Taking Uber to Teotihuacan: A Practical Guide from Experience
Uber to Teotihuacan: 400-600 pesos one way from CDMX (45 min-1.5 hrs). Leave 7-8am. Getting Uber BACK is hard—have backup plan (bus 104 pesos).
Mexico
Mexico City Blog Posts
Stories and guides from Mexico City expats
Where to Try Chapulines (Grasshoppers) in Mexico City: Best Guacamole Spots
Chapulines taste nutty and crispy with lime-chili seasoning. Best spots: Mercado San Juan (gourmet), La Merced (budget), Pujol (upscale). Try them in guacamole.
The Fascinating History of Mole: Mexico's Most Celebrated Sauce
Mole originated from pre-Hispanic "molli" made by Aztecs, then evolved through Spanish colonial influence adding chocolate and spices, creating the complex 20-30 ingredient sauce celebrated today.
How to Get Mexican Health Insurance: Public vs Private Options for Expats in 2026
Get Mexican health insurance through public IMSS (6,000-12,000 pesos/year) or private options (15,000-60,000 pesos/year). IMSS offers low-cost comprehensive coverage; private provides faster English-speaking care.
Understanding Social Security in Mexico: IMSS, ISSSTE, and Benefits for Expats in 2026
Mexico's social security operates through IMSS for private workers and ISSSTE for government employees, with voluntary IMSS enrollment costing 6,000-12,000 pesos annually by age.
How to Build Credit in Mexico as an Expat: A Complete Guide for 2026
Building credit in Mexico takes 6-12 months through secured cards or employment contributions. Your foreign credit history doesn't transfer, requiring you to establish new creditworthiness.
Driving Your Car to Mexico: Complete Guide for Expats in 2026
Bringing your car to Mexico requires a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for travel beyond the Free Zone, costing $50-60 USD plus $200-400 deposit, valid for up to 180 days or 1-4 years. You must purchase Mexican auto insurance ($15-30 daily or $300-800 annually).
Mexican Etiquette and Customs: A Cultural Guide for Expats in 2026
Mexican etiquette: cheek kiss (women), handshake/abrazo (men). Arrive 30-60 min "late" socially. Say "buen provecho" to people eating. Use "usted" with elders.
Permanent Residency in Mexico: Complete Guide to Requirements, Costs, and Timeline in 2026
Permanent residency in Mexico requires $180,000-220,000 USD in savings or $4,500-5,000 USD monthly income for direct applications. Processing takes 2-12 weeks depending on location, with costs of $6,000-7,500 MXN.
Temporary Residency in Mexico: Complete Guide to Requirements, Costs, and Timeline in 2026
Mexico temporary residency: $2,500-3,000/month income OR $45-60k savings (6-12 mo bank statements). Apply at consulate, complete at INM. 1-4 years, renewable.
How to Open a Bank Account in Mexico: A Complete Guide for Expats
Foreigners with Temporary/Permanent Residency can open full-service Mexican bank accounts at BBVA, Santander, and Banorte. You'll need passport, residency card, proof of address (within 3 months), and potentially RFC tax ID—here's your complete guide to Mexican banking.
Can Foreigners Buy Land in Mexico? Complete 2026 Guide to Property Ownership Rules
Foreigners can buy Mexican property. Interior: direct ownership. Coastal (Cancun/Tulum): fideicomiso bank trust, 50 yrs renewable, $500-700/yr, full rights.
Cost of Living in Mexico: 2026 Budget Guide for Expats
Mexico living costs: $1,200-1,800 USD monthly (budget), $2,000-3,000 (comfortable), $3,500-5,000+ (premium). Housing $500-1,800, healthcare 70% cheaper than US with doctor visits at $30-60 USD.
Register Your Mexican Phone Number by June 2026 or Lose Service: Complete Expat Guide
All Mexican +52 phone numbers must be registered by June 29, 2026 using your passport and CURP. Here's exactly how expats can complete the process.
Social Circle Game - Building Real Networks as an Expat
Real CDMX social networks: become known for specific interests (music/hiking/culture), get invited to private events, be "the person who knows where fun is"—not hosting parties.
The Mexican Dating Conundrum - Why Romance is Complicated Here
Mexico City dating: 3 barriers—family living (no privacy), Catholic stigma, economic ($40-60 dates vs $800-1,000 monthly salary). Love hotels provide privacy $5-25. Expats have housing advantage.
Navigating Cultural Waters - Why Latin Americans Bristle at 'American'
Latin Americans object to "American" because they learn America is ONE continent (Canada to Argentina). US citizens should use "estadounidense" in Spanish to show respect.
Mexican Subculture - The Fresa
Fresa = Mexico's wealthy elite "Whitexicans": Valley Girl accent + Spanglish, designer brands (LV, Gucci), Polanco concentration, purebred pets in designer outfits, exclusive venues. Widely mocked as insulated from 99%.
Tips for Living and Traveling Abroad
Living abroad costs 50-70% less with these strategies: avoid tourist areas (save 2-3x), use travel credit cards with cash back, negotiate monthly rentals at one-third nightly rates, use buses over flights.
Why Mexico Remains the Most Underrated Country in Latin America
Mexico is Latin America's most underrated country: world-class food (gave world tomatoes/chocolate/avocados/corn/vanilla), modern infrastructure without first-world prices, 37,266 archaeological sites (only 177 public), unmatched geographic diversity, accessible residency ($2,700/month income).
