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Tulum, Mexico

Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 10, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Mexico include the warm climate, the vibrant culture, the delicious cuisine, and the friendly people. Additionally, the cost of living is generally lower than in other countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, the cons of living in Mexico include the high crime rate in some areas, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the language barrier for those who don't speak Spanish. Additionally, the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries, and the infrastructure is often lacking.

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

What are the pros and cons of living in Mexico?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Mexico responded:

"I've never experienced any racism by Mexicans towards white people. But I've seen PLENTY of racist white people treating Mexicans poorly. Maybe try treating them with a little respect and courtesy. In my experience, Mexican people are warm and kind and good. If you go to Mexico and get mad at the locals for not speaking English, you should GO HOME," explained one expat living in Merida.

"The high humidity produces the famed "city of flowers" of which the state capital Xalapa, 4 miles away, boasts but also leads to a runny nose. I have found work-arounds and would not trade the beauty of the natural world for anything. It's hard to see children begging. Street repair is ignored. Traffic is heavy at high-use times. Adjusting has been remarkably easy," said one expat in living in Coatepec, Mexico.

"Working class Mexicans live in Mazatlán too so there are some cheap accommodations available provided you are OK with such locations and lifestyle, none of which have an ocean view," wrote one expat in Mazatlan.

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What do expats in Mexico appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Mexico often appreciate the hospitality of the locals and the warmth of their culture. They often find that Mexicans are very friendly and kind, making it easy to become part of the culture quickly. Additionally, expats in Mexico often enjoy the colorful, vibrant festivals that take place throughout the year and appreciate the abundance of delicious Mexican cuisine. The culture of Mexico is also rich in history, art, and traditions, offering plenty of opportunities for expats to explore and discover," remarked one in Mexico.

"Simpler lifestyle, fresher food, lower priced food, lower price utilities and rent, ocean breezes. Fisherman live on my streets, seeing them repair their nets, getting boats ready. Love fresh shrimp and fish. So many to list here," explained one expat.

"The language is fun to learn, the food is great, a lot of people I've met are really special and I've made some friends, although it hasn't been easy. They are a close-knit culture with their families and don't accept gringas very willingly, but I'm okay. There are astoundingly beautiful places that I could never see the like in the States," said one person in Guadalajara.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"A delightful challenge is to let go of the "pressue cooker" lifestyle which I lived while climbing the ladder of success. The language, until I learn more, is still slightly a challenge. And, since I really enjoy knowing what's going on in the country in which I live, I really find it challenging that I don't understand the politics of the county. Lastly, I find it very difficult to find other expats to socialize with. Where are you all hiding?," said one person in Tequisquiapan.

"Expats in Mexico may find it difficult to adjust to the country's slower pace of life, as many aspects of the culture are much less rushed and hurried than in the expat's home country. Additionally, Mexico's social hierarachy and sense of respect for those in higher positions can be an adjustment for expats, and it is important to take into account one's place in the social context. Expats may also find that the predominance of Catholicism and its implications for some of Mexico's social customs can also be difficult to adjust to. Overall, nonverbal communication and body language may be more important in Mexico than in some expats' homelands, and understanding and mastering these shared cultural cues can be a challenge," remarked one expat in Mexico.

"For me, the most challenging part is the language barrier. Learning Spanish is not easy. Abd though it will take about 5 years to be fully fluent I've embraced the challenge," explained one expat living in Comitan, CHIAPAS.

"Ha! this is easy. The most challenging aspects are adapting to the mentality (you have to literally dumb down to fit into society, for the most part). I have to be more flexible about time too," said one expat in Queretaro.

"I think language is the main challenge. Originally, we were going to move to Playa del Carmen where many of the Mexicans speak English as it is a tourist town. We changed plans and moved to Merida and have found that the majority of Mexicans do not speak English, so it is definitely a challenge daily!," said a person living in Merida.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Tulum, Mexico
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Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

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