Moving to Huatulco

[ourhuatulco]

First post, where to start?
Some back ground; Couple in their mid 40's, three kids (9, 11, 13, all boys) are looking to take an extended trip (move) to Huatulco. We're not rich, so liquidating everything (almost) that we own is a must.
We've been travelling to Huatulco for the last 8 years and have decided that this is a great place to spend our time. Finding a place to live is not an issue, rental properties are easy to locate, and having been there many times we know "where" to be looking, and who to be looking with.
Some of the issues we're having a hard time with are; school, our pets (2 cats and a turtle), moving the "kept" belongings down, and possibly starting a small local business. Showing a monthly income from Canada is not an issue.
We would also like to hear from others with younger kids that have/are doing this. Some of the "unexpected" so to speak.
Thanks, Don

[Michelle M. Filion]

Hi Don.

I think what you are doing is great!

Last year, my boyfriend and I talked about moving in Mexico. We stored/sell our things and packed the minivan with the remaining belongings and two months after, we were here. Finding a job wasn't easy (I'm still looking for one!). As for starting a business, the process can be complicated, bureaucratically speaking. Lots of paperwork. And doing business in Mexico is very different from what it is in Canada, cuturally speaking. For instance, you cannot expect your suppliers to deliver on time -nor your employees to show up when they should. But there are options. Have you thought about opening a bed and breakfast or a language school? -I guess you can even do it under the radar which means no paperwork and less stress. But there are downsides: then you won't be sponsored by a Mexican company and won't be able to get a FM3 -which is necessary if you want to stay more than 6 months in Mexico. Since you say that you can show proof of a monthly income from Canada, getting a visa shouldn't be much of a problem then.

Schools: there are bilingual schools offering an international curriculum. Best option if you want your children's academics to be recognized in other countries -they might want to attend a Canadian universtity later...

Cheapest way to do the move: buy a used minivan (bought a Dodge Caravan for under 2200$) and pack it up! Small electric appliances -coffee machine, toaster, hairdryer- are expensive in Mexico so it's better to bring your own. I think you can bring one computer per adult (check with the Mexico aduana - I'm not allowed to post the link). You will have to register your car at the border and put a sticker on your windshield -this permit costs around 20$. Driving your car down to Mexico can take up to 6 days (it took us 4 days but we were driving very long hours) but it is a very good option because cars are as expensive to buy in Mexico as they are in Canada -don't expect to find a better deal here. And with kids going to school everyday, you'll need a car.

Health coverage: if you leave Canada for more than 6 months in a row, you lose your coverage. Private health insurances are very, very expensive. This can be an issue, especially for a family with kids.

As for kids moving to a new country: you'll be surprised how easily they will adapt. My boyfriend moved to Mexico with his family as a young teen (the best years of his life, he likes to say) and after returning to Canada a few years later, he couldn't stop thinking about going back south. And so he just did

Hope this helps

[ourhuatulco]

Thanks for you input Michelle. This is a huge leap of faith for us, and the more info we can gather before we leave the better.

We've already discovered some of the cultural differences at work, asta manana has a different meaning in Spanish then it does when translated. But that's part of the allure of moving south; much slower lifestyle!!!

Schooling is one of our largest concerns. Finding a school that is both close enough to attend, and yet capable enough to get them to post graduate studies later can be a challenge. We've looked into distance learning; academically sound, socially lacking. So we're still looking for info and answers on that one.

As for the kids, when they've been there they haven't wanted to come home! Only the oldest (13) isn't very happy with the idea, leaving his circle of friends etc. We know that when he gets there and goes surfing he'll make new friends.

Thanks again for your input (and looking for more),

Don

[Michelle M. Filion]

I agree: here, life "flows slowly like a river" and I enjoy it. It's nice when you just hang around but when put in a business perspective (a business you own!), it can lead to frustration, especially if your family's income depends on it.

A friend of mine (he's from Switzerland - he now lives in San Juan del Rio) teaches French at his home. When the kids don't show up -which is pretty common-, he doesn't get paid.

As for distance learning: in Canada, diplomas obtained by this mean aren't much valued. Sadly, it's the same with Mexican public schools diplomas, that's why I strongly suggest you enroll your kids in a school offering an International curriculum. I think I can get a list for you if you need it.

When are you moving?

[ourhuatulco]

Hola,

The "lazy river lifestyle", I like it!

When are we moving? Good question; I'd be on a plane tomorrow (lol), but in truth I can't answer it. What I can say is that the adventure has already started. We've been looking at real estate, the first garage sale was today (The fifty bucks we made won't go far, but it's a start). There is something liberating about the decision to be rid of it all!

I can feel for your Swiss friend, that's one of the risks of any "service" based business; you’re at the mercy of your clients. I can understand the frustration when your livelihood depends on others.

As for educating the kids, distance learning isn't really an option, but we're willing to explore all avenues before making a decision. We have info on the IB (International Baccalaureate) and on one local international school. If you have a list I'd really appreciate it, like I've said, the more info we can gather as we go along the better off we'll be.

Thanks again for your time, and I'm looking forward to any education info you may have.

Don

[Michelle M. Filion]

Try this. Since I'm not allowed to insert a link, I've replaced the "dots" by the word "dot":
triple w dot ibo dot org/school/search/index.cfm?programmes=&country=MX&region=&find_schools=Find