When we think of Argentina and the United States, two nations with distinct identities come to mind.

Yet, beneath these differences, there are fascinating cultural similarities between Argentina and the United States, including shared historical influences, political ties, and social challenges.

Both nations, shaped by colonial legacies, political shifts, and vibrant cultural dynamics, offer a unique mix of old and new, forming a bridge of shared values and experiences.

This post will take you through these surprising parallels, using real-life experiences from Argentinians living in the U.S. and insights from international forums like Reddit and Quora to dive deep into what unites these two cultures.

1. Historical Parallels and Colonial Legacies

Argentina and the United States both carry the deep-rooted impact of European colonization. The Spanish in Argentina and the British in America left profound marks on language, governance, and societal structures.

Like the U.S., Argentina experienced a fight for independence that has become central to its national pride and identity.

This shared history of resistance against colonial powers is celebrated through Independence Days—on July 4 for the U.S. and July 9 for Argentina.

On Reddit, one user commented on the “mutual sense of independence and freedom” in both nations.

While the U.S. might emphasize individualism slightly more, both cultures celebrate freedom and innovation, stemming from these historic battles for autonomy.

You’ll find references to this shared spirit on user forums, where some Argentinians even compare Argentina’s more recent political unrest to the U.S. revolutionary zeal for self-governance and social justice.

2. Political and Economic Connections

Argentina and the U.S. enjoy a long-standing political relationship, including diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Both nations uphold democratic values, though often uniquely interpreted, and periodically go through political cycles marked by populism and polarization.

A Forbes article even compared Argentina’s turbulent populism with the populist waves in the U.S., highlighting how both countries often experience a push-pull dynamic between different political ideologies.

Economically, the two nations share active trade and investment ties, especially in technology, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The U.S. Embassy notes these connections as central to maintaining friendly relations, with both countries valuing innovation and entrepreneurship, despite occasional trade disputes.

3. Shared Social Challenges and Resilience

Argentina and the U.S. grapple with several similar social challenges, particularly concerning inequality and economic fluctuations.

Argentina’s notorious inflation and economic crises may be more intense, but Americans, too, relate to concerns over income inequality, economic strain, and the ever-present “American Dream.”

Reddit users often discuss how Argentinians adapt to economic adversity with remarkable resilience, an attitude Americans frequently respect and sometimes echo amid their own social issues.

Moreover, both cultures place high value on personal success, even if they approach it differently.

One Quora user humorously noted how “Argentinians want to live like they’re in the U.S., and Americans wish they could enjoy life as passionately as Argentinians do.”

This highlights the contrasting yet similar attitudes toward prosperity and work-life balance, with both cultures balancing hard work with a passion for personal enjoyment.

4. Passionate Sports Culture

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable cultural similarities between Argentina and the United States is their shared love of sports.

While the U.S. leans towards American football, basketball, and baseball, Argentina’s heart beats for soccer.

However, sports unite these nations in passion and national pride, with the intense fan bases, traditions, and even casual banter over sports being remarkably similar.

In both nations, attending a major sporting event, whether it’s the Super Bowl or a Boca Juniors vs. River Plate match—brings people together across all walks of life.

One Redditor remarked how “the intensity of an NFL game is just like the energy in an Argentine stadium during a soccer match.”

This love for sports creates a common cultural thread, a way people bond across borders, cheering for their favorite teams with equal passion.

5. Cultural Pride in Arts, Music, and Cinema

Argentinians and Americans both take pride in their contributions to arts, music, and cinema, albeit with unique flavors.

Argentina is known for tango, literature giants like Jorge Luis Borges, and critically acclaimed films, while the U.S. has Hollywood, jazz, and a massive influence on global pop culture.

An American Quora user living in Buenos Aires noted how they found Argentinians “just as proud of their art and music as Americans are of theirs.”

In both countries, art becomes a voice for expression, a source of identity, and a means to showcase national pride.

The Argentine passion for tango, for instance, rivals the American passion for jazz or blues, with each genre carrying historical and social significance.

6. Warm Hospitality and Social Interaction

While Americans are known for their friendliness and openness, Argentinians are equally famous for their warmth and hospitality.

Both cultures value close family bonds and are generally warm, welcoming, and curious about strangers.

Argentinians, like Americans, enjoy sharing their culture with others, often welcoming foreigners with open arms and a hearty “asado” (Argentine barbecue).

On Reddit, a user shared how they “felt right at home” when visiting family in Buenos Aires, finding the people as warm and welcoming as their own family back in the States.

This welcoming nature is something both cultures share, making them compatible when it comes to interpersonal relations.

Bridging Cultures: The Unexpected Ties That Bind Argentina and the United States

The similarities between Argentina and the United States reflect a surprising blend of shared values, historical connections, and parallel social dynamics.

While they each have unique identities, these nations bridge the gap through mutual respect, cultural pride, and a similar passion for life and freedom.

Whether in political history, economic ties, shared social challenges, or love for sports and the arts, Argentina and the U.S. have more in common than meets the eye.

So next time you find yourself pondering the cultural ties between these two nations, remember that their similarities might just be as impactful as their differences.

Thanks to platforms like Reddit and Quora, we can see how real people bring these shared experiences to life, showing how cross-cultural connections can bridge geographical divides.

Sources

For those interested in diving deeper into these insights, here are some valuable sources that informed this post:

• Forbes – Don’t Cry For Me, America: Comparing Argentina And The United States
• U.S. Embassy – U.S. Relations with Argentina
• Reddit – r/Argentina
• Quora – What are some similarities between Argentina and the U.S.?

The post Similarities Between Argentina And United States Culture: Bridging History, Values, And Everyday Life appeared first on Expats Planet.

Curious about the pros and cons of living in Uruguay? Whether you’re considering a peaceful retirement or a fresh start abroad, Uruguay offers a unique blend of lifestyle benefits and a few challenges.

From its safe, friendly atmosphere and quality healthcare to practical considerations like the cost of living and ease of integration, there’s plenty to weigh.

Here’s a balanced look to help you decide if Uruguay might just be your ideal destination.

Pros of Living in Uruguay

1. Safe and Tranquil Lifestyle
Uruguay is often regarded as one of the safest countries in South America. With a stable government and a low crime rate, the country is particularly appealing to retirees and families looking for peace of mind.

Expats on Reddit frequently mention the feeling of security they experience, even in larger cities like Montevideo.

One user noted, “It’s refreshing to walk around at night and feel totally safe, especially after living in places with higher crime.”

2. High-Quality Healthcare
Uruguay’s healthcare system is another highlight. The country provides both public and private healthcare options, with the private system being very affordable by international standards.

In fact, many expats find that the monthly cost of healthcare plans is a fraction of what they would pay in the U.S.

According to one Quora contributor, “The healthcare here is top-notch, and I pay less than half of what I did back home for excellent coverage.”

3. Relaxed Pace of Life
Uruguay is known for its laid-back lifestyle. Locals, or “Uruguayos,” value a good work-life balance, and you’ll often see people enjoying long lunches or relaxing at the beach.

As one expat on a forum put it, “Uruguayans know how to live – there’s no rushing around, just a relaxed, friendly vibe that’s contagious.”

This ease is especially appealing to retirees and anyone looking to escape a fast-paced lifestyle.

4. Strong Expat Community
With a growing community of North American and European expats, newcomers will find it relatively easy to connect with others who’ve also made the move.

Many expat groups on social platforms offer support, event meetups, and resources, making it easier to adjust and find social circles.

Expats on these forums frequently emphasize the welcoming nature of Uruguay’s local and expat community alike.

Cons of Living in Uruguay

1. Higher Cost of Living Than Expected
While affordable compared to North America or Europe, Uruguay’s cost of living can be higher than neighboring countries like Argentina.

Housing, especially in Montevideo or Punta del Este, can be pricey, and imported goods often come with steep markups.

As one Reddit user explained, “I was shocked by how much some groceries cost here – certain items are more expensive than back home.”

2. Bureaucratic Hurdles
Uruguay’s laid-back pace also extends to its bureaucracy, which can be frustrating for newcomers.

Tasks like setting up a bank account or obtaining residency permits often take longer than expected and require patience.

On Quora, one expat commented, “If you’re not used to waiting, Uruguay might be challenging. Things get done, but at their own pace.”

3. Limited Availability of Certain Foods
For those who enjoy variety in cuisine, Uruguay may feel a bit limited. The local diet leans heavily towards meat, and while delicious, options for spicy food are notably scarce.

Expats have shared on forums that finding international ingredients can be tricky and usually requires a trip to specialty stores.

4. Language Barrier
Though English is spoken in some areas, particularly tourist hotspots, the majority of the population speaks Spanish.

Basic knowledge of Spanish is almost essential for smooth interactions with locals and handling daily tasks.

A Reddit contributor noted, “Learning Spanish will really help you integrate here; it makes a huge difference in feeling more connected to the community.”

Practical Considerations for Expats and Retirees

Cost of Living Comparisons
When comparing Uruguay with places like Argentina, Uruguay is more stable economically but also pricier.

Montevideo, for example, has a cost of living comparable to a smaller U.S. city.

Rural areas and smaller towns, however, offer a much lower cost of living, and many expats find a good balance by living outside urban centers.

Ease of Integration
Uruguay’s culture is welcoming, but integration requires a bit of effort due to language and the slower pace of bureaucratic processes.

For those who invest in learning the language and adapt to the rhythm, Uruguay offers a fulfilling experience.

Expats suggest joining local classes or groups to foster connections.

Ideal Climate for Outdoor Lovers
Uruguay boasts a moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it easy to enjoy year-round outdoor activities.

Whether you’re into beach life or countryside adventures, Uruguay provides a beautiful backdrop.

It’s common to find expats praising the weather, saying, “There’s something about the climate here that just feels perfect – not too hot, not too cold.”

Final Thoughts

Living in Uruguay comes with a variety of perks, from a relaxed lifestyle and quality healthcare to a strong sense of community and safety.

However, it’s important to be prepared for the cost of living, some bureaucratic hoops, and occasional limits in cuisine diversity.

For those looking for a calm, stable environment with a touch of adventure, Uruguay could be the ideal fit.

If you’re considering the move, connect with expats online or plan an extended stay first to see if Uruguay truly feels like home.

References

For those considering a move to Uruguay, gaining insights from credible sources can help paint a clear picture of life in this unique country.

Below are a variety of references, from expat forums and cost-of-living databases to healthcare overviews and firsthand experiences.

These resources provide more practical information on everything from living costs and cultural integration to healthcare and day-to-day lifestyle tips, offering a well-rounded look at the pros and cons of living in Uruguay.

Expat Communities and Forums

• Reddit: Uruguay Subreddit – A forum where expats and locals discuss daily life in Uruguay, share personal experiences, and answer questions about living in the country.
• Internations Uruguay Expat Forum – This site provides insights from expats on various aspects of life in Uruguay, from healthcare to integration tips.

Cost of Living and Practical Information

• Numbeo Uruguay Cost of Living – A cost of living database where users can view updated comparisons and pricing data for living expenses in Uruguay.
• Expatistan Uruguay Cost of Living Index – Another resource for comparing the cost of living across different cities within Uruguay and against other countries.

Government and Travel Websites

• Uruguayan Government’s Official Immigration Page – Provides information about residency processes, legal requirements, and bureaucratic steps.
• U.S. Department of State – Uruguay Country Information – Information on safety, healthcare, and other practical considerations for American expats.

Healthcare Insights

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Uruguay Health Profile – A profile of Uruguay’s healthcare system and statistics on its health standards.
• Healthcare International – Expat Healthcare in Uruguay – Provides expat-oriented insights into healthcare options and quality.

Expat Testimonials and Experiences

• Quora: What is it like to live in Uruguay? – Contains firsthand accounts from expats living in Uruguay, covering both pros and cons of expat life.
• Expat Exchange – Uruguay Forum – Discussions from expats on what it’s like living in Uruguay, often with practical advice on topics like cost, culture, and lifestyle.

The post The Pros And Cons Of Living In Uruguay! A Quick Expat Guide! appeared first on Expats Planet.

They say that the three things that improve your quality of life are steak, wine, and tango. We’re not sure who “they” are, but we’re inclined to agree!

As Expats in Argentina can attest, the quality of life there is pretty darn good. Let us tell you why…

The first reason is the food. Argentinians are passionate about their steak, and for good reason. The beef here is some of the best in the world.

It’s grass-fed, juicy, and Flavorful. Add a glass of Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Argentina’s renowned wine regions, and you’ve got a meal that’s hard to beat!

The second reason is the tango. The tango is a beautiful, sensual dance that originated in Buenos Aires.

It’s thrilling to watch and even more fun to learn. Dancing tango is a great way to meet people and make new friends. Plus, it’s a great workout!

The third reason is the people. Argentinians are warm, friendly, and welcoming. They love to have fun and they know how to enjoy life.

They are also incredibly passionate about their country and its culture. This makes for an electric atmosphere wherever you go!

However, before getting on that plane to enjoy all that steak, wine, and tango, it’s time to consider the “Brass Tacks”!

The Quality of Life in Argentina: The Brass Tacks!

Thinking about moving to Argentina? Congratulations! You’ve made an excellent decision.

This beautiful country has so much to offer, from its stunning landscapes and diverse culture to its rich history and tasty food. But what about the day-to-day realities of life in Argentina?

Let’s discuss the true quality of life in Argentina for Expats, warts, and all.

So if you want to know what it’s really like to live in this South American gem, read on!

Cost of Living in Argentina.

Let’s start with the bad news: the cost of living in Argentina can be relatively high.

In fact, according to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living across different cities, Buenos Aires is the 12th most expensive city in South America.

But, don’t let that discourage you. Although the cost of living in Argentina is high, it’s still much cheaper than most Western countries.

You can easily live a comfortable life here on a budget of $1,000 – $1,500 per month. And if you’re willing to live a little more modestly, you can get by on even less.

So, if you’re looking for a quality of life that’s both affordable and enjoyable, Argentina is worth considering!

That said, it is possible to find ways to save money.

For example, many Expats recommend buying groceries at local markets rather than supermarkets, as they are often cheaper.

Furthermore, it’s important to remember that salaries in Argentina are also relatively high.

So although the cost of living is high, your salary will go further than it would in other countries.

This is especially true if you’re looking for furnished apartments, Airbnb usually has better deals than traditional rental companies.

The Pros and Cons of Real Estate in Argentina.

Ah, the age-old question: should I buy or rent? It’s a debate as old as time…or at least as old as the concept of property ownership.

And it’s a question that plagues everyone at some point in their lives. But what if you’re an Expat living in Argentina? The rules of the game change a bit when you’re not a local.

So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of buying vs. renting real estate in Argentina.

The Pros of Buying Property in Argentina.

Argentina is a beautiful country with a lot to offer its residents. And, thanks to the recent economic recession, property prices are relatively low right now.

So, if you’re looking to buy property in Argentina, now is a great time to do so! In addition, when you own your own home, you’re free to do whatever you want with it. Want to paint the walls bright pink? Go for it!

Feeling like rearranging the furniture every week? Be my guest! When you’re a homeowner, you can live however you want without having to answer to anyone.

The Cons of Buying Property in Argentina.

Of course, there are downsides to owning property in Argentina as well. For one thing, it’s a lot of work!

Not only do you have to worry about maintenance and repairs, but you also have to keep up with Argentinean building codes and regulations, which can be tough if you’re not a native Spanish speaker.

In addition, unless you plan on living in your home full-time, you’ll need to find someone reliable who can look after your property while you’re away, and that can be difficult (and expensive!) to do.

So, what’s the verdict on real estate in Argentina for Expats? Should you buy or rent real estate in Argentina? In the end, the decision comes down to what’s best for your specific situation.

If you’re looking for a long-term investment or a place to call “home sweet home“, then buying might be the way to go.

But if you’re not ready to commit or want the flexibility to pick up and move at a moment’s notice, then renting is probably your best bet.

Healthcare in Argentina.

The good news is that healthcare in Argentina is excellent and very affordable.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, Argentina has the second-best healthcare system in Latin America (after Chile).

Actually, the World Health Organization ranks Argentina’s healthcare system as the 37th best in the world!

And although private health insurance can be expensive, there is a public health system that provides high-quality care for very low fees.

So even if you don’t have private health insurance, you’ll still be able to get good medical care in Argentina.

Education in Argentina.

Argentina also has a very good education system. In fact, according to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Argentine students aged 15 perform better than the OECD average in reading and science.

In addition, the country has many excellent universities, such as the University of Buenos Aires, which is ranked among the best in Latin America.

And although university tuition fees can be expensive, there are many scholarships and financial aid programs available to help Argentine students pay for their education.

So if you’re moving to Argentina with young children, you can rest assured that they will receive a good education.

Crime rates in Argentina.

In 2017, the Argentine government reported that there were over 6,600 homicides in the country. That number represents a 14% increase from 2016 and a staggering 60% increase from 2015.

The rise in crime has been attributed to many factors, including drug trafficking, poverty, and unemployment.

While these statistics may be cause for concern, it’s important to remember that Argentina is still a very safe country.

In fact, when compared to other countries in South America, Argentina’s homicide rate is actually quite low.

For example, Brazil, which has a population that is almost twice as large as Argentina’s, reported over 60,000 homicides in 2017.

So, what can you do to stay safe in Argentina?

First of all, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel like something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.

Secondly, try not to flash your valuables around in public and avoid walking alone at night if possible.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you should have no problem staying safe during your time in Argentina.

Overall, Argentina is still a very safe country to live in despite the recent uptick in crime rates.

Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when necessary, and you’ll be fine.

Conclusion. 

Overall, the quality of life in Argentina is very good. Yes, the cost of living is relatively high and some services can be expensive (e.g., private healthcare), but there are also many ways to save money (e.g., by shopping at local markets).

Additionally, Argentine students receive a high-quality education and have access to excellent healthcare, even if they don’t have private health insurance.

So if you’re thinking about moving to Argentina, go for it! You won’t regret it!

Especially, if you’re looking for a place to improve your quality of life! The steak, wine, and tango will surely do the trick!

The post Quality Of Life In Argentina For Expats! Steak, Wine & Tango! appeared first on Expats Planet.

Though both Argentina and the United States are located in the Western Hemisphere, the two countries couldn’t be more different!

From the food they eat to the way they greet one another, there are some major cultural differences between these two nations.

For starters, Argentinians tend to be more formal than Americans. They stand close together when talking and make lots of eye contact.

They also take their time when eating meals and often linger over dinner for hours. In contrast, Americans are much more informal.

They stand farther apart when talking and make less eye contact.

They also tend to eat quickly and move on to other activities after finishing a meal. Another difference has to do with timekeeping.

In Argentina, people often show up late for appointments and events. This is seen as completely normal and isn’t considered rude.

However, in the United States, being even a few minutes late is thought of as very rude.

These are just a few of the many cultural differences between Argentina and the United States.

Though they may take some getting used to, they can actually be quite interesting and fun to learn about!

10 Surprising Differences Between Argentina and the US.

Though both Argentina and the United States share some commonalities, such as both being former British colonies that eventually won their independence.

There are also many significant differences between the two countries. Here are 10 of the most surprising differences between these two cultures.

#1. Argentinians are passionate about their soccer (a.k.a. football) and will argue endlessly about which team is better.

They take their soccer very seriously! In the US, meanwhile, most people couldn’t care less about soccer and would rather watch American football, basketball or baseball.

#2. Speaking of sports, Argentinians are also crazy about basketball.

In fact, many of them grow up playing the sport and dream of one day making it to the NBA.

In the US, basketball is popular but not nearly to the same extent.

#3. Argentine men are notoriously macho.

It’s not uncommon for them to whistle or honk at women walking by, even if they’re complete strangers.

American men, on the other hand, tend to be more reserved and would never dream of behaving in such a way.

#4. Family is very important in Argentine culture.

It’s not unusual for grown children to still live at home with their parents well into adulthood.

In the US, however, most young adults strike out on their own as soon as they turn 18 (or even sooner).

#5. Argentina has a much higher percentage of people of European descent than the US.

Argentina’s population of European descent is around 85% compared to just 57.8% for the United States.

This is due to a large number of Italians and Spaniards who immigrated to Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

#6. Porteños (residents of Buenos Aires) have a reputation for being rude and arrogant. but

Porteños are just straightforward, something that can be interpreted as rudeness by outsiders who aren’t used to it.

In contrast, people from other parts of Argentina are known for being more easy-going and laid-back.

Americans, meanwhile, are somewhere in between; we can be direct but we’re also polite and friendly.

#7. Argentine Spanish is very different from other forms of Spanish.

Argentine Spanish includes a lot of “Lunfardo”, which is a secret form of coded language that developed among criminals and pimps in Buenos Aires’ red light district during the late 19th century.

You’ll likely have no idea what Argentinians are saying if you don’t know any Lunfardo!

#8. Argentine given names are often very long.

Argentine names often include both the mother’s maiden name as well as the father’s surname.

For example, former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s full name is actually Cristina Elisabet Fernández de Kirchner Villegas.

Fernández de Kirchner is her husband’s surname while Villegas is her mother’s maiden name (Fernández is her father’s surname).

In contrast, most Americans have just one given name followed by a surname such as “John Smith.”

#9. Both lunch and dinner are typically big meals in Argentina. Big meals in Argentina consist of multiple courses including an appetizer, main dish, and dessert.

Meanwhile, in the US lunch is usually smaller than dinner with just a main dish (and sometimes no dessert). And speaking of food…

#10. Asado (Argentine barbecue) is a national institution!

You’ll find Asados taking place all across the country on weekends, friends and family gather together to cook meat over an open fire then share an enormous feast. There’s nothing quite like it!

Conclusion. 

Apple pie might be America’s national dish but when it comes to food, Argentinian Asado BBQ definitely takes the top spot in Argentina!

From its passionate soccer fans to its love of basketball. Not to mention its interesting form of Spanish spoken here.

There are plenty of differences between Argentina and The United States culture! Thanks for reading!

The post Differences Between Argentina And The United States. A Culture Clash! appeared first on Expats Planet.

Working remotely from Mexico. Why?

With all the talk in the United States about all the illegal immigration from Mexico etc. I’ve always found it ironic that over the last 10 to 20 years many Americans have been migrating south to actually settle in Mexico. 

However, why would someone want to work remotely from Mexico? Well, working remotely from Mexico has a variety of benefits. Here are just a few:

• It’s cheaper to live in Mexico than the United States on average. Costs for housing, food, even healthcare. Mexico has some excellent medical facilities that are normally much less than what you would pay in the United States.
• You can reach most places in Mexico by air within 4 to 5 hours, even less depending on where in the US you’re flying from.
• Visa free for up to 6 months. To extend your stay all you need to do is leave the country and come back in. There’s no waiting. However, you may want to get yourself a longer-term visa. These are actually easier to get in Mexico, than in most other countries especially for US citizens.
• Mexican food culture and the Spanish language.
• Mexico’s climate is in general warmer than the United States. However, Mexico also has some cooler climates in higher elevations.

Can I work remotely from Mexico?

Yes you can. Working remotely from Mexico is a great stepping stone, especially for US citizens looking to test the waters of the working remote lifestyle or in other words, becoming a digital nomad. 

Mexico has many benefits for those who are looking to work remotely. I’ve listed just a few up top. One of the beauties of Mexico is that it’s quite laid back, even nowadays. 

You won’t have immigration officials at the border hassling you for proof of funds or any of the other rigmarole that some countries put you through, especially the more modern developed countries like the UK or even Japan. 

Mexico is pretty lax. It’s no wonder, it’s just so damn cheap to live there. If you are making a US level income and all your banking is done online through US Banks, you not only can enjoy the benefits of Geoarbitrage, but the safety and protection of the US banking system. 

Mexico can be a literal paradise for you. Even the visa policies for Americans are quite liberal. Americans, as I’ve mentioned above, can get a 6 month tourist visa. 

It’s the same, believe it or not, as our US visa free agreement with Canada, our neighbors and fellow NAFTA partners to the north. In fact, Mexico is our NAFTA partner to the south. 

However, unlike Canada, Mexico is not only warmer but much more welcoming on your pocket as well. Mexico is also a very big and diverse country, not only in its peoples and culture, but in it’s topography as well. 

The real challenge of working remotely from Mexico will be the infrastructure, internet connectivity and internet speeds. These may be your most challenging. 

But again, Mexico is a big country and has developed quite an infrastructure over the last 20 years, especially in telecommunications. You’d be surprised at how fast and cheap internet connections can be in various locations.

Can I work for a US company and live in Mexico?

Yes, you can work for a US company and live in Mexico at the same time. In fact, many people work in San Diego, California but reside in Tijuana, Mexico. 

They take advantage of the cheaper rents and lower cost of living that Tijuana offers while earning US dollars working physically in the US itself. 

However, looking at the border crossings, I don’t know how many of them can actually tolerate the lines of cars they have to go through everyday crossing the border in order to get to and from work on their daily commutes. 

Though, if they live pretty close to the border, that traffic jam shouldn’t be any worse than what commuters face in LA for example, or other parts of the US.

Let’s give a quick rundown of some of the more popular places for digital nomads and those who want to give working remotely from Mexico a chance.

Puerto Vallarta for Digital Nomads.

Puerto Vallarta has beautiful beaches and a great variety of excellent Mexican food. The good news is that the food as well as the beaches, drinks etc. are fairly affordable. 

But Puerto Vallarta is also one of the major stops for cruise ships, so the variety of shops and restaurants are also plentiful. 

As far as cost, accommodations seem to be average to pricey when you compare them to other locations in Mexico. To find housing, try this site: http://www.vivanuncios.com.mx/

However, the internet connections, speeds as well as telecommunication lines seem to be highly developed. 

Though, there are some other risks you need to take into account. 

The crime situation overall in Mexico has been on the rise for years due to increased drug cartel activities and the government’s constant drug war. Though, the average digital nomad or remote worker seems to be unaffected by this higher level type of crime. 

However, digital nomads have been the victims of petty crimes such as theft. Especially if you’re a woman, purse snatching seems to be commonplace whether they occur on the beaches or in the local bars and restaurants. 

Rule of thumb is to never leave your purse or bag unattended, even leaving it alone on its own bar stool or chair. You’re just asking for trouble as a purse snatcher will have no problems grabbing it off a chair and running to a waiting motto outside. 

Usually purse snatchers work in pairs and work off of scooters. Also, female travelers have been victims of groping as well. This usually occurs by youth or men with nothing better to do. 

Furthermore, if you are going to rent a scooter, keep your eye out for packs of youths on scooters as well since they tend to sometimes corner the lone tourist, forcing them off to the side of the road and then steal whatever backpack or other items they have off them. 

There have even been occasions where simply taking a dip in the ocean and leaving your old grungy sandals left unattended get stolen as well.

Work from home jobs while living in Tijuana.

Living in Tijuana and working from home can really help you get ahead financially. With more businesses rapidly accepting remote working and working from home options for their employees, this should also expand the amount of work from home jobs available. 

If you want to stay very close to the United States, yet enjoy a low cost of living just over the border, then Tijuana, Mexico seems like the ideal place. Your rents should be cut by almost 2/3 alone from just crossing the border into Tijuana. 

If you cross back and forth if you cross the border frequently you want to get what’s called a SENTRI card. This will allow you access to special lanes which should cut your commute time. 

As far as crime, potable water etc. normally if you live in a good neighborhood you’ll be fine. Cartel activity and crime related to it is only experienced by those who are involved with drugs and drug cartels. 

If you mind your own business and just keep your wits about you, you’ll find Tijuana to be just as safe as San Diego. 

Mexico allows Americans visa-free stays for up to six months. If you’d like to have a longer stay you can apply for a longer term visa.

With the cost savings in rent, along with food and other basics, if you’re earning and US dollars, you should be able to get way ahead on your financial goals by simply moving across the border to Tijuana.

Internet connectivity and Wi-Fi speeds seem to vary. Your best bet would be to ask around the forums like reddit and quora to digital nomads and remote workers who are already doing this type of work in those locations.

Ask for their recommendations as far as the best telecom companies for internet access from your home in Tijuana.

Digital Nomad based in Baja, California.

Whether you go to Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada or Puerto Vallarta, even La Paz, you will experience similar lifestyles. Great beaches even into Tijuana with Rosarito Beach and all the other popular digital nomad locations in Baja California. 

Each of these locations do have their own internet providers, but there are a few dominant companies that provide internet services in each location. 

As far as connectivity and speeds etc. again you are better off connecting with the local digital nomad community through forums on reddit, quora or even Facebook groups to find out what the best internet service providers are. 

The cost of living is going to vary as well. Don’t forget, some of these locations like Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and Ensenada are also popular tourist and snowbird locations. 

Tourists and Snowbirds generally drive up the costs more for longer term Digital Nomads who are competing for the same accommodations. 

However, you can still get great deals on housing just steps away from the beach, but you’re going to have to look for them. 

Also these tourist locations like Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Petty Theft is more common since these do tend to attract more short-term tourists than say Tijuana or Rosarito. 

Petty crime such as purse snatching and even groping seem to be the most common. As far as drug cartel activity, again if you mind your own business, the violent crime would be similar to living in other cities in the United States. 

The only drawback for those going further south in Baja California than Tijuana would be the proximity to the United States. It will just take you longer to get to the United States than if you were living in Tijuana for example.

If going to the United States often isn’t a priority, then basically not only Baja California should be open to you, but other parts of Mexico as well.

Working remotely from Mexico, conclusions.

With the world situation right now, due to the pandemic, many things are in flux. The future and the way we work are also in flux and changing rapidly. 

There are a lot of negatives to this current state of the world, but there may be some positives that will come out of this. 

One of the positives, I believe, will be realization that many, at least 50%, of most work can be done to a certain extent remotely. This realization will open up and is opening up a wide range of opportunities for not only digital nomads, but those who have been trying to find a way to work more remotely from home.

Working remotely from home in the United States, if you’re American, is just the first step. However, you may find the life of being a digital nomad at least for a year, to be rather an appealing prospect.

However, if you’re not quite ready to take the step and move to Asia or even Europe, the next best thing would be Mexico.

Working remotely from Mexico can open up a wide range of opportunities. Not only of a better lifestyle and higher standards of living, but learning about geo arbitrage and how you can actually increase your wealth by simply moving across the border. 

If you’re not quite ready to go deeper and work remotely from places like Merida, Guanajuato, Cozumel or even La Paz, then just look at Tijuana.

Tijuana seems to have gotten a bad wrap for many years and unjustifiably so. In fact, Tijuana’s been becoming a poor man’s, rich man’s paradise over the past 10 years. And due to its proximity to San Diego, it’s even becoming almost like a suburb. 

With the introduction of NAFTA in the mid ’90s along with using tools like SENTRI to move back and forth across the borders easily. Tijuana can be an ideal testing ground for working remotely not only for Mexico, but from further afield. 

So give working remotely in Mexico a shot. If worse comes to worse, you can always click your heels Dorothy and go home. I prefer the message from Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Your choice…

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