Living in Mexico – Why it’s Not “Latin America”

Crazy drivers, lack of punctuality, inefficiency, all night parties, and a warm, touchy-feely culture are some of the images that come to mind when people imagine “Latin America.”  And what about “Mexico?”  The drunken Mexican stumbling down the road with a bottle of tequila in his hand singing “La Cucaracha” …

Of course, Mexico is a part of Latin America; culture, history, and social patterns, and especially language are partially shared throughout these countries.

But here’s a surprise: if you choose to live in Mexico, you will find that many of the images have little to do with real life in Mexico.  While expats living in other parts of Latin America, and even in some more isolated parts of the Mexico real estate market will confirm that these issues permeate their day to day life, Mexico is in the process of a change, and you will notice the difference.

Take, for example, taxis.  How do you imagine a Latin American taxi?  I beat up old beetle, with a make shift seat and a taximeter of questionable reliability?  These can be found in parts of Mexico City, and elsewhere in the country, but in tourist areas, it’s ever more common that taxis are carefully controlled through a union, which, in addition to representing and protecting the rights of its members, it also prohibits unofficial taxis, sets prices, numbers the units, takes complaints and in general guarantees a safe, reliable and fairly priced system.

In Playa del Carmen, slight rate increases are allowed from bases and main tourist districts, but these are also controlled and can be avoided by walking a block or two away, if you so choose.

The real estate industry is moving in a similar direction, in terms of more professionalism.  While laws protecting clients are still less well developed, and care is still needed when buying a Mexico property, a hand of full of Mexico agents, often in conjunction with the country’s professional real estate association (AMPI) are moving the industry towards a more standardized level of professionalism.  Professional training, certificates and degrees, as well as thorough information are part of what these agents are offering their clients, with the final goal of a safe purchase which will be suitable for their needs.

Once you’re actually living in Mexico, you’ll find that services like reliable high-speed internet, on-line banking, bills payable at convenience and grocery stores, new, modern malls and hospitals, and much more similar items, will make meeting your necessities easy and pleasant.

Yes, Mexican culture is still warm, and touchy-feely.  Mexican’s still love their parties; but someone walking down the road drunk at 5 am is more likely to be a tourist than a local.  The locals all get up to work at 6 am, or are finishing their night shift.  The parties are saved for the weekends.  Although still different from what you’re used to back home, the country is becoming more organized, more and more businesses and stores work on regular and convenient schedules, and offer high-quality services.

If you like a good fiesta now and then, and like the idea of a warm, friendly culture, but still want to enjoy the conveniences of modern life and more organized business, Mexico is an ideal combination.

Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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