You can enter Colombia from the USA by embarking on many direct flights from Orlando Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport. Not sure how the American tourists numbers specifically compare to others nationalities of travelers, but you could easily argue that you actually have a better chance of being a victim in Columbia than Mexico (15 deaths X factor of 24 more travelers = 360). Please make use of our incredibly practical. These cookies do not store any personal information. For a full list of prohibited items, talk to the company . And, in emergencies, you fare better if you can understand what is going on. Its like stepping back in time when visiting a colonial town and admiring the beautiful architecture. 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. The Mexican Immigration Department is used for U.S. citizen applications and American documentation. Mexicos proximity to the United States is exactly why I havent taken the time to visit in the past. Not all the country is just hot and dry. I liked Oaxaca because its historic center reminded me of Colombian pueblos with the painted buildings. It is very evident that a lot of people commenting here dont know much about Mexico, and yet seem to have strong convictions on top of a lack of knowledge. Mexico has several sierras (mountain chains) and is forest in the center parts. 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. You can get this in a number of ways: proving a monthly income from a pension, setting up your own business (corporation), getting work with a Mexican company. And Im not even going to wonder if those deaths were because of a stupid drunk frat kid in Tijuana who picked a fight with the wrong guy or was a tourist actually traveling on drug business. High season in Playa is December to April (Americans and Canadians), then June/July for Europeans. Interesting post. Id say this was a good assessment having lived in Mexico and traveled a lot to Colombia. Apps like Duolingo and online platforms like iTalki can help you get started with your Spanish lessons before you move to Mexico. Top 5 Best Cities to Move To in The Philippines, Why Obtaining Permanent Residency In Paraguay Is A Bad Idea In 2023, Top 5 Best Neighborhoods for Investment in Phnom Penh, Top 5 Best Cities for Property Investment in Bulgaria. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities. Blank CDs, DVDs and tapes. Well see how we like Medellin as we are looking for a place to retire, and want to check it out. HiIm a 18 year old girl. The fact you were mostly on the tourist trail really warped your impression I think. Climate: during my stay in Medellin I constantly compared its climate to Guadalajara, which Ive visited several times. 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. Theres a reason Mexico was the 9th most visited country last year. Small interactions with neighbors, shopkeepers, and such add a natural richness to many Expats lives. Have you or loved ones ever lived in Mexico? Gym Membership (Budget gym) $20-30/month. Do insist on a receipt of payment, so there is no argument! Using the retirement Mexico visa means you are not allowed to engage in any paid employment. You can really compare Mxico to Colombia, both speak spanish but are very different countries. You are a citizen of countries such as China, India, Haiti, and South Africa, and earned at least 40 Social Security credits or lived in the U.S for a decade. 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. 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. Well-known American and international brands are readily available in Mexico. If you're moving to Colombia from the USA, you can opt for American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Spirit, that currently offer direct flights. Tip: Whether youre looking to save money for a vacation, or extended travel, its possible to manage travel funds with separate current accounts. The CEPE (Curso de espaol y cultura mexicana para extranjeros) offered by the Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico (UNAM) has a great reputation. Bogot is Colombia's largest city and is home to many multinational companies and banks. I.e the logic is that if a guy is over 50 and unmarried, there must be something wrong with him. I encourage you to visit again and visit more places than the typical tourist hot spots. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Crimes , medellin and Colombia too much unsafe , very dangerous in comparison with 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??? Migrants used mostly to be retirees: osteopathy clinics are abundant in Lake Chapala. This permission is not a standard visa; it is a permit you receive when you arrive in the country. Even worse, much of the drug demand is coming from the USA. TIP 3. You qualify for benefits based on your earnings and are a citizen of a broader set of countries including Mexico, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. The confirmation bias is real here. I mostly drank Coronas, and strawberry daiquiris at the beach (dont judge). Migration history. Sign up below for advice from other Expats, opportunities, and professional advice. The average person earns less than $8,000 USD per year. Mexico wins in the food department and has better beaches, but I think thats about as far as it goes. Both Mexico and Colombia are manageable to get around, particularly when travelling between major cities. If you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can enter the country under a temporary visa for retirement. A lot of luxuries like eating out and hiring house help are available at a fraction of the cost. As most locals only speak Spanish, youll generally miss out if you dont decide to learn at least some Spanish. But, again, Mexico is huge and very diverse, so generalizations are deceptive.. Go to colonial towns, big cities, and world-class beaches. 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, I heard less salsa and reggaeton in Mexico as well, though it could be a different story in the non-touristy bars and clubs. Weve hand-picked a couple of brilliant Mexican Immigration Lawyers to make your life easy. Have an invitation from a public or private organization to participate in an unpaid activity in Mexico. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon, Portugal | Photo by Stephen Knowles Photography Show youve had an average monthly investment balance of USD$36,000 during the past twelve months. If you travel from Europe, many will not, and youre better off purchasing new items in Mexico. COL Luis. The weather argument is silly. Lastly, soccer isnt the only sport, for instance Mexico is world class in boxing and has produce more world champions than any other country. It is nos even possible to compare Mexico culture with the Colombian. Dont get caught out with bad exchange rates and hidden charges at Foreign Exchange stalls. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for, If one of your grandparents is a Mexican citizen or permanent resident, you can live in Mexico. 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. The price for a one-year temporary residency card is 4,739 pesos ($229); the fee for permanent residency is 5,776 pesos ($279). Below I put "the average" for plans to pack for moving abroad for a year. Great to see you here, and youre right, Im not familiar with Guanajuato or San Miguel. We think theyll help you choose the best Mexican Visa and ensure your application is accepted. 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. 3. That said, the process of opening an account can be reasonably straightforward compared with other countries. Its a matter of perspective. We are a couple looking to move from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to Cali, Colombia, and we want to bring our SUV and maybe a trailer loaded with furniture, appliances, etc. I cant say about the weather because Colombia has very diferent weather depending on where you go. 2 Summary of the things to know before moving to Mexico. Ken Adams is a disabled Vietnam veteran living in Thailand. In Mexico forget plastic surgery, girls are more genuine and in some place famous for sex adventures like Playa del Carmen , you can simply find the best of the best Mexican girls, Colombian or Venezuelan or European or Argentinian girls without traveling all the world . I live in the lovely Ajijic, at Lake Chapala area, in the state of Jalisco. Actually living in Playa del Carmen, State of Quintana Roo. Sports. I cant award this to Colombia simply because Ive gotten to know its culture more deeply over the years. If you dont know this, its because you arent in with the crowd, or wealthy Mexicans. Columbia, almost one million. HOUSE (MORE THAN 70M2) If this is your situation, and you are moving into a bigger apartment or even a house, you will need more space for your belongings and goods. So many Expats even indulge in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example. Show adequate income if you wish to retire in Mexico. Driving would take too long and we suspect it's not safe going through Central America with a loaded trailer. Every street has music, i can say music and God move colombia. Colombia seems like a great place with a lot to see, but comparing it to Mexico would be like comparing the Ukraine with Russia. Medellin feels more urban, Oaxaca more ancient. 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. Moving to or from Mexico? 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! If I were to live in Playa del Carmen, Id have to accept much hotter temperatures, and air conditioning. What are the disadvantages of moving to Mexico? 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. and FARC is encouraging, but like you said, the trouble is really just from basic street criminals something you dont really worry about in Mexican Riviera. Meanwhile, in Guadalajara, you might get away with spending $300 or so. Interesting post. There are so many great places to visit and the cost of living is affordable. This is plenty of time to find out if youre ready to move to Mexico and if you want to pursue residency. Sorry Jake, but I have bad news for you. Some Expat-favorite destinations include: Mexico City Playa del Carmen Tulum San Miguel Allende Puerto Vallarta. Yes, you are so right Peavera-Liekens, many of these comments come off as clueless. Really? Mexico has both public and private healthcare systems. Both countries struggle with drug traffickers and street gangs. 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) Its too close to be exotic, or so I thought. Bras x 3 (sports + regular) Jeans or pants x 3. This category doesnt apply to me, since I work for myself. At least not compared to what you get in Colombia with the mix of beaches, mountains, and jungle. Mexico City has four major bus stations, which have multiple bus routes to different parts of the country. 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