Mexperience Mexico Newsletter — October 2021
Land border restrictions have been extended to October 21st, 2021
Mexico’s land border restrictions have been extended again; however, we are hearing that American citizens are driving and walking into Mexico without hindrance. Tourist permits (FMMs) and temporary vehicle import permits (TIPs) are being issued as normal. This article summarizes the restrictions and the comments section contains anecdotal notes left by local travelers. Note that Flights between the US and Mexico are not affected by this restriction.
October highlights in Mexico
Autumn arrives in Mexico during September, and although the seasonal rains continue bringing color and fragrance to the flora, we are experiencing the last weeks of the rainy season before commencing the ‘long dry’ season ahead.
A significant earthquake shook southern-central regions in September providing a salient reminder that Mexico is susceptible to seismic activity; this month we feature an article about preparing your home for earthquakes.
If you’re thinking about a move to Mexico (or relocating within Mexico), this month’s feature on discovering the towns of Lake Chapala is worth reading; and our new associate can help you to move and find a home there.
Mexico’s central bank put a colorful $20-peso note into circulation in September, along with three new $20-peso spending coins; as well as three $10-peso collectors’ coins—the collectors’ coins are minted in Troy ounces of pure silver.
As the season turns from summer to fall, the clocks will turn back one-hour at the end of October (or early November in some places); and preparations are being made for Day of the Dead festivities; with cooler nights in the highlands, we can look forward to enjoying frothy hot chocolate laced with cinnamon and delicious Pan de Muerto. November also heralds the return of the Monarch Butterflies that overwinter in the mountains west of Mexico City. This month’s newsletter shares articles and local knowledge to help you prepare for autumn.
Thank you for your patronage, and thank you for sharing this newsletter with your friends, family, and colleagues. Wishing you a very enjoyable start to the autumn season in Mexico!
Mexico lifestyle & leisure
Our guides and articles to living and lifestyle help you to explore and realize your lifestyle plans and we also help you to discover leisure opportunities in Mexico.
AUTUMN IN MEXICO
- Autumn in Mexico begins during September; learn more about what to expect from the transition from summer to fall in Mexico
- Day of the Dead is among Mexico’s most celebrated holidays and people are beginning to plan ahead for the festivities. Don’t miss the Pan de Muerto that becomes available this time of year.
- Mexico’s clocks will be turned back by one hour soon; at the end of October in some regions, and beginning of November in others. Learn about this year’s clock-time changes in Mexico.
LIVING PLACES
- Discover the towns on the northern shoreline of Lake Chapala which, since the 1940s, have been a magnet for foreign residents in Mexico.
- Our guide to living in the Lake Chapala area shares more details and our new associate in Lake Chapala can help you move and find a home there.
IMMIGRATION UPDATES
- Our free 2021 Mexico Immigration Guide encapsulates everything you need to know about visas and residency permits for Mexico.
- Our latest articles about visas and immigration keep you apprised of current situations including financial criteria for residency, fees, and procedures.
If you need assistance with your residency permit application or renewals, regularization procedures, expired permits, or troubleshooting, consider using our Mexico Immigration Assistance Service.
LIVING WELL IN MEXICO
- September’s earthquake didn’t cause too much damage but did provide a reminder of the need for preparedness. Learn about earthquakes in Mexico and specifically how to review and prepare your home to mitigate the effects of seismic activity.
- Mountain living offers a range of attractions. Towns and cities in Mexico’s central highlands offer character and culture—and the benefits of mountain living: we help you to discover these places.
- Swimming pools: There is nothing quite like having a swimming pool in your back garden to deliver immediate refreshment, fun for children, and healthy exercise
- Some great places to visit and live in Mexico are situated at higher elevation than most people are accustomed to; this article shares practical advice
PROPERTY MATTERS
- What’s propelling the value of Mexican residential property? We’ve updated this article to reflect current market conditions.
- Discover remarkable residential properties for sale in Mexico by browsing our Mexico Home Life section including a country home for sale in Tepoztlán, and an ocean-view lot in Manzanillo.
- Download our comprehensive free eBooks to Real Estate in Mexico and working with Realty Agents in Mexico.
LEISURE TIME
- The Monarch Butterflies begin to arrive in Mexico from November. Peak viewing season is mid January to late February, and the butterflies begin to leave in early March. Learn about the Monarch Butterflies in Mexico.
- Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most celebrated holidays.
- Discover extraordinary travel experiences, with inspiration, tips, and advice to plan and enjoy your leisure time in Mexico.
DRIVING IN MEXICO
- Driving to Mexico this fall? Mexperience offers a wide range of articles that will help you to plan your road trip in Mexico.
- Our article about bringing your foreign-plated car to Mexico covers key points you need to know, and our (updated) article on Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) shares valuable information about ensuring your vehicle remains legal here.
- Don’t forget to insure your vehicle before you cross the border as your US or Canadian policy won’t cover you for third party liabilities.
MEXICO ESSENTIALS
- Mexico’s central bank introduced a colorful new $20-peso bill in late September, along with 3 new $20-peso coins for spenders and three silver coins for collectors with a face value of $10 pesos. Foreign Native penned some commentary on the new currency.
- Our summary of insurance services in Mexico helps you to consider coverages that can support your lifestyle here and mitigate the costs caused by unforeseen mishaps.
- Stay in touch: a reminder that you can get an internet modem for home use that uses wireless network for service, and that Mexico offers excellent cell phone plans that enable you to roam affordably across all of North America.
- Your country’s consulate can provide certain types of assistance while you’re in Mexico, but the support they can offer does have limitations. Learn about typical consular support services offered by foreign embassies in Mexico.
LANGUAGE STUDY
- How do you express the word ‘earthquake’ in Mexican Spanish? Well, it depends…
- Our insightful PinPoint Spanish series helps you to get acquainted with the nuances of Mexican Spanish in everyday situations.
Improve your Spanish conversation capabilities with this online course tailored to current skill level and goals
For an immersive experience, attend a Spanish school in Mexico, where small classes and personalized attention will boost your learning.
If you want to improve your Spanish specifically for living in Mexico, this language for lifestyle course can help.
Mexico’s gradual and phased reopening
Mexico continues to undergo a phased reopening of its economic, cultural, educational, and social activities. Each region and municipality is implementing a custom reopening plan based on a color-coded ‘traffic light’ system so the restrictions vary depending on each region and/or locality.
Assistance
Connect to helpful services that enable you to realize your Mexico plans.
MEXICO EBOOKS LIBRARY
- Our Mexico eBooks Library offers you a collection of carefully composed eBooks with helpful insights and local knowledge about Mexico—all titles are offered free of charge.
IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
- When you need help applying for residency, or help renewing your existing residency permit (or working through a ‘regularization’ procedure after a mishap), consider using our Mexico Immigration Assistance Service, that offers detailed consultancy, personalized advice, and practical help through the process.
INSURANCE COVERAGES
- Learn about the range of Mexico-related insurance services that exist to mitigate the effect and expense of unforeseen events and mishaps when you’re here including auto, home, health and trip coverages.
- Our extensive guides and articles about insurance help you to make informed choices.
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
- Mexico Home Life highlights remarkable residential properties for sale in Mexico.
- Learn about insuring your home in Mexico.
- Meet our realty partners in Mexico: this summer, we’ve begun working with realty agents who can help you find a home.
LANGUAGE STUDY
- Improve your Spanish conversation capabilities with this online course tailored to current skill level and goals.
- For an immersive experience, attend a Spanish school in Mexico, where small classes and personalized attention will boost your learning.
- If you want to improve your Spanish specifically for living in Mexico, this language for lifestyle course can help.
LEISURE SERVICES
- Find services that help you to discover, plan, and arrange leisure & travel experiences in Mexico.
More Mexperience
Explore Mexico beyond the cookie-cutter and find experiences to enjoy that reflect the true spirit of Mexico.
Discover Mexico through articles and features written by people who know Mexico intimately.
When you’re considering Mexico as a place to live or retire, the knowledge we share helps you to create a plan, and we’ll connect you with helpful lifestyle services and property choices.
When you want to discover Mexico on leisure a trip that’s defined by authenticity, we highlight choices to explore and we can help you to plan your trip.
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Matthew Harrup is founder and editor of Mexperience
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