So, you\u2019re a US resident who\u2019s been considering moving to the sunnier climes of Mexico for some time\u2026 you\u2019ve done some research into the areas you like, the job opportunities, and even the cost of living. You might even have vacationed in or near the area you want to move to. So you should be sorted, right? Ready to jump in feet first? Here are some more things to consider about life in Mexico compared to the USA to help you make a smooth transition.<\/p>\n
Here are some things you should know about life in Mexico before you make your move:<\/p>\n
The pace of life is much slower than people from the bigger American cities might be used to. The atmosphere is much more chilled out, and there\u2019s not such a rush attached to everyday activities. This could be a wonderful thing for some, especially retirees or those with young children, but those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of big cities might find it a little frustrating from time to time. Once you get used to the pace, you are sure to love it.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a stickler for punctuality, this is something you\u2019re going to need to prepare yourself for. While not everyone is lax on punctuality\u2014you\u2019re definitely expected to turn up on time to work and medical appointments\u2014social arrangements are a bit looser. If you\u2019re having dinner with a group at 8 you should be prepared for some to turn up as late as 9.30; and if you\u2019re having a handyman round to fix something the same rules apply. Likewise, if you\u2019re having construction work done, don\u2019t expect to hit the quoted time on the head. This isn\u2019t a lack of respect for you or your time, it\u2019s just the way things are in many parts of Mexico. If you know this is going to bug you, you should start working on coping mechanisms; bring a book, or just be late yourself. Or tell the serial latecomers that the reservation is an hour or two earlier than it actually is.<\/p>\n
The slower pace of life in Mexico is counterbalanced with an unusual work-life balance; most Mexicans work a 6 week day! That\u2019s right, most people in Mexico only get one day off each week! This might seem like cruel and unusual punishment for those who are used to a longer weekend, but in actual fact it does little to stunt most people\u2019s social lives. You may be required to work more hours when you live in Mexico, but if you get into the swing of things you could find that your social life actually flourishes.<\/p>\n
This is probably the biggest change you\u2019ll experience when moving from the USA to Mexico; buckle up for a wild ride when you hit the roads, because the tarmac is one of the places where the relaxed Mexican vibe generally does not hold. If you\u2019re driving you should be alert and cautious until you get used to how things work here. Road traffic laws are not as heavily enforced here, so drivers can sometime seem to make up their own rules on the road. From overtaking wherever and whenever, to driving the wrong way on a one-way system, drivers in Mexico can be fearless so be ready for that when preparing for life in Mexico.<\/p>\n
Public transport, too, is a bit different. It gets very, very crowded at peak times in cities so be ready for jostling, and be prepared to meet some interesting characters. When you use the buses in Mexico you\u2019re likely to see beggars, street performers, and even animals on your commute (though the animals are down to driver discretion). One great thing about life in Mexico and its public transport is that you don\u2019t need a car. Many people rely on the buses, so you can get around easily.<\/p>\n
Do you have any more tips to add about life in Mexico? Please leave us a comment.<\/p>\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
So, you\u2019re a US resident who\u2019s been considering moving to the sunnier climes of Mexico for some time\u2026 you\u2019ve done some research into the areas you like, the job opportunities, and even the cost of living. You might even have vacationed in or near the area you want to move to. So you should be sorted, right? Ready to jump in feet first? Here are some more things to consider about life in Mexico compared to the USA to help you make a smooth transition. Here are some things you should know about life in Mexico before you make your move: Slower Pace of Life The pace of life is much slower than people from the bigger American cities might be used to. The atmosphere is much more chilled out, and there\u2019s not such a rush attached to everyday activities. This could be a wonderful thing for some, especially retirees or those with young children, but those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of big cities might find it a little frustrating from time to …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1473,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[117],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.garzablancarealestate.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/insider-s-view-life-in-mexico-compared-to-the-usa.jpg","yoast_head":"\n