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Best Tip for SAVING Money + How NOT to LOSE Residency (Mexico Q&A)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ส.ค. 2024
- From how much (and who) to tip in Mexico to how the STRONG peso is affecting our cost of living in Mexico, I'm answering your questions about Mexico in this Q&A. Timestamps are the in the description so you can find what you need 🤓
00:00 Best tip for saving money in Mexico
01:51 How is inflation & strong peso affecting cost of living in Mexico?
04:34 How do you stay safe in Guadalajara?
06:30 Let's go to my new favorite cafe in Guadalajara ☕️
07:02 When should you use a credit card in Mexico?
07:51 What percentage is good when it comes to tipping in Mexico?
09:27 How to save money on hotels in Mexico
11:26 Do I need to stay in Mexico a certain amount of time as a temporary resident to qualify for permanent residency?
12:48 Does permanent residency in Mexico expire? Time requirement for Mexican citizenship
14:05 How NOT to LOSE your residency in Mexico (important !!!)
16:46 Health insurance in Mexico
18:43 Can you get by in Guadalajara with only English?
✨ Moving to Mexico? Snag the 11-point Move to Mexico Checklist PLUS my top tips for finding an apartment in Mexico & a handy renting in Spanish cheat sheet ⬇️
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Whew, we covered A LOT of ground in this video 😅 Timestamps are in the description to help you find what you need! Drop any other Mexico questions in the comments below!
Must be in Mexico 18 months in a two year period to apply for citizenship. Available at 5 years of permanent residency.
Thanks for sharing, Brad!
The tip about applying for residency NOW is great. My partner and I did just that, despite not yet being able to move permanently to Mexico. Aside from locking in the lower financial requirements (and avoiding any other immigration changes that might occur due to changes in politics), it's one less stressful thing we'll have to worry about when we do finally move there permanently.
Congrats on getting your residency, Matthew! Like you said, one less thing to worry about down the road!
Congrats! I'm doing the same! Question - how to you get a Mexico address when you don't have one, and won't have one for some time? I'll be going in Sept to complete my conje process.
And great video...!
We are going to have my husband apply next month since he will be able to show financial solvency by then (I think it’s a sign God gave him overtime at the beginning of the year to be able to hopefully qualify by showing that for 6 months this year) is there any tip you can give regarding the interview process. We want to do as you said and lock it in before we don’t qualify but we heard some consulates want to know how you will be able to move there and continue having your income flow. We won’t be able to move right away either so I’m wondering what a sufficient answer is and what address people use that do this when they go do their canje portion. The truth is that an investment we have should give us the funds to move there soon but since we can’t prove that yet I’m wondering what to say if they ask. Sorry I’m nervous and want everything to go smoothly. And FELICIDADES 🎊 🎉 on getting yours!
@@ES-rw3iq We just used the address of the AirBNB we had at the time. We also used an attorney in Mexico City to assist us with both our initial INM visit and our renewal, and she advised to not bother changing our registered address until we move permanently. Hasn't been an issue so far.
@@crazyazmommy Every consulate has different requirements and procedures, as I understand it. We qualified via savings, not income, so I'm afraid I can't offer any advice. There are Facebook groups where people can offer advice that might help you, I would start there.
Really appreciate the financial tips speaking as a 62 yr old. Insurance is like brushing your teeth, just do it. But your comments on water cost and inflation are so very informative. So we know what to expect and no BS. Thank you so much.
I am almost 60 and moving to QRO in September and will be living near a Spanish language school as that was the must have
I'm glad you found that little bit of anecdotal evidence helpful! It's not huge amounts of money that we're talking about, but when you examine the increase as a percentage, it's quite dramatic!
Great video Alex. The problem of not presenting residency paperwork at the airport with your passport sounds like a headache. I'm glad you covered that. Love your enthusiasm for Mexico.
I appreciated Ivonne's advice to just get in the habit of handing over your immigration card first THEN your passport! Thanks for watching, Pamela!
Oxxo charges 15 pesos flat fee per transferencia. Basically they do it for you, so you need the recipient's debit card number or CLABE. The transfer is immediate.
Thanks for sharing!
Yes,,, living in Guadalajara would be so valuable, I always give cash as a tip,, its sooooo appreciated by staff, keep well
Just to confirm, you're interested in seeing a cost of living in Guadalajara video, Mary Joan?
A video on the help a Relocation specialist can provide a single 65+ woman would be helpful:) Thanks...new sub here
Hi & welcome! This video about getting residency in Mexico in 2024 is a good place to start: th-cam.com/video/OYyIPZtX-5o/w-d-xo.html I interview Ivonne Pavaan from Host Relocation 🤓
Alex Wittman, Your videos always brighten my day, so I subscribed!
Glad to have you here 🥰
Great video! We are in the process of moving from the U.S. to Queretaro and we have been using Host Relocation to make the process so much easier....They had their drivers pick us up in Laredo Texas and drive our family of 5 and our dog all the way down to Queretaro....They helped us through the entire temporary residency process....They gave us a tour of the city and then found us a great apartment to rent....AND they took care of all of the paperwork and Aval process....We could not have done this without them....Ivonne and her team are great hard-working people and we HIGHLY recommend them to anyone relocating to Mexico.
I am so happy to hear that you've had such a good experience. Ivonne is such a professional & the absolute best at what she does!
Hi Alex - good video. It's worth a mention that for people with temp 4 year residency - if they leave Mexico, I think they have to register that they are leaving temporarily and intend to come back (I forget what this is called). I am remembering I was told If they leave Mexico without doing this first, they lose their temp residency when they try to re-enter Mexico and have to start all over again from square one.
I read:
Time allowed in Mexico: When you have temporary residency in Mexico, you can enter and leave Mexico as many times as you wish and there are no time limits on how long you have to remain in Mexico each year to keep your residency status.
@@CuratedVibes Yes, that sounds true for permanent residency I think. But definitely, if you have temporary residency you need to fill out some paperwork ahead of time and if you forget to do this and just leave, you're back to square one and would need to go through the entire temp residency procedure all over again. So, anyone with temp residency wanting to leave Mexico should doublecheck what they need to do so they don't lose it.
Thank you for creating such engaging and informative videos. My upcoming trip to San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City has been made even more exciting by watching your content. Despite being Mexican and having lived in the U.S. for 30 years, your videos have opened my eyes to new insights and perspectives. Your dedication to your work is truly appreciated. Thank you for all that you do. 🥰🥰🙏🏽
I love your content Alex. Your day in the life vlog inspired me to try skating again and it was so fun! You're really good! I'm going to buy some skates this week. Keep sharing your beautiful light ✨❤
Keep me posted on your return to skating! It's been so much fun to get lost in a new hobby 🥰
@@alex-wittman thanks Alex! I just got my skates and honestly skating outside is terrifying compared to in a rink lol. I kept saying "yo puedo hacer lo!" haha. You really did inspire me. You're really good! thanks so much for writing me back.
@@organic-artistic I just got the Radar energy wheels for outdoor skating & really love the softness of the wheels for absorbing cracks & rocks!
@@alex-wittman Hi Alex! I just saw your message, disculpe. Thanks for this tip! I will look into those. I think you picked a good city for skating and biking! I'm in San Miguel de Allende it's so small, it's lacking in many ways. So I'm skating in my house because I have concrete floors lol. Buenas trades!
Hi alex, I would love to see an updated budget video, gracias!
Great info. Thanks. I’m on my way to QRO with permanent residence visa in hand after 5 extended visits in the past two years. Ivonne is helping me with the process when I arrive. I have friends and a novia Mexicana there all thanks to your older videos in Queretaro. 🇲🇽
Woohoo, I am so excited for you! Wishing you all the best for your life in Queretaro 🥰
Great info and well presented as usual!
Thanks for watching, Dave! 🤓
I so much appreciate your mentioning the decline button for ATM charges.. It has saved me a lot of money over the past couple of trips! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU SHARE!
Glad it was helpful! Safe travels, Diana!
The number of transactions you can do in an Oxxo and other stores (e.g., Walmart) is impressive, but I didn't know "transferencias" was one of them. I am going to Europe in two weeks and was worried about the potential mistake of being marked as a tourist upon re-entry. The tips about showing the residency card AND avoiding the self-service counters are truly appreciated.
So glad you found it helpful, Mario! Take care & travel safe!
Wow! So nice! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for watching! I hope you found it helpful!
Very helpful 👌
I make deposits at oxxo all the time. I withdraw the pesos from the atm, go to the oxxo with the recipient's bank account nbr and tell them I need to make a deposit. Things to note: tha maximum amount for any deposit is $5000 mxn. If you need to deposit more (like when paying rent, for example), you can make multiple deposits. Each deposit carries a service charge of $15 mxn, regardless of the amount.
Really good to know about the maximum deposit! Thanks so much for sharing!
Great video Alex. We live in Ajijic and being in our late 70s find it is not possible to get health insurance of any type.
That's a tough situation, Ty. Sending good, healthy vibes your way!
@@alex-wittman we have Medicare in the US and we regularly return to our home state for tests and checkups. Some Medicare Advantage policies provide limited emergency coverage while traveling but Medicare Advantage coverage is nothing more than private insurance including limited choice of doctors, preapprovals and denials by insurance companies and their algorithms etc. No thanks!
As a resident I found out many insurance companies will deny coverage for or existing conditions. There are some that provide catastrophic coverage without coverage for the exception, but they are difficult to find.
Good stuff, Alex. Thanks for taking the time and effort to make these vids. Your topics are interesting / informative, you have nice camera presence, and you are like the teacher whose class I actually enjoy attending. Keep up the wonderful job!
We have the 3 yr temp now and just wait for perm next. The biggest issue that doesnt get talked about is when you have kids. Same process every 5 yrs until they are 18. I get the reasons but doing the same process and cost for minors hardly seems rational or fair.
That sounds like a headache! Is it to keep the photo on their card relevant? What's the "reasoning"?
Yes yes.......always hand your Residency Card to the Immigration Official first before giving them your Passport and make sure You are in the right line at the airport, the one for Mexican Citizens and Residents, not the tourist line.
So important!
Great helpful info.
Glad it was helpful, Debbie!
The tip about the ATM was great! Thank you!
Glad you found it helpful! 🥰
I was recommend these three neighborhoods to live in: Jardines de la Paz, Colonia Alta, and Lomas del Paradero. Can you do a video on cost of housing in those neighborhoods? Can you also talk about the advantage / disadvantage of owning real estate in Mexico.
The big water jugs in CDMX, Condesa at a small tienda cost 60 pesos. I think I need to find a larger store with a lower cost.
We get deliveries directly from Bonafont! That might be something to check out 🤓
I'm near Morelia and I pay 13 pesos to exchange my garrafons... Delivery 23... And that's in the countryside.
Seems like city folk are getting gauged
Ooo, that was a good vid, Alex, thanks!!! Great info. :) I'm returning to Guanajuato in August for a week to renew my temp res for another 3 years. Also doing a sort of re-scouting visit to see if I would still love living there (my $ is on 'yes') and then I'll come back to US and start the process of moving!!! I miss Mexico soooo much. :) Thanks again for your great insight!!! I'd like to see a video on moving pets to Mexico (I have 2 cats) and some of your "stuff" (not furniture). Hugs!!! :)
Hi, Brenda! Here's my video about moving pets to Mexico: th-cam.com/video/qntkEYa-c90/w-d-xo.html and here's my video about moving your belongings: th-cam.com/video/ol5xbAXbgWE/w-d-xo.html
If you want to manage without Spanish Ajijic is probably better. I also think they could readjust the income requirements downwards as they maybe "unintentionally" went up with the minimum wage. But it's anyone's guess.
I want to say that they can’t continue to increase at this same rate, but like you said, it’s anyone’s guess 🫠
Many things in Mexico are tied to the minimum wage, so yes, they'll continue increasing the minimum wage every First day of the year, so expect the financial requirements increase as well.
@18:43 re: English… I spent 4 months in Guadalajara this past winter and it was DEFINITELY easier with even the minimal Spanish I spoke on arrival. GDL to me seems to be off the tourist radar, surprisingly so for a city that size. (Compared e.g. to Mexico City, where it felt like every 3rd person I met was from somewhere else!)
But as Alex says, if they’re younger and/or working in certain fields, your odds are better for finding English spoken. It’s also easy to find beginner Spanish classes, and Mexicans themselves are immensely generous and helpful if one makes the least effort at Spanish. ❤
(They also have zero qualms about making fun of me, but I can’t really fault them for that; it’s their God-given right.)😅😎
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Derek! I maintain that the more Spanish you know the faster you will feel at home in Mexico 🥰
Thank you for your very educational videos
So glad to hear you found it helpful, Helen!
Espero que todo bien
Great info...!
Hi , you always do a great job🇲🇽🍷😘
Great Tip ! Thank - you
Glad you found it helpful, Ray!
For a garrafón!??! They're 20 pesos where I am, 10 if I fill it myself at a dispenser.
Wow, is that with a certain company?
@@alex-wittman At all of the corner stores..and 2 of the stores deliver for free
Great video Alex. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching!
Great video, Alex. Watching this on my way back from Mexico City after obtaining my permanent residency… thanks to YOU. Easiest process from visa to card with support from you and host relocation. To your points on the video… SPANISH LANGUAGE!!! Big reminder that I am behind. Awesome tip for showing residency card then passport, put in my mental Rolodex. Great video, thanks for sharing health insurance info too. Would be great to see a video on getting a RFC and importance of Mexican banking and mobile number
Congrats on getting your permanent residency!
Great information!
Thanks for watching!
I want to bring my mom with me to Mexico. Can you talk about adding dependents to your residency application. Do they need to be a part of the entire process including the interview? Is there any documentation they need to provide themselves. When you travel down to Mexico to complete the process so they need to be there?
Hi Alex. I really enjoy the information you provide in your videos and subscribed to your channel. Is there a place with moderate temps year round where the walking is safe? My husband has slight balance issues and it's a big concern of ours. Thank you and take care.
Love your videos. Always so informative.
Thanks for watching!
Hola Alex. I've always wondered if people who aren't fluent in Spanish (yet) can get by with a translator app. Is that off-putting by residents (because they assume, right or wrong, that you aren't interested in learning the language) or does it really help? Love your content BTW.
I think in some situations it's useful, but it really slows down the interaction (and feels a little inhuman imo) so I think most Spanish speakers will just try to use whatever English they have to keep things moving.
You always have great information, Alex, it is appreciated! (From a fellow Michigander, lol.)
Thanks for watching, Cindy & always taking the time to leave a comment! I am grateful for your support!
How about bank transfers via Wise? I've been asked to wire money from Canada when booking hotels down there, and they used and recommended Wise as it's so much cheaper than doing it directly from a bank. A bonus is that it also had a better exchange rate. Would that also work if you're already down there and dealing with the average hotel that wants a transfer?
Wise would work!
I have a permanent residency card; how would I know if when entering mexico, Immigration coded me incorrectly as a tourist? Is there some way for me to check?
I asked Ivonne about this & she said there unfortunately isn't any way to check, but if the immigration officer took your residency card, then you are more than likely fine.
@@alex-wittman thank you! you are amazing!
Good job 👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Mucho exito siempre
Thanks for the helpful video! Is there a school in Guadalajara to take Spanish language classes that you recommend? Or in the Riviera Maya area?
Google “Expat Spanish”, Amy Whitney. She has great online classes.
Not sure about the Riviera Maya area, but in Guadalajara, I've heard good things about the ICI Language School: instagram.com/ici_idiomas/
@@alex-wittman Thank you!
What are your thoughts on staying on a tourist visa leaving every six months if i'm close to a border?
Lots of ppl live in Mexico this way, but I always think back to 2021 when there was a period of time that immigration officers were only giving “perpetual tourists” a few days instead of the full 180 days. Ppl were separated from the lives that (in some cases) they’d been building for decades in Mexico. When you’re on the tourist visa, it’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer how much time they’re going to give you.
Hi Alex, im from near Toronto Canada, and I've messaged you before. I'm wondering can I get my permanent visa right from the start. I'm retired and qualify financially. Thanks Jim
Jim I just got mine in Raleigh NC. As long as you qualify there is no requirement to visit Mexico first but I highly recommend visiting for 2 to 3 months before to get a feel for it. I visited for months at a time for two years. It really takes at least that long for the new shine to wear off so you get an idea of living there. Good luck.
Yes! Retirees can go straight for permanent residency. Your next step is getting in touch with the Toronto consulate (or where you plan on applying) to get their specific requirements & find out how to make an appointment.
@@arlingtonguy54 my only concern is that the qualifications have been changing rapidly. I just figured that I can travel Mexico over the years to find where I want to settle down. And I don't have to worry about renewing every year. Thanks
Yes with the new government coming in nobody knows what will happen as far as immigration. Go for it.
As a 🇲🇽Mexi-Can🇨🇦 living in Vancouver and Guadalajara I recomed you to visit the Mexican consulate in Toronto, they can orient you and answare your questions personally..
I recommend you to serch on youtube your favourites destinations before visit the consulate, one of the popular places to retired is "Ajijic" a small town in Chapala lake, one hour south from Guadalajara. Good luck ✋🏻😀
Animo animo ziempre
🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
I am in Guadalajara right now! Would be nice to see each o ther jajajajaja
In merida, I pay 10 pesos to fill a large 5 gallon jug
Hi, do you still work in SEO? I ask because I work in SEO also, I work for a US company as a W2 employee. Do you face any challenges as an SEO in Mexico? Challenges being having US based clients that may be put off hiring an expat in a developing country or working for a US based company that may also have the same biases? Thank you.
MIJA IN USA..YOU HARD EAT. A ONE..BURRITO FOOD AND SODA.AROUND $. 25.00 DOLARS.....ONLY ONE SÚPER BURRITO..AND HAMBURGER 🍔 AROUND THE SAME PRICE ....AND KEEP GOING ..UP THE PRICES IN.....USA
do you have a wise video?
Hi, John! In this video about how to ope a Mexican bank account, I talk about how we use Wise: th-cam.com/video/bofVS_jP5T8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5Kvb3HWCHfBZ4jfh&t=362
@@alex-wittman I need to get both
But have you ever said “ I live in Guanatos” ?
Hola Alex como estas?
Hi, I’m Lori from Wisconsin.
Thanks for watching, Lori!
Garrafon en Tepa today 06/10/2024 is only 38$mxn
Ahhh so much fluctuation! What would you say is a standard price?
50 in GTO
Hi, I have been researching the amount that a single person would have to make to qualify for residency. I am 48 years old and am 100 percent disabled veteran. I make 3,877 a month for life. I have seen from 1,900 to 4,300 to qualify. Do you know the correct amount that is needed. Thank you
The exact amount to qualify varies from consulate to consulate. I recommend reaching out to the specific consulate where you plan on applying and/checking that specific consulate website. If you're able to travel to apply, the McAllen consulate (Texas) has some of the lowest financial requirements in the country.
Ha ha! I still use the 20:1 exchange rate in my head because I can't handle the mental mata of 17:1!
Math is not my strong suit 😅
ThumbUp &LeaveComment 4AIgosAll
Thanks for watching!
@@alex-wittman It's my pleasure. Thank you for sharing your insights
Hi😊
How much do you pay a month for your health insurance if I may ask?
Taylor and I pay for our health insurance in two installments (January & July). The total for the year for the both of us is around $35,500 MXN.
@@alex-wittman Very good! Thanks!
con todo respeto estas muy bonita
if you are moving to Mexico to save money. You are moving for the wrong reasons.
In my experience & thinking of the people I've met, saving money isn't generally a strong enough "why" for wanting to move. People tend to enjoy life in Mexico more when they're also motivated by a desire to learn about a new culture, learn the language, etc.
Hi from Vallarta Poniente.. I love to live in Minerva roundabout zone.
🫲🏻🙂🫱🏻
If you have any recommendations for esta zona, plis share!