Why Move to Mexico?
By Carl Mason and Will Nel. ~ Posted with Permission
Americans have a media-and politically driven view of Mexico. They think poverty, chaos, Cartel, corruption, and third world living. They think of people unwanted on American soil, people who will steal our jobs, and run back to Mexico with our money. They think of vast deserts and blistering heat, hurricanes and earthquakes. But that is not the real Mexico.
As we dove into the culture, met expats and did our research, we found out some pretty cool things about Mexico that most Americans, certainly those in our circles, didn’t know.
#1: Friendliness
I think most of us know this actually, but I don’t think we understand it. Let me explain.
In the States, there is an everyone for themselves attitude that permeates culture. People rarely go out of their way to be kind, polite, and helpful. Mexicans though, do. They will go to great lengths to embrace you, help you, befriend you. It really is a beautiful attribute.
#2: They are chill
Americans are wound tight. That doesn’t mean they work hard though. Mexicans flip this scenario. They work hard but they also know how to relax. It is a beautiful dance that I promise you’ll find refreshing. Well, until your American demand for NOW kicks in over something simple. But, I
learned this in South Africa, if you learn to roll with it, you’ll live a very happy life.
#3: The food is better
That evaluation is not based on the type of food choices available in Mexico, but more about the quality. We will give you more stats later on, but any expat will tell you, even though they don’t often understand why, that the food quality is better than they knew in the States. There are good reasons for it. Those reasons will mean you will feel and live better. And yes, authentic Mexican food does rock too!
#4: It is safe
Americans hear Mexico and think of crime. That is not entirely true. Mexicois actually safer than most cities in the USA. We need to let that sink in. Safer. It certainly isn’t worse. So chill and be smart. Don’t flash your diamonds on an evening walk and you’ll likely fair very well.
#5: It is cheap
But it isn’t “cheap” if you know what I mean. The cost of living the lifestyle you currently live is about ? or ? of what you now spend. That is a beautiful thing. And it doesn’t cost you on the quality side of life. In fact, you’ll likely live better.
#6: PDA is ok
Mexicans are not shy. Couples enjoy no holds barred when it comes to PDA. In fact, one of the very first activities we were invited to was a naked boat tour. Yes, they are a BIG thing. So if you are a slightly repressed and awkward American, you might be shocked. Embrace freedom.
#7: GP’s don’t really exist
This was also the case in South Africa. Nearly all pharmacies had a GP office included. It was so much easier to get quick care for everyday worries. And, whatever you needed post the appointment, was right outside the door without another trip required. And on that topic, getting meds is so much easier. Very few require a prescription.
#8: Phone numbers are awkward
Let’s say my cell-phone number in Mexico was 55 59 89 51 56. Now, if you’re calling or texting from another cell phone you dial this exact number. If you call from a local phone you need to add (0–44) before the number. If you text from a foreign cell phone you need to add (+52), however, if you want to call from a foreign number you need to add (+52 1).
#9: The economy is booming
Mexico is the 15th largest economy in the world and the 11th largest in terms of purchasing power parity according to the IMF. Some of Volkswagen’s best-selling cars are partly produced in Mexico, and the country has become a new hotspot for research and development.
#10: Color tv was invented in Mexico
Guillermo González Camarena was an inventor who created the chromoscopic adapter for television equipment, which was an early color tv transmission system. He was only 17 at the time and did it during WWII! His first official color transmission was from Mexico City in 1946.
Do you need more encouragement?