Living in Baja
Living in Baja
Money & Exchange
Exchange rates, currency conversion, tipping, and splitting bills.
Open →Immigration
Visas, residency, official services, and paperwork.
Open →Home & Utilities
Power, internet, water, propane, and home-service guidance.
Open →Moving to Baja
Plan household imports, movers, mail, and essential documents.
Open →More in this section
Mailbox & package receiving
US mail and Amazon don't reliably deliver into Mexico — most expats rent a US-side mailbox (often just across the border, e.g. San Ysidro/Otay Mesa/Calexico) and pick up or have it forwarded.
- A US mailbox address also keeps US bank/credit card statements, prescriptions, and voter registration simple.
- Some services offer package consolidation and customs paperwork help for larger shipments — ask before you need it, not during a move.
- Commercial-value shipments need a customs invoice (factura) — declare accurately, since undervaluing can trigger delays or fines.
- For everyday personal packages, a US mailbox service (see above) is usually cheaper and simpler than international shipping.
Moving companies (menaje de casa)
Cross-border household moves need a "menaje de casa" permit and itemized inventory if you're importing residency-linked household goods duty-free.
- The menaje de casa exemption generally requires temporary or permanent residency status — sort your visa first, the move second.
- Get quotes from movers who specifically handle US↔Mexico cross-border moves, not just local movers — the customs paperwork trips up generalists.
Legal services
For residency, property, or business matters, look for a licensed abogado (attorney) — ideally bilingual and experienced with expats.
- A "notario público" in Mexico is not the same as a US notary — they're senior attorneys with real legal authority (especially for real estate) and worth using for anything property-related.
- The US Consulate publishes a list of local attorneys who've had no complaints filed — a reasonable starting point, though it isn't an endorsement.
