Moving to a new country is a life-changing decision that is packed with challenges and rewards. For Dave and Janice Sinclair, a couple who came from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, finding their way to Bucerias, Mexico, was a testament to the many good things that change and going beyond one's comfort zone can bring.
Meeting and Falling in Love with Mexico
Dave and Janice's love story began in the country they have chosen to call home. The couple met while on a trip to Nuevo Vallarta. They shared in a mutual love for tequila and quickly clicked. Upon returning to Canada they continued their relationship and after a few months, Dave made the move from Toronto to Regina to be closer to each other. A few years later they wed where the met with a wedding at the Riu Jalisco.
First Impressions and Initial Hesitations
Their first encounters with Bucerias were very tentative. Just like every other tourist, their visits were always a few days long, grabbing a quick meal there then heading back to the security of their all-inclusive resorts. But the couple's interest in Bucerias grew over time, stirred on by Moving To Mexico's YouTube Videos, enthusiastically promoting the area.
Exploring Bucerias
Now with the courage that the videos had given them, Dave and Janice started to navigate their way around Bucerias in earnest. The couple rented a place in Las Casitas and began to enjoy extended stays. This slow acclimatization would bolster the strength of their feel for its readiness to live in Bucerias.
Finding the Right Place
With a wealth of research and knowledge about Bucerias, they ultimately keyed in on a place in the Quadrant. For their lifestyle, they preferred owning a condo rather than a home since they wanted to limit home care and maitenance. They also loved the tropical landscaping surrounding the property, proximity to the beach, restaurants, and amazing amenities. In late 2021, they purchased their condo for approximately $400,000 CAD. Their condo turned out to be an excellent investment because its value has rapidly increased.
Adapting to Life in Bucerias
Life, of course, has not been without its problems or rewards. Janice, newly retired, sometimes gets quite bored, while Dave actively manages his wealth management business. However, they do see that there are a lot social activities to take part in in town. Both of them, though, enjoy the friendly, laid-back local community that is Bucerias.
Residency Application Process in Mexico
Gaining temporary residence status in Mexico was a very long process. The couple undertook it with the guidance of a local lawyer. It first required pre-approval from a Mexican embassy in Canada and then involved a mountain of paperwork to be filed once in Mexico. It's best to hire a lawyer to help with this process. The fees far outweigh the headaches and time one will potentially endure if attempting to do this process alone. (Send me an email and I'll connect you with a good lawyer. info@movingtomexi.co)
Health Care
One of the most significant worries moving to a new place includes health care. Dave and Janice have found Mexican health care to be very good. They appreciate, as well, the attention given them, and the shorter wait times compared to Canada.
How They Move Around
They mostly walk, use taxis when needed, and hire drivers. This will probably be their plan for how best to explore more of the region without actually owning a car. Once Dave retires they do plan to explore more of this amazing country!
Furnishing Their Condo
This was quite challenging, but eventually they were able to find, and purchase, locally made items, and some custom-made.
Advice to Would-be Immigrants
Respect local culture, patience, and learn to relax. Watch informative videos and, yes, get a good lawyer for residency and other legal matters.
Reflection on Their Decision
Looking back, Dave and Janice feel very fortunate to have moved to Bucerias. The uniform weather, fresh foods, and a slower pace of life seem to bring years to their retired lives. Their story teaches a lesson to everybody: if a person is moving to another country, be prepared, appreciate the local traditions, and become a part of the local community.
Final Thoughts
The route in life that Dave and Janice took from careful travelers to confident locals has a lesson for all who are thinking about moving. Theirs is a story of realizing that the very first fear and anxiety are what you can overcome, leading to a rich, full, happy life in a new country. Bucerias, with its lively community, beaches and delicious cousin is now their ideal home, showing that sometimes the greatest risks are just that: the biggest rewards. If you would like more information about moving to Mexico like Dave and Janice, we can help set you on the right path! Send us an email at, info@movingtomexi.co and we will share valuable recourses with you. In addition, if you would like to visit and stay in the same complex that Dave and Janice live in, visit our vacation rental site, www.BeachLifeMexico.com.
We can also help you find your slice of paradise here in Bucerias by sending an email to info@movingtomexi.co!
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