1st timer, looking for advice.

[RVGRINGO]

That sounds like absolute bare minimum survival without any travel, entertainment or much more than a diet of tortillas, beans and unpurified water; certainly no dates. That would be in the neighborhood of a maid or gardener living with an extended family and sharing multiple paychecks in order to get by. I don't think you would enjoy it for very long unless you plan it as a 'backpacking adventure.'

[curiouscanuck]

Well, it's kind of funny rvgringo, but that is kind of the way i am living now, and
i don't really have many complaints.
The problem is, i really don't like where i live here, and fell out of love with canada
many years ago and unfortunately, it's becoming worse as i get older.

I guess i am really going to have to experience mexico to really know what
i am going to like.
I was hoping to cut my expenses in half and still live the way i do, shop cheaply
at local markets, learn spanish, and integrate right in.

Will it be a culture shock? Yes, i have no doubt that it will. I have moved over
several provinces in canada for work, and easily adapted anywhere i was.
But, i do understand that this will be quite different.

I figure my main expenses will be rent and food of course, but when i actually
decide where i want to live, i will be able to lower my expenses considerably
as i adapt to where i am.

I won't miss my family/friends as much as you may think though, not because i don't
love them, but because i am just used to living far away from them.

And yes, i will take bajagringo's comments into consideration, and i think
i can do it without missing a whole lot.

But yes, one of my main concerns right now for my initial trip will
be the cost, which i assume will be higher since it will be my first time there.

Dang, im a blowhard sometimes. lol

[RVGRINGO]

It sounds like you have a realistic view of the adventure, with only one glaring exception: You won't suddenly, or ever, blend in, be assimilated or even fully accepted; even if you were to become quite fluent. There are just too many cultural differences for that, but you will be welcomed, treated well and you'll find Mexicans very helpful. At a subsistence level, I would not plan on cutting your expenses in half, especially at first; maybe never. We are experiencing inflation and all the other ailments of the worldwide financial crisis. Mexico's economy is shrinking and there is a resulting increase in petty crime as many return from the USA and can't find work here. Once settled, you will be better able to adapt to your new surroundings and manage your expenses better. However, always keep your 'escape plan' in place and the funds ready in case you need to use it. There aren't the 'safety nets' here that you are accustomed to at home.

[curiouscanuck]

Yes, i understand that i may not ever "blend in" but since i don't blend in up here,
i don't think it will matter much. I have never thought of myself as one of the crowd
mainly because people tend not to perceive me that way.
I am not quite sure how to explain it.

As for the "safety nets" you mention, i am not quite sure what you mean.

Do you mean unemployment checks, welfare and having to pay for health care?
If so, i have only drawn unemployment once in my life, never been on welfare,
and have been up to this point, pretty healthy (knock on wood).

I will however try 1k Canadian a month in mexico for at least 4 months and
see how that fits for me.
Of course i will make sure i have the cash for the ticket back to the great white north
if things don't work out.

[RVGRINGO]

Those are, indeed, the safety nets I alluded to. You are completely responsible for yourself in Mexico. Even to the extent that, if you step into a hole and break your leg (it happens), nobody else is liable. In Mexico, accidents are just that....accidents for which no one else is responsible; you should have seen the hole. In the event of hospitalization, you will have to pay up front, then pay the total bill before being able to leave; you can be held until you pay.

[curiouscanuck]

Thank you all for your insights.
You have definitely given me some things to think about.

[MexicoGolfer62]

I agree with the last post, I have lived overseas before. While not in Mexico, it was still a quite foreign experience. Not being used to the culture it is very difficult if you divulge yourlsef too quickly. Take it like a hot tub, easy does it or you'll blow your top! Start assimilating yourself slowly and make friends with gringos, they will know what you are going through/have gone through and can sympathize! Hope this helps.

[curiouscanuck]

I am looking into getting health insurance before I go.
Is there any plans or things i should know on the subject that would help me?
Does it matter which health insurance company I go with?

Thanks for any help on this matter.

[RVGRINGO]

I don't know what Canadian health insurance policies might cover you in Mexico, other than travel policies. If you were to stay in Mexico, it would be much more economical to purchase Mexican health insurance, once you are settled. There are many companies and prices depend upon your age and the coverage/deductable amounts. One may also buy into the national social security health plan, IMSS, a lower level care provider, for back-up catastrophic use.

[shari]

hola paisano...i have lived in baja sur for 20 years and absolutely LOVE it...i was a single mom and made less than you and had no problema living here on that. Baja is lovely, safe, quiet and close with awesome year round weather. There are very cheap places to rent too..even in our beach village, we have wireless high speed internet! The services are cheap...water is $8 a month, power is like $10 a month.

The trick is to live in a place where there isnt alot of temptation to spend money...we only have a few stores, no mall or movie theatre etc....lots of free natural attractions...you can shore fish for your food and eat fresh fruit and veggies...everything is within walking distance...no need for a car...super friendly people. We are about 6 canuck families living here. ....come and visit and see for yourself!