Why did I move to Mexico?

Before delving into the heart of our conversation, would you mind give a brief presentation to our readers? Tell us a little about your routewhich initially attracted to Mexicoand what finally made you decide to go for it establish your life.

Hello, my name is Axel and I'm 24 years old. My first Mexican experience dates back to 2022, when I was an exchange student at the TEC de Monterrey in Puebla, as part of my studies. Today, I work in finance, more specifically in management control, for a pharmaceutical company. I've been living in the Ciudad de México for just over a year now, and it's with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I share my experience here with you.

Could you share with us reasons that led you to choose Mexico as a place of residence and tell us what aspect of life Mexican you seduces the most ?

To begin with, what I appreciate most here is undoubtedly the joie de vivre of the locals. Mexicans are incredibly warm and welcoming. As soon as I arrived, I felt extremely welcome, as if I were at home, even thousands of kilometers from France. Then, there are 4 major assets that make Mexico the best country in my eyes:

• Climate: One of the great assets of Mexico - Mexico City in particular, but also other cities such as Puebla and Guadalajara - is its exceptional climate. Just imagine: around 25 degrees all year round, with over 300 days of sunshine. Living here is an everyday pleasure.
• Landscapes : this country offers an exceptional diversity of places to discover, whether for vacations or weekends. Paradise beaches, cenotes, volcano climbing, Mayan sites, jungle festivals, there's something for everyone, and all at a very affordable price. This is what makes my experience in Mexico absolutely unique. It's incredible to be able to enjoy life to the full and explore all that this magnificent country has to offer.
• Gastronomy: it's simply exceptional. The quality of the food, its diversity, and its affordability all contribute to an excellent dining experience. Whether it's in a renowned restaurant, around the corner enjoying delicious tacos, or being able to buy fruits, vegetables and meat of incredible quality, every meal is a real gustatory pleasure.
• Comfort: The quality of life the country offers, especially as an expatriate. With a salary that allows you to enjoy comfortable accommodation, wonderful vacations and a multitude of high-quality services, life here is ultra-pleasant.

This combination of factors makes Mexico a place where the daily experience exceeds all my expectations.

Could you give us an idea of the cost of living in Mexico? What would you estimate your daily expenses to be?

Living in Mexico, whether as an exchange student or an expatriate, and having an income in dollars offers an ultra-comfortable lifestyle. At present, I spend just over 2000 dollars a month, covering all my daily expenses: rent, food, leisure activities, outings and vacations, going to restaurants regularly and going on vacation often. With a total budget of 3000 dollars, it's even possible to save and plan regular returns to France.

Cost of living

The overall cost of living is lower than in France, although some Mexican cities, such as Mexico City and Monterrey, have a cost of living comparable to that of European cities like Madrid. By contrast, other cities such as Puebla, Guadalajara and Querétaro are much more affordable. Personally, I spend around 800 dollars a month on rent to live in a very good neighborhood (Polanco).

Although the cost of living in Mexico City may seem high, it remains manageable, especially as food is much cheaper here, with access to fresh produce, fruit, vegetables and high-quality products at prices well below those in France.

For the same price in France, in Paris, I'd only have a small 20 m² studio, whereas here, I enjoy a shared apartment with a swimming pool, gym and padel courts. Real expat life!

Travel

When it comes to vacations and travel, costs are also more accessible. An internal plane ticket often costs less than a hundred dollars, and it's possible to rent exceptional villas with swimming pools for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere, making getaways particularly enjoyable. This allows me to treat myself to weekends and vacations more frequently than in France.

In short, the cost of living in Mexico is relatively lower and much more affordable.

Safety is often a major concern for those considering a move abroad. How do you perceive safety in Mexico, a country that sometimes has a reputation for risk in the media?

To be quite frank, there's a huge contrast between the image conveyed by the media and the reality I experience in Mexico. Of course, the statistics are there, and I don't deny that certain regions can be prone to violence. However, these areas, such as the border with the United States or certain non-touristy states where cartel conflicts prevail, are places I've never set foot in and don't plan to visit.

On a day-to-day basis, in the neighborhoods where expatriates live, which are very safe, we don't encounter any problems. You can walk around at night without fear.

Personally, I feel even safer here than in Paris at night, a feeling shared by all the expatriate friends I know.

Having travelled in Latin America, notably Brazil and Colombia, I can confirm that the security situation in Mexico is very different. We feel really safe here, which reflects the country's level of development. It's important not to be influenced solely by the media or social networks. Even if some statistics are undeniable, they don't reflect our daily lives. Mexicans have no reason to frighten or harm us. As expatriates, and even when traveling, we've never encountered any problems.

The question of safety, in my opinion, is often overestimated by those who don't know the country. In all the years I've been here, I've never had a worry, simply by observing the basic rules of caution, as you would anywhere else. Mexico is a safe country, as long as you're careful about where you go.

Mexican culture is rich and varied. Did you find it difficult to adapt?

Not at all! I'll sum it up in 3 points:

First and foremost, a welcoming people

Learning Spanish, thanks to its Latin similarities with French, is not an insurmountable obstacle. It makes it much easier to integrate and quickly establish ties with the locals. What's more, Mexicans are extremely welcoming and curious, making this connection even easier. As French people, we're lucky enough to be rather well-liked abroad, so it's easy to make friends and quickly be invited to events such as weddings or quinceañeras, which greatly enriches the cultural immersion experience from the very first moments.

Secondly, Mexican culture has a strong and distinctive identity, particularly evident in the celebration of the Day of the Dead. This world-renowned tradition far surpasses Halloween in New York, Venice and other famous cities. The atmosphere is exceptional: everyone, young and old, big and small, dances, laughs and sings together in a unique spirit of conviviality and belonging. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As for the gastronomy (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it's simply exquisite and highly varied. From enchiladas and tacos to tortas, savory sauces and succulent meats, there's something for everyone. And for those with a touch of nostalgia for France, you can also find French products such as fine wine and cheese in many stores, and there are even plenty of French bakers based in Mexico. These products, although less accessible, are available, which is not always the case in other Latin American countries.

Do you think the country offers enough professional opportunities to justify such a decision?

I'm currently on a two-year expatriation contract and, to be quite honest, I can see myself continuing my life here in Mexico for a few more years. The reasons I've already mentioned play a big part in this decision, but the exceptional professional opportunities this country offers are also a determining factor.

Indeed, as a foreigner with a Master's degree, a level of education less common here, I find myself in an advantageous position. The skills we bring are sought-after and valued, and being a foreigner is no obstacle. The only downside might be the salary, which may be lower than what some might expect once they've signed a local contract. However, it's worth noting that the system here rewards merit: if you excel in your field, you have every chance of progressing rapidly and climbing the ladder with ease.

What's more, starting a business is relatively easy in Mexico, which is a real breeding ground for business. I'm currently working on projects with some friends, and we're finding that everything is falling into place quickly and smoothly. Professional opportunities are therefore vast and accessible, which reinforces my desire to stay in this hyper-dynamic and welcoming country for some time to come.

Getting around in a new country can be an adventure in itself. What means of transport do you prefer in Mexico, and how do you find the experience of mobility in the country?

Day-to-day :

For my daily commute, I prefer the bicycle, especially to get to work. There are self-service bike subscriptions available for just 30 dollars a year, which is really practical and economical. In the evening, I often use Uber for convenience and cost. An Uber ride generally costs between 100 and 200 pesos, or less than 10 dollars, this makes it a particularly attractive way to get home after a night out. The public transport network is quite good and very inexpensive.

For travel :

When it comes to traveling, especially to remote destinations, I fly. Trips to places like Puerto Escondido or Baja California cost around a hundred dollars. For closer destinations, I prefer buses, which offer both comfort and efficiency. For example, to get to Querétaro, Puebla, or to explore the Yucatán, ADO buses are an excellent option. Not only are they comfortable and practical, they're also very affordable.

Can you tell us about what you like to do in your spare time? What activities or hobbies have you discovered or pursued in Mexico?

I'm a rather curious and active person, always on the lookout for new discoveries. Here, I've pursued my passion for sport, particularly boxing, which is very popular in Mexico thanks to its excellent fighters and trainers. I also play padel regularly with my friends, taking advantage of the courts available in our residence.

As far as culture is concerned, I'm used to exhibitions and museums in Paris, but I found Mexico City an incredible place to satisfy my passion. With more museums than any other city in the world, with the exception of London, Mexico City offers a wide range of cultural activities and exhibitions of international renown. The Musée Soumaya, for example, features works by famous artists such as Rodin, Klimt, Van Gogh, Renoir, Dali and many others.

On weekends, I enjoy dining in restaurants with colorful, leafy backdrops, offering a cosy atmosphere ideal for a drink or a meal. The nightlife is just as attractive, with a variety of bars, clubs, festivals and concerts.

I'm also an avid traveler, and the quality of life here allows me to explore many places. I'm particularly fond of pueblos mágicos like San Miguel de Allende, Malinalco, Valle de Bravo, and Cuernavaca, where you can rent magnificent villas with swimming pools at very low prices. I also like to go further afield, like Puerto Escondido, a true hippie paradise perfect for surfing, enjoying burritos and tacos, and partying with my feet in the sand. Or explore Baja California, with its rocky, mountainous landscapes, pristine beaches and tourist-friendly spots.

My social life is extremely rich here, and I feel fully at home in this environment.

How has your expatriate experience in Mexico influenced your outlook on life and your personal fulfillment?

My passion for the international scene manifested itself early on, through internships abroad and university exchanges, fuelling my desire to integrate this dimension into my professional life. Having experienced the world of finance in Luxembourg and Paris, where long working hours left me little room for a social life, even arriving at a monotonous rhythm of metro-boulot-dodo, the contrast with my life in Mexico is striking.

Visit need for change was palpable for me, and Mexico welcomed me with open arms, revealing to me an exceptional life, rich in personal fulfillment and new ambitions.

Here, I've found a much richer social balance. I play sport regularly, I've widened my circle of friends, I enjoy a varied, high-quality diet, and I get a good night's sleep. All these elements contribute to my sense of fulfillment and happiness. I must say I've never been so happy and fulfilled in my life.