If you were able to join us at the Expatsi Move Abroad Con in San Antonio, I’m sure we can all agree it was an INCREDIBLE event! Expatsi is an outstanding resource, constantly adding worldwide experts, and intent on assisting your international move. As a speaker and panelist for the “All About Moving to Mexico,” I was able to share both personal and professional advice. If you were not able to join, I’ve recapped my portion of the panel Expatsi Move Abroad Con: Move to Mérida in this article.
Residency Process for a Move to Mérida
I had an interesting and harrowing experience for my residency process. Timing played an enormous part in my path. Because I decided to move to Mérida so quickly after my research trip, I was unable to get an appointment at the Mexican Consulate in Dallas. At that time, consulate shopping was not a thing. Because I am a firm believer that everything will work out, I went ahead and moved without residency. Something I would NOT recommend currently.
My intention was to secure an appointment after I moved. However three months after I moved, the world shut down for COVID. Pivot.
I met with two different immigration attorneys in the following 8 months. I quickly discovered the difficulty I would have due to owning a small business. Pivot.
After two years of being paranoid and panicky, Angel and I decided to get married to obtain residency through marriage with an immigration facilitator. We were not advised that a home visit would be conducted nor when it would be. Unfortunately, we were not home at that time so my application was denied. The immigration facilitator did not notify us of this process nor did they let us know we had 30 days to reapply. Pivot.
We planned a visit to Playa del Carmen and I was afraid to cross the state line with an expired tourist visa. At that time, it had been expired for 2 years. YIKES! On a whim, we decided to go to INM and apply through the RNE or regularization process. This process was instituted during COVID for people like me who got stuck in the country. Guess what? Easy-peasy! I did it! I now know why people want to kiss the ground when they receive residency or citizenship. It felt so good to finally be legal! Success!
LESSON: don’t give up, try different ways, consulate shop, and do whatever you need to do to obtain residency sooner rather than later. It’s important to hire the RIGHT professional help. We recommend Hector Medina with New Roots
Mérida Medical Aspects: Insurance, Public Healthcare, Seeing a Doctor
Medical including doctors, hospitals, and insurance is one of the most requested topics. The majority of the time, your current health insurance company will tell you that you are not covered in Mexico. BUT, this may not be true. Mexico does not perform medical coding making it impossible for hospitals to bill insurance companies. Therefore, a third-party coding and billing company is utilized which can assist in medical claims. See this article: Can I use my health insurance in Mexico? for more information about how insurance works and AMEXCARE.
When you are ready for an insurance quote and more assistance with health and medical needs, try our friends at Health Itinerary and Expat Insurance. Their team of professionals can answer questions, make recommendations, and provide quotes.
IMSS is the Mexican Institute of Social Security is a governmental organization that assists public health, pensions and social security in Mexico operating under the Secretariat of Health. It also forms an integral part of the Mexican healthcare system. As you would expect from a public health system, there are many challenges. Additionally, due to the low cost of services and medicines, many expats use it as a back up for catastrophic medical needs such as a heart attack or cancer diagnosis. If you are interested in learning more, Health Itinerary (above) can answer all your questions including assisting you with the enrollment process.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the cost and ease of appointments for doctors. Our favorite doctor is Dr. Jose Azcorra with MoviMed. He makes housecalls (YES!) with a cost of only $800 mx or $40 usd. Need to go to the emergency room? Same cost for an ER visit.
Mérida Cost of Living
It’s no surprise that costs are dictated by 3 things:
- Location
- Amenities
- Lifestyle Choices
The best example I can give you is take your U.S. mindset and style of living then translate to Mérida. We are used to houses with A/C in every room, modern kitchens with dishwashers and ovens or ranges, screens and window coverings, comfortable furnishings, washers and dryers and all the things that make life more convenient. Types of housing is an area that will take some getting used to. Some houses don’t have closets, most don’t have dishwashers, and, at times, an oven or range can be hard to find. Making compromises starts with housing. The more amenities, the higher the cost. The better the location, the higher the cost.
We are used to convenience and choices. One-stop shopping, while convenient, will also cost more. Buying fruits and vegetables in a modern grocery store where you can buy other products costs more due to the overhead and operational costs. Buying fruits and vegetables from the corner shop or a vendor on the side of the road naturally costs less. This is less convenient because you’ll need to to visit multiple locations to buy everything on your list. This is one example of a lifestyle choice that can affect your cost of living.
Many think that Mexico is cheap. Undoubtedly, it can be IF you live like a local. What does this mean?
- 2 bedroom house with 1 bathroom that has A/C only in the bedrooms.
- Shopping at the local butcher, markets, and fruit stands.
- Eating at restaurants outside the tourism area of Centro.
Now, I’ll share our costs in USD. We live in a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath house with 2 covered parking places. There is a swimming pool that we recently remodeled and installed a filtration system. In every room, there are A/C units and window coverings. We spend $1,250 on rent, an average of $125 monthly on electricity and $15 on water. Other utilities include trash ($2 monthly) and internet ($55 monthly). Food costs run about $800 monthly including groceries and eating out. We own a car and gas costs about $200 monthly and our insurance is $550 annually. We have a weekly housekeeper ($45) and pool cleaner ($10) and a monthly gardener ($40).
For a detailed list of costs for Mérida, read this article: The Unfiltered Truth About the Mérida Mexico Cost of Living
Logically, living costs (rentals and purchases) are dictated by location as well:
- Centro – main tourist area rent $1,800+ / purchase $300,000+
- North – north of centro but inside the loop $1,200+ / purchase $225,000+
- Suburbs – outside the loop (and need a car) $1,000+ / purchase $175,000+
Mérida Weather and Geography
The intense heat of Mérida is one of the major reasons people decide NOT to move here OR they move away within a short period of time. Learning how to manage the heat is one of the most important things you can do. One of my deal breakers was a city with intense heat. Surprisingly, I fell in love with the city, the culture, and the vibe on the third day of my research trip. So understanding what I needed to do to protect myself during the year was critical. Like me, if you love it, you’ll find ways to deal with the heat. May is the hottest month and September is the rainiest.
WHY is Mérida so hot? Located 175 miles from the Tropic of Cancer, Mérida is hot and humid for 8 months out of the year. The heat is different because it is so intense. It can literally feel like you are under the broiler in an oven during the summer months. The humidity is not only from the air and environment, it also comes from underneath the ground. So moisture is in the air all year long. Comparing Mérida to Dallas, where I moved from, was actually a surprise after I arrived. While the numbers were similar – temperature, humidity, heat index – the difference is the intensity from being close to the Tropic of Cancer AND the concrete found all over the city. Fortunately, Mérida is close to the coast and receives a nice breeze for the majority of the year. If you fall in love with Mérida and know it is your spot, you’ll find ways to deal with it!
Like North Texas, Mérida is also pretty flat. While you will find some hills throughout the region, it’s not mountainous by any means. An immense amout of vegetation, forests, mangroves, and cenotes are found throughout the region. For more information on the weather, read: Mérida Weather: The Ultimate Guide
For more on cenotes: What is a Cenote? (And, are there any in Mérida?)
How do locals feel about foreigners?
Because Merida is a high tourism destination, locals enjoy the influx of foreigners. Interestingly, the majority of tourists are Mexican Nationals not those from outside the country. Our high season runs from October through Easter week which is the busiest week of the entire year. During this time, locals in the service industry make the majority of their income. Therefore, they welcome foreigners with open arms and are very warm and engaging.
Locals also appreciate when foreigners learn Spanish to speak to them in their own language. Additionally, respect for the culture is appreciated as well. The Mexican culture is all about respect. You’ll find they take special care of the elderly. Family values are important. They tend to avoid conflict at all costs.
A large misconception is most people expect locals to speak English because it is a tourism destination or borders the U.S. However, only 4% of the country’s residents speak English. In Yucatan, Spanish is the #1 language followed by Yucatec Maya, the indigenous language.
Our best advice is to learn a few words in Spanish, use Google Translate, don’t expect locals to translate English OR bad Spanish (that’s a no-no), and, most importantly, learn more about the culture! Read these articles for more insights: What is the culture in Merida like? AND Top 10 Tips for Merida
Favorite – Least Favorite Things
Settling into a new life, a new language, a new environment, and a new culture is both exciting and scary. There are so many unknowns. I looked at my new life like an adventure. One thing I decided in the very beginning was to give myself time – about 2 years – to really get to know the city, the culture, and to settle in. I was surprised to find that, over time, my favorite / least favorite things list changed.
In the beginning my favorite things were more on the touristy side. Nightly cultural events, exploring different museums, walking around Centro, and learning about the city. While those are still some of my favorite things, now it is about the people. I spent the first two years listening intently to Spanish speakers so that I could start to learn. Now, I can have beautiful conversations with locals and connect on a deeper level. This is by far my favorite thing. I feel part of the local community. I can joke, compliment them, and ask for help with my Spanish. It touches my heart so deeply to know that I am integrating.
While I always like to remain positive, there are a few things that I’m not so fond of. Waiting in line is part of the culture. There is no such thing as a quick errand. Things take 3-4 times longer. It’s hard to find consistent help or good help. It took us 3 years to find a really good housekeeper and 4 years to find a really good handyman. Mexican time is a thing and I’m not so enthralled with it either. But adapting and patience are the keys to success here.
I think my least favorite of all things is that the word “no” is not part of the Mexican language. What you’ll hear is mañana which means three things: morning, tomorrow, and never. Because Yucatecan culture is based on pleasing people, locals never, ever want to tell you no. Instead, you’ll hear mañana. If you’re continually told mañana but nothing happens, you can bet it never will. It’s hard to get accustomed to but it is a part of daily life.
If you’re worried about making mistakes, I’ve shared the major ones I made in this article: 15 Mistakes I Made After Moving to Mérida
Favorite – Least Favorite Neighborhoods
Centro is a much larger area than people think it is. Centro and neighborhoods that are within a 15 minute drive are my favorites because all the action and culture happens in Centro. I love the north neighborhoods for the upscale restaurants and sophistication. Least favorite are outside the loop – any direction due to distance. In the south – close to the airport and further south, the areas tend to be more dangerous.
While many of the neighborhoods in Centro seem to run together and look similar, they each have unique qualities. Santa Ana, Santa Lucia, and Santiago (close to the market) are my favorites for their close proximity to restaurants, cultural events, coffee shops, parks, and activities. Santa Lucia is the home of the Yucatecan Serenata, a one-hour music and dancing show every Thursday night that began in 1965. The show attracts locals and tourists alike and you’ll find the park crowded to the point of standing room only. Santa Ana hosts many pop up artisanal markets including the Guelaguetza from Oaxaca. This event features products from Oaxaca, music, dancing, and food from the region. The Santiago market is the most popular market in the city with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, juices, and more. You’ll find local restaurants on the outside of the market as well as some artisanal products for sale. Fresh tortillas are made daily.
We tend to avoid neighborhoods around the airport and south of the loop. These are rougher areas, not well lit, and are easy to get lost in if you don’t know your way. Unfortunately, the crime is higher in these areas. We definitely recommend not venturing into areas that you’re not familiar with, especially after dark. While Mérida is safe, common sense and awareness should be used at all times to avoid potential problems.
What’s Unique About Mérida (Why People Should Move There)
Merida has received the Cultural Capital of the Americas twice. There are free cultural events every night of the week. Also a gastronomic destination- the food is incredible. A city of 1.4 million with a small town feel. What makes Mérida unique are the Mayan traditions, food, language, historical sites and the cenotes only found in the Yucatan Peninsula. When speaking to locals in the Yucatan Peninsula, they will tout the magic of Mérida. People are enamored with the city due to the safety, tranquility, slower pace, and friendly people. As I was making my list of possible destinations to move to, I created a list of what I wanted. In this article, Is moving to a different country right for you?, you’ll find what I was looking for. Hopefully, it will start your juices flowing and provide some food for thought.
Merida checked all my boxes:
- Culture
- Gastronomy
- Easily Accessible
- Major Airport
- Amazon
Many people move to Mérida based on a feeling and nothing else. The same was true for me. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, Yucatan is very similar to Texas. It seceded from Mexico not only once but twice. Yucatecos are incredibly proud of their culture and their state just like Texans. Mérida has a similar feel, population, and city layout to Fort Worth, Texas which I was very familiar with moving from Dallas. Yucatan feels like the Texas version in Mexico and I’m very comfortable there. Locals are friendly, welcoming, and enjoy sharing information about their city. It’s a special place that if you don’t end up moving there, you’ll definitely want to visit on a regular basis.
The Perfect Candidate for a Move to Mérida
Life moves at a much slower pace; thinking pre-internet will give ou a good frame of reference. Quality of life improves when you slow down. If improving quality of life is a primary focus, then Mérida just might be the right place for you. The cost of living is lower. Services such as a maid, a cook, a pool cleaner and a gardener are affordable. This frees up valuable time to read, explore, volunteer, golf, and relax. Many people choose Mérida because of the tranquility, friendliness of locals, and new found free time which creates a better quality of life.
Searching for affordable and excellent healthcare? This is another benefit of living in Mérida. Low cost medicines, visits to the doctor, and specialty services such as imaging and bloodwork are not only affordable, you’ll get better care. Many Mexican Nationals come to Mérida strictly for healthcare and medical tourism. If you’d like to learn more about the types of hospitals, read Need to Go to the Mérida Mexico Hospital? Here’s Everything You Need to Know and more about the healthcare system: Private Healthcare System in Mérida: A Quick Overview
Cultural differences between Mexico and other parts of the world can be quite vast. Count on seeing things that you haven’t seen before or are not ready to see. Remember, this is not YOUR country. Please don’t judge how people live and operate here. Locals are fully aware of the many problems facing the city. Keep in mind, this is THEIR city and, reasonably, don’t appreciate foreigners prescribing solutions to all their issues. It’s a wonderful thing to want to help but, before you do, research, speak to others, and proceed with caution before making the mistake of offending someone. Are you open and willing to adapt to a different culture and to stay out of judgment?
There will be a few challenges with the difference in language. However, you’re aware and learning Spanish sounds like fun. Be patient with yourself and others, observe first before reacting, learn the nuances and adjust as best you can. Learning a new language improves brain health and is a great way to connect with locals. You may not learn as fast as you thought but keep on trying. The first conversation you have with a local makes it all worthwhile!
27 Ways to Know if Being Expats in Mérida is Right for You will have more tips and information on how to integrate and learn if a move to Mérida is right for you.
What People Need to Know
- Yes, Mérida is safe – one of the safest cities in Mexico and North America. That doesn’t mean you can let your guard down or not use common sense.
- Be smart. Just because someone speaks English (local, foreigner or expat) doesn’t mean you can instantly trust them.
- Take time and approach everyone with caution and thorough vetting.
- 70% of what you read, hear and see about Mérida is either not current or incorrect. We spend the majority of our time re-educating people because the YouTuber they’ve been following doesn’t actually live in Mérida, was just passing through, or has a channel for clicks and doesn’t present all information.
- Make sure advice is coming from someone that lives in Mérida and, when relevant, is less than 30 days old.
- Things change quickly. That’s why having a team of professionals is helpful. We don’t plan more than 2 weeks in advance.
Helpful reading:
Planning a Move to Mérida? Everything You Need to Know NOW (Resources Included)
Top 20 Questions About Living in Mérida
How to Make Friends
This is probably the easiest thing you can do – but a word of caution. Don’t get stuck in an English-speaking group and never learn Spanish. Part of truly integrating is connecting with locals and speaking their language. There’s nothing like seeing the joy in someone’s face when you speak Spanish to them. This is what really connects you and makes you feel part of the community. There are many, many ways to meet expats here from joining the Mérida English Library to eating lunch or getting a drink at Hennesy’s Irish Pub or watching a music set at Dzalbay Cantina. From volunteer activities to supporting locals to attending art gallery events, you’ll find a plethora of ways to meet others! Here are a few of our best recommendations: How to Meet Expats in Mérida Mexico
