Pilot-Turned Poker Player on Starting a New Life in Mexico
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:
See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.