Quote:
Originally Posted by golddust
Hello!
My husband recently got a job offer in Querétaro, Mexico, and since neither of us have ever been to Mexico, even on vacation, we have a lot of questions...
We've done a little bit of research and it appears that Querétaro is a pretty safe and modern place to live since it has become an important business town? I'm from Nevada, USA and my husband is from Spain, where we currently live.
The reasons I'm excited about the possible move are: Being from Nevada I like hot, dry climates. I have a functional level of Castillian Spanish and I'd love to improve my Mexican Spanish. I like Mexican food (well, American-Mexican food since I've never had the real thing!). And I think it would be an enriching experience living in the country & learning more about their culture. We'd also like to do some traveling around the country while living there if that's pretty safe and easy to do.
The reasons we're feeling unsure: The stat that Mexico is one of the countries with the most kidnappings in the world scares me. Also I do not look latina at all and I'm worried about not fitting in very well (tall white redhead). Is that anything to be worried about? Are the locals very friendly to foreigners? Our #1 concern is safety of course but I'm sure we'd be just fine as tons of Americans travel to Mexico each year on vacation?
We'd really welcome any comments about living in Mexico and especially about life in Querétaro.
Thank you!!!
-Holly
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Hi Holly! Welcome to the forum! The primary concern re a move to a new country, is to get all the info in advance and to lay as much of the groundwork as possible. You didn't indicate a time frame for you move, but I would allow a minimum of 3-6 months to get all your ducks in a row for your move. If possible, I suggest that you visit the Mexican embassy/consulate in Spain for all the official considerations, including visas and resident requirements. You noted that your husband has a job offer in Querétaro, Mexico; the time frame of that employment offer may affect the time for your move to Mexico. A visit to Querétaro would certainly be near the top of your "to do" list. Is your husband new employer assisting with you move? Are you both going to move to Mexico together, or will one precede the other? I suggest that you browse through this forum for many answers to you questions. I presume that you hold US citizenship and your husband is Spanish citizenship. Re being a "tall white redhead", don't wear heels in public! Seriously, I would not be concerned about you appearance vis-a-via Latinas. In my area, I have seen many tall redhead Latinas! Re Castillian Spanish, si hay una diferencia entre Espanol Castillian y Espanol Latino! Como hay una diferencia entre Ingles US e Ingles del UK! I learned Castillian Spanish (European/Hispanic) which made for some amusing and embarrassing language faux pas when speaking with Latinos! Most Latinos/Hispanics appreciate that a native English-speaker is speaking their language; they make allowances for us! I wouldn't be concerned; there are many fine Spanish language schools in Mexico. Re safety issues, it's no different that the US or Europe; respect the prevailing dress and culture; don't wear excess amounts of "bling"; and don't hold yourself out as a materialistic target! I have no detailed knowledge of Querétaro, but there are loads of info on the Net about any area of Mexico that you are interested in a relocation. I hope that this info will be of help to you and your husband! La buena suerte y bienvenidos a Mexico!