Movin To Mexico

[girliebeard]

Wasn't sure where to post this so figured the General Discussion was a good place.
I just decided to move to Mexico while I still have to work remote.

Are there any fellow Mustachians who have made a similar move? Either now or earlier or planning to at some point in the future?

Looking for tips and to share resources.

Thanks all !

[Metalcat]

Where in Mexico? Do you have friends or family there?

[K_in_the_kitchen]

How will it affect your income taxes?  I read a few months ago that people who temporarily relocate to another state for the pandemic may potentially owing state income tax in two states.

DH's employer was unhappy with employees who decamped to other locations without approval, even though they were all approved to work from home.

[ixtap]

I have lived in Mexico extensively.

Are you looking for a local experience or an expat experience?

Do you speak Spanish?

What part of Mexico are you considering?

[uniwelder]

Where in Mexico? Do you have friends or family there?

Where is a good question. My wife is from Mexico and we’ve visited a broad range of places. Could give some advice if you tell us something more specific. How is your Spanish?

edited to add--- Sorry Ixtap.  I was typing slow on my cell phone and didn't see you were asking the same questions before posting

[Effervescent]

I won't be moving to Mexico, but I'll be moving abroad to another Spanish-speaking country in Latin America in January, mostly to take advantage of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. That means that if we spend 330 days or more abroad in 2021, we won't be taxed on wages up to a bit over $100,000. I'm working remotely. We'll be renting out our house, hopefully. Rent where we'll be living is very cheap.

We're also doing it so that our son can learn Spanish.

[6-Saturdays]

My wife and I moved to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico in December 2019.  My wife is still working, and she has the following input on the topic:

It's worth considering whether you plan to tell your employer about your move to Mexico.  When I told my employer that I was moving to Mexico and not maintaining a residence in the US, they said that I could not remain an employee due to Federal tax regulations.  So now I'm working as a sub-contractor, which works fine for me.  But if you don't tell your employer, their IT department may detect attempts to access their system from a foreign country and block your access. So, trying to work from Mexico without informing your employer may back-fire on you.

You'll also want to consider the availability of high-speed internet where you move in Mexico.  We find that internet service is less reliable in Mexico than we were accustomed to in the US, so we have two different internet service providers.  Even so, we've had a few occasions when both of our internet services were out at the same time.

Just a couple things to consider.  Let me know if you have other questions.

[Padonak]

I am also considering Mexico at least for a couple of months. Still trying to decide where, maybe Mexico City first, then will travel around

[uniwelder]

I am also considering Mexico at least for a couple of months. Still trying to decide where, maybe Mexico City first, then will travel around

Something to be aware of------ Covid cases in Mexico are dramatically higher than reported.  Its very difficult to get tested-- you essentially need to be hospitalized before they will run a test on you.  If you're just showing mild symptoms, you will simply be told to stay home.  You can always pay privately for a test, but few Mexicans can afford to do that.  This is anecdotal, but even so, we know of one family friend that died, a couple that were in the hospital, and others that were not able to get a test done because they weren't sick enough.

If you're looking to move to a city, person to person interactions will likely be greater than in the US and if you plan on going to Mexico City, you will likely be using public transportation a good bit.  Its possible you plan to bring your own car, not sure, but I don't feel comfortable driving around. 

My wife highly recommends Merida.  I'm actually willing to drive there--- people are more relaxed and its a slower lifestyle.  Winter is a good time of year to be there as well, there are tons of cheap rentals, lots of things to do, and its one of the safest places in the country.

[Metalcat]

Hey OP, you planning on coming back and participating in your thread?

[BussoV6]

Hey OP, you planning on coming back and participating in your thread?

Nope, she has gone...  to Mexico