| ezrydn |
12-16-2004 08:27 AM |
I live in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Been here now for almost 2 years (from San Diego, CA). Cost of living is much lower than the US. Figure a basic exchange rate of 10 pesos to the dollar.
I'm married to a Mexican national and WE just had a new house built, 3 bdrm, 3 bath, 2 story, in a walled secure community area.
As mentioned above, yes, there are ways around everything down here. However, understand this. If you choose to "go around something," you will live with the thought that that "go around" will open you to the possibility of loosing something because you didn't do it the correct way to begin with. So, if you want to take that chance and loose everything, be my guest.
If you think these people will "accomodate" you, you're thinking like an American. If you have anything shipped into Mexico, like a purchase outside the country, you'll pay 35% import fee and 15% sales tax. That's 150% you paid for that item. Regular mail takes 3 weeks to get delivered in the US from here. Sometimes, longer.
To tell you the truth, I seriously doubt anyone here would put up with living down here for more than 6 months. The lifestyle here is great but you wouldn't last, putting up with the BS that goes on here.
Mexico is a 3rd world country and if you don't understand that concept, you're just a spoiled little American. I've seen the whinning here on GFY and that's my opinion of the majority here.
I'd suggest you consider another country. If there's one thing we don't need down here is more complaining Gringos.
I'm a US expatriate and a VN combat vet. Do you think I'm the sort of person who NOT give you bottom line? Then, move down here and find out for yourself. I've learned to live within their culture. It's not an easy thing to do for US.
Mexico is NOT a politically correct country. There's only one language down here...Spanish. If you don't speak or read it, you'd better be hitched to someone who can. There are two prices down here. Regular peso price and stupid Gringo English price. Guess which one is higher.
Time is not important here. "Tomorrow" could mean any time between now and 2-3 months from now. Ask for directions and they'll lie if they don't know. Cops here are different than the US. Fuck with them one bit and you're off to jail. Plus, you'd better have all your correct papers (you'll need your "FM3" from a Mexican Conslate plus your US Passport)! They're stickier about it than we are.
Hope that give you a bit of insight.
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