The biggest adjustment for him was not being able to drink the tap water, and says many older houses have small pipes so you can’t flush toilet paper. He also notes that the perception and value of time is expressed differently here. “Mañana doesn’t necessarily mean ‘tomorrow’. It could mean anytime between the morning and two weeks or so out,” he said. “Similarly, ahora and ahorita don’t always mean ‘now’ or ‘right now’.”
US expat Lynn Pierce, based in Cabo San Lucas, adds that Mexico can be more affordable than most American cities. “And if you’re lucky, that lower cost of living comes with an ocean view,” she says. She also mentions that the reliable internet connectivity, which makes working remotely easy, has attracted more digital nomads in recent years.
While Wright recommends exploring the Yucatan peninsula for its cenotes, haciendas and Mayan sites like Chichen Itza, Pierce names west-coast Cabo as “the world’s aquarium” for its marine life and whale sightings right off the coast.
4. Thailand
Thailand placed 4th overall, scoring particularly well in Overall Happiness (ranked second) and Personal Finance (third). Expats also find it easy to settle in here, ranking it in the top 10 for finding friends and local friendliness.
“I do not know any other country that is as welcoming, safe and beautiful to travel around in,” said Natasha Eldred, who lived in Koh Tao for a year and built a successful travel PR and marketing agency in Phuket. For her, Phuket’s combination of infrastructure – like hospitals, schools, shops and an airport – with easy access to jungle hikes and quiet beaches made it ideal.
