LARM Mexico
Mexico:
With approximately 22 million people in its greater metropolitan area, Mexico City is the largest city in the world and the capital of Mexico. It is a cosmopolitan and visibly prosperous city, with broad boulevards, striking architecture, beautiful parks, and luxurious hotels. Buildings of different styles and eras stand side-by-side, giving the city a charm of its own. The capital is also the major industrial center of the country, with 35,000 industrial plants.
- Geography
- Political
- Economy
- Social
- Phone Numbers
- Schools
- Immigration
- Housing
- More Information
Capital: Mexico City
Area: 1,972,545 sq. km/ 761,604 sq. mi
Population: 100 million
Major Industries: Industry 28.9%; Agriculture 4.1%; Service, whole sale/ Retail 43.7%; Restaurants and Hotels 23.3%.
Location
Mexico, located at the south of the North American continent with the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south, forms a land bridge between North and South America. The Pacific Ocean is to the west, and the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. Climate
The winter season is a little bit dry but it is soft and moderate, the rainy season begins in May or June and lasts until September and generally consists on sunny mornings followed by rainy afternoons. Since México is at 2,240 meters above sea level, an adaptation period should be considered when first arriving.
GOVERNMENT
Mexico is a federal republic of 31 states and the capital district of Mexico City. The executive power is in the hands of the president, elected for a six-year term, and a cabinet appointed by him. Members of the Supreme Court, while officially independent, serve at the will of the president.
Mexico is a federal republic of 31 states and the capital district of Mexico City. The executive power is in the hands of the president, elected for a six-year term, and a cabinet appointed by him. Members of the Supreme Court, while officially independent, serve at the will of the president.
CURRENCY
Mexican Peso
Banking
There are roughly 20 banks that perform all kinds of operations such as investment, savings, checking, etc. The central bank is Mexico Bank, which governs all the operations in Mexico.
Mexican Peso
Banking
There are roughly 20 banks that perform all kinds of operations such as investment, savings, checking, etc. The central bank is Mexico Bank, which governs all the operations in Mexico.
LANGUAGES
Spanish is the official language of Mexico although, English is taught in schools and many high-level executives and professionals speak it fluently.
Religion
Roman Catholic.
Shopping
Wal-Mart, Soriana, Aurrera, Comercial Mexicana, Costco, Palacio de Hierro, Liverpool, Suburbia, Sears, and Sam’s are some of the main shopping centers you can find here as well as boutiques like Fifth Avenue and several more in downtown Mexico City.
Culture
Mexico is really a mosaic of cultures such as Mexica or Azteca, Otomi, Tolteca, Olmeca, Maya, Totonaca, Chichimeca, and Tarahumara. The Mexican population is very proud of their country, culture, ethnicity and lifestyle. Other important aspects of their culture are the values, family unity, respect, hard work and solidarity of the community. However, Mexico has changed fast during the 20th century. In many ways, the contemporary life in the cities has become very similar to the cities in the United States and Europe.
Restaurants
Mexican food is much more than typical dishes of our country; it is a reflection of an entire culture based on religious rituals, magic and art. However international foods such as French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, English, and Argentine can also be found in Mexico.
Entertainment
Mexico is one of the biggest stages of entertainment worldwide. Our own culture is unique and shows every day in performances and exhibitions. The number of theaters and auditoriums are remarkable. The people of Mexico also know how to enjoy the nightlife and for that reason Mexico City has hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs.
Spanish is the official language of Mexico although, English is taught in schools and many high-level executives and professionals speak it fluently.
Religion
Roman Catholic.
Shopping
Wal-Mart, Soriana, Aurrera, Comercial Mexicana, Costco, Palacio de Hierro, Liverpool, Suburbia, Sears, and Sam’s are some of the main shopping centers you can find here as well as boutiques like Fifth Avenue and several more in downtown Mexico City.
CultureMexico is really a mosaic of cultures such as Mexica or Azteca, Otomi, Tolteca, Olmeca, Maya, Totonaca, Chichimeca, and Tarahumara. The Mexican population is very proud of their country, culture, ethnicity and lifestyle. Other important aspects of their culture are the values, family unity, respect, hard work and solidarity of the community. However, Mexico has changed fast during the 20th century. In many ways, the contemporary life in the cities has become very similar to the cities in the United States and Europe.
Restaurants
Mexican food is much more than typical dishes of our country; it is a reflection of an entire culture based on religious rituals, magic and art. However international foods such as French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, English, and Argentine can also be found in Mexico.
Entertainment
Mexico is one of the biggest stages of entertainment worldwide. Our own culture is unique and shows every day in performances and exhibitions. The number of theaters and auditoriums are remarkable. The people of Mexico also know how to enjoy the nightlife and for that reason Mexico City has hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Citizen Help: 060
Missing people, Information of Government offices, “Locatel": 5658.1111
Tourist Help: 01800 0089090, 24 hours
Telephone: Directory Enquiries 040
Citizen Help: 060
Missing people, Information of Government offices, “Locatel": 5658.1111
Tourist Help: 01800 0089090, 24 hours
Telephone: Directory Enquiries 040
SCHOOLS
Mexico has public, private, religious and bilingual schools. The bilingual schools are mainly in English, Japanese, French and German. The current school year is from August to July. Although private education is expensive in Mexico, it offers several artistic and sports activities.
Documents required in most of the schools in México:
1. School grades. (May be copies and they will wait until final enrollment to receive the originals).
2. Birth certificate (validated in a Mexican Consulate).
3. An admission test that will have a different cost in each school.
4. Letter of good conduct signed by the principal of your current school.
Mexico has public, private, religious and bilingual schools. The bilingual schools are mainly in English, Japanese, French and German. The current school year is from August to July. Although private education is expensive in Mexico, it offers several artistic and sports activities.
Documents required in most of the schools in México:
1. School grades. (May be copies and they will wait until final enrollment to receive the originals).
2. Birth certificate (validated in a Mexican Consulate).
3. An admission test that will have a different cost in each school.
4. Letter of good conduct signed by the principal of your current school.
IMMIGRATION PROCESS
Foreigners must have a work permit (FM3) if they will work and will stay in Mexico for more than 6 months. The process will take 4 to 6 weeks and will be completed after receiving all the documents listed below. The family members will be allowed to enter the country with a visa called Economic Dependants. Visas can be delivered directly in the country of origin before entering Mexico or can be issued upon arrival.
Personal Documentation:
1. Applicant’s resume, as complete as possible.
2. Certificate of professional studies, University title: Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree or Ph.D., duly validated by the Ministry of Interior from the country of origin where the document was issued.
3. Birth Certificate duly validated, for each member of the family.
4. Marriage Certificate duly validated (if applicable)
5. Complete photocopy of the passport of each foreigner, from beginning to end, including the blank pages.
6. Designation letter, on the company’s letterhead stationery, duly signed before a Notary Public and validated, in the jurisdiction of the location of the company. This letter is sent by the company’s Human Resources Office.
Important Immigration Links:
• American Consulate: www.usembassy-mexico.gov
• American Chamber Mexico: www.amcham.com.mx
• Police: www.ssp.gob.mx
Foreigners must have a work permit (FM3) if they will work and will stay in Mexico for more than 6 months. The process will take 4 to 6 weeks and will be completed after receiving all the documents listed below. The family members will be allowed to enter the country with a visa called Economic Dependants. Visas can be delivered directly in the country of origin before entering Mexico or can be issued upon arrival.
Personal Documentation:
1. Applicant’s resume, as complete as possible.
2. Certificate of professional studies, University title: Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree or Ph.D., duly validated by the Ministry of Interior from the country of origin where the document was issued.
3. Birth Certificate duly validated, for each member of the family.
4. Marriage Certificate duly validated (if applicable)
5. Complete photocopy of the passport of each foreigner, from beginning to end, including the blank pages.
6. Designation letter, on the company’s letterhead stationery, duly signed before a Notary Public and validated, in the jurisdiction of the location of the company. This letter is sent by the company’s Human Resources Office.
Important Immigration Links:
• American Consulate: www.usembassy-mexico.gov
• American Chamber Mexico: www.amcham.com.mx
• Police: www.ssp.gob.mx
HOUSING In areas such as, Polanco, Interlomas, Bosques de las Lomas, and Santa Fe, there are 2 or 3 bedroom apartments that range from US$ 2000 to US$ 3000 and 3 bedroom houses that range from US$ 2500 to US$ 3000. Some may have facilities like a Gym, pool, tennis court, and communal rooms.
In areas such as Anzures, Colonia Del Valle, Cuajimalpa, Polanco, Interlomas, and Metepec (Toluca) there are 2 or 3 bedroom apartments that range from US$ 1000 to US$ 1500 and 3 bedroom houses that range from US$ 1800 to US$ 2500. Some may have facilities like a Gym, pool, tennis court, and communal rooms.
HOLIDAYS New year: Jan 1
3 Kings Day: Jan 6
Anniversary of the constitution: 5 Feb
Birthday of Benito Juarez: March 21
Holy Thursday: Apr
Holy Friday: Apr
Labor Day: May 1
Battle of Puebla Day: May 5
Mother’s Day: May 10
President’s state of the Nation Address: Sept 1
Independence Day: Sept 16
All Souls Day or Day of the Dead: Nov 2
Revolution’s Day: Nov 20
Virgin of Guadalupe Day: Dec 12
Christmas: Dec 25
Technical Information
Voltage: 110 Volts -AC 60 hertz
Plugs: Its electrical plug configuration is two flat blades. Both current and plugs are the same as in the U.S. and Canada. All North American appliances and electronic equipment should function without adapters or transformers. Some European models will function with adapters or transformers, or both.
Television Systems: NTSC
