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- U-Co - Should You Move to Mexico?
U-Co - Should You Move to Mexico?
Marco Barrio
May 10, 2024
by Marco Barrio
A digital nomad community exploring the world. The place where we feel at home no matter where our journey takes us.
Got a question or feedback? Please send me an email at [email protected]
Hey there, #ucofam! Let's talk about making Mexico your home base, shall we? Lately, I've been chatting with some of you, and it seems like Mexico is creeping up on your radar as a potential main stomping ground while still keeping that jet-setting lifestyle alive. And why not? Mexico's got a little something for everyone, depending on your vibe and flavor.
Beaches: From the sandy shores of Playa del Carmen to the bohemian vibes of Tulum and the laid-back surf scene in Puerto Escondido.
Mountains: Find your zen in the serene landscapes of San Cristobal or take a hike through the misty forests of San Jose del Pacifico.
Medium Cities: Dive into the colorful culture of Oaxaca, soak up the colonial charm of Merida, or indulge in the party scene of Cancun.
Large Cities: Get lost in the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, soak up the artsy vibes of Guadalajara, or dive into the industrial charm of Monterrey.
Now, let me share a bit of my own journey from Austin to Mexico City. As a Mexican-born, U.S.-raised individual fluent in Spanish, you'd think I'd have it all figured out, right? Wrong! Here are a few eye-opening experiences that might ring true for any city in Latin America:
Government processes are like a maze, and no one seems to have the map. Just ask around until you stumble upon someone who knows the way. Patience is key!
Expect a little something extra—whether it's a "chesco" or a tip—from just about everyone, regardless of whether they work for a private company or the government.
Renting a place? Get ready for the "aval," a co-signer who owns property in Mexico, to vouch for you.
Beware of the local prices versus the "gringo" prices. Sometimes, ignorance comes at a cost.
Keep your wits about you—petty theft is no stranger, even in posh neighborhoods like Polanco.
Getting a temporary visa might sound simple, but it all depends on your citizenship and a sprinkle of luck.
Despite the hiccups, here's why I'm all in on Mexico:
Life moves at a slower pace, perfect for those "colonias" where time takes a leisurely stroll.
Oh, the food! Whether you're splurging at a fancy restaurant or digging into street tacos, it's hard to go wrong with Mexican cuisine.
Getting around is a breeze with public transport, taxis, Ubers, and even city bikes at your disposal.
Friendliness is the name of the game—almost everyone will return your "Buenos Dias" with a smile. Almost.
Nature lovers, rejoice! You're just a bus ride or a short flight away from any kind of landscape your heart desires.
And let's not forget the affordability factor. With a little savvy, you can live comfortably on $50 USD a day, or even less during the off-season.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But isn't Mexico dangerous?" Well, sure, like any other country, it has its rough spots. But that's never stopped us from exploring, right? For now, Mexico City is my slice of home, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Community News
If you’re excited about a potential move to Mexico, I’m happy to share my insights over the years renting here. Also, we can make it a win/win. Let’s house hack together.
Here’s my offer:
U-Co finds you a place to rent. We’ll set it up and coordinate everything for you. We’ll be your ‘aval’ or guarantor.
You lease the space, buy furniture, and run a U-Co Live (co-sharing house) with 3-6 rooms. You live in one of them and we’ll split the profits. If interested, shoot me an email at [email protected]
Also, we’ve launched U-CO WORLD. A marketplace for new locations, experiences, and of course FOOD 🌮 around the world. We just partnered up with one of the leading property management companies in Mexico, so we will be uploading new locations around Mexico and soon the world.
Make sure to be our U-Co Mate, we’d love your help on growing the marketplace. We want your recommendations!
Here are the rules of engagement:
Sign up as a U-Co Mate https://forms.gle/ykagJFwdc1DATVAb8. Upon registration, you'll receive a unique Code to share.
Introduce your U-Co Captain with a warm email to [email protected].
We'll coordinate with them to list their property or experience on u-co.mx.
Once they're onboarded, we'll promptly remit your U-Coin fee.
By the end of 2024, the Top 5 U-Co Mates will earn a complimentary month-long stay at U-Co Roma, allowing you to select your preferred travel dates (valued at $900 USD).
*I'll be reaching out to #ucomates regarding your status via email.
Current Monthly Guests
Carlos (Mexico)
Vishnu (India)
Carl (USA)
Yoav (USA)
Adrian (Mexico)
Events
May is here! Get ready for all sorts of events, experiences and concerts.
Mother’s Day - Call your Mother!  May 10th |  May 11  May 11 |
Accommodations
This week, we want to share some spots for weekend trips around Mexico City.
Beautiful House overlooking Tepozteco - Tepoztlan
Experiences
Who wants to go to hiking? Let’s climb El Nevado de Toluca #ucofam
Tips, Tricks and News
In this week's edition of the digital nomad newsletter, we delve into the latest tips, tricks, and trends shaping the nomadic lifestyle.
Partnerships
If you or someone you know is considering launching a Hostel, Airbnb, or Coliving property anywhere in the world, feel free to send us a message. We're eager to collaborate with you. UCOGO
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