The second in a series of topics: “Making sure all your paperwork is in order”.
When retiring to Mexico, it’s highly suggested to have all your affairs in order and that includes paperwork. We aren’t just talking about passports, immigration papers and other legal border crossing documents. The postal service in Mexico is much different than it is in the United States. There are really no mailboxes or daily postal service. The post office is usually located in town and will accept letters and packages that need to be sent. Plan on the items being mailed reaching their destination in three to five weeks. Courier services such as UPS and Federal Express are your best bet for sending and receiving packages or other needed correspondences.
Of course you will need immigration Visas, resident permit(s), work permits – if applicable, and other documentation which you should have researched ahead of time. It is a very good idea to still have an address in the US where miscellaneous mailings from your financial institution(s), tax purposes, applicable insurance companies or other necessary correspondences can be delivered. We would suggest that you forward your mail to an immediate family member with the same last name. You just never know what might show up in the mailbox.
Call you credit card company(s) and give them the new address where you will be receiving any paper documents. You can pretty much do everything online that involves any of your accounts. With some companies like banking institutions and your cellphone provider, you can actually have a ‘Live text chat’ with a representative online. Arrange to receive paperless invoices and/or statements with the companies you deal with frequently. This is especially advised for all your financial institutions. Receive any monthly statements via your email. You can pay bills, receive direct deposits, and transfer money from one account and/or bank to another if set up ahead of time.
If you keep any policies regarding health, vehicle and/or property insurances, make sure the companies know that you are out of the country. Tell them you need to receive statements, policy changes and new cards via your email. It is always recommended to take several copies of all your important documents with you. In the same token, also have “original copies” put away somewhere that can be easily accessed in an emergency and sent to you upon request.
Other possible paperwork needed would be pet certificates, children’s birth certificates, and any United States bank issued letters and/or information that will help you open a new account(s) with a Mexico bank as well. When dealing with so many on-line accounts, always have your passwords with you and tucked away in a safe place. Getting locked out of accounts when you are living abroad can sometimes create a problem when recovering and/or resetting passwords.
Once you make sure all your paperwork and important documents are in order, this will make your transition into living in Mexico more easy. Also, knowing your documentation is straight will let you have a relaxing retirement in Mexico! Don’t forget to read our first series of topics “Preparing yourself physically and mentally”.