Last Updated on April 3, 2025 by Eric Livingston

Moving to Mexico One-on-One Video/Phone Consultation

Expert Advice on Moving to Mexico

My Brief Story

I moved from the US to Mexico in 2017. I arrived in Mérida, Yucatán, totally exited, emocional and overall ready to embrace this new stage of my life. I had simply had enough of living in the United States and needed a change. I got a divorce in 2016, closed my business, sold my house, and the rest is history.

Your Attractive Heading

Most People That Move to Mexico Have a Reason That’s Personal

I think many people that move to Mexico have a deeply personal reason for moving. I think things such as divorce, health issues, death in the family, job loss, retirement along with high cost of living are just a few of the personal reasons why people move to Mexico. Naturally these reasons rarely come up in light discussion with others, especially strangers. Most will claim they moved to Mexico for the climate, beach, political reasons, or something of that sort but I’d say the majority have a deeper reason for moving to Mexico.

I Moved Because of Divorce and Feeling Stagnant in Florida

I think sometimes people get to a point where they’ve just “had enough” of their current life and situation in the US or elsewhere and need a change. A breath of fresh air if you will. I had lived in Florida for 20 years and I just had enough. I felt this need to get out. I already knew Spanish, so Mexico was the logical choice.


I Feel Like I’ve “Been Through it All” Moving to Mexico

I feel like I’ve been through it all while moving to Mexico, and not necessarily in the most conventional manner. Throughout my move I experienced the following:

Instead of going to the Mexican embassy in the US, which is what probably 95% of Americans do, I went to the Mexican embassy in Guatemala City, Guatemala to get my temporary residency.
I learned what a “menaje de casa” is, created a very useful and precise Excel template and shipped all my belongings via cargo ship to Mexico.
I also shipped my Cadillac CTS-V to Mexico (Big mistake).
I got temporary driving permission though Banjercito in Progreso, Yucatán.
I bought and sold property in Mérida Yucatán using a “fideicomiso” to buy the property.
Later I crossed a motorcycle over from El Paso, Texas and imported it legally through a “pedimento”
I eventually got plates for my motorcycle in Querétaro, QRO.
I bought a brand-new car in Querétaro and plated it.
I’ve rented apartments in both Mérida, Yucatán and Querétaro, QRO.
I secured permanent residency.
I got my CURP and RFC.
I got eFIRMA with SAT (Mexico’s IRS).

There’s More to it than Just the Steps You Need to Take When Moving to Mexico

Besides the numerous steps you need to take when moving to Mexico, you really need to think about where you want to live. I’ll come right out and say it that I think “Security” is somewhat overrated. I truly believe you shouldn’t just randomly move to the “safest place”. I could go on and on about this but it’s important to consider what are your goals in moving beyond safety. Proximity to the beach or mountains, climate, nightlife or quiet surroundings, health, working out etc… What do you REALLY want? Think of that first, then look into safety if you want.

Moving to Mexico and Different Cities within Mexico Isn’t Cheap

The reason I mentioned the safety problem is because it happened to me. I blindly picked Mérida and after a few years I realized I made a mistake. I know that everybody is different, but I personally can’t stand insane humidity and temperatures that got up to 111° Fahrenheit in May of 2024. Constant power outages, trash in the streets (which nobody talks about) was enough for me. I record my motorcycle trips and have real true insight on Mérida and Querétaro, not just someone that went on vacation for a few days and put up a YouTube video of the nice spots that all tourists frequent. I know what it’s really like from having boots on the ground.


I Have Experience in Other Latam Countries

I lived in Ecuador for years. I lived there long ago but still visit once in a while. My daughter and her mom still live there. I also have permanent residence there, as my daughter was born there. I’ve been to the following Latam countries numerous times, not just once:

Brazil (My second wife was Brazilian; I’ve been many times and love Brazil)
Colombia (One of my favorite countries)
Ecuador (Lived for 5 years and visit occasionally)
Honduras (Roatán, Islas de la Bahía/Bay Islands)
Mexico (I live here as a permanent resident)
Panama (I got permanent residence in Panama as well)

I Don’t Claim to Be an Expert in All Countries

I find it a bit discouraging when I see others claim to be an expert in “all countries”. I mean really, that’s impossible. It’s one thing to visit a country for a few days, but living permanently for years is a whole different ballgame. I do consider myself to have extensive knowledge of the countries listed above, but I’m not exactly sure what defines an “expert”. I know a lot of linguistic differences, geographical differences, safer cities or areas etc. I just know it’s not some “get a passport” company for every country in the world.

I Will Become Naturalized in Mexico

Even with all its pitfalls, I really have become accustomed to living in Mexico. I really like living here. It’s no perfect by any means but no place is. I can’t imagine returning to the US to live. I feel like I just don’t fit in with the overall culture. Ever since my first real trip to Ecuador, I’ve had this urge to know a world outside the US. I’ve been to other countries in Asia as well, but I can’t imagine living in a country where I can’t speak the language. You really need to learn Spanish to live anywhere in Latin America. It’s a great journey and it’s never too late to start. I will study soon to become naturalized. It involves learning the history and national anthem of Mexico. I haven’t started yet but it’s on my close radar and will start the process in 2025. I hope to document my progress.

Want a Consultation on Moving to Mexico?

Kindly fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible to set up the phone or video call. Whatever you prefer! ¡Gracias por visitar Latam Living!

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