A Simpler Life: Expats in Mexico

What is the reason why you decided to move to Mexico? (Or are contemplating a move to Mexico?). For some people, it is the lure of a simpler life not hyper focused on material possessions and a fast paced lifestyle. Here are a few reasons why you can find a simpler, yet more fulfilling life, with a move to Mexico.

Less Focus On Materialism

One of the best parts of a move to Mexico, is the chance to reconnect with what we enjoy most about life. Is it time with our family or children? Is it spending time working on a creative hobby, or exploring new cultures? A fast paced life in the United States or Canada can be overwhelming at times, and also feel lacking in depth. A move to Mexico can help you improve your quality of life and spend more time doing what you love.

Less Work, More Play

Thanks to the lower cost of living in Mexico, a move to Mexico can mean you have a better quality of life than you have in the United States or Canada. Instead of filling your days with work and stress, you may find you have more time for play and spending time with loved ones. It is a great chance to identify your priorities, and realign your daily life with what matters most. You can let go of superficial concerns and really focus in on a simpler life with a emphasis on quality, not quantity. Now the only question is, what fulfills you?

Access to Quality Healthcare

In addition to slowing down your life’s pace with a move to Mexico, you will also find that quality healthcare is very accessible and affordable. Regular doctor visits typically only cost around $30-$50USD out of pocket, and most prescriptions are very well priced too when compared to the excessive cost of healthcare in the United States. There are several governmental healthcare institutions in Mexico such as IMSS, ISSSTE and the Seguro Popular that are available to expats at little to no cost. Even private healthcare insurance options are very reasonably priced, and doctors are very attentive and qualified.

Affordable Mexican Real Estate

Is owning your own home not possible in your native country due to excessive real estate prices? With a move to Mexico, you may be able to realize a dream of becoming a homeowner by purchasing Mexican real estate. Mexican real estate options are varied, and much better priced than similar real estate options in other countries. Mexican real estate can be legally purchased by expats by creating a trust, so perhaps a move to Mexico will help you find your dream home as well.

Many people that move to Mexico obtain a simpler, more stable lifestyle that focuses on family and enjoying each moment life offers you. Is a move to Mexico in the cards for you?

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Tips for a Successful New Life in Mexico

So – you’re moving to Mexico! Congratulations! This is a radical change to your way of life, and we know that it is going to be a little daunting for you at first. This is why we’ve compiled our top hints and tips for succeeding in your new life in Mexico.

Here are our top tips for a successful new life in Mexico

Learn Spanish

Most people in the big cities and tourist hotspots of Mexico speak very good English, and so learning Spanish is not a necessity but there is no doubt in our minds that learning Spanish will help you have a successful new life in Mexico. There are plenty of classes that you can attend if you want to get a basic understanding of the language; when you use it to get to know your neighbors better you’ll find that your grasp of the language increases rapidly.

Be flexible

Flexibility is without a doubt one of the most valuable attributes you can have when you’re making such big changes to your life; a good, solid plan will make the changes easier to deal with, but you should always leave room in your plan for change! Remember that a plan is always a work in progress, and so changing it is never a failure. Be ready and willing to adapt to your situation and you will go far in your new home.

One day, task and goal at a time

It can take a long time to get used to the ways of a new country, and so you should remember to be patient and keep your mind open for a successful new life in Mexico; don’t compare your new home to your old one as this is a sure road to frustration and disappointment. You will also find that a soft approach will get you much further as a foreigner with the locals than if you get frustrated and irate.

Invest in networking

Take the time to network when you arrive; making friends and acquaintances in your new home is key to success. Meet the neighbors, join a gym, say hello to your work mates. You could even join a few of the Facebook groups set up purely for expats in the area. This will help you to establish a friend base and settle into your new home and new life in Mexico.

Savings

It pays to have some money squirrelled to the side to tide you over if you have to make last minute visits back home or need to attend to an emergency when you make a new life in Mexico. Also, you will probably spend more on socialization when you first arrive as you try to get yourself settled, and there’s always the chance you may need repairs to your car or certain aspects of your home; it can take a few tries to get a mechanic, plumber, or electrician you trust. You may not need this cushion, but it will certainly help to know that you have a safety net if you should need it. This peace of mind is truly priceless.

So – have you moved to Mexico recently? Do you have any tips for people looking to make this move? What would your advice be? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Life in Mexico Compared with USA

It’s becoming more and more common for residents of the USA to consider a move to the sunnier climes of their closest southern neighbour, Mexico! If you are one such American you will no doubt have done plenty of research into your chosen towns, and you may even have vacationed across Mexico before. If you want to have an idea of the lifestyle you’re buying into you’ll need to think like a local. Here are some things you might not realize about the life in Mexico:

Slower Pace of Life

Everything seems to be done at a much slower, more relaxed pace in Mexico, and for some people this is a true blessing. Retirees, in particular, love this, and if you’re seeking to get away from the harried pace of life that some of the bigger cities in the USA offer you’ll definitely love it.

Punctuality

With the exception of work and medical appointments, punctuality is somewhat less of a priority for many in Mexico. If you’re meeting for dinner at 7 you can reasonably expect that some members of your group will not show up until 8:00, or even later! Likewise, if a handyman is coming to fix something the same mentality will apply; if you’re planning construction work be prepared for it to outlive the quoted time. No disrespect is meant, it’s simply the way life goes here. If this is really going to stress you we suggest that you plan for it by showing up later yourself, or even just accept that it will happen and pack a book.

Priorities of the life in Mexico

Some people are very surprised to find that the average working week for most Mexicans is actually 6 days long! That’s right – the average person in Mexico has only one day off each week. To those of us who are used to a longer weekend this may seem like cruel and unusual punishment, but in fact most Mexicans don’t let it get in the way. Downtime is precious here, so when people aren’t working they pack their social lives full with family feasts, social gatherings, and adventures. You may be required to work more hours when you move to Mexico, but you won’t be expected to take your work home or be a slave to your job; your social life will no doubt thrive!

Transportation

This one is especially key for drivers; be prepared for a culture shock when you begin driving in Mexico! Transport laws are not heavily enforced, so drivers, especially experienced drivers, tend to make up their own rules. From passing anyone, anywhere to driving the wrong way down a one-way street, Mexico can be a wild ride. Just stay alert, use common sense, and pass with caution, and you should be fine.

Public transport isn’t much less exciting, either, and in fact it may be more so! The buses in Mexico let all kinds of characters on board from beggars and street performers to animals (though this is at the discretion of the bus driver). In cities public transport can get very crowded at peak times, too, so be prepared for some jostling. You’ll get used to it pretty quickly, but be ready for the culture shock and please, please don’t forget your seat belt!

Keep this in mind and you should settle into life in Mexico without too much trouble.

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