Amber Interview - an American living in Mexico
Amber Pierce-Schulz lives in lovely Puerto Morelos, Mexico with her husband and two children. She runs Mayan Riviera Properties and writes avidly for www.puertomorelosblog.com.Read more about expat life here in the Expat Arrivals guide to Mexico or read more expat experiences in Mexico.
About you
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Monroe, Michigan
Q: Where are you living now?
A: Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Q: How long you have you lived in Mexico?
A: Full Time Since 2004. Part Time since 1999.
Q: Did you move with a spouse/ children?
A: I moved with my spouse, Josh and son, Caden. Since moving, we have had another son, Easton.
Q: Why did you move; what do you do?
A: My husband moved here to start a investment/development company. I moved later and started my own real estate/property management/vacation rentals company.
About your city
A: I love the Mexican culture, the pace of life, the fantastic beach -- and NO COMMUTE!!
Q: Any negatives? What do you miss most about home?
A: Standing in line at the bank ;)
Q: Is Mexico safe?
A: Yes
About living in Mexico
Q: Which are the best places/suburbs to live in the city as an expat?
A: Puerto Morelos is a wonderfully authentic Mexican fishing village with a great mix of locals and expats.
Q: How do you rate the standard of accommodation in Mexico?
A: Super!
Q: What’s the cost of living in Mexico compared to America? What is cheap or expensive in particular?
A: All of our costs of living are lower with the exception of electricity, which is higher.
Q: What are the locals like; do you mix mainly with other expats?
A: We regularly associate with locals and expats. In general, the Yucatecan people are the most generous people I have ever met.
Q: Was it easy meeting people and making friends?
A: Yes!
About working in Mexico
Q: Did you have a problem getting a work visa/permit?
A: Takes awhile. Lots of paperwork and copies, but eventually you get it.
Q: What’s the economic climate like in the city, is there plenty of work?
A: Yes.
Q: How does the work culture differ from home?
A: You have to adjust to a slower pace. Things just don’t happen as efficiently here.
Q: Did a relocation company help you with your move?
A: No.
Family and children
Q: Did your spouse or partner have problems adjusting to their new home?
A: No.
Q: Did your children settle in easily?
A: Yes.
Q: What are the schools in Mexico like, any particular suggestions?
A: Public schools here are not super. However, there are lots of private schools that are great and very affordable.
Q: How would you rate the healthcare in Mexico?
A: Great!
And finally…
Q: Is there any other advice you would like to offer new expat arrivals?
A: Move and Enjoy!
~ interviewed February 2010
