Mexico: Going Native

If you want to expatriate to Mexico to find an affordable cost of living then there is one thing you must do--Go Native!

Now, this is not as scary as you might think. I am not talking about living in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta and hoping the locals will show you how to beat your clothes clean on the rocks "down to the river", (I've seen some Mexicans still doing this).

What I am saying is that you must adopt, as much as you are able, the spending habits of a middle class Mexican family. A middle class family of four lives on about $400.00 USD a month. I don't mean that you should be living on so little also. You can live cheaply here if you assimilate some of the habits of the locals.

One area where you can save money is in your food bill. Shopping at the local supermarket will cost you much more than if you follow your neighbor to the local markets to buy your food. Many of the local farmers sell their produce in stands at far cheaper prices than the supermarket, which has a huge overhead.

Another area of money saving is eating out. You will mostly see upper-middle-class-looking Mexicans eating out regularly in the local restaurants. The menu prices here are so reasonable that eating out is a Go Native form of entertaining friends. In fact, you are more likely to receive an invitation to a restaurant as a guest before (if ever) being invited to someone's home for dinner.

My wife and I could feed four adults for what it would cost us, as a couple, to eat out in the States. You can get a huge steak dinner, with all the trimmings, and drink for less than $6.00 USD each. Though we see many Mexicans in restaurants, we do know some who never eat out. But, I would have to say it is a cheap form of entertainment and a custom worth adopting.

One area in which I refuse to go native is in some of their traditional dishes, particularly pig's head. One day, we were in the local supermarket when I saw a store flier with a pig's head pictured in the meat section. They had its mouth turned up into a smile! I found this horror in the meat department and have suffered Post Traumatic Pig Head Stress Disorder since!

I live in constant terror of receiving an invitation to someone's house and he or she will serve pig head as the meat dish. Can you just imagine this? There you are at the dinner table sniffing what smells like a pork roast. They bring a covered pan to the table only to reveal the head of a smiling pig staring at you (the eyes are still in its head, by the way).

And just what do you ask for? Is it like asking for dark or white meat when Dad's carving the Thanksgiving turkey? Which part of the hideous beast is the best meat? Is it the ears (they eat a lot of those here), the neck, or perhaps the snout is the most succulent!

"Oh, that snout looks really good today. Snout please!"

Anyway, if you Go Native as much as you can (except for pig's head), you will be able to save a large sum in your daily living expenses.

"Tha?Tha?That's all folks!"

Expatriates Doug and Cindi Bower have successfully expatriated to Mexico, learning through trial and error how to do it from the conception of the initial idea to driving up to their new home in another country. Now the potential expatriate can benefit from their more than three years of pre-expat research to their more than two years of actually living in Mexico. The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico answers the potential expatriate's questions by leading them through the process from the beginning to the end. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not only how-to expatriate but will learn what to expect, in daily life, before coming to Mexico. BUY BOOK HERE: http://www.universal -publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581124570

---

Alaska Glacier Cruises: Alaska Up Close and Personal

What do you have in mind for your next vacation?... Read More

The Delightful Land beyond Imagination

The kids are grown and gone, the mortgage is paid... Read More

Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable

Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable... Read More

Family Reunion Cruises - Something Everyone Can Live With

The mere thought of getting together for a family reunion... Read More

Alaska By Ship

When was the last time you saw an eagle descend... Read More

Orient Beach Shore Excursions - Beauty on the Beach!

When cruising to St. Martin (or Sint Maarten), some of... Read More

At the Boat Ramp

The weekend is finally here. You're all loaded up (well,... Read More

Crossing Paths With a Legend

When 13-year-old Bill Lefakinis first visited the famed yacht Christina... Read More

Dock and Deck Cleaning Business

A great addition to cleaning boats in a marina will... Read More

A Lifetime Cruise ? Hawaiian Cruise - An Exotic Hawaiian Cruise Trip

Hawaiian Cruises are everyone's dream cruise to the Hawaiian Islands... Read More

Boat Cleaning Business - Bilge Clean-up Tips

These areas, like any other car engine and compartment that... Read More

What Is Best For You; An Inflatable Kayak Or A Hard-Shell Kayak?

If you are buying a kayak for the very first... Read More

Back to Nature: Observing Marine Life When Boating

"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean,... Read More

Maximize Your Cruise Wardrobe With These Packing Tips

Cruises are a fun opportunity to dress up and look... Read More

The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship

The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of... Read More

Diving Philippines is Impressive, Varied, and Spectacular

Scuba diving Philippines does not get any diverse, anywhere in... Read More

Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations

Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise... Read More

Finding Discount Royal Caribbean Cruises

For those new to cruising, there are a few things... Read More

Celebrity Alaska Cruises!

Alaska cruises can be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance... Read More

Keltic Seafaring

Many academics are unable to handle the possibility of ships... Read More

Boat Washing 101 - Spring is Here, Lets Go Boating

As a boat owner you know that washing the boat... Read More

Find Many Cruise Deals That Suit Your Personal Style And Needs!

Finding Cruise Deals are half the battle when considering a... Read More

Alaska Cruise Expert Guide

The Alaska cruise is a breathtaking adventure that you'll never... Read More

Hydrofoils as Strike Vehicles on Water; Fast, Safe, Smart

High Speed boat-car, Hydrofoil. Hey slow down so we can... Read More

Those Ellusive Crab and Prawn Traps

If you are a boater, in particular a sea or... Read More

Luxury Cruise Line Vacations for Your Romantic Getaways!

Every cruise vacation offers passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Some... Read More

Entertainment At Sea

"All the world's a stage", the saying goes! And on... Read More

Boat Detailing - Final Process in the Reconditioning ? Applying the Protective Sealant on Gel Coat

It is often recommended that you do not use any... Read More

Family Cruise: Family Get-Together for Fun

Family Cruise: Happy Times you will not forgetA family cruise... Read More

Cruise Trips: Just How Popular is Cruising?

The results are in for 2004. The number of people... Read More

Silversea Cruises! Committed To Elegance, Luxury, And Gracious Hospitality

Committed to elegance, luxury and gracious hospitality, Silversea Cruises is... Read More

Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!

Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More

Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the... Read More