Living & Lifestyle insights for June

Insights and tips for better living & lifestyle in Mexico

Rain season across the mainland — Refreshing summer rains have started to sweep heavily across many parts of the mainland, drenching the landscape and replacing the dry season’s stale air with sensational floral fragrances and painting the landscape in an array of bright colors. Read our guides and articles about Mexico’s rainy season including our guide about learning to live well through the periods of heavy rain.

Learn or improve your Spanish this summer — When you’re living in Mexico, or if you plan to make Mexico a part of your lifestyle plans in the future, consider learning or improving your Spanish language skills. Our PinPoint Spanish series offers insights into the nuances and uses of Spanish in Mexico and our Spanish language associates offer convenient online lessons customized to your language-learning goals.

Residency applications using Family Unit rules — We have been remarking in recent newsletters about how criteria and processes are being tightened for applicants using the Family Unit rules.  This is a reminder that, in addition to applications taking longer, applicants who apply as the dependent spouse or common-law partner of a Mexican or existing foreign resident might be given one year of residency instead of two to begin with and if so will have to apply to renew after year one. Also be aware that many immigration offices are now scheduling home visits at the couple’s registered address before they complete the process and issue residency cards when applicants use the Family Unit rules.

The effect of exchange rates when you buy a house in Mexico — Mexico’s peso is a free-floating currency on the world’s foreign exchange market, and in recent times the currency has been experiencing a noticeable degree of volatility—especially in relation to its value against the US dollar.  When you’re buying a house in Mexico, the peso’s changing value can have a significant impact on the price you pay in your home currency.  This article describes how exchange rates affect house purchase prices and introduces a company that specializes in helping buyers to mitigate the risks of currency exchange volatility when buying a house in Mexico.

Applying for and managing your residency — If you’re planning to apply for residency in Mexico, our detailed outline of the process helps you to map out the journey. Our guide about managing your residency in Mexico is filled with helpful advice for existing residents. Our immigration associates offer consultation and practical assistance to help through every stage of the process as you apply for and afterward manage your Mexico residency.

Seasonal storms and power cuts — Summer is a beautiful and also dramatic time of year in Mexico, especially across the mainland, as the summer storms visit winds, rain, thunder and lightning upon this land’s vast and diverse terrains. Wind storms in Mexico are mystical: powerful wind storms can appear from nowhere and vanish as quickly as they arrived.  Electricity supply in Mexico has never been more reliable that it is today; however, many cables feeding homes are still hung overground and summer storms can take out poles and transformers causing temporary power cuts; our guide to dealing with power outages offers practical advice.

Peak season at the Copper Canyon — Mexico’s Copper Canyon is popular with visitors at this time of year, as the rains cause the canyon’s rivers to swell, and their flora to burst into life.  If you’re planning ahead for tours this coming fall, summer is a good time to book a visit to experience the Monarch Butterflies that arrive in November to overwinter in Mexico.

Location matters, but how does it matter to you?  — The popularity of places for foreign residents to live in Mexico tends of oscillate over time. Smaller towns off-the-beaten-path can sometimes become magnets for investment and mushroom in popularity, while interest in places already teeming with foreign residents can wane. It can be regularly observed that many people buying houses in Mexico will look first at popular or currently-trendy places and choose one of those, but the shrewdest buyers tend to consider their lifestyle needs and choose a location based on how it furnishes those, instead.

Summer road trips across Mexico — Our extensive guide to driving and road trips in Mexico offers practical advice to help you prepare for your journey, including bringing your foreign-plated car across the border, using toll roads, road safety and vehicle security, vehicle breakdowns, dealing with accidents, and being properly insured in Mexico.

Two stories about Mexico City for those who enjoy reading (e)books — Foreign Native discovers two books by a contemporary Mexican novelist which capture the spirit and attitude of Mexico City.

Legal title of a residential property vs property possession — Some very attractive homes in Mexico, especially those situated in (semi)rural locations, may offer you possession but not legal title. When you’re seeking something rural and/or unusual you might need to weigh up how important having legal title is to you, as well as understand the conditions of buying property on agrarian terms. This article describes the differences and the practicalities of buying and selling untitled land.

No car, no car problems — The costs of buying and running an automobile in Mexico have been rising, along with everything else. Having your own car still offers unparalleled convenience, and might be essential in some circumstances, although some foreign residents living in Mexico discover that it’s possible to live well here without being dependent on car ownership.  Our guide to living without a car in Mexico offers some insights and tips.

Summertime Leisure Tours in Mexico

Walking Tours: It’s the perfect time of year to take a walking tour. Our associates in Mexico City and Ajijic/Chapala offer tours to help you discover these places on foot.

Other tours: Our associates can also help with custom tours to experience Mexico’s Copper Canyon on what is one of the world’s most extraordinary train journeys.

If you’re planning ahead for the fall season, consider visiting one of the natural sanctuaries in the oyamel fir tree forests west of Mexico City to experience the phenomenal Monarch Butterflies.

Mexico Living Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

The things you need to live well, to live comfortably, and to live simply are here.  They probably aren’t in the shapes and forms that you’re used to seeing; and how they manifest themselves might be different and, at first, alien to your customs.  This journey of discovery is one that you’ll have to undertake consciously if you intend to create a new lifestyle for yourself in Mexico.

Full adoption of any foreign country requires compromise, acceptance, and understanding.  Moving to Mexico will oblige you to change habits, surrender certain whims, and accept life for what it is, not what you wish it or demand it to be.  In return, Mexico could gift new dimensions to your life, for example, by encouraging you to see beyond your current horizon, and connecting you to friends of the kind you never thought possible.

You will witness the kindnesses and wickedness of human nature as the well-documented contrasts present themselves regularly.  Situations here will at times frustrate you or annoy you; sometimes they will appear to tease you for no apparent reason.

Mexico can also fill you with an energy and joy that will remain in you always.  It’s this spontaneous tapestry that creates the almost mystical allure that has brought foreigners to live here, and live out their lives here, for better and for worse, for centuries.  And when —or more precisely, if— you can find peace with all that Mexico is and all that Mexico is not, you will begin to find your place in these lands. If you don’t or discover that you can’t tread that testing path and adapt, Mexico will surely break your endeavors and send you back whence you came.

You might choose a big city, a home in the mountains, or perhaps you’ll find a tranquil place to live beside the ocean, or in the Mexican countryside.  The topographical diversity here offers ample choice of locations.

Whatever location you choose, your true place, when you find it in Mexico, will be anchored in the spaces that you will come to adore but which you cannot easily define, and in the feelings you hold for them which cannot be easily expressed.

It has been said that Mexico deposits a certain dust on visitors’ shoes that will cause them to return for good, or never again.  The allegory fits well with the contrasts so often cited in lore, but it would be foolhardy to encapsulate that thing, that indefinable attendance which attracts and repels so many to these complex and absorbing lands, in such black-and-white terms.  To adapt, you’ll need to turn up with an open mind, with courage and tenacity, and be prepared to craft your own story here—on Mexico’s terms.

If what you’re seeing on the news keeps you away from Mexico, your perceptions have been hijacked before you allowed yourself an opportunity to better understand these lands, and see what others here see: a country in transition, a country which is, by and large, less violent than those places where stones are so readily thrown from glass houses.

Finding your place in Mexico requires due course.  There are no shortcuts, no tricks or cheats to download, no instant answers.  And as you embark on this journey you’ll never quite understand how irrelevant all your preconceptions are to become as Mexico simultaneously encourages and obliges you to find your peace amidst its contrasts and eccentricities.

If you come to truly embrace Mexico, as its closest friends who are foreign-born to these lands do, it will most likely be through a baptism of fire that will test your character, your mettle, and your heart; through a journey of discovery that brings you to being each day and a knowing within that here is where your life belongs.

Resources for Living & Lifestyle in Mexico

Mexperience offers you a comprehensive online resource of information and local knowledge to help you discover Mexico, explore choices, find opportunities and plan a new life in Mexico.  Our resources include:

• Helpful articles to help you plan your Mexico lifestyle
• Insights and tips for settling-in and cultivating a life here
• Detailed information about seeking residency in Mexico
• Detailed guides to cultivating your life and lifestyle in Mexico
• A regular Mexico Newsletter you can subscribe to for free

Living & Lifestyle insights for June

Insights and tips for better living & lifestyle in Mexico

Summertime in Mexico — June 21st heralds the arrival of summer in Mexico.  Some refreshing rains have already started to sweep across parts the mainland and are beginning to break the long-dry spell of the winter and early spring—settling the dust and propelling fragrances into the air as the flora bloom and flourish. Most of Mexico abandoned clock changes in 2022, but the extraordinary light continues to extend into the evenings here.

Mosquito defense — The summer heat and rains bring a proliferation of mosquitoes, which are most prevalent in Mexico between April and November. Their numbers swell significantly between June to October as the females are driven to fetch blood that contains the iron they need to produce their eggs. We offer practical advice for dealing with mosquitoes in Mexico.

Essential Skills for Expats — We have revised and updated our five-part series which describes essential skills expats should have or develop to help settle-in, adapt, and assimilate to their lifestyles in Mexico.  The articles in the series are cross-referenced to detailed guides on Mexperience that help you delve deeper into each topic and connect to helpful resources.

Residency via Family Unit — If you have defined family connections in Mexico, most commonly a spouse or common-law partner, you can apply for residency in Mexico using the Family Unit rules. Our immigration associates have advised us that Family Unit applications are now taking considerably longer to process—paperwork requirements are stricter and the immigration offices are undertaking more background checks on applicants. We have previously commented in these pages that it’s a big risk to seek residency in Mexico by declaring a fake relationship.

Applying for and managing your residency — If you’re planning to apply for residency in Mexico, our detailed outline of the process helps you to map out the journey. Our guide  about managing your residency in Mexico is filled with helpful advice for existing residents. Our immigration associates offer consultation and practical assistance to help through every stage of the process as you apply for and afterward manage your Mexico residency.

Summer treats — There’s nothing quite like the enjoyment of an ice-cream on a slow, hot, summer’s afternoon. Mexican ice cream and popsicle choices are varied, flavorsome, and widely available from local stores, fancy-brand parlors, and street vendors, so there’s no excuse not to try a new flavor this summer!

Learning or improving your Spanish — When you’re living in Mexico, or if you plan to make Mexico a part of your lifestyle plans in the future, consider learning or improving your Spanish language skills. Being able to converse in Spanish will give you access to the local culture and people in ways that are not possible through third party interpretation, and help to make your experiences more meaningful. Our PinPoint Spanish series offers insights into the nuances and uses of Spanish in Mexico and our Spanish language associates offer courses with lessons customized to your language-learning goals.

Extraordinary journeys — Mexico’s Copper Canyon is popular with visitors at this time of year, as the rains cause the canyon’s rivers to swell, and their flora to burst into life.  If you’re planning ahead for tours this coming fall, summer is a good time to book a visit to experience the Monarch Butterflies that arrive in November to overwinter in Mexico.

Summer road trips across Mexico — Our extensive guide to driving and road trips in Mexico offers practical advice to help you prepare for your journey, including bringing your foreign-plated car across the border, using toll roads, road safety and vehicle security, vehicle breakdowns, dealing with accidents, and being properly insured in Mexico.

Attractions and benefits of retirement in Mexico — Mexico has a lot to offer people relocating here and it’s especially attractive to retirees as some of the features and benefits are especially helpful to them. Learn about the key benefits Mexico offers to retirees and connect to detailed guides sharing local knowledge and helpful connections.

Home Stewardship — This is a good time of year to check around your house and home for any maintenance and repairs that might need attendance ahead of the heavy rain storms—that can also include hurricanes. Our guides about Home Stewardship in Mexico share in-depth local knowledge and advice to keep your house and home safe and in good shape. Consider insuring your Mexican home to mitigate the financial costs of unforeseen events caused by burglary, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.

A property to buy, to build, or to renovate? — Most people who purchase property in Mexico opt for a prebuilt house, but opportunities exist for building on land plots as well as renovating old worn-down or derelict properties. Learn about the options, advantages and challenges that accompany each one. For more insights to Mexican property, read our continuously-updated guide to Real Estate in Mexico.

An idyllic lifestyle in the Mexican countryside — There’s a great deal of romance attached to an attractive home surrounded by a bright colorful garden replete with a cozy terrace to while away evenings and weekends in the company of family and friends… but will the Mexican countryside suit your lifestyle? Our detailed article describes the charms and compromises.

Summertime Leisure Tours in Mexico

Walking Tours: It’s the perfect time of year to take a walking tour. Our associates in Mexico City and Ajijic/Chapala offer tours to help you discover these places on foot.

Other tours: Our associates can also help with custom tours to experience Mexico’s Copper Canyon on what is one of the world’s most extraordinary train journeys.

If you’re planning ahead for the fall season, consider visiting one of the natural sanctuaries in the oyamel fir tree forests west of Mexico City to experience the phenomenal Monarch Butterflies.

Mexico Living Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for May

Insights and tips for better living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Key dates in May — Labor Day on May 1st is a national holiday in Mexico and this year falls on a Thursday —and is likely to engulf Friday to create an informal ‘long-weekend holiday’— especially by those who work flexibly from home. Cinco de Mayo on the fifth is not a national holiday, but Mother’s Day on May 10th is an important cultural date and unofficial day-off for working mothers—this year it falls on a Saturday.

Seasonal bridge — The month of May is often a bridge between the dry season and the rainy season across Mexico’s mainland. The iconic Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and will soon shed the distinctive purple flowers to redress their branches in elegant green. The seasonal transition is often accompanied by ad-hoc wind storms which may appear suddenly. The rainy season typically returns across Mexico’s mainland from around mid-May, or during June, depending on the year and the region.

Road trips in Mexico — Our extensive guide to driving and road trips in Mexico offers practical advice to help you prepare for your journey, including bringing your foreign-plated car across the border, using toll roads, road safety and vehicle security, vehicle breakdowns, dealing with accidents, and being properly insured in Mexico.

Permanent Residency — It’s possible to obtain Residente Permanente (RP) without first having Residente Temporal (RT); however: you’ll need to demonstrate to the Mexican consulate that you are ‘retired’; the economic solvency requirements are higher; and if you’re applying as a couple there is a quirk in the rules you should know about. If you have certain defined family connections in Mexico it might be possible to apply for permanent residency that way. If you don’t qualify for RP right away, you may apply for temporary residency and exchange that for RP after four consecutive years.

Applying for and managing your residency — If you’re planning to apply for residency in Mexico, our detailed outline of the process helps you to map out the journey. Our guide  about managing your residency in Mexico is filled with helpful advice for existing residents.  Our immigration associates offer consultation and practical assistance to help through every stage of the process as you apply for and afterward manage your Mexico residency.

Learning or improving your Spanish — When you’re living in Mexico, or if you plan to make Mexico a part of your lifestyle plans in the future, consider learning or improving your Spanish language skills. Being able to converse in Spanish will give you access to the local culture and people in ways that are not possible through third party interpretation, and help to make your experiences more meaningful. Our PinPoint Spanish series offers insights into the nuances and uses of Spanish in Mexico and our Spanish language associates offer courses with lessons customized to your language-learning goals.

Choosing a climate to live in — When you’re considering places to live in Mexico, consider the local year-round climate at the locations you’re short-listing.  Typically, Mexico’s coastal regions are sultry during the spring and summer, warm and comfortable during the fall and winter; whereas the highland regions inland tend to offer temperate climates year-round—albeit with cooler and sometimes cold climates in the late fall and winter. Mexico’s territory is vast and so variations and nuances exist; our article about this land of three lands introduces you to the climate zones. See also: More articles for further insights to Mexico’s climates and annual seasons.

Enjoying the local flavors — One of the big attractions about visiting and especially living in Mexico is the abundance and variety of foods and flavors available here. Mexico’s climates, its rich volcanic soils and extensive coastal plains provide ideal growing environments for enormous assortments of fresh produce; and local markets, stores, and traders make the produce readily accessible. Learn more about local food shopping in Mexico; including wholesome fresh food options; and if you’re a foodie, Mexico also offers shopping options for those seeking gourmet and imported foods.

Find purpose and spot potential pitfalls in your Mexico lifestyle — Moving to Mexico (or to a new location in Mexico) is often an exciting and rewarding period in your life situations, but when the initial excitement fades, you’re inevitably faced dealing with everyday matters and challenges. It’s helpful to explore the importance of developing purpose and routines to create balance and meaning in your new location and lifestyle; our article also highlights common risks and pitfalls which, left unattended, may become seedbeds that grow discord and undermine original intentions.  This article about finding purpose and routines is an integral part our extensive and regularly-updated guide to Living & Lifestyles in Mexico.

Fractional ownership of a property in Mexico — If you want to buy and hold ownership of physical property in Mexico but you don’t have sufficient capital, and don’t want to borrow to buy, you might consider fractional ownership.  Fractional ownership can also be used when you want to fold a property into a project with its ownership shared across two or more parties; it’s sometimes also used for estate planning.  It’s important to note that fractional property ownership is not Timeshare. Fractional property ownership offers a legally-defined share of a physical property whereas Timeshare offers annual trips to visit defined properties through contracts which may be complex and carry restrictive conditions. For more insights to Mexican property, read our continuously-updated guide to Real Estate in Mexico.

Managing your money in Mexico — We publish and continually-update helpful guides to money, currency, and banking services in Mexico. Get a comprehensive overview of Mexico’s money system as well as the banks and banking services available that help to facilitate the commercial interactions you’ll need to engage with while you’re here.  Guide to money, finances, and banking services in Mexico.

Springtime Leisure Tours in Mexico

Walking Tours: It’s the perfect time of year to take a walking tour. Our associates in Mexico City and Ajijic/Chapala offer tours to help you discover these places on foot.

Other tours: Our associates can also help with custom tours to experience Mexico’s Copper Canyon on what is one of the world’s most extraordinary train journeys.

If you’re planning ahead for the fall season, consider visiting one of the natural sanctuaries in the oyamel fir tree forests west of Mexico City to experience the phenomenal Monarch Butterflies.

Mexico Living Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for April

Insights and tips for better living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Easter Holidays — Easter, in Mexico termed as Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of Mexico’s ‘big three’ holidays, alongside Christmas and Día de los Muertos. We have tips for traveling during this busy holiday period, and learn why it’s a good time to visit the capital.  Read our articles and guides about Easter in Mexico.

Dealing with the Dry Season — The ‘long dry’ spell has taken hold across Mexico’s mainland—April and May tend to become hot, dusty, and brittle before the rains return to refresh and replenish the landscape, usually in May or June depending on the year and the region.  Water use at home ought to be conserved. We have tips for living well through the dry season in Mexico.

RNE Program redefined — An immigration regularization procedure that is commonly referred to as RNE (Registro Nacional de Extranjeros) started out as a program to help people who could not travel during Covid19, and afterwards became a means for many foreigners with a recently expired visitor permit to apply for residency in Mexico. The program has been significantly redefined (tightened-up) since mid-March.  We have updated our guide and FAQs with full details.

Family Unit residency applications — Also note that our immigration associates have been reporting tightened processes for residency applications via Family Unit.  Immigration offices are asking for additional documentation in some cases and applications are taking longer to process.

Check your residency card — We’re seeing an uptick in the number of people contacting us about expired residency cards.  If you have a Temporary Residency (RT) card or are the parent/guardian of a minor with a Permanent Residency (RP) card, we strongly recommend you check the expiry date on the card.  You must file for renewal/exchange in the 30-day window before the expiry date printed on the card.  See our guide about the special rules for dealing with expired residency cards.  Our associates may be able to help if you need assistance with an expired residency card.

Easter Closing: Immigration Offices in Mexico will be closed on Good Friday (April 18) and possibly also on Holy Thursday (April 17).  We recommend you factor in additional time to your schedule/plans if you are making an immigration filing or have a procedure in train during the Easter holiday period.

Applying for and managing your residency — If you’re planning to apply for residency in Mexico this spring, this detailed outline of the process helps you to map out the journey. Our guide  about managing your residency in Mexico is filled with helpful advice for existing residents.

Vaping outlawed in Mexico — Mexico’s congress recently passed a law outlawing all vaping products.  The law is still inside its six-month implementation phase and Customs Halls at borders across Mexico have posted notices about the ban.  Readers have contacted us to say that they have already had vaping devices and materials confiscated on random spot-checks. For smokers seeking alternatives, nicotine lozenges have made a recent comeback at stores in Mexico.

Reminder about official documents — When you’re filing official documents in Mexico that were originally issued outside of Mexico —for example, Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates— you will need to get these Apostilled and Translated into Spanish by an authorized translator.

Learning Spanish — If you plan to live in Mexico —or are living here already— we recommend you make time to learn or improve your Spanish language skills.  Reasons for learning Spanish are numerous; our PinPoint Spanish series helps you delve into the nuances of Mexican Spanish, and our language learning associates offer Spanish lessons online.

Choosing or Changing your life situation — How you approach a potential move to Mexico —or changes to your lifestyle if you’re already here— will usually depend on your personality and the evolving priorities of your own situation. Whether you’re planning a move to Mexico, or are already here and need to make some adjustments, these typical approaches provide an anchor to work from and also connect to other helpful insights—all part of our extensive guide to Living & Lifestyles in Mexico.

Renting a home in Mexico — Mexico’s house rental market is large, varied, and highly localized.  Learn about the practicalities of scouting for a suitable rental home, and read our guide about finding and managing your long term rental.

Financial planning — There are two calculations you will need to make to determine the financial means you will need to have at your disposal to live in Mexico.  The first calculation is related to the financial requirements to qualify for a residency permit in Mexico, and the second calculation is related to your real living costs in Mexico.  This article describes how the numbers stack up.

Road trips in Mexico — Our extensive guide to driving and road trips in Mexico offers lots of practical advice to help you prepare for your journey, including bringing your foreign-plated car across the border, using toll roads, road safety and vehicle security, vehicle breakdowns, dealing with accidents, and being properly insured in Mexico.

Springtime Leisure Tours in Mexico

Walking Tours: It’s the perfect time of year to take a walking tour. Our associates in Mexico City and Ajijic/Chapala offer tours to help you discover these places on foot.

Other tours: Our associates can also help with custom tours to experience Mexico’s Copper Canyon on what is one of the world’s most extraordinary train journeys.  If you’re planning ahead for the fall season, consider visiting one of the natural sanctuaries in the oyamel fir tree forests west of Mexico City to experience the phenomenal Monarch Butterflies.

Mexico Living Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for March

Insights and tips for better living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Spring into a new season — March heralds the beginning of Springtime in Mexico, with the months ahead typically building-up heat until the rains return in May or June. Water supplies at home may need to be conserved as the dry season takes hold. We offer practical tips and advice for navigating your way through the dry season in Mexico.

Benito Juárez holiday weekend — Hot on the heels of last month’s long-weekend holiday, March commemorates the birth of Benito Juárez—one of the most revered of Mexico’s former political leaders.  The original March 21st holiday was moved to the third Monday in March as part of Mexico’s long weekend holidays—which this year falls on March 17th.

Spring into Spanish this season — If you plan to live in Mexico —or are living here already— we recommend you make time to learn or improve your Spanish language skills.  Being able to converse with others in Spanish will enhance every encounter and enrich your experience of being here.  Reasons for learning Spanish are numerous; our PinPoint Spanish series helps you delve into the nuances of Mexican Spanish, and our associates offer Spanish lessons online.

The mosquitoes return — After a winter lull, mosquitoes typically begin to reappear in significant numbers during March, and are most prevalent in Mexico between April and November as their numbers swell during the rainy season, June to October. We share practical advice and tips for dealing effectively with mosquitoes when you’re visiting or living in Mexico.

Motivations for a move to Mexico — Why do you want to move —or why have you already moved— abroad?  And why to Mexico? It’s worth taking some time to reflect on what is motivating you to consider a move to Mexico, or what brought you to Mexico in the first place if you’re already here.  Explore motivations and fundamental choices you’ll need to make as you begin to paint (or repaint) your lifestyle canvass in Mexico—part of our extensive guide to Living & Lifestyles in Mexico.

Residency matters — If you’re planning to apply for residency in Mexico this spring, this detailed outline of the process helps you to map out the journey. Our associates can help: if you’re not sure about whether or how to apply, you can begin with a personal consultation for advice based on your individual situation.

Managing your residency: Check your existing residency cards for their renewal date to avoid having to deal with expired cards. Our article about managing your residency in Mexico is filled with helpful advice for existing residents.

Heaven’s breath — Febrero loco y marzo otro poco is a popular Mexican adage that expresses the unpredictability of weather this time of year. And this is particularly noticeable with Mexico’s mystical winds, which can suddenly transform a perfectly still afternoon or night into a dramatic outdoor event—which might also cause some disturbances to your home’s electricity supply.

Cost of Living in Mexico: People considering lifestyles in Mexico often ask about the cost of living, and the answer is always: “it depends.” Our detailed guide to living costs in Mexico helps you learn about the real cost of living and to create a budget based on your individual situation and lifestyle choices.

The pay days that fuel Fridays — Even in the era of mass credit, in Mexico shopping, nights out to eat or watch a movie, and road traffic levels generally are heavily influenced by its 24 pay days a year. Foreign Native shares comments and insights about how “Quincenas” fuel the weekend rush—and the economy as a whole.

Springtime road trips in Mexico — Our extensive guide to driving and road trips in Mexico offers lots of practical advice to help you prepare for your journey, including bringing your foreign-plated car across the border, using toll roads, road safety and vehicle security, vehicle breakdowns, dealing with accidents, and being properly insured in Mexico.

The Copper Canyon through the seasons: Seasonally, May and June tend to be the driest months in the canyons. July to November are months when the rains are most abundant and the canyons’ flora show-off their deepest greens.  Between December and May, the flora’s colors are in transition between the wet and dry seasons.  Read our detailed guide about Mexico’s Copper Canyon. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and absorb breath-taking natural scenery on a custom tours fully organized by our travel associate, so that you can spend your time absorbing the experience.

A dwelling space suited to your needs — When you’re looking for long-term housing, broadly you’ll have to choose between renting or buying a house, and there are other choices and practicalities to consider as you search for and find a home for your lifestyle situation in Mexico.  Our guide to finding suitable accommodations in Mexico shares key insights to help you find and settle into a home.

Care for your dwelling spaces — Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey: at the planning stage, the moving stage, and as you settle-in to your new life in Mexico.  The extensive guides and articles presented in our Mexico Home Life section help you cultivate a local lifestyle, and our section about Home Stewardship helps you learn about keeping your home and dwelling spaces in good order.

Insurance for short trips and extended stays — Long-term residents in Mexico will tend to arrange a local health insurance plan, but there are lots of people who visit Mexico on short stays, and some who come to Mexico on extended stays and want an insurance policy to cover emergency medical expenses while they’re here.  Learn about insurance coverages for short-term trips, and if you’re in Mexico for a longer stay not exceeding six months, our article about coverages for extended stays in Mexico provides guidance and connects you to our insurance associate for a quote.

Springtime Leisure Tours in Mexico

The Monarch butterflies leave in March, but there are other attractions and opportunities to get outdoors in Mexico this spring.

Other tours: Our associates can help with custom tours to experience Mexico’s Copper Canyon on what is one of the world’s most extraordinary train journeys.

Walking tour of Mexico City: It’s the perfect time of year to take a walking tour of Mexico City, and our associate David Lida can create a customized tour for you or your small group.

Mexico Living Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for February

Insights and tips for better living, lifestyle, and leisure in Mexico.

Tamales and a long weekend holiday — If your slice of delicious Rosca de Reyes revealed a baby doll, tradition calls for you to host a social night to serve tamales on February 2nd, Candelaria, and invite your close friends and family. February is host to the first long-weekend holiday of the year: the first Monday of the month marks Día de la Constitución that this year falls on the day after Candelaria.

Residency qualification using income or savings — Although Mexico’s minimum daily wage increased by 12% this year, the income or savings required to qualify for residency in Mexico in 2025 fell slightly in US-dollar terms due to the fall in value of Mexico’s peso last year. Mexican Consulates abroad have not adopted UMA. If you don’t qualify for residency under economic solvency rules, other routes might be open to you.

Mexico’s peso in 2024, and prospects for 2025 — Mexico’s peso started 2024 in fine spirits, but events during the summer brought pressure to bear on the currency, causing a 19% devaluation by year-end. Our annual peso review describes the currency’s ups and downs last year.

Insurance for short trips and extended stays — Long-term residents in Mexico will tend to arrange a local health insurance plan, but there are lots of people who visit Mexico on short stays, and some who come to Mexico on extended stays and want an insurance policy to cover emergency medical expenses while they’re here.  Learn about insurance coverages for short-term trips, and if you’re in Mexico for a longer stay not exceeding six months, our article about coverages for extended stays in Mexico provides guidance and connects you to our insurance associate for a quote.

Shopping with your smartphone in Mexico — The latest payment terminals in stores, supermarkets, and restaurants across Mexico enable customers to use their smartphones to pay at the counter. Our article about making payments using your smartphone describes how you can use your phone instead of a plastic card to pay for goods and services and is a complement to our guide about using your debit and credit cards in Mexico.

Meeting people, making friends — A vital component of becoming integrated into your lifestyle in Mexico is seeking out and connecting with local people, community groups, and others with similar interests to yours. There are plenty of avenues to explore and achieve this, and our guide to cultivating your social and community networks shares ideas and inspiration.

February ushers-in the dry season in earnest — The dry season is beginning to make itself increasingly apparent. Moisture near the topsoil left from rains that ended last October is evaporating and temperatures will warm-up significantly from late February. This a time of year to consider how you use water at home, and there are also practical matters to consider which we cover and offer advice about in our guide to living well through the dry season in Mexico.

Winter road trips in Mexico — Our extensive guide to driving and road trips in Mexico offers lots of practical advice to help you prepare for your journey, including bringing your foreign-plated car across the border, using toll roads, road safety and vehicle security, vehicle breakdowns, dealing with accidents, and being properly insured in Mexico.

Most popular month to view the butterflies — The Monarch Butterflies returned during November to overwinter in the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City. If you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit. Mid-January to late February is peak viewing season as the butterflies are most active during this time.  If you can’t make it this season, you can book ahead for the autumn of 2025 and winter of 2026.

Selling your house in Mexico during 2025 — We’ve seen an uptick in interest from people seeking to sell their home in Mexico. Our extensive guide to real estate includes detailed chapters on how homeowners in Mexico typically put a sales value their property, how they promote and sell their property, and the costs and taxes associated with selling real estate.

Places for living in Mexico — People seeking a move to Mexico (or those already here and considering a relocation to another place) always need to scout for potential locations to live. Our guide to living places in Mexico is organized into popular locations, emerging destinations, as well as places off the beaten path. But before you fall in love with the ideals of living in any particular Mexican village, town, or city, it’s prudent to consider your life stage and life styles, and our detailed guide to matching your location with your lifestyle needs offers detailed and valuable insights, regardless of what locations make it to your shortlist.

Updated guide about moving your personal goods — Moving your household goods to Mexico is not as straightforward as it might seem, as the import and export rules can vary depending on your circumstances. We’ve completely revised our guide to moving your personal goods to Mexico.

Express yourself in Spanish: Discover why Spanish is important, connect to Spanish language courses online, and in Mexico.  Our PinPoint Spanish series shares insights and nuances into everyday Spanish usage in Mexico.

Autumn Leisure Tours in Mexico

Plan your fall/winter visit to the butterfly sanctuaries:  The Monarch Butterflies return to the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City, and if you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit.

Mexico Living & Lifestyle Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for January

Insights and tips for better living, lifestyle, and leisure in Mexico.

New Year celebrations wrap-up the holiday season — The festive period known as Guadalupe-Reyes, that began on December 12th, draws to a close early in the New Year.  January 6th, Dia de Los Reyes Magos —Kings’ Day, or Epiphany— marks the close of the festivities, on an evening traditionally accompanied with family, delicious Rosca de Reyes and a mug of hot chocolate.

Qualifying for residency in 2025 — Mexico’s minimum daily wage increased by 12% for 2025 and thus the income or savings/investments required to qualify for residency in Mexico will also increase. Mexican Consulates abroad publish their residency qualification criteria in January and we’ll keep our guide to financial qualification fully updated as new information becomes available. If you don’t qualify for residency under economic solvency rules, other routes might be open to you.

Dry season — The rain season that affects most of Mexico’s mainland ended in late October this year—pretty much on schedule.  As the New Year unfolds, the dry season will make itself increasingly apparent—and we have tips for living well in the absence of rain.

Winter notes: Winter months in Mexico offer generally agreeable climates but cold fronts can bring snaps of cooler or chilled weather especially to the highlands. Learn about places that can get cold in Mexico during the fall & winter, and how to keep your home warm in these cooler months of the year.

Peak viewing season — The Monarch Butterflies returned during November to overwinter in the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City.  If you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit. Mid-January to late February is peak viewing season as the butterflies are most active during this time.

Your Mexico Lifestyle plan for 2025 — There are some key elements you ought to consider as you make your lifestyle plans and prepare for a move to Mexico in 2025.  Taking time to consider these key factors will help you to step back and define your intentions, discover what lifestyles Mexico offers, identify opportunities of interest to you, weight up the compromises, consider your options, and plot a course based on the things that are important to you.

New Year housekeeping: — The start of a new year is a good opportunity to review your home insurance coverage.  This practical checklist helps you to evaluate your needs, and our associate offers home insurance coverage plans that mitigate the costs of unforeseen losses whether you rent or own a house in Mexico.

2025 property plans — Mexperience guides provide insights and local knowledge at every stage as you make plans for your accommodations and property in Mexico. Our free guide to Mexico real estate is detailed and comprehensive. When you own or rent a home here, we help you to learn about keeping it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Daylight hours — The Winter Solstice passed on December 21st, and daylight is now beginning to lengthen across the northern hemisphere, including in Mexico.  As we often remark on these pages, Mexico provides year-round long daylight hours and the quality of the light here is extraordinary.  It’s one of the key reasons why so many people choose to overwinter in Mexico.

Express yourself in Spanish: Discover why Spanish is important, connect to Spanish language courses online, and in Mexico.  Our PinPoint Spanish series shares insights and nuances into everyday Spanish usage in Mexico.

Retiring to Mexico in 2025: — Mexico has a lot to offer people relocating here and it’s especially attractive to retirees. Our guide to the key benefits Mexico offers to retirees shares detailed information and local knowledge to help you evaluate your choices and make informed decisions.

Mexico’s local bakeries: An important part of Mexico’s past and present are its bread shops, which are found on many busy corners of its towns and cities. When you’re hungry, there’s nothing quite as enticing as the smell of fresh baked bread wafting out from the local panadería.

Autumn Leisure Tours in Mexico

Plan your fall/winter visit to the butterfly sanctuaries:  The Monarch Butterflies return to the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City, and if you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit.

Mexico Living & Lifestyle Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for December

Insights and tips for better living, lifestyle, and leisure in Mexico.

December festivities — December festivities begin on on December 12th, Día de Guadalupe, and end on January 6th, Dia de Los Reyes Magos—that concludes the festive period colloquially referred to as Guadalupe-Reyes which encapsulates the winter holiday season in Mexico.

Christmas processions — Posadas Navideñas are the heart of Mexico’s Christmas traditions, which include the breaking of a colorful Piñata.  Christmas dinner is traditionally taken on the evening of December 24th. The 25th tends to be a quiet day of rest and repair, and is also a public holiday.

Christmas holiday planning: As you prepare for Christmas in Mexico, note that airports, bus stations, roads, interstate highways, and popular resorts become very busy during the Christmas holiday period, starting from around mid-December.  Build-in additional time (and patience) for your road journeys, airport transfers, and bus trips.

Immigration offices and consulates. Immigration offices in Mexico had not published their Christmas holiday schedules at the time of this writing, although the offices are likely to close from around December 19th and reopen again on January 3rd or 6th.  Mexican Consulates abroad will be closed December 25th and January 1st and might also be closed on other days depending on their location—check locally for details.

Winter arriving in Mexico: Winter in Mexico is characterized by mostly dry and bright days with agreeable daytime temperatures. It’s typically warm and comfortable along the coasts and coastal plains.  Comfortably warm and sun-filled daytimes are typical in locations situated inland at higher elevations although occasional cold fronts from the north, early mornings and the hours after sundown can feel sharp or cold in the highlands.  See also: Keeping your home warm.

Winter solstice: December 21st is the ‘shortest’ day of the year, although as our article about Mexico’s long daylight hours describes, you’ll enjoy plenty of daylight throughout the winter (early risers benefit especially) and the quality of the light here is extraordinary.  The agreeable climate is one of they key reasons many people choose to overwinter in Mexico.

New Year indexes: The Mexican government typically announces the increase in the Daily Minimum Wage in December.  Market commentary suggests that the increase will be around 12% and take effect from January 1. Official data for inflation and rises to UMAs are typically published by INEGI in early January.

Residency qualification in 2025: Financial qualification criteria for residency in Mexico are likely to increase in line with the increased in Daily Minimum Wage. We expect to have the numbers by mid-January.

Other 2025 updates: We are reviewing articles and guides related to salaries, inflation, the Mexican peso, UMAs, the cost of living, and residency qualification in December and January to update them as data become available. Our extensive guides to living and lifestyle in Mexico are continuously updated throughout the year.

Applying for residency in Mexico — When you’re intending to apply for a residency permit, our guide to first time applications for residency in Mexico offers a detailed overview of the process.  Our associates offer facilitation through their first-time application support service.

Mexico’s peso under pressure: After touching a peak around $16.30 to the dollar in the spring of 2024, Mexico’s peso is entering the final month of the year under pressure trading at over 20 pesos to the US dollar.  Our article about the history and fortunes of the country’s currency shares further insights.

Express yourself in Spanish: Discover why Spanish is important, connect to Spanish language courses online, and in Mexico.  Our PinPoint Spanish series shares insights and nuances into everyday Spanish usage in Mexico.

Getting back on track: After decades of decline in railway investment, Mexico is reigniting its efforts to get passengers back into railcars for long-distance travel.

Property Matters: House rentals in Mexico — Our article about finding accommodations to suit your lifestyle provides a framework for informed decision-making when you’re seeking a place to live in Mexico.  When you want to find a home to rent, learn about the practicalities of finding a rental, and its sister article about managing a rented house.

Autumn Leisure Tours in Mexico

Plan your fall/winter visit to the butterfly sanctuaries:  The Monarch Butterflies return to the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City, and if you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit.

Mexico Living & Lifestyle Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for November

Insights and tips for better living, lifestyle, and leisure in Mexico.

Day of the Dead —that is a celebration of the continuity of life— is one of Mexico’s most important religious holidays on November 1st and 2nd. November 2nd is a public holiday.  Traditions include ofrendas, artistic Catrina skulls, delicious pan de muerto, cemeteries dressed in Cempaxochitl flowers, and a Mexican version of Trick or Treat. If you live in Mexico, consider stocking up on some sweet treats as children may be calling door-to-door around their local neighborhoods asking for their Calaverita to be fed.

The annual rain season is passing: Mexico’s rain season, that affects much of the mainland (but not the Baja peninsula) typically begins in May/June and ends in October, sometimes spilling into November.  We publish a collection of articles that help you discover Mexico through the seasons. Learn about the rainy season and dry season, and how to live well with and without the rains.

Residency applications using the RNE procedure: We’ve had a jump in the volume of emails asking about Mexico’s special procedure for residency granted under the ‘RNE’ program—that offers people in Mexico with expired visitor permits and who have visited Mexico before 2022 to apply for residency in Mexico without the need to meet economic solvency criteria. We’re keeping our article about applying for RNE regularly updated and we’ve also added an FAQ.

Road trips in Mexico this fall:  Our articles and insights about driving in Mexico share key things you need to know before you hit the road; and our guide to auto insurance will help you to get the coverage you need for peace of mind when you’re driving, that can include coverage for vehicle breakdown assistance.

The butterflies return to Mexico: The Monarch Butterflies begin to return in November to the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City, and if you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit.

Revolution Day holiday: November is host to one of Mexico’s three long-weekend holidays that were introduced over a decade ago and are well-received. The one that falls in November marks Mexico’s revolution and also forms part of “El Buen Fin,” Mexico’s equivalent of the ‘Black Friday’ shopping event in the US.

Applying for residency in Mexico — When you’re intending to apply for a residency permit, our guide to first time applications for residency in Mexico offers a detailed overview of the process.  Our associates offer facilitation through their first-time application support service.

Cooler temperatures in the fall and winter: Most of Mexico enjoys agreeable climates year-round, but some areas can get cool or cold, particularly after sundown, during the fall and winter months.  Learn about the places that can get cooler or cold; we also share advice about keeping your home warm.

Home care: As the rain season ends across the mainland, it’s a good time of year to check your house and home spaces for any routine maintenance that might be needed, and prepare for the winter and dry season. Our Home Stewardship section shares lots of practical advice to help to manage your house, home, and dwelling spaces in Mexico.  It includes an entire series of guides about home maintenance.

Express yourself in Spanish: Discover why Spanish is important, connect to Spanish language courses online, and in Mexico.  Our PinPoint Spanish series shares insights and nuances into everyday Spanish usage in Mexico.

Property Matters: Selling-up — Most guides and articles about Mexican property beseech readers to buy a home—and wax lyrically about the benefits of doing so.  Realistically, at some point you (or your heirs) will need to sell a property you own in Mexico.  When you’ve decided to sell your house, we have guides to help you determine a listing price for the property, and ways in which the property can be actively marketed for sale.

Autumn Leisure Tours in Mexico

Plan your fall/winter visit to the butterfly sanctuaries:  The Monarch Butterflies return to the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City, and if you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit.

Mexico Living & Lifestyle Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for October

Insights and tips for better living, lifestyle, and leisure in Mexico.

Seasonal & Clock changes — October heralds an unmistakable transition from summer to autumn across Mexico, as temperatures cool along the coastal plains and lowlands, and early mornings and evenings begin to feel distinctly crisp at higher elevations. Most of Mexico no longer moves its clocks, but clock changes elsewhere will create time differences you may need to take into account from late October onwards.

Online booking at Immigration offices: Mexico’s INM (National Institute of Immigration) introduced an online appointments system in 2021, which was suspended in August 2022 for maintenance and improvement work.  The online appointments system was reintroduced on Tuesday, September 17th 2024.  Learn about how the online booking system is working.

Day of the Dead: Preparations are being made for one of the most important annual events on Mexico’s cultural calendar, Day of the Dead, on November 1st and 2nd.  This year, the dates fall over a weekend. If you live in Mexico, consider stocking up on some sweet treats as children may be calling door-to-door around their local neighborhoods during late October asking for their Calaverita to be fed.

Overwintering in Mexico: Most of the people who live in Mexico on a part-time basis arrive during the fall season to spend winters and early spring here. Read tips and practical advice when you’re making preparations to overwinter in Mexico.

Road trips in Mexico this fall:  Our articles and insights about driving in Mexico share key things you need to know before you hit the road; and our guide to auto insurance will help you to get the coverage you need for peace of mind when you’re driving, that can include coverage for vehicle breakdown assistance.

Ancient Aztec steam bath: Discover an ancient steam-bath ritual that offers an invigorating physical experience combined with ceremonial elements that support the mind and spirit.

Applying for residency in Mexico — When you’re intending to apply for a residency permit, our guide to first time applications for residency in Mexico offers a detailed overview of the process.  Our associates offer facilitation through their first-time application support service.

Monarch butterflies arrive in November — Mexico is host to the extraordinary Monarch Butterflies that migrate each year from the northern reaches of the continent to overwinter in the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City.  Our associate can organize a custom tour for you to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.

The logistics of moving to Mexico — When you’ve decided to make a move to Mexico, our detailed checklist of actions and timelines helps you to plan and organize the logistics of your move.

Wireless vs Satellite internet access — If your home is situated somewhere in Mexico where wired internet services are unreliable or unavailable, you can consider getting internet access wirelessly.  There are two ways to do this: using wireless modem that takes a signal from the cellphone network, or via satellite.

Property: Legal Title vs Possession — Some property transfers in Mexico offer possession but not legal title; this article describes the differences and the practicalities of buying and selling untitled land.

Autumn Leisure Tours in Mexico

Plan your fall/winter visit to the butterfly sanctuaries:  The Monarch Butterflies return to the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City, and if you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit.

Mexico Living & Lifestyle Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.

Lifestyle & Living insights for September

Insights and tips for better living, lifestyle, and leisure in Mexico.

Month of flags and celebrations — Mexico’s Independence Day, one of the country’s most important historical dates, is celebrated on the eve of September 15th and September 16th is a Public Holiday.  Event centers, hotels, and restaurants have already begun inviting people to La Noche Mexicana on September 15th for an evening of food, music, and celebration. Learn more about Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations.

Seasonal changes: This year’s rain season continues to drench many parts of the country, and September tends to be one of the wettest months of the year across the mainland.  The autumn equinox this month heralds the seasonal turning point as the halcyon days of summer yield to fall’s changeable climate. Sweltering summer temperatures along the coastal plains begin to moderate, and some living in the mountain highlands may begin to swap summer shorts for warmer attire, especially during early mornings and late evenings that become noticeably cooler starting in October.

Enjoying your Mexico road trip:  Our articles and insights about driving in Mexico share key things you need to know before you hit the road; and our guide to auto insurance will help you to get the coverage you need for peace of mind when you’re driving, that can include coverage for vehicle breakdown assistance.

Buying & selling foreign currency: Whether you’re visiting Mexico or living here, your foreign currency needs to be exchanged to buy pesos for spending and covering bills and there are three main ways to do this. Our guide to buying & selling foreign currency shares details.  See also: The value of Mexico’s peso.

Reminder: check your residency card expiry date — We tend to get a lot of emails in the autumn from people who forgot to check their residency card’s expiry date.  So this is a reminder to check your residency card and file for renewal before it expires, as dealing with an expired residency card is more complex.  All temporary residency cards, and permanent residency cards issued to minors (aged under 18 years) have expiry dates and need to be renewed periodically to keep your residency status current.

Residency support — When you’re planning to apply for residency in Mexico this detailed outline of the process helps you to map out the journey. Our associates offer residency assistance services for first time applications, renewals, exchange to permanent residency, etc. Our article about managing your residency in Mexico is filled with helpful advice for existing residents.

Monarch butterflies arrive in November — Mexico is host to the extraordinary Monarch Butterflies that migrate each year from the northern reaches of the continent to overwinter in the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City.  Our associate can organize a custom tour for you to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.

A return to simple living practices — Simple living is concerned with identifying your priorities, and defining what is most important in your life. A key principle of simple living is to improve your quality of life through practices which take into consideration your true needs and becoming more aware of how much is “enough” in your personal situation.  Our guide to the benefits of living more simply in Mexico introduces the concept and connects you to a wealth of detailed information, including our continually-updated living & lifestyles guides.

Tropical storms and hurricanes — As summer temperatures begin to peak over the oceans, September and October may bring  hurricanes that can make landfall anytime. Tropic storms and hurricanes fade away from late October.

Buying older properties in Mexico — Buying an old (or older) home in Mexico can offer certain charms and advantages, although it’s wise to take a step back and consider how these houses came to be as they are—and the lessons they can teach to those who intend to buy and breathe new life into them.

Autumn Leisure Tours in Mexico

Plan your fall/winter visit to the butterfly sanctuaries:  The Monarch Butterflies return to the Oyamel fir tree forests situated in the mountains west of Mexico City, and if you’ve been intending to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon (or return to see it again!) our travel associate can help you plan your visit.

Mexico Living & Lifestyle Essentials

Guides and updates for everyday living & lifestyle in Mexico.

Roadcraft — Browse our extensive insights about driving & road trips in Mexico. Learn about being properly insured for the journey.

Immigration & Residency — Mexperience publishes detailed and regularly updated information about residency in Mexico.  Learn about how to apply, and how to manage your residency card and status. Obtain tele-assistance or accompanied assistance to help with the procedures and filing.

House & Home — Our guide to Mexico real estate is the most comprehensive you’ll find. When you buy or rent a home here, learn about how to keep it well cared for with our articles about Home Stewardship.  Also learn how to keep your dwelling spaces adequately secured and properly insured.

Health & Wellbeing — Read tips & insights for health and wellness in Mexico.  Learn about health insurance options.  Get a quote for private health insurance.

Money & Banking — Our complete and regularly updated guide to money and banking in Mexico helps you to learn about Mexico’s peso, open and manage a local bank account, make money transfers, use bank cards, and deal with everyday financial matters in Mexico.

Discover More of Mexico

Mexperience accompanies you throughout your journey.

When you’re looking for a new lifestyle in Mexico, Mexperience is with you at every step—from those first key decisions about moving, to settling-in and cultivating a fruitful lifestyle everyday.  And when you need time away for leisure and recreation, we help you to discover & arrange meaningful leisure experiences.