Trading snow and freezing temperatures for sunshine in Mexico? Before you pack your sandals, there are a few things to take care of.
Whether you’re spending two months in Puerto Vallarta or the entire winter in Lake Chapala, preparing ahead makes your stay easier.
Use this Mexico snowbird checklist to get your home, documents, healthcare, and finances ready before you leave.
1. Check Your Passport and Immigration Documents
Don’t assume you can automatically stay in Mexico for six months.
- Check your passport’s expiration date.
- Confirm the entry rules for your nationality.
- Check how many days immigration authorizes when you arrive.
- Bring your Mexican residency card if you have one.
- Save your return ticket and accommodation details.
Visitors may be authorized to stay for up to 180 days, but the actual period granted can be shorter. Make sure your departure plans match your authorized stay.
If you hold Mexican temporary or permanent residency, follow the entry procedures for residents rather than entering as a tourist.
Official resource: Mexico’s National Immigration Institute
2. Review Your Health Insurance Before Leaving
A medical emergency can quickly disrupt your winter plans.
Your U.S. or Canadian health coverage may not provide the protection you expect in Mexico.
- Confirm whether your current policy covers treatment in Mexico.
- Check emergency care, hospitalization, and surgery benefits.
- Review deductibles, exclusions, and pre-existing condition rules.
- Ask whether the insurer offers direct hospital billing.
- Save your insurance policy and emergency assistance number.
Travel medical insurance and international health insurance are not the same.
Travel medical plans often focus on unexpected emergencies during a temporary trip. International health plans may offer broader benefits, depending on the policy.
If you’re American, remember that Original Medicare generally does not cover healthcare in Mexico.
Not sure which coverage fits your winter stay? Brett LaMar can help you compare your options.
3. Prepare Your Medications and Medical Records
Finding your usual medication in another country isn’t always easy.
- Schedule doctor and dental appointments before departure.
- Request enough prescription medication for your stay, within legal limits.
- Keep medications in their original labeled packaging.
- Bring copies of prescriptions and a medication list.
- Save information about allergies and medical conditions.
- Check whether your medications are permitted in Mexico.
If you have an ongoing medical condition, identify a nearby doctor or hospital before you need one.
4. Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Your home still needs attention while you’re enjoying Mexico.
- Arrange for someone to check your property regularly.
- Confirm your home insurance covers extended absences.
- Set your thermostat to protect against frozen pipes.
- Arrange snow removal and mail collection.
- Set up automatic payments for utilities and other bills.
- Secure doors, windows, and valuables.
- Test security cameras and leak detectors.
Some home insurance policies have special requirements when a property is vacant for an extended period. Ask your insurer before leaving.
5. Organize Your Money and Banking
You’ll need reliable access to money throughout your stay.
- Check foreign transaction and ATM fees.
- Confirm your debit and credit cards work in Mexico.
- Carry a backup payment card.
- Set up banking alerts and online account access.
- Bring a small amount of Mexican pesos.
- Plan for emergency expenses.
Use ATMs inside established banks when possible. When offered a choice of currency conversion at an ATM, compare the rate before accepting.
6. Prepare for Driving in Mexico
Driving south for the winter? There are extra steps.
- Confirm you have appropriate Mexican auto insurance.
- Check whether your vehicle needs a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).
- Carry your registration, driver’s license, and vehicle documents.
- Plan your route and overnight stops.
- Check current travel advisories and road conditions.
- Confirm the rules for returning your vehicle and canceling the permit.
Temporary vehicle import rules depend on where you’re driving and your immigration status.
Official resource: Mexico’s Tax Administration Service — Vehicle Import Information
If you’re flying, arrange airport transportation before arrival.
7. Pack for Your Destination, Not Just the Beach
Mexico has several different winter climates.
Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya are generally warm. Inland destinations such as San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro can have chilly mornings and evenings.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
- Bring lightweight clothing and a sweater or jacket.
- Include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Pack prescription glasses, contacts, and essential toiletries.
- Bring chargers and any specialty products you rely on.
- Keep medications, documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
For a multi-month stay, packing for a week and doing laundry is often easier than bringing your entire wardrobe.
8. Set Up Your Phone and Internet
Staying connected makes everyday life much easier.
- Check your mobile provider’s Mexico roaming options.
- Consider a Mexican SIM or eSIM.
- Install WhatsApp for local communication.
- Download offline maps and a translation app.
- Confirm your rental has reliable internet.
- Make sure you can receive banking verification codes abroad.
If you rely on video calls or remote work, ask your rental host for an actual internet speed test before booking.
9. Confirm Your Winter Accommodation
Before leaving home, double-check the details of your rental.
- Confirm arrival and departure dates.
- Get the full address and check-in instructions.
- Ask about utilities, cleaning, and extra fees.
- Check whether the property has heating or air conditioning.
- Confirm Wi-Fi, laundry, and kitchen facilities.
- Save your landlord’s or property manager’s contact information.
If you have mobility concerns, ask about stairs, elevators, uneven sidewalks, and bathroom accessibility.
10. Make an Emergency Plan
This is one of the most important steps, yet it’s easy to overlook.
- Save emergency contacts in your phone.
- Identify a nearby private hospital.
- Keep digital and paper copies of important documents.
- Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust.
- Know how to contact your insurance company’s assistance team.
- Learn Mexico’s emergency number: 911.
If you’re traveling alone, consider carrying a small emergency contact card in both English and Spanish.
Your Final 48-Hour Mexico Snowbird Checklist
Before you leave, review your Mexico snowbird checklist one last time. A few minutes spent checking the details can help prevent problems during your winter stay.
- Passport and travel documents packed
- Insurance confirmed and documents saved
- Prescription medications in carry-on
- Home secured and caretaker notified
- Bills and banking arranged
- Airport transfer or driving route confirmed
- Phone, chargers, and emergency contacts ready
- Family or friends have your itinerary
Enjoy Your Winter in Mexico
A little preparation now means fewer problems later.
With your home secure, documents organized, and healthcare plans in place, you can spend more time enjoying everything Mexico has to offer.
Before you head south, make sure your health insurance is ready too.
Brett LaMar helps American and Canadian snowbirds compare travel medical and international health insurance options for Mexico.
Get coverage information before your winter stay begins.