How to adapt to the expat challenges of everyday life in Mexico

Cheryl · 2025-02-19T06:39:51+01:00

Explore tips and experiences on navigating everyday life in Mexico as an expat. Share challenges, customs, and helpful insights for smoother living.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator19 February 2025 04:39:51

13912

Hello everyone,

Adapting to everyday life as an expat in Mexico can be both exciting and overwhelming: different habits, systems, and sometimes even unexpected surprises! Simple things like paying bills, using public transport, or even greeting neighbors might work differently than what you're used to.

We would like to invite you to share the biggest challenges you face in your daily routine. Here are a few questions to start with:

What aspects of daily life were the most challenging for you at first?

How did you overcome these difficulties?

Did you find any local habits or customs particularly surprising?

What has helped you in feeling more at ease in your new environment?

Any funny or unexpected experiences you would like to share?

Share your experiences, anecdotes and tips to help fellow expats.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
禁漫天堂 Team

dgeisler New member

Member since 18 July 2023

dgeislerNew member27 February 2025 13:14:01

I have been living in Mexico since 2018.

One of the most surprising things for me was the need to always have my passport for identification. Mexicans use their INE card (a voter registration and ID document), but even though I have a permanent resident visa card, this is not accepted as official ID. Therefore, when I go to the bank or another government office, I need to bring my passport as well.

I know many people advise you NOT to carry your passport, but I use a passport wallet for everyday, so I always have everything together. A picture of your passport doesn't work!

AND, most importantly, the name on your passport is going to be your name here, and it will be on all of your documents. Ladies, if you have changed your name due to marriage, you will need to prove your name back to your birth certificate for residency purposes, so be prepared to get certified and "apostile" versions of everything showing your name changes.