Gary H. Says:
How do I vet moving companies for a move to Mexico?
IL Mexico Contributor Wendy Justice Says:
It’s easier to move your belongings to Mexico than it is to many other countries, since it shares a land border with the U.S. Any company with a truck could drive from one country to the other. However, not all companies are created equally, so you do need to exercise due diligence.
I would recommend shipping as little as possible. Furniture, for example, is heavy and expensive to ship and the price and quality of furniture available in Mexico makes replacing existing furniture a sensible option.
The same is true for motor vehicles; in fact, if you have a permanent residency visa (residente permanente) in Mexico, you can’t just ship your U.S.-licensed vehicle to Mexico—you’ll need to either navigate complicated and expensive bureaucratic procedures, or purchase a Mexican-plated car once you’re in the country. It’s easier to import a vehicle from the United States if you’re a temporary resident.
You also need to take duties and import fees into consideration. You can import personal belongings for free for up to one year after you become a permanent resident; outside of that time frame, the duties can be quite steep, sometimes exceeding the value of the item.
Facebook groups, such as Expats in Mexico often address the topic of reputable movers, and I’ve found this is the best way to find the companies that consistently get the most positive mentions. Best Mexico Movers is one company with a good reputation, and there are many others. If you do a search through the Facebook expat groups, and a further search on Google to check their reviews, you can be confident your mover is experienced and qualified.
You can find more advice on your move to Mexico on the International Living website with our dedicated page: How to Move to Mexico – Complete Guide with Everything You Need to Know.
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