What do expats find most challenging?

We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Mexico. They wrote...

"The constant sound of explosives going off IS awful. Not just fireworks but M-80s at 5 am on a Sunday. There is a competition between the Colonia's and their Churches when it comes to fireworks, firecrackers, and mostly M-80's which are NOT firecrackers but sound more like a bomb detonating. This is not just a Mexico thing. San Miguel is way worse than Oaxaca City, Mexico City, Merida, etc. for blowing stuff up. For every Catholic or Cultural holiday be prepared for massive noise and there are TONS of these holidays every month. It's horrible," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Mexico.

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What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Mexico, newcomers to Mexico would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

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.