Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The vibrant culture, warm climate, delicious food, and welcoming people make Mexico a popular destination for many foreigners looking to start a new life abroad.
One of the first things that expats notice when they arrive in Mexico is the friendly and laid-back lifestyle. People take their time to enjoy life, and there is a real sense of community and family. This is reflected in the country's festivals and traditions, which are celebrated with great passion and joy.
Mexican cuisine is also a huge draw for many expats. From street tacos to traditional moles, there is no shortage of delicious food to enjoy. It's also incredibly affordable, so you can easily dine out and try new dishes without breaking the bank.
Another major benefit of living in Mexico is the warm weather. With its tropical climate, there is sunshine almost every day, and you can spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying activities such as swimming, hiking, and exploring the beautiful natural scenery.
However, living in Mexico as an expat does come with its challenges. One of the most significant is the language barrier. Although many Mexicans speak English, it's essential to learn Spanish to fully integrate into the culture and communicate with locals if you are serious about living in Mexico full-time.
In terms of safety, there are some areas of Mexico that are considered high-risk due to drug-related violence. Most places are concentrated along the US-Mexico border. However, most areas of the country are safe for expats to live in.
Where to retire/live in Mexico
Mexico offers many beautiful places to retire. Some of the best places for Americans to retire in Mexico are:
- Puerto Vallarta: Located on the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for retirees due to its stunning beaches, beautiful scenery, and warm climate. It also offers excellent healthcare facilities and a vibrant expat community.
- San Miguel de Allende: This colonial town located in central Mexico is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant art scene. It has a large expat community, excellent healthcare facilities, and a low cost of living.
- Lake Chapala: Located in the state of Jalisco, Lake Chapala is a popular retirement destination for Americans due to its pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and affordable cost of living. It also has a large expat community and excellent healthcare facilities.
- Mazatlan: This coastal city located on the Pacific Coast offers beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a low cost of living. It also has excellent healthcare facilities and a large expat community.
- Merida: Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is a beautiful colonial city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. It has a low cost of living, excellent healthcare facilities, and a growing expat community.
When considering retiring in Mexico, it's essential to do your research, visit the places you are interested in, and consider factors such as cost of living, healthcare facilities, safety, and the availability of amenities and services. With proper planning and research, retiring in Mexico can be an incredible experience.
Healthcare in Mexico: The biggest concern for retirees
Healthcare for expats in Mexico is generally good, and many foreigners are satisfied with the quality of care they receive. Mexico has both public and private healthcare systems, with private healthcare being the preferred option for most expats.
Private healthcare in Mexico is often less expensive than in the United States, and medical professionals are highly trained and experienced. Many doctors and medical staff speak English, which can be helpful for expats who do not speak Spanish fluently.
Private healthcare in Mexico typically operates on a fee-for-service basis, and medical costs can be significantly lower than in the United States. Some expats choose to purchase private health insurance to cover medical expenses, while others opt to pay out of pocket.
Mexico also has a public healthcare system, which provides free or low-cost healthcare to Mexican citizens and legal residents. However, the quality of care can vary widely, and waiting times can be long.
It's important for expats to research healthcare options and providers in their chosen location in Mexico and to consider factors such as cost, quality of care, and accessibility. Many expats find that the healthcare system in Mexico is comparable to, or even better than, what they are used to in their home country. However, it's always a good idea to have a comprehensive medical insurance plan in place to cover unexpected medical costs.
Culture Immersion: The best way to live in Mexico
Immersing yourself in local culture can be a rewarding and enriching experience when traveling or living abroad. Here are some ways to do so:
Learn the language: One of the best ways to connect with locals in Mexico and understand their culture is to learn Spanish. Even if you only learn a few basic phrases, it can go a long way in showing locals that you are interested in their culture and making connections.
Try local food: Food is a great way to experience local culture. Try traditional dishes at local restaurants or markets, and ask for recommendations from locals. You can also take a cooking class to learn how to make local cuisine yourself. Let me get you started. I recommend mole, a traditional Mexican dish. And if you really want to earn some local respect, eat grasshoppers (chapulines) in front of a Mexican.
Attend local festivals and events: Participating in local festivals and events is a great way to experience the culture firsthand. Research the events and festivals that are happening during your stay and attend as many as you can. Let me assure you they love a party in Mexico, festivals are happening everywhere!
Explore the local art scene: Visit museums, galleries, and street art to experience the local art scene. Attend concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events to get a sense of the local entertainment. There are plenty of places to enjoy some local music. Skip the Irish pup in Mexico and hit a traditional Mexican canteen.
Connect with locals: Connect with locals by joining a club, taking a class, or volunteering. This can be a great way to meet people who share your interests and learn more about the local culture. Make sure you include Mexicans in your group of locals. Expat friends can help you deal with culture shock and ease some homesickness, but the best way to understand living in Mexico is by socializing with Mexicans, not foreigners.
Explore the city on foot: Walking around the city can help you get a feel for the local culture. Visit local markets, shops, and neighborhoods to see how locals live and interact with each other. Dare to get lost and just go where instincts tell you, with common sense of course.
Respect local customs and traditions: Respect the local customs and traditions, even if they are different from what you are used to. Dress appropriately, follow local etiquette, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Believe it or not, Mexico is not very welcoming to people who wear shorts outside of the beach destinations. If you travel in the center of the country, pants only. While it's not as scandalous as it used to be, you will surely be quickly identified as a tourist if you wear shorts outside of seaside towns.
And try to NEVER say, ‘that’s not how we do it in my country’. You need to be open to new ways of doing things and drop any comparison of your previous life to your current life. You move to a foreign county for change, embrace it!
By immersing yourself in local culture, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the place you are visiting or living in, and create meaningful connections with locals.
