Banking
Did you know it is possible to open a bank account on a tourist visa? There’s only one bank in Mérida where this is possible.
It’s important to have a local bank account. We introduce you to a banker that will help you open an account (if requested) during this appointment.
If you’d like to open your account, the banker will need the following:
1) Valid Passport
2) Social Security Number
3) Migration Form – document given to the person as they enter the country
4) Recent Utility Bill (electric, water, gas bill) from your U.S. residence OR a bank statement that is no older than 3 months
Amexcare
Amexcare works with patients, hospitals & foreign insurance companies to verify benefits. Because hospitals & medical facilities in Mexico do not perform medical coding, it is impossible for insurance companies to pay claims.
Amexcare is the facilitator so that insurance companies are billed correctly, hospitals get paid, & the patient is aware of all details in regard to their insurance coverage when in Mexico.
Your can verify your insurance benefits at this appointment for you to know your coverage with:
1) Copy of your insurance card – front & back
2) Valid ID to confirm date of birth such as a passport or driver’s license
Real Estate
The most important aspect of your life in Mérida is where you live. Mérida offers a vast range of styles, prices & locations.
Our local realtor shows you housing styles, types, pricing & locations to consider.
If you are in the market to purchase, we highly recommend renting for a year to discover the best options for you.
If you want to look for housing after tour hours, let us know the following:
1) Price range
2) Number of beds, baths
3) Pool or no pool
4) Stairs – yes or no
5) Is natural light important – yes or no
Insurance
Insurance works VERY differenty in Mexico than in the U.S. & other countries. It’s important to have completely confidence & trust in your insurance agent.
We have partnered with a full-service insurance agency who can provide insurance for auto, life, health, & property.
We introduce you to a boutique firm that delivers concierge service to their clients.
Immigration
When you enter Mexico, a tourist visa is issued to you that is good for 180 days. At the end of this time, you need to exit the county & enter again. Thus giving you another 180 days.
With a tourist visa, you have many restrictions. But, as a temporary or permanent resident, you have much more flexibility & priveleges.
Learn the differences between the visas so you can make an educated decision about how you want to live in Mérida.
Taxes
If you are still working with U.S. income, you need to file a separate schedule for your income tax return when living in a foreign country. The same applies when opening a foreign bank account.
If you decide to look for work locally, a work permit is necessary. We recommend speaking to your CPA first to determine how your income tax return will change.
If needed, we can introduce you to a local CPA to help with any Mexican income you anticipate.
Concierge Services
One of the most frustrating things about living in a foreign country can be the language & managing multiple services when you need something completed quickly & efficiently. Not surprisingly, this can cause anxiety & increased frustration.
Sometimes you don’t know what you need until you need it. This is when it’s valuable to have a concierge service to call.
From house cleaning to airport transportation to property management to home repairs, we have a concierge service that can help.
Dental
Along with a general practioner, a dentist is the most requested medical professional referral. We have partnered with a wonderful local dentist who speaks English.
His office provides state-of-the-art equipment & very specialized customer care & service. You’ll find most doctors here take their time with their patients & our dentist is no exception. He’s kind, gentle, & understanding.
He offers full service dentistry at a fraction of the price in the U.S. & other countries. You can have a check up & teeth cleaning after tour hours with advance notice for $25 U.S. (His office is open until 8:00 pm.)
Other Medical
We have a great general practioner if you need anything while you are here. She makes house calls & her rates are extremely reasonable.
If there is another type of doctor, medical procedure, facility or clinic you need, please let us know how we can assist you.
Many medical appointments can be made with advance notice during your time in Mérida.