START HERE
Thinking About Moving to Mérida?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.
Whether Mérida is just an idea, you’re planning a scouting trip, or you’re getting serious about a move,
this is where you can begin sorting through the questions, decisions, and realities of making Mérida home.
Start where you are. We’ll help you determine what comes next.
NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN?
Relocation Planning Session
There’s a lot of information about moving to Mérida online. The challenge is figuring out what’s current, what applies to your situation, and what questions you haven’t thought to ask yet.
Our 1-Hour Relocation Planning Session is a focused conversation about your plans, priorities, timeline, budget, and concerns. Whether you’re simply exploring the possibility, preparing for a scouting trip, or getting serious about a move, we’ll help you understand what deserves your attention now and what can wait.
→ Searching online tells you what Mérida looks like.
→ This conversation helps you understand how living here actually works.
Your session also includes:
• Learn About Mérida Guide
• Mérida Visitor's Guide
• Recorded Video
• Professional recommendations & resources
-
Everyone moving to Mérida wants the magic monthly number that tells them whether this dream is affordable.
So we'll talk about it: housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities, transportation, entertainment, and the everyday expenses that can look very different here.
But a realistic budget isn't just about monthly expenses. We also talk about the financial cushion many people overlook—the money that gives you flexibility when something costs more than expected, plans change, or settling in takes longer than anticipated.
Cost of living isn't just about the numbers. We'll help you think about the expenses—and the surprises—that are easy to miss from afar.
-
Things can change quickly here. Processes, requirements, timelines, availability, and even the answer you received last week may change. That's part of navigating life in Mexico.
Our job isn't to promise that everything will go according to plan. It's to help you understand what you can prepare for, where flexibility matters, and how to respond when something changes.
We guide our clients with information, cultural awareness, and realistic expectations—not guarantees.
Some of the best advice we can give you is simple: slow down, be patient, stay flexible, and learn when to go with the flow.
-
For many newcomers, an immigration facilitator or attorney is one of the first Mexican professionals they'll need—not a real estate agent, doctor, or contractor. Knowing who you need, and when you need them, matters more than it might seem.
Starting with the wrong referral can cost you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.
Over the years, we've built relationships with professionals we trust and, whenever possible, personally use. We look for consistency, communication, professionalism, and dependable customer service.
More importantly, we'll help you understand which professional you need—and when.
READY TO GET MORE SPECIFIC?
Every move begins differently.
Some people are still deciding whether Mérida is right for them. Others already have a timeline, budget, and list of priorities. Our Relocation Questionnaire helps us understand where you are in the process—and helps you think through some of the decisions ahead.
We'll ask about your timeline, lifestyle, housing expectations, budget, transportation, healthcare, and the things that matter most to you about daily life in Mérida.
There are no right or wrong answers. And you don't need to have everything figured out.
Think of it as a starting point for turning a general idea into more specific questions.
IF HOUSING IS PART OF YOUR PLAN
Thinking About Renting or Buying in Mérida?
Finding a home in Mérida can work very differently from what you're accustomed to in the U.S. or Canada.
Listings, pricing, neighborhoods, contracts, commissions, property condition, and even the role of the real estate agent may be different from what you expect.
Before we start sending properties or introducing you to real estate professionals, we want to understand what you're actually looking for—and what will realistically work for your lifestyle, budget, and timeline.
Our Real Estate Questionnaire helps us learn about your priorities, including the type of property you're considering, preferred areas, budget, timing, and the way you envision living in Mérida.
Just as importantly, it gives us a starting point for helping you understand what may—or may not—be realistic in the current market.
Not ready to look at properties yet? That's perfectly fine. You don't need to complete this questionnaire until housing becomes part of your planning.
EXPERIENCE MÉRIDA FOR YOURSELF
Ready for a Scouting Trip?
There comes a point when online research can only take you so far.
If you're seriously considering Mérida, spending time here with the specific purpose of evaluating everyday life can answer questions that photos, videos, Facebook groups, and online research simply can't.
A scouting trip isn't about seeing the highlights of Mérida. It's about experiencing the city through the lens of “Could I actually live here?”
You'll begin to understand neighborhoods, transportation, housing, healthcare, shopping, daily routines, cultural differences—and the little things you may not know to look for until you're here.
Expatsi Group Scouting Trips
Best for people who want a structured group experience and set dates.
Amy and Ángel participate in the Expatsi Mérida scouting trips.
For current dates, pricing, availability, and the complete itinerary, visit Expatsi.
-
1-hour group session (30 days prior to trip start date) — I’ll answer any questions, concerns, or special requests you may have. We’ll discuss the trip overview, transportation, accommodations, airport transfers and what to expect during our time together.
(1) Professional Orientation Day - We’ll introduce you to the people you need along the way including insurance, medical and health, residency and immigration, and real estate. We’ll also discuss everyday logistics: critical in understanding lifestyle choices.
Evening Reception - meet others who have moved here and make connections.
(3) Scouting Trip Days — Three full days on the ground with us, exploring the city to learn what your new home might look like and feel like. We’ll cover Centro, The North & Suburbs, and Beaches along the coast.
Mérida Visitor's Guide — Everything you need to know when visiting Mérida in one simple guide. Transportation, ATM usage, Emergency #’s, Accomodation Recommendations, Cultural Events, Museums, Insider Tips, Tipping, Beaches, & More.
Learn About Mérida Guide — The foundational orientation: climate, culture, cost of living, healthcare, safety, and what day-to-day life actually looks like.
Neighborhoods Guide — An overview of Mérida's most popular colonias in Centro, The North and the Suburbs. Centro is where people fall in love with the city but it’s not for everyone.
Real Estate Guide — An honest look at the local market such as how buying and renting actually work here, what to watch for, and how the process differs from what you're used to back home.
The Mérida Insider's Top 50 — Our curated list of Where, When, Why, How, and What covering everything from the exact alleyway you'll need to find a hidden local market, to why your residency application gets more expensive every January, to what to actually pack in your car before a day trip outside the city.
Vetted Vendor Directory — Trusted contacts we've personally used or verified including contractors, movers, legal help, and more so you're not starting from zero when it's time to act.
Bottled water & snacks during tour — Small comfort, but it matters in the Yucatán heat.
-
Airfare
Airport Transfers
Meals on Scouting Days 1-3
Transportation Outside of Scouting Trip Hours
*Some trips include accommodations and others don’t. Please inquire in advance.
-
Day #1 - Hop in for a driving tour through Centro as we explore the pastel-colored houses, markets, and colonial history that make people fall in love with Mérida. Each day, we’ll answer questions and discuss real estate options for buyers and renters in different neighborhoods.
Day #2 - If modern and sophisticated is more your style, the north and suburbs may be what you're looking for. Let's see what this side of the city has to offer and all the different types of housing styles offered from traditional to high rises to apartments.
Day #3 - Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches and we'll visit a few such as Progreso, Chelem, and Telchac Puerto. On the way to the coast, we'll drive through one of Yucatan's Magic Towns, eat breakfast at the market and continue on for a breezy day.
-
Amy and Angel will join for breakfast to answer any last minute questions and discuss next steps. Then, enjoy a free day to revisit any favorite spots, explore outside the city, or investigate on your own.
-
If you’re interested in exploring more on your own or want to book private time with us, let us know. You may also enjoy cooking classes or tourism activities such as archaelogical sites, cenotes, or visting haciendas. Based on availability - please inquire for pricing and details.
Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call and we'll help answer your questions.
Private Scouting Trips
For people who need different dates, prefer one-on-one attention, or want a scouting trip built around specific priorities such as neighborhoods, everyday life, or real estate showings.
Our private scouting trips are customized around you. Pricing is shown here so you can decide whether this level of personalized service fits your plans and budget before contacting us.
-
Are you exploring the possibility of moving abroad but aren't ready to commit?
The Dreamer Package is designed for the early research stage—when you're curious about Mérida but still trying to determine whether it could realistically fit your life.
Includes:
90-Minute Information Session — A private video call to talk through your “why,” answer your initial questions, and discuss whether Mérida aligns with what you're looking for.
Mérida Visitor's Guide — Practical information for your time in Mérida, including transportation, ATMs, emergencies, accommodations, cultural events, museums, tipping, beaches, and insider tips.
Learn About Mérida Guide — An introduction to climate, culture, cost of living, healthcare, safety, and what everyday life can look like.
Neighborhoods Guide — An overview of popular areas in Centro, North Mérida, and the suburbs, including some of the differences to consider when deciding where you might live.
$450 single / $525 couple
-
Considering Mérida more seriously and ready to experience everyday life here for yourself?
The Planner Package combines personalized planning with two days on the ground in Mérida, giving you a closer look at neighborhoods, daily life, culture, and the practical realities of living here.
Includes:
2-Hour Planning Session — A focused conversation about your timeline, budget, residency considerations, priorities, and the questions you want to explore while you're here.
Two 6-Hour Scouting Days — Spend two days with us exploring Mérida through the lens of everyday life: neighborhoods, markets, shopping, transportation, services, and the practical details that can influence where and how you might live.
Gastronomic Lunches Both Days — Food is an important part of understanding Yucatán. We'll introduce you to some of the local places and flavors we enjoy along the way.
Mérida Visitor's Guide — Practical information for visiting Mérida, including transportation, ATMs, emergencies, accommodations, cultural events, museums, tipping, beaches, and insider tips.
Learn About Mérida Guide — An introduction to climate, culture, cost of living, healthcare, safety, and everyday life.
Neighborhoods Guide — An overview of popular areas in Centro, North Mérida, and the suburbs, with considerations for different lifestyles.
Real Estate Guide — An introduction to how renting and buying can work in Mérida, what to watch for, and some of the ways the process may differ from what you're accustomed to.
The Mérida Insider's Top 50 — Our curated collection of practical tips, local knowledge, and things we think newcomers should know.
Vetted Vendor Directory — Contacts for professionals and service providers we've personally used or vetted, helping you know where to begin when you need assistance.
Water & Snacks During Scouting Days — Because Yucatán heat is part of the experience too.
-
The Mover Package is our most comprehensive scouting experience, designed for people who have moved beyond “Could I live here?” and are now asking “How will I actually make life here work?”
You'll spend more time with us, go deeper into everyday life, and receive additional resources designed to help you prepare for the transition.
Includes:
3-Hour Planning Session — Our most in-depth planning conversation, covering your timeline, budget, residency considerations, housing, transportation, healthcare, and other priorities for your move.
Two 7-Hour Scouting Days — Two full days exploring Mérida from the perspective of a future resident, including neighborhoods, services, transportation, shopping, and the practical details that influence everyday life.
Shadow Day — Spend a day experiencing some of the routines of everyday life in Mérida—from paying bills and shopping at a local market to navigating everyday errands, with an introduction to useful Yucatecan Spanish and cultural context along the way.
Gastronomic Lunches All Three Days — We'll introduce you to local places we actually frequent, giving you another taste of what everyday life in Mérida can look like.
Then I would streamline the resources:
Mérida Visitor's Guide — Practical information for navigating Mérida during your visit.
Learn About Mérida Guide — Climate, culture, cost of living, healthcare, safety, and everyday life.
Neighborhoods Guide — An overview of popular areas in Centro, North Mérida, and the suburbs.
Real Estate Guide — What to know about renting and buying and how the process can differ from what you're accustomed to.
Top 10 Research Trip Tips — What to prioritize, what to watch for, and how to get more from your time on the ground.
Moving: Timeline & Logistics Guide — A practical overview of what needs to happen—and when—as you prepare for your move.
Calle 60 Walking Tour — Explore one of Centro's important corridors while learning more about its architecture, museums, plazas, culture, and everyday street life.
Home Maintenance Guide — An introduction to maintaining a home in Yucatán, including some of the systems, seasonal considerations, and quirks newcomers may encounter.
Vetted Vendor Directory — Professionals and service providers we've personally used or vetted, giving you a starting point when you need help.
Water & Snacks During Scouting Days — A small but important detail in the Yucatán heat.
-
Moving to Mérida and want some of the basics handled before you arrive?
Mérida Head Start is designed to make your first weeks easier by taking care of several practical details ahead of time, so you can focus on settling in and getting to know your new home.
Includes:
30-Day Rental Sourcing — We'll source and help secure a vetted accommodation for your first 30 days, giving you a comfortable home base while you get settled. Rental cost is not included.
Mérida English Library Membership — A one-year family membership providing access to an English-language library as well as an established community resource for newcomers and residents.
3-Month Health Itinerary Trial Membership — Assistance navigating healthcare needs, including appointments, transportation, and translation services when needed.
Mexican SIM Card — Arrive with a local Mexican number ready to use, making it easier to communicate with local businesses, service providers, and new contacts.
Curated Local Eatery Guide — Our collection of local favorites, including cocinas económicas, taquerías, and neighborhood spots to help you start exploring Mérida's everyday food scene.
-
Know you're moving to Mérida but not sure how all the pieces fit together?
Our Customized Moving Plan turns the details of your relocation into an organized, personalized plan based on your timeline, priorities, lifestyle, and specific needs.
Rather than trying to figure out everything at once, you'll know what needs your attention, when to address it, who you may need to contact, and where flexibility or a Plan B may be important.
Includes:
Tailored Relocation Timeline — A month-by-month plan built around your anticipated move date. We'll map out when to address major decisions such as residency, housing, transportation, what to bring, and other relocation logistics—with room for the unexpected.
Neighborhood & Lifestyle Planning — We'll look beyond the usual “Where should I live?” question and consider the things that affect your everyday life: transportation, shopping, walkability, pets, parking, services, and the type of environment you want around you.
Professional Introductions — When appropriate, we'll connect you with trusted professionals from our network, including immigration professionals, healthcare resources, insurance providers, home-maintenance professionals, banking resources, and others you may need during your transition.
One-on-One Strategy Sessions — Private video consultations give us time to work through questions and changing circumstances as your move progresses. Instead of relying on generic online advice, we'll help you identify information and resources relevant to your situation.
Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call and we'll help answer your questions.
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Real people. Real moves. Real results.
“Amy and Angel blew away our expectations of a relocation tour. Before the tour, Amy provided a planning session to identify our wishes and desires to customize our experience.”
Chris Samples
Scouting Trip Guest
“What made the tour extremely relevant is that Amy would pivot based on what I was specifically looking for.”
Krisanne Heinz
Scouting Trip Guest
“Amy and Angel are wonderful and thoughtful hosts, but also very informative to assist in our decision to move to Mérida.”
Eric Qualkenbush
Scouting Trip Guest
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to have your entire move figured out.
Whether you’re still deciding if Mérida is right for you, planning a scouting trip, or preparing for a move, the next step should fit where you are in the process.
Start where you are. We’ll help you determine what comes next.