Are your travel documents—passport, FMM/tourist card, visa, and customs form—prepared and valid for entry into Mexico? Have you confirmed that your passport is valid for at least six months, and do you know how to renew it if needed while in Mexico? Do you understand how many days you’re allowed to stay and how to request the full 180-day stay? Are you aware of what to declare on the customs form and what not to bring into the country? Do you know what to do if you lose your FMM tourist card during your stay? Are your transportation arrangements from the airport planned, and do you know the safest and most cost-effective options available? Have you thought about getting a local SIM card or downloading essential apps for navigation and translation? If entering by land, do you have the proper permits, Mexican auto insurance, vehicle registration, and—if needed—a letter of permission from your lender or rental agency? Are you informed about safety considerations when driving in Mexico, the TIP (Temporary Import Permit), and what to expect at customs checkpoints? Do you know the limitations for importing household items and how to label your belongings to avoid issues? Have you printed out essential addresses, Spanish phrases, and key documents to help your arrival go smoothly?
Have you prepared apostilled copies of important documents—like birth, marriage, and professional certificates—before coming to Mexico, especially if they’ll be used for residency purposes? Do you know that apostilles must be completed in the country where the document originated and often require translation beforehand? Are you aware that U.S. and Canadian citizens must submit documents by registered mail and that the process costs around $20–30 per document? If you’re traveling with children, do you have a signed letter of consent from both parents and copies of their IDs? Are you carrying physical or digital copies of your passport and FMM in case of random immigration inspections? Do you understand the risks and fines associated with overstaying your visa period, including potential detainment? Have you saved or printed your travel insurance and emergency contact details for easy access during your stay?
When entering Mexico, are you aware of what items qualify as duty-free personal baggage, such as clothing, toiletries, baby gear, electronics, sports equipment, and certain medical or mobility aids? Do you know the limits on items like DVDs, tobacco, and alcohol, and that some common U.S. and Canadian medications (especially those with stimulants or codeine) are prohibited or restricted? Are you prepared to show prescriptions for controlled substances and limit the quantity brought across? Have you considered the USD $300 exemption limit (by air) or USD $75 (by land), and the penalties—ranging from 20% to over 100%—for exceeding these without proper documentation or for undeclared goods? Do you understand that importing items as a non-resident can result in them being held in storage with added fees? And if you’re considering shipping items, have you looked into services like SendMyBag, and planned to distribute contents strategically between suitcases and boxes to ease customs clearance?
Did you know that while a health certificate is no longer legally required for dogs and cats entering Mexico from the U.S. or Canada, it’s still recommended to avoid issues at the border? Is your pet's health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, if you choose to get one? Have you ensured your pet has proof of rabies vaccination, which is required on entry? Is your pet’s kennel large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably? Have you checked if your airline is pet-friendly—such as Alaska, JetBlue, United, American, or Delta? And in the unfortunate case you can’t bring your pet, have you looked into rehoming resources like CharityPaws?
Having reliable internet and mobile service in Mexico is essential for navigation, translation, communication, and managing personal accounts. While international roaming from U.S. and Canadian providers is available, it often has high costs and limited coverage. A better option is to unlock your phone or buy a local SIM (e.g., Telcel, the most popular), or use an eSIM like Airalo. Prepaid SIM plans like Telcel Plus 3 offer affordable data and free use of popular apps. For two-factor authentication (2FA), use email or authenticator apps instead of SMS to avoid being locked out of key accounts. VPNs can help access region-restricted content but should be used sparingly to conserve battery and speed. Apps like Google Maps Offline, Deepl, WhatsApp, DiDi, and Opera with VPN are highly recommended. If buying a phone in Mexico, check MercadoLibre or RadioShack. For privacy-conscious users, Sol-Kin Homes offers guidance on secure, untraceable phone options.
Are any vaccinations currently required or recommended for entry? Is the local water safe to drink, or should you rely on bottled or filtered options? How will you protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in tropical areas where illnesses like dengue may be present? Have you considered choosing housing that minimizes exposure to insects? Are your essential medications available locally, or should you bring them with you? Do you know which prescriptions might be regulated or require special documentation for travel?
Do you understand that while Mexico offers more personal freedom, it's less regulated than the U.S. or Canada, requiring greater awareness of your surroundings? Are you aware that most safety concerns arise during the evening or in bad weather, and that avoiding travel during these times can significantly reduce risk? Have you considered traveling in a small group—ideally three people—as a reliable way to enhance personal security? Are you open to connecting with like-minded communities through programs like those offered by Sol-Kin Homes, which provide not just safety but also emotional and social support? Do you recognize the importance of showing respect and humility, especially in regions where displaying wealth could cause resentment? Have you questioned media portrayals of Mexico and sought out first-hand experiences instead? And are you staying informed by reviewing current travel advisories and identifying areas to avoid before you go?
Are you planning to use ATMs in Mexico, and do you know it's safer and more cost-effective to use machines located inside banks or malls rather than outdoor ones in tourist areas? Do you understand why you should decline the ATM's currency conversion to let your home bank apply a better exchange rate? Have you heard about optional ATM services like “cash withdrawal insurance,” and do you know how to avoid common ATM scams? Have you considered opening a Wise account before your trip to access better exchange rates and faster money transfers? Will your phone be able to receive international SMS for logging into banking apps while abroad? If you’re staying long-term, have you looked into local financial tools like DolarApp, which works well in Mexico and doesn’t require a traditional bank account? Have you prepared for limited ATM access in rural areas, and do you have some emergency cash on hand just in case?
Before traveling, ask yourself: When should I purchase travel insurance to ensure full coverage? Does my insurance include protection for cancellations or delays due to weather? Which travel insurance plan best fits my needs? What emergency medical services am I entitled to in Mexico, and what are my rights as a patient? Am I prepared for a medical emergency or injury during my stay, and do I have a plan for emergency evacuation or return travel if necessary? Am I planning a short-term visit or a longer stay? If staying long-term, do I have sufficient credit or access to public healthcare through IMSS? Do I understand the differences between public and private medical care in Mexico? Lastly, do I know who to contact in case of an emergency, and do I have the contact details for my country’s consulate in the region?
Are you prepared for the challenge of learning Mexican Spanish, which differs from the Spanish commonly taught in standard courses? Do you know that while English is widely spoken in tourist areas and airports—especially during business hours—it may be harder to rely on outside those zones? Have you considered using a translation app like Google Translate or a device such as the RAVIAD translator to help with real-time communication and phrase learning? Are you aware that many expats live in Mexico without speaking fluent Spanish, but that citizenship applicants must pass a Spanish-language naturalization exam? Have you explored free online resources, apps, or language schools specifically designed to teach Mexican Spanish? And are you practicing regularly with native speakers or tools like YouTube and daily vocabulary apps to build confidence in everyday conversations?
Have you considered using WhatsApp to connect with trusted local drivers is a common practice? Do you know that colectivos and Express shuttles offer budget-friendly transit along major routes like Highway 307 in the Riviera Maya? Are you planning to use ADO buses for longer distances, especially if traveling with luggage? Have you looked into the new Tren Maya as a secure and scenic alternative for regional travel? Are you aware that Uber may not be accepted in certain areas like Cancun, and that apps like DiDi or ROME2RIO could be useful alternatives? If you plan to drive, do you have a valid license (written in Latin characters) and Mexican car insurance? Have you thought about renting a car, scooter, bicycle, or e-bike, and are you prepared for road conditions and local driving habits in smaller towns? Do you know how to avoid gas station scams and how to use offline maps or transit apps like OsmAnd or Moovit to navigate safely?
Are you planning your move during low season (May–June or September–November) when accommodation is easier to find and prices are more affordable? Have you considered booking a short initial stay—such as Sol-Kin Homes' 6-night welcome package—to give yourself time to explore long-term rental options, get local tours, and connect with the community? Are you aware that during high season (December–April), most affordable rentals are booked months in advance, making it harder to find a good place at a reasonable price? Have you thought about choosing accommodation near a convenience store like Oxxo or a cyber café to improve daily comfort? Do you know that Facebook groups are the most common way to find long-term rentals, and that many have Spanish-speaking admins and related WhatsApp channels? Would you find it helpful to receive support from Sol-Kin Homes to navigate these groups and find the best rental for your needs?
Are you aware that bringing all your household items into Mexico can be costly and complicated due to strict customs rules? Did you know that Mexico limits personal imports to protect local businesses, and non-residents risk having items held or returned at the border? Have you explored the option of buying locally or ordering online through platforms like Amazon.com.mx, MercadoLibre, or AliExpress to avoid these issues? Are you familiar with services like Estafeta Members or Hound Box that can assist with importing items across the border more smoothly?
Are you planning to stay connected during your visit to Mexico and wondering what to expect from local internet services? Did you know that average broadband speeds are around 60Mbps, with some areas like Playa del Carmen offering up to 1000Mbps? Have you tested your connection and checked if your host is using modern infrastructure? Are you staying in a concrete building and experiencing weak Wi-Fi—would a long Cat 6 Ethernet cable help improve your connection? Have you thought about choosing accommodation near a cyber café for easy printing or backup internet access? Are you aware that providers like Telmex and Totalplay offer strong coverage and reliable fiber-optic service, while Starlink is an option for remote areas? Do you prefer English-speaking customer service—would GigNet be a good fit? And are you comparing providers like Megacable and Izzi if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, even if service varies?
