Relocating to Mexico can offer an exciting change of pace. However, as with moving to any international destination, it can also provoke questions, uncertainties and even anxiety for anyone making the transition.

If you’re looking to help your customers or employees (and their families!) relocate to Mexico, we’ve put together four tips for making the move a smooth one. Equipped with this understanding, you’ll be able to orchestrate a straightforward relocation to Mexico, one that’s free of surprises and unexpected charges.

Mexico Moving Tip #1 – Line Up the Proper Documentation

Having all of the correct documents prepped and ready is the #1 key to success when moving goods to Mexico. In fact, many transportation providers will not stuff a container until they have all the proper documentation in hand.

All foreign nationals, including US citizens, need to provide:

  • Proof of employment letter – A letter on company stationery that confirms full name and nationality, job title, job description, monthly salary and full contact information for the employer.
  • A visa – To move household goods, anyone moving into Mexico must obtain an immigration status of Permanent Resident (Residente Permanente) or Temporary Resident (Residente Temporal). Read more about visa types and requirements.

Keep in mind: Many people visit Mexico on a Tourist Visa to get a sense of whether they’d like to live in the country. Although a Tourist Visa allows for a stay of up to six months, you can’t move goods into Mexico on this type of visa. Make sure your customers apply for the correct type for their move. See more about the different types of Mexican visas available.

Mexican Citizens need to provide:

  • A valid passport
  • A copy of a US visa or other visa
  • A valid passport and permanent resident card
  • Proof of employment in the US or another country – A letter on company stationery that confirms full name and nationality, job title, job description, monthly salary and full contact information for the employer.
  • Proof of residency in the US or another country

Once you secure the correct documentation, the shipment will get the all-clear to head to Mexico.

If you have any questions about the correct type of documentation you need, talk to your carrier. They should be able to provide you with all the information you need to ensure that the shipment can be packed and moved on time.

You’ll also want to note that there are restrictions on items that can be brought into Mexico. For example, items that are new (less than six months old) are not permitted. Be sure to get a list ahead of time from your shipper to avoid any problems with customs.

Mexico Moving Tip #2 – Understand the Uncertainties in Mexico

One of the charms of moving to a foreign destination is getting to know the local customs. Mexico has a few quirks you will want to be aware of when it comes to housing, as well as shipping and logistics.

For example, things often move on their own timeline in Mexico. As a result, an apartment that was supposed to be available on the 15th might not be. Or, a rental that seemed certain suddenly falls through at the last moment. This can create an extremely stressful situation for a family with a container of household goods in transit.

However, unlike many movers, here at DeWitt we include free storage of up to 30 days with any shipment. Take advantage of this feature to help your customers plan for the unexpected ups and downs of the Mexican housing market—and any other challenges they might encounter.

Mexico Moving Tip #3: Beware of Extra Charges

When you’re moving goods to Mexico, the price you’re quoted up front is often NOT the final price.

As goods transition across the border, it’s extremely common to see “supplemental invoices” added to the final cost. These are extra charges for services like inspections, fumigation, etc. Although these charges can be confusing and frustrating, at the end of the day, you may not be able to get delivery until these charges are paid.

You may feel helpless in the face of these extra charges, but there is something you can do: Talk to your carrier up front and pick the right carrier.

Here at DeWitt, we provide an all-in-one shipping agreement with zero supplemental billings. You pay one fee up front, and we take care of any extra charges behind the scenes.

You may get a cheaper quote from another carrier, one that doesn’t cover supplemental billings. But once you add in those extra charges, you probably won’t save much money. In fact, you’ll likely pay more.

At the end of the day, for a hassle-free and surprise-free experience, look for a company that offers transparent pricing with no extra charges. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying from day one.

Pro Tip from Jeff Nadeau, General Manager, DeWitt Move: While you’re asking about supplemental invoices, ask your carrier when and where the container will be opened. In many cases, your shipment may be opened and inspected several times, which increases the possibility of items being damaged or going missing, increasing the possibility of claims for losses. Look for a carrier who can minimize the number of times your shipment is opened for inspection to ensure all shipments arrive intact.

Mexico Moving Tip #4: Understand that Transit Times Vary

As we mentioned earlier, Mexico often operates on its own timeline. This is especially true when it comes to shipments. It can take much longer than many people expect to move their goods to Mexico—as long as 3-8 weeks. (!)

However, some carriers have pre-arranged agreements that can cut this travel time down to anywhere between 5-12 business days.

Your transit time will depend on whether shipments get held up at the Mexican border, delivery schedules and other mitigating factors. However, if you need to arrange a quick move to Mexico, there are carriers who may be able to accommodate a shorter timeline.

Mexico Moves Made Easy

New destinations often require an adjustment period. It can sometimes take days, weeks or even months to understand exactly how things work in a foreign country. However, when it comes to Mexico, choosing a moving company with experience in the country will help shortcut you to successful relocations with fewer hassles and no surprises.

With established partnerships in Mexico and servicing more than 20 cities, we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about moving household goods across the border. Simply reach out to us, and we’ll get you the answers you need.

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