THE BEST SURVIVAL GUIDE ON MOVING TO MEXICO
It would be about three years if I compiled all the time I spent living in Mexico. So, naturally, I have figured out a few ways to hack the network. This post is primarily for people considering moving to Mexico. I found some simple tips and tricks to save you some headaches and troubleshooting. Mexico has an overall laid-back vibe, which is one of my favorite things about the country. When I lived just outside Puerto Vallarta’s center, I hitchhiked to town often, Riding in the box of trucks. It was quicker than the bus and a more enjoyable ride (also free). Not that the bus is expensive in the first place. The absence of many permits and laws compared to what Canada requires is like night and day. It almost feels like you are going back in time; so much more freedom of movement and choice. Suppose you want to turn the front of your house into a walk-up smoothy bar. You can! As time passes, Canada’s cost of living is rising. Owning property or land is becoming increasingly unattainable for people here. Some can no longer afford to drive or feed themselves. I hope this turns around for people living in Canada/the states. These are just a few reasons I have decided to move south. Here are some things that should aid you in your move to Mexico.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Much like anywhere you move to, you will look for long-term accommodation. However, finding a place takes time. If you want something affordable, speaking the language helps. Searching online in English is your first mistake. Lavish vacation rentals will appear in your search, which is usually quite pricy. Anytime you search for anything in English, the price is much higher. I hate to support these guys, but Facebook marketplace is super handy when looking for cheap housing. Try searching for “casa en renta” or “Apartamentos en renta.” If your looking to buy, the operative word is “venta.” While you hunt for a place to live, you need temporary living. Air BnB is still the best option for affordable short-term rentals. When you walk around looking for a house, having someone who speaks Spanish with you is super helpful. Again if you can hold a conversation in Spanish, you could be mistaken for someone who lives there. They will assume you have an idea of cost, making you less likely to be exploited. Having a local as a friend helps out significantly in many different settings. People who don’t work in the center may not speak any English. Translators apps can be helpful, But translation is hit and miss with those applications. Keep in mind that un-furnished places will be considerably cheaper. Setting yourself up in an unfurnished house initially costs more, but you won’t continually pay extra monthly. So, it is a better option for long term situations if you are postive thats where you want to be. Generally speaking, the further you are from the center, the cheaper your rent will be. Some cities are more expensive than others, such as Los Cabos, Mexico City. People have reported that the cost of living outweighs the slight increase in income. I am still on the hunt for my forever country. If i had to pick somewhere in Mexico, the south is the best as you are close to Belize to renew your visa and there are cenotes. Cenotes are natural pits, or sinkholes, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. They are gorgeous freshwater caves, which I prefer over swimming in the ocean. Also, all the cities and towns in the south are along the Caribbean coast. I found the best way to get to know somewhere is to live there, so ultimately, it is up to you where you decide you want to be. Oaxaca, Mazatlan, Guadalajara, Cancun, Loreto, and San Felipe all are relatively cheap. I absolutly loved Mazatlan and Guadalajara.
TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY THAT IS THE QUESTION
Getting around in Mexico can get pricey if you rent a vehicle for long periods. However, they do offer deals for month-long rentals. Consider buying a car down there over driving yours. Importing cars is no problem; it will cost between 50 – 300 USD. The vehicle can be no older than ten years and be manufactured in North America to legalize. I bought a car there, and besides a bit of a language barrier, there were no problems. Depending on your needs, bikes are always an excellent option for getting around. When I lived in Playa Del Carmen, I wished I had brought a U-Lock from Canada. It was next to impossible to find a decent lock, and it’s more than a novel idea to have a good one. Another option is using Uber; it is cheap as borsh, depending on the demand upon booking. The fixed prices are a great feature of this application. So unlike taxis, you don’t have to worry about being overcharged. Before buying a bike, I used this to get around for quite a while. One thing to note, I didn’t enjoy biking for the most part in Puerto Vallarta because a considerable portion of the city is cobblestone. Something to keep in mind depending on where you decide to live. Hitchhiking is also a viable option depending on your comfort level. I hitchhiked all over Mexico in the box of people’s trucks; one of my favorite way to get around if you don’t have a ride. Riding in truck beds is not technically legal per se, but everyone does it. Police seem to turn a blind eye. If you’re standing up, flailing around, visually screaming out that you are a tourist. There is a chance you will get a fine. Just sit the fuck down and enjoy the ride casually; you shouldn’t have any issues.
LUX FOR A DAY
Resorts are lavish, and you can enjoy them for relatively cheap if you opt to buy a day pass. Most all-inclusive resorts have day passes available for purchase. The amenities and perks vary from place to place. All of them will include full access to pools and private beaches. Others will feature all-inclusive food and drink or give you vouchers. I wasn’t privy to this information last year; what a game-changer. There are options to rent a suite for the night. But the price could be over eight hundred compared to fifty bucks a person. You can decide which resort will fit your needs depending on your preferences. A great option to enjoy the luxury of a resort without the hefty price tag. Tours are available if you are interested in taking a peek before booking. Speak to the guys selling activities to partake in a presentation today and receive gifts. They will tell you it only takes an hour of your time, be prepared for longer, and a pitch at the end of your tour to purchase a vacation timeshare. You are under no obligation to purchase any timeshares.
HACKING THE TACO NETWORK
Street tacos are a favorite because they are quick, cheap, and on every corner. I still eat meat occasionally, but I will choose vegetarian if I have the option. Eating primarily plant-based meals not only morally and ethically makes sense, but I feel better making that change. The problem with street tacos is that they are often just meat and sauce. I started to bring veggies and fresh cabbage with me when I went for tacos. They usually serve you two shells per taco, so I split them and disperse the meat equally. Now you get half-price tacos and have room to stack in the good stuff. This little hack is a great way to mix it up. Frequently, I would make vegetarian tacos at home cause. Eating out in Mexico depends on the area and place you go. I rented an apartment in Cabo that didn’t have a stove, so I ate out all the time. The cost of eating street food is not that expensive. The only problem I have is I’m not used to eating only meat. You can discover nesh restaurants that are cost-efficient and healthy, although they aren’t as common. If you are a veggie, keep in mind the options to eat out at night are slim to none. Mexico has not jumped on the plant-based diet regime. The average person will be more than willing to accommodate you, though options may be limited.
SO FRESH, SO CLEAN
If you opted for cheaper accommodation, it is more than likely your place isn’t equipped with a washer. If you are lucky, your home will have a ribbed wash sink. So you can wash your clothes as they did in the olden days. When I first experienced this in Cabo ten odd years ago. I thought, wow, this is cool, but that wears off pretty quickly. If you are not pinching pennies, laundry services are dirt cheap. They wash/dry your clothes and fold them. Be aware that they dry everything on high. I request that my clothing be washed and given back wet to avoid the clothing being damaged. Laundry services are a fantastic perk when living in Mexico. But eventually, you are going to want to get a washer. I use the marketplace; you can find great deals for stuff you need. Although everything is relatively cheap, buying new electronics can get pricy. Second-hand pawn shops also are good places to check when purchasing electronics. Also, ask around about street markets. People sell everything from watches to blenders at great prices.
WORK IT
Unless you were born into money or you are independently wealthy. Working abroad is probably a subject you have already explored. Work will be hard for you to obtain if you are a laborer or in a non-specialized trade. Laborers are widely available and usually work for much less than you. More often than not, the jobs that pay well are people who specialize in specific trades and working directly with tourists. There are many sales positions, but you get paid based on how much you sell. If you are fluent in Spanish, you will have more options. Unless you work exclusively with tourists, you need to speak the language or have a decent understanding. A lot of people traveling are making money online. When looking for work online, many options depending on your skill set. I decided to move towards freelance writing and starting up a blog. Another option is having your own physical business. Be aware that some people tend to run into problems down the line if your stepping on other people’s toes. Try to do something different and unavailable in Mexico so people don’t feel you are taking business away from them. Volunteering in areas that interest you is an excellent place to start too. How do I get volunteering positions,,, you may ask. There are a few ways you can search online and find WWOOfing-type arrangements. I liked the site called HelpX; this is not free to use. But an excellent resorce. Another way which I personally prefer is going out and making friends. If you want to drive a cab, hang out with cab drivers; if if if you want to be a bartender, make a point to sit at the bar. People want to get their friend’s jobs. Decide where you want to be, meet the owners and workers, and make your name known. Obtaining work in Mexico, where you are dealing with tourists,,, is the most straightforward job to get as a fluent English speaker. They want YOU! If you are a dynamo salesperson, there is decent money selling timeshares or even activities on the strip. Stores or companies that only deal with tourists are your best bet.
LEGAL JARGON
When entering Mexico, you will be granted a hundred and eighty-day visa upon arrival. If you plan to obtain work, you must apply for a work visa. You are often required to be in your “home country” to apply for the visa. Always a good idea to look into this well in advance. Significant corporations or companies will need you to have a work visa in place to hire you legally. I have never applied for citizenship, but seeking legal counsel is a good idea especially if you are not bilingual. You can start this process while living in the country. It tends to be a bit pricey, so be prepared for your bank account to take a hit. If you are on a tourist visa and plan to stay longer than the allotted time, you will need to renew your visa. You can go to the consulate and request an extension. Many people will go on a trip home or hop over to a bordering country. When you arrive back in Mexico, you will have another hundred and eighty days.
Mexico is a fantastic place to live; there are ups and downs to anywhere you choose to live. I hope these tips and tricks will aid you in your move to Mexico. Remember to always follow the rules and regulations of any country you decide to visit. Having police friends is always a good angle and will make your life much easier. As I have mentioned in other posts, being active within your community shows that you are interested in not just personal gain but in the betterment of the community and town you are living.
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