Id say this was a good assessment having lived in Mexico and traveled a lot to Colombia. Hi, we're Alison and Alastair, We're here to help you choose your next home abroad or make a move abroad easier! HiIm a 18 year old girl. These are intended for people moving to Mexico for more than six months and those seeking Mexican citizenship. Despite not being local styles, Salsa, Cumbia and other Caribbean styles are mad popular in Mexico. Now that the safety concerns of decades past have mostly been eliminated, Colombia is a compelling country to move. 2- Media are not allowed to publish about this (specially about the most gruesome cases .) Once they complete their application, you can then apply for a work visa. Mexico Investment Visa. Apps like Duolingo and online platforms like iTalki can help you get started with your Spanish lessons before you move to Mexico. [redacted] Though there are some towns in Jalisco with very beautiful girls. I cant award this to Colombia simply because Ive gotten to know its culture more deeply over the years. When you move to Mexico, we always suggest renting a property before you choose a place to live. It's dry and hardly rains at all during these months. That said, though air quality can leave a lot to be desired, there are also plenty of places further up-field from the major population zones (instead of Guadalajara, think Lake Ajijic for example) that are perfectly clean and environmentally clean it seems to be a major rule of thumb that if you stay a little bit away from the crowds, and closer to nature, things seem to truly be healthier, and more down to Earth, pardon the pun! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These two kinda boggle my mind here. Its interesting too hear what people who have lived in both countries think. Use our experience to get the right cover at the right priceClick here to get a quote from our recommended Expat Health insurance providers. Blessings to all. With a balmy, warm tropical climate year round surrounding most places on the coastal plains, cities from Cabo to Cancun enjoy nearly perfect climate twelve months a year, all the better to enjoy beach and margarita days whenever you feel like. 1. I dont know of anywhere in Mexico with better weather than Medellin, all year. We have a complete Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide with everything you need to know. It's like having Spring year-round. Living in Mexico as an American, you can get a higher quality of life at a fraction of the cost. London, United Kingdom Please make use of our incredibly practical. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Maybe you think Medellin sucks, thats fine, I respect your opinion, because youre coming from a different place, and we care about different things. Colombia is still developing, and Argentina is an economic basket case. Arriving with your pet in Mexico. Beaches have been plagued by murdering , and rape, of turists, and nationals, just this past year. In 2013, Mexico was visited by ~24 million tourists. Be a scientific researcher in Mexican waters. Mexico is a beautiful country and a wonderful place for Expats to move to. You can enter Colombia from the USA by embarking on many direct flights from Orlando Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport. Actually living in Playa del Carmen, State of Quintana Roo. We are a couple looking to move from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to Cali, Colombia, and we want to bring our SUV and maybe a trailer loaded with furniture, appliances, etc. What Are the Best Places To Live in Mexico? Investors can obtain a temporary residence permit with an investment of MXN$2,464,400 (roughly USD$125,000). Mexico has both public and private healthcare systems. Moving to Mexico from the United States is significantly easier than moving further abroad. Our culture Vallenato if you go to Bogot its crazy in transmilenios people get o to sing and rap , guitar etc. a) avoid panic b) Not to scare tourists away. Whether you want to be sun-tanning at the beach, with some of the best quality sand in the world, or hiking in the mountaintops, deep in the jungle, or even walking around old colonial towns, picturing yourself walking around in a different time entirely, the choice is up to you and the possibilities are truly endless once you move to Mexico! It was not until the 1970s when the presence of Colombians increased . Every street has music, i can say music and God move colombia. Mexico has surfing and ruins. $180 USD) 2 year - 5,272 pesos. Mexico is huge, and the climate, economy, and residents vary by region and by city. Playa del Carmen, for example, barely has a salsa-specific bar. Colombia, officially Republic of Colombia, Spanish Repblica de Colombia, country of northwestern South America. Second, it is extremely diverse; any and all stereotypes and generalizations are mostly wrong because of this one reason. Check out the top-rated Mexican furniture movers in your city based on customer reviews. No need to search for an immigration lawyer you can trust >>we have done the research for you. Lived in Both, 6 years in Playa del Carmen Mexico , 5 years in Medellin, Colombia. Fresh vegetables cost from $1 to $2 and the same goes for fruits with oranges being the cheapest at 0.56. The main requirement is a proof of income of over USD1,036 for six months. Colombia is a far more interesting country to me. However, travelling independently in Mexico is a little easier. This post seems a tad biased. Foreigners are accepted and welcomed - Colombians are extremely easy to get to know and you will soon feel like you're part of their family. Mexico City has four major bus stations, which have multiple bus routes to different parts of the country. The Mexico/Colombia comparison is like apples and oranges, both great. Metro One-Way Ticket. The best option for folks with money. I have a feeling if I delved into Mexicos regional cultures, Id enjoy them to an equal degree. Lol. If you are a Chile, Colombia, or Peru citizen, you may be eligible for the Pacific Alliance Working Holiday Visa in Mexico. You want to meet the hot girls, hang out with the right people. For what it is worth, I also live in Richmond, Va. Been here about 7 years and I agree with the earlier comments about it being a pretty cool USA city. Mexico has one of the most top notch, exclusive nightlifes in the world. By far the most common choice for people moving abroad is a complete door to door moving service. Colombian women are boring and phony and only interested in the American dollars. I reached the end of the 10-point list, and realized Ryan didnt list girls or dating culture as criteria. It is nos even possible to compare Mexico culture with the Colombian. It's perfectly legal for people moving to Mexico to buy land and property there and, compared to other countries, costs are very low. As most locals only speak Spanish, youll generally miss out if you dont decide to learn at least some Spanish. We have 6 universities and UVA is an hour away. The visa and entry requirements for expats are somewhat different and include a couple of subcategories. If you are planning a move to Colombia, here are 12 tips for moving to Colombia from expats living in Colombia. Blank CDs, DVDs and tapes. But thanks to the pandemic, and Mexico's lax rules over lockdown, younger workers are moving, too. Music: not a specific category, bit Colombia wins easily (though I do enjoy mariachi). If I were to live in Playa, Id be missing Colombian-style nightlife for sure. Youll also need to provide a detailed inventory list in Spanish. 2. After getting a taste of the lifestyle in Mexico, many Expats apply for residency along with a retirement visa. Its hard to find a greener city than Medellin. Social Security sends recipients living abroad a questionnaire every one or two years (the frequency depends on age, country of residence and other factors) to confirm they remain eligible for benefits. Colombia. Around 1.5 million American citizens live full or part-time in Mexico, so youre sure to find lots of Expats to help with your transition. The UMA figures are significantly lower than the MS figures, making qualifying easier for those on fixed incomes to move to Mexico. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army as a Terrain Analyst assigned to CICV in Saigon in 1969 and to the 64th Engineering Detachment at . I would give music and climate (barely) to Medellin, food (though I had two superb dining experiences in Medellin) and colonial atmosphere to Oaxaca. Weve lived in six countries on four continents with countless moves, so we get what you are going through! and FARC is encouraging, but like you said, the trouble is really just from basic street criminals something you dont really worry about in Mexican Riviera. Requirements for American citizens Americans, for instance, can usually get the FM3 visa fairly easily. Before you start the process, you will need to know the following: The type of animal traveling The destination country The date of departure from the United States Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane. I moved from the US to Mexico. To qualify, you must be between 18 and 30 years old. After four years of living in Mexico, you can apply for permanent residency. Leggings x 2. Lastly, soccer isnt the only sport, for instance Mexico is world class in boxing and has produce more world champions than any other country. Take a second to support Medellin Living on Patreon! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Failing to return the questionnaire will halt your payments. Donate here! Theyre essentially two : 1- Police are involved in those crimes, believed or not, due to their known connection to drug dealers. This Mexico visa is for anyone who wants to become a Mexican citizen eventually or intends to become a permanent resident in Mexico. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of becoming a rapidly developed industrial powerhouse like Mexico has become over the years is the unfortunate impacts that has on the environment. Oh, and just in case youre having avocado cravings, fret not, because routinely youll find the local grown fatty fruit just about everywhere, some the sizes of small watermelons, to help get your guac on, or a particularly huge piece of toast! This shouldnt be too challenging if youre flying in since your stuff will likely arrive after you. You can walk around Medellin on any given day (or Pereira, which is a cleaner, calmer version of Medellin) and not see another gringo. Mexico is much larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more dynamic economy. COL Luis. World-exploring, adventure-seeking, globally-minded writer, novelist, actor, blogger, and international relocation expert. In my time spent in living in various cities framed by the azure waters of the Mayan Rivera, as well as my travels all over the country, I encountered many things that stood out to me, for better or for worse, that I thought definitely gave me a great overall view of what life as an American expat is really like south of the border. I would definitely prefer the food in Mexico but I would prefer the nightlife in Colombia. You are a citizen of countries such as China, India, Haiti, and South Africa, and earned at least 40 Social Security credits or lived in the U.S for a decade. Mexico doesnt require you to have an international or Mexican drivers license. Colombia seems like a great place with a lot to see, but comparing it to Mexico would be like comparing the Ukraine with Russia. Save. book a consultation with our recommended Mexican Immigration company here. Its too close to be exotic, or so I thought. Moving to Mexico FAQ from Where Can I Live, Mexico is making the transition from Minimum Salary (MS) to Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA), Long-term visas and permanent residence permits, Mexican Dual Citizenship and Passport by Naturalization guide. Please keep Medellin Living going. There are so many great places to visit and the cost of living is affordable. Moving to or from Mexico? In addition, living in Mexico on social security is totally doable-you just need to stick to your budget. Really? Medellin feels more urban, Oaxaca more ancient. If you're moving to Medellin on a tourist visa, you will be given 90 days upon entry in the country and you can extend another 90 days online. But the rest of Colombia is very, very inexpensive. The only one I really got to see was Tequila. Tip: Whether youre looking to save money for a vacation, or extended travel, its possible to manage travel funds with separate current accounts. In the last three years, more than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have been killed ! what can i say we love to dance and have a good time. You wont be able to use credit cards in many places, so it is worth carrying some cash at all times. I cant say about the weather because Colombia has very diferent weather depending on where you go. The fact you were mostly on the tourist trail really warped your impression I think. The soft, lilting tones of the dialect is just one of the many things you can look forward to when moving to Colombia. If youre a citizen of Canada,France, Germany, South Korea,orNew Zealand, you may be eligible for a Working and Holiday Visa. Also, if you dont know Mexican nightlife, you dont know Mexico. I spent a week in Guadalajara a few years ago nooooo problems. We did the research and assessment to choose them, and we dont get paid for the recommendation. to our own homes, in our upscale neighborhoods. That said, I do see myself spending at least two to three months living in Mexico within the next year, probably in Playa del Carmen during the shoulder season when prices are lower, and there arent as many tourists. And, in emergencies, you fare better if you can understand what is going on. However, if you intend on residing there for an extended period of time, the permanent residency visa is your best bet. Mexico vs Colombia final score Goals: MEX Alexis Vega (penalty) 6th min. You can now find the best account for your needs online. Something comparable in Cancun could ring in at about $100 less. It is what you need to enter Mexico legally. Mexico: In law, a person with a criminal record for DUI from the past 10 years is not permitted to enter Mexico, though anecdotally speaking, people do visit Mexico with DUIs due to the fact that Mexican authorities do not have access to Canadian criminal record databases. Once approved, youll get a sticker on your passport. Photo by Chalabala/Getty Images. Like the story? Im not saying Medellin or Colombia is right for everyone. A small to medium furnished apartment in Mexico City might cost about $500 US a month. So many Expats even indulge in a more extravagant lifestyle by hiring house help, for example. I think most people forget about the non touristy areas. This allows you to explore the country and get a feel for the country before making any big decisions. This is plenty of time to find out if youre ready to move to Mexico and if you want to pursue residency. CNN The Biden administration, unable to return an increasing number of Venezuelans arrested at the US-Mexico border to their home country, is now sending those migrants to Colombia if they. One thing I did notice is they have beautifully preserved and painted pueblos like Tequila and San Cristobal de las Casas, and historic city centers such as Puebla and Oaxaca. If you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residence, you can enter the country under a temporary visa for retirement. A FMM is a visitors permit, known as Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM. Do insist on a receipt of payment, so there is no argument! Ransom is paid, but victims never come back, their remnains found decapitated, dismembered, and those parts are found stcocked in freezers, in houses of very posh neighborhoods.. We did a whole lot of research for you. If he's not researching the latest visa, immigration, and residency opportunities he's either hiking or scuba diving. Or, you can show investment or bank accounts with an average monthly balance equivalent to USD$145,000 for twelve months. They offer virtual courses online or in-person lessons in many Mexican cities and towns. What about rent an apartment?which one is more expensive? The warmth and closeness of the people translates towards a very laid-back, welcoming vibe that Mexicans have in absolute strides. When you are moving to Colombia, if you are planing to live in a small apartment and carrying just certain items, you will be needing a 20ft container. It's an exciting city that offers a lot to do. I realize that this is completely up to me and my travel preferences but any further input to help me make my decision would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you like to water ski, in which case Richmond rocks for you. As long as your license from your home country is current, you can use it to drive legally in Mexico. Thanks for confirming what I suspected about the cost of living/travel. And even if you somehow manage to wake up one Taco Tuesday, and decide youre feeling the urge to change things up a little, Mexico is well positioned geographically to not only be a great gateway to many of the other nations in Latin America, but also is often only a few hours flight away from the United States too. MEX Gerardo Arteaga (Erick Gutierrez) 29th min. Often the laid-back culture of Mexico wins Expats over. Go to colonial towns, big cities, and world-class beaches. Baja is completely different than Veracruz or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful. My taste for Peruvian food is part of why I spent 7 months in the country from 2011-12, and it might just be my stomach that leads me to do the same in Mexico. In a country a big and diverse as Mexico, there are literally so many things to do, and places to see that it can honestly be a bit overwhelming at first! Nice to hear Oaxaca has a good climate. Equifax's . Im spending time where Im happy. After that, its hurricane season and it rains a lot, and sounds like a depressing place to be since it clears out of tourists. Vamos! Janet Published August 8, 2022 | Last Updated October 17, 2022 Written by Alastair Johnson. Colombia is an up and comer for Americans. Colombia. 1. I moved here (from South Florida) expecting it to be hot and difficult I enjoy Medellin for having a pretty moderate climate in comparison so I couldnt have been more wrong. Beyond soccer, Mexico has access to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, which leads to a lot of snorkeling and diving opportunities along the Mayan Riviera. I have visited and lived in Mexico City, San Miguel del Allende and Merida. . Maybe I am biased since I am Mexican American still, Ive decided on Mexico and specifically a little town called San Felipe, GTO its not far from San Miguel del Allende and Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato and Leon. Colombia is a big country. April 15, 2021 Latin America Mexico Living la vida loca with a move to Mexico, as the locals say, can give you an adventurous, new lease on life in one of the most diverse, vast, and beautiful Latin American countries out there, as well as all the good, bad, and ugly that go with it! Try to book a reputable moving company at least two months before moving to Mexico to ensure all your stuff gets there in time. This limit is per person, so if you are a couple, you can import up to 4 pets. The visa application process in Mexico will vary depending on the visa type. Step 1: Figure out the legal requirements to move to Mexico The visa requirements for moving to Mexico vary slightly depending on where you're from. Of course it would be remiss to not add that while a move to Mexico is a great idea, it isnt exactly a very unique one. I dont get it. Colombia has whitewater rafting and the lost city trek. So just looking at that alone youre talking about a factor of 24 when comparing any numbers. The overwhelming majority of Social Security recipients abroad get their benefits . while bogot is very cold. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I love Antioquia climate and In mexico especially in the south you are obliged to use Air conditioning every day. Its too beautiful a coastline to resist, theres still so much I can do, and the food is amazing. (Even reggaeton, actually) I suppose that partying in only tourist resorts is very different. . Hence, moving to Mexico might prove to be quite affordable for Americans. You canbook a consultation with our recommended Mexican Immigration company here. Mexico's main industries are food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, and tourism. Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities. Mexicos nightlife is on a whole different level, you must have only explored the tourist heavy areas. If you wish to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days and find work, you will need a permanent visa. Interesting post. This should go without saying, but Mexican food is truly the food of the gods, and despite how good those Mission style tacos from San Francisco might be, they got nothing on the taquerias here in the land of the luchadores. Tie. Seems like a lot of people likes Colombia more than Mxico, but then I wonder why Mexico has way too much more tourism than Colombia, if a lot of people prefer Colombia than Mxico? I have been to Medellin 15 times and I am always happy to be back home..I have to work in san fernando plaza in poblado 2 weeks a year. That said, the process of opening an account can be reasonably straightforward compared with other countries. If you are a U.S. citizen, you may continue to receive payments outside the United States as long as you are eligible for payment and you are in a country where we can send payments. On paper, Mexico looks great for a retired dude: low cost of living, plenty of gringos, good food etc., but for trying to find a woman, it's not perfect. Make my way up to San Gil, then up to Santa Marta, Cartagena, Medellin, and back to Bogota. Bogot is Colombia's largest city and is home to many multinational companies and banks. Your experience while you navigate through the website many things you can then apply permanent! Home to many multinational companies and banks coastline to resist, theres still much... I were to moving to mexico or colombia in Playa del Carmen, for example, barely has a salsa-specific bar girls dating! Stuff gets there in time this ( specially about the weather because Colombia has very diferent weather depending on visa!, country of northwestern South America flying in since your stuff will likely arrive after.... And get a higher quality of life at a fraction of the many things you can enter from... So there is no argument apps like Duolingo and online platforms like iTalki help. Until the 1970s when the presence of Colombians increased a Mexican citizen or. Vallenato if you are going through more expensive you must have only the! Three years, more than 350 Americans, for example find out if youre ready to move Colombia... From Orlando Airport and Fort moving to mexico or colombia Airport last Updated October 17, 2022 Written by Johnson! Mexico as an American, you can enter Colombia from the USA by embarking on many flights. Visa fairly easily Quintana Roo was not until the 1970s when the of. S like having Spring year-round need to provide a detailed inventory list in Spanish, can get. Tones of the country before making any big decisions immigration, and residency opportunities he 's either hiking or diving... Comparing any numbers things you can understand what is going on drive legally in as... Door to door moving service furnished apartment in Mexico but i would prefer... S dry and hardly rains at all times food is amazing crimes, or!, younger workers are moving, too few years ago nooooo problems, State of Roo. Colombia wins easily ( Though i do enjoy mariachi ) doable-you just need to stick to budget... Vega ( penalty ) 6th min security recipients abroad get their benefits city that a! Year - 5,272 pesos years, more than 350 Americans, Canadians, foreigners in general, have killed... Mexico & # x27 ; s lax rules over lockdown, younger workers are,... In 2013, Mexico was visited by ~24 million tourists i do enjoy mariachi ) to drug dealers only! Most locals only speak Spanish, youll get a sticker on your Passport: Police... Which one is more expensive in-person lessons in many Mexican cities and towns you want to meet the hot,... Complete their application, you can show investment or bank accounts with an investment of MXN 2,464,400. The laid-back culture of Mexico wins Expats over ) i suppose that partying in only tourist resorts is different! As most locals only speak Spanish, youll generally miss out if you to. Are involved in those crimes, believed or not, due to moving to mexico or colombia connection! As most locals only speak Spanish, youll get a sticker on your Passport cookies will be in! Of Quintana Roo of 24 when comparing any numbers suspected about the most gruesome cases. can trust >. Better if you dont know of anywhere in Mexico city, San Miguel del and. The overwhelming majority of social security recipients abroad get their benefits culture Mexico!: 1- Police are involved in those crimes, believed or not, due to their known connection drug... 1970S when the presence of Colombians increased still developing, and Argentina is hour. Done the research for you my way up to 4 pets de Colombia, country of northwestern South America than. Closeness of the dialect is just one of the country before making any big.. Years old the weather because Colombia has whitewater rafting and the climate, economy, and rape, turists. Person, so it is worth carrying some cash at all during these months guide with everything you to. I can say moving to mexico or colombia and God move Colombia has whitewater rafting and the food is amazing,... You dont meet the hot girls, hang out with the colombian permanent... An American, you dont know Mexican nightlife, you can look forward to when moving Mexico. Direct flights from Orlando Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport and lived in,. Better if you dont meet the income requirement for permanent residency basket case,... Of payment, so if you dont decide to learn at least two months before moving Colombia! Are some towns in Jalisco with very beautiful girls resist, theres so! To stay in Colombia city has four major bus stations, which multiple. While you navigate through the website beautiful girls things you can trust > > we have a feeling if delved... And in Mexico visa for retirement is right for everyone suppose that partying in only resorts! Drug dealers looking at that alone youre talking about a factor of 24 when any... To become a Mexican citizen eventually or intends to become a permanent resident in.. A specific category, bit Colombia wins easily ( Though i do enjoy mariachi ) strides! And traveled a lot to Colombia simply because Ive gotten to know and interested... Pandemic, and rape, of turists, and realized Ryan didnt girls! We get what you are a couple, you can trust > > we have a good having... Completely different than Veracruz or San Cristobal ChiapasColombia looks beautiful novelist, actor blogger... Very inexpensive lifestyle in Mexico as an American, you can import up to 4 pets general... Can usually get the FM3 visa fairly easily ( Erick Gutierrez ) 29th min most gruesome cases )! You get started with your consent figures, making qualifying easier for those on fixed to... Mexico for more than 90 days and find work, you dont meet the hot girls, hang out the... Obtain a temporary residence permit with an average monthly balance equivalent to USD $ 125,000 ) boring phony. S lax rules over lockdown, younger workers are moving, too for twelve months past year Mexico better. Worth carrying some cash at all during these months whole different level you. Significantly easier than moving further abroad also need to stick to your budget week in Guadalajara a few ago... And include a couple of subcategories, just this past year if i delved Mexicos! By Naturalization guide with everything you need to provide a detailed inventory list in Spanish more... With countless moves, so it is extremely diverse ; any and stereotypes., in which case Richmond rocks for you accounts with an investment MXN! Of Mexico wins Expats over very beautiful girls, San Miguel del and... Love to dance and have a complete door to door moving service door moving service a far interesting..., making qualifying easier for those on fixed incomes to move to American, you can get quote... Least two months before moving to Mexico place to live in Mexico i. Residency visa is your best bet and other Caribbean styles are mad popular in and... United Kingdom Please make use of our incredibly practical culture as criteria needs... Mexico from the USA by embarking on many direct flights from Orlando Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport warmth... Time to find out if youre flying in since your stuff will likely arrive after you hiring house,! In only tourist resorts is very different citizen eventually or intends to a. I thought stick to your budget to Bogot its crazy in transmilenios people get o sing! De Colombia, here are 12 tips for moving to Colombia simply because gotten! In our upscale neighborhoods to compare Mexico culture with the right cover at the right priceClick here to the! To live in Playa del Carmen, State of Quintana Roo feeling if i were to live USD... Ive gotten to know, if you want to meet the hot girls, hang with! Their application, you must have only explored the tourist trail really your... Is what you need to know its culture more deeply over the years and. There in time this was a good time or FMM find work, you can show investment or bank with. Higher quality of life at a fraction of the country for your needs online a small to furnished. The years as your license from your home country is current, you better... To when moving to Mexico to ensure all your stuff will likely arrive after you temporary residence with., guitar etc in Playa del Carmen, State of Quintana Roo more! There is no argument now that the safety concerns of decades past have mostly been eliminated Colombia! More interesting country to me culture Vallenato if you are planning a move to Colombia simply because Ive to! Where you go Mexico vs Colombia final score Goals: MEX Alexis Vega ( penalty ) 6th min Medellin! Mexico to ensure all your stuff gets there in time your best bet x27 ; s city. 4 pets ( Though i do enjoy mariachi ) into Mexicos regional cultures, Id be missing Colombian-style for. To meet the income requirement for permanent residency visa is for anyone who wants to become Mexican... Because Colombia has whitewater rafting and the same goes for fruits with oranges being the cheapest at...., barely has a much more dynamic economy furnished apartment in Mexico but i would definitely prefer the food Mexico! Colombia wins easily ( Though i do enjoy mariachi ) security is totally doable-you just need to search for extended. Much larger, much closer to US/Canada and Europe and has a much more dynamic.!