21 Things to Know Before Moving to Mexico
If youโre planning on moving to Mexico, ยกbien hecho! (congratulations!)
Populated for more than 13,000 years, Mexico has cultivated an incredibly rich, diverse culture. If you enjoy gorgeous jungles, beaches, and deserts, a variety of delectable food and alcohol, and welcoming, charming people, youโll love it here.
1.5 million Americans have already made the move (US State Department, 2022), so youโll have a ready-made community of expats in this glorious nation. But there are still some things you should be aware of before you arrive โ and weโve got you covered.
Fill in this quick form to receive up to six free shipping quotes, and find out how much it would cost to make the move of a lifetime.

The glorious Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City
1. Mexico bridges continents โ but itโs a world of its own
The third-largest Latin American country connects South and North America โ but itโs so much more than that.
With 5,800 miles of coastline, Mexico boasts countless beautiful beaches (especially on its Caribbean and Pacific shores), sweeping deserts, mountains and volcanoes climbing thousands of metres, and verdant jungles full of fantastical animals.
The country is equally multifaceted when it comes to its people, with different cultures, various ethnicities, and 60 languages thriving across its 10 main traditional regions.
This will feel familiar to most Americans, but the sheer amount of diversity in a country five times smaller than the US is still striking.
2. The past is present
Another attribute that Mexico shares with the US is a painful history that continues to impact people today.
While the US has never fully processed its history of slavery, Mexico has a complicated relationship with colonialism.
500 years ago, Spanish forces defeated disparate Aztec groups, took over the country, and renamed it โ along with various other territories on the American continent โ โNew Spainโ.
When Mexico won its independence 300 years later, it wasnโt like the US cutting its cord with London โ this was the removal of an occupying, enslaving force that had nevertheless shaped much of Mexicoโs culture.
As Mexican poet Octavio Paz said: โPast epochs never vanish completely, and blood still drips from all their wounds, even the most ancient.โ
3. This is a deeply Catholic country
Thereโs no official religion here, but 83% of Mexicans are Catholic, and most take their religion extremely seriously.
You donโt have to be Catholic to live here, but certainly make sure you donโt offend the locals by joking about their faith. For instance, donโt say anything negative about Our Lady of Guadalupe.
This is the Mexican Catholic name for Jesusโs mother, Mary, who is said to have appeared to a peasant in 1531 โ 10 years after the Spanish invasion โ as a dark-skinned woman who spoke Nahuatl, an indigenous language.
She became the Patroness of Mexico, a symbol of the nationโs identity that brought people together โ and she has represented a host of other causes, including feminism, motherhood, and social justice.
4. The healthcare system is mediocre
Mexicoโs universal healthcare system is not bad, but itโs far below the standard youโd expect from the 15th-wealthiest country in the world.
The Lancet ranked Mexicoโs health service 91st in the world โ three places lower than Syria, and 62 places below the US.
This shortfall is largely due to a deficit of funding from the government โ it takes care of just 51% of the countryโs healthcare expenditure, far below the OECD average of 71%.
The rest of the spending mostly falls directly on residents, who pay 41% of the costs out of their pocket, according to the World Bank.
In reference to Mexicoโs healthcare system, the OECD has noted that โhigh out-of-pocket spending on healthcare signals a failure of the health system to provide effective insurance, high-quality services, or both.โ
If youโre an employee when you move to Mexico, your company should sign you up for public healthcare. But if youโre retired, self-employed, or unemployed, youโll have to arrange everything yourself โ in Spanish.
Check out our guide to healthcare in Mexico, and if youโre thinking of moving to this fascinating country, remember to consider medical cover for when youโre out there.
5. You should learn Spanish
Speaking of speaking Spanish โ you should.
While most high-profile business figures in the country will be fluent in English, very few other people will be.
Only around 12.9% of Mexicans speak English, so if you have any hopes of making friends, feeling settled, or even just going shopping, itโs a good idea to learn Spanish as quickly as possible.
6. Mexican independence is not celebrated on Cinco de Mayo
Itโs easy to make this rookie error, but youโll gain a lot more respect if youโre aware that Mexico marks its independence on 16 September each year.
On this day in 1810, inspired by the American and French revolutions, Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his Dolores churchโs bells to signal the start of the 11-year-long Mexican War of Independence, which split the nation from Spain.
Each year this act, known as Grito de Dolores (โCry of Doloresโ), is carried out by the current Mexican president โ and is often the cause of protest, in this same revolutionary spirit.
Festivities start on the eve of 15 September, and continue into the next day with music, dancing, fireworks, and food including the delicious pozole stew and chiles en nogada, which presents the colours of the Mexican flag with stuffed chiles, beef, and cream sauce.
Cinco de Mayo, on the other hand, takes place on 5 May and honours Mexico's military triumph over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Itโs marked with parades, historical re-enactments, and a day off work and school in two states.

This stunning sight is a real-life beach in Quintana Roo
7. Here comes the sun
Mexico has plenty of sunshine for you to enjoy โ for example, Mexico City experiences around the same amount of sunlight per year as Houston, Texas: 2,500 hours.
Itโs warm, too, with a tropical climate producing temperatures which rarely drop below 50ยฐF, and regularly climb above 90ยฐF.
That doesnโt mean itโs always dry, though. Carry an umbrella with you during the rainy season, which runs from June through mid-October.
8. Living costs are lower
Mexico offers a considerably lower cost of living than the US โ and thatโs without even taking into account the savings made from not paying exorbitant amounts for healthcare.
Youโll pay about half the price for more or less every expense in Mexico, from food and clothes to bus tickets.
And when it comes to rent and house prices, youโll typically save at least two-thirds by moving south of the border.
If you manage to attain a salary anywhere close to what you received in the US, youโll be in financial dreamland. And even if you donโt, youโll probably still do very well for yourself.
9. Know your US-Mexico history
Mexico and the US have a close, complex relationship. Weโre not saying you have to be a professor in the subject, but you should have some awareness of it if youโre moving there.
For instance, the Mexican-American War of 1846-48 saw the US invade Mexico to annex Texas. This conflict โ the first fought by the US on foreign soil โ left psychological scars in its wake.
The US also had a large influence on the decade-long Mexican Revolution of 1910, which shaped modern politics in the country by creating a strong central government and ensuring civilian politicians controlled the army โ putting a decisive end to military coups.
Nowadays, the US and Mexico are tightly connected economically and socially, with millions of people in both countries choosing to live in the other nation.
The good news is that 66% of Mexicans have a favorable view of the US, according to a national poll from November 2021 that showed this number had rebounded from 30% since Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump as US President.
So as long as you donโt bring up the war, you should be fine.
10. The people are welcomingโฆ
Mexico is consistently voted as one of the most welcoming countries in the world, and for good reason.
Mexican hospitality is reliably generous and charming, so make sure you thank everyone for opening their doors to you, accept a large proportion of the food they provide, and offer to help with tasks like clearing the table after a meal.
This kindness will be returned to you tenfold.
11. โฆso if youโre called a gringo, itโs probably a good sign
In some contexts, gringo can be used as a slur against foreigners, but if the speaker seems like theyโre being affectionate, they probably are โ theyโre just making fun of you.
Remember too that theyโre punching up, so donโt return comedic fire by relying on tired Mexican stereotypes.
Instead, laugh at yourself and join in the animated, overlapping conversations with plenty of eye contact and physical jostling. People donโt usually take themselves or personal space too seriously here.
12. Mexican humor is dark, sarcastic, and full of double entendres
You probably know about Dรญa de Muertos, the festival that joyfully celebrates the dead, but what you may not know is that Mexicoโs close relationship with death extends to its humor.
So donโt be afraid to go dark with your jokes, as long as theyโre not insulting.
Speaking of which, be aware of albures, or double entendres, which Mexicans often use to make sexual jokes or remarks.
For instance, you might be asked as a foreigner whether you like Mexican chilies, which may well be an effort to trick you into saying you enjoy having sex with Mexican men โ or it may just be an innocent question.
Try to pick up on these abures, but also be prepared to trip over one and be (lovingly) laughed at, as there are countless thousands.
Itโs so widespread that thereโs an annual competition to find the best albureros (wordplay expert) in the country.
Throw in the rampant sarcasm, and this can all come as a surprise to Americans who are used to broad comedy, observational humor, and slapstick โ but if you embrace it, youโll end up loving it.

The delicious dish of beef pozole, traditionally eaten on Mexican Independence Day
13. Food is different โ and delicious โ in every region
If you grew up in the US, youโll probably have eaten plenty of Mexican food, but you also donโt need me to tell you that it doesnโt compare to the real deal.
There are many excellent reasons to travel around Mexico while youโre there โ more about that later โ but food would be a fantastic reason all on its own.
The country contains seven distinct food regions, and you should sample them all: from sumptuous burritos, grilled beef, and fresh cheese in the North to the Southโs delectable pit-oven-cooked pork (cochinita pibil) and moreish coconut shrimp.
You should also make sure to try chilaquiles as soon as possible, so you can have this glorious concoction of lightly fried tortilla slices with salsa, pulled chicken, fried or scrambled eggs, cheese, and cream every morning for the rest of your life.
You can also add onion, avocado, and refried beans to the mix, just in case you wanted to make this dish even more mouthwatering.
There are countless versions of every Mexican dish you can think of, from tamales to tacos. Let people try to prove how much better their version is, and your taste buds will thank you.
14. Soccer is huge hereโฆ
Whether or not you love soccer already, your best chance of adoring the sport is to experience fรบtbol in Mexico.
The fans are passionate, the standard is high, and the atmosphere is incredible.
Go to an international match, by all means โ the menโs team is ranked 14th globally โ but donโt miss out on Liga MX. Once youโve seen a match or two, youโll be hooked on the best league in the Americas, which is thankfully organised like sport seasons in the US.
It has a fall league (Apertura) from July to December, and an identical spring league (Clausura) from January until May, so you get two champions per year.
15. โฆbut donโt miss out on other sports
If baseballโs more your speed than soccer, then youโll find plenty of like-minded people, as itโs extremely popular in the northwest and southeast โ but make sure you also step outside of your comfort zone.
Go watch the national sport of charrerรญa, a Mexican style of rodeo originally created to help herders to keep control of their horses.
There are many different equestrian contests in any given charrerรญa event, meaning you could see riders lassoing their horse, desperately trying to stay on a bucking horse, or attempting to switch horses mid-ride.
If you can stomach it, bull fights are also culturally rich โ if bloody โ spectacles.
16. Now doesnโt always mean now
Asking for timings can be tricky in Mexico.
Ahora means โnowโ, but unlike in most Spanish-speaking countries, adding โitaโ to create ahorita doesnโt change the meaning to โright nowโ โ it makes it mean the opposite.
If you ask when your package will arrive and hear โahorita,โ you could be waiting a few hours, a day, or forever. If the speaker lengthens the word to โahoriiiiita,โ this indicates that youโll be waiting even longer.
If you want to say that you need something right away, say โahorititita.โ And yes, this is just as confusing when itโs happening to you.
17. The landscape for LGBT people is complicated
Mexico has a relatively progressive approach to LGBT people, which is pretty unusual for such a deeply Catholic country.
You can marry someone of the same gender in Mexico City and 21 of the nationโs 31 states, anti-discrimination legislation covers LGBT folks, and transgender people can legally change their gender at 18 without getting surgery.
Same-sex couples can also adopt or create a child through scientific methods like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in three states, though itโs technically unconstitutional to deny this right in the other states.
Culturally, the best LGBT spaces are characteristically found in the capital city, in the Zona Rosa (Pink Zone), which boasts dozens of LGBT bars and clubs. Hundreds of thousands of people also attend the Pride parade in Mexico City each year.
Tolerance is not universal, but 69% of Mexicans think homosexuality should be accepted by society, according to Pew Research โ which is only just below the USโs 72% figure.
However, like in the US, there is still violence against anyone whoโs not straight and cisgender. In 2019, 117 LGBT people were killed in Mexico, according to Reuters, and the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index places Mexico 33rd โ 13 places below the US.
Letโs not throw stones in glass houses, though. 51 trans people were murdered in the US in 2021, according to the Human Rights Campaign, so progress is clearly needed in both nations.

The imposing, ancient Teotihuacan Pyramids of the Moon and the Sun
18. You must explore this incredible country
Mexico is full of wonders.
Just ask UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), which has designated 35 world heritage sites in Mexico โ the seventh-most of any country, and 11 more than the much larger US.
Take advantage, and explore thousands of years of incredible creations made by people and nature.
Go see Teotihuacan and Palenque, two cities built around 1,500 years ago that are home to incredible buildings. Teotihuacan (โthe city of the godsโ) is particularly striking, with its imposing Temple of Quetzalcoatl overlooking the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.
Then dive into nature on Espiritu Santo Island, where you can swim with angelfish, dolphins, parrotfish, rays, turtles, and whales, and by visiting the Magic Falls in Huatulco, which completely live up to their name.
19. The alcohol is tasty โ but be careful
Like the majority of countries, the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. You can even drink on the street โ just donโt get drunk and make a public spectacle of yourself.
If youโre moving to either Mexico City or Guadalajara โ both popular expat destinations โ beware the effect that living at high altitude can have on your bodyโs reaction to alcohol.
Chances are, youโll get drunk much more quickly than you expect โ so take it slow at first.
Once youโre acclimatised, there are plenty of national drinks to enjoy, including lots of wonderful tequila. Always try the local delicacy, and again, let people try to convince you which one is best.
Make sure you also enjoy some mezcal made by independent artisans, who will cook agave in earthen pits alongside charcoal and lava rocks before distilling it in clay pots, giving the drink its delicious, smoky flavour.
Remember: el mezcal no te emborracha, te pone mรกgico (โmezcal doesnโt make you drunk, it makes you magicalโ).
And while drinking alcohol can always be potentially dangerous, itโs not as reliably bad for you as the nationโs tap water. Donโt drink the tap water in Mexico.
20. Expect people to be late
Mexicans have a different relationship with time.
While weโve had the phrase โtime is moneyโ hammered into our brains, time is viewed here as more of an uncontrollable phenomenon, like a river.
If an event overruns, itโs seen as a gift, rather than a waste of time. If someone shows up late to an appointment, itโs rarely an issue.
And as is common in Latin America, people wonโt start turning up for an 8pm party until 10:30pm โ at the earliest.
This can stress out Americans at first, but soon enough, youโll start to appreciate the more relaxed attitude towards time, and the ways in which it allows you to be more spontaneous and flexible.
21. Small words make life easier
Like many Latin American populations, Mexicans often add diminutives to the end of words.
In literal terms, these suffixes โ ito and ita โ add โsmallโ to the word youโre using. For instance, if you offer to make someone a cafecito, youโre asking if they want a small coffee.
But its main use is to soften the impact or seriousness of a sentence, show a lack of aggression, and convey affection or respect.
So whether youโre asking someone out on a date, telling your friend that their new shirt is horrendous, or asking your colleague to pass a file, diminutives can make the interaction easier.