I'm planning to move to Cancun, What things should I know about it !!!

I'm planning on making a move from UK to Cancun in the next few years so I planning and gathering as much helpful information as possible from online sources or people who have made cancun their new home. I have visited Cancun many times over the past few years and have totally fell in love with the place I would be most grateful if anyone can tell me some behind the scenes experiences on what life is like in cancun and stare me in a good direction to obtain info anything; Rental properties, jobs, mexican laws, crime, and anything else that you yourselves have experiences that will be helpful.

Many thanx all

 

I suggest that you do a SEARCH on this forum for specific questions that you might have. The "regulars" are more than happy to help you but often get tired of the same general question, that takes forever to reply with a comprehensive answer.

Just a suggestion. Or, if you have a very specific question, with no acceptable answer when you search, post away and you will get great replies. Most of us love to help others in matters from dealing with Immigration issues to what type of tequila we like best.

Good luck.

 

Thanx T.J

 

Been here 2 years and my Spanish is below elementary level. Why I do have people around to help if need be, I have faired rather well with the VERY little I do know. How is your Spanish?
If you are coming here with a really good amount in savings, you can live here like you are on vacation. I know plenty that do. But do your research. Be 110% prepared for anything and everything to go wrong. Better safe then sorry. Good luck!

 

Du Cooke: The more Spanish, the better, especially job wise.

When it comes to crime and safety: Dont do what you wouldn't do at home or when traveling.

 

Thanx ToriB yeah as far my spanish goes its nil but I just enrolled on a spanish course so hopefully ill do all right at that, the plan is to spend a fare number of months over there if all goes well with the visas, am trying to look up the prices of flat, apartments or what ever is there is, of course acceptable rentals and in a good area, ill be taking as much as possible cash wise to see me by, how is general living over ToriB have you had many problems settling in or finding jobs etc ?

 

I have been here almost 2 years. Setteling in wise fine. But I came with a ton of friends already here so that helped loads. I was without a job for 7 months because all the interviews I went to were Timeshare based and either the place was run like a kindergarden center. Playing around with loud club music or they want you to lie to customers to get them to spend their savings. I think its all bs and said No a whole lot. Ended up with getting the job I have now and that was by just meeting ppl once here. While yes, Spanish can help, most places do not require it. And if they do, fluency is a must. Not just conversational. Coming here knowing a little Spanish in no way will get you a better job. You have to know it all. It will help in daily life though.
Really, if you are just coming for a few months, don't worry about any renters or work visas right now. Alot of landlords will rent to you on a tourist visa, and that is good for 6 months and alot of apt contracts are 6 months as well. Come get settled, look around and take it from there.

 

A few things to think of if you're coming from the UK

Jobs here are usually six days a week, 48 hours (not your usual 39 hours a week) - unless you're doing timeshare/ or like Tori B.

20,000 pesos a month is a pretty good wage here and not easily attainable - which equates to about 5 quid an hour in England - and things like second hand cars, TVs, internet, electricity etc are all more expensive than in UK.

Holiday time off in the first year is usually nothing and then 6 days after year one (bit different to the 25 days you get in England)

The NHS kicks ass in comparison to healthcare in Cancun - if you get sick and need an operation in a private hospital you're gonna be paying soooo much money.

If you lose your job etc. there is no government safety net to help you.

I'm by no means trying to put you off and there are lots of great things about living here, I love living here, it's just some things to consider.

 

Actually, "casual" Spanish has helped me with the last two jobs. They both require "un poco de Español", mostly internal communication, over the phone/radio.

You might get lucky and land a Entertainment Staff job at one of the many hotels, with only English.

English teacher is another job that is usually available. Make sure to get a "TOEFL" or similar BEFORE coming here, in case teaching would be interesting for you.

Copywriter/text editor is another job that could be suitable with no/limited Spanish.

If one cant bother learning Spanish at all, the time share industry is more than willing to help you out... Would I recommend the time share business? Hell no, but thats my personal opinion after trying it out.

I do have a neighbor/friend whom is doing great with time share. She bought her house(Isla Azul) and brand new Jeep... But then again: She is a salesperson, "since birth". Ruthless, to say the least...

One idea could be to get in touch with UK companies that operate in Cancun?

EDIT: Thomson and other charter companies should be able to hire you if you meet the qualifications.

 

That's a great idea Rawkus - all the charter companies have reps here - it's a great way to still enjoy the touristy side of Cancun while making money as well.