Mexperience Mexico Newsletter — August 2021
Land border restrictions have been extended to August 21st, 2021
Mexico’s land border restrictions have been extended again; however, we are hearing that American citizens are driving and walking into Mexico without hindrance. Tourist permits (FMMs) and temporary vehicle import permits (TIPs) are being issued as normal. This article summarizes the restrictions and the comments section contains anecdotal notes left by local travelers. Note that Flights between the US and Mexico are not affected by this restriction, although international passengers flying to the US need to get tested and Canada has introduced testing requirements for people entering the country via its land border.
August highlights in Mexico
August heralds the peak of the summer season in Mexico: the refreshing rain season is in full swing, school children are on holiday, and while Mexico doesn’t come to a standstill as many European countries do during the month of August, the rhythm certainly feels more gentle as people ease themselves into a summer mood.
We’ve updated our guides and information about Manzanillo—a largely undiscovered gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast: if you’re looking for a beach town to live in that’s very affordable and authentically Mexican, read our feature about Manzanillo; our realty partner there will be pleased to assist with discovery visits.
Mexico’s beach locations are entering their most hot and humid period of the year, whereas the colonial highlands remain temperate due to their high elevation. This month’s newsletter includes some articles about climates in different places across Mexico’s diverse topography.
If you’re looking for travel inspiration, consider a train ride through the magnificent Copper Canyon; and there’s a reminder that the Monarch Butterflies are due back to overwinter in Mexico from November—peak butterfly viewing season is mid-January to late February.
This month’s newsletter is filled with our usual assortment of insights and practical tips and connections to help you discover places and opportunities, and to experience more of Mexico. Find a comfortable space to settle and take time to enjoy reading through this month’s selection of articles and guides. We wish you and yours a tranquil and very enjoyable high summer season.
Mexico lifestyle & leisure
Our guides and articles to living and lifestyle help you to explore and realize your lifestyle plans and we also help you to discover leisure opportunities in Mexico.
DISCOVER MANZANILLO
- Manzanillo is an undiscovered enclave on the Pacific coast that offers affordable living amidst a quaint and authentic Mexican seaside town.
- Our guide to Living, working and retirement in Manzanillo shares key insights about this beachside location.
- Meet our realty partner in Manzanillo: Candy King helps you discover Manzanillo and find a home in this undiscovered gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
IMMIGRATION UPDATES
- Our free 2021 Mexico Immigration Guide encapsulates everything you need to know about visas and residency permits for Mexico.
- Learn about the difference between Temporary and Permanent residency permits and read this reminder about the need to exchange your residency visa sticker for a card when you arrive in Mexico.
- Our latest articles about visas and immigration keep you apprised of current situations including financial criteria for residency, fees, and procedures.
If you need assistance with your residency permit application or renewals, regularization procedures, expired permits, or troubleshooting, consider using our Mexico Immigration Assistance Service.
LIVING WELL IN MEXICO
- Summertime conjures up idyllic scenes of warm evenings spent on a country terrace with family and friends sharing stories and taking refreshment. Our article about the charms and compromises of countryside living in Mexico helps you to balance the idylls and the practicalities of a (semi)rural lifestyle.
- If you’re seeking to take a pause and consider your options, this self-development workshop in Sayulita may interest you.
- Throughout the seasons, Mexico offers visitors and residents a colossal assortment of delicious locally-grown and harvested fresh produce. It’s also very affordable.
- Local and often family-run convenience stores known colloquially as tienditas, continue to thrive across Mexico.
LIVING WITH THE LOCAL CLIMATE
- Mexico is a land of three lands characterized by diverse landscapes that create a range of different climate zones across the country
- Read about the difference between Mexico’s hot coasts and cool colonial cities
- Learn about the challenges and opportunities of living at elevation in Mexico
- Discover Mexico’s seasons throughout the year including its rainy season and dry season
PROPERTY MATTERS
- Download our comprehensive free guides to Real Estate in Mexico and working with Realty Agents in Mexico.
- Being prepared: reviewing the composition of your habitat and living spaces can mitigate the risk of damage and injury during an earthquake
- Protect your home: download our free Mexico eBook about home maintenance and security and read about property insurance coverages available in Mexico.
- Discover remarkable residential properties on the market for sale in Mexico by browsing our Mexico Home Life section.
LEISURE TIME
- The rains returned to the Copper Canyon in July, when the rivers swell and the flora bloom, making summer the most popular time of year for visitors to take a journey on the Copper Canyon train.
- Planning ahead: a gentle reminder that the Monarch Butterflies will be overwintering in Mexico from November.
- Discover extraordinary travel experiences, with inspiration, tips, and advice to plan and enjoy your leisure time in Mexico.
MEXICO ESSENTIALS
- Driving to Mexico this summer? Learn about Temporary Import Permits, get tips for driving in Mexico, and don’t forget to arrange your Mexico auto insurance.
- Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing swim; this article describes how pools need a plan for proper care and to keep them in good working order.
- Can you drink the tap water in Mexico? Well, it depends where you are, and who you talk to… most people continue to used filtered or bottled water.
- Summer brings out the mosquitoes and is also peak breeding season for the arachnids—learn about three spiders to be mindful of in Mexico
- Late summer can bring hurricanes to affected areas, and thunderstorms are the most common cause of electrical power cuts. Our articles share practical tips for dealing with these.
LANGUAGE STUDY
- Mexican Spanish is versatile when it comes to questions of time and punctuality through use of the diminutive term, “ahorita”
- Our insightful PinPoint Spanish series helps you to get acquainted with the nuances of Mexican Spanish in everyday situations.
Improve your Spanish conversation capabilities with this online course tailored to current skill level and goals
For an immersive experience, attend a Spanish school in Mexico, where small classes and personalized attention will boost your learning.
If you want to improve your Spanish specifically for living in Mexico, this language for lifestyle course can help.
Mexico’s gradual and phased reopening
Mexico continues to undergo a phased reopening of its economic, cultural, educational, and social activities. Each region and municipality is implementing a custom reopening plan based on a color-coded ‘traffic light’ system so the restrictions vary depending on each region and/or locality.
Helpful Services
Connect to helpful services that enable you to realize your Mexico plans.
MEXICO EBOOKS LIBRARY
- Our Mexico eBooks Library offers you a collection of carefully composed eBooks with helpful insights and local knowledge about Mexico—download free eBooks today!
IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
- When you need help applying for residency, or help renewing your existing residency permit (or working through a ‘regularization’ procedure after a mishap), consider using our Mexico Immigration Assistance Service, that offers detailed consultancy, personalized advice, and practical help through the process.
INSURANCE COVERAGES
- Learn about the range of Mexico-related insurance services that exist to mitigate the effect and expense of unforeseen events and mishaps when you’re here including auto, home, health and trip coverages.
- Our extensive guides and articles about insurance help you to make informed choices.
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
- Mexico Home Life highlights remarkable residential properties for sale in Mexico
- Learn about insuring your home in Mexico
- Meet our realty partners in Mexico: this summer, we’ve begun working with realty agents who can help you find a home
LANGUAGE STUDY
- Improve your Spanish conversation capabilities with this online course tailored to current skill level and goals
- For an immersive experience, attend a Spanish school in Mexico, where small classes and personalized attention will boost your learning.
- If you want to improve your Spanish specifically for living in Mexico, this language for lifestyle course can help.
LEISURE SERVICES
- Find services that help you to discover, plan, and arrange leisure & travel experiences in Mexico.
More Mexperience
Explore Mexico beyond the cookie-cutter and find experiences to enjoy that reflect the true spirit of Mexico.
Discover Mexico through articles and features written by people who know Mexico intimately.
When you’re considering Mexico as a place to live or retire, the knowledge we share helps you to create a plan, and we’ll connect you with helpful lifestyle services and property choices.
When you want to discover Mexico on leisure a trip that’s defined by authenticity, we highlight choices to explore and we can help you to plan your trip.
Sign-up to this newsletter and keep updated
If you’re not already subscribed to our Mexico Newsletter, sign-up now: it’s free and you’ll get an email each month with the latest round-up of news and opportunities.
Mexperience offers a wide range of articles that will help you to plan your road trip in Mexico. Our article about bringing your foreign-plated car to Mexico covers key points you need to know, and our (updated) article on Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) shares valuable information about ensuring your vehicle remains legal here. Don’t forget to insure your vehicle before you cross the border as your US or Canadian policy won’t cover you for third party liabilities. Our guides and articles about Driving in Mexico are filled with practical advice for drivers.
Matthew Harrup is founder and editor of Mexperience
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