We regret that after six years of dedication to this fabulous resource site, we are taking a break and not accepting any new links. If your organization is already listed on our site but just needs a correction, please leave a comment on any posts on our Expat Women Blog and we will aim to make corrections within one month. Thank you.
Expat Women Living in Mexico
If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in Mexico, please find below a list of expat clubs, schools, general links for women living in Mexico, country information and more...
Canadian Club of Lake Chapala http://www.canadianclubmx.com/
To promote good fellowship among Canadians and friends within the Lake Chapala area.
Circle of Friends torreoncircleoffriends@yahoo.com
A group for new residents of Torreon. A way to make friends, find answers to questions, and share social events and activities with families from around the world!
English Speakers in Action in Hermosillo http://esiahermosillo.wordpress.com/
A support group for English Speakers in Hermosillo, Mexico, providing information, social activities and a chance to make new friends with both expats and English Speaking locals.
The International Women's Club of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico http://iwcmerida.com//
An international group with members including women from all age groups and diverse ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. English is the official language of the club and is spoken with many accents and in varying degrees of proficiency, thus enriching the membership experience.
Lake Chapala Society http://www.lakechapalasociety.org/
The Lake Chapala Society has dozens of activities and services, scores of volunteers, and thousands of members.
Mexico Accueil http://www.mexicoaccueil.com/page.php
Mexico Accueil est une association civile à but non lucratif. Avec un inscription annuelle vous avez le Guide de Mexico Accueil et du bulletin mensuel: la RËVista, l'accès aux cafés mensuels et à toutes les activités organisées par les membres de Mexico Accueil.
Newcomers Club of Mexico http://www.newcomers.org.mx/
Newcomers Club of Mexico City was formed to welcome and help our members and their families acclimate to life into the Mexico City community. The Club also promotes Mexican culture and supports a number of charities. We host monthly General meetings, social events, member support groups, interest groups and children's activities.
General Links for Mexico
Ajijic News http://www.ajijicnews.com
An interactive site for Ajijic MX. Submit News, Articles, Calendar Events, Photos and even listen to on-line radio and tv while finding information for living in and around the Ajijic area.
Baja Relocation http://www.baja-relocation.com/
A relocation counseling and consulting firm dedicated to insuring secure Baja real estate transactions and a smooth transition for clients moving to Mexico.
CASA: Culinary Art Society of Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico http://www.ajijiccasa.org
Their mission is to provide CASA members, associates and guests a monthly forum to share foods, to learn new preparation techniques, to stimulate culinary ideas, meet new people and enjoy the wonderful world of food; in a competitive atmosphere that encourages creativity and rewards excellence.
Expat Mexico http://spanishforforeigners.com.mx/expat/
Expat Mexico is a must-stop website for all resident or newly-arrived expatriates! We offer pages of useful and relevant information on every aspect of life in Mexico City, conveniently sorted into several main sections.
Garden Club of San Miguel http://sanmiguelgardenclub.org/
The purpose and object of the Club is to join together with like-minded people to learn, discuss, enjoy and promote interest in flowers, plants, gardens, gardening and floral arrangements and other relative subjects.
Go 2 Mexico City http://www.go2Mexicocity.com/
Travel website with articles, hotels, travel tips and general information on Mexico.
Lakeside Women http://www.lakesidewomen.org
The mission of Lakeside Women is to provide practical information on a range of topics of interest to women living in the area near Lake Chapala, Mexico.
Mex Pat http://www.mexpat.com/
The MEXPAT is a network of social events for foreigners living in Mexico. Started in 2002, the MEXPAT community meets in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey at expat owned venues.
Mexico Connect http://www.mexconnect.com
Perfect for those interested in Mexico - trip planning, Mexicophiles, researchers, adventurers and to those who are dreaming of living a new life in Mexico.
Order Of The Eastern Star http://www.oesestrelladellago.org
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter. (Run in English)
Security Corner http://securitycornermexico.com/index.php?option=com_news_portal&Itemid=178/
A unique free service for staying safe in Mexico. Their monthly column is recommended by the Washington Post's TRAVEL Section, International Destinations' Experts' Safety Tips and Q&A Advisory. They do not represent any commercial, political or governmental interests.
Solutions Abroad http://http://www.solutionsabroad.com
The most complete web-based resource for expatriate foreign nationals working in Mexico, living in Mexico, visiting, retiring, moving to Mexico, or doing business in Mexico.
RealOaxaca http://www.realoaxaca.com
Oaxaca, Mexico: An expatriate life. A collection of essays, photos and newsletters dedicated to life in Oaxaca.
Viva La Musica, Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico http://www.ajijicviva.org
¡VIVA la Música! was formed in the Spring of 2000 as a direct result of hearing several young Mexican opera students perform at Lakeside. Drawing upon the wealth of musical talent available in Mexico, ¡VIVA! brings fine musicians to perform at Lakeside and sponsors bus trips to musical events (for example, to Guadalajara).
These tips were kindly provided by volunteer Expat Women Mentors in 2007. ExpatWomen.com shares these tips in an effort to help but takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Provided by Oriana T, British, in Mexico City, Mexico
1.
Breakfast early, lunch at 3, dinner some time after 9pm!
2.
Traffic - you're going to get a lot of it!
3.
Other expats are very friendly so join as many organizations as you can.
4.
For English speakers the Junior League is a great organization to join and do volunteer work in the community.
5.
Take extra security precautions without becoming obsessed with them.
Provided by Ellen F, American, in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
1.
Resolve to learn Spanish (or learn some before you get here).
2.
Be willing to question your assumptions about everything from Life to grocery shopping.
3.
Embrace everything tropical: heat, bugs, humidity, afternoon rains, etc.
4.
Let go of having to plan everything... things happen here on their own schedule.
5.
Prepare for your trip, but don't prepare too much. Leave room for the mystery.
Provided by Alisa C, American, in Mexico City, Mexico
1.
Get involved immediately in a community where you share many things in common with the group, be it work, expatriate, academic, etc.
2.
Get a good map. It helps to know where you are in relation to everything else in such a sprawling metropolitan area.
3.
Get mobile. Familiarize yourself as soon as you can with your neighborhood and the city's primary destinations, and if you live outside the reach of the Metro, have someone help you learn to navigate the bus system or the streets in a car.
4.
Be very careful with your belongings, ensuring that your house and car are safe, and also that your purse or bag is closed. It's not rude not to trust strangers.
5.
On the other hand, trust that locals will try to do their best to communicate with you, no matter what your level of Spanish-speaking proficiency.
Provided by Sandra M, Canadian, in Mexico City, Mexico
1.
Be prepared for lots and lots of traffic.
2.
Think about the quality of life you want: live in a house and commute; or to live in an apartment and walk to work.
3.
Learn at least some Spanish before you come if possible since it makes life so much easier. If you plan to look for work, you really should learn Spanish.
4.
Get involved right away, whether single or family. You need to make the effort to get out and meet people since relationships in a big city don't always happen spontaneously.
5.
Travel as much as possible. Not only is it good to get out of Mexico City but there is also so much to see in this country.
Provided by Margaret S, American, in Torreon, Mexico
1.
Understand that you are moving to a non-tourist location in Mexico.
2.
Learn as much Spanish as possible.
3.
Bring a down comforter -- the high desert is cold in the winter!
4.
Connect with the local expat group BEFORE you move!
5.
Read about the history and culture of Mexico before moving here if possible.
Provided by Olalla G, Spanish, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
1.
Windhoek is a safe city, but it tends to get empty at night, and petty crime is common. For my own peace of mind I always carry a small can of mace/pepper spray with me when I go out at night. I've never had to use it.
2.
Bring plenty of books, shoes, and a warm winter coat. Books here are extremely expensive, shoes are pretty much all horrible, and made of plastic, and it gets very cold in winter.
3.
Get a good camera – the landscape and scenery here are unbelievably beautiful. You won't regret it.
4.
Sexism and racism are common. Things are changing, but Namibia is a young country, and you are quite likely to come across both. You don't have to accept it, but expecting it may make it easier to deal with.
5.
Relax, chill out and enjoy. Life goes at a slower pace here, and you will find that if you can learn to walk more slowly, and work more slowly, frustrations will be fewer.
Settling In Tips for Mexico
ExpatWomen thanks Solutions Abroad for the following Settling In Tips for Mexico. This is a only small summary to help you get acquainted to your new country. You can find much more detailed information, including local websites (that we have not included here) at their websitehttp://http://www.solutionsabroad.com.
There are different types of visas, depending on how long you wish to stay in the country. To obtain a Mexican visa of any kind you are required to contact the Consulate or Embassy of Mexico in your origin location. Do note, United States passport holders do not need a tourist visa for Mexico and may stay up to 90 days.
FMT
The tourist visa or FMT is granted to those visiting Mexico for a period of up to six months. If you are already in the country and your visa was granted for a period shorter than six months, you can request an extension of the term. It is recommended you request this extension fifteen days prior to the expiration of your visa. You can request this extension at any Mexican Consulate, a travel agency, at the border or when traveling by plane you will be provided with one, depending on your nationality. Please note that certain nationalities have a restricted entrance to the country. In such cases you must be invited by a family member, a friend or a corporation and you need to request the visa from the Mexican authorities. The visa will be granted as long as all the requirements are fulfilled. Please contact your local Mexican consulate or embassy.
Depending if you have decided to immigrate or just live in Mexico for more than six months, you will need either a FM2 or FM3 visa. Each of these visas are for a one year term that must be renewed at least one month before the expiration date, if you wish to stay in the country.
FM3
As a holder of an FM3 you are allowed to stay in the country as a NON IMMIGRANT for a period of one year. This permit may be renewed annually. After the fifth year you may be interested in acquiring the next immigration status (IMMIGRANT) or simply continue as an FM3 holder.
FM2
This document applies to the IMMIGRANTS. As an immigrant you're not a permanent resident but you are eligible to apply to become an INMIGRADO (permanent resident - for residency in Mexico ).
You will need a working permit granted by the Ministry of Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación). According to Mexican Law, foreigners may only perform those activities expressly authorized by the Ministry. You are allowed to perform any activity as long as it's legal and honest. See http://www.solutionsabroad.com for further details.
Both as a non-immigrant or an immigrant, your family members may obtain the permit to enter the country as your economic dependants. In such case you will have to provide the authorities with copies of your immigration papers, as well as information that proves your income. Your family members may be able to work or perform any lawful and honest activity whatsoever if they obtain the corresponding permit.
Identification Card
Carrying your original passport or FM visa is not recommended because obtaining a duplicate can be complex and lengthy. Without an original FM3, you will be able to travel out of Mexico but not return back. It is recommended to obtain a Mexican Driver's license (see Transportation section). Those that don't have a driver's license can use a photo ID that is often given out at work or school.
The Cost of Living in Mexico can range depending on where you are living. Some cities are very inexpensive compared to the United States or Europe, where others equal the costs of living in a major capital city. Solutions Abroad has charts for the Cost of Living and rental costs for the major cities throughout Mexico and neighborhoods in Mexico City.
The local telephone service is offered by Telmex (which was previously a State-owned monopoly). There are other alternatives, notably Axtel, which have recently been launched. The phone line in your residence should already be hooked up. A new line costs between $1,000 and $3,500 Pesos, depending on the company and the sort of service (commercial versus residential, for example). Phone bills can be paid at most bank branches, some large department stores and/or at the local Telmex office.
There are many international telephone services available and setting them up is very easily. There are also many call back services available or rechargeable international calling cards.
There are four main cellular telephone providers: Telcel, which belongs to Telmex, is the largest; Iusacel and Pegaso also offer cellular service; and Nextel, although this last company works a little differently in that it caters mostly to businesses because of its ability to link their units as if they were wireless radios.
In Mexico, all of the following types of Internet Service are available: Dial Up; DSL; ADSL; and WiFi). There are multiple service providers: Avantel; Prodigy; E-Go; and Cable@access).
See http://www.solutionsabroad.com for more details.
The Mexican Postal Service ("Servicio Postal Mexicano") is not considered reliable. Companies tend to have "propios", in-house messengers, for the delivery of important correspondence and paperwork of any kind within Mexico City. For intra-Mexico correspondence a local carrier, such as Estafeta, usually does the trick. Finally, for international deliveries, any of the well-known international companies work well, especially in the "overnight" categories (eg. FedEx, DHL, UPS etc.)
Electricity is supplied by Comisión Federal de Electricidad. You will receive a bill every two months. This bill can be paid at any branch of most major banks (the list is on the back of the invoice). It can also be paid directly at any one of their locations, which is also where one needs to go to apply for service.
Water is paid directly to the Treasury of the Federal District, or of the state where you live. Most state governments, including the District, allow you to pay at the branches of major banks. It is also charged once every two months.
It is not safe to drink the water directly from the tap. You can buy bottled water at the supermarket or water can be delivered in returnable five-galon / 20 liter jugs (Garrfones) made of plastic or glass right to your front door step.
Natural gas, where required, is pumped from trucks that prowl the streets every few weeks (depending on the company and the area of town). It is best to ask the neighbors when the various providers visit. Their rates are set by the government and the amount should be clearly stated somewhere on the outside of the vehicle.
Most expats tend to rent a home or an apartment. It is rare that an expat would buy a house and if they do it is typically in a more touristy area such as Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen. Also, price ranges to buy and rent in Mexico City are often much higher than most people would expect.
With over twenty million people living in Mexico City, there are many neighborhoods in which you can live. There are many apartment hotels available so you can take your time in finding the right local and situation to meet your needs. Depending on where you wish to live, and price you can afford, you have the options between houses and or apartments.
Most landlords require a deposit equivalent to one month rent for an unfurnished house or apartment and two months for a furnished one.
A lease contract for a house or an apartment is usually signed by a person or company as the guarantor. However, sometimes a guarantor cannot be involved in which case a guarantee fee (fianza) is required. A fianza can be as low as 40% of the first months rent and as high as 120%. The fianza can be bought in most local banks or through companies called Afianzadoras that are dedicated to this type of business.
Typically, utilities are not included in the price of rent, but some landlords offer utilities such as cable, water or building maintenance fees. In Mexico City, anything can be negotiated, so be prepared to negotiate price, because you might be able to secure a price less than was it advertised.
There are many expatriates in Mexico spread all over the country.
Spanish is the official and most commonly-used language in Mexico City. English is spoken as well, but usually amongst the minority of people who have higher levels of education.
The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican Peso. (MXN$)
Notes (Pesos):, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000
Coins (Pesos): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 (rare), and 50
Coins (Centavos): 10, 20 and 50
The best way to exchange money is at a foreign exchange office. All commercial banks will exchange traveler's cheques and foreign currencies for a nominal fee. It is important to carry some cash with you as some places do not accept credit cards. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are available at all major banks and in supermarkets and department stores.
Mexican banks offer foreign individuals accounts both in Mexican Pesos or in US Dollars. These accounts range from regular checking and money market accounts to certificates of deposit. The Peso checking and money market accounts are called "cuentas ejes" or "central accounts", whereby the account holder is able to transfer to other accounts in Mexico or worldwide, transact business in the country, or have access to investment packages or invest in the Mexican Stock Market (Bolsa).
In order to open a bank account in Mexico you will need the following:
• A valid passport
• FM2 or FM3
• Bank and/or credit reference (Mexican or foreign)
• Proof of address (eg. a telephone or utilities bill)
Typical banking hours are Monday through Friday from 9AM to 3PM, and Saturday morning until noon. Some banks have extended hours during the week until 7PM.
There are many methods of payment that are acceptable, such as checks, cash and debit cards. Some banks, supermarkets and department stores even accept payments for certain bills. To find out the best form of payment for each provider, it is advised to contact each one and find out what they prefer. Also, internet banking has made life so convenient many people opt to use this as a form of payment. Do not send payment via check in the mail!.
Although the most common illnesses are related to contaminated water and food, a vaccination is not required. This contamination can cause diarrhea and vomiting (eg. e.coli, salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (eg. typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis) or liver damage (e.g. hepatitis).
Malaria is a serious, but preventable infection that can be fatal. Prevent this disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription for an anti-malarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites (i.e. long-sleeve shirt, long pants, hat as well as bug repellent containing DEET).
However, the recommended vaccinations by the Center for Infectious Diseases (CDC) are:
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B (if you might be exposed to blood [i.e. health-care workers], have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months or be exposed through medical treatment)
Rabies (if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation)
Also note: As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before moving to allow time for immunizations to take effect.
Health is a number one priority for those relocating to Mexico City, especially considering the problem of air and noise pollution. Another thing that many foreigners underestimate is the altitude of Mexico City. This can often put a strain on many people and takes time to get used to. Foreigners usually have to go through a period of physical adjustment in Mexico due to the fact that there are different types of bacteria that your body will be acquainted with and will have to become immune to. Obviously the first rule to remember is to never drink the tap water and be wary of salads, raw vegetables and ice in restaurants. Disinfect your fruits and vegetables with drops that can be purchased at the supermarket.
Mexico has some very fine hospitals that offer excellent care. While Mexico has very good doctors and physicians they also charge considerably less than European or U.S. doctors. An appointment can cost as little as between 30 and 50 dollars U.S. Clinics operate under excellent conditions in all major towns, and especially in the big cities. Yet ultimately the well being and safety of yourself and your family rests in good medical and health insurance.
There are many expatriates in Mexico spread all over the country. Visit http://www.solutionsabroad.com for details on health care in Mexico City and other major cities.
The first and most basic option for foreigners residing in Mexico and holding an FM2 or FM3 is the IMSS nationwide health insurance program that offers services including a visit to a doctor's clinic, hospital expenses (covering minor injuries and sickness) and intensive care facilities. It takes six to nine months for the coverage to take effect. Nevertheless you do not have a choice of physicians, as the IMSS program has its own physicians.
The best choice is of course private coverage that will cover all medical costs in the best private hospitals in the country.
Pharmacies in Mexico are called "Farmacias" and most of them are located in major supermarkets, shopping centers and on most main avenues.
While one may find almost any kind of medication in Mexico, the same medicine is relatively cheaper in Mexico than in Europe or the U.S., and often a prescription is not required. But because many pharmacies do not have trained pharmacists on staff, it's important that a doctor is consulted for a prescription and that any prescription is translated into Spanish to avoid problems.
The Mexican schools that offer the best in terms of bi-lingual education are obviously the private schools, and they are to all intents and purposes the only option for children whose mother-language is not Spanish. There are five or six choices of private English-language schools (including an American School ) in each of the three largest cities of Mexico: the capital, Mexico City; Guadalajara; and Monterrey. In addition, there are French schools, German schools and even a Japanese school in Mexico City.
People drive on the right hand side. The legal driving age is 18. There are many ways to commute in Mexico City, most notably by car. Due to much work that was done on Mexico City's overburdened infrastructure, and the inclusion of new urban highways like the "Viaducto", "Periferico" and "Circuito Interior", traffic generally flows and roads are wide and also mostly one way, thus being more conducive to flowing traffic, even though the maintenance leaves a lot to be desired.
This means that when driving you should always beware and expect anything and everything - literally. Driving is much more of an "intuitive" experience in Mexico City. People tend to go in and out of lanes as they please, with the use of turning signals being the exception rather than the rule.
Potholes abound, as do pedestrians and sometimes cyclists, and people often don't respect even the most basic traffic rules. Expect cars to run red lights, to be coming the wrong way on a one-way street, to suddenly stop or turn without warning or logic. Be extra cautious at nights as drunk drivers are to be found, especially on weekends.
When it comes to acquiring a Mexican driver's licence, you can do so without any exams or tests, even if you have never had a previous license. Just take along your passport and your FM-2 or FM-3 and you will be issued a licence within an hour at the Secretaria de Transportes y Vialidad.
Tourists may drive with an international licence or the drivers licence of their own country. If you would like to bring your car into Mexico from the U.S. you will need to acquire a permit at the border by leaving a deposit (the amount of which corresponds to the model and type of vehicle you're driving). You will also have to buy insurance.
Make sure you have an international credit card otherwise you'll find this process a big nuisance. You may then gain entry into the country for a period of up to six months after which your permit (along with your FM-T tourist visa) will have to be renewed. See http://www.solutionsabroad.com for a list of documents needed to obtain your drivers license.
When it comes to alternative modes of commuting in the city, Mexico 's capital has very good infrastructure and very cheap public transport. The metro system is extensive, covering virtually the whole city with up to nine different routes. You can find a map of the routes and stations in every metro entrance and you can also buy your tickets there. Having entered the metro with your ticket you can change as many trains and routes as you like without using another ticket. The bus system is also very good, and then there are the "peseros" or midi-buses that are not quite as comfortable as the bus or the metro, but take you anywhere and everywhere. Public transport is generally quite safe, though you should be wary of traveling late at night. At rush hour public transport can be quite uncomfortable. For ladies traveling by metro, the first two cars of every train have been reserved for them and for young children so that they may travel more comfortably. All public transport is ridiculously cheap.
Another obvious mode of transport is the omnipresent green beetle taxi. These taxis are cheap and easy to find, but they can be dangerous so it isn't recommended to use them. You should pay a little extra and call a Sitio or Radio cab. Always be wary of crime in Mexico City and make sure to lock your doors and keep your windows wound up, whether you're driving or taking a cab.
Traveling out of town is a rewarding experience for Mexico City denizens, considering the wealth of colonial towns, archaeological sites and beaches. Toll roads can be a little expensive, but well worth the security, comfort and speed. The inter-city bus network is also very good, and one can travel very comfortably with first-class bus companies. Air travel is also an option, but because it remains regulated it's expensive.
The main international airport is Mexico City 's Benito Juarez International Airport. Mexico has many airports spread all over the country due to the fact that Mexico is a popular travel destination due to its beaches and its archeological sites.
There are numerous general purpose supermarkets from which to choose. Once you are settled, you will discover which supermarkets are closest to you and best suited for your needs. Main supermarket chains are Wal*Mart and Chedraui. Mexico also has Costco & Sam's Club – which are both hypermarkets, selling everything from appliances, televisions, furniture, kitchen items, clothes to of course food. You won't find too many of them around, but the stores are huge and they offer a wide variety of merchandise at low prices.
Other chains are Aurrera (Wal*Mart's partner), Comercial Mexicana and Gigante. They also have a nice variety of merchandise, as well as competitive prices. Each of these three national chains have three tiers of stores: Bodega Aurrera; Bodega Comercial Mexicana; and Bodega Gigante. These are large discount/warehouse stores. They are generally cheaper, but the selection is not as "up market" and you have travel a bit further away from the better parts of town. In more expensive parts of town, these stores have smaller chains. Aurrera has Superama, Comercial Mexicana has Sumesa, and Gigante has Super G. These stores are smaller and they carry a finer selection of everything from wines to imported meats. Do note: for this convenience and fine selection, the prices are approximately 20% more than if you shopped in any of the Bodega stores.
In each section of the city, you can find a very nice shopping mall where you can find any household items that you may need. Each mall has at least one major department store. Mexico's largest department stores are Liverpool and Palacio de Hierro. These stores carry numerous brands of clothing for men and women, electronics, appliances, toys, makeup, fragrances, watches, gourmet items and everything else you might expect to find in upscale department stores in the US.
The stores in Mexican malls are very much like their northern North American counterparts. You will also find top-notch movie theatres in most malls.
Most cities have an outdoor market that sells fruits and vegetables. There are also handicraft markets that sell traditional clothing, silver, Mexican handicrafts etc. For further details on shopping, visit http://www.solutionsabroad.com.
Mexico City is a relatively formal place. Most women dress well even when picking the children up from school. Mexican business people wear suits. Shorts are only accepted at the beach and sweat outfits are only accepted at the gym.
One of the first things foreigners notice when they arrive is the amount of maids and chauffeurs their friends have working for them in Mexico. The advantages of having permanent domestic help outweigh any possible discomforts. Beside their main work, they can be invaluable in providing security by keeping the house occupied, they can take care of daily chores such as babysitting, taking care of pets, answering phones and other daily tasks which may need attending to while the home owner is absent. Most people find their help via recommendations from friends and contacts. For further details, visit http://www.solutionsabroad.com.
Spouses and family members are allowed to work. Once you've acquired a job, and assuming you don't already have a working visa, your company should sponsor your FM3 working visa so that you can work legally.
Finding a job in Mexico City often depends on who you know as well as the quality of your credentials. Being able to speak Spanish and being bilingual is always a big bonus, especially with a knowledge of English, while other languages like French, German and Italian may also come in very handy considering the number and size of European companies doing business in Mexico. A good start for newly arrived foreigners may be to register with their respective embassies, or relevant social clubs, thereby beginning the process of incorporating oneself into the flow of things and finding good opportunities to begin networking. Internet job sites and job ads in the newspapers are also good sources.
There are many ways to meet people in Mexico City – from social scenes to volunteering at one of the many charities. Mexicans are social by nature and the restaurants, bars and nightclubs reflect that. Another good way to meet people is by joining a health club (gym). Main sports are football (soccer), tennis, squash, golf and horseback riding, to name a few. No matter what your game, you should find the right gym or sports club that best suits your needs, as there are many gyms and sports clubs in most large cities. See http://www.solutionsabroad.com for a list.
There are various organizations for expatriates, depending on a particular national community. These organizations can provide a very good start for new expatriates to the area and they are a great place to meet people like themselves, share experiences, and learn all the little details involved in making the adjustment to Mexico. Many of these organizations are very well run and they offer a very broad choice of activities, including many excursions both within and beyond Mexico City, charity and fundraising activities, sports activities, private support groups, language learning, and much more. See below for a list of groups.
Mexico boasts a wealth of travel opportunities. From deserts, to beaches, big towns and cities to small secluded villages. Archeological sites. Pyramids. Natural wonders and more. Once you are in Mexico, see your local travel sites and or visit your travel agency for details.
The climate in Mexico City varies from tropical to desert. Sitting one mile above sea level, is enough to make many people breathless for a few days when they arrive. In general, it is a dry city, though in the summer it rains most afternoons causing it to become humid.
Although there is a fair amount of rain in October and November, the months of September through mid May are the most enjoyable. The month of May is the hottest month, just before the cooling rain starts. In the winter months, Mexico City is typically chilly in the early mornings and evenings. Summer temperatures get quite steamy rising to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celcius).
The average temperature year-round is mid 70's (F) with nights in the mid 60's (F). It is recommended that you keep a sweater and umbrella handy at any time of the year.
Immigration/Visas and Permits
Accommodation 
