13 Reasons YOU WON'T like Living in Mexico That NO ONE Talks About
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- FREE LIVING IN MEXICO EMAIL SERIES bit.ly/3Ua6r3h
If you know anything about me by now, you know I am a huge cheerleader for Mexico. But Living in Mexico isn't for everyone. And in this video, I want to share 13 negatives of living in Mexico. Some of these will be deal-breakers for some of you.
And you won't hear many other RUclipsrs or expat gurus talk about these negatives. I want to help you make sure that Mexico is right for you and I promise to give you the good, the bad, and the ugly.
But the pros outweigh the cons. Check out the full list of benefits to living in Mexico
mexicorelocationguide.com/13-...
READY TO Move TO MEXICO? Check out our COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide!
bit.ly/3kifQFE
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook.com/mexicorelocationguide
/ mexicorelocationguide
Mexicorelocationguide.com
Info@mexicorelocationguide.com 
Развлечения
FREE LIVING IN MEXICO EMAIL SERIES bit.ly/3Ua6r3h
It happens a lot here in Florida.
Earthquake.
Where I live we have no Cable.
Hello, I have an uncomfortable question, and i understand if you wish not or don't know how, to answer it;
I am from french Caribbean decent, I hear some stories about Black people Not welcome, police harassment (asking for bribes, stop and search), problems at the border patrol, people refusing to serve, etc etc
I know it exists everywhere, but what is your take on it.. if you know..
Thank you
I’m from Canada and went to Mexico for the first time a month ago. My life will never be the same. It was the most amazing place I’ve ever been and we’re planning a trip next year so we can take all 8 of our kids ages 7-27 years. We lived in Texas and Arizona and I was scared off by those border towns. I regret waiting so long to go and can’t wait for my family to experience Mexico!! Thanks for all the information!
I love your message- thank you for loving Mexico so much. Can’t wait for you to come back too 😀
Good luck with your family trip next year, Mrs Harker :)
Hola 😊 ,i am from Ireland & have been to Mexico many times. I adore your food,people, architecture,the arts, the vibrancy of colours, plants, flowers, birds, wildlife, so much to see & experience its amazing& so beautiful All the negatives are easy to adjust to & most of all out of respect & a self challenge definitely learn even the basics of the language. I look forward to returning & experiencing more of the delights if your beautiful country. Your video was very informative & very helpful. Gracias ☘
You'll find out !
Bienvenido que bueno que te gustó mucho , yo actualmente estoy viendo en Toronto y me fascina este lugar también 😂
I love how honest you were about the potential deal breakers of living in Mexico. However, after living here for 2 years now, none of these things bother me at all. I have found the kindness of the Mexican people have stole my heart and one of meany reasons why I love Mexico. I’m currently living in San Miguel De Allende and loving it!!
Are crimes against tourists prevalent? I mean would I have to be paranoid about anyone behind me at all times? That type of thing?
Awww, Damon, such a lovely comment 💝💖
No thanks ...
WELL, SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, IS NOTHING ABOUT MEXICO, THE TOURISM AND FOREIGNERS LIVING THERE HAS TRANSFORMED THAT PART OF THE COUNTY, HOW CAN YOU BLAME THEM, IT HAS AN EXCELLENT YEAR ROUND CLIMATE. ALL THE CURRENCY IS MANAGED IN DOLLARS. SO THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE THERE, CANNOT AFFORD THIS PLACE.
Yes, totally appreciated that!
She’s exactly right! If you move to another country, learn that countries language and don’t expect them to change their language to accommodate you.
we do that here in the US
@@timramsay7322 we do that in the USA, because it means job; thus votes...In many countries, the language impaired are required to fund the translations...
And vs versa
US has alot of translators. For many languages. I was in the hospital in Mexico City, no translators..
Please!!! Could you repeat that 100 million times!! I would add, learn whatever language from a NATIVE SPEAKER. Thank you!! You don’t do yourself any good sounding like a babbling baby. (I love babies by the way!!) I need to listen to natives and correct myself and I have been at the Spanish learning task for many years.
I'm a resident from the US and I've lived here in Merida for 13 years. The negatives you mention are true, but are completely outweighed by the benefits!!! The people, the food, the history and for me, the vibrant colors, are awesome!
Exactly the pros outweigh the cons ❤️
@@MexicoRelocationGuide So why even mention them 😶Enjoy the ride and Shut up girl!
Because it’s my channel and I can talk about whatever subjects I think people will find useful
Feel free to unsubscribe
@@MexicoRelocationGuide was that meant for someone else? I don’t understand who you are replying to
Yeah Merida is very nice I lived there for a while. Very nice
Very well stated. We’ve lived here for a year and a half and everything you mentioned is correct. Things aren’t perfect, yet it is a wonderful place to be. People, food, climate. Mi gusta mucho!
Thank you for your comments. I know this would be triggering for some people who might think I am criticizing Mexico. But I’m not. Glad you see the truth 😀
gust"O" - (M)
@@MexicoRelocationGuide what are you talking about you don't travel a lot in EEUU you can't drink water the water isn't clean, New York full of rats and cucarach. Memphis is horrible Los Angeles homeless everywhere and smell really bad Detroit., crime every day and the roads in EEUU isn't the best!!
@@victorcruz2367 ¿Y porque te ofendes si dijo la verdad? Son meras observaciones que pueden servirle al turista estadounidense que va a México por PRIMERA vez.
"Life is only as perfect as the individual molds and lives it"
The one time we visited for 3 months we fell in love with everything about Mexico. The noise, music, scenery, celebrations, friendly and beautiful way Mexicans take care of each other and families that are so important to them. We love the quaint villages and markets. If we weren't so old we would move there in a heartbeat. To visit Mexico is truly an awesome experience and everyone should go at least once for a visit.
Brenda! How old are you? I drove across the border in 2011 by myself at the age of 60. Been her 10 years!
Damn! I crossed the border at Laredo in Nov. 2011. I was 63. 10 years for me! Where do you live?
@@j.whisper2379 wow how are you now? Where are you in Mexico.
If you move to Mexico you're going to live longer.😁 I'm Mexican but my mom forced me to move to California when I was 13 because she lives there, but the same week I turned 18 I returned to Mexico City because I didn't want to die of boredom.😝
Very good information. I was borne and raise in Mexico until I was 17 yrs old when I left my country to live in USA. I got married in USA, have kids and a bachelor degree. Me and my family vacationed multiple times on different states in Mexico. When I retired 3 yrs ago me and my husband went to live in Chápala Mexico. It has the perfect weather, too many friendly and noisy dogs on the streets, delicious tacos, beautiful people, inexpensive housing, utilities and food. The home we rented had a filtration system under the sink, dusty streets, but felt pretty safe, ride the buses several times to go to the nearby towns and Guadalajara and the passengers were really generous with the needy and courteous with other passengers. Odors like urine smell noted on some areas assumed it was human and could had been from intoxicated people. No problem with electricity and it esos a lot on this area, gas is delivered immediately when you need it and Internet was good. We left at the beginning of COVID then my husband did not want to go back. He wanted to be closer to our kids. One more thing, postal service, post office or UPS are not good. You get your packages, but takes a while. Police is corrupt, but I never gave in. I love my country!
I would add "very lax appointment and arrival times". As a foreigner you might deal with service appointments of people that say they will be at your house at time X, and then realize they they blow past their time window by hours or even days. This takes a bit of getting used to when you expect others to respect your time. Don't plan yours days assuming things will happen at the times you are told.
Where I live in Oregon, we enjoy all the negatives you mention with the exception of earth quakes. My wife and I are seriously considering moving to Mexico in a year or so. All the comments about how friendly most Mexicans are is 100% true. I have been to several weddings and being the only Caucasian male present with 100 plus other people. Once they knew I have a valid reason for being there, " I married to Chiito", I was quickly accepted as "premo" and handed a cold beer. Never left hungry either.
This is amazing to hear! I hope you move to Mexico soon :D
As someone who has experienced both countries, I suggest choosing a place that you can easily adapt to depending on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a proper city with all the services and businesses you would expect from one, I would suggest: Querétaro, Pachuca, Mexico City (Lindavista or San Angel districts)
If you’re looking for history then I suggest: Mexico City (Coyoacán district), Guanajuato, or San Miguel de Allende
If you want to live by the sea but you need the services and amenities of a city, then I highly recommend: Veracruz, Mazatlán, and Chetumal
If you want to live by the beach but you want a “small beach town” feel,, then I suggest: Puerto Escondido, Puerto Morelos, and Puerto Progreso. Ajijic qualifies as well, but that’s technically next to a lake and not the sea.
Finally, if you’re looking for the higher end of things, and have the money for it, then I would suggest: Mexico City (Santa Fe, Interlomas, and Polanco districts), Puerto Vallarta (beach), Cancún (beach), and Monterrey (San Pedro Garza district).
I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck :) ¡saludos desde México!
What's your opinion of the Hultulco region?
@@howardrichburg2398 a beautiful region with some of the best sunsets in the world. Lots of history in the state of Oaxaca too! If you're looking for a "small beach town" feel then it's definitively the right choice. However, I know what it's like to move to another country, so what you really need is for someone to give you a heads up about some possible negatives.
Negatives:
- Services like water, power, and especially internet can be inconsistent (especially in the more remote areas of the region)
- The closer you are to towns, the closer you'll be to tourists. This can be both a good and a bad thing, because I know some people want to get away from tourists but for example you can rent out your home to them as an AirBnb while you are away. I guess it depends on how you look at it.
- Everyone says "don't drink the water" but that just means don't drink the tap water. It will not be purified to the same extent as tap water in the US. What we do in México is similar to some parts of California which is to buy "garrafones", which are small plastic barrels of purified driking water. The most popular garrafone brands in México are Bonafont, Ciel, and E-Pura. Other brands do exist so do some research to find out which ones are most common in Huatulco. In some cities, a truck with garrafones will stop by your house and a guy will knock on your door (usually once a week) to offer barrels of water. If you have access to this service wherever you choose to move, then you don't need to worry about getting drinking water every time you go grocery shopping.
- Huatulco is located within the most active seismic zone in México, but earthquakes themselves shouldn't be a problem if you buy or build a sturdy home. Be calm and exit the house. The event will be over before you know it and hopefully it will become nothing but an anecdote. However, if you live right next to the beach then it's a good idea to keep an emergency kit ready just in case because earthquakes can be followed by tsunamis. This is no joke. It is a very uncommon event, but it's better to be ready.
- Unlike other areas of the country, you won't find some of the stores you're probably used to such as Costco, Whole Foods, Walmart etc. so I strongly encourage you to learn more about Aurrerá, Soriana, Mega, and some of the other Mexican superstores that exist there so you have a good idea of where you'll be doing your everyday shopping. Also, once you're there try to support the local markets. I also highly recommend that you learn some Spanish to make life easier for you. Which brings me to the next point...
- Not everyone will speak English. A lot of people hear stories of Americans or Canadians moving to the Mayan Riviera and barely needing Spanish to communicate, but Oaxaca and the Huatulco region are not like that. If you're looking to get away with little to no Spanish, then the Mayan Riviera or Baja California might be better picks for you. Huatulco is part of the state of Oaxaca, one of the most culturally influential states in our country. They speak Spanish as a primary language, but you'll notice there's some families and even entire communities that still speak their native (ancient) languages. But, like I said, Spanish is the primary language for most people and it will help you get by. If you already speak the language, that's awesome! But if not, consider moving to a place where you can find a good Spanish school (like Mexico City or Tijuana) first, so you can get started by learning this beautiful language that can quite literally save your life once you're here. Nothing sucks more than not being able to communicate something, especially if you really need it (such as explaining symptoms to a doctor if you feel sick or buying a specific ingredient you need for a recipe at a local market). Your quality of life will multiply tenfold, trust me!!
Positives:
- The crime rate is very low compared to the rest of the country and even parts of the USA.
- Did I mention the sunsets? It's going to be hard to find better ones anywhere on the planet!!
- The food in the state of Oaxaca is iconic and amazing, so I encourage you to visit the state capital (Oaxaca City) and try every restaurant you can find. Don't be afraid to try new things, but do ask about the ingredients if you are uncertain (also to stay safe from possible allergies).
- The overall atmosphere is very calm and relaxing across the state. Most people work in agriculture, construction, restaurants or tourism. However, if it proves "too calm" then you can step away from your routine and go bar-hopping in Puerto Escondido. There's also some amazing nightclubs in that small city.
- There's some really good water parks in the Huatulco region, look them up to see if any catch your eye!
- Finding workers for your home or any projects (such as building/expanding your house, maintenance, etc) should be a lot cheaper than in the US. You can find a housekeeper, gardener, carpenter, construction workers, you name it!
- From the Huatulco airport you can flight straight to Mexico City and some parts of the USA and Canada.
I know this was a lot of text but I barely scratched the surface. Moving to another country is something I know is very difficult, but is so worth it in the end!! I truly wish you the best of luck with this move! Don't hesitate to leave another comment if you have additional questions.
No smells or bad sidewalks or sidewalk tents here in Raleigh. You need to travel more. Oregon is hopelessly blue.
@@luislicona386 wow, that was really informative!
1. Utility outages
2. Slow internet
3. Roads/sidewalks
4. Lack of safety inspection, exposed public areas
5. Some places can't flush toilet paper
6. Pay for public bathrooms
7. (Sometimes no public toilet paper?)
8. Police bribes
9. Can't drink tap water
10. Bad smells from plumbing
11. Noisy
12. Not English speaking
13. Earthquakes
How come this comment, and this video, don't mention the cartels and gangs in Mexico? They are even threatening candidates for the upcoming elections,
and one candidate has been killed.
Lived in Guadalajara 3.5 years. For some reason, these lists never mention driving in Mexico. When I got to GDL, I was shocked at the lack of stop signs at intersections. Now, all the main avenues have stop lights, but you get on a side street, and usually there's nothing. My wife, who grew up there, said, "Oriente/poniente tiene la preferencia." East/West drivers have the preference. My thought was, I gotta look at the sun before each crossing to figure out if I go first? What about at night? You get my point. I learned in my "fraccionamiento" where I needed to slow down, but every time I hit a side street that was unfamiliar to me, I stopped to check. Ooh, Mexican drivers did not like that! But so be it, I'm still alive;) We lived in a new building that it was ok to flush the toilet paper. It's nasty if you can't, but somewhere in public if you really gotta go, I could just deal w/it. But at home, it would've been a dealbreaker for me to live in Mexico. To each his own! Hope my 2 cents helped.
U r correct. In Europe, they call that Tacit Knowledge, meaning that unless you're from the area you won't be familiar with local customs and traffic regs are viewed as part of local life. That's why oftentimes one can find oneself completely lost in places like train and subway stations as there are no maps or other guiding tools. For those moments, knowing some of the local language is very helpful to ask passers by. Others might use software apps to find their way about but these are not always available nor reliable.
I am soooo interested in moving to Mexico!! I am a single parent who is tired of the fast paced American lifestyle. I love the values, morals, and beliefs of your people! The culture, land, and ALL. I need help..if you're up for the challenge..let me know!❤ The Southern United States has been good to me, but it's time to go!✌🏾💨
Hi Latasha! Happy to help you
Check out my website
Mexicorelocationguide.com
I have two children here. They love it. And are fluent in both English and Spanish. the healthcare for them is great and they attend schools which require uniforms (I love this!)_ Best!
@@mariamar2114 Muy cierto! Dos idiomas son el comienzo! Quiero que aprendan al menos uno mas. Nuestros vecinos hablan dos dialectos y sería tan facil de aprender. - sonrisa -
Same girl same!
You had better have a way to earn a living online. Mexican pay scales are very low.
I live in a rural, very remote tiny town in Texas with a mañana culture, outdated infrastructure (I call it “tender-hearted” sewer), frequent power failures in the crazy weather, few public bathrooms, etc. None of this bothers me. It’s beautiful here, but expensive, and I’m ready to retire and want a quality life. I realize that I may already be quite prepared for possibly moving to Mexico, except I need to learn Spanish. Thanks for your candid assessment. Your channel is so helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
It's best to live near tourist areas, universities or in nicer neighborhoods. Rent have been increasing as more people move there.
Property taxes in TX are prohibitively high, especially in retirement. If you buy your home in MX, your cost of living will be probably be very affordable for a good quality of life.
@@llee8325 they cap to a much smaller percentage at age 65, but yes, with no state income tax, property taxes are higher in Texas. My insurances went up 66%.
When I retired and moved to Quartzite ,AZ. I went to class and Learned Spanish because I didn't lear it in highschool. My wife spoke ,kids spoke. I've lost some because no one to practice with.
I'm new to your channel. Enjoy the candid, direct discussion. We lived in Yelapa for four years and enjoyed it thoroughly. Your discussion of the negatives was spot on. Mexico is certainly not for everyone. Additional advice, leave your prior culture at home, embrace mexico completely: the food, the drink, the culture and her beautiful people. VIVA!!!!
Viva!
Agreed! Also, I am from Chicago area and shooting is on the news daily. We all know what neighborhood to stay away from and how to act in crowds. Common sense is your best safety.
@@eduardobaz6413 disagree.
@@eduardobaz6413 I like several others who responded would disagree. There are dozens of places in the world "cheaper" than the US. Or if that is your singular focus, then you will miss countless experiences, other than cheaper, which Mexico so graciously offers.
@@eduardobaz6413, the people who only come for that reason tend to imagine they can have a high end life at a fraction of the US cost. When they find out they're not rich on $2,000 a month or less, they tend to move back to the US.
Hi Mariana: Your poise and elegant articulation makes you a wonderful ambassador for Mexico. ❤️ The Mexican Chamber of Commerce should be paying you. 😊. Thank you for the honest and objective considerations. 🙏
I wholeheartedly agree, L.J. Mariana is a very special and lovely person!!
Oh thank you!
This is an honest and very realistic video. As an expat who owns a home in MX and spend a lot of time in SMA, I can say that she is 100% on point. In fact, I plan to forward this video to all future guests just to make sure that their expectations are properly adjusted.
Thank you!!
Agree 100%. As a senior who lived in SMA for 4 years those cobblestones became way too challenging for me. Beautiful city but...
For street unevenness, if you are a retiree, be honest with yourself about your sense of balance and any bone density issue before selecting a city or neighborhood, no matter how picturesque. "Vestibular symptoms and dizziness are a usual and significant problem in the elderly, where their prevalence has been estimated to be 30% in persons older than 60 years, and approaching 50% after the age of 85 years." Falls are the leading cause of accidental death in people over 65. Before I moved to Mexico, I corresponded with a retired physician's assistant in Ajijic, who cautioned me that cities with cobblestone streets were not a good choice for someone with BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and osteoporosis. He stated that plenty of people fell in Ajijic who did NOT have balance problems, so it was a high risk for someone with a known or suspected issue.
Wherever you choose, electric outages can affect your water, too, in houses that rely on a water pump. Some houses store their household water in rooftop containers that rely on gravity feed, which is no problem. But if you have an underground pila with a water pump, no electricity means no flushing toilets or showers. I like to keep covered buckets of water in a corner of the bathroom, just in case for my toilet. In almost 2 years of being here, outages for more than 24 hours have only happened a couple of times, but it's good to know your utility situation when you move in.
I also keep a garafon of water on the bathroom counter with a USB rechargeable pump & spigot for toothbrushing. I use this all the time, so any water or electricity outage doesn't affect basic hygiene.
I might mention that although many areas have city water pumped to your house, others require water to be trucked in. This was odd to start, but I have become accustomed to calling my water guy to refill the pila whenever it gets low. For water for drinking & washing vegetables, etc., I take my garafones to the local water store to refill for drinking water. Some neighborhoods have trucks that drive around with full garafones to switch out. I use the 3-gallon rather than the 5-gallon size.
Also, many people have reverse osmosis systems installed in their houses so they can filter their own pila water or city water for drinking.
Having lived in the U.S. in cities all my life, I was used to having natural gas and chlorinated water always available through underground infrastructure without my giving it a thought. Here I have to consciously keep track of my basic supplies. Gas here is propane, not natural gas, and is either delivered in 45 kiloliter tanks or a large truck refills a standing tank on your property.
I don't consider any of these things to be "bad," but rather differences that I mentally adjusted to.
That was beautiful. I lived in the DF in the late 80s and have always wanted to go back. Hablo español y espero regresar algún día. ❤🇲🇽
Como te gustó el DF había mucho que hacer?
Wonderfully informative. Thank you! You are so well spoken and articulate, too.
When visiting Puerto Vallarta in particular we noticed tons of tourists with casts on their ankles and legs. The sidewalks and roads were super treacherous for walkers, especially those looking up to appreciate all the shops, restaurants, beauty, blue sky, etc.
For us, our big challenge is often the noisiness- whether it be late night dance clubs, early morning roosters, trucks selling with loud speakers, people setting off M-80’s (small sticks of dynamite 🧨 ) for celebration or to announce church services, etc.
In Sayulita, we adored all the various small festivals and celebrations to frequently took place in the town plaza. We felt welcome to witness the wonderful culture, traditions, overall goodness of the Mexican people.
We moved here a year ago, bought a house and love it. I had to laugh at your video because it mentions "13 Negatives", I can list a hundred in the USA. Thats why we moved. All of the ones you mentioned are extremely easy to solve but the ones in the USA were enough to literally drive us out and we are in our 70's. Thanks for the video but a lot of the issues have very simple work-arounds.
Fully agree with you- but also want to show some people what the realities are so they don't move to Mexico and hate it - thanks for watching!
While I agree that the US has many issues, I have to disagree that Mexico’s are “extremely easy to solve.” A land so rich in natural resources should not have the issues it has. The streets are poorly maintained, construction quality is low and crime, corruption, and bureaucracy are very high. In theory those things should be “easily” solve-able, but unfortunately they are not in MX. NOTHING is easy there. As an American, these things are very frustrating. The allure is the extremely affordable cost of living for expats, but there are definite compromises compared to our relatively easy way of live in the US.
@@bicipiccola the US is all about taxes, and more taxes in order to fix bad roads ect. No taxes in Mexico so roads can't get fixed, taxes could help...easy fix. Crime in Merida, none! Crime in every US city. Guns are not available in Mex, there are no gun shows, no gun stores, in US anybody can buy a gun, anybody. And the list goes on. The family values of Mexicans is like the the USA was back in the 50's, now there aren't any family values in the US, just lazy ass young adults wanting to have everything handed to them. All that is true, that's why I moved.
You are correct. I lived in Mexico City 60 years ago and live part time in Colombia now; same issues, same govt. corruption, same disregard for traffic laws and all laws. One would think the govt. corruption would have diminished after 60 years, but it hasn’t.
If you think Mexico is better than the US all around then by all means, please stay there. Just hope you don’t need any serious medical services and you enjoy loud music at very late hours, roaming groups of dogs and living in a house that has tall walls surrounding the property since crime is Rampant and you will be robbed. More than likely you’ll take the cowards way and live only where there’s other whites who speak English and things are tailored for your standards of living instead of living in an average community. Then there’s the 3 caste system in Mexico so white, European Spanish Mexican citizens are considered first class then there’s the mixed race of Spanish and native and finally the third class is the indian population that’s easy to spot, they have an average IQ of 75, round head, short and no neck to speak of. I visit small towns in Mexico frequently and I speak Spanish while there since I’m a white guy visiting their country, I never just start speaking English, I ask permission to speak English if it’s critical. The caste system is never mentioned on Spanish TV channels but everyone knows about it there. So knock yourself out and have fun but, you better pray public opinion doesn’t become aggressive about people like you living there since the government and police will care less about your protection. What an idiot.
Marianna, what a nice presentation!! Truly enjoyed! On bribing cops: It is a felony to do so: Just don't do it: On the other hand, I once gave two policemen 1000 pesos each, as a gift for helping me when I blew TWO tires out on my car. They helped me get to a tire shop - which was closed!! They asked them to open on a Sunday night and help me!! I was more than 100 miles from my home! Mexico police often do things, to help, that cops in other countries NEVER do, such as help physically push cars out of the way. Mexico is a wonderful country with far more freedom, and less danger, than USA. thanks again!
I have had the police give me a ride when I had simply asked for directions.
@@marcykaren Exactly!! The police are often very helpful to those in need, especially visitors and travelers.
I had cops to bribe me when I was there in August., Also, two cops robbed and beat up my husband.. A major overhaul is needed in Hopelchen.
I have heard that it is technically a crime to bribe an officer, but being prosecuted for this is unheard of. I don't know, but if you record the whole thing on video, including your bribe, you might get prosecuted. Deservedly so, for your stupidity.
@@bullwinkle60 the idea is to tell the officer that it is illegal for you, as a traveler to pay the bribe. Therefore, you refuse to pay the bribe, like you say: to avoid prosecution. Please remember the officer is asking alot of money: The actual ticket could be like $5 USD if you go to court. The price you pay at traffic court (if the officer is even authorized to write a ticket) is the same as any one else pays. For run of the mill things, it is about 100 pesos.
During heavy rainstorms, it's wise NOT to cross streets that are flooded - you never know where the holes are! Patience is important. And tourist areas may have limited toilets, so best to use facilities in local busnesses when possible - there's actually more access for tourists.
During rain storms the dog shit floats down the streets...pot holes are the least of your worries lol
@@saywhat951 Yes, they don't have storm sewers most places, so the roads become rivers during heavy rains and, being in the tropics, the rain can be very heavy. Most places the infrastructure is a bit primitive and where they have septic tanks where they are often sub-standard to begin with, so with growth they get overwhelmed and it can be necessary to pump them out - doesn't smell nice when they do that, too. It is smart to swim at the beaches away from the mouth of rivers or any drainage.
Thank you for your true and direct facts about Mexico. We love Mexico, especially the people and the culture. The negative that affects me the most is the dogs. There are lots of them. They are not trained as pets. I have been bitten once and had to go to the emergency room. When you are walking down a street, they frequently lunge against the fence. And no one picks up dog poop. So that is my main negative.
Yes- the dog culture is not always a pet culture unfortunately
Ugg, all must train their dogs!
My experience especially in small towns, most dogs on the street unlike in the US aren't bothered by people and will walk right past us all the time as if we weren't there...they didn't need us to pet them or pay any attention to them at all! Free Range Dogs! Guard dogs behind the fence were different.
Mariana I really appreciate how you layout some common concerns folks might have about living in Mexico. I find too many channels try to present a pollyannaish spin on living in Mexico. I find that type of content to be disingenuous and potentially painful. Imagine the financial cost of moving to Mexico with unclear expectations. Nobody wins when people make decisions based on incomplete facts. We need the whole picture and go into the move with our eyes and heart wide open. Love your central thread, which is basically: this is how Mexico is. Do not try to make it what you want it to be. Appreciate it for what it is; a beautiful and vibrate country with its own set of problems.
Thank you Glen! Glad you enjoyed this video
I love living in Mexico. Much less Big Brother Is Watching feeling. Strong family values. I like that❤️👍
You kidding me ? Strong family values? Merried man have few lovers on the side and that’s normal to them . I would move to Europe
@@annabernatowicz2707 😂😂😂
Walking down the street in Juarez at two o'clock in the afternoon window shopping. Heard someone holler and turned around to face two police officers pointing their guns at me. Took me to a Police station and surrounded by other cops. (I had been advised many times by other victim's, a very bad beating about to happen.) I had some shopping money on me and was able to talk my way out of a very bad situation. My crime, "out after curfew".
I have visited many cities in Mexico but there is only one I definitely hated, Juarez.
@@OscarGarcia-sk8px so true!!! but even in Juarez do you find the story credible? If I knew MANY other victims got a serious beat down? I wouldn't go to that area.
I was in El Paso for a week with my family and decided to walk across the bridge into Juarez. We just walked around to the markets. I just got a bad vibe. The people were pushy and not friendly at all. Even the US imigration people le were rude. They asked if we were US citizens, which we are, my son was under 10 and was confused by the question. The agent gave us a hard time.
Never experienced this in all the different places we visited in Mexico.
@@OscarGarcia-sk8px "Bad Vibe" is right. USA immigration ARE rude and pushy. They are poorly trained and rely on their "instincts". The same crossing often has a core of gung-ho ex military "jerks". These are the same people who trained in war zones in Iraq and were ready to shoot drivers who didn't come to a full stop before the line. Immigration officers are the worst return on taxpayer money and are generally cause more problems that they are worth. Coming south, to Mexico, with your family, you won't have those problems.
You didn't feel any need to explain a "curfew" at two in the afternoon.
You did leave my number one issue off the list. Insects, while all countries have insects, countries that are hotter year round have an increased number of some of the more nasty ones. Cockroaches and Ants are the best examples.
I live 1/2 the year in Yucatan and have a constant battle with ants. It is so important to keep food sealed and/or in the refrigerator if you want to keep the ants away. Crumbs and messes on the counter, on the floor, on the table should never be left. Empty the garbage very often. The best solution is to eliminate ants and other insects is to remove the sources of food. Leave it to your neighbours to feed them. Fly's in the bathroom and near water are another battle, although not one that particularly bothers me. If insects are a problem for you there are lots of things to help minimize them, just know that they are part of Mexico too.
Yes- bugs are an issue in any country. But particularly in Mexico where extermination isn't standard in every neighborhood.
Yes, also mosquitos. My wife got dengue fever while we were visiting family in Guadalajara. Our daughter got chikungunya from a mosquito bite in the Dominican Republic, while living there.
My wife loves to make fun of me. We were in merida for a month, lokking at houses. I was sleeping in, and she asked me why I was so relaxed. I said that the sound of the rain was soothing. She said it wasn't raining. I had a basurero next to my side of the bed, and we had bought those sugar meringues from a street vendor. A line of hormigas was making it into the plastic lined trash can and taking crumbs out. The army of ants sounded like rain. Not soothing when you learn it's a thousand ants.
I grew up in Florida, and the bug problem was the same there. Even in nice, modern places, bugs could get in. You learn to kill philosophically. If you tried being compassionate and releasing them outside they just pass the word on to their relatives that you're a soft touch....
One exception is the housekeeper spider. It keeps the other critters thinned out....
@@MelissaThompson432 the other thing that keeps them out of our home in Texas is having the air conditioning on all the time. An expensive option in Mexico.
Thanks Mariana, your channel is spot on with such accurate information. The videos you provide to your Members Only are equally as informative and insightful. I really enjoy hearing from actual residents who are transparent about moving from one place to another or love the place they have chosen and give reasons why. I reference your guide frequently and I learn something new every time. Thank you for providing such a valuable service.
Thank you Lucia!
I am definitely aware of the negatives you mention. But on the whole I feel the positives outweigh the negatives. While the noise can be a bit much, I would rather hear dogs, roosters, and music than the noise of my neighbors' lawnmowers in the USA, for example. In general people are very friendly and the food is so, so good, and the weather is wonderful compared to where we live in the US, where it's decent for 3-4 months of the year if we're lucky! Thanks for the great content!
Yeap 😀
yeah!! I forgot about lawn mowers and leaf blowers!! Don't they start at 7 am? I visit friends in Poway CA: Every Sunday morning they have political demonstrations heard a mile away!
We don’t hear noises lol. I sleep fine when I visit Mexico as My fiancé live in a gated community in Mexico.
@@ayuanabradford3206 entonces ustedes no viven como mexicanos… qué tristeza la verdad. No estén experimentado México en su realidad. Lo siento mucho.
Number 3: hazards of uneven sidewalks/cobblestone roads - Yes, I wish my Wife had read this prior to our trip to Mexico where she broke her ankle on a sidewalk in Oaxaca. We had to cut our trip short by a week. Upside: the medical care was excellent and cheap. Was a good lesson to both of us. We sure love the building codes and better infrastructure in the USA, but like most people in the USA we can't afford it.
Sorry to hear about your wife. But glad you got good medical attention in Mexico.
Yikes! Hope it doesn't prevent you from going again! Regarding civic Permits and regulations is a Trade off, what we value more: freedom vs. safety.
Oaxaca sidewalks are the worst ever
What great advice. I reside in Ajijic and often do not understand why foreigners come here and get outraged by the culture, the people, the language etc. Indeed Mexico is not for everyone. Great talk!
Yea you have to adapt to their culture. Best wishes.
I think it's because people like that are asses in the first place and belong in no decent country jk 🙂
You all speak English right?
San Miguel de Allende is known as “The City of Fallen Women” because of the uneven sidewalks and cobblestones.
Yup!
I don't really see these points as "negatives", just the conditions that would apply to most countries I have visited. In one of my favorite cites Beirut power goes out every day for hours without fail, and the opportunity to learn another language I regard as a bonus, not a negative. Spanish is easy to learn, at least a lot easier than Lebanese Arabic was, and there are Mexican and Colombian telenovelas available on DVD to get the hang of understanding people who speak rapidly. The real negative seems to be the new immigration requirements which pose unreasonable demands on would-be visitors or temporary residents.
What is the problem with the new immigration requirements ?
@@clementlhuillier8506 maybe they can’t afford it
Aren't you special !!!
The cost has really gone up!
@@msjannd4 The cost has been tied to a multiple of the Mexican minimum wage, but that assumed that the wage increased very modestly annually.
Since AMLO was elected, the MW increase has been substantial, and has increased the visa cost. Some consulates have adjusted for that, but some have not.
best thing i ever did. I have fiber optic, and the power has gone out 2x since Sept. San felipe, Baja. dirt road, no sidewalks, but i have a house with walled fenced garden, electric and water is 10 dollars, rent is $400. I love visitors. I'm 90 miles to CA. Im mobility limited, but have my car here, and live by the sea on the inner coast. After 35 years in florida , this is so good on my SS
my vet is $10, cheap meds.
Great Video!...I have found that the People of Mexico have Strong Faith in God....I consider a Big Plus....Thank you very much !
Thank you for watching :)
Ya sure, it appears that way but go to the beach and the same bunch of men attending Church with the wife and kids can be found that afternoon at the beach masterbating while looking at the topless tourist's, here in Playa D Carmen we call them ' BEACH WACKER'S !
I live on a sailboat. I live with many more inconveniences than these every day. This sounds luxurious to me.
Ha yes people are so spoiled. We came to Guatemala in a sailboat, Rio Dulce, stored the boat for hurricane season and our goal was to stay a couple of weeks in Antigua then head up to MExico by bus. But we stayed almost 6 mos in Antigua, 🇬🇹 Guatemala! We fell in love and I decided then I wanted to retire from the boat eventually to HERE and we DID. The minor inconveniences here are those she outlines. I do miss living aboard and sailing the Caribbean, what a great life it was but we are older and could not do it now.
We had no refrigeration, no washer dryer of course we hand washed small things, sheets and towels we waited til we got someplace with a washateria and hauled it in by dingy. We had an enclosed shower BUT we turned the water on to wet our hair and bodies turned the water OFF then shampooed and washed THEN turned the water on to rinse...often we just used our portable camper shower, a bag that had a dark side surface that caught the sunshine and heated up the water somewhat...you cant let that shower run either, same system to wash. Fresh foods and veggies and fruits were luxuries.Eggs, fresh meats were luxuries. We often anchored out near unihabited cayes, bays etc. We LOVED the solitude available in the western Caribbean.
In MX I would happily live in San Miguel Allende and manynother places. I will never live in the US again. All those negatives are inconsequential.
@@latinaalma1947 I'm in Roatan now, and planning to head to Rio Dulce soon. I lived on the hook for most of the past year so being in a marina seems luxurious. Eventually I may move back to land, maybe somewhere in Oaxaca.
@@lobotomyboy666 Wonderful...you will remember all these adventures the rest of your life...what age are you? What nationality..we met many trans Atlantic. sailors cruising, lots of Scandinavians as your name sounds. We sailed all our lives.
You will LOVE motoring up the Rio Dulce...like being in tropical jungle adventure. You can easily be on the hook in Rio Dulce we did it too until we had to store our boat for the summer. Marinas there were cheapish then around $100 a month 1999. More now I am sure.There are more marinas now...no idea of cost.
You should chicken bus it to see two places before you leave Guatemala, Antigua and Lake Atitlan. There is no place like Lake Atitlan in Mexico. Antigua is very like San Miguel Allende or Parzcuaro or San Cristobal de las Casas. About the same size. Spanish colonial town.There are many hostels in Guatemala in both places. We were backpackers when we came sleeping in budget accomodations. I can give you the name of the small hotel we used to stay across from the mercado and I can check current rates for you too if are are coming here. Many sailors use it. Or you may prefer one of the hostels to socialize.
Id be happy to meet you for a coffee in town if you pass this way to get you oriented and tell you about some hidden places to see.
In Rio Dulce you may want to get a bus in Fronteras near the bridge, ask where the bus to ElEstor stops, then ask the driver and ayudante to tell you when you are at Finca Pariaso get off and go to the hot water waterfall, take your swim trunks for a special experience. Get in the warefall stand in thhe cave entrance and change where you stand to vary the temperature...a special place.
We anchored on the shore of the finca ask around sailors in the Rio of this is still possible you could then walk to the waterfall. yOumcam ask sailors there npw about Fimca Pariaso I javent been in years.
Beware, your dingy and its motor may be attractive in the Rio,ask around how to safeguard them now I dont know current conditions. Ws brought our outboard engine into the cocit of the sailbOat every night. It is the motor they mostly want.
You likely already know thr scuttlebutt of the area from other saikors more recently there than me.
Many people now living in the Antigua area sailed to Guatemala . It is easy to get to know people here, locals as well as expats...Let me know if I can help you ...we sailors are helpful people...after all we never know when our lives might depend on another sailor....Fair winds and whatever seas you prefer, calm or more robust as I did..I so miss the movement of the boat at sea...it is where I was born to be. Sybil.
@@latinaalma1947 Lake Atitlán is on my list of places to visit! Thank you for this. Lots of good information here.
@@latinaalma1947 I would love to meet you and talk about your experience. I'm hoping to stay in Guatemala for a while to do some work on my boat and relax after a year of traveling and mostly living on the hook.
Gracias por tus comentarios y tus opiniones. ❤
I'm going to Mexico for the 1st time in November, and I'm trying to learn a little bit about what to expect. You have a comforting style that projects trustworthiness, and you're knowledgeable too. Thank you for the information, as I found it very helpful.
Thanks for your candidness. I'm semi retired, living in San Diego and have been considering retiring full time to Mexico for all the right reasons you have described here. I cannot wait.
Thanks for watching- make sure you get my free guide to living in Mexico in the comments
Some people from San Diego are moving to TJ it’s much cheaper specially housing. I wish you find the place you want to live. Best wishes.
Thank you Mariana for projecting yourself so well - you are a joy to listen to!!!!
Que lindo- gracias (how nice of you- thanks)
We don’t have sidewalks in New Jersey. Some suburbs do but most don’t. I walk through uneven grass, dodging glass, used syringes & I live in a good suburban neighborhood
I live in rural Minnesota in the US, and internet service is still spotty and on wet days one can small manure. Mexico isn't the only smelly place.
So much great info, Mariana! I’m so glad I found your channel. 💓
I am glad too! Was there anything on this list that you weren’t aware of yet?
Today is the first time watching your videos. Nicely done! Very informative and candid. I enjoy my time in Mexico 🇲🇽
Honestly, I’m very relaxed when visiting and then stressed when back in the States. So everything on your list is acceptable to me. I can hardly wait to live there full time.
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video!! Maintaining expectations is the key to happiness. ❤️❤️❤️
💯
Totally agree with all the negatives. For me the 4 biggest are cobblestones, no potable water, and noise all night from dog and cat fights, and bumpy roads.
That could apply yo a gettho, with no need to compare another country....and the water thing, sounds like a myth.
Very informative, fair points. Of course, some of the negatives are relative to where people are coming from, eg, I’ve had way more power outages in the US than at our place in Mexico. The sidewalks in Mexico can be quite challenging, esp. for individuals with limited physical mobility.
You did an excellent job of describing the negatives. One I think is important is sanitation. We’ve lived in Mexico for six years. I scraped my leg on a sidewalk and it became infected really badly. A friend had his finger get infected. So many stray dogs that there is dog poop everywhere so it’s not surprising that there is bacteria everywhere too.
Yes its important to wear the right shoes and clothing in the big cities
Why was your ' scrape ' not disinfected the moment you got to your hotel or casa? Always carry a small travelers tube of Ploysporin or locally Betametasona, Clotrimazol, Gentamicina ointment. How old are you? First time traveling to a 3rd world country? LOL ¿ just what was your friend doing with his finger¿. :)
Don’t they have neighhoods that don’t have them problems? But I guess that can happen walking around town.
Good points made. I recently was in Medellin, and in Mexico now. Definitely noisier than the US or Europe. Higher levels of street noise, noisy car exhausts, cars with loudspeakers blaring some worthless and annoying sales message all over the city, and the local people don't seem to care about it. It's just 'normal' for them. Bars will play loud music next to apartments until 7am on a weeknight. They just don't care about other people. It didn't happen to me, but cops asking for a bribe would be annoying (like it is in Vietnam). But arguably better than US cops saturating all the roads, looking for any excuse to give you a $200-500+ ticket.
Lot that stuff is a culture thing.
I enjoyed your video. Having lived in several cities in Mexico including Oaxaca, Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende, I think it would be beneficial for newcomers to know the areas that are unsafe- Michoacán, Guerriero, etc. I feel the most secure here in Queretaro. Thank you
Me too David! Love it here!
Is Michoacán really that unsafe? That’s where my wife is from (Lazaro Cardenas) and we might want to move there someday.
@@bradbaker4679 Not for most tourists but there are more racketeers than federales around.
Have you lived in Michoacan? It's safe unless you are part of the cartel. It's no more dangerous than Queretaro!
@@leticiawhite2747 Seems so... I travelled down the coast alone ... it's practically all empty countryside and beaches. Not much going on in coastal Michoacan... but it's beautiful.
Nice video with lots of good advice. We live there in the winter in a Yucatán beach town and love it. For me, the biggest negative is the driving: no breakdown lanes, motorcycles that pass unsafely on the right, absence of lane markings, stop signs that are disregarded, and hellish traffic circles in the big city of Mérida nearby.
The traffic issues are the same in Colombia. Hispanics tend to ignore the rules of the road as well as other rules/laws. This happens because they are not enforced. If a cop stops you, a bribe avoids a ticket. It was like this 60 years ago when I lived in Mexico City, and it is like that now in Colombia. The governments of ALL Latin American countries are corrupt as is the American govt., but it is a matter of degree. America is more honest and we follow the laws because penalties are enforced.
My son is definitely loving the curiosity. He started school and the students are always around him wanting to get to know him. It's awesome.
That’s wonderful!
I love Mexico and have visited many times. The people are amazing, kind, and sweet. I must have some sort of learning disabilities because after 12 years of French and 2 years of Spanish, I can’t speak a word! It’s true!! However I have never had a big problem making myself understood or understand things in Mexico. Be bold! Live big!
Use a language translation APP on your phone, it works two ways so they can speak too! Also most Mexicans even in tourist areas are iterate, so if you don't want to embarrass them don't write down a question or request.....
Languages are easy for some, and not others. When in law school, my father picked up Spanish, French, Russian, and some Arabic...Easy peasy. Me...nope.
I have lived in Panama for 17 years and all the above mentioned negatives are the same here. The one that is not such a big problem is the water. Mostly very drinkable water. Also you can always find free bathrooms. But if you are noise sensitive don't live in the centre of towns or cities. If you are expecting life to be the same as the U.S. or Canada or where ever you are from. Don't commit yourself until you have spent a good year in these countries. It is expensive to move and you find you can't live with the differences, and end up going home. Thank you for this very truthful and informative video.
Great advice 😀
Lived in Honduras for 3 years and so much of what you're talking about is spot on for that country also you just have to learn how to adapt regardless of where you are and also realize every place has positives and negatives of living there.
This was a very informative video to help you navigate around the negativity. In my personal opinion I don't feel that anything is necessarily a deal breaker. It's pro's and con's no matter where you live and there are always ways to get around any situation. Great enlightenment. Thanks Mariana!!
Deal breaker is the $2500 Permanent income requirement for residency...used 2b just 1000...so now many cannot afford
@@ingridhamilton7746 Many people don't know but McAllen Texas $1700.00 you don't have to live there. Just got mines.👍🏽
What a great channel. I found your library so helpful, and your interviews are so informative. You are such a natural, and your knowledge is astonishing. By far one of my favorite channels. Thank you for the excellent content.
Thanks for watching! Did you learn something new on this list?
@@MexicoRelocationGuide Hello Mariana. Just more of a reminder when it comes to the internet, and how speeds can vary from even across the street. The lack of safety codes was another reminder, but I heard that some landlords with allow you to make improvements as long as you pay for them which I'm fine with. My wife was born in the state of Puebla, so I'm familiar with the changes. I'm trying to convince her on moving back, and your channel is helping me a lot. Beautiful county, beautiful people, and amazing culture.
Hello, Marianna! Thank you for this video, although much of what you said is true for many countries around the world (I'm a lifelong traveler, but have decided to settle in Mexico between future trips). One negative you might have missed (IMO) are the dogs. Street dogs usually aren't too bad and will leave you alone (as long as you don't feed them and find yourself with a new, unintended BFF). But many owners where I live have dogs to protect their property against crime. This is understandable, of course, but in some situations here the guard dogs are allowed to run loose. I'm a dog lover (grew up with 2 as a boy) and I know how to discourage dogs from attacking without using force (stand your ground and crouch, point your finger at the dog and talk loudly). This is happening so often, though, that I have now stopped going for evening walks because of the dogs and avoid certain nearby neighbourhoods altogether. In one instance, a dog became so aggressive that I thought it was going to bite even after it's owner began calling it to come back. Not a deal breaker for me but an issue that does need to be addressed, I think.
I was born and raised in Mexico but have spent the last 25 years in the US, but I can attest that is 100% true, while going to school I would avoid certain streets as I knew of the aggressive dogs in that street and sometimes other dogs would become aggressive if 1 starts barking, now being older and also a dog lover I know how to behave when dogs become aggressive.
John in my neighborhood there are many dogs. That keeps us safe at night and sleep quite soundly knowing. I just got a rescue dog (hit by car and abandoned) and walk him on a leash. Hope you find a good solution and get your walk on too. Best-
@@mariamar2114 ¡Acabo de volver de pasear a mi perro ahora! Es un perro de rescate y me da mas de lo que yo le puedo dar. Jajaja
@@timisaac8121 Gracias por su respuesta y por adoptar un perro de rescate. También quiero comprar un perro (probablemente un perro de rescate) una vez que me haya establecido en un lugar y sepa que estaré allí por un tiempo
@@mariamar2114 Sí, esto es cierto y también quiero agregar un perro a mi familia en el futuro. Esta situación no es cierta para todos los perros, obviamente, pero es un problema con un pequeño número de perros. Echo de menos mi paseo vespertino porque los perros de los que hablo andan sueltos por la calle. Solo desearía que los dueños mantuvieran a los perros encerrados en el patio delantero o detrás de una puerta, donde puedan proteger a la familia sin representar una amenaza para los demás. Si alguien es lo suficientemente tonto como para entrar en un patio con fines delictivos, estoy completamente del lado de los perros (y los dueños).
Thank you so much for this video! I visited Mexico for the first time and fell in love. Regardless of these negatives, I am STILL in love and looking forward to my move.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The earthquakes are no joke. I was surprised this winter as I visited many ex-pat oriented cities that so many churches were closed because of earthquake damage. I lived through a big earthquake in San Francisco and so I noticed!
Yes the earthquakes can be bad
First time watching one of your videos, well done and spot on really with some of the issues that one will face moving here to Mexico. I've been living here in Mexico full time since 2000, don't plan to go back in all honesty. I grew up in the southeastern part of the US and have no desire to return. That being said, I would add to the negatives you listed a couple of things:
1) Security - this new president has changed the national crime / security policy to "Abrazos - no balazos" translated "Hugs instead of bullets" when dealing with the cartels and violence in general. Assassinations, extortion and crime in general is worse now than it has ever been in my 22 years of living here. I live in the state of Guanajuato (Not San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato or Leon) and it is just incredible how empowered all of the cartels feel knowing there are no repercussions for anything they do now. That is something to think about if you are thinking about moving here.
2) National political policy - this new president is a staunch Marxist - Socialist and each year is moving the country closer and closer to another Venezuela. Now that really won't make any difference on you living on a daily basis, but will affect things like - rate of inflation related to the price of basic services like internet, gas, electricity etc. I see all the time everyone in the US griping about the rate of inflation there and it is nothing compared to Mexico right now! So that is another consideration to be considered.
The vast majority of the expats I have met here decided to retire in Mexico because of the cost of living vs the US on retirement income. 10 - 15 years ago I could say that is was muuuuuch cheaper living here, now I don't think that is the case.
Having said all of the above, I love Mexico and unless all hell breaks loose I am not going home. Just do some research before thinking of moving, come and stay for a month or two before diving in all of the way. Look for places where the pricing of rent, homes, basic goods etc.. aren't based on a big expat population. In my state for example, cities like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato are at least 30% higher than where I live. The weather is the best!!! Here in the bajio you just can't beat it, never gets even close to freezing in the winter and there is really only one month where we experience summer temperatures.
Hope that helps someone!!
I agree with all of this.
For your information inflation is a global problem, and Mexico's inflation is lower than that of the US and other first world countries, because this government managed the pandemic better than those countries. As far as Mexico becoming Venezuela, that's something that opposition would want people to believe. Yes, he is trying to help the poorest of the population first, and the elderly, and the disabled, but he is not taking anything away from the wealthy in order to do it. He is just distributing the wealth in a more just and equitable manner. He doubled the pensions to the elderly, which was very low, he created a new pension for children with certain disabilities, doubled the minimum wage at and around the border with the US so that Mexicans who work at the mostly foreign companies in the border states will earn a little twice what they earned before. Has raised the minimum wage through out the country every year since taking office, has given scholarships to students from grade school to university, fighting corruption, and laying the foundation for a truly democratic government. Attracting record breaking foreign investment from all over the world like never before. Starting and completing many infrastructure projects all over, and even finishing those left incomplete by previous administrations. He has very high approval rating from the Mexican population, and has the second highest, if not the highest approval rating of any president in the world. And, abrazos no balazoz is obviously not to be taken literally. Previous administrations were literally in cahoots with the drug lords, Felipe Calderon's chief of police is currently on trial in the US for drug trafficking. I could go on and on.
Things are not perfect, but you can't change the whole system over night, especially when the judicial system is so corrupt. But this president is doing a great job for the Mexican people, and for the country as a whole.
I live in the Southeast (Georgia), and you are absolutely correct in not returning. It has gone to hell in a hand basket. They should change the name of the State to "N"orgia. This is why, at 73, I'm looking at Mexico!!
@@bobbyvee8941 Well, I would recommend you fly down and visit the cities in the state of Guanajuato, the city of Queretaro which is the capital of the state. Me personally, being from the south myself, no way I would live in Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey. If you want to live on the coast you will pay a premium, but plenty of nice places to retire to on the Pacific side of the country as well.
Every place that I have been and lived in this world has taught me one thing, blend in with the locals. Never stick out...stay sober and learn the art of patience! I urge any 'Gringo' visiting Mexico or any new country to read "The Ugly American" by Eugene Burdick and William Leaderer. travel will be more enjoyable.
Great video! I agree, these are some differences from North America that one should consider, but with the affordable cost of living, it’s so easy to let go of expecting manicured sidewalks + streets or needing drinkable tap water. There are sooo many benefits of living in Mexico’s amazing culture and beautiful country! I would also add that some places don’t have hot water, it’s not uncommon to just use room temperature water for washing dishes + showering. And many homes only have a washer avail, and you must hang dry clean laundry. Also kitchens are often more compact in size (like in Europe) compared to North American kitchens, unless they have been newly built or renovated. If rent, it’s something to consider, but if you buy, these are easy upgrades you can make to create the perfect home 👌
Excatly!
Mexico is in North America
Is there clean drinkable tap water in the us? Not in most cities. Nothing like drinking recycled treated toilet water. So th@t is definitely not a deal breaker. Yes and it is so nice in the states were most streets are lined and maintained by all the homeless who can not afford to live here and have sunk into addiction and madness. So again un manicured streets again not a deal breaker. Grew up with a cloths line and I always remember how fresh it smelled. You have given me plenty of reasons to move to Mexico. Our people have become so hostile to one another in the United States that we don’t speak to one another or just enjoy the company of other human beings when out in public without creating some kind of drama. I went to my local Safeway the other day and did not feel safe enough to get out of the car so crime and safety is another reason. Yep going to get my passport soon, as the quality of life and affordability is deteriorating rapidly in our country. The only down side is we raise the prices for the locals and indigenous people making it harder for them to live. The upside of that coin is new businesses opening and creating more jobs.
@@sr9253 A Mexican taught that years ago that Mexico is N America.
Thank you!!! Very excited to investigate the possibilities! Information in this video is very helpful. ❤
THANK YOU SO MUCH for addressing folk with mobility issues!!! It is much appreciated.
I am from the US and I lived in Mexico for almost two years. Another negative from an American point of view is that it takes forever to get somethings done. Unlike in the US, you cannot expect some to fix something quickly. On top of that, there is a lot of red tape to do somethings and no red tape to do others. Be prepared to sit and wait at times when you need or want something. Yes, Spanish is indeed needed outside Cancun, Cabo or San Miguel de Allende. Mexican bribes are called mordidas or little bites. My Mexican friends always had money in their glove compartment just in case.
Yes the Mexican bureaucracy is one of the main reasons why our service is sooo valuable to our customers
Thanks well done! But I agree, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I thank God every day for sending me here. I really enjoy building, and the level of freedom here is fantastic. California where I came from had successfully removed every bit of joy there is in construction. Here in Mexico the delights and joy still exist. We started with old and primitive and every day our house is a little better.
Another informative video Mariana. We appreciate them. Totally love your narration. Thank you
Thank you so much for letting people know the truth about what they need to know in regards to moving to Mexico! so many RUclips channels just say move Mexico, cheap rent,you can live on 1500 a month blah blah blah it was so frustrating because I was watching a lot of these RUclips channels and getting excited about moving to Mexico however when I found out what you have to show proof of how much you make each year that changed my plans, thank you again for giving real an accurate information.
I worked in Mexico for 3 years (Yucatan) in the '90's and it was the best time of my life. The people, the music, the food, the unique Mexican sense of (black) humour (I speak Spanish). I could go on and on. I moved to Thailand in 2001 and still live and work there, but if I had the chance I would go back in a heartbeat, even though Thailand is a really nice country to live in too.
I love Thailand. I would move there if it were a wee bit easier to get back to my family. Thus, I am looking at Mexico.
After living in Mexico since 2004 couple of things come to mind that I wish were different. I know you mentioned trip hazards but along with that are potholes and the dreaded topes (speed bumps) Especially unmarked ones.
Neighborhoods in Mexico usually have houses closer together, but many homes are relatively sound proof. They had a neighborhood part that lasted intothe wee hours, but the noise wasn't carrying into the condo due to the cement construction.
Wow, that was most logical list I have seen so far. Thank you very much. I am moving there to start a Non-profit in 3 yeas and am planning now. I will check out more of your videos for sure. That said, I put you in my featured playlist. Great job!
I have lived in a small fishing village Bahia de Kino for 4 years on the sea of Cortez and have loved it. All of your information is extremely accurate and helpful, especially giving a perspective to foreigners that the joy and beauty of another country is to learn the culture and the ways and traditions and language of that country, not to expect it to be the same. I would love to know the information in your guide about legitimate Realtors for the Baja area, but the guide is far too expensive for a retired person living on $1,300 social security per month. As you know, it is a common misperception in Mexico that all Americans are wealthy. And it is a misperception. 😅👍 I will give you one negative to add to the list that I'm sure you will immediately recognize. There is one thing that makes me sad everyday when I take my puppy for a walk on the beach and that is that I have to observe sick and starving dogs who are left to fend for themselves during the day by their owners. The cultural difference is that dogs are for protecting the house and are not part of the family as Americans believe. We do have a spay and neuter program funded by Americans for the locals here, but another cultural difference is the perspective that it is wrong to neuter a male dog or not allow the females to have puppies. I will let you elaborate on those two realities.
Thank you for your videos and for making them free. You serve a great purpose in educating others about this beautiful country. 🙏
Thank you Martha- you are so kind
And yes the dog culture is different in Mexico for sure. Unfortunately.
Although I do think it is slowly starting to shift thank god
Sick or starving animals don't sit well with me at all. Don't think I could deal with seeing stray sick dogs. & not being able to flush toilet paper down the toilet, come on that is the deal breaker.!!
@@jacquelineheiser8634,ok, stay in your country!
I am moving to Mexico within a month and visited twice for long vacations in the Lake Chapala area. Ajijic does have very uneven pavement with lots of holes to watch for, but that doesn't really bother me. The noise level may get on my nerves after a while, but I will find out. It might just become background noise. I currently live on a very busy street and I don't even hear the traffic any more! I am a little worried about scorpions and mosquitos, but I'm sure I will learn to cope. Small price to pay. I have ruled out Taxco because of the steep hills. I'm 68 and I really don't want to move again, so I think I need to plan for flatter terrain. One thing you didn't mention was the effect of so many gringos on some areas. I haven't been to Lake Chapala for 10 years, so I am using that as a starting point because I know people there and it will be a "soft landing". I will be taking trips out to other areas to find out if there are other places that are a bit less overtaken with expats, though I know my spanish isn't good enough to live where there are no expats at all. I would feel lonely! The areas that are dominated by expats are more expensive and it will probably affect my standard of living. Thanks for the thoughtful vidoe. I am very interested in your upcoming video on Puebla. It seems to not get as much coverage as many other cities. I don't like large cities, but I am sure there are quieter neighborhoods that might be very lovely. After looking at San Luis Potosi, I got discouraged because rental houses don't ever seem to have gardens!! I am an avid gardener with a dog and I just really feel that I must have a yard of some sort!!
@Tamara Mitchell I have Mexican friends in Puebla and have visited there for an extended period. It is a lovely city and has a lot to offer. There are a number of great little towns not far from the city in the state of Puebla (like Atlixco and Chulula) that are affordable and very friendly. The people are great, the food is excellent, and there are a few expats living in the area. IMHO Puebla (the state and city) are an undiscovered gem to a lot of expats and there are still a lot of opportunities there before it gets "gringo-ized"
Gardens you said? Morelos had great weather for that.
@@mariamar2114 Muchas gracias!
Tamara i chose lake chapala as a place to live because I speak no spanish - yet. I too needed a "soft landing" but you are totally right about it being a much more expensive . I have to continue living on a budget since rent gets higher and higher - sometimes even outdoing Portland where I came from. If you moved to Chapala center you can find nice places much cheaper and it is lovely but if you are carless, like me, you are dependent on buses and in some cases walking where buses do not go. Eating out can cost 15 or 20 dollars -cheaper than Portland to be sure, but I can't afford to do that very often, Ticket prices for concerts, plays, etc run between 10 and 25 dollars which again is cheaper compared to Portland but not cheap if you like to attend as many as possible.
Clothing bought in stores rather than the street markets is also not cheap - $40 for a nice pair of shoes needed to walk on the broken sidewalks is more than I would pay at Goodwill in the states. Food in the street markets is cheaper but if you go to a store that imports from Cosco and brandnames from the states, you will pay for the privilege. I have no medical insurance - I don't qualify for age reasons - so I pay cash--$550 for a crown on a molar - 110 for a check up on my pacemaker with a doctor from GdL - $65 for a first visit to an internest . I do save $72 a month on Medicare advantage and $65 a month on Comcast and another 50 on utlilities which are now included in my rent so in a way it evens out.
With all of that said, I am very happy to be here, I just had to get rid of the notion that life in Ajijic is cheap for the likes of me. For many of the expats who arrive with far more money than I have and are used to prices in SF or Toronto, it is cheap and they can afford luxury living for far less.
Great video Marianna!
All of the things you mentioned…are all the reasons why I love Mexico ❤
Glad you enjoyed!
This was a really excellent review, so professionally and kindly narrated. thank you!
No frills, very straight forward & honest…..so “spot on”. And after living here for 7 years, I can attest to all of the above, and the hardest for me was the start-up of learning basic Spanish. Truly appreciate your kindness and understanding in providing this invaluable information in your video! Gracias!
Gracias! I understand about the Spanish but at least you're trying
Thank you so much. I don't remember if you mentioned that people throw bottles and garbage everywhere. It really disturbed me a lot when I first moved to Mexico. It felt like they didn't have any honor or pride in their environment. Maybe you could address that?
Yea- unfortunately people do throw trash wherever because there aren’t any heavy fines like there are in the USA or Canada
@@MexicoRelocationGuide True. This country, this land is a paradise compared to so much of the world. You cannot starve to death or freeze. There is free food on the trees in so many places. How do we help those that are from this incredible country understand the importance of honoring it? How do we communicate that to live here is true wealth, true riches? How do we help people realize the benefit of honoring their environment? My Mexican husband told me years ago that this comes with freedom. It's not always pretty and sometimes people don't know what they have until it's gone. I just found your channel and thank you so much for your excellent content. Muchisimas gracias y, suerte!
Great information Mariana.
Always love your material.
So Glad! Was there something particular you learned on this one?
Thank you for your great excellent points of not negatives but how life really is--nice honest evaluation!
Gracias
You forgot the long wait to cross the border back to USA. Border crossing can be from 2 to 6 hours by car.And sentri pass is not guaranteed for everyone.
I mean- that’s not really a common pain point of living in Mexico
@@MexicoRelocationGuide yes for thoes who want to live in mexico and work in USA 🇺🇸 it can be a deal breaker to cross daily. Millions of Americans are considering moving to mexico to escape rent hikes but lose there time crossing the border daily.
Excellent video, Mariana. I am a new subscriber and I am considering moving to Mexico when I retire in a few years. I didn't know that Mexico had earthquakes! But I am relieved to know that the area that I am considering to move to doesn't. I was wondering if you have a video on going to the dentist in Mexico for advanced procedures like implants, bone amalgams, etc. And medical specialties like chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedics in general. Also veterinarians, as I have two cats. I am considering Queretaro, as it seems to be a city where I would have no problem moving about while still being able to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the older nearby towns. Thank you. You videos are very practical which I appreciate.
Hi Alixandrina!
Not exactly in video format biut we do have a lot of relocation tours around Mexico where these topics are covered. Make sure you check them out mexicorelocationguide.com/tours/private-relocation-tours/
@@MexicoRelocationGuide Thank you very much. I will check out the link you provided. Take care and stay well.
@@alixandrinafortis5044
Hello,
I certainly appreciate your inquiry about the various services and their availability.
Would be forever grateful if you would share what further information you have gathered as I dream of moving to Mexico in 2023... Thanks in advance!
Thank you, as always, Mariana, great vid!
So very helpful. Thank you, Marianna!
In the USA, Europe, etc., it's getting worse and worse with entitled people and detailed "laws" and rules to the Nth degree - these places are less suitable for a pleasant life and basic freedoms. Mexico and many countries have so much more FREEDOM than "developed" countries where they want to micro manage endless "laws", rules and social behavior - it's gone totally insane. Many people understand the benefits of going back in time to a better place in time - we all have access to this time machine of going to cultures that are people friendly and make sense. Moreover, most expats are culturally trained to blend in and show respect to others. Hey, give up your bus seat for older people or ANYBODY that needs a seat!! When you travel, leave your sense of entitlement, ego and attitutes behind AND enjoy life - project good will and kindness to everyone and keep life an adventure.
Totally agree, you hit the nail right on the head. I can't stand countries where I am being treated like an infant "for my protection".
Imagine that!
About the noise, another channel mentioned the dogs barking constantly, especially at night. I lived in a neighborhood in the US that was like that and I had to move because of the noise because I'm a light sleeper. I can't move there because I can't qualify to get a temporary residence visa, but I will visit as often as possible, see as much of the country as I can.
You may qualify for the special residency visa that you don't need income to qualify for mexicorelocationguide.com/special-residency-program-in-mexico/
Excessive dog barking is so disrespectful and obviously the owners' fault! I've lived in towns around Nashville, TN, for over 20 years and had to call police repeatedly to stop the noise! I just won't tolerate it.
Such great information.Thanks so much!
Glad it was helpful! We have a lot of good information on our site also mexicorelocationguide.com/blog/
I REALLY appreciate your honesty. Now I'm even more interested in learning more about this beautiful country.
Happy to hear that! Visit our site for more information about living in Mexico mexicorelocationguide.com/blog/
I recently became more aware of the first negative you mentioned (sporadic outages) when one of the RUclips channels I follow was demonstrating how to make do with a large container of water for all washing and bathing when there's a water outage.
It made me realize how we in the USA so take for granted potable water regularly flowing from our taps.
You really nailed it on this video; I agree 💯% with your list of negatives as well as the positives you mentioned.
Glad you found this to be helpful!
Thank for sharing and providing honest facts about living in Mexico. Its probably on my radar. The only gripe I have when you said Mexico is a very old country but so is the US. If only there wasn't so much corruption, maybe environmental or local issues would get resolved like smelly sewage or exposed electrical wires bundled on top of telephone poles. I'm sure I'll be fine if I were to live there. I'm fluent in Spanish...🤗
Coming from Hawaii in January. Looking forward to our visit. Thank you for these videos.
Great video and information! 👍🏽 👌🏾
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the comment. Glad you liked it
Dogs can be a negative. I see this and hear this a lot in the Americas. The positives far outweigh the negatives for me though. Mexico has 67 National parks, amazing. Me encanta Bosque de Chapultepec. I hear it’s 5 times larger than Central Park- New York. Thanks for the share.
All the positives FAR outweigh the negatives 😀😀😀 thanks for watching
Well done! Good info and greatly appreciated!❤
Glad it was helpful!
My insurance just went up 30%. My property tax is $5000 a year. The weather in Rosarito and Ensenada is what I want... the Pacific too. Now to divest myself here and move!
What I love about this channel is that Mariana reads and responds to comments.
I try! Thanks for sharing your struggles. Life in the USA is ridiculous now
Hi. You could add a lot more to the "bad things" list, but I think that they are part of the folklore and part of the enchantment of Mexico.
Agree! That’s why I mention that the pros outweigh the cons
Thank you so much for your insight. Refreshing to hear . My family has a five year plan to be there. That is if God gives us the days to do this. The points mentioned are nothing I have not been aware of but it is nice to have them validated. I am on the hunt for good furniture stores in the Yucatan that have leather furniture.
Thanks! Remember that leather in high humidity areas can warp and get damaged 😀
Just make sure you buy something made locally and you’ll be okay
@@MexicoRelocationGuide thank you so much
Mariana communicated what I wanted to share - leather plus humidity is not the best combo. Possibly consider other types of furniture, so that your investment lasts. Wishing you all the best for your new life in the Yucatan!!
The countryside scenery at the end of the video looks like viñales cuba..very beautiful México 🇲🇽
We love ❤️ Mexico 🇲🇽 and the people! We learned the language in a few weeks!
The food is outstanding as well! 👍🏻😎🇲🇽