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

Connect with Kristin and Support the Show:

  • Become a Patron

  • Buy a Coffee

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  • Join the Facebook Group

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