What do I need to know before moving to Lake Chapala?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Lake Chapala, they said...
"Since realtors are not regulated here in Mexico one should hire an attorney just to be on the safe side... We did and it was worth every peso... Cheap insurance. Do your due diligence on line and stay for a month or more... If one has not lived abroad and in similar locales there might be a bit of a culture shock... How I explain this in simple terms: 'If in the morning you have water for your shower.... It is a good day.' and 'If the water is hot... It is GREAT DAY!' Living here is an adventure... One needs to be flexible, have a sense of humor, and accept the fact that things here move at a different pace. The Mexican people are warm and friendly, the expats are willing to help get you settled, and the weather is outstanding... What is not to like?," commented one expat who made the move to Ajijic , Mexico.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Expatriates should learn at least basic Spanish before moving to Lake Chapala, as English is not widely spoken. Mexico has different immigration laws than other countries and expatriates should research the necessary documents required to live and work in the area. Climate can be a factor for relocation and Lake Chapala has semi-tropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Before relocating to this area, expatriates should also research the cost of living, infrastructure, available healthcare and recreational activities in the area. Mexico also has community organizations specifically for expatriates which provide helpful information and regular activities," remarked another expat in Lake Chapala, Mexico.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Lake Chapala?
- What do I need to know before moving to Lake Chapala?
- How do I find a place to live in Lake Chapala?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Lake Chapala?
- What is the average cost of housing in Lake Chapala?
- How do I meet people in Lake Chapala?
- What should I pack when moving to Lake Chapala?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Lake Chapala?
- Will I be able to find a job in Lake Chapala?
- What is life like in Lake Chapala?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Lake Chapala?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Lake Chapala?
- What is the social scene like in Lake Chapala?
- What advice to expats in Lake Chapala have about housing?
- What are medical services in Lake Chapala like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Lake Chapala?
- Is the cost of living in Lake Chapala high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Lake Chapala?
- Why do people move to Lake Chapala?
What do I need to know before moving to Lake Chapala?
If you live in Lake Chapala, newcomers to Lake Chapala would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.