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Grace Johnson

Working for Intuit from Mexico for a few days - has anyone done this successfully?

I'm scheduled to visit family in Mexico next month for about a week, but I still need to work during this time. Has anyone here at Intuit worked remotely from Mexico for a short period? I know we have remote work policies, but I'm not sure if there are any specific restrictions about working internationally for a brief period. I'd really appreciate knowing if there are any VPN issues, tax implications, or if I need special approval from my manager. I already mentioned the trip to my supervisor, but I'm not sure if there's a formal process I need to follow. Mostly concerned about being able to access all our systems securely while I'm there. Anyone have experience with this? Did everything work smoothly? Any tips or warnings would be super helpful! Thanks!

I actually did this last year for about 10 days while visiting family in Puerto Vallarta. There are a few important things to know: First, you need to get approval from your manager AND submit a request through the Global Mobility team. This is required even for short trips because there are security and tax considerations. Go to the internal portal and search for "international remote work" to find the form. For VPN access, you'll need to use the secure GlobalProtect connection and possibly get temporary permissions added to your account. I recommend testing it before you go. Also, bring a backup hotspot option because hotel WiFi can be unreliable in some areas. The tax implications are minimal for short stays (under 30 days), but you still need to document the work arrangement. Make sure to keep records of your exact work days while in Mexico.

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Did you have any issues accessing internal systems or tools? I'm wondering specifically about things like the development environments and customer data systems.

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I didn't have any major access issues with the secure VPN connection. The development environments worked fine, though they were a bit slower than usual. For customer data systems, you'll need to make sure you have the proper clearance noted on your international work request - they sometimes apply temporary restrictions during international travel for security reasons. As for performance, I'd recommend downloading any large files or resources you might need before you go. The internet speed was decent in the hotel, but not as fast as what I'm used to at home.

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Hey! Just wanted to share my experience with something that really helped me when I worked from Cancun for a week earlier this year. I was worried about all the same things - VPN issues, tax problems, and getting proper approvals. I actually used this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me understand all the tax implications of working abroad temporarily. They have this special feature that analyzes your specific situation and provides documentation of exactly what you need to be compliant. I just uploaded my employment details and travel plans, and they gave me a complete breakdown of what I needed to do before, during, and after my trip. Saved me from a ton of worry about accidentally creating tax problems.

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How exactly does the service work? I'm curious if they need sensitive employment info or if it's more general advice about working internationally.

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Are you sure this is needed for just a week of work? Seems like overkill to me. Does Intuit HR actually require this level of documentation for short trips?

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The service is pretty straightforward - you answer questions about your employment status, the company you work for, your home tax residence, and where you'll be working temporarily. You don't need to provide super sensitive info like SSN or anything, just enough details for them to assess your situation. Regarding whether it's needed for just a week - technically you're right that it might seem like overkill, but I wanted peace of mind. Intuit HR requires you to document international work regardless of duration, and having the proper documentation from a third party actually helped streamline my approval process. Better safe than sorry when it comes to international tax compliance.

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Just wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai. After hearing about it here, I decided to try it before my two-week trip to Mexico City last month. The whole process was super easy and took about 15 minutes. What I found most helpful was that they provided a document I could submit to our Global Mobility team that had all the specific Mexico-US tax treaty information already filled out. I wasn't even aware there were specific provisions for temporary work! The HR team actually thanked me for providing such thorough documentation upfront - saved them work too. The peace of mind was totally worth it, and I could focus on enjoying my trip while working without constantly worrying if I was creating some obscure tax liability.

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If you're struggling to get timely approvals from the Global Mobility team (which can sometimes take longer than expected), you might want to check out Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I used their service when I was trying to get answers about working internationally but couldn't get through to the right person in HR. They basically help you skip the phone queues and get directly connected to the right department. I was skeptical at first but ended up getting connected to someone who could actually help me within minutes instead of days. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c It was particularly helpful for getting clarification on exactly what documentation I needed for a short international work period, which saved me from having to reschedule my trip.

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How does this even work? I've never heard of a service that could get you through to internal HR faster.

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This sounds like a waste of money. Can't you just email the global mobility team or talk to your manager? Why pay for something like this?

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It works by using a callback system that navigates phone trees and holds your place in queue. For Intuit specifically, they can connect you to the right external HR support line that handles global mobility questions, not the internal systems. It's especially useful when you need answers quickly or when email responses are taking too long. I understand the skepticism - I initially felt the same way. But when I was a week away from my trip and still hadn't gotten the necessary approvals via email, I was getting desperate. The regular process should work, but when you're in a time crunch or need specific answers quickly, having an option to actually speak with someone can make all the difference. Not saying it's for everyone, but it solved my specific problem.

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I'll admit I was wrong about Claimyr! After posting my skeptical comment, I was still struggling to get answers about my upcoming work trip to Cabo. Emails to Global Mobility went unanswered for days, and my manager wasn't sure about the process either. Out of desperation, I tried the service, and within 20 minutes I was actually speaking with someone who could help. They walked me through exactly what I needed to submit and expedited my approval since my trip was only a few days away. Turns out there was a backlog of requests they were processing, and my email was buried. Sometimes being able to actually speak with someone directly really is worth it, especially when you're on a deadline.

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I've done this multiple times over the past couple years. Some practical tips: - Download all VPN software and test it BEFORE you leave - Make sure your laptop has all security updates - Get a local SIM card with data as backup internet - Inform your team of your working hours (time zone differences) - Document your days worked internationally - Use a good headset for calls (background noise can be an issue) Also FYI Intuit updated their international work policy in March. Now anything under 14 calendar days just needs manager approval (documented via email). The Global Mobility request is still required but it's a simplified form for short stays.

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What about hardware issues? I'm worried about what happens if my laptop has problems while I'm there.

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That's a valid concern! For hardware issues, make sure you have the global IT support number saved (not just the US one). Also, back up any critical files to approved cloud storage before you go. If your laptop completely dies, the company can sometimes arrange a loaner from a local office if they have one in the city you're visiting, but this isn't always available. As a precaution, I always bring a tablet as backup for emergency access to email and basic tools. Not ideal for development work, but it can get you through a pinch until you solve the laptop issue.

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Does anyone know if there are specific cities in Mexico that are better for remote work? I'm planning to do something similar but haven't decided where exactly I'll stay.

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Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey have the best internet infrastructure overall. Tourist areas like Cancun and Playa del Carmen have good options too but stick to business hotels or coworking spaces. I worked from Puerto Vallarta and found the internet to be inconsistent in residential areas but great at hotels.

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I'd recommend Mexico City for sure. Neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, and Polanco have tons of cafes with good wifi, reliable power, and many coworking spaces. Cell service is also excellent for hotspot backup.

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Thanks everyone for the detailed responses! This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I had no idea about the updated policy for stays under 14 days - that's really helpful to know it's now just manager approval plus the simplified Global Mobility form. @Jayden Reed - I'll definitely test the VPN connection before I go and look into getting those temporary permissions added. The backup hotspot idea is smart too. @Eli Wang - I'm curious about taxr.ai now. Even though it's just a week, having proper documentation sounds like it could make the approval process smoother with HR. @Nathaniel Stewart - The practical tips are super useful! I hadn't thought about getting a local SIM card or bringing a good headset. And thanks for the heads up about the March policy update. I'm feeling much more confident about this now. Going to start with getting my manager's documented approval via email, then submit the simplified Global Mobility form, and test all my tech setup before I leave. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

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Great to see you're getting all the info you need! One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to check with your specific team about any scheduled meetings or deadlines during your trip. Some teams have policies about advance notice for international work, especially if you'll be presenting to clients or handling sensitive projects. Also, regarding the VPN testing that others mentioned - I'd suggest doing a full day of work from a coffee shop or somewhere with public WiFi before you go. This will give you a better sense of how the connection performs under real working conditions, not just a quick test from home. Have an amazing trip! Mexico is wonderful, and it sounds like you've got all the logistics covered.

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This is such great advice about testing from a coffee shop first! I'm actually planning a similar trip to work from Mexico in a few months and hadn't thought about doing a full workday simulation beforehand. That's really smart - it would definitely help identify any potential issues before you're actually depending on the connection internationally. Thanks for sharing that tip!

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This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually in a similar situation - planning to work from Guadalajara for about 10 days next month while visiting my in-laws. One thing I wanted to add based on my research is about time zone management. Since Mexico has different time zones (some areas don't observe daylight saving time), make sure to double-check meeting times and communicate clearly with your team about your availability windows. I almost made the mistake of assuming Mexico City would be the same time as Central Time year-round. Also, for anyone considering the tax documentation services mentioned, I'd recommend checking if your situation actually requires it first. For most short-term work situations under 30 days, the tax implications are minimal, but having documentation can definitely streamline the HR approval process. Has anyone worked from smaller cities in Mexico, or mainly just the major metropolitan areas? I'm curious about internet reliability in places like San Miguel de Allende or Oaxaca.

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Great point about the time zones! I actually worked from San Miguel de Allende for a week last year and the internet was surprisingly good at most cafes and hotels in the centro histórico area. The main challenge wasn't connectivity but rather finding quiet spaces for video calls since it's such a bustling tourist area. I ended up working early mornings from my Airbnb and then exploring in the afternoons. For Oaxaca, I haven't personally worked from there, but a colleague mentioned the internet can be more hit-or-miss depending on exactly where you stay. She recommended staying closer to the main plaza area where the infrastructure is more reliable. Both cities are absolutely beautiful though - you'll have an amazing time! Just make sure to have that backup hotspot ready as others suggested.

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This is such a comprehensive thread! I'm currently planning a similar trip to work from Tulum for about 5 days, and reading through everyone's experiences has been invaluable. One thing I wanted to ask - has anyone dealt with power outages while working internationally? I know some areas in Mexico can have occasional electrical issues, and I'm wondering if investing in a portable power bank for my laptop would be worth it, or if most business hotels have backup generators. Also, regarding the VPN testing advice - I tried the coffee shop simulation that @Amara Adebayo suggested and discovered my connection was much slower for uploading large files than I expected. Definitely glad I tested this beforehand! For anyone else doing this, I'd specifically recommend testing any file uploads or cloud syncing you regularly do, not just basic web browsing and email. The updated policy about needing just manager approval for under 14 days is such a relief. Makes the whole process much more straightforward than I was expecting.

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Great question about power outages! I haven't personally experienced this while working from Mexico, but a portable power bank for laptops is definitely a smart investment. Most business hotels do have backup generators, but they don't always kick in immediately, and you might lose a few minutes of work during the transition. I'd also recommend saving your work more frequently than usual when working internationally, just as an extra precaution. And if you're staying in an Airbnb or smaller accommodation, definitely ask the host about power reliability in that specific area before booking. Your point about testing file uploads is spot on too - that's something that can really slow down your workflow if you're not prepared for it. Thanks for sharing that tip from your coffee shop test!

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This thread has been so helpful! I'm actually in HR at another tech company and wanted to mention that the simplified approval process for short international work trips (under 14 days) is becoming pretty standard across the industry. It's great to see Intuit streamlined this in March. For anyone still on the fence about the tax documentation services, I'd say it really depends on your risk tolerance. Technically, a week of work from Mexico likely won't create significant tax obligations, but having proper documentation can definitely help if any questions come up later during tax season or compliance audits. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure to check if your travel insurance covers work equipment while abroad. Some policies have specific exclusions for business use, and replacing a laptop internationally can be both expensive and time-consuming. Also, definitely recommend informing your bank about international travel beforehand. Nothing worse than having your cards frozen while you're trying to work abroad! Learned that one the hard way during a work trip to Costa Rica a few years ago. Safe travels and enjoy combining work with family time - it's such a great way to make the most of your PTO!

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Thanks for sharing your HR perspective! The point about travel insurance for work equipment is really important - I hadn't even thought about that. I'll definitely need to check my policy before my Mexico trip. The bank notification tip is crucial too. I actually had my card frozen during a domestic work trip once just because the spending pattern was different, so I can only imagine how quickly that would happen internationally. Quick question - when you mention compliance audits, are those something that happen regularly at most companies, or only if there are specific red flags? I'm just trying to understand if the documentation from services like taxr.ai is more about peace of mind versus actual necessity for a short trip like this.

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This entire thread has been incredibly thorough and helpful! As someone who's been considering a similar arrangement but was intimidated by all the potential complications, reading everyone's real experiences has been reassuring. I'm particularly grateful for the practical tips about testing VPN connections beforehand, getting local SIM cards, and the updated policy about manager approval for trips under 14 days. The coffee shop simulation idea is brilliant - I never would have thought to do a full workday test in suboptimal conditions before traveling. One additional consideration I'd add: if you're working with clients or external partners during your Mexico trip, you might want to give them a heads up about potential connectivity variations, even if you don't expect any issues. Better to set expectations upfront than to deal with frustrated clients if you do encounter any technical hiccups. Also really appreciate everyone sharing the specific tools and services that worked for them. Even though there was some initial skepticism about some of the suggestions, it's great to see people coming back to share their actual results after trying them. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this community is awesome for sharing real, practical advice!

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This thread really has been amazing! I'm completely new to this community and to Intuit, but I'm already planning a similar trip to work from Mexico later this year. Reading through everyone's experiences has given me so much confidence that this is totally doable. I love how supportive everyone has been - from sharing specific technical tips to actually coming back and updating about services they initially doubted. That kind of honest follow-up really helps newcomers like me understand what actually works versus what just sounds good in theory. The progression from initial concerns to practical solutions has been so educational. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread for when I start planning my own international work trip. Thanks to everyone for being so generous with sharing your real experiences!

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As someone who's worked remotely from Mexico several times, I wanted to add a few points that might be helpful: Security-wise, make sure you're not just relying on hotel WiFi. I always bring a travel router to create my own secure network, especially when handling sensitive customer data. It's a small investment that gives you much better control over your connection security. Also, regarding the documentation discussion - while a week probably won't create major tax issues, I'd still recommend keeping detailed records of your work location and hours each day. Not necessarily for tax purposes, but because some clients or compliance teams may ask for this information later, especially if you're working on regulated financial products like we do at Intuit. One practical tip: download offline maps and save important phone numbers (including international formats for IT support) before you go. Cell service can be spotty in some areas, and you don't want to be stuck unable to contact help if you need it. The Mexico work experience can be really rewarding - just make sure you're prepared for the technical challenges. The timezone difference also works in your favor since you can often get a lot done in the early morning before family activities!

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This is such valuable advice! The travel router suggestion is really smart - I hadn't considered the security implications of hotel WiFi for our type of work. Do you have a specific router model you'd recommend that works well internationally? The point about keeping detailed daily records is great too. Even if it's not strictly required for tax purposes, having that documentation could definitely save headaches down the road if any questions come up during audits or compliance reviews. I'm curious about your experience with the timezone advantages - do you find that working Mexico hours gives you more uninterrupted focus time before US colleagues start their day? That could actually be a nice productivity boost along with getting to spend time with family. Thanks for sharing these practical security and documentation tips - exactly the kind of real-world advice that makes this community so helpful!

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This has been such an incredibly helpful thread! I'm new to Intuit and was honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed about the prospect of working internationally, even for just a few days. Reading through everyone's experiences has completely changed my perspective. What really stands out to me is how the process has been streamlined with the March policy update - knowing that trips under 14 days just need manager approval plus the simplified Global Mobility form makes this so much more manageable than I expected. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical tech advice. The travel router suggestion for security, testing VPN from a coffee shop beforehand, getting local SIM cards as backup - these are the kinds of real-world tips that you just can't get from official policy documents. The discussion about documentation services was really interesting too. Even though there was some initial skepticism, seeing people come back and share their actual results after trying things like taxr.ai and Claimyr shows how valuable this community is for honest, practical advice. I'm planning a similar trip to work from Playa del Carmen for about a week later this year, and I feel so much more confident now knowing what steps to take and what potential issues to prepare for. Thanks to everyone for being so generous with sharing your experiences - this is exactly why I love being part of this community!

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