What do I need to know before moving to Lake Chapala?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Lake Chapala, they said...
"Do your research. Figure out what is really important to you. There is so much to do here and lots of people who speak English. The locals are very friendly. There are always exceptions but we have been very happy. It is a noisy country and there is dust. Bill is a musician and does sound for many of the productions and I am a quilter. There is a theater group, a community choir, an art society and a multitude of clubs, restaurants, live music that you will recognize. Medical care is good and you will find alternative as well as traditional medicine. You will see donkey carts and BMWs sharing the road. Working is a problem since jobs are reserved for the citizens so planning on working here may not happen," said another expat in Lake Chapala, Mexico.
"Since realtors are not regulated here in Mexico one should hire an attorney just to be on the safe side... We did and it was worth every peso... Cheap insurance. Do your due diligence on line and stay for a month or more... If one has not lived abroad and in similar locales there might be a bit of a culture shock... How I explain this in simple terms: 'If in the morning you have water for your shower.... It is a good day.' and 'If the water is hot... It is GREAT DAY!' Living here is an adventure... One needs to be flexible, have a sense of humor, and accept the fact that things here move at a different pace. The Mexican people are warm and friendly, the expats are willing to help get you settled, and the weather is outstanding... What is not to like?," wrote a member who made the move to Ajijic , Mexico.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Lake Chapala?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Lake Chapala?
- Will I be able to find a job in Lake Chapala?
- What is life like in Lake Chapala?
- What do expats in Lake Chapala appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Lake Chapala?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Lake Chapala accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Lake Chapala like?
- What are healthcare services like in Lake Chapala?
- What are medical services in Lake Chapala like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Lake Chapala?
- What are emergency services like in Lake Chapala?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Lake Chapala?
- How are local medical facilities in Lake Chapala?
- As a foreigner living in Lake Chapala, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before moving to Lake Chapala?
If you live in Lake Chapala, newcomers to Lake Chapala would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.