Are you thinking about making the move to Mexico? You’ll be in good company. More than a million expatriates now call Mexico home, tempted by its desirable climate, excellent transport links, and relatively low cost of living. However, the decision to emigrate shouldn’t be taken lightly. Need some help to decide whether relocating is right for you? Read on for five things every expatriate needs to know before moving to Mexico.
Budgeting and the Cost of Living
One of the main reasons that people move to Mexico is that it’s an incredibly affordable country to live in. In fact, pretty much all of your outgoings will be a fraction of what they are back home. You’ll realize the biggest savings when looking at your accommodation options.
The average rent in Mexico is around $800, which is less than half of what you’d pay in many US and European cities. Keen to make your base in an urban center? Bear in mind that you’ll be paying a premium when looking for accommodation in places like Monterrey, Tijuana, and Mexico City. Nonetheless, even the best properties in these locations are a steal.
Finding Employment
While you can make significant savings by moving to Mexico, you’ll need a steady income first. Fortunately, finding a job in Mexico is simple thanks to relatively relaxed visa requirements. Once you have secured a residency visa, you’re ready to start thinking about career prospects.
Before moving to Mexico, you’ll need to have a job offer in place. For expatriates, the most lucrative salaries can be found in the technology sector. Worried you don’t have the right skill set? Thankfully, there’s an abundance of sales roles in Mexico, with many companies paying a premium for English-speaking employees. Once you’ve locked down a role, you’ll need your new employer to confirm your appointment.
What About Healthcare?
One of the most important things to consider before moving to Mexico is healthcare. While the country does have a national healthcare system, depending solely on public hospitals may limit your treatment options. The good news is that Mexico’s private healthcare system is renowned. However, you’ll need to have the right healthcare insurance in place to seek out treatment in a private clinic or hospital. Nonetheless, costs are negligible compared to countries like the United States.
Is Gambling Legal in Mexico?
In recent years, the online gambling sector has exploded in popularity across the world. You might be playing online blackjack at JackpotCity Casino already, before moving across the border. You should keep in mind that, in those circumstances, you still can play in your favorite online casino, but if that’s not the case, you’ll have to find a local platform.
It’s Far Safer Than You Think
Mexico gets a bad rap as being unsafe for tourists. However, this isn’t really something you need to be worrying about if you’re thinking about relocating. You’ll find higher crime rates in places like Obregon and Tijuana, but this is standard for major cities, regardless of where in the world they are. If safety is a genuine concern for you, look to Mexico’s coastal areas.
With its stunning scenery and relatively low cost of living, the resort town of Mazatlan is a popular destination for tourists and expatriates alike. Other expat-friendly locations include Sayulita and San Miguel de Allende.
