Latam Living Consultation
Book Your Consultation with Eric
Moving to Mexico isn’t just about packing bags — it’s about making well-informed decisions that save you money, stress, and wasted effort.
What We’ll Cover Together
During this one-on-one strategy session, we’ll discuss:
- Your goals, needs, and non-negotiables
- Visa and residency considerations
- Housing and real estate options (renting vs buying)
- Importance of a proper menaje de casa
- Moving logistics, temporary storage, how to hire “fletes”
How it Works
- Choose a date and time that works best for you.
- Confirm your booking with quick online payment.
- Join the call via Google Meet.
I’ve Been Through it All
I’ve been where you are — when I started, I knew virtually nothing about the procedures for moving to Mexico. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to move forward, this consultation gives you clarity, confidence, and an action plan tailored to you.
- I’ve previously lived in Ecuador and Panama. I came to Mexico in 2018 to scope out where I wanted to live.
- I applied for temporary residency in 2019 at the Mexican consulate in Guatemala (you don’t have to apply in the US/Canada etc.).
- I’ve lived in Mérida, Querétaro and currently reside in Playa del Carmen.
- I was granted permanent residency in 2023.
- I’ve moved household items and a car via ship.
- I’ve moved household items and a motorcycle by land.
- I was granted temporary import of car through Banjercito.
- I imported my motorcycle through a pedimento.
- I bought property in the restricted zone through a fideicomiso.
- I opened two bank accounts in Mexico.
- I secured e.firma with SAT.
- I plated my motorcycle with Mexican plates with a gestor.
Glossary of Mexican Words
Not sure what some of the terms above mean? Here’s a quick glossary you can reference anytime.
Banjercito
Banjercito is Mexico’s military bank. Among other services, it’s the official institution that issues Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) for foreign vehicles. If you’re bringing a car, motorcycle, or RV into Mexico, your TIP is processed and managed through Banjercito.
e.firma
e.firma is Mexico’s official digital signature issued by SAT (the tax authority, think IRS). It links your identity to encrypted files they provide you on your thumb drive and lets you carry out legal and tax procedures online — such as filing taxes, signing contracts, or registering a business — with the same validity as signing in person.
Fideicomiso
A fideicomiso is a bank trust that allows foreigners to buy property inside Mexico’s “restricted zones” — land located within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the coast or 100 kilometers (62 miles) of Mexico’s borders. The bank technically holds the title, but you as the beneficiary of the trust have all ownership rights: you can sell, rent, remodel, or will the property to heirs.
Fletes
Fletes are local moving services in Mexico, different from the big trailers used for long-haul or international moves. Most fletes are “mom and pop” type operations, using open-air, crate-style trucks where furniture and large items can fit easily since there’s no roof. They’re simple and practical for short moves, like transferring belongings from a storage facility to your new home.
Gestor
A gestor is an independent facilitator who helps with bureaucratic processes in Mexico — things like registering a vehicle, getting license plates, or handling other paperwork at government offices. Think of a gestor as a fixer who knows the system and saves you hours of waiting in line or getting rejected for submitting insufficient/incorrect documentation. Some things are worth paying for — a gestor is one of them.
Pedimento
A pedimento is the official customs form used to import goods into Mexico. For vehicles, it’s the document proving that taxes and duties were paid and that the import process was legally completed.