The Pluses and Minuses of living in Mexico

I try to honestly tell you the good and bad points about living in Mexico. Frankly, Mexico is not the cheapest country in the world to live. Yes, it costs less to live in Mexico with a better standard of living than many parts of the USA or Canada, but if money is your only motivator, there are other countries that cost less. You can live for less in Arkansas or S. Texas than in Mexico's gringo areas. (I stand fast on this, though I was verbally thrashed by someone who disagreed.) Mexico is not paradise. Mexico is a perfect place to live for many people, but it is not perfect. While there are many reasons to live in Mexico, there are also many reasons why living in Mexico may not be for you. Negativity isn't the point. Reality is.

In 2012, safety of living in Mexico is still most people's first concern. Ask any gringo living in Mexico if he / she feels safe living in Mexico, the answer will be yes.  I know, I ask real people and don't depend on sensational news stories. The large majority of the crime in  Mexico is near the U.S border, and is directly related to drug trafficking. Most of Mexico has a crime rate similar to Canada, and much lower than the U.S.A.

Living in Mexico is a good decision for many people. The U.S. embassy in Mexico City estimates that there are more than 1,000,000 Americans living in Mexico. An estimated 500,000 Canadians live in Mexico.

The Mexican economy is tied to the US economy. Housing is priced in US dollars (which is great if you're paying in Canadian dollars). In 2009, the USA economy tanked. In 2012 it may be recovering, depending on whether the person you are talking to has a job or not. Mexico did not crater like the USA, (probably because there are few mortgages and less credit card debt) but their economy is challenged too. Inflation is up. Prices are up - BUT the Mexican peso declined by 30% to 40%. That is good for you if your income is in dollars.

Don’t Move To Mexico...

If you are the sort of person who has to have things your own way, the way everything “should” work out according to you. Then you will be very unhappy living in Mexico. Many go-getters live in Mexico and have adjusted very well. They were ready to leave their old ways of doing things behind and have embraced new ones, where there is always an element of surprise to planned events.

If you have only been to the beach resorts or to the interior tourist destinations, you do not have an accurate picture of Mexico. If you have only vacationed there, you do not have an accurate picture of living there.

Do Move To Mexico...

If the lower cost and the wonderful climate are factors, but your main reason for choosing Mexico is that you love the people, are flexible, and want some adventure in your life, you are moving for the right reasons and will probably be happy there.

Much Has Changed About Living In Mexico

While much has changed about living in Mexico in the years since I first moved here and much has improved, Mexico is still Mexico. That means that Mexico is unique. Mexico has a culture that changes slowly, no matter how technocratic the government is. Overall, it is easier to live in Mexico today than it was ten years ago, and much easier than it was twenty years ago.

By easier, I mean that the day-to-day interactions with places you need to interact with is getting utilities is simpler. You can pay many of your bills online instead of having to stand in line to do so. Some bureaucratic barriers are lower, though none have actually been dropped, to my knowledge. You can get a phone or a cell phone without taking out a loan. There are Wal-Marts and Sam's Clubs and Office Depots and Home Depots and Starbucks and so on in most towns of any size. It seems like more people speak English, which would be expected since it is taught in school and more people are going to school than 20 years ago.

Internet and Phone

Internet service has also improved. You can now get DSL (common) or cable Internet service (not as common) in your home. You can now get a new phone line without waiting for Hades to freeze over. You can, thanks to a variety of calling plans, call back to the States, Canada, and Europe without taking out a second mortgage on your house. It's feasible to operate an Internet business in Mexico. Many people have a U.S. number and use VOIP for long distance.

Overall, it's just easier to live in Mexico today than it was to live in Mexico even five years ago.

Medical Tourism in Mexico

Dental and medical tourism is the buzzword in travel magazines lately. And for a good reason. The Mexican medical system is absolutely first-rate. Yes, first-class medical treatments in Mexico are much less expensive (40-70%) than private medical care in Canada, but costs are secondary. I only recommend Mexican doctors and hospitals I personally know, that I would send my family to for first-class care.

More importantly, you, the patient are treated with dignity and respect. Mexican doctors actually listen to their patients. Doctors in Mexico don't rush their patients through the door because that is the only way to make money. Mexican hospitals are more like first-class suite hotels. You are allowed to sleep, to have your family members stay with you. And believe it or not, even the food is good in Mexican hospitals!

Stephan Renaud

RE/MAX SITES MARINA REALTY
Las Palmas II, local 20, 48354
Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, MX
CAN/US Toll Free 1 888 796 6606
Office 322 221 0111

 Cellular: 514 546 8345

stephan@meximapa.com