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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
"I hate the slowness of the bureaucracy. I don't like the bank fees and exhorbitant fees associated with Mexican banks and US foreign banks in Mexico. I don't like the need to negotiate with others not used to fixed prices because it means I got to figure out what the reasonable price for an item is and then negotiate down. I never liked shopping much so it is not fun to do that for me. But I love buying artistic things that bring me joy to look at it at home. I don't like men ignoring me and asking my husband the question or giving my husband the answer. It is impolite," commented one expat who made the move to Merida, Mexico.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Mexico?
- How do I meet people in Mexico?
- What is life like in Mexico?
- Is there a lot of crime in Mexico?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Mexico accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Mexico like?
- Is the cost of living in Mexico high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Mexico?
- What are healthcare services like in Mexico?
- Is the cost of living in Mexico high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Mexico?
- What is the weather like in Mexico?
- Are there good restaurants in Mexico?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Mexico?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Mexico?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mexico?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Mexico?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Mexico?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
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 is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
