How-to Advice if You’re Thinking About Making the Move to Mexico

You’re thinking about moving to Mexico.

I’m often asked what advice I would give to those thinking of making the move to Mexico. I have lots of practical advice of course for purchasing property and buying dream homes, but I also have a few pieces of advice for those in decision-making mode. These consejos or pieces of advice are things that have come out of both my personal experience of making the decision to move to Mexico and from the experiences of friends and expats who we’ve helped through the process.

We know that everyone has safety in mind when they think of moving to Mexico. This is especially true for those who haven’t really experienced Mexico beyond the first all-inclusive vacation. Getting to know Mexico or an area takes getting out of your comfort zone. I always recommend for people who are curious about an area to rent an Airbnb or get a rental.

By renting, you will have the opportunity to feel a little more what it’s like as a local. Take part in everyday experiences, got to the grocery, go out to different restaurants and local eateries. You will be surprised. Mexico is not the Mexico portrayed by the media.

The Canadian and U.S. governments are afraid of word getting out about all of the benefits and advantages for people moving to Mexico and especially in places like Huatulco, Puerto Escondido and Yucatan state. Advantages like the quality of life and cost of living are extremely positive for expats. Read here about the real dangers expats face when moving to Mexico.

I generally have 5 main pieces of advice for those thinking of moving to Mexico. 

1: Ask questions about living in Mexico from people who live there and know what life really looks like every day. Don’t take the media’s word for it. It’s not the true picture.

Know that if you do already like Mexico, and you are rightly not worried about safety, then you already know how things really are. You know that you should just be concerned about your well-being like you would anywhere in the world. It’s not just a Mexico thing.

2: Just be concerned about your well-being like you would anywhere else in the world.

Next, people love Mexico for so many different reasons. Climate, cost of living, food, culture, community, friendly people, relaxed lifestyle. Whatever your principal motivations are, I advise taking into account the bigger picture.

You are moving to a new and different country. And as with your own country, there are going to be things you love and things you like and things that may demand patience or an effort at understanding.

Love the things you love about Mexico… and there will be many. Also realize there are things that will not be like Canada or the U.S. and you’ll need to accept these things also.

3: Realize you’re in a different country if you are going to come here. Be willing to accept your new country from a genuine place of awe, empathy and respect.

Do good research, do your due diligence, read blogs, do get all the virtual information. But, nothing will compare to coming to Mexico and touching and feeling it and actually experiencing it. The sights, the sounds, the fragrances.  Feel out neighborhoods. Identify what it is that you love.

Check out our lifestyle design article about the one question to ask yourself before moving to Mexico or Huatulco or anywhere for that matter.

Renting at first is not a bad idea. It may prevent you from capitalizing on some good deals. You can debate buying or renting, depending on your situation.

4: You have to come down and experience it.

Then, it comes down to making a decision. If you make the decision that you want to do this, you will figure out how to do it. Whether you need to make money still or whether you’re retired, you have to make the decision that you want it. Once you’ve made that decision, it will all come. There are lots of great people around to give you support and help you along the way.

Read here about how one family made the decision to move to Mexico with their kids.

5: Decide.

There is nothing quite as rewarding or freeing as making a good and exciting decision. Do your homework but especially envision how this decision makes you feel. Excited?

Get in touch with us. We’re here to answer your questions and support you in your process of moving to Mexico.