Moved to Mexcio...Do you have any regrets???????

Question

If you moved to Mexico from the US, what do you miss about the US and do you have any regrets about moving to Mexico?

I've heard so many positive things about moving to Mexico, what are some of the negatives?

Answer 1

All answers are great !   Your question is also great as my friends in the states see my retired life here in Acapulco as all "roses". You have the insight to see - it isnt.

Im a 41 year old retired man that is a beach bum at heart. Motorola offered me a retirement package due to cutbacks. I'm only 41 but after consulting with my financial advisor I found it was " do able" in Mexico. Plenty of beaches in Mexico - so where was the question. I choose Acapulco for the city life I was accostumed to in Atlanta and the airport ( so I could travel easier ) and the lack of gringos and hurricanes. I also have travelled all over the world and am a little "tougher" and observant than most. Ive seen some pretty rough places - Africa for one , the first gulf war is another.            Thats a little about me.

The day to day grind of Atlanta and the traffic just made my last 10 years there - boring and my life miserable. Chasing the almighty dollar and a nice car and house dows not intrest me. Travelling and seeing other peolple's view on things is exciting to me. Never knowing what the day holds is what excits me. Traffic , work , traffic , McDonalds , T.V sleep - day after day just burned me out. My friends still are chasing a better house and will move up from a Toyota P/U truck to a new BMW if they have the money. Yes they save and will retire probably in the states and scrape by with the high cost of living - sorry. They also would never make it here in Mexico. Thay have to have - sheetrock , carpet , A/C a garage for the car, manicures , landscaped lawns. I do not.

Acapulco and all of Mexico is harsh. Corruption is common and is what brings this country down. Education is horrid. I am an observer here and I can go home when I want - Mexicans cannot. This gives me a different view on things - its not my country............Im retired and single with a boat and jetskii in Acapulco at age 41 and cant spend all my money I receive from Motorola monthly and then 401K and roth IRA's kick in and social security if its still around in 20 years.......Yes Mikey is happy and spoiled !!!  Thankful everyday for it.

I moved my Doberman down here and he is my sanity. To see his eyes and tail wagging is a comfort that cant be beat ! I only have a motorscooter but I do have taxi's and friends with cars so whenever I can take him with me - he goes. Hes travelled all over Mexico with me and has travelled more than some of my friends. Well Mexicans are dead scarred of him and was kinda an eye opener as to how Mexicans treat pets. Dont like it - but hey this aint my country and Im an observer. Most warm up to him and me once they sit down with us. He is always by my side in my neighborhood and all accept him but it took time.

The streets are full of trash. Everything is covered in black soot. The shacks are a far cry from Atlanta homes. The NOISE pollution is horrid - I asked for a " city " life soooo.

I picked up Spanish where I can communicate pretty well BUT the first 6 months - the language thing held me back. Now I just wish I knew it well enough to TRUELY express my feelings in conversations down to the "T" but it will come in time. All know how I feel about the food , Hillary Clinton but with broken Spanish. It is part of the daily excitment I was after.

The " shamsters" and con men attitude is another dislike but you just have to read them and walk the other way. The lack of education can p**s me off and make me laugh. Seeing the way they may do a certain task with no common sense is funny but the children ( many ) not at school when I'm out during the day pisses me off. There is a dog eat dog mentality here that leads to rudeness that ticks me off - but - it aint my country.

I now spend my days with coffee and my dog at 8. Crank up my Ipod and head to the beach by 10. I have found a city outside of Acapulco - 30 minutes on my scooter that is undiscovered and tranquil. No noise pollution - well the ocean waves at 30 feet high crashing on the beach are a good noise to hear. No buses, no car horns , just a laid back , poverty area with the best deserted beach one can ask for. I now know all the people in the little area I hang in so its fun to go visit the liquor store guy at 1 oclock , talk politics and such. Head down a Bouganvillia lined ally way with cold beer, spend a few hours at the beach with no one else around. Finish my beers and head back up another ally way for lunch , more beers and back down to the beach. 6 o'clock head to the bar and talk with the regulars and head home to my dog and dinner by 8. When I want to see pretty girls or happy families on vacation I stay in  Acapulco and the beach here . New Yeras Eve here is incredible!!!   I have the best of both worlds - Acapulco beach, when I need to be around people and see some bikinis and Pie de la Cuesta when I want a beach that I can be naked on with no one around, and jam out to music, and think about life.

Sunsets here are fantastic so is the food - Iam just an observer and how can I complain with all that I have.

I miss a good steak and a good micro beer. I miss dependable running water and not a sistern system I have now. I do miss my friends but every 6 months I return ( also because the FM3 and FM2 status is a pain so I just do a 6 month tourist visa) to see them and thats enough for me and return to the beach in January while they are in 20 degree weather !

I miss the decent driving habits. Acapulco is mountainous so I miss the flatness and walking my dog not having to climb a 65 degree mountain street. I  miss just jumping in the car and getting whatever I need. Cant really get printer crtridges, cables , electronis gadgets everywhere. Im slowly learning what stores have what and I do a monthly trip down to WalMart for now.

I would say I miss T.V but I got Direct T.V and my same channels from Atlanta. The news and time and weather still mess me up occasionally but that to makes me smile.

In closing if you can just accept life and the glass is half full attitude than you might be able to do Mexico. If you want things now and only your way than maybe stay home. I think international travelers already know this so if all your life your vacations have kept you in the states then this would really shock you ( like my sister). She came down and her jaw hit the floor for the first 3 days - my house , the trash , the NOISE , the poverty. Got her to the beach and all was forgotten :)  This aint for her - shes would not make it - beach or not - she cant understand that the world is different than Atlanta Ga.

Hope this helps - gotta run as mt friend is comming over to swap his P/U for my scooter so me and my dog can get to the beach :)    See today will be great - glass half full - gotta get thru the dirty streets and crazy drivin to get to the beach, but I can make it :)

Answer 2

Its one of those things you have to experience for yourself.  You will get horror stories and fairy tales from your answerers here.

I have only read about the bad things that have happend to Americans in Mexico. And I know some Americans who are very happy in Mexico. So things, in a sence balance out.

All I can really tell you is that bad things (really bad things) can happen to any of us no matter what country we're in. Just watch your local news and count all the bad stories and you'll see they outnumber the good ones.

So follow your heart.

Answer 3

cant drink the water

Answer 4

I haven't moved there yet but I plan to retire there as soon as my business sells.  So I been researching for the past two years all aspects of a move like this.  This is what I discovered.

Most people that want to get back to the states came there because their spouse wanted to retire there, but found it just wasn't their cup of te.  And they miss their grandchildren and other relatives.  and most of these people never make an effort to learn Spanish. Some how they figure that if they just shout it loud enough, the Mexican sales girl will understand.

So it's important to take an intensive language course before moving down.

I'd say that the two things that most retirees miss most are:

1. grandchildren

2. the ability to converse with anyone

I think the main reason that so many gringos flock to San Miguel de Allende and the Lake Chapala area is that they have so many other gringos to converse with. In these areas, you can get by with very little Spanish.

In other towns, though, how do you converse with your neighbors.  And if you have to go to the hospital, how do you explain what's wrong.

Another negative in Mexico is the manana attitude(see Ken Luboff's article in the link below).  If you're easily frustrated by things not moving as quickly as you want, Mexico is not for you.

Answer 5

Going into my 4th year on the west coast of Mexico

http://sparks-mexico.com

Answer 6

No regrets, here!  I have moved from the States to San Jose del Cabo and have been here for a few years, now.

Yes, there are negatives, as well as positives, but certainly no regrets.  It's been the adventure of a lifetime!

First, I think it should be said that San Jose del Cabo, while very Mexican and certainly located IN Mexico, that an American can live here, work here and function in everyday life and not need to speak a word of Spanish.  For the record, I speak Spanish well enough to communicate anything, but it's still choppy.  There is a very strong American and Canadian population.  It dwindles during the summer months, but it's always here.  I can't really tell you what life would be like deep into Mexican life and culture.  I am on the fringe and dip my toe in, from time to time.  In some ways, it's almost like a "Mexican Fantasy Camp"!

So, I suppose a "difficulty" I've had, but not a negative or a regret, but a "difficulty" would be assimilating.

I'll give you an example:

Downtown San Jose is beautiful.  It's like an idyllic, quaint, antique town with Mexican woman hanging out the doors of their family's silver shop, children in school uniforms wandering around, wonderful restaurants, etc.  

However, it's not really where people live.  Most of where the locals actually LIVE is an assortment of cinderblock houses, all of them with steel bars sticking out of the top and sides.  Many of the houses are barely plywood shacks!  Unpainted, unfinished and with garbage strewn all throughout the neighborhoods.  Feral dogs and cats running around, all dirt roads and so on.

Here's the part I don't understand.  

I hired a welder to do a job.  (A sidenote: This was the second welder hired.  The first one took money for materials, then "disappeared")  The second welder was an incredible guy, very knowledgeable, understood what I was looking to do and was creative in volunteering ideas.  Over the course of our project, we got to know one another a little bit.  He had a ranch and would give me cheese that his wife makes from the goats on his farm, and so on.  A good guy and lots of exchanges.  I'd bring him ribs from the restaurant, and so on.  We formed a friendship.

I go to his house from time to time and he has that very same incomplete looking hovel.  Unpainted, barely furnished, garbage strewn about and so on.  It's a pleasant place to hang out, though.  He also has a coy pond and peacocks!

I know how much I paid him for my job and it wasn't chump change.  I also know he's a successful man in his profession.  He has many cars and trucks and he's proud of showing them.  He owns a ranch and a plethora of animals, in a multitude of varieties...  His favorite cow had a baby and he showed me pictures on his cell phone.  The expression on his face was as if he were showing me photos of a newborn grandchild.

Why does he live in an unkepmt, unfinished, unfurnished concrete box, with rebar everywhere and beer cans in his yard?  I know for certain he doesn't need to, but I'm afraid to ask.  I don't know how to present the question...

This, to me, is a "difficulty" in assimilating.  I feel that the day I understand that, I'll have assimilated (or at least, a little bit more).

In general, I find Mexico to be a very warm place with an inviting culture, friendly people, wonderful food and so on.  I really love it here and anticipate that I'll be here for a long long time.

I suppose, another thing I would "warn against" would be the speed and pace in which things are done.  Generally, I assume anything I would like to have done will take about 4 to 5 times longer than it would in the States.  Having money helps, as it's not hard to find someone who can help, if you grease their wheels.  Initially, I frowned on this, but it "seems like" it's a way of life down here.  At first, I felt like I was contributing or enabling, but ultimately, I chalked it up to assimilating.  It's just how things are done.  Mexican's LOVE their red tape!

If you plan to simply move down, buy a house and lead a leisurely life, then by all means, that's a fantastic idea and a great way to ease into the culture.  

If you plan (as I did) to come down and start a business, build a house, buy land, raise a family, etc. you will find that your patience will be put to a test.  Any budget proposed will go right out the window when the project starts.  Be prepared to spend, at minimum, 20% more than was proposed, probably much more.

There are a zillion differences in the cultures and as I've expressed, many that don't make sense to me.  They may make sense to me, someday. I try not to judge, but I secretly know I do.  It's part of how I understand where the differences lie, I suppose.  It's tricky.

Again, I'm living an a Gringo rich and burgeoning area, at the very tip of an isolated peninsula.  Whatever I'm experiencing here is only "part" of the story.  Prices are much (MUCH, as I understand it) higher here, than most of Mexico.  "Stuff" is easier to attain in main land Mexico, etc.  The area is limited by geography.

I'm sort of rambling, but I'm also trying to give an accurate portrayal of the ups and downs (all my opinion, mind you...).

I miss a wide variety of movie theatres.  I miss good Thai food.  I miss flat, well constructed roads and a lack of speedbumps.  I miss consistency and reliable schedules, where you can plan a meeting and the other guy will not only show up, but show up on time!

Gotta run!  It's a beautiful day outside and there's a surfing contest up the street. This was typed with my relaxed Saturday morning coffee.  I'm heading out to watch the surfers.  

I hope some small part of it has helped you form an opinion!

Good luck in all you do and keep in mind that any good adventure should require some mud.

Answer 7

Some long answers here, so I didnt read them all. I do not live in Mexico currently. My husband is from a very small town north-east of Mexico City and I visit as often as possible. We hope to one day build a home and move down there. I am looking forward to it. I love Mexico! Currently, we have a business there that we just started this year and it is taking off nicely. We hope to grow it a bit more by the end of this year. I do know it will be an adjustment for me to live there rather than just visit. I know that water is an issue, the difference in food, climate differences etc. I will miss some things about home (WA) I will miss some of the food that I am used to (not widely available in his small town). But for the most part, I look forward to moving there with anticipation and hope. I hope that I am going to Mexico this Sept and I can't wait.

Answer 8

i would have to say your lifestyle and your security...   other than that mexico is awesome... great food!!!

Answer 9

Hi there, am moving myself from a great SoWestern state, at least half time living in US, so...it's not all the way gone...I will watch the responses but so far all the US citizens I have gotten "advise" and tips from say: THEY LOVE IT! and many stop living in US altogether. I say: go with the ol' gut instinct and take a chance when physically and mentally and spiritually ABLE as when you are old and settled and maybe physically unable to do things yr mind is still "craving" to do...you will regret having not at least TRIED.

Just give it the ol' college try, get good information, learn what to expect (dogs? pets? there are differences in all MX villages and attitudes tow's pets is so different, we revere and spoil pets, Mexians are children/family oriented and dogs are not really "family" so be prepared for what you will see and witness first hand there. Animals are NOT people, if you cannot handle that, you won't like Mexico).

Be prepared to enjoy the differences and the slower pace OR do not go at all, it isn't OUR culture and influence any longer, you are on MEXICAN turf and you have to give up some cherished ideals, prejudices and learn to open up and accept the differences as you are a stranger, a visitor.

If you are a rigid, know it all...don't go unless you feel "it's time" to embrace change and fully want to change your life, because moving to another culture WILL change yr life.  It seems from all accounts, for the better. Many move permanently after years of going back and forth...

Visit family, keep in touch but allow yrself time to grow within and to reach out in yr new situation and yr new chosen home, pining away is a bad feeling, so reach out to other Americanos/as and get involved. Enjoy the friendly hard working, unassuming  Mexican men and women,  buy their crafts and get to know the craftspeople, hire a mason or carpenter, it will be far cheaper in MX and you will develop an appreciation for the local talent, maybe a friend in the process. Don't just associate with Gringos...They are NOT the culture, they are merely like you, visitors. Develop that trust and openess we all have and sort of lost, as children, "bend like a reed, least you break". Everything is new, fresh and exciting. Why expect anything less?

Open yrself to experience and don't allow the negatives such as "slower" pace to get things "done" (does it really really have to be done 'yesterday' as our current stress-inducing society teaches us?) Can't most things wait? Be natural...

Negatives: on the beach some scorpions, on the desert some of the deadliest ones, learn and avoid situations (no debris or piles of wood, brush and other junk on yr patio or yard), and yes, the ubiquitous cockroach may be a fact of life, buy the white powder, keep a really clean, crumb and grease free counter, stove and sink, get rid of trash; When in the ocean, shuffle along (wear tennies in water) to avoid the hidden little sting rays who hide in sand and who will whip up to sting yr ankles, etc. Jelly fish in general are to be avoided. Same as in our States. Some sharks come in curious, close to shoreline but  most don't, ask the natives where the best safest waters are and be aware. If the world were so dangerous, NO one would go to ANY beach...anywhere.

Mosquitos (we have West Nile here in US!), Cockroaches and sharks exist in most US ocean communities, there are far worse scorpions in AZ desert, too...Read and research and make yr choices where to go. Where not to...

Take a chance. Listen to yr gut. Open yourself! Trust and have a great adventure, only you can give yourself permission to fully live. Life is NOT without risk!

Good luck!