Equity Issues for Those Retired in Mexico and Conscientious Travelers

When you retire in Mexico the difference between your access to wealth and that of the local Mexicans can seem profane. The same is true for travelers in Mexico. As a conscientious traveler you want your money to benefit those whose town you are visiting. As a retired person in Mexico you want your money to benefit your community. Yet, in neither case do you want to flaunt your wealth. How do you strike an appropriate balance?

The conscientious traveler asks her/himself many of the following questions: “When and how do you tip?” “What types of hotels should you stay in?” “How do you pick safe, locally-owned restaurants?” “When do you bargain?” “Is it OK to enjoy an expensive luxury right in front of someone who might spend that amount of money on food for a week?” Strangely enough, the conscientious traveler sometimes also asks her/himself, “is that person “cheating” me because I’m a tourist?” “Could I get a better deal on this?” The same questions are important to someone who retires in Mexico as they develop their shopping, dining, and other habits.

The conscientious traveler and retired person in Mexico is interested in what is fair in a situation that seems inherently unfair.

Click on the following pages to read about different equity related aspects of travel and/or retirement in Mexico:

The Conscientious Traveler/Retired Person Buys “Locally”

The Conscientious Traveler/Retired Person Knows When and How Much to Tip

Can Rich People Who Travel and Retire in Mexico Drive Up Prices?

In Mexico The Conscientious Traveler/Retired Person Considers the Street Children

In Mexico The Conscientious Traveler/Retired Person Doesn’t Bargain

If you have anything to add to this discussion, please add your comments below. We’d like your well-thought-out ideas to share with others who want to travel, live, and retire in Mexico.

Julia -

I read the e-book [Mexico: The Trick is Living Here] and enjoyed it very much. I particularly liked how descriptive you were about how to hail a taxi, ride a bus etc. I also enjoyed the pictures of the different fruits and vegetables.

I’m in Mexico now. …I will be shipping some household goods, but my old company will make those arrangements once I have the visa in hand.

If your travels take you to Cozumel - let me know.

Best wishes - Laura
Before you live or retire in Mexico read this unique, humorous e-book.