The Land of The Maya Ruins of Palenque, The Temple of Kukulcán,

& The Great Maya Reef

Information on Relocating to Mexico

• The capital city of Mexico is Mexico City, with about 21 million people. The political  centre is also in Mexico City where the President resides. Mexico is a Republic.

• Languages: The language spoken in Mexico is Spanish. The TV programs are generally in the original language with Spanish subtitles. Cable TV and satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 106.4 million people - 60% mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish), 30% Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, 9% white, 1% other.

• Expat areas: Expat reside at the large cities, especially at Mexico City.

• Housing: The main areas are: Mexico City; Monterrey and Guadalajara and most major cities within Mexico. Most cities houses have in general three bedrooms with bathroom, maid's room, family room, study, laundry area, kitchen, living and dining room. Gardens are small, and in Mexico City and Guadalajara swimming pools are not easily find in houses.

• Cost of housing: Housing in Mexico and Monterrey can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 1,000 for a small apartment in the city to US$ 10,000 and more for a modern house in the suburbs. The local currency is Mexican Pesos (MXN), but most properties are quoted in Dollars.

• Schools: The American International School of Mexico offers education from pre-K to grade 12. The Greengates School of Mexico City (only) offers all grade levels based on the British school system, and there are several local schools that offers International Bachaloreal. Most Local Schools have double curriculum (Spanish and English). You also have Licee Francais, German and Japanese School in Mexico City.

• Transportation: It is very poor the public transportation. We recommend to use radio taxis and do not use taxis from the street.

• Bank: The banks are open on Monday–Friday from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm. Some banks open until 6.00 pm. and on Saturday afternoon if they are located in shopping malls.

• Shopping: Monday-Sunday 10.00/11.00 am -8.00/10.00 pm. (big towns and cities); Monday-Friday 9.00am -2.00/4.00 pm (rest of the country). Check locally for details.

• Climate: Mexico City: Because it is 2,500 meters altitude the climate is very mild. On winter it may get 5°C to 10°C (41°F - 50°F) the lowest and summer goes not higher than 30°C (86°F). We do not have defined seasons, we usually have raining and dry season. Monterrey: Weather is very drastic on summer gets very high temperatures and winter very low temperature. Guadalajara: climate is usually warm, and gets hotter in the summer.

• Culture: Mexico City offers many museums, theaters, opera houses, archeological sites, etc. National and international. Movies are in their original language with Spanish subtitles.

• Public holidays:
  January 1st-New Year’s Day; January 6th-Epiphany; February 5th-Constitution Day; March 17th- Birthday of Benito Juárez; March-April Maundy Thursday. March* Good Friday. Easter-March/April (dates vary); May 1st-Labour Day; May* 5th-Anniversary of Battle of Puebla; Sep 1st* President's Report. September 16th-Independence Day; November 2nd-* Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead); November 20th-Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910; December 12th-Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe; December 25th-Christmas.