14 March 2017 by Published in: Writing 20 comments

Thought I’d give a little history on my expatriation from the U.S. fifteen years ago. Instead of dwelling on the political reasons for my departure, although the rising totalitarian state that was formalized with the Patriot Act played a big part, as did going to war based on lies in Iraq, I will stick to the less controversial details.

I would suggest you listen to this tune while considering my tale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha1GT2tW9dc

I sold my company at the tender age of 40, and was looking around for greener climes. My short list was Melbourne, Australia, and Cabo San Lucas – both of which I was more than familiar with due to numerous trips. I settled on Cabo in sort of a provisional fashion: I would try it for six months and see how I liked it. I’d spent tons of long weekends there, and my longest stint had been 10 days, which didn’t seem at all too long at the time, so I packed up my car and pointed it south (I was living in So Cal) with little forethought and a sense of adventure.

People ask me what it’s like to move to a foreign country like Mexico. Well, it’s different, and not so different. Baja, especially, holds its challenges, and 15 years ago it was a dusty little cantina town built on a fishing port where Americans came to misbehave – in other words, the modern equivalent of the Wild West. There were almost no rules, and the change in the sense of freedom was immediately apparent in a good way. The biggest thing to get used to was consumer goods – Costco had just opened, there was no Walmart, and availability of products you could pick up in the U.S. was spotty, at best. As an example, if you saw a case of diet 7 Up, you bought it – it would be gone by the next day, and then it could be months before 20 more appeared on the shelves. Thankfully, or sadly, depending on your perspective, that’s all changed, and with three big box stores and six supermarket chains now here, as well as Office Depot and Office Max, the consumer goods paucity is a thing of the past.

The language wasn’t so much of an issue as one might imagine, mainly because most in the tourist areas of Baja speak some, or fluent, English. They have to – their main business being catering to Americans and Canadians. Took me many years to get relatively decent with the lingo, and it’s still arguable exactly how proficient I actually am.

Starting a business here was orders of magnitude easier than in the U.S. After a couple of years of boredom, I started my custom home design and construction firm, and had it open in a day. Got a bank account, filled out some paperwork establishing the corp, hired an accountant, and that was it. In the U.S., especially California, that would have taken a bunch of attorneys a significant amount of time. The lesson was that in Mexico, it’s actually pretty easy to be an entrepreneur. No guarantee you’ll make any money at it, but starting an enterprise was ridiculously straightforward.

Getting permanent residency was also a snap. There’s a guy who, for a few hundred dollars, handles all the paperwork, and my total involvement was getting photos taken and spending a few hours at Immigration so I could sign things.

A question that often comes up is, “Do you miss the old country?” Not really. I see all the Gringos I can stomach whenever I go out, and most of the rich from my neck of the woods in the states keep their big boats here, jetting down on their Gulfstreams for long weekends, so I get as much of the red faced American alpha male as I can tolerate.

On the plus side, the restaurants off the beaten path are fantastic, and costs for pretty much everything except power and gas run about 30% less than the U.S. On mainland, it’s more like 40-45% less in the really good areas, way cheaper in the not so great, but why go there?

I pay an effective 5% on my Mexican earnings (legally), and I can live a six figure American lifestyle on about a third of that and still have money left over at the end of the day. Same cars (due to the currency, cars are 30% cheaper), bigger house (a third to half the price), ocean view, friendly neighbors, and year-round sun. And don’t forget the cold beer, friendly natives, and of course, tequila.

Health care is ridiculously cheap – $30 for an ER visit, $100 for broken bones including the cast and X-ray. Buddy cut his leg open surfing, cost $125 to stitch it up, including a shot of antibiotic and the ER doctor’s time. He did the same in California a year later, the bill came to $4500. Same fix, but they code it as a surgery because of the stitches. Madness in a place with the most expensive health care in the world. Property tax on a million dollar home might run $500. A full time maid to cook, clean, and walk dogs runs $350 per month. A gardener, $50-$100. You can quickly see how the savings add up.

Crime is a serious problem if you’re selling drugs in the barrio, and the murder rate in Baja has gone from maybe 5 per year for the area when I moved here (about 250K people), to hundreds due to a territory war being waged for the retail distribution rights. Those being killed are the street level dealers who make a few hundred bucks a week – a dealer in his twenties is selling in disputed areas, and his rival pops a cap in his ass. Exactly the same as in East L.A. or Compton or Santa Ana, only it’s more intense due to the money involved – throw a 1000% margin product at an area where the average person makes $400 a month, and you’ll find lots of idiots willing to kill for the trafficking rights. The good news is those being killed are those that needed killing. The bad news is it makes the stats look terrible, and it slows tourism – which I don’t care about other than celebrating that it’s easier to find a parking spot. But I keep an eye on the associated crime that accompanies the trade: an increase in robberies and muggings and theft. So far, no problems, but it’s a shame that it has changed so radically. Then again, it will eventually settle out, and calm down. These things tend to move in cycles.

I’ve been spending more time on mainland lately, and am considering splitting my time between here and there, mainly to spend my summer months in cooler temperatures than Baja. We shall see how that plays out. With air fares around $75 RT from Cabo to mainland Mexico, it’s not a deal killer.

It’s not paradise. I mean, it kind of is, with beaches and endless summer and an idyllic lifestyle. But you have to avoid dangerous areas, and resist the temptation to drive drunk – which is the single biggest killer of Gringos in Baja, incidentally, and I’m not making that up.

Inevitably, I’m asked by Americans, “Why are so many Mexicans trying to get into the U.S. if it’s so awesome there?” The answer is twofold: first, since 2008, the number leaving the U.S. and returning to Mexico has been larger than the number trying to sneak in, so the question is based on almost a decade old assumption. And second, because the bottom 10-20% who have no choice but to be the $350 per month maid or gardener would prefer to make ten times that in the U.S. What Americans see are the poorest of the poor seeking a better life, not the vast majority of those living in Mexico. Oh, and many who are trying to sneak in aren’t Mexican – they’re Guatemalan and El Salvadorian and Honduran trying to flee the nightmares the U.S. government has turned those countries into so American companies can continue to milk cheap labor there, since the 1950’s.

The big question I get asked by the curious and the doubtful, is, 15 years later, would I do it again? Absolutely. I’ve now spent over a quarter of my life outside the U.S., and don’t miss it much. On mainland, they have all the Chili’s and Cheesecake Factories and PF Chang’s you can want, as well as all the first world amenities (first class hospitals, shopping to rival Rodeo Drive, etc.), so when I want that, it’s not far away. I don’t feel like I’ve missed much living outside the country, and in many ways I’m far more relaxed due to the slower cultural pace here. Net net, it’s been hugely positive, and my only regret is not doing it sooner.

That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. Now go buy my crap so I can continue working my fingers to nubs in the Mexican sun. My new one, A Girl Apart, ain’t bad, and it’s been garnering good reviews, so you could do worse than to try it. Just saying.

 

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Comments

  1. Tue 14th Mar 2017 at 2:34 pm

    Must say this was a riveting read! I’d wondered for a long while when you moved and why. Now you’ve told us, which I appreciate.

    It sounds as if there are a lot of things to like about where you live. I might have to buy the house next door to yours one of these days, although I’d need to learn Spanish first and figure out where Cabo is, exactly. When we flew from San Diego to Acapulco, we stopped in a place called Cabo to change planes. There were mountains there. Is that the same place? On our return, however, we stopped in Mexico City, not Cabo.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Tue 14th Mar 2017 at 2:57 pm

      Yep. There’s only one Cabo. Tip of the Baja peninsula.

      A lot of Americans live here for the reasons cited. And not all are looking for bargains – beachfront lots 10 minutes from me start at $8 million for the dirt.

      Reply
  2. Tue 14th Mar 2017 at 4:17 pm

    Has learning—or at least becoming adept in—another language affected the way you write? If so, how? Do tell! 🙂

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Tue 14th Mar 2017 at 5:15 pm

      Nope. I am now illiterate in several languages, is all.

      Reply
      • Ruth  –  Tue 14th Mar 2017 at 5:29 pm

        LOFL! Perfect!

        Reply
  3. Tue 14th Mar 2017 at 6:58 pm

    Great, informative post, Russell. A question, if I may, regarding the 5% tax on Mexican earnings. Does this mean earnings, such as royalties, for example, are not taxable?

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Tue 14th Mar 2017 at 7:32 pm

      Depends on how the receiving entity is structured, and whether the flow is treated as personal earnings by the tax authority.

      Reply
  4. Wed 15th Mar 2017 at 8:15 am

    Hey Blake
    I read most of your books and I must say I am a big fan. Just last monday during my flight from Khartoum toback to Dubai I finished book 5 of the day after never. I read all Jet seies and I enjoyed it. Now I have a question that I hope you will oneday reply, I feel the seirs of the day after never has not yet been completed and I would love to know what will happen next? does that make sense???
    I have now started reading ” a GIRL APART”
    Thanx Blake for all your nice books

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 15th Mar 2017 at 11:17 am

      Thanks for the warm words. Glad you’re enjoying the work. The DAN series will continue with the next installment out in April, and the next in May.

      Hope you like A Girl Apart.

      Reply
  5. Wed 15th Mar 2017 at 8:30 am

    I have been living and working in UAE( Abu Dhabi & Dubai) for the past 20 years and was thinking to move from the middle east, do you advise to retire where yo are staying now? Cabo or acapulco? I like to live in beach front and peaceful place rather than dubai a forest of skyscrapers

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 15th Mar 2017 at 11:18 am

      Acapulco is a dangerous poophole. Cabo is relaxed, low rise, but with extremely high end amenities. Cabo over anywhere else for beach retirement in Mexico, for my money.

      Reply
  6. Zarayna Pradyer
    Wed 15th Mar 2017 at 10:08 am

    Fascinating story – thank you. I was trying to figure out why the Mexicans have a more sophisticated understanding of politics than do Americans and Europeans. Apart from their knowledge of a history of human sacrifices – the justification being for ‘religious’ reasons when it was really control by terror, I wonder if we are still influenced by Enlightenment ideals such as progress? Ideals versus basic human motives. Not many of us maintain and champion ideals when there are so many baser fears and lures around and yet we imagine our politicians should. Hilarious. Thanks for sharing your experiences – wishing you many more fulfilling years.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 15th Mar 2017 at 11:22 am

      Perhaps. Or perhaps it’s just that Mexicans tend to understand the fallibility and corruption inherent in humanity, exemplified in politicians, politics being a funnel that rewards the worst traits.

      Reply
  7. Muriel curry
    Wed 29th Mar 2017 at 12:03 am

    Started reading your Jet series
    Quite entertaining. Thus I will be reading all your books. Like your style. Just got back from Lss Bariilas
    Loved the simplicity of the town. The food was incredible. Friendly locals.
    Mercie beautiful for your novels
    Cheers

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 29th Mar 2017 at 1:43 pm

      Los Barilles is a sleepy little place. I’ve built some homes north and south of there. Always enjoy my time up in the east cape. There are worse places to watch the sun rise and set.

      Reply
  8. Patricia Wilson
    Fri 31st Mar 2017 at 3:15 pm

    Russell, I would like for you to elaborate a little on how the U.S. has affected the common native of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. I don’t mean the members of the drug cartels. What has happened in those places to cause it’s citizens to become so hopeless? It’s not all that easy to find the truth from my searches.
    I’ve had limited contact with those from these three cultures, however, I can tell you I’ve only seen hardworking people. They work from signup to sundown in the tobacco patches for half of what is paid to whites doing the same job. (That is, if any whites can be found who are willing to work in the tobacco.) I’ve never worked the tobacco but I’ve heard many people say it’s the hardest work they have ever done. Those working in it suffer varying degrees of flu-like symptoms. Some are so sick and dehydrated they can barely drag themselves up from the dirt floors they sleep on to do it all over again. That is no extravagance statement of the truth. Yet, on paydays they all get off work early to go to the post office to buy money orders to send their hard earned money home. I’m Mississippi it’s the chicken houses they are brought in to work at. Another job no white person is willing to do. If I were making a point here, which I’m not, it would be, if not for those from South of the Border, who would do the work?
    Sorry, Russell, I didn’t mean to saddle your blog. You know how my mind wanders.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Sat 01st Apr 2017 at 10:50 am

      The U.S. sponsored a brutal military dictatorship in Guatemala which repressed anything that even hinted at increased wages or quality of life for the masses. Ditto for El Salvador. Nicaragua, it created a terrorist war using the “contras” because the government that had been elected was all for improving the infrastructure and the life of the peasants, and the U.S. didn’t want that because it would have meant higher wages for companies like United Fruit. It is always all about the money. The U.S.’ disgraceful history in central and south america has been a litany of murder and brutality to ensure U.S. corporate interests made far more money than they would have if those regions had experienced progress. Just that simple. That legacy continues to this day, as gangs like MS13 destroy the rule of law – MS13 being a Los Angeles gang with mainly central american descended members, who the U.S. exported back to central america in the 1990’s. They brought with them the Boys in the Hood style violence of 1990’s LA, and established massive networks in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, making them all largely unsafe. Bluntly, central america is 75 years behind the rest of the Americas because it would have meant United Fruit would have had to pay more to pick bananas.

      Reply
      • Patricia Wilson  –  Sun 02nd Apr 2017 at 3:03 pm

        I’m always astounded by the cruelty imposed by the U.S. It gives clarity to “keeping ’em down on the farm” and a whole other meaning.

        Reply
  9. Mr Coffee
    Mon 17th Apr 2017 at 3:10 am

    Greetings Russell, this is on the QT. Maya was contacted by Wiley Coyote in Langley who stated that the boys aren’t happy about “spilled juice”. She requested that I forward this to you as you would be able to connect the dots.
    Other than that I’ve come to enjoy your writing via Black and Jet. I too am an expat and your words keep me thinking as to exactly why one chooses to reside outside the good old USA.
    We never ran away , we made decisions to guide our future on our terms.
    I chose to take the Thai-trail for rejuvenating my spirit and as a long-term healthcare option when required at a later date. I well understand your words about seeking economic sanity elsewhere.
    Some great expat stories in SE Asia as to exactly how far a BIG government (and the majority of governments) will go to keep its taxpayers in the dark under the guise of protecting citizens. Whiskey-tango-foxtrot…just put the damn fluoride in my toothpaste. (Jeez.)
    Wishing you all the best and hope to meet you one day.
    VBR, Coffee

    Reply

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