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lampk

Aug 26, 2008, 10:13 AM

Post #1 of 28 (4062 views)

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Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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my wife and i are in our early forties with 2 young children.We are interested in moving to a coastal area preferably beach front.we are looking for a safe a fun play to live for a year with our children.My wife profession allows her work from a computer so any place that has high speed internet will work.We have the financial means to support ourselves
ie: money in the bank and investments but would rather live on my wifes part time income of 2500.00 cad a month while we are there.Is this possible ? where would be a good place to live? any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

sioux4noff

Aug 26, 2008, 10:37 AM

Post #2 of 28 (4051 views)

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Re: [lampk] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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What a great opportunity you have! Go for it, you should be able to live well on that income even in a resort area.
We live in Bucerias, Nayarit just north of Puerto Vallarta. Feel free to email me if you want info about the area.

jerezano

Aug 26, 2008, 6:41 PM

Post #3 of 28 (3994 views)

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Re: [sioux4noff] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Hello,

Yes, two people could live on that income of $2500 usd a month even in tourist areas. But I doubt that it is possible with two children of school age. Perhaps if you self-teach, it just might be possible. If you place them in private schools--which you will have to do unless they speak Spanish--it could be quite expensive.

As for a year on the beach, summer time in the tropics is almost insupportable without air conditioning. Electricity is expensive here in Mexico. That will add to your cost of living although other things may drop your expenses.

I hope somebody with school-age children can respond more intelligently to you.

With a part time income unless your bank accounts show consistent monthly deposits of that amount or more you probably will not be eligible for FM3 documents. You might have to settle for Tourist FM1 documents which will require a trip to the border for new documents after six months.

Look carefully. Ask more questions. And then decide. My reaction is yes, you can do it with careful planning. I would suggest perhaps Mazatlán both for beaches, possible reasonable housing costs, and closeness to the frontier. It will certainly be less expensive than Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Nayarit, although Bucerías in the older portions apparently has some good housing values. My own reaction is that it is too far from the frontier (air line fares, etc) and it is too deep in the tropics. Mazatlán being much farther north is I think, still in the temperate zone. That can make quite a difference in beach temperatures.

Good luck and enjoy Mexico.

jerezano.

travisdyer

Aug 26, 2008, 8:12 PM

Post #4 of 28 (3974 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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As a former ESL teacher in a private school, which had many American children, I must disagree with jerezano. The parents of those children paid $100 USD per month per child, and that school was one of the more expensive bilingual schools in the area. I think that the children will fair far better than the parents regarding the language. Most children are capable of picking up a second language without much difficulty. Housing costs will vary greatly, depending on what level of comfort you will want. Many three bedroom homes can be rented for less than $500 USD a month. Look around; talk to some of the locals; and you'll find your own niche. Good luck.

Rolly

Aug 26, 2008, 8:51 PM

Post #5 of 28 (3960 views)

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Re: [lampk] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Folks, note that the OP said 2,500 Canadian dollars.

The tourist visa is an FMT, not FM1.

Rolly Pirate

kwschopf

Aug 26, 2008, 10:16 PM

Post #6 of 28 (3950 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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In Reply To

"As for a year on the beach, summer time in the tropics is almost insupportable without air conditioning. Electricity is expensive here in Mexico. That will add to your cost of living although other things may drop your expenses."

I don't mean to sound contrary, Jerezano, because I always listen to and respect what you have to say...But I have to take issue with your comment about air conditioning. This is our third summer on the Pacific Coast without air conditioning, and we have acclimated comfortably. Our house is breezy and open, and our lot is very shady. We have many friends who also live without air conditioning, including 99.9% of our Mexican friends. Yes, electricity is expensive, but we remain in the lowest category and pay only about $40-$60 a month to CFE. It can be done....Karen

Marlene

Aug 26, 2008, 11:59 PM

Post #7 of 28 (3945 views)

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Re: [lampk] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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I live in Mazatlan, and have recently met several families with young children doing exactly what you describe. There are many choices and opportunities here for such an experience. High-speed internet can be set up quickly, so very little down-time for anyone relying on the internet for work. With miles (km's actually) of beaches, a waterpark, an aquarium, and many other activities, there is always something for the children to do.

Electricity cost is not so bad in Mazatlan in the 6 months deemed summer because we (in the coastal areas) are subsidized by the electric company. We use our air conditioners regularly in summer because of the humidity, and if not the air-conditioners ceiling fans are going in the house 24/7. Our highest summer electric bill has been about $75.00 (US or CAD) for a month.

Someone mentioned that you can find acceptable accommodation for $500.00 US, but that is really not the case any longer, especially for a family. Expect to pay more than that for something nice.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your time in Mexico.

Jean

Aug 27, 2008, 5:45 AM

Post #8 of 28 (3935 views)

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Re: [lampk] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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You do not need to show bank deposits each month totaling a certain amount. We live over in Chapala and our money is in Lloyd. We do not make deposits but have enough money in the account to meet the income requirements for 1 year. This is so we qualify for a FM3. If you are staying more than 180 days you will need a FM3.

Jean
Retirement Communities
http://www.retirecommunities.com

Rolly

Aug 27, 2008, 7:48 AM

Post #9 of 28 (3907 views)

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Re: [Jean] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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"... have enough money in the account to meet the income requirements for 1 year." This idea has been discussed before noting that not all Consulates or INM offices will accept a large account but will insist on seeing monthly deposits.

"If you are staying more than 180 days you will need a FM3." Certainly an FM3 is a good idea, but it can be done on FMTs -- returning to the border each 180 days to get a new one.

$25,000 Canadian monthly will not meet INM's income requirement for a family of four. Based on 2008 rates, the required monthly income would be $32,868.75 pesos. This is more than C$25,000.

Income of head of the family = $13,147.50 pesos. 50% more for each dependent = 3x$6,573.75 = $19,21.25. Total for the family = $32,868.75 pesos. 2009 rates will be a bit higher, perhaps 3% or 4% more.

Bottom line: If you want FM3s, you will need to show more resources than your wife's income.

Rolly Pirate

(This post was edited by Rolly on Aug 27, 2008, 7:49 AM)

lampk

Aug 27, 2008, 7:58 AM

Post #10 of 28 (3898 views)

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Re: [Jean] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Thank you for all the replies!

I'll add a little more information on my behalf.our children are 2-5 and we would home schooling the 5 year old for that year,the province that we live in has a excellent home school program on-line that provides all the resources and material need to follow the curriculum.I have talked with the Mexican consulate here in Canada and our financial requirement are 21,750mx per month for a family of 4,which is 1321.cad meeting the years total financial obligation is no problem we far exceed that in our bank account.We plan on bringing one auto with us from Canada on the fm3.Medical insurance for the year will be in place.Our plans are to find a safe and fun place to live for a year
on or as close to 2500.00 cad per month.We would like to rent a apartment or condo in a safe ,fun place near a beach.

On a personal note,my wife and i are both health-care professionals she is a dietitian and i work in rehabilitation.We have been in the same home and job for the past 19 years,well with the opportunity to sell our home we felt this would be the perfect time for an adventure and new experience for our family.Relocating will back into Canada will be easy with the abundance of health-care jobs available.

Thank you for all your replies and any more info would be great.

lampk

Aug 27, 2008, 8:19 AM

Post #11 of 28 (3888 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Thanks for the info

We are both employed full time here in Canada in the health-care profession with an annual combined income of 120,000.00 cad per year and our monthly deposits from work are 7300.00 but of course this will change once we are in Mexico because we will be down to my wives part-time income.Do you need to show your income once in Mexico or is it just the previous 3 months before applying for the fm3 ?As i have read why is there so much discrepancy in the finiancial requirements with everyone i talk to ?
thanks
kevin

sioux4noff

Aug 27, 2008, 8:30 AM

Post #12 of 28 (3883 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Quote

because we (in the coastal areas) are subsidized by the electric company.

I've wondered why the electric bill cutoff for the high rate (DAC) is so much higher for Mazatlan than for PV. We're farther south, also on the coast, also plenty steamy in the summer.
Mazatlan customers can use 1,000 kwh per month average before going into DAC, PV customers only 400!
That being said, we do use our AC at night in the summer and are still able to keep our average usage under 400 kwh/month. 1,000 would mean we could run the air even in the day!

Rolly

Aug 27, 2008, 8:34 AM

Post #13 of 28 (3880 views)

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Re: [lampk] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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"Do you need to show your income once in Mexico or is it just the previous 3 months before applying for the fm3." Just the three months before applying. You would need to show income again if you renew your FM3s at the end of the first year.

You will find more helpful information here: http://rollybrook.com/...Directory.htm#Useful

Rolly Pirate

Jean

Aug 27, 2008, 8:45 AM

Post #14 of 28 (3874 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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We make no deposits monthly into a Mexican bank. We do have our savings in Lloyd and for some reason the govt. accepts this every year when our FM3 is renewed.

Rolly, I had heard that the govt. was cracking down on people driving to the border to renew a FMT. Apparently the law says 180 days in a calendar year. Do you have any update on this?

Jean
Retirement Communities
http://www.retirecommunities.com

Marlene

Aug 27, 2008, 8:59 AM

Post #15 of 28 (3867 views)

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Re: [lampk] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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I have talked with the Mexican consulate here in Canada and our financial requirement are 21,750mx per month for a family of 4,which is 1321.cad

There is something not quite right with that calculation. My advice would be to apply for your FM3's here in Mexico, especially if you decide on Mazatlan. It is very straight-forward and will save you travelling in and out of the Consulate, where you may not be receiving accurate information. Your FM3's will need to be registered once you arrive in Mexico, anyway, and you are required to basically go through the whole process again to register (except for the payment). Much easier to go through it only once, after you are here, if you feel you need to have FM3's.

(This post was edited by Marlene on Aug 27, 2008, 9:07 AM)

Rolly

Aug 27, 2008, 9:34 AM

Post #16 of 28 (3857 views)

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Re: [Jean] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Apparently the law says 180 days in a calendar year.

No, the law does not limit the number of FMTs. There is a rule that limits a person to only one vehicle permit per year, but I have never heard of that rule being enforced.,

Rolly Pirate

Rolly

Aug 27, 2008, 9:38 AM

Post #17 of 28 (3856 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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I agree with Marlene that it is often easier to get an FM3 in México. But, you must be very careful to bring all the relevant papers (marriage and birth papers, bank statements, etc). If you apply in Canada, it's easy to run home to get a missing document; you can't very well do that from México.

Rolly Pirate

lampk

Aug 27, 2008, 10:15 AM

Post #18 of 28 (3845 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Thank you everyone for your time !!

I am so glad i joined this group ,you are all so helpful and friendly!We are trying to be realistic and set a time frame of 3-6 months to make this happen.There are so many things to consider and work out on both ends that we want to take our time and have in place a plan that allows us the best while we experience are there and the relocation of our family and careers upon our return.

1-there is a Mexican consulate in Calgary which is an hour drive for us.We have made contact with them and they will help us out with the process of the fm3-what would be a realistic time frame for this?any suggestion would help.

2-From the suggestions of member Mazatlan sounds like a viable place?Any help with accommodations ie: where to look,what is a reasonable rent for an apartment close to the beach?,areas to look at ?examples of places reasonably rented and the availability of long term rentals?

3-Making contacts with other people and families doing the same thing,being able to help out with questions and answers that will make most of our experience.

once again thank you all for your time !

Kevin

Jean

Aug 27, 2008, 11:00 AM

Post #19 of 28 (3827 views)

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Re: [lampk] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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If being here in 3-6 months is your time frame you will be here right in the high season and rentals might be few and high priced. Have you considered coming after the high season.

Also, do you realize how hot it is going to be in the hot season?

Maybe someone else could comment on the prevalence of Dengue Fever over on the coast. I know that PV had problems but not sure of other areas. We are at Lake Chapala and are high enough that it's not a problem here.

Also, have you considered Manzanillo?

Jean
Retirement Communities
http://www.retirecommunities.com

Marlene

Aug 27, 2008, 11:11 AM

Post #20 of 28 (3826 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Aside from being easier, it seems a waste of time to obtain it north of the border unless you need to get a Menaje de Casa approved. They don't tell people, likely because they don't really know, that the registration process once at their new address in Mexico, is a do-over! (At least here in Mazatlan.) And it costs to have pictures, copies, assistance with the forms which are in Spanish and which need to be typed.

Our work takes us to the local Immigration office periodically, and the other day we ran into a family with several small children, having photos taken again, paying to have the supporting documents copied again, along with forms filled out, signed and copied, all over again. They were rather upset that they had gone through the ritual of getting the FM3 with the Seattle Consulate, only to discover they had to repeat the process once they were here and waste a couple of precious beach days hauling the children into Immigration office for paperwork. It is not a simple "registration" where you go in and get a booklet stamped once you are in Mexico. It was an additional cost for them, both in time and in money. If you don't need to do it up north for the purpose of moving household goods duty free to Mexico, save yourself the hassle and go through it only once; here.

Rolly

Aug 27, 2008, 11:37 AM

Post #21 of 28 (3815 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Marlene, does your INM office require an apostlle for marriage and birth certificates? Some do, some don't. Are translations required?

Rolly Pirate

Marlene

Aug 27, 2008, 11:53 AM

Post #22 of 28 (3809 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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Rolly, not only are apostilles and translations NOT required here in Mazatlan, they accept computer print-outs of bank statements. It is simply amazing how different the various locations can be.

sioux4noff

Aug 27, 2008, 1:33 PM

Post #23 of 28 (3792 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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When we registered our FM3s in Puerto Vallarta 3 years ago, all we had to provide was copies of our passports, and proof of address. No photos, bank statements, etc. They didn't need or want anything else.
So it really does vary by office.

caldwelld

Aug 28, 2008, 8:02 AM

Post #24 of 28 (3734 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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You wrote: "$25,000 Canadian monthly will not meet INM's income requirement for a family of four. Based on 2008 rates, the required monthly income would be $32,868.75 pesos. This is more than C$25,000."

Back in the dark days when the Cdn $ was worth little more than tissue paper, (one of the reasons it no longer exists in paper form), maybe. But today I think 32,000 pesos is not quite equal to or greater than CAD$ 25,000 - although sometimes it feels like it here in SMA. Sorry to be picky.
dondon

Rolly

Aug 28, 2008, 8:13 AM

Post #25 of 28 (3725 views)

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Re: [caldwelld] Young family moving to mexico for 1 year

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OOPS, I put the decimal in the wrong place. It should have been 2,500 not 25,000.

Today one C dollar is worth 9.7 pesos. So 2,500 x 9.7 = 24,250 pesos.

Rolly Pirate

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