Moving to Mexico from the USA: A Complete Relocation Guide

Updated June 2026

Is it true that more Americans are deciding to move to Mexico? Yes. According to recent estimates from the U.S. State Department and other sources, approximately 1.8 million U.S. citizens are now living in Mexico, reflecting continued growth in this popular relocation trend. Many are opting to retire there. What’s behind this growing trend? Nice weather, affordable housing, a lower cost of living, vibrant culture, and proximity to the United States are all at the top of most people’s lists! This is especially attractive to retirees and remote workers seeking a higher quality of life.

So, how simple, or how difficult is it really to pull the trigger to make this happen? What do the logistics look like? What steps need to be taken to make this possible?

When moving your household goods and personal effects from the United States to Mexico, it’s important to only work with an experienced, knowledgeable, responsive, and honest shipping company with a proven track record. At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in safe, efficient relocations from any U.S. state to Mexico, with over 20 years of experience on this specific corridor.

What to Look For in a Quality Moving Company

Expertise and Experience

This is obvious. The company you work with should be very experienced and have all the expertise necessary to navigate all of the elements that come along with completing a trouble-free shipment from the USA to Mexico. Failure to work with a company that is truly knowledgeable and experienced can result in rather unpleasant, negative outcomes. SDC International Shipping has been moving household goods and personal effects to Mexico for our clients for over 20 years. We understand the nuances of border crossings, customs procedures, and the unique challenges of shipping household goods to Mexico from any U.S. state.

Paperwork and Legal

Shipping household goods and personal effects to Mexico from the USA is often confused as being “simple”. If all your T’s are crossed, I’s dotted and you are working with a very experienced shipping company, it can be. But that does not mean that there are no potential hazards along the way which must be avoided. First, crossing the border, whether it be at an ocean port or land border requires the shipper to present to the border customs agent an approved inventory list. This is a document called a Menaje de Casa. This inventory list is required to be completed in Spanish. Each inventory item or box must be listed, line by line. Furniture and items not in a box would be listed as to what they are (e.g., “3-cushion sofa, green”) — remember, this must actually be in Spanish. For boxed items, the line would read something like “Box #1 – Books”. Each box would have a number and corresponding contents (again, in Spanish). For boxes, there is no need to list every little individual item in the box, just generally what the contents are. However, for electronic goods (anything that runs on electricity), the MAKE, MODEL, and SERIAL # must be listed. This is very important. As of 2026, Mexican customs continues to enforce these requirements strictly to prevent commercial imports disguised as personal effects.

SDC International Shipping specialists can and will help, every step of the way in the process. Please ask your SDC Mexico Relocation Specialist for more information. Call us at 877-339-0267 to get started with your personalized plan.

Online Reviews

Online reviews are an important and effective way to better understand the sort of company with whom you are considering working. It is our advice to only work with companies who have 4+ star ratings. Look for consistent feedback on communication, on-time delivery, and careful handling of household goods.

Dedicated and Personalized Internal Support Team

It is important to work with a company that has dedicated, internal relocation specialists who are always available to answer questions, provide updated information, and anything else that is helpful and/or needed. At SDC, we do not disappear after the booking. We are 100% engaged and available at all times from booking to completion of the job. This level of support is essential for a stress-free relocation to Mexico.

Visual Surveys (Meet Your Shipping Partner)

In order to correctly quote the client in terms of costing, it is critical for any moving company to thoroughly understand both the volume of items being shipped, as well as any other important considerations such as:

• Delicate items (glass, marble, art, etc.) – these require specialized packing materials and handling to prevent breakage during long-distance transport.
• Heavy or overweight items (floor safes, etc.) – extra equipment and labor may be needed for safe loading and unloading.
• Specialty items such as pianos, grand pianos, pool tables, fine art, pinball machines, etc. – these often need custom crating and climate-controlled options for protection.

Volume or Weight? (Caution)

Volume is what matters when a professional mover is working on your quote. How much room is being occupied in the truck is one of the most important factors. Beware anyone who keeps referring to weight/lbs/kgs. This is often a giveaway that they may not be a true moving company. Commercial shippers (think tires, lumber, or fertilizer) will often revert to weight. You will need a professional mover specializing in household goods in order to be confident in a successful household goods shipment to Mexico.

Proper Moving Company vs. Broker (Caution)

Unfortunately, there are too many companies out there who represent themselves as an actual moving company, perhaps even specializing in moves to Mexico. Is this always the case? Often it is not. They may gain your trust and booking, only to hire a third party for the lowest possible cost. Working directly with an experienced moving company like SDC ensures accountability and quality control from start to finish.

Bait and Switch (Caution)

Just as it sounds, beware of the very low quote. We have been doing this for a long time, and we know that too often the low price will end up being the highest price. It may be a red flag when a shipping company quickly provides a quote, often a lower quote than others, but didn’t actually take time to understand all of the inventory, let alone other elements of the move. Beware of the bait-and-switch surprise.

A Word on Up-Front Deposits (Caution)

Beware of any company that requires an up-front deposit. A credit card authorization (as security) is fine, but an actual deposit could be a red flag. SDC International Shipping does not require up-front deposits, nor do we charge a credit card up-front, for 99% or more of our jobs. This policy builds trust and demonstrates confidence in our service.

What Can I Ship?

Attempting to ship a prohibited item into Mexico can derail your plans, or worse. The topic is too large to cover thoroughly here. Some of the items which are prohibited from your household goods shipment include:

• Anything not part of your household goods and personal effects for your new home in Mexico
• Anything newer than 6 months (subject to duty)
• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Explosives
• Currency and Marketable Securities
• Pornographic Material
• Prescription Medications (must send separately)
• Food including Canned Goods
• Nutritional Supplements
• Spices
• Beverages (including beer, wine, and spirits)
• Toiletries
• Consumable items (such as paper towels, napkins, diapers, etc. may incur a duty)
• Cosmetics
• Batteries
• Cleaning liquids
• Hunting trophies
• Taxidermy items
• Flammable or Toxic items
• Cars, Motorcycles, and Boats
• Car, Motorcycle, and Boat parts

Packing and Protecting Your Household Goods

Because the majority of household goods relocation to Mexico is done by truck, over the road, it is important to make sure all breakable items are packed professionally. At SDC, our teams are experts at making sure everything is packed and protected appropriately. Everything from fine art, to delicate statues and china, to glass and wood furniture, we understand exactly how to make sure items get to Mexico in the same condition in which they left. We use high-quality materials and proven techniques tailored to the rigors of cross-border transport. Learn more about our professional packing services.

If you plan on packing your boxed household goods yourself (packed by the owner), you will need to keep in mind 3 things.

1. Labeling boxes: Make sure that all boxes are clearly labeled in both Spanish and English. Example: “Box 1 – Shoes” (“Caja 1 – Zapatos”). Do not use vague words such as “miscellaneous”. Be specific. Clear labeling speeds up customs inspection and reduces the risk of delays.
2. Inventory list: This is covered in the Paperwork section; but you will need to create a complete inventory list. There is no need to go to a granular level such as “8 plates, 4 coffee mugs”, etc.; but each inventory line should indicate the box number and generally what contents are inside (e.g., “shoes” or “pillows” or “dishes”).
3. Insurance: For boxed items, full coverage insurance is only an option for boxes that have been packed by SDC International Shipping. This is not our rule, it is an insurance underwriter rule.

Shipping Your Household Goods to Mexico by Truck (Most Common)

For shipping via truck (over-the-road) to Mexico, only proper moving trucks with the appropriate suspension and security should be used. At SDC, we only use full air-ride trailers for transport. This may seem like a small thing, but you do not want to transport your goods in a basic commercial truck, or worse! Most relocations from the US or Canada to Mexico are completed via land and moving trucks due to cost and efficiency. That said, there are circumstances where we will opt for ocean transport. SDC has been completing both methods of shipment to Mexico for over 20 years.

Shipping Your Household Goods to Mexico by Ocean

Though not as common as shipping via truck to Mexico, sometimes it is more cost-effective to ship via ocean and shipping container. SDC International Shipping is highly experienced in all aspects of ocean shipping, customs clearing, and final delivery. Container shipping provides excellent protection from weather and handling, making it ideal when combining household goods in one secure shipment.

Shipping Your Household Goods to Mexico by Air

SDC is ready and able to ship your household goods via air to Mexico. Please engage with an SDC Mexico Relocations Specialist for details and a quote. Air freight is faster but best suited for smaller, high-priority shipments.

Shipping Vehicles to Mexico

For non-diplomats, shipping your vehicle to Mexico is only an option for temporary residents. For anyone other than diplomats and temporary residents, the paperwork, fees, taxes, and time just makes it a bad choice in most cases. If you are a diplomat or have some other special consideration, SDC is ready and able to help. Keep in mind that Americans can (provided their vehicle is unencumbered with title in hand, and insured for use in Mexico) drive their vehicle in Mexico on a Visitor’s Visa, typically for a 6-month period. Note that vehicles are not included in standard household goods shipments and require separate processes.

Moving Specialty Items as Part of Your Shipment

At SDC, we commonly move more than standard household goods and personal effects. We are experienced experts, door to door, in shipping:

• Artwork and Sculptures – custom crating and climate control options available.
• Pianos and all types of Musical Instruments – specialized handling to protect delicate mechanisms.
• Billiard Tables – disassembly and reassembly by trained technicians.
• Pinball Machines – secure padding and stabilization for electronic components.
• Exercise Equipment and Home Gyms – heavy-duty rigging and protective wrapping.

Paperwork, Customs, and Beyond

In order for goods to cross the border and be exempted from duties and taxes, everything must be in order. Failure to have everything buttoned-up can cause significant problems, including delays, additional charges, or even rejection of the importation across the border. One very important document, which is always required, is the Menaje de Casa. This is essentially a detailed inventory list of the items being shipped. ALL electronic items must be listed individually, including make, model, and serial number. SDC can help you prepare and file the required paperwork, from start to finish. Link to Mexican Consulate instructions for Menaje de Casa.

Visas

To move to Mexico, you have 3 Visa possibilities. As of 2026, financial requirements have been updated based on the UMA index.

• Visitor Visa: 180 days (can be renewed).
• Temporary Resident Visa: Must prove you are able to support yourself and are financially solvent. Usually issued for 1 year; renewals are for 1, 2, or 3 years. Border crossings are unlimited. Some basic requirements include:
  • Financial Solvency: A bank account with approximately $74,000 to $80,000 USD (or equivalent) over the previous 12 months, or documented monthly income of about $4,400 USD for the past 6 months.
  • A job, pension, or other documented income stream of approximately $4,400 USD during the past 6 months.
• Permanent Resident Visa: After four years in Mexico with a Temporary Resident Visa, you may apply to become a Permanent Resident through the Mexican Consulate.
• Returning Citizens: Same as Permanent Resident, for all intents and purposes.

Banking in Mexico

Required Documents for Opening a Bank Account as a Non-resident

1. One form of photo identification, generally your passport.
2. A letter with proof of residence, such as a utility bill (dated within the last 3 months).
3. Proof of legal entry into Mexico (e.g. residency card or your FMM visa).

Taxes

The bottom line is to check with your trusted tax accountant. Generally speaking, American citizens living in Mexico are still required to file and pay taxes in the USA. However, there are exemptions and credits which can make a big difference. One key variable is your Visa type and time spent in Mexico vs. the USA. As of 2026, consult professionals regarding any updates to bilateral tax treaties.

What About Healthcare in Mexico?

The Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) provides healthcare services for both Mexican citizens and expats legally residing in the country. People enrolled in the IMSS program receive full coverage, including prescriptions. To find out if you will qualify for the program, check the IMSS site.

The funds for this program come from the Federal government, employer payroll taxes, employee payroll taxes, and individual contributions from people who are not in formal employment.

Below are two enrollment paths.

• Any person (Mexican national or foreign resident) who is formally employed in the country pays their employee IMSS contributions. It is possible to have other private health insurance to complement it.
• There is an option to voluntarily enroll, which is open to people who are not in formal employment. Expats who hold either Temporary or Permanent residency status and are not formally employed (e.g. retirees) may apply.

Expats who wish to enroll voluntarily must have legal residency status: either Residente Temporal (temporary resident) or Residente Permanente (permanent resident). Foreigners with FMM visitor permits do not qualify.

Healthcare Costs in Mexico

For the IMSS, the costs depend on your age and there are some restrictions and limitations. You can check current rates at the Mexican government site. As a general guide, a person in their forties currently pays around 7,000 to 8,000 MXN per year (approximately $350 to $400 USD), with rates adjusted annually. A person in their fifties pays about 9,000 MXN; a person in their sixties around 13,000 MXN. These figures are approximate and subject to change.

The IMSS does not cover some pre-existing conditions, such as malignant tumors, congenital diseases, chronic degenerative diseases, addictions, mental illness, and HIV. If you have any of these conditions, you will not be able to enroll in the IMSS insurance program.

What About US Medicare in Mexico?

Medicare does not cover expat healthcare in Mexico. Medicare is only for permanent American citizens residing in the USA.

Owning Property or a Home in Mexico

Yes! As an expat you can purchase and own property in Mexico. There are some restrictions on direct ownership, however.

• Direct Ownership: American citizens may directly purchase and be titled for property in Mexico, provided the property is not in a “restricted” zone.
• Restricted Zones: The restricted zone, according to Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, is all land located within 100 kilometers of any national border and within 50 kilometers of any ocean. However, Mexico’s Foreign Investment Law allows foreigners to acquire indirect title to land in the restricted zone through a Mexican corporation or a bank trust (fideicomiso). Contact the appropriate real estate law professional for precise guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Mexico from the USA

How long does it take to ship household goods from the USA to Mexico?
Most household goods are shipped by truck (over-the-road), which typically takes 7 to 14 days door-to-door depending on your origin city and destination in Mexico. Ocean freight typically takes 10 to 20 days plus customs clearance time. Your SDC coordinator will advise the best method for your specific route and timeline.

What is a Menaje de Casa?
The Menaje de Casa is a required customs inventory document for importing household goods into Mexico. It must be completed in Spanish, listing every item being shipped with box numbers and contents. All electronics must include make, model, and serial number. SDC helps you prepare this document correctly to avoid delays at the border.

Can I ship a vehicle with my household goods to Mexico?
For non-diplomats, vehicle imports to Mexico are generally only permitted for temporary residents and involve significant paperwork, fees, and tax considerations. Standard household goods shipments to Mexico do not include vehicles. Call 877-339-0267 to discuss your specific situation with an SDC Mexico specialist.

What documents do I need to ship household goods to Mexico?
The core documents include a Menaje de Casa (Spanish-language inventory list), your passport, proof of visa or residency status, and the Bill of Lading. Electronics require make, model, and serial numbers on the inventory. Your SDC coordinator will compile the full document checklist based on your visa type and shipment details.

Conclusion

Moving your household goods and personal effects from the United States to Mexico can be trouble-free and smooth, door to door. To make this a reality, it is important to understand the details and to work with a shipping company that specializes in USA-to-Mexico relocations. Shipping tires, lumber, or fertilizer is NOT the same as moving your valued household goods and personal effects. Partner with SDC International Shipping for expert guidance on your relocation from any U.S. state. Contact us today at 877-339-0267 for a personalized consultation.

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The Moving to Mexico Interview

The following is an interview with expat, Kim D. Kim and her husband moved to Mexico a year ago. Kim was kind enough to sit with us and share the details of her moving to Mexico adventure. We hope you enjoy this interview!

SDC International Shipping
A lot of people think about what it would be like to move to another country, to leave the United States, and go somewhere else. But most people never actually take that step of faith and do it. So, what was it that enabled you to take it from a concept to actually going ahead and doing it?

Kim D.
Well, that’s a really good question. I’ve done that a few times in my life where you just make the decision to do it based on, I wouldn’t say minimal information. But gather your information first about a particular place that you might be interested in going to First, just make the decision to do it. And that’s what we did. Moving here to Mexico from Texas is our making the decision to do it. And then you just start. It’s like driving from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento. How are you going to get there? It seems really confusing going down the roads and whatnot. But, when you just make the decision to go, then you get in your car and you do the steps along the way. It’s kind of the same thing when you actually do make a decision to go to a different country. You make the decision to do it first and foremost. That’s the most important thing. And the other financial things have to line up too, right?

Kim D.
Obviously, you can’t leave a job that you have to be there for. But, if those things are all lined up for you, then we both quit our jobs. We took an early retirement out. You just start. Okay, where we’re going to go first? We weren’t sure if Puerto Vallarta was going to be the place where we would end up, but we knew it was going to be south of the border because we weren’t really happy with what was going on in the States at the time. And so you make the decision, then you book your plane ticket, and then you just look for the first place where you’re going to stay. You then get to that place with your two suitcases. These aren’t things that you plan on staying for six months with. These are just things that you need for like a vacation.

SDC International Shipping
Yes, that makes sense. You’re seeing the area for yourself for the first time.

Kim D.
And then on the back side of that, because I don’t want to go off-topic, we had to sell our house and put some things in storage. We rented a U-Haul to drive the stuff over to where my daughter lives in northern Nevada and stored it in her garage. That’s the back kind of side of it. And then you have the front side of moving down here. So when we came down here, we wanted to make sure that this was the area that we wanted to stay in, obviously, so we went to a couple of different Airbnbs. One was two or three weeks, one was a month. Three or four were a couple of weeks to a month. We kind of went all the way up and down the bay. I don’t know if you’re familiar with Puerto Vallarta, but it’s like a big crescent moon shape. We went from the south end of the bay all the way up to the north end and then up and beyond because we didn’t know if we wanted to be in a small-town village-type situation or a larger city. So we ended up just kind of finding a place that we liked, and that was Marina Vallarta.

Kim D.
That’s where we’re at now. And then you just decide if you want to rent or if you want to buy something, and then you go back to collect everything that’s in storage. Now, what’s going to fit into that lifestyle? What do I want to keep for the long term to pass down? Okay, well, that gets smaller and smaller with each move, right? And then what do I need to bring with me into this new environment? And then, what am I going to keep just in case we come back to the States and want to have a residence here?

SDC International Shipping
Are you full-time there or part-time?

Kim D.
We’re full-time here. We went back to Nevada, northern Nevada, where Lake Tahoe is. My daughter lives there. We went there for about a month and a half. So, six weeks over summer because it gets really hot and rainy here. And then we came back down here, and we’re going to go back for a week or two over Christmas, and then we’ll be back down here. So, our plan is to kind of live here full-time except for six weeks in the summer.

SDC International Shipping
Do you have dual citizenship?

Kim D.
Correct. It’s called a residency. So you can get either permanent residency or temporary residency, or you can get citizenship as well, but that takes a longer process, so you have to start with residency. So that was another part of the process, is once you’re here, you need to decide if you want to apply for if you don’t apply for a residency, you have to leave within that time frame that the immigration gives you. So when you walk through immigration and they say, what are you here for? Well, we’re here for an extended stay. Okay. We might give you 180 days. They might give you six months. They might give you four months, they might give you two weeks, and you really have to be gone within when that time is up. So they gave us six months the first time, which worked for us. And it took us from about January of this year, (January 2022) until about June to decide what area we wanted to be in. We decided that we wanted to get our residency and buy a place here because the rents were expensive for what we wanted.

Kim D.
You can get something much more affordable, but they’re cheaper than in the United States. I’m not saying that it’s a lot more affordable, but now we’re on more of a stricter budget with not being in the working class anymore.

SDC International Shipping
Right, I see. Yeah.

Kim D.
So you kind of just have to put one foot in front of the other and just do it. You just have to kind of, like, let go of that side of the pool and start swimming to the other side. And then as you go, you find the obstacles and things that you have to work through and overcome. Does that make sense?

SDC International Shipping
Yes. So, in the area that you are currently in, are there a lot of other Americans there?

Kim D.
Yeah, a lot of Americans and a lot of Canadians. I would say 50-50. So, they call them expats, right? We’re among the youngest, which I found was pretty funny. Usually, the expats are more in their late 50s or late 60s.

SDC International Shipping
Yeah, I can imagine. They have more income, usually, to work with.

Kim D.
Yeah, there are quite a few. The local people that I say “serve,” for lack of a better word, the local people that work in the area that serves the community are all Mexican, so they all live here. It’s very hard to work in their service industry, being a gringo or somebody from another country.

SDC International Shipping
I see.

Kim D.
I would have to have citizenship if I wanted to, and even if I wanted to, then it would be very difficult to be a server or a bartender or something like that, not being Mexican.

SDC International Shipping
Is there a language barrier? Do you or your husband speak fluent Spanish yet?

Kim D.
No, neither one of us does. We’re learning that as well. And, you know, the older you get, the harder is to learn a second language. Yeah, we’ve been trying. We took a six-week course, which really helped. We just listened to audio tapes that will help you and challenge you. So we’re getting a little bit better. I’d say on a scale of one to ten, I’m probably a three. My husband’s a four. We’re getting there just little by little. You can communicate as long as they know a little bit of English and we know a little bit of Spanish, and then we can kind of communicate.

SDC International Shipping
Now, in Mexico, just like in some other countries, people might be a little fearful who are considering moving. They’re wondering if it’s safe there. Is it similar where you are?

Kim D.
It is, yeah, it is. I have heard from many friends just over this past year about this journey that we’ve been on. They ask, “Wow, are you feel safe down there? Aren’t you scared?” And there was a little bit of apprehension, in the beginning, me being a woman. The particular area that we’re in is very safe. Common sense applies. We don’t go out late at night, and we feel fine going to local restaurants and markets.

Kim D.
In even the local area, there are some gringos that go into the area and do their shopping and stuff. I think that they really appreciate it because they want you to support the local people and they cook well. The prices are a lot more affordable than in these more expat areas. So, we kind of try and give them our business. Everybody’s just super friendly and super helpful.

SDC International Shipping
Okay. Let me ask you some quick questions to fill in some more of the pieces. Housing – are the styles of houses similar, not similar at all, or kind of somewhere in between?

Kim D.
They are built better. That’s one thing that I could say. They’re built better aesthetically. The houses are more cement and rebar. They’re just built a lot better structurally. We’re in a condominium complex that we bought and I can’t hear anybody on either side or up above me. We’re on the first floor and literally once you’ve closed your doors you’re in a very protected space. They build the houses a lot different down here and I think it’s a benefit.

SDC International Shipping
Now with banking, is it difficult to get set up there?

Kim D.
It’s fairly easy. But you do have to know certain things that they require. They will require you to have your residency card. As long as you have your proof of either your rental contract or purchase contract showing you own property, a utility bill, your residency card, and your passport, you can open an account. It’s very efficient and well-run.

SDC International Shipping
When you go shopping, whether it’s for clothes or food, are the brands basically the same, or is it much different there?

Kim D.
You could say somewhat the same. They have a Costco, a Walmart, and a Sam’s Club. There are some things you give up, definitely. But we try and shop at the local markets (mercados) for fresh fruits, vegetables, and local produce. You’re supporting local people and the prices are more affordable. For some things, we order from Amazon Mexico, though import items can take a bit longer and sometimes carry an extra tax.

SDC International Shipping
What would you say was your biggest concern before the move?

Kim D.
I don’t know that I really had a big concern, to be honest. I guess if I did, it might have been that the style of a home we wanted was a little bit more expensive than we expected. But we decided to buy rather than rent, and now we just have the HOA fee and electricity. Our electricity bill for a 1,500-square-foot condo is about $100 every two months. Very affordable.

SDC International Shipping
If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

Kim D.
I think I would have done it just the same. There have definitely been hiccups along the road, but overall we’re very happy. We always want the ability to go back to the United States when needed, so we would never renounce our American citizenship.

SDC International Shipping
Thank you so much for your time, Kim. I believe the readers will really find this information useful!

Kim D.
Sure, anytime! Thank you!

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