Comments on: Everything I wish I knew about going expat in Mexico

By: Kathleen Cody

Kathleen Cody — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 17:57:17 +0000

In reply to PATRICK O’HEFFERNAN.

La respuesta perfecta!

By: Living the dream in BCS

Living the dream in BCS — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 04:54:30 +0000

I don’t understand the take your USA-plated car to the border every six months statement in the article. If this is because of TIP expiration, it should be tied to your temporary resident expiration date (first for a year, and then three years). People in BC / BCS don’t have to bother with a TIP, you just keep your registration and license current.

By: John Wagner

John Wagner — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:33:53 +0000

It’s fairly easy to obtain a Mexican driver’s license, but BEWARE! NEVER LOSE IT!!! The replacement process is quite complicated. Took me two days to complete the fifteen steps I recorded. Visits to various government offices and two payments in banks. As for importing your US car, the permit I first brought it in with was valid as long as my temporary residency was current, but, when I became a permanent resident, it was necessary to take the car to the border (in my case Nuevo Laredo) and officially import it, paying taxes and cancelling the original permit.
I did this using an agent who charged his considerable fee and took us on a wild ride to the border crossing at Piedras Negras. Don’t know if some mordida was paid to get the paperwork processed, but eventually we got it and an official letter granting us safe passage home without the cancelled permit and giving us a grace period to obtain Mexican plates. Mind that only cars that are ten years old or older can be imported. Mybe something has changed, but that was what we went through in 2016 or 2017. We did get stopped on our way to the border by an officer threatening to have the car towed and fishing for a bribe, but I played dumb and showed him the law which stated that our permit was valid and told him to go ahead and tow the car and take us to the police station. He backed down and called off the tow truck and just asked for some “thanks” for letting us go. I said, “Gracias.”

By: linphilpv@yahoo.com

linphilpv@yahoo.com — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:54:24 +0000

In reply to Joe Carman.

Unfortunately not always legal, we found out the hard way

By: Len Stewart

Len Stewart — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:36:43 +0000

Interesting and informative article and all the comments. One additional layer I’ll add is that some rule/regs/procedure/paperwork requirements seem to depend on what staff person you talk with. I experienced totally contradictory statements and documentation at INM depending on who was on duty when I visited. Same with getting my Mexican driver’s license and Mexican plates for a used vehicle. And, with my BBVA Bancomer and Banco Azteca bank accounts. That’s when the patience part comes in for me. I just thank the staff person, make my exit, and try again in a few days. It’s OK. I always try to think of the bewilderment immigrants to the US must experience trying to get all paperwork, documentation and permissions in order.

By: John gorman

John gorman — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:32:54 +0000

Best advice I got: dont buy a car, dont drive, dont buy a house, rent. Sound advice as I had 2 problems with the police while renting cars (yes, Im ashamed, I paid them off). That advice is for us retirees, not for young people starting out.
BTW, IMHO being a digital nomad with a US income is great. Not sure why a young psrson would try to start a life here. Its a great country WITH money, not so godd to MAKE money.

By: David Brandt

David Brandt — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:16:00 +0000

Tried to import a car with a VIN starting with “J”. Can’t do that!

By: Chiapas Traveler

Chiapas Traveler — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:57:40 +0000

In reply to Robert Weiss.

. . . I agree, learning to speak, read and write espanol will open so many doors not yet even recognized . . .

By: Luana Kyselka

Luana Kyselka — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 22:05:14 +0000

In reply to gerard@gerardallardpv.com.

Thank you Gerard!
Lu

By: Robert Weiss

Robert Weiss — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 17:57:40 +0000

The one thing that isn’t mentioned here is the condition of your Spanish. Once you’re able to speak fluently the stress of “doing business” is reduced exponentially. I think that he first thing anyone who really wants to LIVE in Mexico and feel truly at home needs to do is to learn the language. I dislike the word expat.and prefer the word person. Fluency in Spanish will make everything easier and better even the petty bureaucratic complications along the way. I’m always baffled by follks who go to all the work and planning to live in Mexico but somehow forget that language is what will connect them most quickly to everyone and everything they encounter.