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| Sunset off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico |
Exotic locales, new experiences, low cost of living and the
excitement of immersing yourself in a new culture. Who could pass up the opportunity for a
richer fuller life? Many Americans are
retiring or relocating overseas in order to achieve the “dream life.” For one family, that aspiration was attained in Baja,
California. But is the expat life all
it’s cracked up to be? What does it take
to follow your heart, pack up your life and move to the country of your dreams?
Expat Emily A. agreed to sit down with me to answer a few
questions about her experiences relocating to another country, and what
prompted her and her husband to make “the big move.”
S: What motivated you to move to another
country?
E: We enjoy Latin culture and wanted to be near
the ocean.
S: How long have you
lived in Ensenada, Mexico?
E: Six years
S: How many years in
advance did you start planning your move?
E. We planned for
five years before we moved to Ensenada.
During that time we made several trips to Ensenada, securing property,
permits, etc…
S: Can you describe
your life as an expat?
E:
Very similar to our life in the U.S.
We both still work. The commute
is much more attractive now though. Our standard of living is very high and we
love living in a coastal community.
S:
What do you do about health care?
Do you have Mexican health insurance and was it difficult or expensive
to get?
E:
We have U.S. health care coverage, however, we use Mexican doctors for
minor issues and all dental care. I had
to have knee surgery last year and I opted to have the surgery done here.
S:
What is the cost of living in Mexico compared to the U.S.? If you are comfortable, what does a typical
month of expenditures look like?
E:
Don’t move to Mexico because you think you will save money! The cost of living is similar to what it was in
Arizona, but with an ocean view. Property
costs less, supplies are more expensive, labor is less but food (other than
rice and beans) costs more.
S:
How do you generate an income as an expat?
E:
We both own our own businesses. I own a consulting and training company
and my husband is in commercial property management. We home office and travel for business as
needed.
S:
Would you recommend your current location in Ensenada to others who are
considering making the same type of move?
E:
Only if they are committed to living in another country and abiding by
the rules and culture of the host country.
So many Americans move to Mexico thinking they are going to live by
American standards and they have not integrated.
S:
Do you speak Spanish fluently? Do
you have difficulty communicating with the locals?
E:
We do not speak Spanish fluently, but we speak enough to get by.
S:
What have your biggest challenges been since becoming an expat?
E:
Working through the immigration process to be in Mexico legally (this is
a step many Americans skip and it is not good!).
S:
Do you have any advice to offer others who are considering making a move
to another country?
E:
Only make the move if you are open to integrating, adopting and
contributing to the new culture and surroundings.
S:
Has it been easy to make friends and build a social life?
E:
We make friends easily and have met many great people.
S:
What’s the best part of living in the town you are in?
E:
The culture, the people, the food and the wineJ
S:
Did you furnish your house with belongings from the U.S. or did you buy
most of your furnishings in Mexico?
E:
Interesting you should ask….we moved all our household goods from the U.S.;
however, we purchased all the household goods from Mexico long ago during our
travels. We just brought things back to their native homeland.
S:
How often do you get back to the U.S.?
E:
I travel for my work so I cross the border two or three times a
month. Last year my husband Dave crossed
the border five times.
S:
What do you miss most about living in the U.S.?
E:
Nothing. We stay in touch with
family and friends from the states and have established many new relationships.
S:
Do you have any final thoughts or words of wisdom for those considering
a move to another country?
E:
Think the move through very carefully.
Rent for at least a year before
buying property. You might find a
different location during your explorations that you would prefer to settle in
permanently. Liquidate and buy household
goods when you get to your new home country.
Go through the proper channels for immigration and always check your
facts three times.
S:
How old are you?
E:
I am 48 and my husband is 60.
S:
Thank you for taking the time to indulge my curiosity about life as an
expatriate.
Eighty miles south of San Diego lay the coastal town of
Ensenada, Mexico. Often referred to as
the perfect weekend getaway, Ensenada is a popular place for tourists, the adventure seeker, or those in search of a better life… the Expat Life.
Covered bridges, picturesque streams and snowcapped
mountains dashed by as we raced downhill at speeds of nearly 30 miles per
hour. A few stops to enjoy the surrounding
countryside were definitely in order.
Near the end of our ride we came upon the ski village of Copper. We cycled through the streets until we found the
trail that would lead us to the town of Frisco.
A cold drink and hot food were waiting for us at trails end. 
