Mexico Expat Forum

Relocating to Oaxaca

Post New Topic

PM's Friends Profile

pershall

11/5/2009 14:05 EST

After visiting Oaxaca in '07, I was unable to stop thinking about it, and am now planning to move there in March or April. I have business in NYC that will bring me back in '11, but I want to stay for at least a year.

I am a bellydance teacher and massage therapist and hope to find work at a yoga school on the coast (specifically, one of several in Zipolite.) I'd like to stay there for a couple of months and then move to Oaxaca City and try to find work teaching dance there.

So here are my questions:

1. Where are the best Spanish classes on the beach and in the city?

2. What should I expect to pay for a one-bedroom apartment in the city? Should I try to find one before I go or wait until I get there?

3. How difficult will it be for me to get my cat into the country and find an apartment that will allow him?

4. Where can I study Ballet Folklorico?

5. I take psychiatric medication. Will it be difficult to find an English-speaking psychiatrist to prescribe? If my meds are not available in Mexico, can a Mexican doctor still prescribe them? Can they be ordered from the US online?

If anyone can help me with these questions I would be very grateful! I would also just love to talk to other Americans in Oaxaca. Thank you so much!

Post a Reply

00 Report abuse abuse

RVGRINGO

11/5/2009 19:21 EST

One cannot simply go to Mexico and start working. Mexico protects its workforce from foreign competition and you will have to apply to the government (INM) for permission to work at a specific job and a specific location. This permission can be difficult to obtain and becomes a part of your visa.
If your medications are 'controlled substances', you will need a local physician's prescription to purchase them. Your US prescription will not be honored for controlled substances. Some medications are available online from Mexican suppliers but you may not order them from abroad to be mailed into Mexico without special permits. So, your usual US online sources may not be used. Virtually everything is available in Mexico, or a good substitute, and your MD or pharmacist will be your source of information.

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

Expatriate Health Insurance Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico.	International Moving Quotes Moving to Mexico? Get a moving quote.
Mail Forwarding to Mexico Mail Forwarding to Mexico.	Expat Tax Expat Tax Preparation, Expat Tax Professionals

Join Today (free)

Join Expat Exchange to meet expats in your area or get advice before your move. It's FREE and takes 1 minute!

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Mexico City, Mexico

An expat from New York City describes the culture shock she experienced living in Mexico City. She appreciates that people in Mexico City able to enjoy the moment instead of hurrying through life.

An expat from New York City describes the culture shock she experienced living in Mexico City. She appreciates that people in Mexico City able to enjoy the moment instead of hurrying through life. ...

An Expat Discusses Living in Ajijic, Mexico, Mexico

An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area.

An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area. ...

Book Review: "Mexico: The Trick is Living Here"

Julia Taylor's book is packed with practical advice and cultural insight and is a must have for expats and anyone preparing to make the move to Mexico.

Julia Taylor's book is packed with practical advice and cultural insight and is a must have for expats and anyone preparing to make t...

Crime in Mexico: Where are the Safest Places to Live in Mexico?

Where are the safest places to live in Mexico? The most unsafe areas are well-covered in today's news headlines, but those considering a move to other cities or towns in Mexico should carefully research their possible destinations, talk with other expats and visit before they move. This article highlights members' recent discussions and comments about crime and safety in popular expat locales and some off-the-beaten path destinations. If you live in Mexico, we encourage you to submit an update on your city or town.

10 Tips for Living in Mexico

Is it safe to live in Mexico? What should I bring with me to Mexico? How can I find a home? Expats offer advice on these and other topics.

Is it safe to live in Mexico? What should I bring with me to Mexico? How can I find a home? Expats offer advice on these and other topics....

15 Expats Talk About Life in Mexico

Expats share some insight into what it's like to live in Mexico on a day-to-day basis once you actually make the move and get there.

Expats share some insight into what it's like to live in Mexico on a day-to-day basis once you actually make the move and get there....