While vacationing in Mexico is all too similar to spending a week in paradise, living in Mexico is quite a different experience, but one you will be accustomed to in little to no-time at all.
So, here you are: getting to a new city in a new country and trying to settle in and making it your new home. Whether your move was a result of your company’sexpansion or you decided living in Mexico would be a terrific experience, you are now an expat living in Mexico.
We’re sure lots of questions were circling your head when the prospect of moving to Mexico first appeared. Will I find a nice house? Is healthcare similar to what I have in my home country? Is it true Mexicans are caring and hospitable people? Well… yes, yes and yes, as you might have discovered during your first weeks in Mexico.
So, why all the apprehension about moving out here and becoming a resident in one of the most beautiful countries in the world?
Mexico is quite a popular destination for expats and around 2.5 million expats now call Mexico their home. Although popular as a retirement destination, the economic growth and the opening of new businesses are pushing Mexico as a top destination for expats in their 30´s and 40´s due to work reasons. Many of them are bringing their families too and as any would do, they are trying to make the most of this opportunity and help their loved-ones have a total Mexican cultural immersion.
Getting used to Mexican culture.
Having some concerns about coming to Mexico is completely normal: you’re getting to a new and unknown place and not only for a week or two but maybe even for several years, so you just have to take it slow and understand that some things will not work as they do back home.
Cooking, entertaining, conducting business, parenting, driving and even shopping in Mexico will be different to what you’re accustomed to. And don’t even get us started on dating!
Mexico is quite a popular destination for expats and around 2.5 million expats now call Mexico their home.
Mexican food, for example, is vast and overflows with recipes using fresh fruit and vegetables and almost no pre-packaged or pre-cooked ingredients. Surely you’ve heard stories about how real Mexican food is not easy on a foreigner’s stomach, but don’t get scared: is just about getting your stomach used to Mexican cooking, spices, and dishes.
Social interactions are also different in Mexico. People passing by on the street will sometimes greet you with a “buenos días” (good morning) or “buenas tardes” (good evening) even when they don’t know you, and you will find, sooner or later, that saying “no” is really difficult for us Mexicans and a “yes” can sometimes mean “maybe”.
Being easy going and learning to go with the flow might not come easy to you, but if you really want to experience Mexico you have to try and get used to it. Plans (especially social outings) change quickly, last-minute changes and invitations abound and everything seems more spontaneous and free-flowing.
Making friends will be one of the easiest things to do. Mexican people tend to be friendly and easy-going. You might find that after a night out at a bar or at a restaurant you will end up with a couple of new friends. It really does happen! Take into account that to make the most out of your time in Mexico you have to get to know people with similar interests: reach out for other expats but also introduce yourself to your neighbors, and other people in your day-to-day routine.
Being part of a community is one of the most important things in the whole expat experience, so don’t miss out on this part of the deal! You can take a sports class, get involved in local events or maybe just reach out to like-minded people: the idea is to put yourself out there and experience the Mexican charm and hospitability first-hand.
What about safety, you might ask? That’s a usual concern for both tourists and expats.
Just use your common sense and don’t put yourself in risky situations. Violence and crime is one of Mexico’s most widely publicized issues, but you will find is a much focalized situation. Keep safe, but do not be afraid or looking over your shoulder all the time: just remember to use your better judgement and everything will be fine. As you will soon find, Mexico is a country full of contrasts: the old meets the new, traditional meets the innovative, and so on.
This is what makes Mexico so enchanting: after centuries of mixing different cultures, different peoples and different backgrounds we have emerged as a unique and wonderful country, waiting for you to discover its hidden and not so hidden treasures.
