Get help to plan your approach when you apply for residency in Mexico, and practical tele-assistance as you make your own way through procedures related to applying for legal residency in Mexico.

First-time residency applications in Mexico

Our associates can help you when you are planning to apply for residency in Mexico for the first time. (They can also help if you had residency before, allowed it to lapse, and want to re-apply for residency now.)

Mexperience offers detailed information about applying for residency, including the principal routes to residency and their qualification criteria.

How the Tele-Assistance facilitation service works

The tele-assistance facilitation service offered by our associates saves you time and helps avoid common mistakes made by applicants seeking residency in Mexico. You can use tele-assistance regardless of what location you plan to move to (or are currently situated) in Mexico.

The service facilitates your application at every stage of the process:

• An initial consultation by phone/videocall/email/chat to understand your situation and plan a workable approach for your residency application.
• Confirmation of the required procedures for a first-time residency application.
• Review of your supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Customized checklist of documents you’ll need to carry and present at each stage of the process.
• Assistance to identify a suitable Mexican consulate abroad, including help to book an appointment, and support to prepare for your residency interview at a Mexican consulate.
• After the consulate places a visa stamp in your passport, our associates continue their support when you arrive in Mexico to exchange your visa for a residency card.
• Our associate will co-ordinate your intended arrival date in Mexico and book an appointment for you at the immigration office in Mexico using the INM’s online appointment system.
• They’ll correctly complete the application forms and letters (in Spanish) that you’ll need when you arrive at the immigration office in Mexico to exchange your visa for a residency card.
• Our associate will provide detailed instructions/guidance about where to go and what to do at the Mexican consulate abroad and/or at immigration office in Mexico on your appointment date.

Get support through every stage of the application

The table below describes the support offered at each stage of the application process.

First Time Application Tele-Assistance Fees

Our associate’s first time application tele-assistance support package offers facilitation that is transparent and affordable, with fixed-fee pricing and no hidden charges.  All consulting and assistance fees exclude the government fees applicants must pay to apply for residency in Mexico.

Accompanied Option: The First Time Application service plan is also available as an Accompanied Assistance option at selected cities in Mexico.  Accompaniment is not available at Mexican consulates abroad.  See this page for details and fees.

Make a service request for Residency Assistance

To hire our associate to assist you with the facilitation of your first time residency application, please complete the request form below.

What happens next?

• After you complete the form, Mexperience will send you an email that confirms your request and introduces you to the associate who will assist you.
• The immigration assistance associate will respond to you directly and request payment for their service. When you’ve paid, they’ll schedule-in your initial consultation and the service will begin.

As you make plans for your road trip in Mexico, this article provides you with a checklist of insights, local knowledge and practical tips to help you properly plan and enjoy your journey across Mexico.

Insights about driving in Mexico

Our guides to Driving in Mexico and Auto Insurance for your journeys provide you with a raft of local knowledge and tips to help you get acquainted with the driving scene here including driving techniques, toll roads, breakdowns, military checkpoints, as well as dealing with accidents and insurance claims.

Bringing your car to Mexico

You need to organize some paperwork when you plan to drive your US or Canadian-plated car to Mexico:

• How to bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico
• Acquiring a Temporary Import Permit for your foreign-plated car

Auto insurance for your road trip in Mexico

Your US or Canadian auto insurance policy won’t cover you for third party liability in Mexico.  You need to purchase a special policy to ensure your journey is properly covered and that you, your car and belongings are protected in case of an accident or other mishap:

• Learn about auto insurance for road trips across Mexico
• Get an online quote for Mexico auto insurance with MexPro

Helpful articles

For additional insights about driving in Mexico, connect to these additional articles and resources here in Mexperience

• Guide to Mexican Street Speak
• Military checkpoints in Mexico
• Dealing with car accidents in Mexico
• Toll road or freeway?

Place is personal, subjective, and important—and as you consider places to live in Mexico, Mexperience helps you to consider your choices and shortlist locations that may suit your lifestyle needs.

Discover locations to live, work or retire in Mexico

To help you discover and explore potential places to live here, Mexperience publishes a curated list of locations to consider for living, working or retirement in Mexico—organized by popularity and notoriety and classified by the location type.

Our articles introduce you to key places where many foreign residents live now, emerging locations that are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents, as well as those places that are less well known, or situated off-the-beaten path. We also publish a selection of detailed guides of places to live in Mexico:

Detailed living guides

For detailed guides to selected places to live and work or retire, connect to our section with Guides to Living Places in Mexico

The small and charming colonial town of Comala in the state of Colima rests at the foot of the active ‘Volcán de Fuego’ volcano.  The region has a subtropical climate with a pronounced backdrop of lush vegetation and flora that provide warmth and color all year round.

Living in Comala, near the state capital of Colima

Comala offers semi-rural living in Mexico, off the beaten path, and ideal for foreign residents seeking a place to live that offers an authentic Mexican experience where you can fully immerse yourself in local culture and cultivate a traditional lifestyle integrated within welcoming and friendly communities.

This countryside idyll is situated just 20 minutes by road from the capital city of Colima; about a 2.5-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara —Mexico’s second largest city— and approximately 90-minute drive east of the commercial port and resort town of Manzanillo—on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

When you’re looking for a place that’s far removed from the usual locations potential foreign residents tend to shortlist, amidst a rural idyll with easy access to urban services and amenities and good transport links, Comala can provide a countryside lifestyle amidst one of the most fertile and colorful regions of Mexico

Discovering Comala and environs

The main town of Comala hosts a population of approximately 9,600 residents with a catchment area of approximately 21,600 around the wider municipality. (2020 Census.)

As with many rural towns in Mexico, the main square in Comala is the focal point and primary meeting space for people visiting and living here.  People arrive in town to enjoy food at the traditional botaneros, a collection of restaurants located on the southern side of the main square, tucked under the arches, where patrons choose from a range of traditional regional “tapas.” The tapas are complimentary with the purchase of alcoholic drinks.

Local beverages and refreshment

Comala is well-known for its traditional beverage, called ponche, a water or milk based alcoholic drink, similar to pulque, that blends a variety of fruits and nuts together to create unique and delicious flavors. You can stroll along the streets and walk into a ponche shop to ask for a free tasting; you can take refreshment of a single drink, or bottles to take home with you.

The state of Colima is also one of Mexico’s coffee growing and producing regions.  Coffee plants are cultivated along the slopes of the volcano, where a combination of dark, fertile soils and higher elevation above sea level combine to produce remarkable coffee beans. Cafés and restaurants in town stock a variety of locally harvested and roasted coffees that you can taste and enjoy.

Sweet bread pastries

Another long-standing tradition in Comala is the baking of sweet pastries, known in Spanish as pan dulce.  The town is home to numerous bakeries, which bake and sell an ample selection of sweet breads and pastries seven days a week.

These are typically eaten with coffee as part of breakfast, or as a snack during the day, and the bakeries tend to get busy in the evenings just before sundown, as families attend to buy a selection of breads for their evening supper, perhaps accompanied with locally produced coffee.

Surrounding areas and elevation

While the town of Comala is the primary focal point for meeting, trade and commerce, the wider municipality of Comala offers much more for visitors and residents to explore and enjoy in the surrounding areas.

If you’d prefer to live in a more temperate year-round climate (at higher elevation) you can consider acquiring a countryside home nearer to the volcano, where the elevation rises, and daytime temperatures cool, making it more comfortable for those who don’t enjoy the subtropical heat that is prevalent here at lower elevations.

Some people who live in the city of Colima have a country home situated on the slopes of the volcano and repair to the house at weekends to enjoy nature, a temperately comfortable climate, and delicious regional food and drink.

Comala’s higher elevation also offers a more temperate climate than that offered in the city of Colima. (The higher you climb up towards the volcano, the cooler the climate becomes—it’s also wetter there during the rainy season).

Undiscovered region, ‘off the beaten track’

Comala (and the nearby city of Colima) are host to a small community of foreign residents; however, unlike nearby Lake Chapala, where the conurbation of foreign residents is quite concentrated in one area, the expats that live here are spread out across the region and are usually integrated into the local communities and neighborhoods where they choose to live.

Most of the foreign residents who choose this region of Mexico to live tend to prefer the gentler and more serene lifestyle of Comala, using the city of Colima for essential services and amenities that are not available in the countryside.

Inconspicuous living in Mexico’s mountains

This region of Mexico tends to attract foreign residents who don’t necessarily want to form part of a distilled “expat enclave.”  Most of the foreign residents living in Comala and environs live quiet and unassuming mountain lifestyle lives amidst the traditional neighborhoods of towns and villages in the area.

Notwithstanding this inconspicuous approach, local interest groups do exist and there are always some foreign residents willing to help and provide guidance and support to newcomers in the area.

Spanish language skills needed

It’s worth noting that as this region has not been ‘discovered’ by many foreign residents, you will need to invest in your language skills to negotiate daily life here: speaking Spanish is essential to get by day-to-day.

Unlike popular enclaves including Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta where English is widely used and spoken (and some foreign residents get by speaking only in English), in Comala and environs you will need to speak some Spanish.

Cost of Living in Comala and environs

The cost of living in Mexico is typically lower than it is the USA, Canada, and Europe, although precise costs depend upon where you live and your lifestyle choices.

One of the attractions that Comala offers to foreign residents thinking of relocating to this region is the low-cost of everyday living here. As this region has not experienced a large influx of foreign residents (and foreign capital), prices —including rents and house prices— have not inflated as they have in areas that are popular with foreign residents, and the local economy is very much a ‘pesos’ economy not a ‘dollar’ economy.

Prices for everyday goods at local shops, markets, and supermarkets in Comala are in line with, or in some cases a little less expensive than prices in Mexico generally.

The city of Colima and surrounding areas is well served by local stores, including several Wal-Marts, Home Depot, and within easy access to a wide range of modern shopping amenities including big stores that are popular with foreign residents, like Sam’s Club.

Specialist retailers that stock imported goods are not easily found in the region, and for these types of items a trip to Guadalajara or Chapala will be necessary; although some goods might be available for purchase online, with home delivery available.

Further insight about living costs in Mexico

Connect to resources about the cost of living:

• To learn more about the cost of living in Mexico, download our free Mexico Cost of Living guide from the eBooks Library here on Mexperience.
• Latest articles about money
• Mexico’s currency

Real Estate in Comala and environs

Most foreign residents who come to this region choose to buy a home, although it makes sense to rent something for a while if you are unfamiliar with the area.

House rentals in Comala

The rental market in Comala can be complicated, and although it’s not impossible to find something that may suit your needs, rental options are limited, especially for furnished homes.

Because this region doesn’t have a local market that caters to a constant stream of foreign and other transitory residents (seasonal or full-time), you’ll need to exercise some creativity regarding how you search for and find a home rental here.

Real estate agents can be helpful, although word-of-mouth and forging contacts and allies locally is often a better way to find the best rental properties.  Finding a place to rent in Comala may be a challenge that will require you to exercise patience; you might need to rent something short term in the city of Colima while you search locally in Comala for a long-term rental.

House purchase in Comala

Comala has, for a long time, been a popular ‘escape hatch’ for people and families living the city of Colima; thus, some residents in the capital purchase homes in the nearby countryside to repair to at weekends and during school holidays.

As a result, houses for sale in Comala have always traded at a relative premium to those situated in other parts of the state of Colima.  (Similar to how rents and house prices in Tepoztlán trade at a premium to other parts of Morelos state.)

Over the last decade, land and property prices have increased substantially, especially along to road that leads up towards the volcano—although prices remain lower than sized-equivalents in places like Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, and Manzanillo.

The advantage of purchasing a home in Comala is that the range of available properties is far more plentiful than rental properties.  A local real estate agent will be able to provide a list of current inventory and prices—you can also search Mexico’s main property portals online for currently advertised inventory.

Principal neighborhoods around Comala and Colima City

These are the principal areas where foreign residents typically buy or rent homes in the Comala/Colima City area:

Comala: Nogueras- Suchitlan- Cofradia de Suchitlan

Colima City: The newest neighborhoods, and ones where families and retired couples tend to live, are to be found on the north side of the city; the most popular include: Residenciales Esmeralda, Santa Fé, Las Lagunas, Santa Barbara, and Altozano.

See also: The charms and compromises of living in the Mexican countryside.

Learn more about real estate in Mexico

Mexperience offers lots of local insight about property in Mexico:

• Download our free guide to Real Estate in Mexico from the Mexico eBooks Library here on Mexperience
• Browse all our free eBooks about real estate and property
• Learn about property rentals in Mexico
• Latest articles about property and real estate in Mexico

How to access Comala and the city of Colima

Comala and the capital city of Colima are readily accessible by intercity roads as well as two regional airports.

By Air: The state of Colima has two airports. The Playa del Oro International Airport that offers domestic and international flights, located in the municipality of Manzanillo (about a 90-minute drive from Comala and the city of Colima). The second is Miguel de la Madrid Airport, offering domestic connections and a limited number of international flights—it’s situated about a 20-minute drive from Comala and the city of Colima.

By Bus: The region’s principal bus terminal, the Central de Autobuses is situated in the capital city of Colima and offers transportation by bus to/from major and smaller cities in the country. Colima’s bus terminal also offers connections between the capital city and local towns and villages in the region; however, traveling by bus to Comala requires you to make a change-over to a second bus as there is no direct buses from the capital city to Comala.

By Taxi (or private car): Local cabs are plentiful and affordable.  A cab ride from the Colima airport to Comala costs about MX$500; and MX$300 from the central bus station.  The trip takes 20-30 minutes, depending on local traffic conditions

Healthcare services in Comala and environs

In addition to Mexico’s state sponsored healthcare provided via the country’s national health service IMSS, good quality healthcare services are offered through private hospitals in the nearby city of Colima—about a 20-minute drive away.  There are no substantial healthcare services available in Comala, except for local emergency/clinic services that offer limited scope of healthcare assistance.

The city of Guadalajara (about 2-hour drive from the city of Colima) offers the most extensive range of medical services and healthcare specialists in this region of Mexico.

Hospitals and clinics: The area offers two private hospitals, both situated in the city of Colima, which offer “tier 3” facilities (almost all services) with emergencies, lab work and care provided.  You will need to be insured or pay out of pocket to use these.  See this related Mexico insurance options article for details about coverage choices.

Doctors: The city of Colima is well served by doctors. However, there is no guarantee that they all speak English. Finding an interpreter for medical issues is key. These doctors can refer you to local (public and private) clinics, specialists, and hospitals.

Dentists: There are plenty of dentists to choose from in the area; ask locally for a recommendation. You might need to take an interpreter with you.

Opticians: There are several optometrists available offering eye tests, treatments and some also offer laser surgery.  Ask locally for details.

Learn more about healthcare in Mexico

You may find these resources on Mexperience helpful:

• Health and medical insurance options in Mexico
• Health and well-being in Mexico
• Travel health in Mexico

Local climate and natural environment in Comala

The climate in Comala and Colima is hotter and more humid than places situated inland at higher elevations, for example, Guadalajara and Chapala.  However, areas around the town of Comala near the volcano enjoy a more temperate year-round climate, especially along the slopes of the volcano which are situated at a higher elevation than the town center.

Annual temperatures

65F / 18.5C (Nocturnal average, year-round); 86F / 30C (Daytime average, year-round). See temperatures in Comala area by month (Google)

Rainy season

The rainy season in the Comala and Colima region typically runs from mid-late June to late October each year.

Hurricanes

Comala and Colima City are about a 90-minute drive from the coast; however, the Sierra Madre Occidental (Western Mountain Chains) helps to protect the region from some of the effects of hurricanes that land on the nearby Pacific coast. Due to its close proximity to the coast, the inland areas of Colima state remain susceptible to the effects of hurricanes—most commonly manifests with heavy rainfall and localized flooding in some areas of the region.

Volcanic region

The Volcán de Colima, also known as the “Volcán de Fuego” is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico. This means that periodically, when the volcano goes into a period of activity, there may be occasional ash or vapor exhalations, including occasional eruptions. Historical records from the Spanish colonies indicate that Comala and Colima City have never been evacuated nor suffered any destruction or damages from past large eruptions. The last significant activity of eruptions were recorded between 2013- 2017.

Earthquakes

The entire state of Colima is susceptible to potentially large earthquakes, along with most of the western edge of the North American continent.

Further insights about weather and climate:

• Comala monthly temperatures and rainfall (Google)
• Seasons in Mexico
• Climate and weather in Mexico

Comala & environs essentials

Connect to practical information and gain insights about living and lifestyle in Comala and environs:

Comala articles and guides

Connect to more articles and guides about Comala on Mexperience

Airports serving Comala

The state of Colima has two airports. The Playa del Oro International Airport that offers domestic and international flights, located in the municipality of Manzanillo (about a 90-minute drive from Comala and the city of Colima). The second is Miguel de la Madrid Airport, offering domestic connections and a limited number of international flights—it’s situated about a 20-minute drive from Comala and the city of Colima.

Comala on the map

Explore Comala and Colima on Google maps

Getting around Mexico

Transportation choices in Mexico

Communications in Mexico

Stay in touch when you’re in Mexico:

• Telephony services
• Internet and WiFi services

Money and banking services in Mexico

Learn about money management and banking in Mexico

• Free eBook guide to Money and Banking Services in Mexico
• Latest articles about money and currency in Mexico

Driving in Mexico

Learn about driving and road trips in Mexico

• Driving and road trips in Mexico
• Auto insurance in Mexico

Health and safety in Mexico

Connect to articles and resources about health and safety matters in Mexico

• Safety in Mexico
• Health and safety updates

However, Mexico is especially attractive to retirees because some of these features and benefits can be especially helpful to people in retirement.

This article summarizes the key benefits Mexico offers to retirees and connects you to detailed information and local knowledge published here on Mexperience for further reading and research.

Agreeable climates

Climate affects us every day, and Mexico offers agreeable climates, often temperate or warm, and cold only at higher elevations in certain regions—and then only for limited times during the year.  Connect to a wide range of articles and guides on Mexperience for more details about climate, seasons and weather in Mexico.

Plenty of choices for location types

Mexico offers retirees choices in the types of places they can live in; from coastal locations that offer winter warmth, to mountain towns at elevation that offer year-round temperate climates.

Some places are more urbanized, others offer a countryside idyll surrounded by nature.  ‘Remote’ places popular with foreign residents tend to be within an hour’s drive of a large town or city that offer services and amenities retirees often seek, including healthcare services and major stores.

Our articles about discovering places to live in Mexico offer practical insights that can help you to consider the various locations on offer and discover potential places to live in Mexico so you can narrow your short-list according to your situation and considered lifestyle needs.

Fresh, locally produced food and drinks

Mexico’s shops and markets provide you with an abundant assortment of fresh food, especially visible at the vibrant, fragrant, local open-air markets here.

The year-round availability of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, accompanied by a parade of colorful drinks and beverages made using them, makes Mexico one of the most attractive countries to be in if you enjoy good wholesome food that is also affordable.

Mexperience helps you to discover food and drink in Mexico as part of of your retirement research and planning.

Ample range of local products and amenities

Retirees coming to Mexico, especially those from the US and Canada, are likely to feel at home when it comes to obtaining many of the products, services, and amenities they have become accustomed to in their home country.

Mexico’s retail markets are extensive and well-developed; and there’s a large and growing selection of online shopping choices too.

Many products and brands foreign retirees are accustomed to seeing back home will be available in Mexico, either at one of the many supermarkets, through specialist retailers, or through online shopping options.

There are still some exceptions, for example, black tea, and alternatives for smokers are conspicuously absent; but Mexico today offers more choice and variety than it ever has before, and the range and selection of products and amenities continues to improve each year.

Local leisure amenities, including cafés, bistros, restaurants, gymnasiums, event centers, cinemas, theme parks, national parks and reserves, campsites, etc. are plentiful and readily accessible.

Affordable living costs

Retirees have different cost structures compared to people moving to Mexico who are of working age and perhaps with children to raise; for examples:

• they have no school fees to pay or children to ferry around and take on school trips;
• most have no mortgages and may also have no other substantial debts to service; and
• they might also be able to live in Mexico without a car, which can save costs.

However, retirees have costs to consider and budget for in other areas that younger people might not have, perhaps healthcare costs being the major expense, and other assistance services, including home help and specialist care services that might have to be considered and duly funded.

Accessible transportation and communications

Most retirees travel within in Mexico to explore the country, as well as take trips to travel back to their home country to see family and friends (or they might receive visits in Mexico).

Some people retiring to Mexico might do so part time, spending only part of the year in Mexico, perhaps to overwinter here.

It’s for these reasons that good transport links, including decent roads and access to international airports, becomes important.

Mexico offers a well-developed and reliable transportation infrastructure that enable you to travel and be near other people who are close in your life, as well as excellent communications networks that enable you to keep touch at a distance, affordably.

Ample choices in accommodations

Retirees coming to Mexico who want to rent will find an ample choice of property types to choose from; our article about the practicalities of renting a home is worth reading to get local insights about that. (See link below.)

A wider selection of property types is available to retirees seeking a home to buy; and engaging the services of local real estate agent is an effective way search and buy a home here.

The links to the articles below help you to consider your accommodation choices when you’re thinking about retirement in Mexico.

World-class health and wellbeing services

Healthcare services and the availability of medicines is often near the top of retirees’ needs and concerns when they plan a move to Mexico.

All of Mexico’s popular retirement destinations are well served by doctors, dentists, opticians as well as a range of clinical and hospital services, including emergency care and specialized medical professionals and services.

Thriving retirement communities

In addition to the ample variety of types of locations on offer, the more popular locations to live in Mexico offer thriving and well-established retirement communities that help newcomers and long-time residents to get involved in local groups, societies, and events.  This is especially helpful when you are endeavoring to settle properly into Mexico, long term.

Safety, and economic stability

Although media reports about security matters have put-off some people from visiting or retiring to Mexico, foreign residents of all life stages report that they feel safe in Mexico, and that the reality they live here every day is characterized by regular routines and being part of strong local communities where people look out for each other and work together to resolve issues if problems arise.

Retirees also enjoy stable lifestyles here, too—as the macroeconomics of the country are well-managed, markets work well, and there is a wide and regular availability of goods and services available, including increasing ranges of goods available through online companies that specialize in offering less common and imported products.

Warm, welcoming culture and language

Although English is widely spoken across Mexico, especially in the most popular retiree enclaves and tourist towns, learning or improving your Spanish language skills will help you enormously as you settle into your retirement in Mexico because it will give you deeper access to the local culture and enable you to integrate in ways that those who don’t speak Spanish cannot.

Mexico’s rich culture and its canny ability to assimilate foreign things without losing its own identity, offers retirees the opportunity of experiencing unusual celebrations and traditions which are nonetheless familiar.

Retirees get a front-row seat to all this culture and the events that surround it, and while others may dream of visiting Mexico in-season to experience these events, they are part of everyday life here for retirees in Mexico.  It’s an enormous, and often overlooked, benefit of living here.

Further research and resources

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.

• Articles about lifestyle planning in Mexico
• Latest articles about retirement in Mexico
• Discovering potential places to live in Mexico
• Cultivating your home life in Mexico
• A regular Mexico Newsletter you can subscribe to for free

Auto insurance coverage valid in Mexico

Some auto insurance policies might contain wording that leads you to believe that you are covered in Mexico, but this out-of-country cover, if any is included, is limited to damage to your own vehicle and certain things you may be carrying inside your car.

The most important aspect of an auto insurance policy when you’re driving in Mexico is third-party liability, because claims for damages by third parties can be substantial.

Third party liability abroad needs a special policy

By law, US and Canadian insurers can’t provide third party liability and this coverage must be underwritten by a Mexican insurance company and be specially formed to be legally valid under Mexican law.

Third party liability covers any losses your actions might cause to others. These most commonly include (but are not limited to):

• damage to another person’s vehicle, or their property;
• injuries to another person in an accident; and
• damage to public property (e.g. road structures).

How much liability insurance is needed in Mexico?

While no one expects to be involved in an accident —and far less a serious one— when arranging coverage, it’s worth considering the worst-case scenario: that you accidentally cause serious injury or death of another person as a result of a vehicle accident.

Here in Mexico you can be made financially responsible to the other party (or their kin) if you unintentionally cause the death of another motorist, and reputable insurance brokers suggest that you have no less than US$300,000 in liability insurance and they will usually recommend US$500,000.

Get a policy covers more than just accidents

There are other factors besides financial liability to consider when you are arranging your auto insurance when you drive in Mexico.  The three most important aspects to consider when choosing a policy are:

Legal representation

If you’re involved in a serious road accident in Mexico, it’s common for those involved to be detained until the situation is assessed, fault is determined, and financial responsibility is assigned.

Due to this process, the legal representation which better policies offer will provide you with:

• local assistance to help you deal with the complex paperwork and procedures (in Spanish, and liaise with you in English);
• a fund to post a bail-bond and get you released as soon as practicable; and
• a legal team to negotiate on your behalf if fault and responsibility is assigned to you.

Medical coverage

If you or any of your vehicle’s occupants are injured in an accident, medical payments might or might not be covered. Medical coverage on auto policies vary and you’ll need to compare the choices to ensure you have an adequate amount of coverage, per person and in total.

Assistance for accidents and vehicle breakdowns

When an accident happens, what really matters is the practical support provided by an insurance policy.

If your vehicle breaks-down, or in the event of a minor accident which leaves your car damaged but readily repairable, a roadside travel assistance plan offered by the insurer can be an enormous benefit to you.

Roadside assistance can be purchased as part of an auto insurance policy and offers very practical help in what can be stressful and confusing circumstances.

• In the event of a breakdown or minor accident which leaves you stuck, help with things like gas delivery, a flat tire, a locksmith, or a tow truck to a nearby garage for essential repairs can be a phone call away.
• In the event of an accident, assistance can provide practical support and liaison with key personnel to help you recover more quickly and get back on your road trip as soon as practicable.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Detailed guides and helpful connections that enable you to plan and realize your relocation to Mexico

Mexperience provides in-depth insights and local knowledge with extensive articles, guides, and cross-references and connections to help you discover more of Mexico, consider your lifestyle options, define your intentions, make a plan, and help you to avoid making material mistakes with your Mexico lifestyle plans.

Our guides are written by people who know Mexico intimately, are continually revised and updated—and are free to access.

Mexperience helps you through every step of the journey

Our detailed guides and insights offer you complete information throughout every step of your journey:

• Discovering the benefits and opportunities Mexico offers to live and work or retire.
• Detailed insights that help you to consider whether Mexico is right for you and your partner—and family if relevant.
• When you’ve determined that Mexico is right for you, we offer lots of practical advice to help you plan your lifestyle in Mexico.
• Mexperience also helps you to plan your move, settle-in to Mexico, cultivate your social and community networks and helps you learn how adapt to the country and its culture.
• When you’re settled here, our up to date articles and monthly newsletter help you to cultivate a fruitful home life in Mexico.
• Our homestead articles offer practical advice to help you manage your home in Mexico and its dwelling spaces.
• Our insights and local knowledge also help if you’re living in Mexico now but want to revisit your intentions and need guidance to help you settle, adapt, and reform your plans.

Take the next step: start here

Mexperience offers extensive insights, local knowledge, and connections to help you plan and realize a relocation to Mexico, whether you’re single, a couple, or a family.

Begin your journey

Our Mexico Living & Lifestyles guide connects you to in-depth articles and information about living in Mexico. It’s continually updated, helping you to make considered choices and useful connections.

Help with lifestyle planning

Our regularly-updated section about Lifestyle Planning in Mexico shares insights to help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle choices in Mexico.

Calculate your living costs

Our detailed guide to the cost of living in Mexico helps you calculate a personalized budget based on your life stage and lifestyle choices.

Consider places to live in Mexico

We publish guides to help you consider places to live in Mexico, whether you come to live, work or retire.

Obtain your Mexico residency permit

Our detailed guide to applying for residency in Mexico shows you every step needed to qualify and apply for legal residency in Mexico

Real estate and property rental in Mexico

We publish a detailed guide to real estate in Mexico that shares practical insights when you’re buying, owning, renting, and selling property here.  We recommend you rent a house first before you buy, unless you’re familiar with the area you’re moving to.

Learn how to keep in touch when you’re in Mexico

Our comprehensive guides describe how you can keep in touch when you’re in Mexico.  Our local insights include learning about Mexico cell phone plans, how to dial phones, connecting to internet services including satellite services, and also learn about post and couriers… and the cost of utilities and communications.

Cultivate your home life

When you’ve made the move and you’re living here, our regularly updated articles about cultivating a fruitful home life in Mexico will give you insights, inspiration, and ideas to make the most of your everyday lifestyle.

Manage your money & finances in Mexico

We publish detailed, updated, information about managing your finances in Mexico, including bank accounts, money exchange, and money transfers.

Homestead care and management

Whether you’re renting a home or have purchased a property here, our regularly updated guides help you manage your home and dwelling spaces in Mexico, with tips and local knowledge to keep them well maintained and secure for you and your family.

Learning and improving your Spanish

We encourage you to learn Spanish to help you make the most of your experiences in Mexico.  We connect you to language courses, and our in-depth PinPoint Spanish series helps you to learn about the nuances of language usage in Mexico.

Driving, road trips and running a car in Mexico

Our guides and articles about driving and taking road trips in Mexico help you to prepare your longer road trips as well as dealing with everyday driving matters.

Free Monthly Mexico Newsletter

Sign-up to our free monthly newsletter about Mexico that is filled with inspiration, meaningful knowledge, helpful connections, and tips for better living, lifestyle, and leisure in Mexico.

Discover even more of Mexico

Our Discover Mexico section provides a constantly updated stream of articles and guides that share knowledge and keep you updated about opportunities in Mexico.

Taking a Mexican-plated car to the US & Canada

If you reside in Mexico, you might own a Mexican-plated vehicle, and you might want to drive it to the USA or Canada on short visits—usually up to six months.

Your Mexican insurance policy probably covers damage to your own vehicle and loss of any personal items inside of it when the car is outside of Mexico (check the policy); however, it will not cover third party liabilities in the USA and Canada in the event of an accident. A special top-up insurance policy is needed.

Short-term third-party liability insurance

Policies for Mexican-plated vehicles driving into the USA and Canada can be purchased on a short-term basis only—you select the number of days you intend to visit the US/Canada as part of the quotation process.

The insurance policy will:

• Cover you in the event of an accident in the USA or Canada and provide third party liability coverage up to the value of the coverage stated on the policy.
• Provide a limited amount of coverage for medical expenses—sufficient to cover very minor incidents, but insufficient for a serious situation, so a separate medical coverage policy is recommended.
• Provide roadside assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown while you’re outside of Mexico, and legal assistance—as described in the policy.
• You can optionally purchase other defined coverages in addition to those listed above for an extra fee.

These policies are not intended to provide comprehensive coverage but instead top-up your Mexican insurance to cover you for damages in the event of an accident or other incident involving third parties while you’re driving in the USA or Canada.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Who can drive a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Can I cancel my US or Canadian auto insurance while I’m in Mexico?

Some people who drive their foreign-plated cars to Mexico and intend to stay for extended periods —or  live here for part of the year— ask us if they are able to cancel their US or Canadian insurance policy while their Mexican auto insurance policy is in force.

The answer is that you need to keep enough insurance coverage in place to maintain the vehicle’s legal registration in your home country.

For example, most US states require that you keep a policy in force that provides at least third-party liability coverage for the vehicle.  If you completely cancel your US insurance policy, most US states’ motor vehicle departments will automatically cancel the car registration, making the vehicle unregistered, and therefore illegal to drive in any country.

When you purchase Mexico auto insurance through our partner MexPro, the insurance remains valid for so long as the vehicle remains legal to drive—and this is true for other insurers, too.

Adjusting insurance coverage as you travel and back forth between Mexico, the US and Canada

Most people who intend to stay in Mexico longer term adjust their auto insurance coverage plan to maintain the minimum legal coverage requirements while the vehicle is situated in Mexico. (Precise requirements vary – check with the state your vehicle is registered with.) Then, whenever they drive back to the US or Canada, they call their agent and add the collision and comprehensive coverages back onto their home policy. So by working with your US or Canadian car insurance agent, you can reduce/increase the coverage limits as needed and end up paying less, while still maintaining insurance and keeping the vehicle registered/legal.

For full details about how to be properly covered on your next road trip in Mexico, connect to our Mexico Auto Insurance Guide, from which you can also link to live quotes and arrange your cover online through our partners, MexPro.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Get help to plan your approach when you apply for residency in Mexico and practical facilitation assistance as you make your way through procedures related to applying for and managing your residency status in Mexico.

Mexico residency facilitation and assistance support service

The tele-assistance support service saves you time and helps avoid common mistakes made by applicants.

Whether you’re applying for residency for the first time, renewing an existing residency permit, or need assistance with other procedures related to managing your legal residency in Mexico—our associates can help.

Our associates offer service packages for the most common residency-related procedures, with clear and transparent fixed-fees. (Consulting and assistance fees exclude the government fees applicants must pay to apply for residency in Mexico.)

Mexico residency assistance plans and fees

Learn about the service packages that our immigration assistance associates offer, with clear and transparent fixed-fees for each one.

Click on the service name for a full description of the service and procedures, and to make a service request.  Our associate will contact you directly.

By late June 2026, it was estimated that less than half of all lines were registered, and the government announced a new timetable that focuses on registration of pre-pay cellular telephony lines—that is, lines without a monthly contract.

New rules and timetable for registrations between August 15 and December 31, 2026

On June 25, 2026 the Mexican government announced a new timetable for registrations.

If you have an active Mexican cell phone number on a Pre-Pay System:

• Whether you are situated in Mexico or abroad (or travel between countries); and
• Whether that number is active with a physical SIM card or a virtual eSIM; and
• If you are on  prepay phone plan; and
• You want to keep the line active—
• You’ll need to act between Aug 15 and Dec 31, depending on the last digit of your phone number.

This article describes the revised rules as announced on June 25, 2026 and how to register your Mexican pre-pay cell phone.

Requirements for registration

Pre-pay cell phone numbers, that is cell phones with no monthly contract, must have a verified person associated with the number. A staggered disconnection timetable has been announced that will disconnect pre-pay phone lines starting Aug 15, 2026.

If your number gets disconnected, it won’t be cancelled immediately. It will be reactivated when you register, but telephone companies will likely cancel numbers that are not registered after a (presently undefined) period of time.

How to register

Mexicans: Mexicans can register their cell phones using their INE Card or their Mexican passport.

Foreigners:  Foreigners, whether visitors to Mexico or legal residents, will need to use a valid passport. If you are a legal resident of Mexico, the process will automatically match your name and passport details to your CURP.

New cell phone lines

Any new pre-pay cell phone lines will need to be registered within 30 days of their activation.

If you are a visitor or tourist to Mexico and purchase a local pre-pay SIM card (or eSIM) for use during your stay in the country, the registration that associates the number with your passport will be part of the activation process.

Home internet cellphone modems

If you have internet service at home that uses the mobile network (these modems are provided by cellphone providers and have a SIM card inside them) you probably don’t need to register this if it on a contract.  Contact your service provider for details.

Foreign cell phone numbers and landlines

If you roam in Mexico using a foreign-issued cell phone number, you do not need to register the number in Mexico. This requirement is only for pre-pay cell phone numbers issued by Mexican cell phone companies.

If you live in Mexico and have one or more landlines (from whichever provider) you do not need to register these.  Only Mexican-issued cell phone numbers need to be registered.

How to register your Mexican pre-pay cell phone number

Mexico’s telephone companies are offering users two methods to register:

• Online, using a special registration portal provided by each cell phone service provider; or
• In person at one of their service centers nationwide in Mexico.

Registering online

The quickest way to register your pre-pay Mexican cell phone number is to go online to your phone company’s official website (see links below) to register.  The registration process is similar to the one that e.g. banks use when you register online, and you will be asked for:

• An upload of a photo of your government-issued ID:
• Mexicans (and naturalized Mexicans) may use their INE card or Mexican passport.
• If you are not a Mexican national, you will need to upload a photo of your valid passport—no other ID is accepted.
• It’s possible that the online registration might also ask for the IMEI number of your device. The IMEI number can be displayed by accessing the phone’s settings.
• If you are unable to register online, you will need to visit a customer service center and register in person.

Registering in person

Cell phone companies operate service centers across all major towns and cities in Mexico.  If you attend a service center in person to register your number, you will be asked for:

• Government-issued ID.
• If you are not a Mexican national, you will need to present a valid passport.
• Mexicans (and naturalized Mexicans) may use their INE card or Mexican passport.
• The service attendant might also ask for the IMEI number of your device. The IMEI number can be displayed by accessing the phone’s settings.

Data protection

The online registration process states that personal data will be stored in alignment with Mexico’s data privacy laws.  The data are being stored by private companies (telephone companies) not the government; although government can request access to a user’s details at any time through a ‘due legal process’.

Mexico’s cell phone providers

To register your Mexican cell phone number, visit only the official website of your cell phone provider, most usually Telcel, AT&T, or Movistar.

We recommend that you do not click any links inviting you to register your Mexican cell phone number sent by SMS, social media and/or email messages.

Official website addresses of Mexico’s big three cell phone providers:

Telcel: https://www.telcel.com/

AT&T: https://www.att.com.mx/

Movistar: https://www.movistar.com.mx/

Learn more about keeping in touch in Mexico

Our guides and articles about communications help you keep in touch when you’re in Mexico: by phone, by internet and by post/courier.

• Mexican cell phone plans
• The cost of communications services in Mexico
• Learn about internet services in Mexico
• Wireless high speed internet at home via mobile and satellite
• How to dial numbers to, from and within Mexico

• You intend to retire in Mexico or are already retired and want to move here.
• You own a house, or intend to buy a house, in Mexico.
• You live in Mexico part of the year and don’t want the hassle and risk of using visitor permit for your regular stays here.
• You intend to make a significant change in your life and work style and move your life situations to Mexico.
• You move to Mexico primarily for work reasons, usually under the auspice of a formal work contract.

Qualifying for residency in Mexico

When you have made the decision to apply for legal residency in Mexico, you will need to consider which route you will use to apply.

• Our article about the principal routes for obtaining Mexican residency summarizes the main routes most people use.
• Most applications are made via the ‘economic solvency’ route—i.e., proving that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself here.
• If you have specified types of family connections in Mexico (including marriage/common-law partnership to a Mexican national or a foreigner with legal residency in Mexico), you may apply for residency via the Family Unit rules.
• If your income or savings are insufficient due to the recent rises in those qualification criteria, there are some other routes that might be open to you.

Type of residency in Mexico

Mexico offers two main residency types: Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal), and Permanent Residency (Residencia Permanente).

Permanent residency is obtainable without having temporary residency first, but the situations that allow this are very limited, and thus most applicants begin holding temporary residency first.  After four consecutive years of holding temporary residency, you may apply to exchange this for permanent residency.

• Learn about the difference between temporary and permanent residency.
• If you’re a couple applying for permanent residency together, read this.
• Note that temporary residency does not automatically come with permission to work in Mexico—this needs to be applied for and granted separately.

The residency application process

When you have determined how you will qualify, and what type of residency you will apply for, you can begin the application process.

• Most applications for residency must begin at a Mexican Consulate abroad.
• If your application through a Mexican Consulate abroad is successful, a residency visa sticker will be placed in your passport. This sticker must be exchanged for a residency card in Mexico before the visa’s expiry date—usually six months after its issue date.
• Family Unit applications and applications through special procedures can be made at an immigration office in Mexico.
• If your application is one of the few that can be made at an immigration office in Mexico, you will exchange your visitor permit (or other visa type you might have) for a residency card in-country.
• Learn more about the government fees for residency permits, and typical time scales for obtaining residency in Mexico.

Residency card renewals and exchanges to permanent residency

When you take possession of your residency card, you will gain certain legal rights and obligations as a resident in Mexico and you’ll need to manage your ongoing status, thus:

• In most cases, your first temporary residency card is issued for only one year*
• After the first year, you can apply to renew your temporary residency for a further 1, 2 or 3 years.
• After holding temporary residency for four consecutive years, you may apply to exchange this for permanent residency.
• If you don’t want permanent residency, you can allow the temporary residency card to expire and restart the process with one year of temporary residency.
• Permanent residency cards issued people aged 18 years and older never expire. Minors (aged under 18 years) need to renew their permanent residency cards periodically until reaching the age of 18.

*Spouse of a Mexican national or foreign resident: If you’re applying as a spouse of a Mexican national or an existing foreign resident see this article for details about time scales.)

Mexico residency card use and management

Your Mexico residency card serves as a form of official identification in Mexico, and may be accepted abroad as form of government-issued ID.

• You must present your residency card when you enter Mexico, and each time you leave the country.
• If have a temporary resident card, or if you’re the parent or guardian of a minor (aged under 18 years) with a permanent residency card, you’ll need to manage renewals to keep your legal residency status valid.
• You need to file notifications about certain changes in your personal circumstances at your local INM office.
• If you lose your residency card, or it becomes damaged beyond use, you’ll need to apply for a replacement.

For more details, read our article about managing your resident card and residency status in Mexico.

Learn more about residency in Mexico

Mexperience publishes information and resources to help you learn about how to apply for and obtain legal residency in Mexico:

• Learn about the principal routes to obtaining legal residency
• The difference between temporary and permanent residency permits
• Financial criteria for residency in Mexico
• Time limits on Mexico’s visitor and residency permits
• Rights and obligations when you have legal residency
• Renewing your residency permit
• Temporary residency: expiry and renewal