Mexico

Mexico is the most popular expat destination for North Americans in the world, with as many as 1 million U.S. and Canadian citizens calling it their home. Mexico has a lot to offer, from its convenient location to its lower cost of living and enticing differences that make it so special.

From the U.S. and Canada, you can drive to Mexico in your own car or fly there in a few hours. Mexico offers many of the conveniences we’re used to in the First-World, including good highways, plenty of airports, reliable telephone service, and fast internet connections. And with a lower cost of living, a comfortable and fulfilling life will cost you a fraction of what you pay back home, up to 50% less than in the rest of North America.

Mexico is a huge country with varied geography, so those moving here have so many choices. From little silver-mining towns to fishing villages, beach towns to cosmopolitan cities, whatever lifestyle you seek, you’ll likely find it in Mexico. The climate is also diverse, with the coasts bathed by the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean, all offering tropical climates. Higher elevations in the interior of the country are much cooler, and Mexico City is often surrounded by snow-capped mountains during the winter months. Lake Chapala, just outside Guadalajara, boasts the best weather in the world, with ample sunshine, average temperatures around 77 F, and rain falling mostly at night.

While Mexico does have its challenges, such as hurricanes and sunburn, it’s important to remember that forecasting is quite accurate, giving you plenty of time to prepare and/or leave the impact area if necessary. Additionally, with a well-known strategy for making the most of living in Mexico being to earn dollars and spend pesos, those with an income originating in the U.S., such as retirement income or a computer-based revenue stream, will do well in Mexico’s economy. Costs for nearly everything are lower, and the quality of care is excellent in all major cities, with medical care hovering around one-third to one-half the cost of similar care north of the border.

While the U.S. press regularly reports on violence in Mexico, the truth is that crime statistics in Mexico almost exactly mirror crime in the U.S. The most dangerous and violent crimes are related to organized criminal activities such as selling and distributing drugs. Disputes between rival drug dealers are often settled by very visible displays involving guns. However, like all business efforts, the sale of drugs in Mexico is competitive, especially in tourist areas. One bad guy protects his territory by eliminating the competition. But if you stay out of the drug business, chances are, you’ll be perfectly safe living in Mexico.

Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. is perhaps its greatest benefit, with much of the U.S. accessible in under two hours from major international airports. And for those so inclined, one can simply drive across the border. However, even your crazy uncle and cantankerous mother-in-law will want to visit you in this wonderful land of Aztec and Maya ruins, with bright sun, tropical beaches, ample tequila, warm water, and world-class food.

While there may be challenges when it comes to doing business in Mexico, seeking professional assistance can help make the relocation process much more comfortable. International Relocation Partner LLC specializes in managing international moving projects and logistics, providing English-speaking customers with a clear understanding of the rules and regulations to avoid surprises and hidden costs.