Need some advice about moving to Queretaro

[SimpleVerde]

Originally Posted by asegbert

Hi there! I'm actually interested in anything you find out too. I currently live and work in Houston, TX but am considering a move to Queretaro as well...

Hola asegbert, I'm not considering San Miguel because I'll be starting a business in Queretaro. Yes, I found the local club and I've communicated with a couple of members. Since I'll be living in Tlalnepantla for awhile (starting in July), I'll be making treks to Queretaro to meet folks and research the business community. I'm coming in on a tourist visa for 6 months then going back to San Diego to complete my FM-3 and send my few belongings down. Right now, I'm going to have to do some research on what moving companies to connect with in Tijuana. I only have enough to fill a room 5' x 10' about 3' high - books, CDs, a couple of chairs and clothes. I'm going to sell my car before I come, so that's not an issue.

Biggest challenge will be getting my Upright Bass down! Buying a case for it would cost about the same as the instrument, so that's not a solution!

I'll post here as I learn more.

[Traveler123]

SimpleVerde, wouldn't it be easier to get your FM3 in Queretaro rather than return to the US? I don't know the particulars of your situation, but from what I've read on other forums, it's possible to get an FM3 while on a tourist visa in Mexico, assuming you meet the qualifications/requirements, which can vary among immigration offices in different parts of Mexico. In the US, the requirements can vary also, depending on the Consulate. Anyway, just thought I'd ask about getting the FM3 in Mexico vs the US since you were going to be in Mexico on a tourist visa.

[RVGRINGO]

It is usually easier to get your FM3 in Mexico and it avoids extra requirements by the various consulates, as well as the time and expense of having to register it, within 30 days of crossing the border back into Mexico, at your new place of residence. Each time you enter Mexico, you get an FMT tourist document which has a maximum duration of 180 days stamped on it (be sure to ask for that) and you can keep it for up to 150 days, complying with the requirement to apply for an FM3 at least 30 days before it expires. That also allows some flexibility in planning for when you want your annual renewals to occur; you must be in Mexico at those times each year.

[SimpleVerde]

Originally Posted by Traveler123

SimpleVerde, wouldn't it be easier to get your FM3 in Queretaro rather than return to the US?....

Hi Traveler123, yes - it would be easier to get the FM3 right there in Queretaro. I'm coming back to U.S. to finalize shipment of my belongings, so thought I would get it done at the Los Angeles Consulate when I give them my belongings list for the "stamp" required. I'm going to be living in Tlalnepantla on the tourist visa for a few months, then have to come back for my belongings later (long story). Thanks for the tip on getting it while I'm there - I appreciate it!

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles and they weren't very busy - so I had someone help me with tons of questions - spent about an hour with them. It was VERY helpful. Like - I learned that the belongings list doesn't have to be in Spanish - it can be in English. Remember - this is for the Los Angeles Consulate - all others might be different! Those of you reading this post need to ask either at the location where you will be moving or get specifics from the Consulate in the U.S. where you are moving from. Also, payments of FM3 Consular fees must be in CASH. And, the applicant must be present in order to submit the paperwork. They are also accepting applications for houshold goods "stamp" for the FM3 for up to one year (it has been 6 months up to now).

Again, don't read this and think "it is so" - go talk to your Consulate and get the specifics from them.

[Traveler123]

Regarding your list of belongings, if it's in English only, won't that present a potential problem at the border when you cross into Mexico and go through customs? Maybe not, I just thought the list had to be in Spanish. But, as you know, the rules can change from location to location. Good luck with your move!

[SimpleVerde]

Originally Posted by Traveler123

Regarding your list of belongings, if it's in English only, won't that present a potential problem at the border...

Actually, I'll be doing it in Spanish just to make sure - I was just commenting on it to show that the "rules change" from location to location and time to time. The point to everyone is - check with YOUR local authorities!

[Kaye]

I went to the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver, BC and found out they could process a 'Rentista' Visa (is that an FM3?) in about two weeks - much faster than in Mexico! The household goods application would be separate, but would not take much longer. That was a pleasant surprise, even though I'm not relocating all that soon.

[quinta]

We brought our "Menaje de Casa" through the Tijuana Border and Customs (used a local broker) and the lists were in English and no one cared. Got it all done and passed with no problem, only thing couldn't pass were some dishes made in China.... I even brought industrial kitchen equipment and didn't pay any duty..... had a moving company pick it all up at the border and meet us.... not too bad and relatively quick too....
We're originally from San Diego...... and we go back and forth.

[SimpleVerde]

Originally Posted by quinta

We brought our "Menaje de Casa" through the Tijuana Border and Customs (used a local broker) and the lists were in English and no one cared....

Thanks Quinta, care to share which company you used in TJ to move you?

[quinta]

Moving company was "Los Castores"... big outfit, their trucks have GPS and they picked our stuff up once we got done with customs... they should be in the book, call them, they're national.