Mistakes expats make in Mexico
Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Mexico? What were they?
How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them?
With hindsight, what would you do differently?
Are there any tips you could give future expats in Mexico to help them avoid these kinds of mistakes?
We look forward to hearing from you!
Priscilla
- The work culture in Mexico City - Guide
- Associations for expatriates in Mexico - Business
- Physical moving of Belongings to mexico - 31 Replies
- Taxes for expats in Mexico - 1 Reply
- Moving to Mexico - 5 Replies
- Canada to Mexico - 2 Replies
- COVID-19 and expatriation in Mexico - 43 Replies
The biggest one was the car. Yes it was fine for awhile , then the street got flooded, my car was tough and sailed through snow , but didn't do well with feet of water. the engine stalled, feet of water can do that, I had to open the door to get out so I then had water in the car. the electrical failed, and the car could not be locked, so someone took everything they could from the car, The insurance thought about what to do for 2 weeks . The car sat in a lot untouched .
Yet it was a truly valiant well designed car, it survived and I drove it back to the US after it lost 1/2 of its value and sold it. It was mechanically sound despite the mechanics the insurance company insisted on.
For others don{t buy a property in first year. Need to know your area, weather and neighborhood
What I do wrong, and that's time and time again.
Propane tank: I do not have a pressure gauge on my system. Cold showers happen every 2 months. I hate it but I haven't added one because I rent the house not own it.
Drinking Water storage: I have 3 "5 gallon" bottles of drinking water. I should have 3 times that much.
Water for showering and cleaning: The municipal water authority doesn't tell us when the water is going to be turned off! So if you can, take your showers at night because in the rare case that your water is turned off you don't want to have it ruin your day.
My Electricity: I have a Refrigerator that runs way to much and it is costing me tons. When I sell my truck I'm going to buy a new super efficient one.
The Ultimate problem and always will be. I am not fluent. I understand a good amount and speak ok but I have my struggles. My wife does because she is from Sonora.
my first thought is are you speaking English or Spanish to your wife ? There is the perfect person to practice with.
As for the gauge , getting a new one shouldn't be that expensive. It sounds like the constant cold showers are very frustrating.
If I were you The refrigerator would go yesterday. They are not that expensive and you should quickly recover the cost in greatly reduced electric bills.
Do you have water delivery in your area ? I have a system that was not real expensive and i just put the recently delivered 20 L bottle on that cooler. There are also plastic systems in the market that are very economical. They are just plastic bases with a spout, but they work.
In actuality the cost of electricity here is much less than what it cost me in Canada so relatively not a huge problem. My electricity bills in Canada (in a 2 bedroom house) were always over $100 for 2 months (even in the summer) and reaching just under $200 in mid-winter. Here they have been typically $60 cdn for 2 months and that is running an air conditioner for half the day and a humidifier almost all day.
It might be that I will find an alternate place to live where the humidity is higher. I am considering Mazatlan, for one.
Money period is an issue. They say the numbers very fast, and then. of course there is the change. I'm always struggling to.not get any change, but often it does not work and my pockets and purse gain another pound of coins. They don't want all of the coins either so they are always giving me change.
Liverpool is the worse. They don't give their clerks much in the way of change, so even if you are only 50 pesos over , it is likely they will have to go for change.
For example , a Mexican has a house for sale and quotes a price, of Course , he is thinking in Pesos, but the ExPats think in Dollars and negotiate the sale in Dollars. The surprised Mexican now starts thinking that all Expats are wealthy and starts upping prices when dealing with English speaking ExPats. This is just what I see here.
lazy expats are a problem.
I think in pesos , so it takes a few minutes to get out my exchange calculator to figure in dollars.. I would think finding out what the exchange rate is, would be pretty basic. Over tipping is another issue. Each of us should find out what the going rate is for everything.
Recently some of the guys who wash cars decided for expats the cost of a car wash would be $100 pesos. others pay $50. I told him I wasn't paying gringo tax and I would pay the standard rate only. I also don't tip the garbage men, or taxi drivers . The garbage men's pay is included in the city water bill. I tip waiters 20% as I would in the U,S, and I pay my house keeper very well , keeping and eye on gas increases and minimum wage increases. The web site that quotes $100 pesos a room which is way over what I pay for a housekeeper, is really not helping expats at all.
What they want is a fair reliable income, and fair treatment. Anything else drives prices up for everyone and risks everyone.
It does put us all at increased risk especially for robbery and separates us from the community as other, wealthy. and foreign.
Indeed you are right. I can only blame myself. I should have the money by next week for a new refrigerator.
My drinking water is located on the same street and it very inexpensive 10 pesos for 5 gallons. So I don't worry about it. But in the event our street has no water pressure their facility doesn't either.
Maybe I'm just lazy with the propane but it would be very easy for me to get a pressure gauge and install it. I used to be a plumber assistant and worked for home Depot. So I have no excuse. I earned those cold showers! Lol
If there is anything else to mention I would say get extra security for your vehicle. Lowjack if it's new. And never leave valuables in plain sight. Use a club like lock plus alarm or have a kill switch. I park mine in front of the nearby police booth! They watch me get in and out. Even tonight the local cop was wondering who I was until I told them I was living next to them. I'm not too friendly with them and keep my distance a bit because you can't trust everyone no matter where you live!
I'm curious about why you are not on friendlier terms with the police ? Is there a problem. The police here know me , I smile and wave at them and they wave when they drive by. I have no problems with them, which is good because there are a lot of them, especially state police. City police can be an issue in some places, but I have never had a problem with State police.
My neighbors also know me and watch out for me.
Your street water must be more processed than most. I was advised not to use ours except to wash things and water plants.
Just goes to show how different each part of Mexico is.
Glad there is a lower electric bill and hot water in your future.
In some communities in San Miguel de Allende where I live, I see kids with twisted bones walking as if they are suffering from Osteoporosis.
Tipping:
I tip God 10%, so I will not tip any human being more that i tip god.
I never tip Taxi drivers here unless they get out of their car and help me with something.
Always get a Fee for your trip before getting into a Taxi, and always look back when leaving the cab to see if you left something behind.
I have lost several phones in taxis and they never return them.
Just be careful.
Regards
I get my change, they always run off to the main office to get it, They insist and I stand there and wait for the 1 peso or 2 pesos.
I shop there often, because they have very good quality. Where they make the extra money is in the parking lot. If you are in and out you are fine but after 10-15 minutes it starts adding up and an hour or so later its 10 pesos. But it is secure mostly covered parking so I figure its fair and it is a big mall with many stores.
First, lots of expats talk in english to mexican hoping they understand their request!!!
Second, lots of expats misunderstand what they were told in spanish or spanglish!!!
Third, lots of expats talk to other expats about mexican way of doing business...look at the two previous items!!!
Fourth, taxis...lots of expats ask the taxi driver or other expats the rate...should ask the cab company!!!
Fifth, tips/propina, lots of foreigners visiting give a perception of richness...giving way to much propina (standard is 10% of the total bill, some restaurants include it on the bill but if not good service, not mandatory to pay it)!!!
Sixth, lots of expats think that every person they meet are honest...beware they are not always local inhabitants, even banks can overcharge!!!
Finally, we, as expats, should try very hard to blend in our new welcoming country!!!
Adios, GyC.
mexicogc wrote:Well this is a question for which it took me a thinking period before giving my comments.
First, lots of expats talk in english to mexican hoping they understand their request!!!
Second, lots of expats misunderstand what they were told in spanish or spanglish!!!
Third, lots of expats talk to other expats about mexican way of doing business...look at the two previous items!!!
Fourth, taxis...lots of expats ask the taxi driver or other expats the rate...should ask the cab company!!!
Fifth, tips/propina, lots of foreigners visiting give a perception of richness...giving way to much propina (standard is 10% of the total bill, some restaurants include it on the bill but if not good service, not mandatory to pay it)!!!
Sixth, lots of expats think that every person they meet are honest...beware they are not always local inhabitants, even banks can overcharge!!!
Finally, we, as expats, should try very hard to blend in our new welcoming country!!!
Adios, GyC.
Yes good points ,
I actually saw a teen in a hotel standing in the hall yelling at a porter " whats the matter with you people ? doesn't any one speak or understand English" I was extra nice to that porter after that.
I have been embarrassed listening to expats and tourists more than once. It's sort of like talking extra loud to someone who is mute, or someone who doesn't understand you. Louder is not clearer.
I usually ask the driver what the taxi rate is if I take a taxi, because I didn't call for one but just hailed one. The taxi is there so why should I call the company when I can just ask the driver ?
As for propinas, when i have seen it added to the bill it has been 15%. I pay 20% usually because I admit I have a bias in favor of the service people who often go unnoticed. I have had friends and family who worked as waiters or maids and I know how it can be, so I pay 20% in the U.S. and here. That may be 5% more than the going rate, but I will do it any way. It leads to big smiles and spectacular service by the way in the U.S. and here. I tip the baggers in the market also, because somewhere along the line that has become the expectation. I take my cue there from the locals that do it. In their defense the baggers in the market are usually very elderly.
I think taking your cue from the locals is an invaluable tool. that can be part of the blending in. Which i am pretty sure would be very difficult in an expat community.
As for honesty, like in the U.S. some are, some are not. I have seen a number of expats and tourists believing that most are not safe or honest message they got at home. They also tend to believe the lazy ,stupid and dirty myth, at least for awhile. You learn and adapt or you isolate.
I have had many occasions where someone has returned a lost item, or alerted me to something I misplaced, so my experience is that most people will not take advantage and they will pay extra attention if you speak their language and are polite and friendly.
I move around quite a bit because i do charity work in the Marginalized Communities and i hear stories about the Gringos. Some are quite embarassing.
I met a guy at the pharmacy he has lived in SMA 6 years and could communicate w the pharmacist
Did you mean to say could ? or did you intend could not ?
Just a point of clarification
I suspect you meant to say could not, and I think that is much more likely in expat heavy areas.
Where I live I see few expats, but when I do they are usually communicating in Spanish.
On the other hand communicating with a pharmacist is sort of a double disadvantage especially if you don't speak or understand either Spanish or medicine ( which as you know has a language all it's own).
He should respect the country he is visiting. I suspect he should look up the drugs he is taking also. The "lots of people speak English" excuse is not realistic.
Also. If you start out with staying at AirBNBs, don't just pick the cheapest one that's cheapest monthly without researching the area. Right now I've paid for a whole month out in what seems to be the boonies - it's not, but it's over in the east side in what looks terribly run-down and like an earthquake disaster area - so far what parts I've seen of both Juarez and Tijuana would make me think this whole country looks like the War Zone in Albuquerque. Right now I can't do anything or go anywhere because I'm waiting for a replacement passport, so I'm pretty much stuck in the apartment - there's nothing within safe walking distance in terms of buying anything except an Oxxo and I've never in my life done all my food shopping at places like that. So I'll just do without. There's a guy here, neighbour, who offers me rides to whatever I need to get "settled in" but is then overcharging me for each and every time I need to go anywhere, which is why I resign myself to WALKING even though that's not safe.
Maybe what I need to say is biggest mistake is don't come here (virtually) single and female? I actually "look" like a local (Oaxaca or south Mexico or Guatemala or Panama) so that may actually be part of the problem, they're treating me "like one of THEM." But like "American" at the same time and I'm IRISH. Don't come here speaking any English at all unless you're prepared to fight off being robbed! Of course I didn't SAY anything before my purse was snatched. When that passport gets here I'm going back to Ireland! I can teach English from my computer from the "safety" of an English-speaking country where I'm a citizen and have RIGHTS.
RE: mountain visits. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It's not uncommon to experience a lack of energy, headache for the first few days at higher altitudes. Take it easy! Your body needs to adjust.
I've seen a number of tourists take a tumble while trying to step back and focus for that perfect photo. Sidewalks and stairways are often uneven. So I tell guests to observe the "Walk or Gawk" rule. STOP to look around but watch where you're walking when you move.
I didn't speak a word of Spanish. I'd plan ahead on how to go to a store and ask for something. One day I needed a nut for a bolt. Looked up the word. OK. "Tuerca". Headed off to the hardware store. "Tuerca Tuerca Tuerca..." When I got there, these old guys were standing around the counter chewing the fat. I marched right up there and announced to the clerk I wanted a "trucha". Silence ensued, along with 3 pairs of bright old eyes turned on me.... finally snickers. I had just asked for a "trout". We all had a good laugh. And yes, I did get my nut.
You're going to make language mistakes if you're not fluent in the language. A smile and pantomime can help a lot. Don't expect your English to be understood. That will put you in "the Ugly American" category instantly. I've since learned, especially with auto parts, that the best thing to do is walk in with the old part and just say you want one of these. That's what the Mexican mechanics do, too. Trying to translate something like a "rocker arm" is almost impossible unless you can find an English-Spanish auto parts dictionary! (Hey! Let me know if you do!)
I'm still not grammatically pristine in my Spanish, but I get by in everyday life. Learn as much as you can. It will both enrich your appreciation of the culture, and help you navigate the customs.
All for now! Or this may turn into a book!
Shoulder bags are an easy target. I haven't ever been a victim of a purse-snatching, and I hope it won't happen, but there are a few things you can do to cut the odds. Don't keep your valuables like passport or money, credit cards, etc. in there. I wear a pouch around my neck inside my shirt or a money belt if I know I'm going to be in a crowd. I carry a shoulder bag sometimes, but always on the building, not curb side. I wouldn't want to be dragged away by someone on a motorbike! Tuck the bag in front of you under your arm and stay alert. Still might happen, but maybe these measures will help.
CasaColibri wrote:One last paragraph on newbie mistakes.... some Mexicans may find it offensive when you call yourself an "American". I know, I know, it seems perfectly natural to do so, but THEY'RE Americans, too. Calling yourself an Estados Unidense is a mouthful. Most commonly used is "Norte Americano" (a)
Funny, we just returned from the Maldives and my answer started out as "United States" and the response was "Oh, America". In my mind I am thinking "North, Central, South?" Oh well, finally I gave up and said, "California", which worked very well.
hee! guess it depends in part on the looking glass
CasaColibri wrote:One last paragraph on newbie mistakes.... some Mexicans may find it offensive when you call yourself an "American". I know, I know, it seems perfectly natural to do so, but THEY'RE Americans, too. Calling yourself an Estados Unidense is a mouthful. Most commonly used is "Norte Americano" (a)
Mexico is in North America and in your comment they would also be offended if you called yourself a Norteamericano.
Most commonly used in Mexico is Americano for US citizens. Mexicans always use Mexican.when describing their citizenship never American or Americano.
Mexico´s official name is Estados Unidos Mexicanos - the United States of Mexico.
America´s official name is the United States of America.
Along with Canada they both are in the continent of North America. All 3 citizens of these 3 countries live in the continent of North American but only USA citizens can call themselves Americans or when in Mexico Americanos. They can´t call themselves Canadians or Mexicans.
Some Mexicans and Americans do use the term Norteamericano and more use Estadounidense but many use Americano to describe Americans [US citizens]. All are correct and no one should be offended.
Make your relocation easier with the Mexico expat guide
Relocating to Mexico
Do you intend to relocate to Mexico? The most crucial step is to spend some time in the place. Learn about the ...
Moving with your pets to Mexico
You are permitted to bring your cats and dogs into Mexico as long as you notify the Agricultural Health Inspection ...
Childcare and education in Mexico
Many Mexicans' lives, young and old, revolve around family issues. Children are accepted on most social ...
Dating in Mexico
We can recognize an intrinsic spark of love in the Mexican culture, "la serenata." Remember that ...
Working in San Miguel de Allende
Located in the center of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a small city with a rich artistic, cultural, and ...
Leisure activities in Mexico
Mexico has activities for everyone: from exciting adventure to peaceful relaxation, high culture to rowdy street ...
The Mexican lifestyle
Fiesta, mañanitas, music, friendliness, food, peace and tranquillity... This is what life is all about in ...
The Working Holiday Visa for Mexico
Mexico is a destination that has something special for everyone — with its fabulous beaches, ancient ruins, ...
Forum topics on moving to Mexico
Essential services for your expat journey
