Americans picking up and moving to Mexico (extended stay, sales)

[RjRobb2]

My wife and I along with another couple who are our close friends spent a week in Mazatlan last week. We absolutely fell in love with the place even with experiencing a tropical storm. We met a few Americans who had travelled there several years back, fell in love with the place and moved down there.

So, my question is, does anyone have experience doing that. We live in Kansas City and have always wanted to move somewhere warmer. We always thought we would move to Florida but after visiting Mexico it has opened another option.

Is it feasible for a couple in their low 30s to pick up and move to Mexico? The couple we travelled with are considering doing the same thing.

The one thing that throws a wrench in it is that we have two small children ages 1 and 7. I know they would have to be in private school.

Basically, I just want to hear about others experiences and suggestions. Mazatlan just shocked us. We never expected it to be so nice and everyone to be so friendly.

[sparksmex]

The first thing a post like this should include is how you are going to make a living. Unless you can work for a US company online ... you have a real shock coming

[poster]

As sparksmex mentioned, the source of your income is a biggie. Another is the culture shock, spending one week there didn't begin to open your eyes to the huge differences between the US and Mexico. We may be neighbors but there are far more than language and economic differences between our two countries.

I recommend that you return to Mexico and spend a few more weeks there. Rent an apartment - cook for yourselves and discover how shopping is there. Go to a doctor for a checkup. Get your car serviced while you're there. You may fall even more in love with Mexico or you may decide that it isn't quite time to commit yourselves.

Good luck.

[hothulamaui]

there are americans living all over the world and loving it. you do need an income, but if you have that figured out I think living in another culture is a great thing for young and old. try to work it out if you want to try living there. it would be great if you could figure out how to have an extended stay, just so you can figure out if it works for you.

[RjRobb2]

Originally Posted by sparksmex

The first thing a post like this should include is how you are going to make a living. Unless you can work for a US company online ... you have a real shock coming

I was all but offered a job selling timeshares. I have lots of sales experience and after talking to a few Americans that do that, I should not have a problem making enough to support my family. My wife has considering doing the same thing or pursuing a teaching job.

[RjRobb2]

Originally Posted by poster

As sparksmex mentioned, the source of your income is a biggie. Another is the culture shock, spending one week there didn't begin to open your eyes to the huge differences between the US and Mexico. We may be neighbors but there are far more than language and economic differences between our two countries.

I recommend that you return to Mexico and spend a few more weeks there. Rent an apartment - cook for yourselves and discover how shopping is there. Go to a doctor for a checkup. Get your car serviced while you're there. You may fall even more in love with Mexico or you may decide that it isn't quite time to commit yourselves.

Good luck.

We are actually planning on returning early next year and going to try to live as residents for at least a week. We are going to stay away from the coast and actually live where the locals live, shop at their stores, visit schools, doctor's offices, and other places that people use in their day-to-day lives. I am also going to try to set up some interviews with Americans that have done the same thing to get advice and what not.

We actually did some of that during our last 2-3 days. We went around and talked to a bunch of people about living there both Mexicans and Americans. Mazatlan seems to be a popular spot for Americans to move and they seem to do well.

[joelaldo]

Originally Posted by RjRobb2

We are actually planning on returning early next year and going to try to live as residents for at least a week. We are going to stay away from the coast and actually live where the locals live, shop at their stores, visit schools, doctor's offices, and other places that people use in their day-to-day lives. I am also going to try to set up some interviews with Americans that have done the same thing to get advice and what not.

We actually did some of that during our last 2-3 days. We went around and talked to a bunch of people about living there both Mexicans and Americans. Mazatlan seems to be a popular spot for Americans to move and they seem to do well.

Mazatlan is located in a state that's embroiled in a drug war. As tourists, you most definitely will not face any of the problems or challenges that this presents... but as residents you just might. I was in an accicent in Veracruz last year (other side of country, but equally as 'safe' (according to authorities) as mazatlan). When I got out to talk to the guys and got on the phone with my insurance company, the guys told me they didn't have any time and to get out of their way they had stuff to do. When I remained on the phone talking to the rep on the other side, they told me that I didn't know who I was messing with, and that the belonged to the ZETAS. Right then and there they opened their trunk to reveal their arsenal of weapons... and I hung up on the phone and went on my way. 5,000 pesos of deductible later, a bitter taste was left in my mouth.

Staying in a resort, and taking taxis everywhere gives you a big safety cushion. When you live in a private residence and drive your own car... certain challenges present itself: crime, theft, break-ins, the precarious driving habits of the locals, etc.

If you are seriously considering to move, I suggest a PMV (Pre-move visit) of at least 2 weeks. Don't stay in a hotel, but rather stay in a rental home (find on craigslist or vrbo), rent a car, drive around, go shopping at the local supermarkets, check out the place to get driver's lisences, take a look at the local hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, talk to the local U.S. consulate, etc. you've taken a good 1st step by talking to other Americans, but take a look at your specific needs and see if they are met in Mexico.

As far as kids go... you can also homeschool them through U.S. programs.

[Steve Bagu]

The concept and allure of living in a different place be it Mexico or Tahiti or say Japan is nice but only in a concept way.

LEGAL papers need to be filled be it for residency or for work purposes.

How much money can be earned in Mexico (topic on hand) would it be in Pesos or Dollars?.

Would the pay scale be equivalent to that earned in the US?.

Having lived in Mexico 16 yrs (retired) do see the pay being by the day/week or a job via a contract in most cases and NOT by the hr as is in the US.

Okay...lets say a person has the FM3 or FM2 to live in Mexico...now what?

Language barrier...traditional customs can be learned over time.

To submerge oneself into the different culture would also mean into their financial capabilities.

Would a person be willing to live on 2-3 hundred dollars (equivalent in Pesos) a week?

Mexican work is paid in Mexican Pesos...not in US dollars.

If the people were making US wages they would not all be living in one large household as they now do.

They live together because that is all they can afford and depend on each other for support.

I saw this with my friends and neighbors down the street when I lived in Mexico City...also it is the same here in Baja. All the homes being built around me are large two story for large families.

With all respect, the OP is young and has the usual dreams we all had at one time or another. Nothing wrong in that respect...he just needs to spend 3 months (90 day visa) at a place of choice. I have been to most places Americans visit and they all have some nice features.

Visiting has the appearence of being Rosey and Nice...living and working will be a different ball game.

Steve

[golgi1]

I'm not sure I fully comprehend your meaning when asking "is it feasible?"

Of course its feasible. People move all over the world, at all ages, every day.

I'll try to narrow it down for you. Personal feasibility depends on three things:

1. Money saved and income in-country to support your move/set up costs and you and your families' lifestyle once you are there. There are a thousand different approaches to this.

2. Your ability to secure a live/work visa. Do your research as to whether you can qualify to legally live and work in country. In mexico, visas are fairly easy.

3. Your psychology.
How will you handle living in a foreign country after the honeymoon period has abated?
How will you handle being a minority?
How will you handle being away from family and friends?
How will you handle having limited communication ability with the natives, on both a language and cultural level?

Granted, the location and culture of Mexico make all of these considerations easier on Americans that most other foreign countries, but they are still issues. You will learn a lot about yourself when living abroad. For some people, its an ideal adventure and lifelong dream in the beginning, but they soon realize what they had and miss at home and they get it out of their system with a short stint away. In most ways, the USA is one of the easiest countries in the world, if not the easiest, in which to live. Its almost too easy. You have to be ready to deal with the higher level of adversity that a foreign country will throw at you on a consistent basis. Much of this will be simply due to the fact that you are a foreigner.

[RjRobb2]

Originally Posted by joelaldo

Mazatlan is located in a state that's embroiled in a drug war. As tourists, you most definitely will not face any of the problems or challenges that this presents... but as residents you just might. I was in an accicent in Veracruz last year (other side of country, but equally as 'safe' (according to authorities) as mazatlan). When I got out to talk to the guys and got on the phone with my insurance company, the guys told me they didn't have any time and to get out of their way they had stuff to do. When I remained on the phone talking to the rep on the other side, they told me that I didn't know who I was messing with, and that the belonged to the ZETAS. Right then and there they opened their trunk to reveal their arsenal of weapons... and I hung up on the phone and went on my way. 5,000 pesos of deductible later, a bitter taste was left in my mouth.

Of course safety is a concern and I understand that Sinaloa has high crime rates due to the drug way. However, most of that is going on at least 100 miles away. From what I understand, Mazatlan itself has some of the lower crime rates in Mexico. Every single American I talked to down there said they feel just as safe, if not safer than they do in the places they use to live in the U.S.. A very attractive American women I spoke with that is in her mid-30s said she goes for runs at night and doesnt think twice about it. With that said, I know that it is a different country and everyone's opinion is different but since I have two small children, I will definitely research safety.

Originally Posted by joelaldo

If you are seriously considering to move, I suggest a PMV (Pre-move visit) of at least 2 weeks. Don't stay in a hotel, but rather stay in a rental home (find on craigslist or vrbo), rent a car, drive around, go shopping at the local supermarkets, check out the place to get driver's lisences, take a look at the local hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, talk to the local U.S. consulate, etc. you've taken a good 1st step by talking to other Americans, but take a look at your specific needs and see if they are met in Mexico.

I've already started looking into doing this. I wouldnt make the move without doing this and told my wife that we will not move down there until we take the time to go live like residents, kind of like a "test-drive".

Originally Posted by joelaldo

As far as kids go... you can also homeschool them through U.S. programs.

I didnt even think about that. I will check into that as well.