Life as an Expat in Cancun: My Experience Living Abroad in Mexico

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The Best Time to Visit Cancun
The Best Time to Visit Cancun

Arriving in Cancun for the first time was both exhilarating and intimidating. Stepping off the plane into the warm tropical air, I was struck by the humidity as it wrapped around me like a blanket. Lively Latino music played in the airport and all the signs were in Spanish, reminding me I definitely wasn’t in Kansas anymore. The lush green landscape looked almost unreal after living in a concrete jungle for so long.

Hailing a taxi for the 40 minute drive from the airport to my new apartment was the first challenge. I butchered the address in my broken Spanish, but the friendly taxi driver just smiled and nodded like he understood me perfectly. I hoped we were going to the right place! The cab zipped down brightly colored streets, past open-air markets and taco stands wafting delicious aromas. I tried to take it all in through the window while wiping sweat from my brow.

Adjusting to Life in a New Country

My new apartment was centrally located in the Hotel Zone along Boulevard Kukulcán, a main stretch lined with high-rise resorts, malls, restaurants, and nightclubs. I walked two blocks to the beach my first morning and couldn’t believe I lived just steps from the Caribbean Sea now. The water was so blue it almost glowed and I could have stayed for hours watching the perfect waves rolling in if I didn’t have to get to my new office.

Starting a senior marketing role at a major resort was thrilling, but also overwhelming those first few weeks. Conducting business meetings in Spanish didn’t come easy and I missed the comfortable corporate environment I was used to back home.

But my local colleagues were patient and helpful, even laughing good-naturedly at my mistakes over afternoon café con leche breaks. The company culture here was more relaxed with minimal suits and schedules that accommodated long lunches and afternoon siestas when the heat got intense. I had to adjust to a slower pace and loosen up a bit, but soon grew to really appreciate the lighter load and less stressed mindset.

Over time, I improved my Spanish taking lessons twice a week from a tutor. After about six months, I became comfortable conducting full work days in Spanish, and I still smile every time I pull off a successful business negotiation in my second language.

The resort also enrolled me in cross-cultural training for expats to help me understand Mexican culture better. I learned helpful tips like using proper greetings, being more indirect than I was used to, and understanding the value of relationships over tasks here.

Making Friends and Meeting Fellow Expats

Making expat friends through my complex and company has been crucial too. We support each other, trade tips about life abroad, and know how hard adjusting can be some days. But we ultimately agree it’s all worth it.

My good friend Amy is from Canada and works at a school. We met at a neighborhood block party and bonded over missing Maple syrup and Tim Hortons. She helped me through some really difficult days of homesickness my first year. And I’ve returned the favor as she dealt with a bad breakup all alone down here. Having a built-in friend group who understands the expat experience is invaluable. We explore the area together and give each other a taste of home by swapping our favorite books, candies or music from back home.

Embracing the Mexican Culture and Lifestyle

Living in Cancun has opened my eyes to a whole new culture I never experienced before. Sure, I miss family and friends back home. But this expat experience has helped me grow more independent and self-reliant than I ever imagined. Whether navigating healthcare in another language, making foreign friends, or planning trips on my own, I’ve gained new confidence in my abilities. And there’s never a dull moment here between the blue lagoons, tropical jungles, ancient Mayan ruins, and fantastic restaurants. I try to take advantage of my proximity to incredible places like Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Chichen Itza when I can.

After two years as an expat, no two days are ever exactly the same. One weekend I’m swimming with whale sharks (an awe-inspiring experience!) and the next I’m bar-hopping down party street listening to mariachi bands. I’ve learned that flexibility is key. When major storms blow through off the Caribbean, work and plans get put on hold. But locals take it all in stride, and so have I.

Cancun has become home in many ways. Walking to the beach after work for sunset swim has become a treasured ritual. Grabbing fresh mangos and papayas from the fruit cart on my street starts each morning off right. And the smell of chili-spiced street tacos still makes my mouth water, even after all this time. Sure, Mexico has its share of problems like government corruption and high crime in some areas. But I ultimately feel safe and blessed to be building a life here.

Navigating Healthcare, Crime, and Corruption

One of the biggest challenges expats in Mexico deal with is navigating healthcare. I was lucky my company provided private insurance. But after a motorcycle accident left me with a broken leg, I learned firsthand how different medical care is here. The language barriers made everything harder and just figuring out how to get prescriptions filled took forever. Physical therapy facilities weren’t as advanced so my recovery took longer. Even routine doctors’ visits require patience and persistence. I’ve learned to come prepared with someone to translate and never leave without complete written instructions.

Crime, especially theft, is definitely a concern too. I’ve learned not to wear expensive jewelry or clothes and to always be aware of my surroundings. Keeping my wallet in my front pocket helps deter pickpocketing. I also don’t walk alone at night or flash around cash or electronics. Staying in well-lit tourist areas and taking registered taxis minimizes risks. Unfortunately, bribery and government corruption are common here. I’ve been pulled over for made-up traffic violations only to have police ask for a “fine” on the spot. Refusing to pay usually means I waste a whole day at the police station. It’s just part of life in Mexico.

Finding Your Groove and Routine

But after two years as an expat, no two days are ever exactly the same. One weekend I’m swimming with whale sharks (an awe-inspiring experience!) and the next I’m bar-hopping down party street listening to mariachi bands. I’ve learned that flexibility is key. When major storms blow through off the Caribbean, work and plans get put on hold. But locals take it all in stride, and so have I.

Cancun has become home in many ways. Walking to the beach after work for sunset swim has become a treasured ritual. Grabbing fresh mangos and papayas from the fruit cart on my street starts each morning off right. And the smell of chili-spiced street tacos still makes my mouth water, even after all this time. Sure, Mexico has its share of problems like government corruption and high crime in some areas. But I ultimately feel safe and blessed to be building a life here.

For anyone considering moving abroad, my advice is to take the leap! Yes, the homesickness and culture shock will happen. Learning the language will take time. But the personal growth, cultural immersion, and illuminating experiences are worth all of it and more. As an expat in Cancun, I’ve become more flexible, self-reliant, and open-minded. And I can’t imagine trading beach life and tropical warmth to willingly return to dreary Midwestern winters! Your expat experience will be unique, but I guarantee it will widen your world in ways you never imagined. Mine certainly brought meaning, memories and new perspectives I’ll treasure for life. Just be patient, embrace the unknown, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget.

Author bio:

Liz Hanson is a marketing professional originally from Cleveland, Ohio now living as an expat in Cancun, Mexico. She has extensive experience working in the travel and hospitality industries. Liz loves beach life, salsa dancing, and exploring Mexico’s incredible landscapes. She hopes her story will inspire others to take the leap and create an adventurous expat life abroad.

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