Other Articles by Robert Foster
Working in Mexico: Index
Moving to Mexico: Index
Puerto Vallarta
¿Can I Find Computer Work in Puerto Vallarta?
Answer by Robert Foster
Published: December 2002
I'm a single guy here in Dallas who is very interested in moving to Puerto Vallarta. I would like to contact Robert and Deborah to discuss what type of work I can get there. I'm a Sr. Computer Guy... I have enough cash to relocate there and probably live for a year or so on my savings... however, I'd like to go into some type of work. Thanks, GregLorena: I’ve forwarded your email to the Fosters, but, as I'm sure that Robert will tell you, the only real way to get work in Mexico (unless you come down with a US company) is to be in a place and get to know people. Many people end up starting their own business to fill a niche that they find.
Robert Foster Replies:
Greg, hi. Lorena is right, of course. Lining up work ahead of moving here is just about impossible. And, even after moving here and establishing yourself, it's quite difficult.
Deborah and I now are so inundated with requests for advice and info that we have been forced to charge for our time and services. But, I will make an exception here and give you a broad response that I hope is helpful. If you need more specific information on rentals, immigration, automobile purchase and insurance, health care option, etc., we can provide you with specific answers, and we will discuss a modest fee with you to compensate us for our time.
Once here and once established, the most likely scenario (and this is no reflection on you or your skills) is that you will be offered only sporadic, undocumented and illegal (i.e. no work permit) subsistence jobs.
They may assure you that while the job pays very little, it's "worth taking because we have friends at Migracion and you don't have to worry about getting a work permit. The officiales won't bother you if you work for us. No hay problema."
Uh huh. Maybe and maybe not. You may get away with working on that basis a bit, or you may get caught and thrown out of Mexico. It happens. And it isn't worth the risk.
The better news is that it has become increasingly easy to establish a small business here, once you acquire your FM-3 immigration status. For example, a Brit I know has recently opened a "Computer Doctor" shop in Bucerias. He handles all manner of hardware and software problems, does housecalls, gives web design lessons, does web design, etc. I expect he is quite busy. And I'm sure there is room for more of this sort of thing. But, he has been in the area for many years, is fairly well known, and has invested in the storefront lease and an ad campaign. Still, it's a relatively small expenditure.
If I were you I would think more along these lines and put the idea of working for someone else on the farthest, dustiest reaches of the back shelf.
Best, Robert and Deborah Foster <mtngringo@yahoo.com>
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