5 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Move to Mexico and How to Avoid Them

Moving to Mexico is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with unique challenges you might not expect. If you want your relocation to go smoothly, it’s critical to avoid common mistakes that can complicate everything from legal paperwork to daily living. Many people underestimate cultural differences, mismanage finances, or misunderstand residency requirements.

Being aware of these pitfalls can save you time, stress, and money. When you know what to watch out for, your transition to life in Mexico becomes much easier and more enjoyable. In our latest video, we break down what these mistakes are and how to avoid them. But if you would rather read this information, check out the rest of this blog post.

Mistake #1: Renting Long-Term Sight Unseen

Renting an apartment or house in Mexico online before you visit may seem like a good idea, but I’ve heard of so many horror stories that I think it’s more often than not a bad idea. I get it though, you see some cute pictures online, but those photos rarely represent properties accurately, and descriptions may not mention issues like noise, safety, or neighborhood conditions.

You might also find that appliances, plumbing, or internet work differently from what you’re used to. Local rental contracts can vary and sometimes lack tenant protections common in other countries.

Take these steps before renting in Mexico:

• Visit the property in person.
• Walk around the neighborhood at different times of day.
• Ask other tenants or neighbors about their experiences.
• Don’t feel pressured to pay a deposit before seeing the place- that’s a red flag

Consider booking short-term accommodation for your first few weeks on sites like AirBnb. This approach gives you time to explore neighborhoods, meet landlords, and inspect properties yourself. In-person visits can help you avoid scams, hidden fees, and unwanted surprises.

Get Our FREE Guide to Finding Rentals in Mexico like a local would

Mistake #2: Underestimating The Paperwork And Bureaucracy

Mexican bureaucracy can be time-consuming and unpredictable, especially for new arrivals unfamiliar with local government processes. Immigration paperwork for residency permits, importing pets, and vehicle registration often requires official translations, apostilles, and multiple visits to government offices.

You may encounter requests for documents you didn’t expect, and requirements can change without notice. Even opening a bank account or signing up for utilities can involve extra steps like proof of address and tax identification numbers.

Organize your documents before you arrive. Make certified copies, keep physical and digital backups, and budget extra time and patience for each bureaucratic step.

Mistake #3: Thinking You Don’t Need Help Just Because You Speak Spanish

Even advanced Spanish speakers can struggle Mexico’s bureaucracy. You may know conversational Spanish, but government forms, legal jargon, property contracts, bank contracts and other legal documents often use specialized language.

Cultural nuances can also affect negotiations and paperwork. Procedures that seem easy enough to do on your own, might follow unwritten local customs or require specific personal connections.

Also, wait times at government offices often run long, and instructions may be unclear or unavailable in English. You may need to provide certified translations by a local perito tradcutor, apostilled documents, or multiple copies of the same paperwork.

To avoid delays:

• Research current requirements on official government websites.
• Bring extra copies of documents.
• Consider hiring a local facilitator (gestor), realtor, or lawyer to help. If you need our vetted recommendations across ALL OF MEXICO consider buying our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide.

Arriving with all your paperwork in order saves time and reduces the risk of needing to make repeat visits to government offices. Hiring professional help with important tasks, especially for customs, legal paperwork, or finding a home—saves time and reduces risks.

Mistake #4: Choosing The Wrong City For Your Lifestyle

Many people underestimate how large Mexico is. There are all kinds of diufferent cities, different topography, different landscapes and even different cultures.

Also, climate, cost of living, healthcare, infrastructure, and daily amenities differ by city and state. Beach towns may lack international schools or medical specialists, while highland cities can have cooler climates and older infrastructure.

You may find that the city you thought you wanted to move to might not actually be the one you end up staying in long term. Whether you value nightlife, public transit, or cultural events. Regions popular with expats aren’t always the best fit for everyone due to crowding, rising prices, or lack of effort to speak Spanish.

Visit several neighborhoods, if possible, and spend time there at different hours to get a sense of the environment. 

Mistake #5: Not Planning Ahead—Especially With Important Documents

Many official processes in Mexico require original documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and financial statements. Some must be authenticated with an apostille before leaving your home country. If you need the original documents with an apostille, these cannot be easily obtained from abroad. You can get copies of documents apostilled through third parties.

If you forget these requirements, you might face delays or extra costs to have documents shipped or processed internationally.

Create a checklist of every document you may need, including several copies. Double check what is required with the Mexican consulate, Mexican immigration or an immigration facilitator before you fly. Carry digital backups as well as secure paper copies for emergencies.

How The COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide Can Help

The COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide offers detailed information to support your move to Mexico. You can find a step by step plan on Mexican residency visas, temporary and permanent residency, and legal requirements for living in Mexico.

With the Online Guide, you gain access to practical checklists and step-by-step instructions. These tools can help you track important deadlines and prepare necessary documents before your move.

A key benefit is our list of vetted professionals across Mexico. We have contacts in most cities including:

• Aguascalientes
• Bucerias
• Campeche
• Cancun
• Chetumal
• Costalegre and Colima
• Cozumel
• Chapala/Ajijic
• Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico City)
• Los Cabos
• Ensenada
• Guadalajara
• Huatulco
• La Paz
• Leon
• Mazatlan
• Merida
• Morelia
• Nuevo Vallarta
• Oaxaca
• Playa Del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta
• Puebla
• Puerto Escondido
• Puerto Peñasco
• Rosarito
• San Carlos/Guaymas
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Querétaro
• Tijuana
• Todos Santos
• Zihuatanejo

Plus, we are consistently updating our online guide with relevant information. So it doesn’t matter if you’re moving in a week or in a year- you can count on the information to be up to date.

The Guide also provides answers to common relocation questions. For example, you can read about renting, buying properties, banking, driving, and healthcare options in Mexico. And again, we also give you a directory of vetted professionals that can help you tackle all the important steps for your move to Mexico.

Resources & What To Do Next

As you get ready for your move to Mexico, focus on careful research and accurate documentation. Double-check your visa requirements, financial plans, and health coverage before leaving.

Explore Additional Resources

When moving to Mexico, taking advantage of available resources can help you address common challenges and get accurate information.

Websites & Forums to Bookmark:

• INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) for visa requirements
• U.S. Embassy in Mexico or your home country’s consular site
• Mexico Residency Visas Free Guide
• Mexico Relocation Guide YouTube Channel

You can also find mobile apps that simplify daily life in Mexico, like:

• Currency converters
• Spanish translation tools
• Local transport apps

Next Steps:

• Review your paperwork and gather all originals and copies.
• Set up a realistic budget, including hidden expenses.
• Arrange for health insurance that covers you in Mexico.
• Learn about local culture and languages to ease your transition.
• Get our Move to Mexico 6-Month Checklist