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Move to Mexico from US
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- Опубліковано 18 кві 2021
- Thinking about moving to Mexico from the US? We moved part-time from Portland Oregon to El Centenario, just outside La Paz on the Baja peninsula. In this two-part video, we talk about everything we learned.
This video talks about process related things, and the next video talks about money, banking, shopping, etc. Consider this a 101 - a guide to moving south. If you're an American looking for a slower, cheaper life give Mexico a try.
Topics in this video:
4:53 Buying a house
12:58 Getting residency / visas part 1
16:33 Crossing the border
20:43 Driving South
32:43 Residency / visas part 2
Part II: all about money: • Moving to Mexico from ...
In 2020, we bought a house in a small town just 20 minutes from La Paz (and 2 hours from Los Cabos.) It's been a great adventure and we are so glad we are spending our first winter in Mexico. Temperatures here are in the 70s and 80's during the winter, versus the 40's or 50's back home in Oregon.
Our Spanish skills are novice at best, but we've been able to get by while we continue weekly lessons.
Please share your experience or questions about moving to Mexico in the comments below. We learn something new every day!
Support this channel by buying me a margarita over at www.buymeacoff...
The Mexico Relocation Guide is the perfect resource for moving to Mexico. We've partnered with them and you can get the guide here: mexicorelocati...
Great info… similar story to us… traveled down on a whim and ended up with a house! Best thing we’ve ever done.
It's like we are living the same life, just a few hours apart :-) I love your channel. And I love your place in PV - we wanted to do PV, but La Paz is cheaper and easier to get to from Oregon. But we really miss the lush plants you get in PV! Adios!
Another great video! Thank you for all the detail and mentioning the price you paid for your beautiful home. Not sure why some of your other UA-camrs don't want to disclose this. I'm looking forward to retiring to Mexico in about 10 years and love watching all the ExPat videos showing me many options of where to live and the process and costs for so many things. Thank you!!
I'm an open book. I don't hold much back and I'm not sure why some folks don't talk about prices. It's important information for people looking to move south. Best of luck on your journey!
Such great info! Thank you for making this series videos. I love that you did this move and are teaching others to do it right.
Thanks for watching Kristen - perhaps you'll need some of these tips. Assuming your Comitan neighbors convince you to move here permanently ;-)
Your videos are excellent!! The small details invaluable. Really appreciate your style. Planning my move from Canada soon 🇨🇦
Thank you for your comments. I love making these videos. Many more to come. Lots of Canadians down here in La Paz. They started a weekly lunch meetup just for Canadians ;-)
Thanks for sharing! Congrats on your adventurous pretirememt.
Thank you for watching Missy
Fantastic video thank you so much for the information
Fantastic video. Extremely informative for our future more to La Paz ! Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
This video was awesome!!! Very detailed and I feel a lot better about traveling to Baja California Mexico 😁
Wonderful. Glad it was helpful!
Great stuff, Brighton.
Thank you!
OMG! This was excellent information. I sure appreciate you sharing your journey. I am interested in renting a condo or apartment 6 months out of the year. Currently living retired in Michigan. Doing my research now.
Thanks for your comments. I’d definitely go to Mexico during the winters if I lived in Michigan! I grew up in Wisconsin and moved south as soon as I could :-)
Doing research from near the Seattle area. (Lol).
New subscriber. Thank you for this concise, clear observations. Appreciate all this information.
Glad to share Hector
Good times and info!!
Definitely!
A.R.I.N., Just commenting while watching your video.
Especially appreciate the “stop & search” info.
Lol, just heard your, “staying outa politics”, comment!!
Hi Brighton. After watching some some of your videos in a sporadic manner, I decided to go to the beginning where it all began for you and Kat.
Excellent video! There is so much helpful info in this one, as always! Ha...I do find it funny how you went there for an extended weekend and returned with a house! Because our timeline is not quite set, with regards to me quitting my current job, I'd be shocked if we did the same thing in September when we do an exploration trip to Mazatlán. But...one never knows! hehehehe
I did talk to my boss a couple of days ago when I dropped him off at his home town to inquire about the feasibility of me taking him to La Paz. His wife initially showed interest, but then responded that it is too hot currently hehehe. So...maybe later.
Safe travels!
Bring your boss down in the winter (or October / November if they like scuba or snorkling.) You never know what you'll buy when you get here ;-)
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Ha...yes!! I love that plan!! I will have to keep developing that plan!!
I think I have commented before--- I would bring him down for the baja desert races. 🏜 I really liked the colonial stuff in Loreto. But, I think La Paz would be more what we are looking for-- walk out of the housing and have quick access to restaurants, bars, LIVE MUSIC, laundry, mercados, etc
My wife's boss is from SoCal. So she has been down there a ton too. I believe they mostly went to Cabo.
So, even if I can only get them talked into coming to Cabo, I will try to come up to your area. I did not care for the crashing Cabo waves, nor the denser population of Americans running around there.
That's a very useful video! Thank you, Brighton! Funny thing though - I tried to get a permanent residency (also in Portland, Oregon), but got only a temporary one. They were very polite but said "you are only 50 years old, so - no". The money was not an issue. Plenty in my investment accounts. 🤷♀️
Glad it was helpful!
Sorry you only got temporary. But the process to "upgrade" isn't too painful. I think you need to visit the INM office here in Mexico a couple times after one year and after 4 years and then you're permanent.
Was Laura the person you worked with in Portland?
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico that's right. It was Laura. I asked her a few times but she said - No, it's not the money issue, it's the age. Although I own my own businesses and was retiring from everyday operations. Go figure, right? 🤷♀️
@@kamsable Good to know. Laura must be toughening up to match the other consulates 😞I would think that the pandemic has pushed more people to retire younger and they'd be getting used to folks in the states retiring early.
Great video and information. We were in La Paz January before covid started and really liked it. We even started looking at some houses. We are still trying to decide if we want the mainland or Baja.
Bob - we probably just missed you. We went to La Paz in February right before Covid and that’s when we bought our house.
I kinda wish we’d explored the mainland a bit. But we wanted to he on the water and it seemed like the mainland beach towns were more expensive. There are a number of options inland though. Best of luck in your search!
Absolute Excellenta! Amigo.
Gracias!
this is really cool. We're currently living just outside of Portland (Tualatin) and in our early 60's. We're talking about retiring to Mexico for a few years (just after retirement before we get too old). I'm thinking about going to El Nopal language school next year for some Spanish immersion. Right now, I work remotely but not sure how long I'll be allowed to do that. Would love to connect somehow to learn more. Never been to La Paz but have been doing some research and it looks like a really cool place
There are lots of folks from the Pacific Northwest living around La Paz. I’m not familiar with El Nopal but it looks like a great school from what I see online.
I definite recommend checking out La Paz - maybe a learning vacation and also to see the different places to live. I hope ti do more videos about La Paz specifically - and the variety of housing options!
Thank you so much for this!!
You're so welcome!
thanks
I communicated with a number of consulates (San Diego, Denver, Las Vegas) about going right to permanent resident even though I’m 58 (not retirement t age) but should pass solvency. All of them said you had to be 65 and retired or if younger, prove you are retired… and proof is collecting social security or a pension. So curious how you did it at 50?
It really is consulate by consulate. Portland was easy. But I recently heard that they had a staff change in Portland, so that might be changing. The good news is that temporary residency is easier, and after one year, you can apply for 3 additional years in one visit (I originally thought you had to return each year for 3 more years.) And I think getting permanent after having temporary is easy. Sorry it's a bit more complicated for you. You could try contacting someone who helps with immigration in Mexico (Baja Paperworks in La Paz or Martha Sandoval in Cabo are two specialists I know of.) They may know which consulates follow which rules. :-)
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico thank you. That is great advice to contact them.
Hi I live in portland oregon too, and Im from mexico
Very nice! If you're in Portland now, you've been dealing with a lot of snow this year!
I think I could easily move there with at least $300,000 in cash from my house sale and $1400 per month social security. My 2008 4Runner AWD should make it even though it has 260,000 miles on it
Yes - you should qualify. You may need to have that $300k sit in the bank for 6 months so that you have the needed bank statement history. But you should start by emailing your local Mexican consulate.
my husband and I are moving to playa del carmen in January on a temporary resident visa. we were told we would not be able to bring a vehicle into mexico under a permanent resident visa, which we actually did qualify for and wanted.. Did you have any difficulty getting a TIP for your RV with your permanent resident visa? Unfortunately for us now we will have to convert our temporary residency into a permanent one and "import" our truck via an import broker at a fee of approximately $1000. bummer.
Sorry to hear that. You’re on the wrong side of Mexico :-). The Baja California peninsula doesn’t have TIPs or import rules. It’s kinda the Wild West out here, but it makes being an expat easy. We also don’t need Mexican plates or Mexican drivers licenses. Best of luck!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico awesome. we shoulda gone to Ensenada ! thanks for the info
We are driving down from Canada in a few months and this is great information. Can you tell me where that dicey part of the highway is with the narrow lanes so I can be prepared?
Generally around Santa Rosalia. MX5 is good the entire way, but once you get in 1, it gets narrow. Driving Curves in Baja Mexico
ua-cam.com/video/c11_aC19_zI/v-deo.html
Did u show us your house inside?
Here's a video tour of the house ua-cam.com/video/WvESbswabNQ/v-deo.html
Unfortunately I don’t get enough money to qualify for a residency permit. I’m on Social Security, and pushing 70. How would it work out, and how many hours and how much dinero would I have to earn to qualify for a permit? Are there other work arounds to get a long term permit? Please answer, if you can
$3,275 in monthly income or $54,000 in the bank / retirement accounts for temporary residency. You could get a 6 month tourist permit, which requires you to leave every 6 months (maybe not a problem if you live near the border.) But it's not a guarantee that this will work forever.
Or you could marry a Mexican. ;-)
Why not leave Portland entirely and live in La Paz ?
Somehow I need to convince my wife to leave her sister behind in Portland (and her little urban farm... which is great in the summer.)
Hope you understand….Becoming a Resident, is there a constitution?
Do you have children & if yes, how old?
I’ve lived in Hawaii & look “white bread”, yet have a lot of Bonafide, Native American.
The “Trust” in which your home loan is documented, are there stipulations for survivors?
What occurs if one has a trust in Mexico?
Not sure what you're asking about becoming a resident. There are 2 options: permanent and temporary. Both have requirements - mostly about having enough money that you don't become a drain on resources in Mexico.
I LOVE Hawaii - wish we could live there but Mexico is much more affordable!
I hadn't thought about trust beneficiaries. We don't have kids. The trust document is over 100 pages long and in Spanish. I need to ask my real estate agent if there are beneficiaries in there. Thanks for asking that!
I haven't finished watching yet but am wondering what do you do with the house when you go back to Oregon? Do you have a caretaker or someone to watch it?
We have a caretaker who lives down the street who comes by at least twice a week. He's also our handyman, so he's often there doing little things like painting (which he's doing this week.) Plus our house is "smart." Lots of cameras and sensors so we can keep track from Oregon. Be sure to subscribe if you're interested in that - I'm releasing a video Sunday on the smart features.
Wouldn't be better n safer to rent or own a condo ?
It all depends on what you're looking for. Lots of folks rent or own condos. We wanted something that we could really make our own by renovating it. And my wife really wanted land to grow veggies.
We hire a caretaker to watch our place all summer - that wouldn't be necessary if we were in a condo.
May I ask why it is easier to get to La Paz than it is to PV? We live in So Oregon and are thinking about a "reverse snowbird" sort of plan to live in (inland) Mexico during the summer to escape the heat and fires of the PNW! Also, what made you decide to purchase over rent?
Great questions. We love PV - especially the greenery! But it's about another 5 hours of driving from Oregon. And being on the mainland, there are a few more complications in terms of having a car with US plates (not allowed if you are a permanent resident, but it's OK if you are a tourist or temporary resident.) We decided to purchase because my wife is a gardener and I love to tinker and fix things. So we wanted a place that we could "customize." Renting first is a good idea, and even a good idea long term if you want to live more in the city. Also check out Lake Chapala. I've heard the weather there is great in the summer.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thank you! I did not realize Baja was so much closer... guess we always figured we would fly. Lake Chapala is calling our name! Thanks for your super detailed videos, we are eating them up!
Glad to share. Flying is probably much easier into PV. La Paz airport only has seasonal flights to the US. Otherwise you need to connect in Mexico (or fly to San Diego and walk across the border to the Tijuana airport and fly direct from there.) I'm taking a 2.5 hour bus ride to San Jose del Cabo tomorrow to catch a flight to LA...
HI Brighton, I am heading down in February and want to complete my temporary residency application once I arrive. I have started the process in Canada and have my visa. I contacted Host Relocation services in La Paz and they want to charge me $850.00 Canadian to file the paperwork? I find this outrageous, lol. I know in Puerto Vallarta Canadians are completing the process for $200.00 maximum. If you have anyone I can contact in this regard, would much appreciate it. My other thought was to hire a translator (my Spanish isn't great) to take with me to file which would be very affordable. If you know any translators you would recommend in La Paz, that would also be great! Thanks so much!
I recommend contacting Blanca Castillo. facebook.com/BlenchCorral/. She's awesome, great with expats and reasonably priced. I'll have a video with her soon.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thanks again Brighton!
My husband and I live near Hood River, Or and are planning on moving to Bucerias in about 2 years. I was wondering if we could get together when you are back here? Thank you
Leilani - Did you know the mayor of Mosier lives part time in La Ventana (it's a spot where lots of people from Hood River spend the winters.) We met her in La Paz last winter.
Anyway, I just set up a happy hour next Sunday to connect with folks in person. I hope you can make it! fb.me/e/54BPelDBz
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico We would love to come, but I work Sunday nights at 7pm, maybe next time if you have it on my day off. I'm finding out that lots of people in the area are moving to Mexico, at least part time. I have been told to live in an area for a year to see what the area is like year round, but am now thinking of buying something now so when I retire we will have somewhere to go. What is your thoughts on this?
@@bilrmjl2 Sorry you'll miss the happy hour! There's never a perfect time for these things - and Kat and I are running out of time before we head back south.
Buy now or buy later... that's a tough call. We bought the first place we saw during a weekend trip to a city we'd never heard of. So you wouldn't be the first one to buy without going through the recommended "rent first" procedure." If you're available tomorrow, I'm doing a live stream about choosing where to live: ua-cam.com/video/J9z7a9zU9hg/v-deo.html
I have friends who bought a lot outside Puerto Vallarta during their honeymoon. Then 5 years later, she was laid off and they decided to leave New York and build a house on that lot in Mexico.
So I guess there's no right answer.
Except in theory, the peso is supposed to weaken next year. Most houses gringos buy are priced in dollars, so this won't matter for buying the house. However, in the future when you sell, the Mexican government will want less taxes. And if you are building a house, next year you'll likely save money on labor costs.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico yes I saw that live stream and that's where I ran upon you guys. After listening to you my husband and I are really looking into buying now while I am still working and have a large income compared to SS. We really like the area around Bucerias, it has what we think we would need for the future. Thank you and maybe we will see you next year when you come back. Oh I will say we love La Paz and had thought of retiring somewhere around there or Cabo, but when we saw PV area we knew that's where we wanted to be. Have a safe trip, Leilani
@@bilrmjl2 Actually the friends I mentioned who bought land during their honeymoon are near Bucerias in San Pancho. And they have a YT Channel: Shaun in Paradise. Also, if you don't know them, check out Living Simply in Mexico. They are in PV and have meetups there about once a month or so.
We love the lushness around Puerto Vallarta - that's the one thing La Paz is missing for us!
I'm sure I'll have a happy hour or two next summer in Portland
El centenario is a nice place to live , but properties are getting higher , because many americans live there .
Yes - I hope that the prices in the more local areas haven't gone up too much. Most expats seem to be buying up in the hills.
After getting a permanent resident visa in the US, how hard is it to get the appt at inm and what all do you have to show there?
I don't remember exactly. But I don't recall getting an appointment. I think we just walked in (put our names on a list at the door and waited.) We needed a form you can get online (but we didnt' know that, so we needed to fill it out, copy and return. We also needed lots of copies (they don't make copies for you.) I feel like we needed passports, our FMM, maybe something showing our address and something showing we own it? And we needed to go to a bank to pay for something and return with a receipt. I wish I had documented it! Once complete, we returned a week later to pick up the cards. I hope that helps!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico thank you! If I remember, then I'll document it and send you the info. Also, just yesterday I did my appt at the consular in the US. I'm so glad that the day before I went that I saw you had to print out and fill out the application but it has to be printed double sided. Mine was not. But I saw it the day before the appointment and corrected that.
@@cnicolegaines Thanks Nicole! You could do a guest video on my channel :-) Or just send me a couple clips of the process... Glad things worked out for you at the consulate!
SUBBED!!!
We are interested your idea, love to hear you more, dream to follow you someday soon!!!
Could you share the website for La Paz Rental please?
Come on down! www.lapazbay.com/ is a good option for La Paz. I'm about to interview them for a video. Lots of people use FB Marketplace or just post to a local Facebook Group saying they are looking for a place.
Hi “A.R.I.N.!!
Portlandia to Mexico? That’d also be GREAT YT Handle!!
-Got pic?
-Contact info for your realtor?
I like the YT handle idea! Here's my realtor: bajaliferealty.com/ Talk to Jim or Ian
Thank you. Greetings from Queretaro.
I love your videos.
Karma never loses an address. Search Wrong to Strong on UA-cam to get firsthand on Mexican prisons.
The Black Dolphin Prison in Russia would be a great place to send all criminals.
Greetings Queretaro! I’ve got a video from your gorgeous town coming up soon.
I enjoy your informative videos and hope you will refrain from using GOD's name in vain (28:57) so I can continue to watch your videos.
Sorry Jim, we must have different gods. Mine is OK with that statement.
My spiritual values have more to do with doing good acts, accepting others, helping the poor, respecting the planet, treating others as I'd like to be treated, etc. If my language is offense, you can judge me by my acts or by my language. It's up to you.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico great answer ❤️
@@roundpaws Thanks Lynne!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico btw, are you a resident of Oregon or South Dakota? I saw your videos about getting your SD license plates and I was wondering if you could do that without changing residency?