Three things to consider before moving to Mexico

People from all over the world dream of moving to Mexico to enjoy the natural beauty, pleasant climate, vibrant culture, and sense of community that can be found here. In fact, Mexico ranks as the second best destination for expats when it comes to personal finance, ease of settling in, housing and overall quality of life, according to Remitly.

However, making a big move to a new place can be daunting, with lots to consider during the planning stages. To help make the transition a smooth one, here are three things to consider before moving to Mexico.

Practical plans and preparations

It might be the least fun part of planning your move to Mexico, but getting all the required legal documents in order is essential. You’ll need a Permanent Resident Visa if you’re staying in the country indefinitely – this is obtainable after you’ve been living in the country on a Temporary Resident Visa for at least four years.

Your essential document checklist should include:

• Valid passport
• Passport-sized photos for visa applications
• Visa application form
• Proof of income or employment
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Criminal record check
• Educational certificates
• Financial records
• Marriage and birth certificates

It can take a number of months to get these documents in order, so you should be prepared to wait. But once they’re sorted, you shouldn’t have to worry about them again.

Cultural differences

You may dream of a new life abroad, but slotting into a totally new culture can be trickier than it sounds. Getting settled means familiarising yourself with new ways of communicating, and practical elements such as how to structure your day. Then, of course, there’s new foods and social activities to get used to as well.

It’s important to read up on the etiquette of Mexican culture. Things like saying goodbye before you leave a social event or eating in front of a street food stand you’ve purchased from may seem small, but you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of them to the people around you.

Remember, work comes with its own set of do’s and don’ts too, so if you’ll be starting a new job in Mexico, you’ll want to ensure you understand the expectations in a business setting.

Building a support network

Luckily, the people in Mexico are generally very warm and welcoming – but that doesn’t mean it won’t require some effort to build a new support network away from home if you don’t already know anyone in your new area.

It’s a good idea to join a community of expats, if you feel you could benefit from connecting with people in a similar circumstance to you. The worst thing you can do when moving abroad is isolate yourself – try to get out there and get involved in local activities to find your place in your new community.

A move to Mexico can be life changing, and while there’s lots to organise, it’s well worth the effort. Remember to take it one step at a time, and prioritise settling into your new home above all else.

Author bio: Anna McAllen

Anna is an expat who now calls the Yucatán Peninsula home. She enjoys writing about culture, community, and the beauty of slow living in Mexico.