Considering Relocation to Mexico? Perhaps a Look at These Points First...
In the heart of Mexico, nestled between the Pacific coast and the Sierra Madre del Sur, Roger Dekeyzer, an author who has lived in Zihuatanejo and Huatulco, shares his experiences of daily life as an expat.
Dekeyzer's journey began with two visits to the hospital due to dehydration-related issues, a stark reminder of the hot and humid climate that dominates much of the country for several months each year. Yet, he finds some aspects of Mexican culture enjoyable, such as the peaceful and quaint restaurants from April through October, which offer a stark contrast to the jam-packed tourist spots from November through March, complete with bands playing loudly and late into the night.
However, not all aspects of life in Mexico are pleasant. Across the street from Dekeyzer's current residence is a club that blasts Mexican techno, rap, and karaoke until 4 a.m., making it impossible for him to be on his balcony or enjoy the cool night air when the club is in full swing. The noise, he mentions, forces him to close all apartment doors and windows, making his home stuffy and uncomfortable.
The noise pollution is not the only challenge Dekeyzer faces. He admits to having a love-hate relationship with Mexico. While he appreciates the warm, sunny weather and the outdoor lifestyle, he struggles with certain aspects he does not understand. For instance, the club's late-night music seems to be a common occurrence in Mexico, something he finds difficult to adjust to.
After 4 years of full-time living in Mexico, Dekeyzer and his wife are here to stay. However, they believe they would have passed on moving to Mexico had they done more research. They suggest that potential expats should consider visiting Mexico for a few months to research neighborhoods, transportation, medical and healthcare, local services, and expat communities before making a move.
Safety, language barriers, and cultural differences are common challenges faced by expats in Mexico. Safety varies greatly by location, with some areas like Todos Santos considered generally safe, while others require cautious research due to varying crime rates. Language barriers are another hurdle, especially outside major expat hubs, where Spanish is the dominant language. Understanding local slang and cultural nuances can take time, impacting social integration.
Cultural differences include adjusting to Mexican customs, social norms, and a generally more laid-back pace of life. Smaller towns might have tight-knit communities with strong traditions, which can make full acceptance by locals initially challenging for expats. However, Mexico’s hospitality and communal spirit often enrich the expat experience once these differences are bridged.
Despite the challenges, Mexico's relatively low cost of living, including affordable housing, food, and healthcare, makes it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. Many expats find they can maintain or improve their quality of life compared to their home countries.
In conclusion, Mexico offers a rich cultural environment, warm climate, and affordability but requires preparation for safety variability by location, learning Spanish for effective daily interaction, and a readiness to adapt to cultural differences and local bureaucracies. As Dekeyzer's personal account attests, the journey of moving to Mexico is a complex one, but with proper research and an open mind, it can lead to a rewarding experience.
This article was first published on Open.Video and The Guerrero Post.
- For those considering real estate investment in Mexico, it's crucial to visit and research the country for several months before moving, considering neighborhoods, transportation, local services, and expat communities.
- One must be prepared for cultural differences, such as adjusting to Mexican customs, social norms, and a laid-back lifestyle, in order to have a rewarding experience as an expat in Mexico.
- Fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink enthusiasts will enjoy Mexico's vibrant dining scene, with restaurants offering a peaceful atmosphere from April through October.
- Travelers should be aware that safety varies by location in Mexico, with some areas being generally safe and others requiring cautious research due to varying crime rates.
