Mexico is the single most popular international destination for Americans, offering a lower cost of living, warm climate, rich culture and an easy overland border just hours from much of the US. Moving to Mexico from the USA is often done by cross-border trucking rather than ocean freight, using a menaje de casa (household goods) permit issued by a Mexican consulate in the US. Relocating to Mexico means choosing between temporary and permanent residency, and — as with any American move abroad — continuing to file with the IRS while you settle. This guide covers the practical steps for US movers.
Moving to Mexico from the USA: overview
Americans move to Mexico for affordability, climate, culture and proximity — you can drive home for the holidays. Mexico City and Guadalajara lead for jobs and amenities; Mérida and the Riviera Maya draw families and remote workers; Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende have long-established American retiree communities.
Because of the shared land border, most moves use cross-border trucking rather than ocean freight, which keeps transit short. The key paperwork item is the menaje de casa permit, applied for at a Mexican consulate in the US before you move.
Visa & residency basics
Apply at a Mexican consulate in the US before driving south; financial requirements are based on income or savings and are updated periodically.
- Temporary Resident Visa — 1 to 4 years, based on income or savings; the usual starting point and required to import your household goods duty-free via menaje de casa.
- Permanent Resident Visa — for higher income/savings or after holding temporary residency; no menaje de casa duty exemption window in the same way, so plan timing carefully.
- Retirement income (including US Social Security) and savings both count toward the financial thresholds.
- Begin the consulate appointment early, as wait times vary by city.
Shipping household goods to Mexico from the USA
Most US-to-Mexico moves travel by cross-border trucking, often door-to-door in 1–3 weeks depending on distance and customs. Gulf ocean routes (e.g. Houston to Veracruz or Altamira) exist for coastal and southern destinations, but land transport is usually faster and simpler. FCL-style dedicated trucks suit a full home; consolidated loads work for smaller moves. Many movers downsize, as Mexican rentals are often furnished and US 120V appliances do match Mexico's 120V supply.
Customs clearance: the menaje de casa
Temporary residents can import a one-time shipment of used household goods duty-free using a menaje de casa permit. You prepare a detailed, itemised inventory (in Spanish, with values), have it certified at the Mexican consulate in the US, and present it at the border with your residency documents. New items, commercial quantities and restricted goods fall outside the exemption, so accuracy on the inventory is essential.
Banking in Mexico for newcomers
Open a Mexican peso account (BBVA, Banorte, Santander, Citibanamex) once you have residency and proof of address; before then many Americans rely on US accounts and ATM withdrawals. FATCA applies, so expect IRS reporting on local accounts, and budget for USD-to-MXN conversion. Keeping a US account active is useful for transfers and online services during the transition.
Schools in Mexico for expats
Major cities have well-regarded international and bilingual schools following American, British, IB and Mexican curricula; American families often find US-curriculum continuity in Mexico City, Guadalajara and the Riviera Maya. Fees are generally far lower than US private schools — confirm current fees and availability directly and apply early.
Housing & where expats live
Mexico City offers world-class amenities and neighbourhoods like Polanco, Condesa and Roma; Guadalajara is a lower-cost cultural hub; Mérida is safe and family-friendly; the Riviera Maya and Lake Chapala suit beach lovers and retirees. Rentals are commonly furnished and leases are simpler than in many countries, though landlords may ask for a guarantor (fiador) or extra deposit from foreigners.
Bringing your pet from the USA
Mexico has eased pet entry: dogs and cats generally enter without an import permit, but should be healthy, and SENASICA may inspect on arrival. A USDA-APHIS-endorsed health certificate and up-to-date rabies vaccination are strongly recommended and often required by airlines. Confirm the latest SENASICA rules before you travel, especially if driving across the border.
Destination charges explained
Even on a land move, your quote should separate origin packing, line-haul transport, border customs clearance and final delivery in Mexico. Ask for an itemised written quote so border brokerage and delivery fees are clear upfront. Our destination charges guide explains each line item.
Plan your move to Mexico from the USA
Tell us your US origin city, your Mexican destination and what you're shipping. A coordinator will reply with a verified written quote and a clear breakdown of border and destination charges within one business day.
Request relocation guidanceFrequently asked questions
How do I ship my household goods to Mexico from the USA?
Most Americans use cross-border trucking with a menaje de casa permit, which allows a one-time duty-free import of used household goods for temporary residents. Door-to-door transit is often 1–3 weeks. Gulf ocean routes exist for some coastal destinations but land transport is usually faster.
What is the menaje de casa?
It's the Mexican household-goods import permit. You prepare a detailed, itemised inventory in Spanish with values, certify it at a Mexican consulate in the US, and present it at the border with your residency documents to import used belongings duty-free as a temporary resident.
Do I need residency before moving to Mexico?
To import household goods duty-free via menaje de casa you need to start as a temporary resident, applied for at a Mexican consulate in the US before you move. Financial thresholds are based on income or savings and update periodically — confirm current figures with the consulate.
Do I still file US taxes after moving to Mexico?
Yes. US citizens file an annual IRS return on worldwide income wherever they live. The US–Mexico tax treaty and the Foreign Tax Credit help prevent double taxation, and foreign accounts are reported on an FBAR. Confirm with a cross-border advisor.
Can I bring my pet to Mexico from the US?
Generally yes, and without an import permit, though SENASICA may inspect pets on arrival. A USDA-APHIS-endorsed health certificate and current rabies vaccination are recommended and often required by airlines. Check the latest SENASICA rules before you travel.
Are there American schools in Mexico for children moving from the US?
Mexico City, Guadalajara and the Riviera Maya have international and bilingual schools, including some with American or IB curricula. Availability, fees, language support and admission requirements differ by campus and grade, so families should contact schools directly before choosing a neighbourhood or shipping date.