care;  a filling costs 350-450($30)  pesos and a crown 2-3000 (155-240$). Either take out expat insurance or join the Mexican Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social – this entitles you to total healthcare; the yearly cost depends on your age at application but is around 3000 pesos (240$). You will need a Spanish translator when you need medical attention unless you speak the language yourself.

Safety and Infrastructure
As with everywhere, overt displays of wealth will invite crime, but this is usually petty thievery and it is unusual to see violent crime.  Just take precautions; don’t walk in unlit areas at night, do not wear valuable jewellery or carry expensive cameras. Stories if kidnappings abound, but these are in fact rare and usually only apply to people who are know to be extremely rich.

Most Mexicans travel by bus, and the bus system is fantastic….cheap, efficient and very comfortable, particularly if you can afford first class tickets, which are only a few dollars.

Mexicans are generally bad drivers and do not use signals often.  The local roads are bad and full of potholes so driving at night, unless really necessary is not advisable. If you are going long distances, drive on the  cuotas…these are new, well surfaced motorways for which you have to pay tolls…as most Mexicans can’t afford this you will find there is little traffic.

Culture and People
Contrary to many opinions, Mexicans are very hardworking – yes they know how to relax and enjoy themselves, but they also know they have to make a living.  Family is very important; they respect their elders and treat them with dignity and when parents get old they are taken into the family and looked after.

Of course the way of life is different….the daily noise in the streets of music, street vendors and barking dogs is not something that encroaches on their lives, but it does take some getting used to when you first arrive. They are generally happy and relaxed people and you will find yourself being the same once you have got used to the cultural differences.