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Let’s start with an unavoidable truth:
Most of the information you’ll find about Mexico City’s processes will be inaccurate, incomplete or vague.
You need to be aware of this reality; ASAP.
There’s tons of information coming from unverified sources. They’re based on experiences and not on facts provided by a professional.
There’s a lack of standarization in most of the bureaucratic processes. Requirements vary and will depend on where you get this information from.
There’s outdated information about how processes work. While they may have been a reality years ago, they might not hold true to the present.
Relocating to Mexico City should be done once you’re certain it’s the right place for you.
After all, moving abroad, into a different culture and language, is a —literally— life-changing experience. And you need to be ready for it; want it or not.
Understanding how bureaucracies are handled in this big city will save you a lot of time, headaches and money.
More so if you’re planning to make it your long-term home.
Looking for a new house (to rent or buy), opening a bank account, getting a new car (or bringing yours), applying for cheap health insurance are all processes that will prove your patience if you don’t know what to expect.
Because you have not only to be aware of the complicated, sometimes inaccurate information you’ll find online, but of the way these procedures are handled in Mexico City.
Not every process in Mexico City is linear. And most is not easy either.
Being more informed about what to expect in Mexico City will make you less fearful of the unknown.
And it’ll also allow you to enjoy your stay a lot more.
There have been many people who arrive in Mexico City with dreams spoken by someone else. Promises of a luxurious life in this big cosmopolitan city.
And they soon run into a hard wall when they meet with the reality: Mexico City is the most expensive city in Mexico.
Without accurate information, you risk wasting time and money like many other expats.
It doesn’t matter what your situation is. Being informed about the latest data regarding the city’s situation will enable you to make the best and most informed decision about this significant leap.
That way you’ll know, for sure, if…
Your budget for a rental is realistic for the reality we’re living in. Prices are rising sharply. Yes, of course living in Mexico City is less expensive than living in big cities like New York, but it’s not compared to other places in the US, for example.
Opening a bank account is worth the hassle. It’s actually fairly simple to open an account in Mexico City and this might prove to be an advantage on the long run.
Bringing your own car and stuff is worth the effort. In Mexico City the laws regarding cars and pollution are harsher than in other cities. You also have to take into account if your car can be imported or not.
Ultimately, Mexico City is the right place for you. While being able to commute anywhere without a car is appealing, the chaotic vibe in Mexico City is not for everyone.
We’re NIKAL
We’re NIKAL
The Mexico City based real estate and relocation concierge company whose biggest objective is to help expats and immigrants ease into the mexican way of life by offering guidance on navigating bureaucratic processes in the central Mexican region.
Adapting to daily life in a new country is a significant challenge, particularly in a city where obtaining accurate and up-to-date information can be elusive.
This is why we strive every day to ensure that anyone considering Mexico City as their main relocation destination can find answers to their questions.
We’ve been working locally for more than 8 years in the real estate business.
And we’ve chosen to expand into relocation concierge services after firsthand experience with the ongoing challenges posed by Mexican laws—or the lack thereof—for those unfamiliar with our culture.
If you’d like us to help you
You just have to click on the option that best fits your current situation:
But you shouldn’t just rely on our words.
Here’s what our clients say about us:
Taylor Batch
USA
Highly recommended!
I reached out to Melanie to help my husband and I with realtor services before we relocated in May 2023 to Mexico City. She was extremely timely with her communication, knowledgeable about the process and was able to help us get the most amazing apartment in our dream area of the city within a week of moving. Her help didn’t stop there! She guided us through buying our car, setting up health insurance, and finding a gynecologist/obstetrician (we just had our first baby). We would absolutely not be setup in Mexico as quickly as we were had it not been for Melanie!
Eiko Kosasa
USA
Endless customization
I highly recommend Melanie’s concierge service. It is a god send for new residents. Melanie is fluent in English, is familiar with US business and cultural practices, is highly skilled in internet technology, and is knowledgeable on how Mexican bureaucracies (public and private) work. If she is unfamiliar with something, she will quickly research and find answers for you (often she will present various options for your solution). As a retiree who struggles with high tech procedures/processes, Melanie walked me through (step-by-step) in setting up my utility, internet, and banking accounts on my phone. If your Spanish language and/or tech skills are rudimentary as mine are, she will make appointments for you with companies and/or government agencies. She made the appointment for my cable installation and received the Telmex workers when they came to my apartment to put in the hardware. My stress level went down to zero once I hired Melanie’s concierge service. Whenever I have questions, she quickly replies to me. Or if she is busy with other clients, she will respond to you within the same day. I cannot give enough praise to Melanie and her concierge service for her high-quality work ethic and my satisfaction in discussing problems and finding solutions with her. She is professional, friendly, and very smart.
Kenosha Drucker
USA
Great on any device
My boyfriend and I hired Melanie to help us with our apartment hunt during our relocation to Mexico City and I highly recommend her services. She is a great communicator and knows her stuff. She sent us a list of great options based on our needs/preferences before we even landed in CDMX! She gave us great advice about the rental climate in CDMX, helped us every step of the way from touring potential rentals to signing our contract, and even helped us with other aspects of our relocation such as getting Mexican phone numbers. She is very personable and speaks perfect English. If you’re at all concerned about navigating the bureaucracy of a new country, Melanie is a great option at a reasonable price!
Jordan Burke
USA
Easy to use
Melanie’s level of support and communication were above and beyond my expectations. Her expertise and willingness to help made all the difference in my move to Mexico City. I’d recommend her to anyone.
Relocating to Mexico City should be exciting, not stressful.
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