MOVING TO MONTERREY?
Moving to Monterrey is one of the most exciting times of your life. You're excited to move to a new environment and start your new life in another country - not to mention another culture. Most of the time, you've been through cultural training, talked to people in the area and read lots on the Internet about living in Monterrey. However, nothing can prepare you for the move you're about to make.
Here are some good web sites to check out before you move:
www.allaboutmonterrey.com
www.balletdemonterrey.com
http://www.planetarioalfa.org.mx
www.ocvmty.com.mx
Below we've answered some commonly asked questions as well as outlined some things you need to know. Please check back as this site will constantly be updated with new information.
Is it safe to go outside at night? Of course. Monterrey and, specifically, San Pedro are relatively safe neighborhoods. You should just use precaution as you always would after dark.
Where can I eat when I first move down here? Most restaurants are safe for you to eat - even the salad - when you first move here. Papalote and Paraiso are some local favorites among the people from the United States. You can also try restaurants from the United States - Applebee's, Chili's, Bennigan's, McDonalds, Burger King, Carl's Jr. and Sierra Madre.
Where can my school-age children go to school? Most children from the United States of America attend the American School Foundation of Monterrey international school. The Missouri Campus is from pre-kinder through 5th grade and the La Huasteca Campus if for 6th through 12th grades. There are a lot of Monterrey children who attend this school as well.
Is there preschool? Yes, but they are expensive by U.S. standards.
Is there daycare available? I think most people hire a trustworthy live-in maid.
We're here to help you with things you need to know and with your transition into Monterrey. Below you'll find information on moving your household goods to Monterrey, having a baby here, getting your car across the border and much more.
| Moving Your Household Goods To Monterrey |
How long will it take my items to arrive in Monterrey?
The movers will come to your house and will tell you that your items will make it to your new home in Monterrey in a couple of weeks. Please take note. Your items will be shipped to Monterrey and they will arrive here. However, the amount of time it takes varys move to move. People living here have gotten their household goods anywere from two weeks to a couple of months. The first thing to know about Monterrey is to be patient.
How can you expedite the process?
The first and foremost item to have before your items can be shipped into Mexico is an FM-3. An FM-3 is a work VISA that you can get just before or after moving to Mexico. The lawyers for your company can help you with this process.
The second item you need is a place of residence. Your items will not be brought into Mexico until you have a permanent residence. Once you have a residence, you can contact your moving company and they will start the process of getting your items into Mexico.
In addition, talk to your mover about making a list of all household goods in your shipment. At the very least, you should have a list of all the serial numbers on your electronic equipment. This helps expedite the process at the border. It's also suggested that all of your electronic equipment be placed together and on the back of the truck. This allows the customs agents to have easy access to your electronic equipment to check the serial numbers. Not all movers prepare this list for you so be sure to ask.
| Importing a Vehicle into Mexico |
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There are many cities around the world where people can live without an automobile, however, Monterrey is not one of them. So, rather than buying a car in Monterrey where the Mexican taxes really raise the price of cars, the alternate is to temporarily import an automobile from the US. Any foreigner with the FM2 immigrant (retired person) or non-immigrant FM3 (Tourists and local visitors of legal age), can import a car regardless of nationality and by complying with the legal provisions prescribed by the Mexican government.
New or used vehicles up to three and a half metric ton capacity can be temporarily imported. Most normal automobiles and trucks meet this condition.
Where do you import your car?
Import formalities are made at the Banjercito bank booth. This bank is in charge of operating the Temporary Vehicle Import Program. There is one at every border crossing within Mexican customs. You can look into online services at www.banjercito.com.mx/site/tramiteitving.jsp.
What documents do you need?
You must fill out a request form and have your migratory document (FM3) and the title and registration for your car. If your car is a company benefit in the US, there must be signed evidence that shows the working relationship and a commitment to return the vehicle to the US within the authorized term. You cannot leave it or sell it in Mexico. Then, you must pay a bond and applicable taxes on the car.
Who can drive the car in Mexico?
According to Mexican customs, vehicles can be driven in Mexico by the importer, his/her spouse, parents, children or siblings even if they are not foreigners, by a foreigner meeting any of the migratory conditions mentioned in the second paragraph, or a national, provided that, in this last case, any of the individuals authorized to drive the vehicle is aboard and is allowed multiple entries and exits.
How do you extend your temporary vehicle pass when it expires?
Extension of your migratory document generates an automatic renewal of the automobile permit; therefore, it's is NOT necessary to travel back to the border. Nevertheless, within ten working days, the importer must appear in person at any of the 48 customs offices in Mexico and submit a written document that provides proof that you have been granted an extension. You should attach a copy of your migratory document and the vehicles temporary import application. You may also deliver it by courier service to the Administracion General de Aduanas (General Customs Administration) in Mexico City.
What happens when you leave the country?
When you are about to leave the country, you must return the vehicle to the your country, crossing the same border where you first came in. If applicable, you may request the return of the original deposit. Request your receipt to prove that you complied with this obligation.
What do I need to keep in my car while I'm in Mexico?
The police departments here can take you by surprise at any time and review your automobile import documents. Therefore, it's recommended that you have the following documents in your car: Driver's license, copy of your FM3, the original permit document, the import documents, a copy of the title and your insurance policy.
This was written by Heriberto Batres (batres@visasmx.com). Copy of the government official documents and legal provisions are available at www.visasmx.com.
| Having A Baby In Monterrey |
