Mexico City, Mexico
An expat from New York City describes the culture shock she experienced living in Mexico City. She appreciates that people in Mexico City able to enjoy the moment instead of hurrying through life.
Mexico City
Yes. Before and after the move.
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
GET A QUOTE
Yes, I spoke Spanish fluently.
No. I was born and raised in New York City. Every day in NYC is more of a cultural shock than any typical day in Mexico City! Most North American expatriots like to present a Pollyannaish view of Mexico to convey how much more culturally accepting they are then any of their conationals at home. Such is not the case with me.
AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!
AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!
It was like going into a time barrier, back to the 1940's. Young men who would be decked out in new sneakers and clothing with exaggerated masculinity in NY or LA were on bicycles selling fruit here or selling newspapers in the street. Only once did I hear a man raise his voice and only once did I see a man in a shipping office lose his temper. He was immediately surrounded by armed-guards. Just imagine that in the u.s.?
The folks in this city were not very friendly, compared to those in the Dominican republic, Haiti, Cuba or Jamaica. Occasionally, you'd get someone who was fascinated with foreigners to be your friend, but usually it was just 'hello' and 'good-bye'. I felt like an outsider and a freak. Spanish spoken with a thick accent drew countless stares and nervous glances, and then I began to long for my native city, which has so many immigrants in it that no one even cares!
Anger at being ripped off at a laundromat and having all of my clothes dry cleaned when I specified that I only wanted them washed and folded.. I was also tricked into becoming a principal at an elementary school when all I had wanted was to be a 4th grade teacher. All of the women whom I worked with their were extremely oppositional or passive aggressive, although there was one who was kind.
Having to conceal the fact when and if you dislike someone. Not being able to throw temper tantrums in public without facing possible legal problems. Being able to enjoy the moment without being paralyzed by thoughts of what you have to do in an hour or tomorrow! Being obligated to greet each and every person who you come into verbal contact with, saying 'buenos' or 'buenas', which would be unheard of in the U.S.
Not reading newspaper editorials that dare to criticize any Mexican political officials. Plus, very few people say what is on their minds, sort of the opposite of African-Americans, West Indians, or Jews in the United States. It is a xenophobic culture, for the most part, sort of like the Chinese culture. Mexicans are far, far more relaxed when and if they are amongst their own kind, although there are occasional and definite exceptions.
Not really.
You can live here relatively cheaply if you are not in a tourist and/or expatriot area. Forget about Cabo San Lucas or San Miguel de Allende. Learn the language and live as a Mexican does. The taxis are cheap. If you don't want to hail them off of the street, call a private company. Don't be afraid to be the center of attention.
Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
GET A QUOTE
Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
GET A QUOTE
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Mexico City.
Mexico City Index
An index of all of our site's Mexico City information.
Expats in Mexico City offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Mexico City.
Mexico City's neighborhoods are as varied as its wonderful people. Find out what expat consider the 7 best neighborhoods in Mexico City.
Mexico Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Mexico on our Mexico forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.
Expats in Mexico offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Mexico.
Mexico is increasing in popularity among expats, snowbirds, digital nomads and retirees in 2022. Learn about the 12 Best Places to Live in Mexico in 2022 according to people already living there.
Expats living in Mexico discuss health insurance and quality of medical care in Mexico.
Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
GET A QUOTE
Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
GET A QUOTE
Expats, digital nomads & retirees talk about what it's like living in Mexico City.
Mexico City Index
An index of all of our site's Mexico City information.
Expats in Mexico City offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Mexico City.
If you're moving to Mexico City with kids, international schools are probably a top priority. Here's a list of some of the most well-known international schools and bilingual schools in Mexico City.
Mexico City's neighborhoods are as varied as its wonderful people. Find out what expat consider the 7 best neighborhoods in Mexico City.
Mexico Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Mexico on our Mexico forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.
Expats in Mexico offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Mexico.
Mexico is increasing in popularity among expats, snowbirds, digital nomads and retirees in 2022. Learn about the 12 Best Places to Live in Mexico in 2022 according to people already living there.
Copyright 1997-2022 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.