Finding Home
Abroad
Omar’s Expat Life in Austria
Meet Omar (36), a native Mexican who has lived in Austria for nearly 10 years. He shares his unique luxuries in Lower Austria, cultural adjustments, and essential tips for fellow expats.
Since when have you been in Austria?
I’ve been in Austria since 2015, but I had prior experiences in Germany before that. My first time in Germany was in 2012 during an exchange program as part of my bachelor studies, followed by an internship at Bosch in Stuttgart. After that, I returned to Mexico for a while, but came back to Germany in 2014 to pursue my master’s degree in Heidelberg.
What brought you to Austria?
I met my wife in Heidelberg, where she was also studying. She’s Austrian, born and raised in Lower Austria. After completing my master’s in Heidelberg, we decided to move to Austria together. Although I didn’t know much about Austria at the time, I was warmly welcomed by her family, which quickly made me feel at home. My biggest motivation to move to Austria was to be with her.
“Short distances are a luxury for me."
You come from Mexico and now live in a village of 2000 people. A big change?
Yes, it’s quite a change, but you adapt and find new hobbies. I’m from Hermosillo, a city with about a million people in a desert region where summer temperatures can reach 40-50 degrees Celsius. I don’t miss that extreme heat! Instead, I enjoy the luxury of being able to reach Vienna or Linz within an hour. In Austria, distances are often seen as a big deal; driving 2-3 hours can feel exhausting to many. But for someone from Mexico, where an hour’s drive is nothing, it’s a different perspective.
You said you had to adapt. What would you say is typically Austrian?
Life here is very organized—everything is planned well in advance, from making a shopping list to scheduling a day trip or meeting with friends. In Mexico, things are more spontaneous. If you want to see a friend or family, you just give them a call, and plans are often made on the fly. For example, my parents might wake up on a weekend and decide that morning to take a “small” 4-5 hour road trip to another city. Because of this need for organization, it can be challenging to make friends here. The best plans often come from random, spontaneous invites, which are less common in Austria.
Was the ‘organised’ nature something that you also noticed in your work life?
Definitely. In Mexico, work and leisure often mix, even during office hours. You might be focused on a project, and a colleague will drop by to chat about the latest office gossip. In Austria, these social interactions still happen, but they’re more likely to occur during lunch or coffee breaks rather than at your desk. Workspaces are more focused on work here.
“Hard work has a different meaning in Mexico.”
What is different?
Many people mistakenly believe that Mexicans are lazy, but in reality, we have a robust work culture centered on making a meaningful impact. I was shocked when I first saw people in Europe taking almost a month off for vacations—something unheard of in Mexico, where such long leave would make us view Europeans as lazy.
The concept of ‘hard work,’ however, is different. In Mexico, there’s intense pressure to demonstrate that you’re working hard because job competition is fierce. Once your first year is completed, you typically get only 1-2 weeks of vacation, and the average workday is about 10 hours. However, during those 10 hours, work and personal matters often mix together. In Austria, there’s a clear separation—work time is strictly work, and socializing happens during designated breaks. Here, if you consistently work overtime, you might be seen as a ‘workaholic.’ It’s all about finding the right balance and adapting to local expectations.
The work-life balance that is often desired and practiced by employees here is not really an issue in Mexico with 10-hour workdays and little vacation.
No, that kind of work-life balance is almost unimaginable in Mexico. I think it’s something that can only really thrive in countries like Austria, where there are strong social security protections. The social system here allows employees to enjoy benefits like vacation time without fear of negative repercussions at work. I have friends in the U.S. who technically have 2-3 weeks of vacation, but they don’t take it all because it’s often frowned upon. The same applies in Mexico, where not doing overtime can be seen negatively.
How did you manage to cope with all the cultural differences?
I’m fortunate that my wife is Austrian, which gave me quick and easy access to the typical aspects of Austrian life, like enjoying a “Heuriger,” exploring the beautiful lakes, sharing beers with neighbors, and experiencing local traditions like the “Maibaum.” But there are also many similarities between Austria and Mexico, thanks to Archduke Maximilian, who brought a lot of Austrian influence to Mexico. For instance, you can find similar folk music in Mexico.
If we’re already talking about typically Austrian things. One typically Austrian thing is certainly the dream of owning a home. You and your wife built a house in Lower Austria. Are there any funny episodes you would like to share?
In Austria, a house is much more than just a building – it’s the embodiment of a home. In Mexico, a house is more about the memories created by the people living in it, so it’s common for a family to move and live in different houses throughout their lives. Building a house in Mexico usually involves making phone calls and organizing things, but not necessarily doing the hands-on work yourself. I used to think that only professionals could build houses, but here in Austria, it seems like almost everyone can do it! It was exhausting but also a rewarding experience, and we were fortunate to have a lot of help from family and colleagues.
Have you had any memorable experiences or encounters that made you feel especially welcomed or part of the community?
One memorable experience was during the topping-out ceremony, a tradition where a tree is mounted on the roof once the house´s structure is finished. When we reached this stage in building our house, our neighbors came over to celebrate with us. They spontaneously joined in the ceremony, helping us feel very welcomed and a part of the community.
What challenges or surprises did you face in Austria? Is there any specific situation you remember?
One challenge was definitely the language. I thought my B1 level German would be sufficient, but it wasn’t. Even now, with a C1-level proficiency, I still struggle with the strong dialects in the area. It takes constant effort and dedication to improve and better integrate. Another challenge is the numerous rules for everything, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
What would be an example of a rule you think should be reconsidered?
I’m generally in favor of rules, but some are worth reconsidering. For instance, I still don’t understand why I can’t quickly mow my lawn for 20 minutes on a Sunday. But these are minor things.
“Language makes you better with people”
Do you have any advice for other expats considering a move to Austria?
- Get involved in local activities — Join clubs or community groups to meet people and immerse yourself in Austrian culture.
- Learn about the local customs — Understanding traditions and social norms will help you feel more comfortable and respected in your new environment.
- Explore the country — Take time to travel around Austria to fully appreciate its diverse landscapes and rich history.
My recommendations for a successful expat experience are: Be patient – things don’t happen overnight. Stay flexible – adapt to your new environment instead of expecting others to adjust to you. And keep working on your language skills – it helps you connect with people better and makes integration smoother.