Mexico is a very popular country that attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its fantastic weather, natural beauty, and tasty cuisine. After visiting Mexico, many people decide they love the country so much they want to move to Mexico full time, or buy a vacation home. Are you moving to Mexico and hoping to own property at Villa La Estancia? If so, read this first! Below are 7 tips for expats moving to Mexico. After you read it, you will see that if you have patience, understanding, and appreciation of this incredible country your move to Mexico will allow you to have a new life that is better than you ever expected it could be.

Learn Basic Spanish

You don’t have to learn fluent Spanish when you move to Mexico, but you should at least try to learn basic Spanish. That way, you will have a better understanding and generally improved experience while living in Mexico. When you are able to communicate with local people it will build trust and friendship, which will benefit you when you move to Mexico. It will provide a better cultural experience which will add value and fulfillment to your life. When you learn basic Spanish, it could also bring you new employment opportunities that you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

A Proper Greeting Is Important 

No matter where in the world you live, a proper greeting is important. If you are moving to Mexico, then you need to learn the standard proper greetings that are practiced by the locals. In general, Mexican people usually greet new people or friends and acquaintances with a firm handshake, a hug, and sometimes a kiss. You should always start your interactions with a proper vocal greeting as well, depending on the time of day. If it is morning, then you will say “Buenos Dias” (Good Morning), if it is afternoon, then you will say “Buenas Tardes” (Good Afternoon), and if it is evening “Buenas Noches” (Good Evening). Also, when you walk into a room where people are, it is expected that you greet every person in the room before you start a conversation. It is also very important that you say “Provecho” (Bon Appetit) when you are leaving a restaurant to be polite to other diners. By saying “Provecho,” you are simply wishing people enjoy their meal and it is considered the way to execute an appropriate departure.

Understand that Tardiness is Culturally Accepted

Mexicans are known for being laid back and carefree in many areas of life, including when it comes to showing up on time. Although, this is one of the best and worst features of Mexico, foreigners that are moving to Mexico need to prepare themselves if they are waiting on someone, because it is possible they will arrive late. Not every Mexican is always late, but lateness is culturally accepted with events, parties, work and responsibilities at school. If you don’t know about a specific time to arrive, then you should ask. You don’t want to show up at a party too early or on time and the guest isn’t ready for you. It is generally recommended that you show up 30 minutes to an hour late for events, parties, and social gatherings.

It’s Not Common to Be Blunt 

Did you know that many Mexicans find it rude to be direct or blunt? While Americans find it okay to be direct, in Mexico it can be considered rude. A common scenario is: if a Mexican offers you food and you are not hungry, you should still accept it, because they will think you are rude if your refuse the food. You can just take the food, then not eat it discreetly. Also, on another note, Mexicans may agree to do something, but they later don’t follow through. In Mexico, it is acceptable to agree to something and not do it later instead of being honest from the start. If you invite friends to your event and they agree to come, but they don’t come, then don’t be surprised or hurt. This is culturally common and not intended to be rude or disrespectful.

Don’t Judge Others In Your New Home

Moving to Mexico will open your eyes about lifestyle differences compared to your life back home in the United States or Canada. Foreigners that are moving to Mexico are often troubled with the significant trash problems and the stray cats and dogs they see around town. Foreigners from developed countries often can’t comprehend why Mexicans don’t appear to care as much as they do about stray animals and environmental problems. However, the truth is many native Mexicans can’t financially afford to help and it is a luxury many people have not had. While there are numerous educated Mexicans who are concerned about these issues, regular residents that have a hard time providing food and housing for their family will not worry as much over social issues. You will have to understand, empathize and respect that each individual’s situation is different and avoid being judgemental.

Enjoy Traditional Mexican Cuisine

Moving to Mexico comes with an amazing benefit, which is enjoying the incredible delicious cuisine. Some of the best food can be found at inexpensive street vendors and small restaurants. Don’t believe what others say about the food from street vendors will make you sick. This is generally untrue! Do you want to know where to go to eat the best tacos? That’s easy. You should patronize the street vendors or restaurants that are crowded and avoid those that are empty. Did you know you will likely be eating the freshest foods at street vendors? You are, because the high turnover means always getting fresh foods. You will also be able to eat fresh fruit all year, because it grows in Mexico’s pleasant climate all year long. For only a dollar or so, you can enjoy fresh squeezed green, carrot, and orange juice.

Take Part in Activities and Hobbies

Now that you have moved to Mexico, you will have extra time to enjoy many different activities and hobbies. Mexico’s natural beauty allows new expats to enjoy gardening, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, biking, photographing, and more. You can also sign up for different workshops such as painting or a cooking class, and you will meet new people that you can become friends with. The options are endless!

Moving to Mexico is ideal for foreigners who want to enjoy a slower paced, more fulfilling lifestyle. Mexico is well-known for its natural beauty, tasty food, and rich heritage. You will not regret moving to Mexico. What are you waiting for? Your new life in paradise awaits you in Mexico. Contact us at Villa La Estancia today to see what incredible beachfront residences are still available for sale. With premiere locations in both Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas, Villa La Estancia could be the dream home in paradise you have been searching for foreigners who are moving to Mexico.

You should read:

Real Estate Options for Expats in Mexico

Pre-Construction Real Estate in Mexico: What To Know