Index
Introduction
This guide will be very useful if you intend to move or visit Mexico in any of its major cities in 2021 or 2022.
Mexico is a country located in North America, with an area close to 2 million square kilometers (almost 77 thousand square miles) and where around 126 million people live. The Mexican population is composed mostly of young people, the average age of the Mexican population is around 29 years old according to the last census of 2020, in Mexico there is no official language established in the law, however, the government recognizes 69 languages of which 68 are indigenous languages and Spanish. About 94% of the population speaks Spanish.
Geography and climate
Mexico is a country that is a federal republic that is divided into 32 states
Due to its large territorial extension, Mexico has many types of climates, however, many cities have a temperate climate and others have a tropical climate (Mainly in the south)
In the north, the seasons of the year are usually very marked with very hot summers or cold winters, in the center where the capital is located the seasons behave differently with dry winters, very hot springs, summers with rain and mild autumns, while that in the south, in general, hot and humid tropical climates are maintained.
Mexico borders 3 countries in the north it borders the United States of North America, in the south it borders Guatemala and Belize.
Transportation
Mexico has an extensive transportation network mainly made up of a long road network of almost 400 thousand kilometers (almost 250 thousand miles) and 77 airports located in the country.
Regarding the local public transport network, the vast majority of small cities and all large cities have a local public transport system of urban buses. Also the main cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) have a public system with accessible cost of subway or light rail.
To travel within the country between cities by bus line or by air, it is always necessary to carry an identification to board said transports and in case you drive a rented car within Mexico it is necessary to have a valid driver’s license and remember that if you drive on federal highways, it is mandatory to have liability insurance.
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Buy or rent real estate in Mexico as a foreigner
Foreigners can acquire or rent properties following the same requirements as Mexican citizens. There is only a restriction on the purchase of real estate that are 100 kilometers from the borders and 50 kilometers from the coasts, in this case if a foreigner wishes to acquire a property in these restricted areas, he must do so through a trust of maximum duration 50 years old and with authorization from the secretary of foreign relations.
Visas and migration for foreigners who wish to come to Mexico
Countries that require a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist, check this link: https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/
Countries that do not require a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist, check this link:
https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-no-requieren-visa-para-mexico/
Types of visa offered by Mexico
-Tourism, Transit, Business Travel, Correspondent for a media outlet, among others.
-Visitor visa without permission to carry out paid activities. Long life (10 years).
-Electronic Visa (SAE)
-Visitor visa to carry out adoption procedures
-Temporary residence visa
-Student temporary residence visa
-Permanent residence visa
For more information, consult the website of the national migration institute: https://www.gob.mx/inm
Ad: Need a Mexican lawyer? Click here
Buy or rent real estate in Mexico as a foreigner
Foreigners can acquire or rent properties following the same requirements as Mexican citizens. There is only a restriction on the purchase of real estate that are 100 kilometers from the borders and 50 kilometers from the coasts, in this case if a foreigner wishes to acquire a property in these restricted areas, he must do so through a trust of maximum duration 50 years old and with authorization from the secretary of foreign relations.
Money and economy
Mexico is the main trading partner of the United States, it is one of the 15 largest economies in the world and its income depends on three branches such as exports, the oil industry and tourism.
The legal tender is the Mexican peso, which as of today approximately 20 pesos are equivalent to one dollar and 24 pesos are equivalent to one euro.
To exchange currencies we recommend you go to authorized places.
Use of credit, debit or cash
Although in recent years the use of debit and credit cards has increased exponentially throughout the country, there are still places where only cash is accepted.
Tipping culture
Remember that it is well seen to tip waiters and also for some tourist service providers, however the tip is not mandatory, if they charge you the tip without your consent or you consider that a restaurant, shop, hotel or tourist service is doing a wrong You can report this to the consumer attorney’s office: If you need information or advice, call the Consumer Phone 800 468 8722, toll free from within the Republic or 55 55688722 in Mexico City and the metropolitan area. https://www.gob.mx/profeco.