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The educational system in Mexico, which once boasted one of the highest dropout rates in North America, has undergone a massive transformation and now enjoys a reasonably high success rate.  In addition to this new found emphasis on education in Mexico, several big-name universities have opened up their doors to international students the world over in order to expose their students to a more international education.

Mexico also represents one of the most popular choices for study abroad programs in the United States.  In 2010 alone, it’s estimated that nearly 20% of students who were interested in study abroad programs indicated that they would consider spending their time at a Mexican university.  This heightened trend certainly indicates that when it comes to education in Mexico, the population is enjoying a reformed system that will continue to see increases in graduation rates and university enrollment.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at education in Mexico and explore the important events and legislation that paved the way for the successful Mexican educational system today.

The Structure of Education in Mexico

The structure of education in Mexico resembles that of the United States. The public education system follows three major milestones, each of which are designed to instruct young students in their specific developmental stages. While there is no public preschool in Mexico (however, parents with higher incomes often opt to send their children to private preschools that are modeled after American preschools), children start their educational journey at the age of six, when they enroll in primary school (or primaria, in Spanish).

Like with American children, the Mexican child’s first year in primary school centers on learning how to read, write, spell and perform other activities that make up the formation of a basic education. It’s also important to note that primary school in Mexico differs from most American institutions due to the importance it places on teaching its children multiple languages. For example, most Mexican primary schools will spend the morning teaching the children in Spanish, and will switch to English lessons in the afternoon. Some private primary schools will even teach classes in French to help their students learn as many important world languages as possible. This explains why the bilingual rates of Mexican students are so high.

Primary school levels continue forward until grade six, when students then advance to junior high school, or secundaria in Spanish.  Here, Mexican students are taught the lessons they need to succeed in high school.  Again, this resembles the American educational system, where junior high is emphasized as a preparatory part of education that prepares the student for more advanced learning at the high school level.

Finally, at the age of 15, the students will move on to high school, or preparatoria in Spanish.  Unlike the American educational system, Mexican high schools follow three-year programs that split into two distinct parts. Students can opt to follow the SEP option, which focuses more on vocational training and prepares the student to finish their education at the age of eighteen; or they can opt to follow the University Incorporated path, which prepares the student for enrollment in a university at the age of eighteen.  While the latter option was once only available to those Mexican students from wealthier families, enrollment rates have skyrocketed since major legislative changes took place in the mid-90s, which will be discussed in the next section.

Finally, higher education in Mexico continues to follow the American educational model, where students enroll into a four-year program to receive their bachelor’s degree.  While major Mexican universities offer a wealth of degrees in a variety of subjects, recent surveys have indicated that the most popular degree programs center on engineering and architecture.  If a student wishes to pursue a postgraduate degree, it will usually be in a program that emphasizes professional development (such as a business degree) or scientific research.

The Revamping of Education in Mexico

When it comes to education in Mexico, there has been much improvement over the last three decades, with an explosion in legislative involvement in the early to mid-1990s.  Before this time, education in Mexico was greatly decreed by which social class you fell into; for example, poorer families could not afford to maintain a non-working member of the household, while wealthier families could afford to pay expensive tuition at private schools and universities.  While there have been many steps taken to correct this social disparity, there still exists some class gaps, especially in more rural parts of Mexico.

In 1994, a bombshell report by UNICEF revealed that many working-class children in Mexico never made it to grade five, as their families simply couldn’t survive without the extra income.  Spurred on by the findings in this report, the Mexican government took important steps to put an end to dismal graduation rates.  The Mexican government began providing more supplies and money to schools in need (in fact, it’s estimated that up to 90% of public school textbooks are paid for by the Mexican government), and increased the mandatory schooling level to grade six.

Tighter child labor laws also prevented families from encouraging primary school children to work, which meant that they could focus on getting an education.  Recent research has revealed that these important government measures have made a massive impact on the success of education in Mexico: it’s estimated that upwards of 92% of Mexican children finish the sixth grade.

Conclusion

While there is undeniably more progress to be made in terms of education in Mexico, the country’s many schools and universities have been standing out on the world stage.  Recent legislative changes and increased government funding have made a world of difference in the public education system. And thanks to the popularity of engineering and architecture programs within Mexican universities, many of the world’s finest engineers, architects, builders and scientists have an education in Mexico to thank for all of their successes.

This article was written by Henry Altman

If your an educator and are looking to live and work in Mexico then Mexico does offer employment opportunities. Go to our Working in Mexico article.

When the recession hit and the world realized it was standing on shaky financial ground, the country of Mexico experienced similar shock-waves straight through to its economic core.

But while the rest of the world was knee-deep in the tightening grips of one of the worst recessions the world has ever seen, Mexico was well on its way to recouping all of its financial losses. And as of the end of October in 2010, it did. Better still, it not only recovered all of its financial losses from the market crash back in 2007/2008; it was the first country to post stock market gains that resembled pre-recession market levels.

In other words, Mexico was leading the way in the economic recovery – and judging by the shaky financial standing on which the rest of the world is still standing, it seems as though other countries will need to look to Mexico’s example to gain back what they lost during the recession.

If that wasn’t enough reason to start investing in Mexico, many multinational corporations are quickly discovering that it’s much cheaper to outsource goods production to Mexico rather than Asia. While the past two decades have undeniably seen a rise in outsourcing to countries like China and India, these Asian markets have become much more expensive to produce in due to increasing rates of inflation and foreign exchange rates.

This has forced multinational corporations to realize that production is not only cheaper in Mexico, but the country is obviously closer than its Asian counterparts; this means that they save on both production and transportation costs, which is a win-win for any company looking to preserve their bottom line.

If you’re intrigued by the opportunities to start investing in Mexico, then give yourself a pat on the back for your foresight.  Many stock market investors are too busy worrying about the domestic, European and Asian markets to take a close look at what Mexico has to offer, despite being America’s closest neighbor.  But with increasing exposure from major financial publications, there’s no doubt that investing in Mexico won’t be the financial world’s best-kept secret anymore.

This article will explore why it’s a good choice to start investing in Mexico, as well as the surprise benefits that come along with being an investor in the Mexican economy.

Diversification is Better

When it comes to maintaining a stable investment portfolio (which is critical during any time of financial crisis), nothing is more appealing than Mexico’s stock market.  Respected and renowned publication Bloomberg recently highlighted that the Mexican stock market allowed for greater diversification of risk, rivaling that of countries like China, a favorite of risk-aversion investors the world over.

Competition and Regulation Strike a Crucial Balance

While deregulation was in part responsible for the financial crisis that rocked the world, Mexico is enjoying a healthy balance between government regulation and market competition. The former, which is strictly enforced by the Mexican government, gives an air of transparency to the market, which allows traders to invest without worries of hidden bad debts and illegal trade practices. The latter allows traders and investors to compete for the best share prices on the market, which is critical to any robust economy. This pitch-perfect balance between these two components is a major reason why more people are considering investing in Mexico.

The Economy Will Grow By Leaps and Bounds

It’s a phenomenon that’s being experienced in previous third-world countries – the sudden and very rapid acceleration of robust economies now making them developing Nations.  While news coverage tends to focus on China and India as examples of such boom economies, there’s no denying that Mexico is not far behind these economic powerhouses and it is right next door.

While we previously mentioned that Mexico was the first country to post similar gains to the pre-recession highs of 2007, there’s no denying that the Mexican economy still has plenty of room to grow.  As more multinational corporations start to move their production and manufacturing bases down to Mexico, the economy will boom as a result.

In fact, economics are predicting that in just a few decades, the Mexican economy will compete with and even outstrip first world economies like the United States and Europe.  Given the recent debt crises in America, Greece, Portugal and Ireland, some even insist that it already has – which is why smart investors are starting to invest in Mexico today.

Investing in Mexico Comes with Its Own Benefits

Investing in Mexico doesn’t just come with incredible financial benefits; it also has non-financial privileges of its own. For example, investors who sink more than $50,000 into the Mexican economy are eligible to receive legal residency within the country. This investment clause applies to any type of investment you make, whether you’re considering setting up your own small business or just investing in the Mexican stock market.

Additionally, it’s far easier to invest in Mexican businesses than, say, United States businesses. And with these Mexican businesses benefiting from cheaper labor and far less expensive production costs, it’s safe to say that investors stand to make more of a return on their Mexican investments than in any other country in the world.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that investing in Mexico is a smart choice for both financial gurus and amateur stock market investors.  After all, the ingredients for profitable investments are there: a booming economy. Cheap production and manufacturing costs. Cheaper labor. Robust economic recovery.

All that remains is for more world investors to discover that Mexico should be the next country that they invest in and the Mexican Government is aggressively promoting foreign investment. If you’re interested in investing in Mexico, talk to your stock broker today about your options.

Together, you can decide which Mexican companies stand to grow by leaps and bounds in the coming months, which will provide you with a nice financial nest egg for years to come.

This article was written by Henry Altman

P.S. When talking about investing in Mexico “Mexico real estate” comes to mind. In real estate timing is crucial and Mexico real estate is ripe. To find out more on how you can turn a profit to go to our article Mexico Real Estate.

Mexico has been in the news a lot lately, unfortunately not very much of it good. We’ve all heard about the drug war being waged on the Mexican border and the countless number of murders, deaths and collateral damage suffered as a result. We’ve also heard stories about the H1N1 virus, how it reportedly originated in Mexico, and the many mistruths about it being widespread and virulent throughout the country.

I have a family trip planned to Cancun in thirty-two days. While I’m naturally concerned for the safety and well-being of my family members and myself, I’m not worried about my upcoming vacation – a much needed getaway – in the very least. Hopefully the information presented below will help dispel many of the untruths, rumors and public opinion about traveling to Mexico and ease the fears of others planning their vacation to this very beautiful and safe country.

Violence in Mexico
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for citizens traveling to certain parts of Mexico. It’s true that violence stemming from a drug war between Mexican cartels holding tight to territories that have been under their control for decades and the Mexican army, police and U.S. police and military involved in the conflict has escalated and should cause concern. These areas, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Monterrey and Ciudad Juarez, have been deemed unsafe and should be avoided by travelers. Just recently, a kidnapping involving a U.S. Citizen occurred in Tijuana. Thankfully, the woman held captive for ransom has been rescued and has since returned home unharmed.

It should be noted that most of the violence in these areas has been primarily directed toward cartel and gang members, police and public officials. As was shown in the recent case involving the kidnapped vacationer in Tijuana, this statistic should do little to alleviate anyone’s fear about traveling to these areas. Nor should it. However, I’ve noticed that many of those arguing against travel to Mexico altogether because of the drug war have said little, if anything, about the spillover into the U.S. I don’t hear these people telling me to avoid San Diego, for instance. Canada and other countries issue advisories about traveling to the United States all the time. The same people in the U.S. advising family and friends to avoid travel to Mexico might be appalled to learn that areas in the U.S. they themselves travel to or call home may be on another country’s list of places to avoid. Violence and crime exists everywhere, even in our own backyards.

Crime in Mexico
Largely unaffected by the violence in the north, the tourist destinations of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta, just to name a few, continue to see very little crime. Statistically-speaking, the principal tourist spots in Mexico have always been considered safe travel destinations. Most of the criminality in these areas consist primarily of petty crimes, such as theft, and other crimes that, with preparation and a dose of common sense, can be easily avoided.

The easiest rule to remember when traveling to Mexico, or any foreign country for that matter, is to stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings. Crimes against women should be a special concern, as many of the violent crimes that occur in Mexico involve rape. Whether you are a man or a woman, you should not stray out alone in Mexico, especially at night. A moonlit walk on the beach, though it sounds romantic, should be avoided. Stay on resort property or visit well-lit public places with others in your party, if possible. Place valuables in your hotel safe. Avoid using out-of-the-way ATM’s, especially at night. Put simply, exercise common sense, understand the local laws, and research your destination and activities as much as possible and you’ll return home safely with fond memories of your vacation.

Corruption in Mexico
Long are the tales of corrupt policemen in Mexico who plant drugs on unsuspecting tourists or pull them over in rental cars looking for la mordita, a bribe, in exchange for letting them go. Unfortunately, police corruption remains a problem in Mexico, especially in the north and metropolitan areas. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to police looking to line their pockets with tourist dollars:

* Avoid renting a car, if at all possible. It’s widely suspected that police target travelers in rental cars, especially those en route to the airport. Instead, rely on mass transit, cabs or transfer services to get you where you need to be. It can be dangerous driving in Mexico, especially at night, so this might save you more than just police trouble.

* If you are pulled over while driving, be sure to record everything. Take a notepad and pen with you. Remain calm and polite. Ask for the officer’s name and why you’ve been pulled over. Jot down badge numbers, license plate numbers and descriptions.

* Keep your head! You are going to feel intimidated and scared. If you panic, you may do something to make the situation worse.

* If you feel that the police are looking for a bribe, ask to be taken to the police station. A corrupt officer may wish to avoid the trouble of taking you in and could let you go.

* If you need the help of the police, ask for La turista policia. Tourist police are reported to be friendlier and more helpful than traffic and metropolitan police.

Swine Flu in Mexico
The H1N1 flu is on the decline in Mexico. Though widely-noted as an influenza hotspot this past spring when the Swine Flu outbreak first began, the H1N1 flu is widespread and is now everywhere in the world. You run the same risk of contracting H1N1 at home as you do in Mexico, but here are some tips that might help you and your family avoid it:

* Stay away from densely-populated, crowded areas. This is easier said than done considering you’ll be spending some time in the airport and on a plane with recirculated air, but it’s a good tip nonetheless.

* Wash your hands regularly. Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you when you travel.

* If the vaccine is available in your area, get yourself and your children vaccinated. Talk to your doctor and your pediatrician before you travel.

* Consider taking immune-system boosters, like vitamin C. Again, talk to your doctor.

Conclusion
While it’s true you run the risk of being the victim of crime or something more dangerous like terrorism or the swine flu when you travel away from home, you also run the risk of being hit by a moving bus when you walk out your front door. It is no more dangerous traveling to most parts of Mexico than it is to any major U.S. city. It is absolutely safe to travel to Mexico with your family if you exercise common sense. Most crimes happen to unsuspecting travelers. Don’t be an unsuspecting traveler! Educate yourself. Learn about your travel destination; brush up on the language, customs, law, transit systems and locations. Believe me, not only will it serve you well to know these things, but the locals will appreciate you for it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Spader

However, the similarities end there.  While American health care is undoubtedly one of the world’s most expensive, healthcare in Mexico is wildly cheap in comparison and as a result Medical Tourism in Mexico has been increasing for years and is a booming growth industry for Mexico.

But this cheapness doesn’t undermine the quality of healthcare in Mexico; in fact, several world health organizations have rated the healthcare system in Mexico as excellent, with many California policies even requiring patients to undergo specific health procedures in Mexico, where healthcare is cheaper and prescription medications are just pennies on the dollar.

Additionally, the public healthcare system in Mexico rivals that of those found in European countries like England and Switzerland.  The Mexican constitution guarantees that all citizens have the right to healthcare, and the federal government subsidizes all or some of the costs of healthcare, depending on the employment status of the patient in question.

As you can see, despite what some may think, healthcare in Mexico is among the best in the world.  In this article, we’ll explore how this extraordinary commitment to healthcare came about, and how both public and private healthcare in Mexico operates today.

The History of Healthcare in Mexico

No examination of healthcare in Mexico would be complete without a comprehensive look as to how this unique system came about. Mexican healthcare first started in the late 1700s, when the first hospital was founded in Guadalajara in 1791. The institution is now a World Heritage Site, and also boasts some of the best researchers and medical practitioners in all of Mexico.

Additionally, this institution is the largest of its kind in Mexico and in all of Latin America, which is an impressive feat considering that the hospital just celebrated its 200th birthday only twenty years ago.

While the rest of the world was knee-deep in World War II, Mexico was undergoing a major shift in terms of its attitude towards healthcare in its country.

In 1943, the federal government passed IMSS, a Mexican Social Security Institute that guaranteed full access to public healthcare, social security payments, welfare and other important societal benefits.  As a result, the mortality rates in Mexico plummeted to all-time lows.  Suddenly, the Mexican population had undue access to the kind of social programs that allowed them to enjoy longer lives, better health and more access to a better public education system.

In the 1990s, as part of a legislative overhaul that had lasting beneficial repercussions on education, welfare and healthcare in Mexico, the federal government rolled out several policies that allowed it to subsidize healthcare for all Mexican citizens.  This meant that citizens who could not afford access to Mexican private insurance (which operates on a free market basis, like in the United States) could enjoy free healthcare depending on their employment status.

For example, if a Mexican citizen is unemployed, all of their healthcare costs are subsidized; if a citizen makes just about the official poverty level, a majority of healthcare is subsidized.  Even wealthier citizens who enjoy private health insurance can enjoy health benefits that are subsidized in part by the Mexican federal government.

If you believe that this kind of universal healthcare in Mexico means that hospitals experience a significantly lower standard of care, then you’ll be surprised to learn that public healthcare institutions are regarded as far better quality than “private” hospitals.

In fact, a recent survey indicated that while Mexico boasts about 3,000 private hospitals, some of these institutions were only hospitals in name, as they had no laboratories and only specific diagnostic services, so theses are closer to clinics where doctors practice mostly specialized procedures for outpatient care and short term treatments and noncritical recovery beds for patients.

This does not mean that healthcare in Mexico does not have improvements to make.  While recent studies indicate that mortality rates in Mexico are dropping faster than in Cuba, Canada and the United States, the death per capita rate is still far too high, as it’s over 40% higher than that of the US. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that these high mortality rates make less of a reflection on healthcare in Mexico as they do on other factors that result in death.

The United States and Healthcare in Mexico

With such a liberal approach to universal healthcare, it’s not surprising that more US citizens are visiting Mexico to receive cheaper medical and cosmetic treatments; in fact, some private health insurance companies in California mandate that patients receive care in Mexico, where care is astronomically cheaper which is a primary factor driving Medical Tourism in Mexico.

Want to know just how cheap healthcare in Mexico is?  The average visit to the doctor’s office in Mexico costs $25 (US), while an overnight stay in a hospital costs just $35.  Compare this to the hundreds of dollars required for a doctor’s visit in the United States, and it’s easy to see why it’s estimated that up to 80,000 American citizens travel to Mexico to receive healthcare.

Additionally, any United States citizen who has legal residency in Mexico may enroll in the federal government’s IMSS program, meaning that they can receive their healthcare for much cheaper. Better still, a new law mandates that you only need to buy property in Mexico to enjoy this healthcare benefit.  So what’s the cost for Americans to enroll in IMSS? Just $400 a year, which is astronomically lower than the $5000 that the average American spends to enjoy going broke for basic US health insurance. These facts are another game changer for retirees looking for the benefits Medical Tourism in Mexico offers.

Conclusion

It’s clear to see that in terms of healthcare in Mexico, there are plenty of stereotypes that simply don’t hold up when examined further.  Mexico enjoys some of the best public healthcare in the world; as a result, the Mexican population is seeing lower mortality rates and enjoying a better quality of life.  In the coming years, healthcare in Mexico will become a major world player, with several countries looking to it as a model for their own healthcare systems.

This article was written by Henry Altman

P.S. As America’s Baby Boomers are started to approach their golden years, retirement living in Mexico is becoming an increasingly popular choice for active seniors and their spouses. Read more about Living in Mexico.

For decades, wanderlust sojourners have traveled south of the border to enjoy the kind of traveling experience that’s both colorful and cultural – and when it comes to entertainment in Mexico, the experiences are just as extraordinary.

Mexico is home to a veritable cornucopia of festivals, museums, bars, cafes and stages that host some of the biggest names on the planet.

Additionally, ornate villas and mystical Mayan Temples dot the Mexican landscape, providing both an Old World and New World backdrop for you to enjoy all of your entertainment options in Mexico. Some hotel concierge services include acquiring your tickets to internationally famous Artist’s concerts and special events. Several hotels include tickets to these events in special get away packages including room, an elegant meal, wine and other benefits.

Whether you’re looking to escape to an artsy and bohemian café where you can down cerveza for just pennies on the dollar or you prefer to listen to live music in the lap of luxury in one of Mexico’s many five-star all-inclusive resorts, then it’s time to discover just what the entertainment in Mexico has on offer.  We’ve outlined some of the best entertainment in Mexico choices, so you can be sure that your calendar is jam-packed with the sights, sounds and smells of our neighbor to the south.  No matter what your five senses desire, you can be sure that entertainment in Mexico will exceed your every expectation.

Estadio Azteca

When it comes to entertainment in Mexico, nothing is more entertaining – or more evocative of Mexican culture – than soccer. Known in Spanish as fútbol, soccer (or “the beautiful game”) is undeniably the most popular sport in all of Mexico. Whether you’re in Mexico for a quick business trip or a long and luxurious vacation, chances are you’ll see soccer everywhere around you, from ragtag games played by local village children to international games played between the mega-teams of the sporting world.

If the latter interests you, then make your way over the Estadio Azteca, which is located in the heart of Mexico City.  The massive stadium makes most American football stadiums look like peanut galleries in comparison – it holds a whopping 110,000 people and can host some of the world’s largest sporting events.  In fact, it already has: two World Cups have been hosted here, in addition to big-name concert acts, boxing events and football events.

Remember, if you’re going to see a soccer game in Mexico, be sure to refer to it as “football”, as that’s the term the rest of the world uses to describe soccer.  Only in the United States is it referred to as “soccer”.

Bullfights

While the image of bullfighting immediately conjures up Old World images of Spain, there’s no denying that Mexico has adopted this sport from their ancestors with fervor.  Bullfighting is a popular entertainment in Mexico option, so if you’ve never see this breathtaking event before, head down to the Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico in the Benito Juarez District of Mexico City.  Here you’ll find dazzling bullfights brave charges from massive bulls and you’ll hear the crowd gasp in amazement as the bullfighter dances and weaves his way around these great beasts.  Bull fighting is a must-do in terms of entertainment in Mexico.

Festivals

If you’re looking to enjoy entertainment in Mexico like the locals do, then you’ll want to visit Mexico’s many music, art and film festivals, most of which are hosted in Mexico City. For culture vultures who want to get a real flavor of what it’s like to live, laugh and love in Mexico, the Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico is a veritable treasure trove with the films, music and dances that makes Mexico such a magical country.  This festival takes place in Mexico City every April, so make sure your travel plans coincide with this local favorite.

Do you consider yourself to be a major fan of Mexican literature and authors?  Then mark your calendars for February and March, as that’s when Mexico flings open its doors and welcomes world-famous authors to its Feria Internacional del Libro festival.

Here, you can meet your favorite Spanish authors or visit local cafes where you’ll hear up-and-coming Mexican authors reading aloud passages from their literary works.  With a cerveza in hand and an enraptured audience around you, it’s the kind of intimate entertainment experience that many cities just can’t replicate.

Finally, cinephiles and film students alike will jump at the chance to be a part of Mexico’s biggest film festival: the Muestra Internacional de Cine. Held twice each year (in March and early April, and then again in November and December), this international film festival welcomes Hollywood A-listers and up-and-coming film actors alike. With this entertainment in Mexico option, you can see if you can spot your favorite action star, or settle in to watch the classic Mexican films that have changed the face of cinema.

Restaurants

Of course, no survey of entertainment in Mexico would be complete without exploring the many restaurants that celebrate the country’s exotic and flavorful cuisine.  For a fusion experience that you’ll be raving about for years, try Love, a restaurant-nightclub in Mexico City. If you’re willing to pay for a taxi trip, then head to the Soggy Peso Bar, a laid-back beach restaurant and bar located on the north end of San Carlos’ beautiful beaches. For a bohemian restaurant experience, head to Café Central in Oaxaca. Be sure to make reservations, as this not-so-secret café is a firm favorite with international clientele and locals alike.

Conclusion

When it comes to entertainment in Mexico, there’s no denying that you’ll be spoiled for choice.  From film and music festivals, massive soccer games and poetry readings in local cafes to decadent nights out at the local bar scene, Mexico offers a truly flavorful nightlife and entertainment scene that just can’t be beat.  No matter what kind of entertainment in Mexico you’re looking for, you can be sure to find it.

This article was written by Henry Altman

For more reading on Traveling in Mexico where to go, what to do  and how to be best prepared for your vacation in Mexico, go to our Traveling in Mexico article.

Luxurious coastal communities dot the shoreline of Mexico, opening up a tropical paradise for you to lay back and enjoy the warm sunshine.

Lush jungles create an aura of mystery in Mexico’s interior, which is sure to please the jungle explorer in your family.

Exotic treasures and ancient ruins can be found among Mexico’s rural community, allowing you to get back in touch with the ancient and expansive empires that once ruled all of Central and South America.

Of course, like with any country, traveling in Mexico comes with its own set of rules and tips. If you want to enjoy your traveling in Mexico experience safely, then follow these Mexican traveling tips and rules.

Additionally, we’ve included information on some of the best sites where you can feed your wanderlust and get to the heart of what Mexico’s all about.

Tips for Traveling Mexico

Get Your Documentation in Order

If you want to start traveling in Mexico without undergoing any interruptions, then you’ll need to get your entry documentation in order. If you’re a United States citizen, you’ll need to apply for a tourist card from the Mexican government, which will allow you to stay within the country for 180 days, or six months.  To apply for your tourist card, simply search for the FMN card online or head to your local Mexican consulate and pick up a copy.

You’ll also need to provide border control with proof of your citizenship, which is usually in the form of a passport. Some citizens will also need to provide a copy of their birth certificate; be sure to check with your local consulate to check whether you’ll need this.  As a piece of advice, we recommend always traveling in Mexico with at least one copy of your birth certificate or your social security card, just in case you lose your passport while on your Mexican travels.

Know Where You Want to Travel

Mexico is a vast and expansive country, with a multitude of climates, attractions, amenities and cities.  That means no matter what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it while traveling in Mexico.  Yet if you’re after a specific travel experience – such as a relaxing week at the beach or a few days hiking through tropical jungles – then take a look at the following list to understand more about your specific traveling destination in Mexico:

• Baja California:  This area experiences climate much like that of Southern California: dry, hot and with plenty of beach weather to spare.  This is a popular tourist destination for beach lovers who don’t want to stray too far from America, as it’s immediately accessible from the Californian border.
• Central Mexico: If you want to experience culture, entertainment, sporting events and festivals, then you’ll want to make Central Mexico a pivotal stop on your itinerary.  Central Mexico is home to Mexico City, Mexico’s population hub.  Plenty of towns and villages are embedded within the central Mexico area, which means this is a great spot if you want to get a taste of the “real” Mexico.
• Pacific Coast:  Want to get a taste of five-star luxury that rivals anything you’ve ever experienced before?  Then head to Mexico’s Pacific Coast, where you’ll find luxurious tourist hotspots like Acapulco waiting to be discovered.  While these tourist destinations are steeped in decadence, you won’t find very many traditional Mexican towns here, as the entire area is dedicated to maintaining the booming tourism industry.
• Yucatan Peninsula: This is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in all of Mexico, as it really does have something for everyone.  The world’s party capital, Cancun, is located right on the Caribbean coastline, while you can find breathtaking Mayan ruins just by driving inland for a few miles.  Whether you’re a culture vulture or a party animal, you can find what you’re looking for on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Beware with Your Food

If you’ve ever heard of (or experienced) Montezuma’s Revenge, then you know this golden rule of traveling in Mexico: eat and drink with absolute caution.  Travel experts recommend only drinking water from bottled water sources that you yourself have packed (that means no tap water!) and eating foods in hygienic restaurants that have been inspected by a health inspector.

Of course, Mexico is also famous for their various food trucks, which has gained ground within the populous cities of the United States.  While these Mexican food trucks aren’t the most hygienic places to order your food, if you feel like taking a risk, there’s a bevy of traditional and fusion Mexican foods on offer. Just be sure you have enough time on your vacation to be sick, as you don’t want to have an encounter with Montezuma’s Revenge while in the middle of an ancient Mayan tour.

Be Safe and Travel Smart

Like with visiting any foreign country, traveling in Mexico requires a certain number of precautions in order to be safe.

 Use these tips and tricks to stay safe while on vacation in Mexico:

• Don’t dress like an obvious tourist, as this attracts attention from pickpockets and muggers.  For example, don’t wear your backpack in front of you, don’t wear brand-name sneakers, and don’t walk around with a map held in front of you.  Know where you’re going at all times, and walk briskly and with confidence to avoid being targeted by thieves.
• Don’t flash your cash or credit cards.  If you’re going out for the day, take what you need and leave the rest in the hotel safe.  We recommend leaving your travel documents in the hotel safe as well.
• Be cautious while traveling in Mexico at night.  Stay in well-lit areas, stick to the main toll roads, and avoid pulling off to ask for directions in desolate areas.

If you follow these pieces of advice, you should be able to enjoy traveling in Mexico without experiencing any hiccups along the way.

This article was written by : Henry Altman

P.S. Mexico is home to a veritable cornucopia of festivals, museums, bars, cafes and stages that host some of the biggest names on the planet.  Entertainment in Mexico… Check out it out!

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From Americans migrating to Mexico to enjoy a better healthcare system to Mexicans in search of a better life immigrating to the United States, it seems that everyone has an opinion about immigration in Mexico.

In this article, we’ll discuss two primary topics that revolve around immigration in Mexico: becoming a resident of the country, and immigration from Mexico.

Immigration to Mexico

There’s no denying that the international community is starting to take an interest in immigration to Mexico.  As Mexico starts to enjoy the benefits of a growing economy, a more comprehensive and free healthcare system, lower crime rates and an increasingly lucrative industrial standard, immigration to Mexico is looking up.

It’s estimated that between 40,000 and 80,000 Americans have migrated to Mexico (experts suspect that this is a direct result of the booming retirement population, and the fact that Mexico has a universal healthcare system), while citizens from South American countries like Chile, Argentina and Colombia are moving to Mexico in droves.

When it comes to immigration in Mexico, foreigners usually fall under one of four categories: they are tourists (or non-immigrants), students, legal residents and naturalized citizens of Mexico.  While the first option doesn’t need strict visa requirements, you still need a visa form in order to cross Mexico’s borders. This visa form is known as a FMT, and you can download it online or pick it up at your local consulate.

The FMT form gives you permission to stay within Mexico for 180 days (or six months); however, this does not automatically give you the right to enter Mexico.  Whether you’re driving through the border or entering border control at the airport, a customs official can deny you entry into Mexico if they suspect that you’re an illegal immigrant. Also note that if you’re traveling to Mexico with more than $300 worth of goods (other than your clothing), you’re liable for a $50 tax.

The second category under immigration in Mexico is the student visa category.  As Mexico boasts renowned universities – some of which have the strongest engineering and architectural programs in North America – many international students are heading to Mexico to receive a better education.

To temporarily immigrate to Mexico on a student visa, the applicant must show proof of acceptance at a Mexican university, which often comes in the form of an acceptance letter on university letterhead.

The student also must show proof that they’re financially capable of supporting themselves while studying in Mexico, as student visas limit the amount of hours that they can work.  If the student is supporting themselves on loans, the immigration applicant must show proof of funds via a bank or loan letter.

A legal resident of Mexico falls under many categories; for example, a legal resident can be a foreign spouse of a Mexican citizen, a child of a Mexican parent, a grandchild of a Mexican citizen, and so on.  Unlike other visa options, these immigration categories allow you to eventually become a naturalized citizen, as you can stay in Mexico for the required length of time needed to gain Mexican citizenship.

If you wish to marry a Mexican citizen and immigrate to Mexico, you must provide the Mexican consulate with the following documentation:  a document stating their intent to marry (it must be signed by both the foreigner and the Mexican resident), a certified birth certificate.

Please note that if you intend to get married in Mexico, only a civil marriage is considered legal, as religious marriages will not allow you access to a Mexican visa.

With regards to immigration in Mexico as a foreign worker, the visa applicant cannot officially apply for legal residency; instead, your prospective employer must do so for you.

If a prospective employer in Mexico wishes to hire you, they’ll write to the Mexico Department of Immigration and request the necessary documentation to begin your immigration status. Once the Department approves the employment, you’ll gain an entry permit that’s valid for 90 days.

If you do not immigrate to Mexico in the 90 days from the beginning of the entry permit, the permit becomes void and you’ll have to start over again. Once you begin working in Mexico, you’ll be able to apply for your Mexican passport after a certain number of years of living within the country.

Immigration in Mexico isn’t a simple process; however, once you’ve gained permission to live within the country, it’s relatively simple to gain your citizenship.  Despite the straightforwardness of the immigration process, Mexico still has a problem with illegal immigration.

Immigration from Mexico

Despite the hot-button topic on the news, it’s believed that immigration from Mexico has been dropping at exponential rates.  Experts believe that because Mexico is enjoying a stronger economy, federally funded healthcare and lower crime rates, this means that Mexicans have less incentive to cross the border and seek employment in the United States.

Immigration in Mexico is hardly a stagnant issue; in fact, with more news coverage than ever, it’s easy to see why much of the population believes it’s growing into a crisis.  However, what often escapes this news coverage is that Mexican immigration is dropping, and will continue to drop for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

Immigration in Mexico opens up a world of opportunities to the immigrant: from employment prospects to enrollment at prestigious universities, it’s no wonder immigration in Mexico is a popular topic for many expats around the world.  If you’re interested in immigration in Mexico, contact your local Mexican consulate to see which immigration options are open to you and your family.

This article was written by Henry Altman

If your re-locating to Mexico for work or business then you need to arm yourself with some tips and tricks about Doing Business in Mexico.

If you want to start living and working in Mexico, you don’t have to get a job with a multinational company; in fact, you can gain your residency permits if you invest in Mexico’s economy.

To gain legal residency as an investor, the federal government requires that you invest up to 40,000 times the daily salary of a Mexican citizen. Depending on the exchange rate, this typically works out to between $50,000 and $75,000. If you wish to set up your own company and begin working in Mexico, the same investment amount also applies.

Much like the traditional job routes for foreigners, these measures are in place to ensure that all foreigners can support themselves when they first arrive in Mexico without help from the federal government.  If you show the government that you have enough disposable income to invest in the economy, then you have enough to support yourself for a considerable amount of time when you first move to and begin working in Mexico.

Get Good Legal Advice

Permits must be filed with the proper governmental offices on the Federal, State and in some cases depending on the business activity a Local Municipality permit may also be required. In every instance be sure to retain good legal counsel to incorporate you in the proper type of company that fits your business purposes. You should also hire an accountant to file the monthly reports required by The Ministry De Hacienda (The Mexican IRS). These fees are very low if the business is small with not much activity. The practice to out-source these services is very common for most small Businesses Ownership in Mexico.

Some Areas of Opportunity,

For more ambitious Business Ownership in Mexico, like Tourism and Real Estate Development that bring foreign investors to buy real estate and retire in Mexico, the Mexican Government has many advantages for this type of Business Ownership in Mexico. These industries hire many Mexican workers in professional positions such as Engineers, Architects, and general labor as well as the staff to run these businesses after they are built. Some Americans and Canadians are investing in these types of businesses thinking that the buyers and end users would gravitate to a US or Canadian Developer for these retirement communities and in some cases they may be right.

Another area of growth is the high tech industry and manufacturing jobs and Medical Tourism. The Mexican Government has many incentives for these categories of Business Ownership in Mexico. The Mexican economy is growing and the opportunities to start new businesses there are abundant and some younger retiring Boomers are looking at these opportunities as a way to have perpetual income while being mostly retired after selling their businesses in the USA and Canada.

Why Work If You Are Retiring?

Some retirees that are too smart and too young to really retire 100% are finding ways to make retirement pay them by applying their years of business expertise and finding businesses that are viable to invest in. These entrepreneurs are finding that the lower operating cost for management salaries, labor and benefits for employees and are a great way to invest and grow their retirement funds without having to work at it full time.

The end result of this type of Business Ownership in Mexico can also be very fulfilling to the business owner in the great satisfaction of furthering business opportunities for the local economy and changing the lives of hard working loyal Mexican citizens that will also be thankful and respectful for the opportunity to work in a company that would not have been there for them without the foreign investment.

I believe history will tell many stories of how the Boomer migration to Mexico will have a positive and everlasting social and economic impact on both sides of the border. The creation of jobs in Mexico has a positive impact on migrating illegal workers offering opportunities within Mexico for them that could lower the number of illegal immigrants coming to the USA. On the other hand the USA has become dependent on these illegal immigrants for jobs that is seems Americans do not want to fill more than the jobs being taken from them as some may think.

This article was written by Henry Altman

If your interests are working in Mexico then a must read on some tips about working in Mexico.