Moving to Monterrey, Mexico

"Monterrey is a vibrant and busy city in the northern part of the country. Expats should be aware that the city has a subtropical climate, with average temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit in the warm months and dropping to the mid-40s Fahrenheit in the coldest months. As such, it is important to bring seasonal clothing to cope with the changing weather. Monterrey is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population, and public transportation is well-developed and can get you around the city easily. While Spanish is the primary language, English is becoming increasingly common. Both the cost of living and the standards of healthcare are very good in the city. Monterrey is known for its vibrant nightlife and its many cultural attractions, so be sure to take some time to explore all that the city has to offer," commented one expat who made the move to Monterrey.

"First and foremost, consider using a relocation support company. Monterrey is a vast city and bureaucracy and a lack of sources of public information mean that starting out in Mexico can be tricky, even if you know Spanish. Other than that, be patient and practical and try not to let the experience be any more stressful than it needs to be. There are ex-pat groups (Newcomers Group, ASOMO, Mexpat) in Monterrey who meet regularly and can help you feel more at home in Monterrey. For further information on relocation services in Monterrey, see: www.integra-mty.com," remarked one expat in Monterrey, Mexico.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Monterrey is to research online. Popular websites such as Airbnb, VRBO and Home Away offer a variety of rental listings from apartments, condos, houses, and villas. Additionally, online forums, such as Mexico's largest expat site Mexconnect, can provide valuable information about housing options in Monterrey. In addition to online research, it is also advisable to contact local real estate agents, who can provide potential renters with more personalized housing options and insight into Monterrey's real estate markets," remarked one expat in Monterrey, Mexico.

"We needed an area that was convenient to my husband's job. The plant he works at is outside the city in an area that is not very nice, so we had to strike a balance between amenities and convenience. We bought our property so we also wanted to find an area where we thought that prices may rise over the next few years. We ended up choosing a property in an undeveloped area on the outskirts of the city. It was particularly appealing as we knew the surrounding areas were earmarked for development. We also have the convenience of having the green areas of the countryside on our doorstep, with the convenience of the city just 5 minutes drive away," said one expat in Monterrey.

"Most expat homes in Monterrey are single-family houses or townhouses with ample living space and numerous bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. These homes typically have spacious balconies, gardens and/or terraces, with some properties boasting swimming pools and outdoor entertaining areas. Inside, the homes are normally modern and tastefully furnished, built to the highest standards and often featuring plenty of natural light. The kitchens and bathrooms are usually fully-equipped with white goods and modern fixtures and fittings. Many apartments in the city also offer similar levels of comfort, with contemporary spaces and gorgeous, sweeping views of the city skyline," said one expat in Monterrey.

"We live in a 3 bedroom house on a new development. The style of the house is pretty typical - modern, reasonably spacious but with a small back yard - as is the street - a gated community with green areas and a communal pool. However, we don't live in a 'typical' ex-pat area. Most foreigners choose to live in San Pedro Garza Garcia, the most expensive neighbourhood in the whole country. There is a large American community here, not least because many ex-pats have their housing paid for by the company they transferred here with. San Pedro was not really an option for us as we wanted a house not an apartment (and a house in this area costs roughly the same as its equivalent in the UK or LA) and as we both speak Spanish, we didn't feel the need to settle in an ex-pat community," remarked one expat who made the move to Monterrey.

"The cost of housing in Monterrey can vary greatly depending on what type of property you're looking for and where in the city you're looking. On average, renting an apartment in the city center can cost around $430 to $650 per month while house prices can range anywhere from $80,000 to well over $400,000. Depending on the neighborhood and the type of property, the prices can vary dramatically," explained one expat living in Monterrey, Mexico.

"Lower. However, some parts of Monterrey are seriously expensive. If we consider the 'nicer' (safe, clean, reasonably located) neighbourhoods, average prices range from MXN $7,000-MXN $16,000 per month rental on a 2 bedroom apartment and MXN $10,000-MXN $27,000 per month on a 3-bed house. Purchase prices for these same areas range from MXN $950,000-MXN $2,200,000 for a 2-bed apartment and MXN $2,000,000-MXN$5,000,000 for a 3-bed house. The above prices are averages for these areas. There are plenty properties available above and below these prices in decent areas of the city," said one expat in Monterrey.

"Buying a home in Monterrey can be a great investment depending on your lifestyle and circumstances. If you plan to stay in the area for a long period of time and you like the idea of building equity when making monthly mortgage payments instead of paying rent, buying a home may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a more transient person, renting a home may be a better option since it does not require a long-term commitment and may be easier to move from one place to another. Ultimately it is up to you to decide which is the better route for your situation," said one expat in Monterrey.

"Things I wish I had brought: * Sachets of sauce mix - Thai and Indian food are virtually non-existent here and I really miss being able to rustle a meal up in 20 minutes. Other food items such as cookies, chocolate and Bisto gravy, which you can't get here. If you can't get something in Monterrey (which is a rare occurrence in itself) you should be able to find it in Laredo or McAllen just across the Texan border. * Warm clothes for in winter. It gets quite cold here in December and January, particularly indoors, where tiled open-plan houses are not designed to stay warm. * Not something I personally missed, but something to bear in mind - you should have all relevant paperwork (marriage certificate, degree certificate, children's school certificates) validated by a solicitor and your local Mexican embassy before leaving your home country. It will speed up Visa/School applications no end once you're here Things I wish I had left at home: * Electrical equipment - personal computer and DVD player. We have had to have special 220W outlets installed so we can use them. This obviously wouldn't be a problem if you're coming from the US or Canada, etc * Medicines - they are much cheaper in Mexico and you will find the same or equivalent products as in your home country * Again, not relevant to me, but people driving over the border from the States should remember that guns are illegal in Mexico and still penalties will be enforced if you are caught trying to cross the border with one," remarked one expat who made the move to Monterrey.

"As you pack for your move to Monterrey, it's important to remember the warm climate. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics like cotton or linen that can be easily layered as the temperature cools in the evenings. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the intense sun. Consider packing sturdy tennis shoes or sandals that can handle walking around both indoors and outdoors. A raincoat or umbrella may also be necessary, as Monterrey is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental, which experiences more rainfall than most of the country. Depending on your budget, bring adapters for your electrical appliances for use in the Mexican outlets. Finally, although you are likely to find many items you need locally in Monterrey, it is best to bring any necessities that you may not easily find in Mexico (e.g. dietary staples, contact lenses)," explained one expat living in Monterrey, Mexico.

"In Monterrey, it is important to remain respectful to their culture and customs. It is considered impolite to talk about politics and religion in public, as well as to criticize or be overly critical of the country or its people. Refrain from using negative terms when addressing people or expressing yourself, as this is considered very rude. You should also try to dress modestly and appropriately, as showing too much skin or wearing clothing with offensive slogans can be offensive. Additionally, avoid discussing taboo subjects such as illegal activities, poverty, and class disparity. Do not use profanity and show respect for local laws at all times," said one expat in Monterrey.

"Monterrey is an increasingly popular destination for expats due to its quality of life, low cost of living, and vibrant culture. With a year-round comfortable climate, there is ample opportunity to explore the many different outdoor activities Monterrey has to offer. The city is also known for its thriving economy and great business opportunities. Many expats also appreciate the convenient proximity to the US, allowing for easy travel and relocation. Additionally, Monterrey's international community means expats can find plenty of support from fellow expats to help them settle in and make the most of the city," stated one expat who made the move to Monterrey.

"Monterrey offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). These institutions offer a variety of services, including primary care, specialty care, emergency care, and preventive care. Private healthcare services are also available in Monterrey, with a variety of hospitals and clinics offering a range of services, including general and specialized care. Additionally, Monterrey is home to a number of medical research centers and universities, providing access to advanced medical treatments and technologies," offered one expat living in Monterrey.

" It depends on finances and age. If you're a professional moving to Mexico for business reasons, then you'll no doubt be given a private insurance plan. For those still young, private insurance is cheaper than in the USA but still ultimately unaffordable. Those working for public or private sector employers should automatically be enlisted in the IMSS which is our national system free to the user. Roughy equivalent to the UK's NHS, if you need something major it is excellent. For minor problems you may care to go private. Besides the IMSS, if you're not working you can enroll in the govenment's Seguro Popular system which is probably a bit inferior to the IMSS but again will protect you against major events. Next, I recommend paying monthly to subscribe to a private ambulance/outpatient service such as EMME. The price is reasonable and they come quickly with a fully equipped ambulance and medical team. They also have an outpatient walk-in centre open until late. Most pharmacies have an attached doctor available during work hours (sometimes morning only) and you can get a quick consultation either free or at insignificant cost - very useful if you need an antibiotic because these need a prescription now. ," wrote one expat living in Monterrey.

"Monterrey offers a wide range of medical services, including general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals. The city is home to several private and public hospitals, as well as a number of clinics and medical centers. Many of these facilities offer modern medical technology and treatments, and many of the doctors are highly trained and experienced. Monterrey also has a number of pharmacies, where medications can be purchased. Additionally, the city has a number of medical tourism options, with many people from the United States and Canada traveling to Monterrey for medical treatments," said one expat.