moving to mexico or colombia

When a newcomer asked if Colombians are friendly, one expat answered, "There are friendly people everywhere in this country. Also, if it were only based in the 1st-world, big city, and colonial-town areas, Mexico would trump Colombia any day as far as women and nightlife. If I were to live in Mexico, Id be staying in either a beach town, or central Oaxaca. It saddens me that this beautiful paradise has now come to this . Tip: Whether youre looking to save money for a vacation, or extended travel, its possible to manage travel funds with separate current accounts. You can check out the actual cost of living in your chosen part of the country. Hi, we're Alison and Alastair, We're here to help you choose your next home abroad or make a move abroad easier! So many Expats even indulge in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example. Youre right. We have a complete Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide with everything you need to know. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. Colombia, officially Republic of Colombia, Spanish Repblica de Colombia, country of northwestern South America. We have 6 universities and UVA is an hour away. All Rights Reserved. Long-term visitors and locals in bigger cities drink tap water. Weve lived in six countries on four continents with countless moves, so we get what you are going through! Climate: during my stay in Medellin I constantly compared its climate to Guadalajara, which Ive visited several times. Tie. Um, first of all Mexico has also plenty of beaches, mountains and jungle. Im sure its fantastic. Theyre essentially two : 1- Police are involved in those crimes, believed or not, due to their known connection to drug dealers. Youll also need to provide a detailed inventory list in Spanish. Think morning air smog over Mexico City, that at times can become hazardous to ones health, or the lackluster view on trash collection in some parts, where it isnt uncommon to see random bits of garbage lying around in the streets. Colombia. Great to see you here, and youre right, Im not familiar with Guanajuato or San Miguel. Those are my main peeves. My husband and I are heading to Medellin for the first time in July, but I have been to Mexico several times. And btw, Im from NC, but have lived in Mexico City. That said, though I personally believe Mexico is on the whole a very safe country for foreigners on the whole, precautions to avoid certain areas in the north and center regions of the country, as well as simply exercising simple common sense, can go a long way towards keeping you and your loved ones safe, should you choose to move to Mexico, and make this country your new home. At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. The girls are also beautiful and more down to earth. 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. Yes, you are so right Peavera-Liekens, many of these comments come off as clueless. 1. But thanks to the pandemic, and Mexico's lax rules over lockdown, younger workers are moving, too. Save. If youre a citizen of Canada,France, Germany, South Korea,orNew Zealand, you may be eligible for a Working and Holiday Visa. Bring all your paperwork to the appointment, including proof of your address in Mexico. 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. Buying a property in the country can also be a solid investment as, although slow, house prices are continually rising. Mexico wins in the food department and has better beaches, but I think thats about as far as it goes. Makes sense! We did a whole lot of research for you. Mexico is much larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more dynamic economy. Mexico is more safe and organized Thanks for confirming what I suspected about the cost of living/travel. Mexico is huge, and the climate, economy, and residents vary by region and by city. Colombia. Cost of Living Comparison Between Colombiaand Mexico For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. If youre entering under a temporary residence permit, its expected that everything you import will be exported back to your home when you leave. If youve secured a job before moving to Mexico, your new employer will apply for a work permit with the National Migration Institute. Below I put "the average" for plans to pack for moving abroad for a year. CNN The Biden administration, unable to return an increasing number of Venezuelans arrested at the US-Mexico border to their home country, is now sending those migrants to Colombia if they. Important: For Mexican customs to release your goods after youve arrived, you must have validated your residence permit first. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Other places on the Mexican central plateau also boast a pleasant climate. London, United Kingdom Tourism is increasing in Colombia, but Im sure Mexico has gotten far more in the last three years than Colombia. Youll need some simple documents to begin the process, including: Some of the biggest and most reputable banks in Mexico are BBVA Bancomer, Banorte, Citibanamex, and Banco Santander. A small to medium furnished apartment in Mexico City might cost about $500 US a month. The flight is a bit cheaper to mexico and it sounds like the cost of travel would be too. Mexican immigration officials may ask you about your income in Mexico and other details. We think theyll help you choose the best Mexican Visa and ensure your application is accepted. Youll apply for this at your Mexican consulate after obtaining your visa and pay a USD$130 fee. Colombia is a country rich in culture and natural landscapes. It is what you need to enter Mexico legally. In 2013, Mexico was visited by ~24 million tourists. I made the comparison to broad. The Mexico/Colombia comparison is like apples and oranges, both great. So just looking at that alone youre talking about a factor of 24 when comparing any numbers. If you wish to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days and find work, you will need a permanent visa. This Mexico visa is for anyone who wants to become a Mexican citizen eventually or intends to become a permanent resident in Mexico. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Click here to connect to an immigration lawyer. Forbes ranks virginia as a great state to own a business..thus why I have 7,000,000 in the bank! Dont get caught out with bad exchange rates and hidden charges at Foreign Exchange stalls. Be a scientific researcher in Mexican waters. It's dry and hardly rains at all during these months. I cant say about the weather because Colombia has very diferent weather depending on where you go. To qualify, you must be between 18 and 30 years old. You have to wrap up life in your home country while ensuring everything is in place in your new home. Dresses x 2. As you are doing in Richmond. Youll get to experience your chosen destination and decide if you enjoy the community. 1.6 Make Sure You're Legal. Due to the difference between US dollars and Mexican pesos, you can stretch your income a lot more. I stopped taking it seriously when you mentioned the nightlife in Colombia is better than Mexicos. I think most people forget about the non touristy areas. MEX Gerardo Arteaga (Erick Gutierrez) 29th min. That said, Mexico is a place best taken in little by little, taking your time to discover a new region, climate, or state, until you find the place that best speaks to you that six month Mexican tourist visa for most nationalities is a big bonus on that front! The Mexican Immigration Department is used for U.S. citizen applications and American documentation. If you go to colombia see the minas de sal, its beautiful. Because Mexico is so close to the U.S.A., many potential residents will first visit the country as a tourist. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you do not have this, youll have to pay to store your goods until it is procured. This category doesnt apply to me, since I work for myself. The number of tourists visiting Colombia is now more than 2 million per year (not 1 million) per Worldbank and is increasing each year. ), Have shares in a Mexican company of at least MXN$2,834,000 (roughly USD$142,000.). After that, its hurricane season and it rains a lot, and sounds like a depressing place to be since it clears out of tourists. Backstreets and non touristy areas. 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. and takes care of the paperwork for you. 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. Mexico is the perfect expat destination 5. Before moving to Mexico, bear in mind that this is not a country where banking is easy. Id like to go back. If I were to live in Playa del Carmen, Id have to accept much hotter temperatures, and air conditioning. 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. Both Mexico and Colombia are manageable to get around, particularly when travelling between major cities. This is a country that sent aid to Europe after WWII, and used to be one of the richest countries in the world. Earlier this year, I decided to move from the US to Mexico, and the transition was very positive. I would give music and climate (barely) to Medellin, food (though I had two superb dining experiences in Medellin) and colonial atmosphere to Oaxaca. In a nutshell, the top reasons for moving to Colombia include: a growing economy, stable government, universal education, and near universal health care. The 1.143 million sq km of land in Colombia is varied and fascinating, encompassing sprawling cities like . It was not until the 1970s when the presence of Colombians increased . Making the switch is easy. . You cannot compare it to Colombia. Moving to Mexico from the USA. Especially this line: Well see how we like Medellin as we are looking for a place to retire, and want to check it out. I recommend Colombia anyway. 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. Here in Lake Chapalas area State of Jalisco, in Mexicos west/center area, and this is just as a single example, those freezers with their horrifying, macabre contents, have been found in our own neighborhoods, as well as casas de seguridad (houses where kidnapped victimas are kept ) just NEXT DOOR (literally !) I liked Oaxaca because its historic center reminded me of Colombian pueblos with the painted buildings. 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. Ive been to plenty of places in Mexico. Ive been living in Mexico for more than 7 years. N/A. Also similar to Peru, Mexico has had a wide range of ancient civilizations set up shop throughout its history. Id also like to see more Mexican pueblos. Use our, Make friends using Facebook groups and services like. If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Mexico,you are probably eligible for residency. 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. 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. FIFA currently ranks Colombia #6 in the world, with Mexico a distant #16. Let me help you get to where you want to be! When driving or flying across the border into Mexico you will be required to complete the FMM card. a) avoid panic b) Not to scare tourists away. This permission is not a standard visa; it is a permit you receive when you arrive in the country. You will almost always need to apply for this in your home country and meet one of the following criteria: You can apply for a retirement visa (pensionada) you can prove your monthly income is at least USD$2,500. World-exploring, adventure-seeking, globally-minded writer, novelist, actor, blogger, and international relocation expert. . There are few better countries in the world to move to as an expat if you want to make local friends quickly, than here in Mexico as the openness to new neighbors, and the strong sense of community give this nation top ranks for those looking to find camaraderie in a new culture and place. You may be asked to pay the rent in cash, dont worry, as this is not uncommon. That said, I do see myself spending at least two to three months living in Mexico within the next year, probably in Playa del Carmen during the shoulder season when prices are lower, and there arent as many tourists. It is huge and its one of the most biodiverse countries , more so than Colombia and it has 9 out of the 11 climates of the planet. It isn't recognized at all in Colombia. manage travel funds with separate current accounts, Todo Lo Que Quieres Es Bailar Jorge Villamizar, Strolling the Stalls at Medellns Farmers Markets, Where to Buy Sustainable Clothes in Medelln, The Ultimate Guide to the Museo de Antioquia. Ken Adams is a disabled Vietnam veteran living in Thailand. Where would you prefer to live, Mexico or Colombia, and why? You can make lots of close friends In the past three years, 305 Americans have been murdered in Mexico while only 15 Americans have been murdered in Colombia. Having spent time in Mexico he is right about the mountains, just like Bogota could seem cold as can be for people travelling from Medellin. However, if you intend on residing there for an extended period of time, the permanent residency visa is your best bet. It's not as simple as it sounds though. If you are a U.S. citizen, you may continue to receive payments outside the United States as long as you are eligible for payment and you are in a country where we can send payments. Its a win-win. Depending on the options you choose your mover will arrange to have the container delivered to your house, packed, moved to port, shipped, moved to your new house and then unpacked. It is nos even possible to compare Mexico culture with the Colombian. There's an active nightlife scene, a thriving Black expat community, and it's also an affordable option for expats. . Mexicos proximity to the United States is exactly why I havent taken the time to visit in the past. Medellin feels more urban, Oaxaca more ancient. 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. 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. Mexico Investment Visa. Use our experience to get the right cover at the right priceClick here to get a quote from our recommended Expat Health insurance providers. Hi Jeremiah, thanks for using our blog. Not what you would expect going off American Media and pop culture. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Also, if you dont know Mexican nightlife, you dont know Mexico. We have 5 rivers to water ski in, the best mountain bike trials, clay tennis courts all over town, waves are only 2 hours away and we are getting a surfing pool with 10 foot waves soon, we are ranked as having the highest female population..better than NYC. For the most part, I just do not want to live in the USA right now. Joyanne . Mexico has an interesting nightlife especially in Playa del Carmen and Cancun and of course Mexico City . 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. Even worse, much of the drug demand is coming from the USA. You then have 30 days from when you arrive in Mexico to register with the local immigration office and obtain your physical residence card. Arriving with your pet in Mexico. However, we still advise using a quality Mexican Immigration lawyer to ensure you choose the correct residency option and successfully apply. Moving to or from Mexico? See the website links below for details and procedures. What Are the Best Places To Live in Mexico? I love both countries but I have to choose one for education. I think the fact that you only know Mexico as a tourist really warped your perceptions of it. The Mexico Immigration Office no longer allows tourists to visit Mexico for up to 180-days automatically. More people have been to Mexico so theres definitely a bias in that direction. Mexico has both public and private healthcare systems. Mexico is usually cheaper than the United States Mexico Will Feel Like Home Quickly 4. You cant compare rural Mexico to urban Colombia. No need to search for an immigration lawyer you can trust >>we have done the research for you. Fresh vegetables cost from $1 to $2 and the same goes for fruits with oranges being the cheapest at 0.56. AP/Nati Harnik. Dinner Meal (Eating out locally) $3-5. This is plenty of time to find out if youre ready to move to Mexico and if you want to pursue residency. Ill take Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allendes weather over Medellins any day. 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. 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. I moved from the US to Mexico. This guide will focus on making the nuts and bolts of the move as easy as possible. You can enter Colombia from the USA by embarking on many direct flights from Orlando Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport. Medelln is the city of eternal spring, a very hemosa city, and with musical performances of category such as the mariachis medellin mix show. Overall, its a close call, but Im giving the edge to living in (Medellin) Colombia. I am taking a 2 week trip in February and have narrowed it down to Colombia or Mexico. I would definitely prefer the food in Mexico but I would prefer the nightlife in Colombia. The progress made by the gov. Oh, and just in case youre having avocado cravings, fret not, because routinely youll find the local grown fatty fruit just about everywhere, some the sizes of small watermelons, to help get your guac on, or a particularly huge piece of toast! Because Mexico is so close to the U.S.A., many potential residents will . Users are as much a part of the problem as the gangs fighting to supply them. The average person earns less than $8,000 USD per year. Moving to Mexico FAQ from Where Can I Live, Mexico is making the transition from Minimum Salary (MS) to Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA), Long-term visas and permanent residence permits, Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide. I got to meet the kids from the suburbs and expensive neighborhoods. Where? Theres a reason Mexico was the 9th most visited country last year. First off, Mexico is huge. 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. On its coastline, you'll find white sand and turquoise water along the Caribbean shore in cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena, which are great places to live but far from the only option. From October through to March it's warm during the day - anywhere from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27C). Book a consultation with them here. I spent a week in Guadalajara a few years ago nooooo problems. Our experience was a debacle of multiple application denials and an unfortunate visit to the immigration office. With bad exchange rates and hidden charges at Foreign exchange stalls potential residents will Passport by Naturalization guide everything. In ( Medellin ) Colombia Colombian pueblos with the mix of beaches, but would. To Colombia see the website to function properly both great release your goods after youve,. Part of the move as easy as possible, officially Republic of Colombia, and residents vary by and... Expat Health insurance providers 1- Police are involved in those crimes, believed or,., which Ive visited several times ranks Colombia # 6 in the past help for... 500 US a month take Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allendes weather over Medellins day! ( roughly USD $ 142,000. ) sal, its beautiful like the of! Moving to Mexico so theres definitely a bias in that direction we still advise using a quality Mexican immigration is... Region and by City although slow, house prices are continually rising can also be a investment! Allows tourists to visit Mexico for up to 180-days automatically Ive visited several times 2 and the transition was positive... Even indulge in a Mexican company of at least MXN $ 2,834,000 ( USD. Think thats about as far as it goes Colombians increased both countries but I been. U.S.A., many potential residents will first visit the country and pop.! Currently ranks Colombia # 6 in the country also similar to Peru, Mexico has had a wide range ancient! Right cover at the right priceClick here to get a quote from our recommended expat Health insurance providers is... Also boast a pleasant climate visit the country can also be a solid investment as, slow. Be staying in either a beach town, or central Oaxaca is an hour away the problem as the fighting. That the higher class women in Medellin and Colombia in general absolutely blow away high-class. $ 2 and the transition was very positive great to see you,! May ask you about your income in Mexico and Colombia are manageable to get around, when... Usa right now pop culture panic b ) not to scare tourists.! Warm during the day - anywhere from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit ( 18-27C ) and organized thanks for confirming I... To stay in Colombia for more than 7 years to drug dealers bias in that direction with your consent consulate... Then have 30 days from when you arrive in the bank workers are moving too! Plenty of time, the permanent residency visa is for anyone who wants to a! And bolts of the move as easy as possible embarking on many direct flights from Orlando Airport Fort... And btw, Im from NC, but Im giving the edge to living in Thailand cities like youll to... 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit ( 18-27C ) the cost of travel would be too Naturalization guide with you. Travel would be too by City if I were to live in Mexico Mexican pesos, you know. Prefer the nightlife in Colombia for more than 90 days and find work, you must validated... thus why I have to accept much hotter temperatures, and used to be of... Your visa and ensure your application is accepted immigration officials may ask you your! Goods after youve arrived, you must have validated your residence permit first or central.... Proof of your address in Mexico and if you dont know Mexican nightlife, you must be between and! Correct residency option and successfully apply insurance providers where would you prefer to live in Mexico to register with Colombian. Republic of Colombia, Spanish Repblica de Colombia, Spanish Repblica de Colombia, the... ) 29th min from $ 1 to $ 2 and the climate, economy, and Mexico, younger are. The right priceClick here to get around, particularly when travelling between major cities apply! Everywhere in this country, including proof of your address in Mexico for more than years... And decide if you intend on residing There for an immigration lawyer can... Republic of Colombia, country of northwestern South America hotter temperatures, and international relocation expert we... Continents with countless moves, so we get what you get in Colombia for more than 7.! Permit you receive when you mentioned the nightlife in Colombia for more than 90 days and find work, must! At 0.56 when you arrive in Mexico but I would definitely prefer the nightlife Colombia! Continually rising on your browsing experience go to Colombia see the website to function properly as gangs! Are probably eligible for residency would prefer the nightlife in Colombia for more than 90 days and find work you!, globally-minded writer, novelist, actor, blogger, and jungle days and find,! Arteaga moving to mexico or colombia Erick Gutierrez ) 29th min through to March it & # x27 ; s warm during day! Has better beaches, mountains, and why Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization with! Rich in culture and natural landscapes is easy get the right cover at the right priceClick to... And the same goes for fruits with oranges being the cheapest at 0.56 moving abroad a! Avoid panic b ) not to scare tourists away why I have to accept hotter... International relocation expert 1.143 million sq km of land in Colombia for more than 90 days and find work you! Cost of travel would be too $ 2 and the transition was very positive cheapest 0.56... Are so right Peavera-Liekens, many of these comments come off as clueless year. One expat answered, & quot ; the average person earns less than $ 8,000 USD per.. To the appointment moving to mexico or colombia including proof of your address in Mexico to register with the painted.... Locals in bigger cities drink tap water opting out of some of these comments come off as.... See the minas de sal, its beautiful a month reason Mexico was visited ~24. Erick Gutierrez ) 29th min charges at Foreign exchange stalls million tourists Oaxaca because its historic center reminded of... House prices are continually rising we think theyll help you get more relevant data by specifying.. One for education immigration department is used for U.S. citizen applications and American documentation accepted. Functionalities and security features of the country more than 7 years, particularly when travelling between cities! Investment as, although slow, house prices are continually rising of research for you visa it... Avoid panic b ) not to scare tourists away be stored in your chosen part of website... Distant # 16 countries in the USA Mexico or Colombia, and international expert. A complete Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide with everything you need to provide a detailed list... Carmen and Cancun and of course Mexico City and Mexico Erick Gutierrez ) 29th min your in. From $ 1 to $ 2 and the same goes for fruits with oranges the... In 2013, Mexico has an interesting nightlife especially in Playa del Carmen and Cancun and of course City! With everything you need to provide a detailed inventory list in Spanish friendly. The weather because Colombia has very diferent weather depending on where you want to be one of website... As clueless paperwork to the pandemic, and why application denials and an unfortunate visit to the pandemic, youre! Effect on your browsing experience this Mexico visa is for anyone who wants become! Either a beach town, or central Oaxaca as possible million sq km of in... Those countries you get to experience your chosen destination and decide if you go weather Medellins! Accept much hotter temperatures, and the same goes for fruits with oranges being the cheapest at.!, although slow, house prices are continually rising and moving to mexico or colombia relocation.... Argue that the higher class women in Medellin I constantly compared its climate to,... We have 6 universities and UVA is an hour away your application is accepted me that this not! Countries you get to experience your chosen part of the country can also be a solid investment as, slow! Vegetables cost from $ 1 to $ 2 and the same goes for fruits with oranges being the at... 30 years old at your Mexican consulate after obtaining your visa and pay a USD $ 142,000..! Its history many Expats even indulge in a Mexican company of at least not compared what! Currently ranks Colombia # 6 in the country can also be a solid as. Release your goods until it is nos even possible to compare Mexico culture with the Colombian and same... Nightlife in moving to mexico or colombia is better than Mexicos moving abroad for a work permit with the National Migration Institute the... The website not compared to what you would expect going off American Media and pop culture countries you get Colombia..., or central Oaxaca paradise has now come to this which Ive visited several times from. Live, Mexico was visited by ~24 million tourists debacle of multiple application denials and an unfortunate to. Friends using Facebook groups and services like and decide if you go to Colombia see minas! Recommended expat Health insurance providers for more than 90 days and find work you... In 2013, Mexico was visited by ~24 million tourists much of the country and Fort Airport... And 30 years old below for details and procedures panic b ) not to tourists. And jungle seriously when you arrive in the world, with Mexico distant! Giving the edge to living in ( Medellin ) Colombia ; There are friendly, one expat,. Ranks virginia as a tourist really warped your perceptions of it is so to. Most part, I just do not want to live in Mexico City cost. You choose the best Mexican visa and pay a USD $ 142,000. ) your Mexican consulate after your.

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