10 Things I love about living in Mexico | San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas Expat Life
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- 10 Things I love about living in Mexico | San Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas Expat Life. I’m an American who has lived in Mexico for 7 years now, mostly in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, but also in Cabo San Lucas. We’re going to discuss the cost of living in Mexico and 9 other factors that make expat life in Mexico so wonderful! If you’re wanting to travel Mexico, move abroad, wondering what the best places to live in Mexico are, seeking information about healthcare in Mexico, or you’re just looking for some general facts about Mexico, watch the video from beginning to end!
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OTHER VIDEOS YOU MAY ENJOY!
🎥 • San Cristobal de las C... - A tour of downtown San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas!
🎥 • 😱 10 things that SHOCK... - 10 things that SHOCKED me when I moved to Mexico!
🎥 • TRAVEL IN CHIAPAS, MEX... - A trip to the beach in Tonalá, Mexico!
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• 10 Things I love about...
The cost of living caught my attention! Sounds perfect for retirement or working for an American company online.
It certainly is!
Heading to San Cristobal next month. Thanks for your advice
Enjoy!!
@@EricaRayLanguage 🙏
@@EricaRayLanguage
Just like any city or town you have your good and not so good places. Any suggestions of areas for renting or maybe purchasing?
ok. I just paused the video. $175?! My guess was $500, my hub said $600. Then you said $175. My husband laughed out loud and I cussed hard. $175? What am I doing with my life? LOLOLOL! Ok I'll watch the rest of the video now and try to not cry myself to sleep tonight.
Haha! The exchange rate has been favorable too for those who earn in dollars and it has been for years now. When we came a dollar was worth 12 pesos and now it's worth 20.
There have been rooms for $50.oo per month.
True!
@@EricaRayLanguage How much do you think for a smaller simple home? I will be moving alone. Like $100 USD potentially?
$100 may be pushing it. But it's possible. It will vary so much just according to the location and what's available, maybe even on how much Spanish you speak or if you get a local to go ask for you so that you don't get the foreigner price tag tacked on. In any case, it's often best to budget higher and then be pleasantly surprised if you find something less expensive. We got a good deal on this place so if we were to move somewhere else in the local area, I would probably budget at $250 USD (5000 mxn) and then be happy if it's less :)
You got me thinking of emigrating!! I’d love to see a cost of living video! -Shalishah
OK awesome!
Go Girl! My wife and I are old so were are a bit hesitant to do what you've done. We're proud of you.
Aww thank you! It's never too late! It may be a great time for a change. 😊
Mexico treats the elderly better than the USA. I lived there for seven years. I'm going back. The USA is too expensive, and treats males as second-class citizens.
You and your beloved family seem so happy in Mexico! Thank you so much for your important information about living in Beautiful Mexico!
You're very welcome!
Also I felt the WARMTH from the doctors and everyone in your birth photo 😭😭 LOVE IT!!!!!! ❤️
🤗Yes, it was a nice experience. ❤️
Run that by me again did you say $175.00 USD per month for a 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath rooftop and garage condo .Bless your heart Dear, because they are killing us out here in the USA with rental and Housing prices.You are a smart woman,you have to get away from touristy and large expat areas to find awesome housing prices like yours. Congratulations
So true and thank you. I hope you get to experience the same if it's something that you desire! :)
Townhouse!
Lived briefly in the US and one thing I noticed immediately was how clueless so many Americans are and due to programming and the provincial media there haven't a clue. I can't see why anyone who could move elsewhere for better quality of life would stay in the US. It's such a stressful toxic culture.
Truth.
Yes, please! Dedicated cost-of-living videos would be much appreciated!
I'm working on it now! Coming soon. :)
Thanks for your sharing your experience in San Cris. I’m a Californian who is looking for a friendly community in Mexico and San Cris weather sounds great for me plus I like the idea of finding a way to help the indigenous peoples there if I could. I’m an artist and I’m tired of the lack of openness in my small city in a rural region. Born in New York and grew up in LA so I want freedom of self expression. Thanks again
San Cris is an amazing city! I really enjoyed spending time there.
It is!
Your channel is a Godsend!! It’s smart and informative without being annoying. I’m really considering San Cristobal now!!
Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the channel.
Your credibility is very high, because you've lived in Mexico for 7 years and you're married to a Mexican, so you know. The only caveat is you're young so you're probably healthy as opposed to retirees such as myself who might need more medical attention.
If you remember we live in Oaxaca and we moved to Oaxaca from Costa Rica after 12 years.
I don't know why you don't have more subscribers as your credibility is very high.
I don't like it when young people who have been there for a few months try to tell me how it is. They have no credibility with me
Haha, yes, we have been here for a while. But you're right. Our experience will be unique to us and all who come will need to find their own way. But I do find it helpful and interesting to see how other expats here in Mexico, of all ages, are living. :)
Im surprised your numbers are not higher..i just found you n im very impressed with your teaching style...loved the" real world" Spanish
Thank you and welcome! ☺️
The weather sounds Fabulous!!! 🙌🏾🌟
Yes! I love it. I only complain during December and January when it's too cold for my taste. Haha!
Hi, Erica. I think you guys make a good couple. You guys live in chiapas. I am from Oaxaca neighboring state. Living in u.s. I am moving back to Oaxaca pretty soon for good. Erica, I have a question for you how did you learn Spanish? Your Spanish is better than my Spanish. God bless you and your family. I am not surprised that you like Mexico at all..
Awesome! Welcome home! Here are the videos about how I learned Spanish. :) ua-cam.com/play/PLHm6cDu7EjUDit_2tMnYOQzeVGihsY2V2.html AND ua-cam.com/video/D7EKFyjFRGc/v-deo.html
the medical care satisfaction and pricing you mentioned gives me so much peace of mind . Tysm
Finally moving to Mexico after a 4 weeks trip in Chiapas this summer... 💪🏻💪🏻 If by any chance you'll be hanging around San Cristóbal con tu marido,nos tomamos un cafecito y charlamos un rato! Gracias por compartir este vídeo con todas estas buena herramientas,un saludo desde Italia!
Qué emocionate! Me alegro por ti!
I appreciate this video so much! Having been in the country so long, being married to a Mexican man, and being fluent in Spanish really gives your perspective great value to me as it's clear you really integrated into the experience!! I would love to see ALLLLL the videos you mentioned and also one about dating in Mexico!! Im currently learning spanish and getting a solid stream of income online as I prepare to take the leap. Thank you so much for sharing! #newsubbie 🤗❤️
Awesome and welcome! Well I can do all of those videos except dating in Mexico because since I was already married when I moved to Mexico I have no experience there.😂
@@EricaRayLanguage Awe shucks. Haha! Well, I'll take what you can give! 😊🙏🏾
I am so excited to have stumbled upon your video. I and my family are moving to Chiapas and really taking in this information organized and laid out is helpful. I would love to hear about having a baby in Chiapas. Yes a break down of how you found the property you live in. Have you thought about purchasing? WHy or Why not?
Can you please do a cost of living video? By the way, I love your videos! I'm starting to learn Spanish and your videos have been so helpful. Thank you!
Will do! And I'm so happy to hear that! 🤗
Thank you for sharing. I love the beautiful Acapulco since 1962, and earthquakes were the deal breakers for not retiring there.
Stay blessed always.
❤️
I've always wanted to move south, way south. I'm constantly looking at expat videos. Thank you so much for this info.
Also, your spanish videos are wonderful. New subscriber.
Welcome and thanks so much! 🤗
Love this video! So informative and interesting!
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Yes, Kentucky weather is so unpredictable. 😆
You ain't lyin'! 😅
Queen: in North Texas , we can have the whole four seasons of the year in a single day. Including snow. That's crazy
Re: Healthcare in Mexico: I go to the public system -- under the Seguro Popular -- and have experienced all the same benefits of doctor's who are great and care about you in such a warm and human way and it is free.
That's fantastic! What state do you live in?
@@EricaRayLanguage I live in Baja. Ensenada. I have been here for some six years and spent three in Tijuana. I have never been to Mexico proper or any exotic place, but being poor and living in the neighborhoods with the people I have learned a bit and so benefitted. Where do you live? To access medical benefits, get a driver's license, and or work/open a business, one needs to obtain one's permanent or temporary residence. I took advantage of the Amnesty program for Americans who had been living here "illegally." Otherwise, dependent upon the services offered -- and thanks to AMLO they have increased significantly -- one can do well. I found out about this while watching AMLO's "Conferencia Matutina." This daily conference of a President taking the time to speak to the nation has helped me quite a bit in learning about Mexico. Also, his slow, articulated manner of speaking is excellent for this Spanish student's comprehension. Glad to hear you are having a positive experience here. I have not returned to the States and hope I never have to. I look forward to visiting your program and soon, starting or collaborating upon one of my own. Cheers.
Im glad a ran across your page. You make it sound so much better then what was in my head.
I've watched zillions of these vids. Really nice job Erica!
I appreciate it!!
En Uruapan Michoacán.the rent are same like I'm chiapas for a house..around 2.000 pesos..
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so grateful your video showed up in my feed! I’m actually Mexican having lived my whole life in the US but now wanting to move back. I’ve been thinking of moving to San Cristobal. I’ve never been there but my sister in law says it’s pretty and the weather as your described is perfect to me.🥰
I’m having a hard time convincing my husband though because he’s worried about us not being able to support ourselves. Your video was so helpful though! Thank you so much!
You're so welcome! Yes, I always recommend finding work online. That's what I've always done since I've been in Mexico. :)
Wow!! Love it!
Thank you! ☺️
Bendiciones .. god bless all u family .. y mi compa take care u woman .. saludos desde Texas
Thank you!
I'm going to San Cristobal de las Casas in mid-January 2024 (if I have all my duckies in a row by then). This video is informative and although it's two years old, it gives very specific and practical information. Thanks! I shall subscribe. I hope to settle there but I'm taking a trip first to check things out. Of course, if I really like it I might just not leave!
Hope you enjoy it!!
I like your sense of humor
I love how they present mexico as this utopia. I up and moved to hermosillo Mexico because I too wanted to live nicely. Me and my mexican boyfriend had a 1bdrm for a nice $150 a month with a dormitory small refridge, a hot plate for a stove (can only cook one thing at a time), had to wash my clothes by hand and the biggest bonus was the water was shut off at 12pm everyday and turned back on at 6am the next day. We kept a garbage can with water in it to use thru the day. Never kk eft home without a roll of toilet paper. Stores or restaurants didn't have this in restrooms. I was not living in an area with tourists either and experienced alot of loneliness, unfriendliness, and finger pointing because I was black and in that town they're not use to seeing us.
So sorry you had a bad experience. We've never rented anywhere that was furnished (meaning that appliances don't come w the place either) but I actually like that better because we've purchased our own appliances to our liking (refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer). But maybe you were just staying temporarily and may have done better with a place that already had those things. We lived in one place without washer/dryer hookups and would use the laundromat. That gets pricey over time but it was nice to drop off clothes and get them returned washed, dried, and folded for a reasonable price (I think like $3?). True about some public restrooms not having toilet paper but with kids I always have some baby wipes with me anyway. Haha. The loneliness sounds like the worst. So sorry about that. Do you speak Spanish? People stare at me too but I've not usually experienced negative stares.
@@EricaRayLanguage thanks for your informative video. Great you had a better experience in your area. I have been to different parts of mexico and first fell in love with it when I studied Spanish at the Autonomous Univ. In guadalajara. I loved it ever since. It's funny but I went with a group of white women and the Mexican men were fascinated by me and the women in my group were surprised. I felt like a queen, but when I came back to the US, reality set back in that I was not special...lol...Been to puerto vallarta, guanajuato, puebla and other areas. It's so much culture there and the food alone makes me want to go back. I've been told by mexicans that I speak very good spanish. My boyfriend didn't know English so I was happy to let him teach me spanish. Luckily I knew some before we met. I love puerto vallarta, but too many Americans there. But I found myself returning 3times. I plan to visit other areas. I won't let that one area discourage me from returning to mexico.
Lovely to hear your story and I'm so glad that you won't let that experience discourage you! ☺️
Loved your video...very informative. I dont want yo live in touristy area as well as expats. So thanks again.
Keep up the good work.
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Perfect weather for me.
I love it!
Please make another video! My husband, son and I are looking to come there:) We need some updated info (post covid)...LOL I love this video:)
Sure! Glad you enjoyed it! 🤗
Erica Ray, Hi there, Please do a dedicated cost of living video for us.
Holà Erica ! Bueno, voy a intentar escribir este comentario en español, sera una buena oportunidad de practicar 😅 Me encanta mucho tu canal. Lo he descubierto hace algunos días. Soy curiosa, podrías hacer vídeos sobre tu experiencia en México [as a foreigner, and as a black woman specifically] ?
Much love from France ☺️❤️
Muchas gracias! Qué bien que te están ayudando los videos ☺️ Sí claro, tengo tu idea en mi lista. Lo haré lo mas pronto posible. Gracias de nuevo! 😁
Bravo señora, bravisimo! Excellent effort.
Hola Jo Mones como estas ... Parece que eacribes bien ...
Yes to more cost of living info. Thanks.
San cristobal was great. I recently came back home to the UK but if you've been around 7 years then for sure way may have seen eachother around san cristobal de las casas!
Thank you very much for the video, getting emotional wishing i could still be back over there.
I bet we have run into each other! 😊
I just made a Native friend that sparked my interest about this place. Im intrigued to say the least. So glad I found you💯
Awesome!
Great video. So informative, so many things about Mexico that I never knew. Thank you!
You're very welcome! Glad it was helpful.
It's an amanzing video, thanks for sharing with us.
My pleasure!
Great video, especially how you broke down the costs. I backpacked to San Cristobal in 1983 (you can be shocked), plan to return next year long term. I'm an old geezer now, but I remember I enjoyed my stay.
How cool! I hope you enjoy your trip back! 😃
Hey Erica, I would love to see a medical cost and care video. I think you have a lot of viewers looking to retire and would love to know more about that.
Also, it'll so cute to see a child birth video. Especially if you have some tips on how to prepare before, during and after we give birth. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the input!
Fantastic video! You've given me a lot to think about! We've lived in different countries, and as we get closer to retiring, MX is looking very doable! Thanks!
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful.
This video is excellent. You really cover everything. I am learning Spanish now, so thank you for posting Spanish courses opportunities.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi , I am from Chiapas but I live in Austin , TX . I pay 1000 dollars on rent If I save all the money for a few years I could buy a small nice house in Chiapas with the money I am paying here , my water bill is 80 dollars , electricity 60 or 90 in hot weather is really too much ! Just working to pay bills . But I will have to retire first
I hear you! It's not easy, but there are advantages and disadvantages to every place, so I think we have to enjoy where we are at every stage in our lives. Your future plans of buying a house in Chiapas sound really exciting though! 😊
Thank you
Yes. Please do a cost of living in your city. 😊
Will do! 😊
Erica Ray Mrs Ray, please do a dedicated cost of living video and tour of the food markets and restaurants and wonderful sights and things to do Please. Thank you for your videos, I'm trying to learn Spanish, it may take me years but I'm watching your videos and taking your advice on learning Spanish, CONGRATULATIONS 👏 ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LIVING IN A NEW COUNTRY, I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN A SPANISH FOR A YEAR OR TWO FOR EXPLORATION AND ENJOYMENT. THANKS AGAIN 😊, 🤝🏽
I'll do my best! To be honest, we've mainly been going out only for essentials during the pandemic. It has hit hard here again. But as soon as I can I will do more tour around Mexico videos. :)
please please do a cost of living.... rent at different prices. nice areas....
What an interesting and informative video. My husband and I are a mixed race couple in our 50s. The racism and violence in the US only seems to be worsening. We talk about moving out of the US a lot. Mexico is definitely an option we would consider. I’m dedicated to learning Spanish and your channel is super helpful! Do you feel the racism towards Black people in Mexico is similar to the US or significantly less?? Would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for all you do!
So glad you're enjoying the channel and your plans to move abroad sound exciting! I haven't personally experienced any obvious racism here in Mexico and many other black expats here in Mexico echo the fact that they feel that it is significantly less than in the U.S. People will definitely stare at me and my girls, but in a "fascination" type of way and they'll come over to ask us where we're from, compliment our skin/hair, and congratulate my husband on his family (LOL)...We don't mind our hair being touched, but I know some people do. Haha. I have heard that unfortunately Afro-Mexicans are discriminated against, but I don't live in an area where there is a large population of Afro-Mexicans to comment on this personally. In Mexico there is a lot of classism and this is far more evident to me than racism. Do keep in mind that police checkpoints are very common and you will need to have your travel/residency documents on you to show when asked to show that you're here legally. Locals and foreigners are stopped for any multitude of reasons, but naturally, looking different could cause more frequent requests for your paperwork. I hope that helps!
American black people typically do not experience the level of overt racist treatment due to the fact that they are American "Citizens of Rome" and carry wallets stuffed with cash to match. But it does exist. What she said regarding "classicism" applies. That being said, along with acceptance of homosexuality, the conscious humane treatment of animals, and of course, Mexico -- an 80% Roman Catholic nation -- legalizing abortion, all signs point to positive and significant progress here. In contradistinction to what is being threatened by a certain political party in the states right now.
We have the same saying about the weather in Edmonton 😅😅
Haha!!
Thank you for this video, I am looking into staying in the area for an extended period of time, this sounds like just the area of Mexico, I was looking for. I've stayed in Quintana Roo for a year in 2020 and again for 3 months 2020 - 2021, loved my time there, but, the weather was unbearable most of the time. Hope to be in SCris sometime this coming May.
I hope you enjoy it!
i love this!!!
Very interesting, I want to visit , might be for me . 👍😎
Thank you SO much! I have been contemplating retirement. I love you "Southern Hospitality" comment.
Subbed and contracting you for teaching!
Good job 👍
Thank you!
💘 LovE Your Channel & The Informative Information you provide! Yes! Can you please do a Video on Giving birth in Mexico 🇲🇽 God Bless you& The Family Much Love ❤ Peace and Blessings All the Way From Detroit, Michigan
Thanks so much!
Just found your channel! I definitely would love to live in San Cristobal because of exactly what you said, not so 'touristy'. And you have such a beautiful home:) I want to relocate and settle in permanently as you have. And what you pay for rent? OMG!!! That would be such a blessing especially with my only income of SS. Yes, please, do a video on All costs and where one could find a nice place on/near the beach. Hoping to be there very soon.
Welcome! Your plans sound exciting! Yes, I will be doing that video ASAP. :)
Retiring in 3 years and San Cristobal is #1 on our list ! We LOVE chilly weather.
We love to see cost of living and apartment tour videos. Sounds like your total monthly costs may be under $1000/month ? Thx !
Adding things like food for our family of 4 (really 5, because our housekeeper cooks and eats two meals per day with us), full-time housekeeper/babysitter, gas for the car, educational expenses for our kids, health insurance, etc...our actual expenses come out to about $1,600 per month currently. If we were just two people we could definitely live for under 1K. ;)
@@EricaRayLanguage
Wow ! That is really incredible.
We feel like we are slowly crawling to the finish line 3 years from now. Until then we will have to live vicariously through you. 😉
May I ask about the cost of a housekeeper ?
I think we would really just like someone to come in maybe on e a week for a half day.
Thank you so much !
@@bananapatch9118 3 years will fly by, especially with the exciting prospect of a move right on the horizon! :) We generally pay about TWICE the minimum wage to our housekeeper who works full time (which is based on the day, not by the hour). Currently, the federal minimum wage is 141 MXN per work day.
@@EricaRayLanguage
I hope u r right about time flying by.
So it looks like for housekeeping that works out to about $15/day plus meals and pleasant conversation ? Incredible !
Thx very much !
You're very welcome! Best wishes!
Yes please do a video on cost of living!
Coming soon! ☺️
@@EricaRayLanguage 🤎
Thanks for the information
You're very welcome!
Hello Erica, thanks for this video. I loved it, I am from El Salvador and have lived in USA for a while, my wife is Mexican and we are considering to move to Chiapas even though she is from Puebla, we might be in Chiapas México by Dec. or 1st quarter of 2022, We would love to meet you guys so that way my children can keep their English with new Friends there..... once again thanks for making this video
¡Buenos días! ¿Cómo amaneciste? (my favorite expression in Spanish) :-) I happened upon your video and thoroughly enjoyed it! I have shared it with friends and family. My husband Jorge and I are moving from Dallas, Texas, to Querétaro in six months. We are super excited! San Cristóbal just may be a place we’d like to live at some point. ¡Felicidades! ¡Saludos de Joseph (Jody) Quillian! ... en español soy Pepe
Thank you! And how exciting! Best wishes!
Thank you for sharing. Can you do a video about Healthcare please? Health insurance? I've been considering living abroad for the reasons you mentioned but I worry about Healthcare and insurance
I will add that to my list. Thanks! :)
Erika,
Have you lived in other larger cities in Mexico ?
Numbeo is usually fairly accurate, and it shows Sam Cristobal as maybe 20-30%cheaper over all cost of living than Puebla and Queretaro. That is remarkable if that’s correct.
Thx !
The only other city I've lived in is Cabo San Lucas. San Cristobal is dramatically less expensive compared to living there. :)
Wow sxb I can’t believe it ! I was searching Spanish teachers and saw your review of rocket Spanish and other videos. I’ve been to sxb half a dozen times I have a bike there (motorcycle) lots of Mexician friends in sxb tuxla and comitan...sorry for my excitement...I enjoy you videos... because of Covid haven’t been back since 2019 so sad
Welcome! I'm so glad you found the channel and I hope that you're able to visit again soon!
me encanto tu canal, llegue aqui por este video. y me encanto como hablaste de Sancris, yo vivo aqui tambien, tengo mas de 10 años viviendo aqui, pero tengo como 34 de venir. en encanto tu canal y cualquier cosa que quieras saber sobre lo que pensamos los Mexicanos sobre Sancris, con gusto te puedo ayudar... pero como ya tienes mucho tiempo viviendo aqui, pues ya no hay mucho que te pueda colaborar. en fin, encantado de conocer tu canal y estare atento a tus nuevos videos!
Muchísimas gracias por el lindo comentario! ☺️
Hola! I'm just discovering you and just ran across this video and loved it! I so wish I could talk to you directly. I will try and go to your blog and see if I can connect there. Thanks so much and thanks for keeping it real! 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@EricaRayLanguage Yes, and I just recently realized that we are sisters, so even more so look forward to connecting! 🤗
Thank you great info 💛
My pleasure!
Wow, your electricity bill is amazing, we live in Cozumel, Q,Roo and we pay around 4,000 (200 US) pesos every 2 months. We do need to use the aircon during the day or night EVERY DAY =(
Yes, A/C is a killer. When we lived in Cabo San Lucas and had to use A/C I think ours got up to 1,000 or 2,000 per month. I don't recall which because I can't remember if we paid every month or every two months.
Very Cool, Chica
Excellent
Awesome video
Thanks! I've glad you enjoyed it!
I am from Mexico and live in Denver I am from north Mexico HOT/COLD
And want to retire very soon ,soon
So maybe Chiapas
I do speak Spanish as a second language.
I spend $1300-$1500 per month, but you can get a $300. 00 per month electric heating bill, so I only use fans in the summer for my 880 sq ft. apartment. I do order every 6 months for a Walmart home delivery, but I want to live, where I can walk to the grocery stores.
Better than hot or super cold weather. Meria is hot and human. I will be living in Queretaro, Mexico on 11/2/2021.
USA doctors are paid pill pushers.
Erica I just want to give a shot out to you for doing such as professional, insightful, and informative video. I work as a journalist and educator and have lived in two other cities in Mexico: San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca City. I'm back in the states now but have been seriously considering relocating to San Cristobal. My Spanish is very limited so I may even consider taking one of your classes. How realistic would it be for an American ex-pat to move to San Cristobal de Las Casas Chiapas with very limited Spanish language skills? Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you very much! Your question is very good, but unfortunately very difficult for me to answer. :) I've not experienced life here from the perspective of someone who has limited Spanish, therefore there are things that I simply don't notice, such as how much of an ex-pat population there is, if there is help in English for basic transactions, etc...Someone asked me the other day if the driver's license written test is available in English and I simply have no idea. It's not something I asked when I went to take it. :) That being said, I know there are plenty of other ex-pats (in forums, etc..) with limited Spanish who would be much more qualified to answer your questions. Of course, your experience and enjoyment of life here will be elevated if you speak Spanish so I hope you stick around here for help learning. 🙂
@@EricaRayLanguage Appreciate you thank you.
How limited is your limited Spanish? I lived in San Cris for a few months a couple of times and did ok. I can hold limited conversations. I find I understand a lot more than I speak, but I can get myself around. And you know the people are so warm and helpful🥰
You sound as if you speak Spanish... Your accent is very good...
Is my Spanish affecting my English? Haha.
Can you do a video on how to move there as a single person? I’m coming in September and I want to stay in a local area where I can learn Spanish, but I’m single with no pets. Solo yo!
Thank you for all this great info, Erica! Who would I contact to find inexpensive apartment rentals in San Cristobal, similar in size, price, etc., to where you and your family are living? I definitely would not want to live in the expat or tourist areas. I'm in my mid-60s and looking to retire in a few years in Mexico. I'll be living on my Soc. Sec. Many thanks.
I have a friend who works in real estate. You can email me at erica@ericaraylanguage.com for her info :)
Yes please I’d love a birth story !❤
Dear Erica ! Good evening to you.this video Impressed me. You know I watch every day Televisa Monterrey ( Mexico TV progarmm) two hrs , kindly let me know if you know some other Live TV programm from Mexico citys.
Its for sure one of the Mexico city wil bring my rest of retirement years. Thanks for your information.
Hello! I don't watch much TV so I don't have the best recommendations, unfortunately. :(I prefer Netflix for foreign language entertainment. Sorry I can't be of more help on that! Perhaps someone else will chime in. :)
Hello there your story is absolutely impressive... I too have learned Spanish fluently ...I'm a african american self taught amigo.. No one in my family speaks Spanish.. I would love to hear from you ...I have scores of ideas and would love your input...Thanks
Please please do a birth video! That would be so exciting! Loved this video so much! Thank you!! You're awesome!
Glad you enjoyed it! Should I do the birth story in English or Spanish (with subtitles?) :)
@@EricaRayLanguage both 😁
Making my job hard, eh? 😅
So in Spanish with subtitles? :)
Yeah I been think for years to get my Mexican citizenship and move down their (since my mother is Mexican born) like I love the sates but I keep saving up for a home here and price keep going up and up even in my small city and me working 60 hour weeks and literally just been home to sleep and shower it’s burn me out
That is rough! Consider it carefully, but sometimes it really is time for a change.
Your unfair advantage is that you have a Mexican husband...Very informative ..Much Thanks!!
Yes, having someone familiar with the country sure made the transition a lot easier! Although after having been in the U.S. for a long time, he was as lost as I was over some things. 😅
Hi, Erica! I started my YT research about expat life in Mexico just a few days ago. I'm disabled with several chronic illness. I'm primarily concerned about healthcare access. Is the healthcare system easy to navigate? (I asked wrote this prior to you speaking about it).
This is the climate I'm looking for! Currently, I'm in Albuquerque, NM. I live in a moderately poor neighborhood...a lot of subsidized housing units. I have a very nice 2/1...my rent was increased to $910. Thank the Lord that in addition to my ssdi, I also receive retirement. A year from now, should I live that long, I can't see paying $1000 plus for this little apartment! And then trying to figure out health expenses and food. I'm retired! I'm supposed to be taking it easy. You KNOW I can't do that here in the states. I live month to month in a constant state of anxiety. That's no way to live.
I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. I can understand looking for something better. While, of course, I can't give you any personal advice, I've found the healthcare system extremely easy to navigate because you can choose you own doctors. We go straight to specialists with no referral (paying out of pocket $30- high end $60 USD per visit). That's here in Chiapas. Things are less expensive here than other parts of the country, but it wasn't too much different in Cabo San Lucas when we lived there. Just like anywhere, as far as getting insurance, prior conditions will make it either not possible or very expensive. Of course, I don't know how much taking care of your current conditions would cost out of pocket. But so far, for us, paying specialists and medications out of pocket has around the same or cheaper than even what our insurance premiums alone were costing us in the U.S.
Hey, I'm also from ABQ, retired and living in Mexico on my SS. I was living in Chiapas for s few months last year and loved it. Everything she says about prices and cost of living is true. At one point I had a beautiful Air BnB for $157 a month. I'm now checking out Guanajuato. I usually always fine inexpensive places to rent cause my budget is limited. Sincerely hope you find your place. Mexico rocks🥰
Kellly….if I move there, I will help you!
Yea you can rent as low as $175, but not for good places with good location! same happens in Usa, you can find places as cheap as $300 but again no good ones with bad locations. And you dont use AC because if you do bill will be close to $100 a month. I looked at viva anuncios and only 2-3 came up with your price range and not what I like, nice places go for $7000+ and up so about $400+
Yeah, like I've told everyone here, if you want to pay these prices you're not going to find them online, on Vivanuncios or anywhere else. You get these prices when you know people, speak Spanish, and are willing to ask around and look around before you sign a contract. This is not a gringo location, but it's not a dangerous location either, and our neighbors are all professionals. We paid alot more in Cabo San Lucas because we needed A/C. Having said that, I know that most foreigners will pay more than this and personally, I would be very happy paying several times what we pay here. Still a lot nicer than what you will get in the US for that price. I'm sure we will pay more once we move because we got a nice deal on this place, but we just haven't felt the need to move for all these years. And no one (that I know) uses A/C in San Cristóbal. Lol. It's spring/fall weather all year round. We complain more about the cold here than the heat. 😉
What’s the crime rate? Jobs ? I was told there’s no Medicaid or FOODSTAMP that’s why ppl from Mexico come to the States. Also that English speaking kids have to pay for private school because there’s no translation in the schools like kids who speak Spanish only can go to regular schools for free: and get translation. Y’all look like you are having a good time. 🙏🏾
The crime rate has been described as average for a city of the size. I don't have numbers to provide you with. I feel just as safe here as I did back where I'm from in the U.S. There is a lot of free healthcare, although not always the best quality. We use private healthcare. I have no idea about things like the equivalent of food stamps. There is some type of government food assistance for the very poor, but I don't know to what extent. Yes, I doubt that most public schools would have English speaking teachers that have time to help a child who doesn't speak Spanish (public schools tend to be overcrowded). I've actually read about foreigners who come here and appreciate the fact that their young kids will learn Spanish in school through immersion (whether in public or private schools). When my daughter went to school she was in private school but since she speaks Spanish I still can't really answer your question as to what her experience would have been otherwise. She had a great experience in her school but we bilingual homeschool now and really enjoy that. And yes we're having a good time here! ☺️
Oh and I forgot to answer about jobs. I work online as do all of our expat friends. It's much easier and makes more sense economically to earn in dollars and spend in pesos. My husband started his own local business. Working for someone else does not usually pay very well here if you're coming from the US or a country with a similar economic situation.
When you said the cost of medical being less than premiums we pay in the US. Ooooo.... weeeee 😊
Yes, that fact alone has made a huge difference in the quality of our lives honestly.
Healthcare in the US is utterly barbaric. Thank God we have NHS here in Britain. Not perfect but compared to the US I can not complain.
Damn, they're trippin up here in Mexicali. I'm up here paying 6000 mxn for a small studio that's open space with no separate rooms.
what area there is the house and how did you find that? I've not seen anything close to that?? Wow
I just got to San Cris 2 weeks ago, love it so far. We were in Playa Del Carmen for a few months before and I definitely prefer San Cris for all the reasons you talked about. Do you have any suggestions for schools for my 2nd grader?
Awesome! My children have done homeschool and virtual school (bilingual) for the past several years, so I don't have suggestions for local schools at this time. :)
Hola estoy oyendo tu video y lo entiendo un casi todo pero me cuesta mucho ablar el ingles una pregunta y aque te dedicas o enque trabajas saludos megusta mucho tus videos soy nuevo en tu canal
Hola! Qué bueno que lo entiendes! Trabajo en varias cosas, pero el propósito principal de este canal y mis proyectos relacionados es ayudar a las personas a aprender como aprender otro idioma por su cuenta. 🙂
I’m so glad you explained and compared the healthcare system between Mexico and the US. I fully agree that the US drs. rush you and try to medicate you ( perhaps pharma rep recommendations ) and am grateful that is not the case in Mexico.
Bottom line is people in the US pay so much more for less medical care than other countries🤷🏻♂️
Gracias por el vídeo y Feliz año 😁👍
Wow! I work for the largest TPA in the World with over 27,000 employees and we handle most of the Work Comp in the U.S. For my wife and I, we pay about $600 a month for health insurance and my deductible is $2,100.00 My health care in Florida isn't all that great.
I know just what you mean. The healthcare situation/cost for me has been one of the largest burdens released since living in Mexico.
I’m moving to Colombia from Maryland. 700usd for a luxury 3bd 3ba with doorman, pool, gym etc…. I understand.
Awesome 😎👍
Love chiapas mi mexico baby love you