Why Americans are searching for a better life in Mexico 

Four rules to live a harmonious life among Mexicans. 1. Make an effort to learn Spanish. It will make your life and your relationship with your neighbors easier. Don't worry about speaking it well, Mexicans love to teach and will appreciate your effort. 2. While talking to Mexicans, avoid referring to yourself or your compatriots as Americans or expats. It may be offensive since the rest of the countries on the continent are also Americans and people who leave their own country of their own free will to live in another, looking for a better life are migrants, not expats.You are now an immigrant living in Mexico. 3. Don't gentrify. Although some neighborhoods and cities have become fashionable among US immigrants You will be able to live a more authentic, affordable, less crowded experience if you choose to move to other, less popular neighborhoods and cities.This way, you will be able to integrate better into the community and create stronger ties and roots in your new home. 4. Respect our costumes and traditions. Here in Mexico we have deep cultural roots and we are very proud of them, so if you don't want to be cancelled or banned or lost your job and even your work permission, be careful with your comments with your Mexican friends or your publications in social media. We are a culture of open arms, but we also have the best boxers in the world. Keep that in mind.

stop calling yourselves 'expats' you're immigrants in our country, so stop having double standards to our people in yours

Im from Scotland and have spent 7 years in Mexico so far. My advice to people coming here is: 1. Learn Spanish: its simply a must because Mexicans are warm friendly people and you only get to know how much by understanding their humour. 2. Contribute. As a permanent resident all my taxes are paid in Mexico. 3. Embrace the culture. The easiest way to adapt is to consider yourself mexican and do as locals do. Never have the attitude of "Why cant they do it like they do in USA/Canada/UK/ other". Ill tell you why, its Mexico! 😂 Stop moaning about your favourite things from home not being available or processes being complicated, you can drink local beer and sure things can be a bit beauracratic but thats the life of a migrant and youve chosen it. 4. Travel. When I first came to Mexico I spent my summers exploring the country from barranca del cobre to canon del sumidero in Chiapas. It is an amazing country. See it. 5. Learn to drive in Mexico. Many Foreigners won't drive. I do. I remember the first time I drove in Mexico City on primer piso of the periférico I thought I was insane to try it but now I push into middle lanes like a boss and drive regularly between Cuernavaca CDMX Queretaro and Guadalajara. 7 years, zero incidents. No fines, bribes paid or any other stereotype associated with Mexico in the media. I drove from CDMX to Merida last christmas, again, incident free. Yes things can happen but my experience is be sensible and Mexico is as safe as anywhere else. 6. Meet your neighbours. In Scotland I would always knock on my neighbours door if ive moved house say hello and offer a little whisky. Ive found this works well in Mexico too. 7. Be adventurous with the food. Youve just moved to Mexico, one of the great culinary nations on earth, try everything once! Before I spoke spanish id go into a restuarant and pick something id never heard of. 99% of it was delicious! 8. If you marry a Mexican woman (as I did, married 18 years now) understand that under that beautiful latin soft spoken exterior is a volcano that can erupt *will erupt* if you upset them. 😂 Overall, Mexico has been good to me and I love it.

Coming back to Mexico has done more good to me than living in united state. At 42, I've come to realize that money is a tool. I’ve worked so hard over the years to realize that if you don’t make money work for you, you can’t experience true freedom. I’m glad I found that out although it was later in life, but that marked the turning point in my finances.

Having lived in Mexico for 4 years now i can say that this video is fairly accurate. I feel safer here then in the U.S. -Marc

I'm a native of Czech Rep, I have been living in Mexico for 14 years and really feel safe, the weather is very good and the country in general has a lot of good things to do business with

"Ex pats"... INMIGRANTS is the word. And is ok to be an inmigrant, nothing wrong

Funny how Americans put so many barriers to Mexicans when they want to visit their country but Mexicans have to be friendly with them so they can have the best holidays/ experiences. Don’t you think we deserve the same treatment ??

I'm Irish and I live in Monterrey Mexico my daughter was born in Monterrey and us Irish have history in Mexico during the Mexican American war there were over two hundred Irishman who fought proudly on Mexicos side during the Mexican American war these Irishman were called the San Patricios 🇲🇽🇮🇪

I had four uncles who retired in Mexico, because their social security goes further. If they were living in the US they would be poor and made too much to qualify for HUD subsidized housing. In Mexico they live a comfortable life. Strange my grandparents came to the US for a better life and now their kids have returned to Mexico.

As a Mexican this is just so sad to hear, but it just show how unfair life has been for us in our own country that even makes it easier for others to come, but still won't make it for us. Thankfully for inmigrants the values of my own people will still make us welcome you kindly, please be as understanding as you want us to be.

Mexico is a wonderful country that should be respected. Please don’t ruin it.

Mexico has everything. When I'm there I am very aware that I'm in a first world country. The people are amazing, as well as the food and overall lifestyle. Mexico is full of surprises.

Mexico is so underrated. They have some of the best beaches and big cities filled with beautiful culture. 90% of the people crossing the border aren’t Mexican for a reason😅

Been living in México for 7yrs and i love it more than U.S.A. out here in México is beautiful, the great peoples ,the good food, the beach The carne asada tacos & cerveza...

ex pats? why not call it for what it is, the right name is immigrants

As someone who spends a lot of time with family in Mexico, I would say to keep in mind that the Mexican people are starting to complain about gentrification. There will soon be movements to tax expats and digital nomads at higher rates or impose tougher visa requirements. We will likely see this in the next 5 to 10 years, in my opinion."

The "accidentally displacing locals" it's not always "accidental" in the state of Veracruz the immigrants from the United States proactively displace locals they offer more money for rent, they ask for English only service at restaurants and Cafe's and are constantly looking to bring more immigrants to where they live. The arrival of an immigrant from the United States it's starting to be view with suspicion because of the actions they tend to take in other communities. Also as some have already mentioned most of them are ilegal immigrants that come to Mexico as "tourist" but remain, this mean they don't have a legal status in the country and by consequence doesn't pay taxes.

As a truly native and citizen (born and raised) Spanish teacher, I would give you very special advice: If you want to live in Mexico, learn to speak Spanish, preferably Mexican Spanish, because it also gives you the benefit that it is neutral and everyone understands it in all of Latin America. Because it is extremely disrespectful to expect locals to be the ones who learn the foreign language, the truth is, if you are going to live in another country, learn the language of that country. Japanese, French, Chinese, learn the language of the country where you intend to reside, it is a sign of education and it is fair. To just visit a country as a tourist, it's okay not to speak the local language, maybe some survival phrases, but if you plan to live in another country, speaking their language is an excellent idea, It will give you an advantage. Unfortunately, many of these Americans come and expect everyone else to speak English, and as you will understand, with that attitude you will only get the displeasure of the locals because with that you are only showing a lot of arrogance and lack of respect for the community, I think no one wants to be friends with someone entitled. In the end, learning another language revitalizes your brain, prevents Alzheimer's and gives you twice the reaction response in any situation. The vast majority of my students show great satisfaction with themselves when they learn the language, gain more friends and a social life, become part of the community, and above all, they raise their self-esteem a lot since they realize their abilities, so It is a good idea to learn Spanish if you decide to live in Mexico, it will give you more benefits than just understanding the locals.

Mexico is one of the best places in the world to live and the best one in Latin America!😀 Mexico it’s a world on its own!👍

Over 61 years visiting and living in Mexico, mainly Acapulco, and now Queretaro since 2021 at 79. YOU still must be alert, no matter where you live.USA became too deadly and expensive.

I was born and raised in Michigan but I moved to Mexico about 18 years ago and that was the best decision I’ve ever made !!! Mexico is soooo CHEAP !!!! I literally live like a king 👑

I enjoyed my life in Mexico that much, that I started making walking videos of it. It’s variety is really outstanding, and I feel safe most of the time. Not a perfect country, of course (corruption and poverty are very real issues here), but is not as bad as the news try to show constantly. Mexico is a beautiful place, and it has a lot to offer for anyone visiting it. Just respect the people and it’s culture.

Not just Americans but Asians middle Easter’s Europeans .. and so on , I know this because I’m Mexican

Regarding Security, I just have a question, how safe is Chicago, Detroit or Los Angeles? Mexico is a very big country and you can not treat all cities the same, most of the violence here is among cartel members and you won't be shot in a school or in a mall like in the US if you are not involved in crime, so I personally feel safer here. My only ask is that if want to live in Mexico is because of Mexico so you need to assimilate and learn the language and customs, don't try to make Mexico another US state.

The West make me pretty miserable these days, but whenever I go to Latin America, be it Mexico, Peru, or Costa Rica, every moment I'm filled with such endless joy just for being there. Latinos are probably my single favorite group of people on the planet, as they're so kind and friendly and helpful. At no point have I ever felt in danger from any of the locals, as they're constantly giving me tips and trying to keep me safe. I see nothing but good things for the future of Latin America, and as a North American, I would certainly love to be a part of it. At the same time, I welcome with open arms immigration from Central and South America, as they truly make our communities better.

¡Viva México y vivan los 60+pueblos indígenas!🪶🟢⚪️🔴🦅 Long live Mexico and long live the 60+ recognized indigenous nations!🪶🟢⚪️🔴🦅

It really has more to do with the USA being overpriced than any other factor. As a soon to be retiree I am looking at spending part of the year abroad. It just makes economical sense.

Not Expats! Immigrants they too deserve the tag! 🏷️

I live in San Diego and the reason the border with Tijuana is considered one of the busiest if not the busiest in the world is due to so many people living in TJ and working in SD. Many of them Americans. I've had many American coworkers who live in TJ. It can take three hours to cross the border by car.

Please revisit your facts about the US dollar been strong against the peso here in Mexico. Buying power right now is not as it was. The US dollar weakens and the peso is strengthening.

Just relocated a month ago! Should've done this years ago. I'm building a startup and I'm hiring locals to help out. A win win!

Todos son bienvenidos siempre y cuando quieran contribuir a mexico y no lo quieran hacer una parte de estados unidos.

For us, it's about traveling the country - living in almost 30 cities and visiting even more. It's about learning Mexico's history and culture, which is never taught to students in the USA, yet we learn all about Greek, Roman, and European history. It's about the inability to survive on social security in the USA. It's about the constant hammering of news media driving a wedge between people for the sake of ratings, the anger that has evolved in society as a result of it, and the ability to leave it behind and escape to a country where family, hard work, and community are the core values. Mexico is a beautiful and inspiring country that we really know so little about with warm people, fascinating history, and some of the best food in the world.

My husband and I immigrated from the US to Mexico a year ago. It was a big adjustment, especially the slower pace of life (don’t come here and be an impatient American). Our monthly expenses dropped to 1/3 what we were paying in the U.S. We’ve sought out multiple doctors, GP and specialists. Very comprehensive medical service. The food is so much better here, less GMOs, meat is processed differently, vegetables are fresher, we’ve both lost weight without trying. We’ve slowly been detoxing from the fast paced life. Now, here’s the real deal. It usually takes numerous tries to complete paperwork and you can’t do it on the Internet, almost everything in Mexico is done face to face. They want to meet you, hear your story and assess whether you will be able to assimilate, learn the language, respect the customs and culture. Don’t come if you I tend to live exactly as you did in the states. Learn Spanish, mingle with native people, make friends, do things with others besides ‘ex-pats’, stop going to Walmart and instead shop at restaurants and grocery stores that benefit the family that working behind the counter. We are here on their soil, invited as guests. Be a nice guest.

Not "expatriates " or "nomads"....IMMIGRANTS!!

why arent mexicans called 'expatriates' in america?

Mexico debería de ser más estricto con las leyes migratorias, pedir visas a los EEEUU Y CANADÁ , así como piden visas a los Mexicanos así deberían de pedir visas al que quiera entrar a Mexico

I’m an American and lived in Quintana Roo Mexico and loved it now I live in El Salvador; Central America and omg down here is even more affordable and beautiful as well a lot of retirees are relocating out here

Mexico has a Constitutional Government. U.S. has Corporate Governance, all Cities, counties, States, and Federal are Corporate for profit Government.

I am from Mexico living abroad for many years but I always call Mexico my home I visit twice a year and I have experience crime or anything out of the ordinary You just have to know who you hang out with and places to go always keep in the light for honest people there is never nothing to fear about, we are happy to welcome you home❤5:02 🏡 mi casa es su cada 🌹🙏🏼

My advice as a second language instructor and published author living in Mexico now for more than 10 years: 1. Know the rules 2. Treat people with respect, because we are visitors in their country 3. Learn Spanish, please. It is appreciated by the people that you care enough to learn how to communicate effectively. 4. And please, please, please, don't let your American status make you feel that you're better than others. Treat people as you want to be treated. They're warm hearted, welcoming, delightful, inviting people that just want you to treat their country and communities with care. I found my American dream in Mexico. God bless.

Good video. Family type environment, quality inexpensive healthcare, etc. spot on with property tax and maintenance cost vs. the US. We have found cash healthcare in Mexico is cheaper than the deductible & fees in the US. There are many safe areas in Mexico… just avoid the danger zones. Many areas are *much* safer than in the US.

I live in a border city. Work in the USA and live in Mexico. I can say my standard of living is way higher than many of my coworkers living in the states.

Hello from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, one of the best beachtown in Mexico.

I am in Mexico right now and these prices are not true at all. We just went to a restaurant and spent 27.92 for two people. Food was great but it's not as cheap as they make it out to be. San Miguel is as expensive as an american city. To many expats that drove up the price. I went to my specialist, a orthopedic surgeon in Mexico City and it cost 92.00 US. Not 35. We love Mexico but don't make it out like it's so cheap. Come here only to be a part of the culture not to change it.

I’ve been saying this for years now, BUILD THE WALL!! Keep Mexico great before it’s too late.

Great video, very informative and clear.

Mexico they should ask for visas to all the (Americans)

We got to be carefully about the supposed "cheap" living, gentrification has started to become a problem, Americans should start living everywhere in Mexico and not only the fanciest parts.

4 Points to live in Mexico. 1.- Learn at least basic Spanish: It doesn't matter if you don't speak Spanish well, we value the effort and we will help you learn it, although you must also do your part to learn more. 2.-Avoid the terms "American" or "Expat": You, I as a Mexican, a Chilean, an Argentinian, a Costa Rican, etc. are Americans because we live on the same continent as you and the continent is called American continent. The term "Expat" is nonsense, if I went to your country or any other country I would be a MIGRANT. You are too if you live in my country as a foreigner. 3.- Also interact with the locals, don't just look for a group of Americans so you can stay among them...we are more than 130 million Mexicans and at some point you will need our help. 4-Understand the differences: The United States is very different from Mexico, here there are customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in the country and that we are not going to change just for you. Shall we change your local customs? No, we try to adapt to your laws, customs and traditions to fit in as best as possible. I'm not saying you should leave your personal history aside, I'm saying try to build relationships with people and see things from our point of view.

Spending time in mexico was one of the best and wonderful months i ever had in my life.. Im a Jamaican and i was treated like a rock star

When my co workers from Mexico tell me (a half Mexican half American) to not go down to Mexico because of how bad it is right now I might listen to those guys a lil more than a video

Mexico could be the greatest country in the world if it wasn't for corruption and drug cartel, other than that I love Mexico, my best friends live there,.I am leaving America where people work to death

Mexico needs to create laws in order to avoid that situation. Me as a Mexican if I want to live in USA just because I want that’s illegal the same situation must be applied for them 😅

The new dream is fast becoming Mexico!!! 🇲🇽

In the 1990s when I lived in Laredo TX,I use to take the bus to Monterrey México,never had a problem there. But would never go to the border towns on Mexican/USA. Thats a different story.

When i had travelled to Sinaloa, Mexico on a bus i noticed the people were always very respectful towards each other as if they were families but went. I noticed their sense of common courtesy among each other, not to mention they are very educational with strong mannerism. This was a cultural shock to me because in America people are so rude no type of manners. I realize now the Mexicans in USA are extremely different from the Mexicans on the other side. They lack every characteristic to American culture which is a 360 degree difference. I forgot to mention when i was deep inside rural Mexico i was lost and some random woman came to me offering to pay my bus ride showing me the route. I didnt even ask for help she approached me with full courtesy .

Mexico debe comenzar a ser mas estricto en el control de las VISAS y residencias otorgadas a extranjeros (especialmente USA y Canada), pues cada vez el desplazamiento social y la gentrificación es mas notoria en nuestro país. Me lleno de impotencia al ver que las zonas “bonitas” de Mexico están siendo controladas y desarrolladas por y para extranjeros, haciéndose menos accesibles para la comunidad local y a su vez diluyendo la riqueza cultural de esas regiones pues la vida para los locales se vuelve insostenible por los precios encarecidos provocando su desplazamiento. Aunque en este video se mencionan aspectos lindos de Mexico, siento que están intentando venderlo como un producto, y además de una manera irresponsable (por ejemplo cuando mencionan que Mexico es una gran opción para aquellos que se dedican al Home office, pues esto implica evadir impuestos). Como punto final, el video se hace mas incomodo cuando escucho que se autoproclaman “expatriots” en lugar de nombrarse como lo que son: MIGRANTES.

Mexico, Thailand, Philippines, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Vietnam Many many wonderful places to escape to

This data is way off, more like 1.5 million US citizens living in Mexico full time and most ilegal because of expired visas. Not to include the thousands that come on vacation.

This is a great video, regards from Mainz Germany! ❤🙋‍♂️

My family and I get all of our dental work done in Mexico, from fillings to crowns to root canals all at about a third of what it costs in the US. At first I was concerned about the work quality but was put at ease when I found out the majority of their dentists get their training done in the US, and so far everything has been quality work with no complaints.

I love Mexico!! 😊

As a mexican that came to America for a better life... and I'm called an immigrant... can we also call the Americans that go to Mexico for a better life an immigrant please...

My family and I will be moving from Texas to Costa del Sol in Spain in February for a lot of these same reasons.

My wife is mexican, so I'm actually a citizen legally, but in my mind, I'm still an immigrant. Just respect their way of life and try and learn Spanish as a gringo as myself. I can say gringo because my wife is mexican so ya I get that pass according to all my freinds and her family. Stay humble gringos😂

Its shocking how people have talked so badly, racially towards the mexican people and yet want to actually live in their land for a better life??

Mexico will one day be the most powerful nation in the world 🇲🇽

To those living or thinking to move to Mexico. 1: Be respectful whit Avery one. 1: Don’t asume that just because your own a house next to a beach that beach belongs to you in Mexico do not exist private beaches just some concessioner to big ass hotel chains. 3: embrace the culture and don’t be a as-hole. Enjoy Mexico.

Truly, there is a great charm to live in Mexico, her greatest asset of many, are her warm, genuine people.

BOTH countries should speak Spanish and English from pre school. We are too close, not to speak the language of our next door neighbor.

I just saw a YT short saying that a US census has revealed that at least 2 million americans are living illegally in Mexico 😂

As a proud Mexican American it’s kind of sad that Americans are starting to migrate to Mexico since my immigrant family fought hard to become U.S citizens for better opportunities and safer living environments. It’s also disgusting how some of these people starting to live in Mexico are calling themselves “expats” it’s rude to locals and native residents of Mexico, your immigrants to Mexico so please don’t have double standards. I live in California and I always visit my Pueblo in Mexico every year or so (not counting the years during COVID). I do like when I see foreigners come and enjoy our culture and participate in our community, it genuinely brings me joy. But I’m a bit concerned of how the American immigrants might make living costs higher for native residents.

Visited Guadalajara last year. I has been very modernized in the last 10-15 years. Lots of new high rises and luxury condos and shopping centers. Puerta de Hierro would not be out of place in Beverly Hills. A good majority of American stores and restaurants are present. One of the few things you'll miss will be Amazon 2 Day shipping

Great video. Only note is that $500 is not realistic for most Mexico City apartments in typical neighborhoods where foreigners focus. $1,500 is more accurate.

Viva México 🇲🇽

Was fortunate to be on assignment working and living in Mexico City from 2015-2019…enjoyed it very much. Will return and leave California.

Ironically a lot of high income highly trained Mexican professionals leave Mexico for the US and thrive. I never growth attach to my community, always be individualistic and goal driven, after some years moved to Texas as data professional and I never been happier. Salaries here are stupidly high with lower taxes and much more deductions compared with Mexico

Literally all the images from the Netflix’s Narcos showed took place in Colombia 😂

Looks lovely 😍

Americans have realized Mexico is far from what Hollywood has depicted for decades. Yes, there is a lot of crime, but it isn't in every street and town, as they would have you believe. Most towns and neighborhoods are peaceful and quiet, and there's a lot of infrastructure everywhere, highways, roads, hospitals, tourism resorts, banks, business centers, etc. Mexico's central bank main goal is and has been taming inflation for decades, so even if the country's economy has lagged for years, purchasing power is still strong and people coming with US Dollars can see that the moment they jump into a taxi cab or sit in a restaurant or go into a hospital. The country's culture is rich and embracing. What else can you ask for?

I have been living in Queretaro Mexico (Central Historical area) Years and can say in general this info is relatively accurate ! No plans to return to the USA anytime soon !

🙄🙄🙄🙄 People moving to Mexico move with American money, to the nicest areas, and the nicest houses/apartments. Of course they love it. Try getting a job with local wages, learning Spanish, and living like a local.

Simple! Who wants to live in a country that is a big troublemaker in the world?

As a Mexican I think that for many years the United States helped many Mexican expatriates, so I don't see any problem that Americans now come to Mexico, I think it would help a better integration of the United States and Mexico, in addition to Canada and make a strong North American bloc.

I've always known Mexico was better than the USA. I entered a Mexican University in 1970. It was a smaller country then with 50 million people, & today Mexico has 132 million. It was good in 1970 and it's better today. Mexico lindo y querido!

Told you that wall was to keep us in. lol

I’m honestly surprised that so many people have come through South America to come to North America rather than going to Mexico. It is good for people who get paid American money but don’t have to live in America

We as people (ignoring nationality) must recognise that people just want better living standards, and there shouldn't be anything wrong with that. However the situation is not at all symmetrical, an American moving to Mexico has it much easier and safer than a Mexican moving to the USA. Anyhow, Americans moving to Mexico should consider how their valid wish to have a better life here impacts the local market. There are many ways an American immigrant can lower their negative impact upon the community they with to call their home (which will also make their experience in Mexico much richer culturally). Consider getting a job here to contribute to the local economy, injecting external capital doesn't reflect on economic growth in a developed area, all it does is mark a localised inflation of prices. Learn Spanish and try to adopt some Mexican mannerisms; of course one shouldn't abandon their original culture, but learning how to integrate in the local society is very important. This avoids islands of social circles, which are bad for any immigrant and the society in the place they want to call home. Remember, we all want better standards of living (without contributing to local inflation), and the only way to make it better is if we all work together towards it.

The medical visits are truue my parents are from Mexico so when she needs a dental appointment she travels to Mexico and usually it’s when we visit Mexico every year around December and January

I am moving to Mexico. It's a beautiful country! The people are kind and helpful. The cost of living in Mexico is low and with the money I make in the USA, will help me live in luxury! I can't wait to leave the USA.

If we ignore the criminal issue, Mexico is somewhat good. We are not as well as walkable as Europe but also not as dependable to the car as US. The busses are not really good, in many states they are old and don't follow the requirements need it. But if I have to recommend the best city/state would be Guadalajara(Jalisco) México city (Capital) Monterrey(Nuevo Leon) Merida (Quintana Roo) This cities are cosmopolitan and they are pushing walkable infrastructure and public transportation

Very accurate accounting of what's going on in Mexico. I've been here, with the exception of yearly trips back to the states, for the past 9 years and cannot envision moving back there anytime soon. The Mexican people are the warmest and friendliest people anywhere. I feel fortunate that they have allowed me to be here. Just adapt a live and let live attitude toward life and things will be much better.

Jalpan Queretaro is safe too and pinal de amoles you get snow in winter theres desert down the mountains so beautiful

Viva Mexico 🇲🇽........... My beautiful Mexico

Between inflation, crime rates, and crazy politicians. Mexico doesn’t seem so bad anymore.

What software did you use to create this thumbnail? -Marc

Ah yes a video that will totally talk about all the nuances!!

Solo queremos vivir en paz, asi que las palabras: gracias, buenos dias, buen dia y con permiso ayudan a la paz