The audacity of departure: lessons from a successful expatriation to Mexico

Living abroad is a transforming, enriching and sometimes surprising experience. In the latest episode of the “Successful expatriation” podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming Pénélope, Institutional Relations Manager at Santexpat, who opened the doors of her two years in Mexico to us. From her sometimes chaotic beginnings to her outstanding successes, she shares the keys to transforming a desire for elsewhere into genuine personal and professional success.

“Daring remains the watchword of this whole trip. I’ve learned to be bold, to talk to professionals, without being afraid to tell myself that I’m a little student.” – Penelope

Why Mexico? A carefully considered choice

Her choice of destination was no accident. In addition to a desire for adventure, Penelope was also drawn to the Aztec country for practical reasons:

• Language skills: Spanish was already a given for her, making immersion much easier.
• The search for opportunities: Mexico, with its dynamism and cultural richness, offered the ideal breeding ground for an unforgettable experience.

Pénélope’s story began in Querétaro, where she went on a university exchange. It’s a city that many expats appreciate: it’s economically dynamic but remains on a human scale, unlike the huge capitals. After her studies, she took on internships to stay longer.

What stands out from her testimony? Mexico’s incredible richness, both on a cultural and human level. It’s a country that you have to tame little by little, but once you’ve really immersed yourself in it, the encounters and everything you learn about local codes are well worth the effort.

Choosing your destination in Mexico: a wide range of opportunities

Mexico offers a diverse range of destinations for expatriates, from dynamic megalopolises to picturesque colonial towns. While Penelope chose Querétaro (renowned for its quality of life and booming economy), there are other cities that strongly attract the international community. Mexico City (CDMX) is the most international and concentrates the most professional opportunities. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace and a lower cost of living, Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is a popular choice for its safety and cultural richness. Digital nomads often turn to coastal towns like Playa del Carmen or Tulum for the balance between remote work and seaside setting. Your choice will depend on your priorities: hectic professional life, tranquility or proximity to the sea.

The challenges of adaptation: culture, housing and safety

Expatriation is never a smooth ride. Penelope had to face several obstacles, typical of expatriation in a developing country:

1. Culture shock and privilege

She speaks frankly of the differences in living standards and “the cult of foreigners”. This discrepancy was an important subject for reflection on one’s own privileges and the need to remain humble and respectful in the face of local culture.

2. The challenge of sharing

Her first experiences of sharing a flat with other French people proved difficult, due to differing visions of expatriation. The lesson? Choose your fellow travelers carefully, and don’t hesitate to seek out local contacts for a more authentic immersion experience. By choosing people who were more in tune with her aspirations, Penelope was able to fully discover the country.

3. Health and safety: a priority for expatriates

As all sources confirm, health and safety are major concerns in Mexico.

• Health: “It was the only thing that really worried me: the quality of care and how to trust the professionals.” Penelope stresses the crucial importance of international health insurance. There is no bilateral social security agreement between France and Mexico; membership of the CFE (Caisse des Français à l’Étranger ) or a 1st euro insurance policy is often recommended for access to quality private care.
• Safety: Although some areas are under heightened vigilance, many cities are considered relatively safe for expatriates. General recommendations from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs include to use cab ranks(sitio), to be vigilant when using public transport, and to be aware of areas to avoid (depending on the region).

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Unforgettable moments: in praise of autonomy

Her two years were punctuated by strong memories: traveling alone in Colombia (a personal challenge), or celebrating Christmas far from her family. For her, these moments of solitude and self-improvement are the pillars of her personal development:

“I needed to be bored for a while, to confront myself again. These moments made me grow and opened me up to others.” – Penelope

Practical lessons for a successful expatriation

According to Penelope, several elements are key to a successful experience:

1. Dare and take initiative: Leave your comfort zone, meet professionals and local people.
2. Immerse yourself in the local culture: learn the language, understand the daily life of the locals, take part in local life.
3. Striking a balance: Don’t cut yourself off from the expatriate community, but use it as a base from which to explore local life.
4. Prepare your logistics: Don’t neglect health, safety and visa issues (Mexico offers several statuses: Visitor with permission to work, Temporary or Permanent Resident ).

“I might have said a little letting go… not always thinking about risk, but letting yourself be carried along by what happens and what comes.” – Penelope

Zoom Pratique: cost of living for expatriates in Mexico

For future expatriates, it’s essential to plan ahead. The average cost of living in Mexico is 34% lower than in France. However, this figure varies greatly according to city and lifestyle:

(Source: 2024/2025 data, indicative prices, variable according to source and district).

Tip: If you keep your European salary, you can live comfortably in Mexico. The trick? Don’t necessarily try to live in the trendiest neighborhoods. By settling a little further out, you’ll pay much less and enjoy a more authentic lifestyle.

Formalities and budget: planning ahead for a worry-free installation

If you want to travel to Mexico with peace of mind, take the time to prepare your administrative formalities and your budget. A passport and a return ticket are the basic requirements for entering the country. But if you plan to stay longer than 3 months, you’ll need a visa – often a Student Visa or Temporary (like Penelope) or Permanent Resident status.

Financially, you’ll be pleased to know that living costs are around a third less than in France. On the other hand, rents are going up quite a bit, especially in popular areas of the capital and by the sea.

And where you really shouldn’t skip out is health insurance. Take out good coverage – CFE or comprehensive private insurance – because it’s essential for access to good medical care in Mexico.

A springboard to self-fulfilment

Penelope’s adventure in Mexico is proof that you have to dare, be willing to step out of your comfort zone and let go to really enjoy an expatriation. What she experienced there – the culture, the people she met, what she discovered about herself – is truly inspiring for anyone who wants to try their hand abroad.

“These two years have taught me to dare, to reach out to others and to create my own opportunities. Going abroad means opening up to the world and to yourself.” – Penelope