Kristin speaks with Teemu Alanen, a Finnish pilot turned poker player who moved from Europe to Mexico and changed his life. Hear why he made the life-changing leap to digital nomadism, his tips for thriving as an expat in Mexico, and what a typical day in the life of a remote poker player looks like.

Teemu also talks about the differences between Finnish culture and Mexican culture, revealing why he’s not moving back to Finland anytime soon.

Plus, Kristin highlights a few listener stories and questions about Tulum.

Special Offers:

• Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin!
• Check out Tortuga Backpacks
• Stay covered with Nomad Health by SafetyWing (Global Health Insurance for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads)

Topics Discussed:

• Why Teemu decided to quit being a pilot to pursue online poker.
• Unique aspects of Finnish culture (communication, socializing, dating, etc.)
• What you need to thrive as an expat in Mexico.
• Tips for finding a trustworthy immigration lawyer in Mexico.
• Activities and groups in Tulum.
• The phases of moving to a new place as a digital nomad.
• Differences in living in Tulum vs. Playa del Carmen.
• A typical work day in the life of a remote poker player.
• Teemu’s invite-only “family dinners”.

Questions Answered:

• Why did you decide to move abroad to Mexico?
• What was it like being in Tulum during the pandemic lockdown?
• What makes Tulum special compared to Playa del Carmen and other cities?
• How is Finnish culture different from other cultures?
• What phase of life and digital nomadism are you in?
• Will you move back to Finland or to another country in the future?

Episode Resources: 

• Trusted Bilingual Immigration Lawyer in Mexico: Adriana Vella - Immigration to Mexico
• Online Men’s Group: Men of Means

Related Podcasts:

• Ep 77: 8 Essential Skills You Need to Become a Digital Nomad
• Ep 97: What I Love About Living Abroad
• Ep 184: How To Find Community Abroad With the Co-Founder of WiFi Tribe
• Ep 219: How To Move Overseas With Confidence - Bigger, Better World
• Ep 242: 7 Things to Know Before You Move Abroad
• Ep 249: Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
• Ep 250: From Canada to Mexico – How a Near-Death Experience Changed This Expat’s Life

Related Videos:

• How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK]
• Living in Mexico as an Expat: Crime, Health, Cost-of-Living, & More
• Why He Left the US to find FREEDOM in Mexico 🇲🇽
• Live with Kristin: Your Most Burning Questions About Travel and Living Abroad
• 20 Incredible Places to Visit on Earth (Natural Wonders, Islands, Europe, and More!)

Connect with Guest, Teemu Alanen:

• Follow on Instagram

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*   Become a Patron

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See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.