Expat Advice: Dream vs. Reality of Expat Life in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Playa Del Carmen
Describe how you "dreamed" expat life would be before you moved overseas. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Everything from the Quality of Life to the people were fantastic. Making a living was extremely difficult.
How has your expat experience NOT met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?
Making a living was difficult back in 2009, The QOL was so good Im going to give the opportunity 1 more year!!
More About Dream vs. Reality of Expat Life in Mexico
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Comments about this Report
guestI cannot tell if this was a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" for Playa Del Carmen. Sounds like.."nice place"..but "hard to earn money". ??
kittvincentIt is difficult to work in Mexico. You need a work permit and cannot take a job that can be filled by a Mexican National. The employer usually applies for the permit for you but you pay fee. Salaries are by Mexican standards so they will be low. You can start your own business but they are regulated. Expats house sit for other expats. Expats play in bands. Some teach English. Any substancial job is with a big company outside of Mexico that needs someone to work in Mexico. I am an RN with many years experience but would need to pass their nursing exam to practice which is in Spanish so that won't be happening. I can volunteer my time and expertise to teach locals to become caregivers for local nursing homes. I do longarm machine quilting for customers and hope to have some Mexican customers in the near future. But we have been here 4 years and probably average $1500 pesos earned income per month. Don't expect to live off earnings made in Mexico. Afterall we came down to retire. Kitt
kittvincentIt is difficult to work in Mexico. You need a work permit and cannot take a job that can be filled by a Mexican National. The employer usually applies for the permit for you but you pay fee. Salaries are by Mexican standards so they will be low. You can start your own business but they are regulated. Expats house sit for other expats. Expats play in bands. Some teach English. Any substancial job is with a big company outside of Mexico that needs someone to work in Mexico. I am an RN with many years experience but would need to pass their nursing exam to practice which is in Spanish so that won't be happening. I can volunteer my time and expertise to teach locals to become caregivers for local nursing homes. I do longarm machine quilting for customers and hope to have some Mexican customers in the near future. But we have been here 4 years and probably average $1500 pesos earned income per month. Don't expect to live off earnings made in Mexico. Afterall we came down to retire. Kitt
