Mexico

Living in Mexico

Living in Mexico is very different from living in the United States. Creating relationships with local people would be a great way to navigate the complexities of this country. People here tend to be approachable and could be willing to support you, specially if you show solidarity (unemployement and seemengly never-ending rising costs of living have impacted lots of folks accross the country) and try to learn or improve your use of Spanish.

Keep in mind that according to the Trans Murder Monitoring Project (TMM), and despite underreporting and missrepresentation that obfuscates these data, Mexico has consistently ranked in recent years as the second deadliest country for trans and gender-diverse people worldwide. You can find the latest version of TMM's map here: https://transrespect.org/en/map/trans-murder-monitoring/?submap=tmm_2024

A Note On Language

Mexico's primary language is Spanish, and over 80 indigenous languages are spoken there. Though tourist destinations like Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Oaxaca City are more likely to have English speakers, please do not assume everyone speaks English as a second language. Try to learn basic Spanish before coming here, and look for learning opportunities when you arrive. This can also help you build trust and community as you begin to find your way around here.

Be mindful of people's efforts to support you, and reciprocate them in any way you can. If people feel appreciated and acknnowledged it is more likely they will treat you in kind, instead of just like any other tourist.

General Security Outlook

Mexico is much more dangerous than the US. There's no two ways about it. Different parts of Mexico are vastly safer than others. You should research safety in the place you want to live. Keep in mind that, the further away you are from the main cities the more important it would be that you are confident in your use of Spanish.

In general, be discreet and practice self-awareness. Don't flash large bills (avoid $500 and $1000 bills, not many places accept those but you can exchange them for smaller bills in any bank), and avoid standing out as much as possible. Pay attention to what locals do and follow their example.

Getting acquainted with local people that can guide you through neighborhoods and how you should act in them will be your best first-layer of protection against crime.

See the latest reports on criminal violence by Human Rights Watch (HRW), and Rise of Far-Right Extremism by Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE):

• HRW Report (February, 2025): https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/02/19/mexico-serious-deficiencies-homicide-investigations
• GPAHE Report (July, 2024): https://globalextremism.org/post/gpahe-reveals-alarming-rise-of-extremism-mexico/

Queer safety

Most people in Mexico will not bother you if you don't bother them. As in America, this is more true the bigger the city is. Despite recent laws protecting queer and trans people, police are not always helpful when dealing with queer or trans victims. Some of the most visible trans women in Mexico are sex workers. Non-white trans sex workers in Mexico face the highest rates of violence, precarization, and discrimination amongst the LGBTQIA+ community here.

Violence against queer and trans people is rooted in the social frabic and intersects with local social markers of class, race, and power/privilege. Unless you are already economicaly vulnerable, a political refugee, or a person of color, as a foreigner you may be less at risk than the average trans Mexican; especially if you are a white American or European. However, if you are a woman or femme, even if you are a white foreigner, it is more likely that you will experience misoginy, transphobia, and macho culture (oftentimes in the form of catcalls or harassment you can usualy deactivate and escape from by not engaging).

Keep in mind that different cultures come with different social cues. In Mexico, the use of nicknames or blanket labels to referr to someone who stands out from "the usual" is very common. Usually these nicknames or labels do not hold any antagonistic or harmful intent, but they can come accross as rude or insensible. Excersise discernment and choose your battles. A vendor yelling güera/o ("whitey") at you in the market or someone you don't know referring to you as morena/o ("brown skinned") are not trying to provoke you with slurs. However, Mexico is indeed a place where racism, sexism, and other forms of LGBTQIA+ discrimination are present. Before confronting or engaging in any action, consider checking with local acquaintances as you develop the skill to diferentiate between meaningless social cues, coarse slangs, and verbal attacks in Mexico.

A Note on Discrimination

"As a white foreigner in Mexico, doors are literally and figuratively opened for you. Its... an experience. Racism, especially against Black Americans is definitely a thing in Mexico. I have never seen a black person on Mexican television, to be honest, or in positions of authority. Afromexicans are trying to change this and force the country to deal with its history of racism and enslavement."

As mentioned in the previous section, Mexican social dynamics can be difficult to navigate even for locals. Class divides run deep enough to have a longstanding on social fabric, creating disruptions on organizing and movement building that has taken a toll on civil participation around protests and other open dissent strategies that have also been undermined by the incresing presence of militarization throughout the country.

However, the main components of discrimination here are racism, clasism, and sexism. As we've covered sexism in the previos section, we recommend you take a look into these two videos by Mexican Spanish Teacher and Culture Advisor Karen Aguayo (from 2025):

• On Mexico's Massive Class Divide
• On Race and Mexico

The Necessities: Food, Utilites and Transportation

Mexico has grocery stores that are basically the same as US stores. There are also markets, where you can get fresh meat and produce. And lots of small businesses. There will probably be some near your house where you can get necessities in a pinch. If you're lucky, in some cities, vendors will also come by your house during the day to sell you anything from tamales to water to cookies.

Utilities are different in Mexico than they are in the United States. There is not piped gas in all places; you may need to buy gas in tanks for your stove and hot water heater. You cannot drink water from the tap, you must buy bottled water or have a filter at home for this purpose. Some people dilute iodine tablets in tap water to wash vegetables.

Electricity is not paid by mail, but you can pay it online, at convenience stores (Oxxo, 7-Eleven, or Circle K) or even at some supermakets (Bodega Aurrera, La Comer, Soriana, Walmart, or Selecto) once you get your receipt from the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE). This would also apply for other services like phone landlines, internet, TV or mobile phone plans: the service providers who offer this are private and change depending on the state you are hiring them from.

Mail is handled by the government through Correos de México, but you can also hire companies like FedEx or DHL for nation-wide and international shipments if you want more speedy delivey times and able to afford higher fees. Overall, Mexican mail services are reliable though sometimes opting for the cost-saving options can result in stress inducing delivery waiting times.

Getting around

In general, you do not need a car to live in Mexico, and in Mexico City in particular, you probably will not want one. Inter- and intra- city busses are cheap and reliable and can get you absolutely everywhere. Mexico City has a large metro and affordable mobility options you can access by purchasing a Movilidad Integrada card in most Metrobus stations throughout the city (giving you access to Metro, Metrobus, bus rides, Trolebús, and EcoBici bikes).

Always use Uber or other rideshare apps rather than calling a taxi to pay with non-cash options. Taxis do not offer digital or card payments, and can be difficult to handle if you are not very familiar with the places you are going to/from or if you are not very confident with your Spanish level.

When driving long distances or taking highways, make sure you take all neccesarry precautions (fully charge your phone, fill the gast tank, check the tires, set GPS and save offline maps, carry the appropiate emergency kits, carry cash for tolls, avoid night trips, etc.). Consider purchasing a TAG (available at Oxxo convenience stores) to avoid needing cash for tolls, and get access to special inner-city highways in Mexico City (like supervía or segundo piso del periférico) to avoid traffic.

You can also find some major bus companies that can get you through different states accross the country, some of these offer pet-in-cabin options. The main companies are: Estrella Roja, ETN, Primera Plus, Omnibus de México, and ADO. You can purchase bus tickets online directly from the website of each provider.

Healthcare

If you are on a "digital nomad" visa, you will need to have appropriate private health insurance for travellers or non-residents. Public healthcare in Mexico is only available to permanent residents, but there is private healthcare available. If you plan on traveling outside of Mexico a lot, you may want to look into an international healthcare plan.

Going to the doctor, even out of pocket, is very inexpensive compared to the US. You will be more in charge of your own medical records more than in the US.

Queer / Trans healthcare

Before moving to Mexico, you should double check that all of your prescriptions are available. A few things are harder to get (ritalin) and some things are much easier. In any case, it is important to acknowledge that Trans-informed care is not easilly accessoble trhoughout the country. Most trans healthcare options are in Mexico City.

Here is a list of some trans health providers:

• Unidad de Salud Integral para Personas Trans (USIPT), Mexico City This government institution offers a wide range of services carefuly tailored for trans people (including non binary people). From mental health services, counseling, HIV care, HRT, reproductive and sexual health services, to nutrition services and even community building events. Services are provided in Spanish, Monday to Friday from 8am to 9pm.
• Clínica Especializada Condesa, Mexico City With two offices in Mexico City, this government institution offers specialized services for people with HIV and has lately been incorporating other services related to trans health including HRT, resproductive and sexual health services alongside mental health support. These clinics also provide support to sex workers and people dealing with addictions from a harm-reduction approach. Services are provided in Spanish, Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm.
• Comprehensive Transgender Care Center (CATI), Mexico City A private clinic with an interdisciplinary team of specialists "with an innovative approach to gender fluidity in clinical and mental health care". They offer plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery as well as mental health and legal counseling services. Services are provided in English and Spanish. Appointments are required: clinicacatitrans@gmail.com
• Transsalud, Mexico City and León Offering the widest range of trans-focused health services, this private clinic has two offices. One in Mexico City, where they offer most of their in-person services; and the other one in León, Guanajuato, where they offer surgical services and more. Additonally, Transsalud offers online health services. Most of their services are provided in English and Spanish. Appointments are required: https://www.transsalud.com/citas
• Impulso Trans A.C., Guadalajara A community-based NGO focusing on providing support to (including non binary), intersex, and queer people. Impulso Trans has managed to offer a wide range of health and social services for vulnerable members of the LGBTQUIA+ community throughout the country by providing mental health services, HRT, legal counseling, and community building services. Services are provided in Spanish. Approintments are required: https://impulsotransac.org/

Disclaimer: Trans World Express and its contributors offer this information for community awareness. Vetting of service providers based on publicly available information will never be perfect. Mind your safety and security and exercise appropriate caution before engaging in any health-related matters with these or any other providers in Mexico.

Rent / Cost-of-living

In general, Mexico is going to be significantly cheaper than the US. Rent varies greatly depending on what city you're in. The average 1-bedroom is around $12,214 MXN or $593 USD. You will pay more in Mexico City than in most other cites. Food is much less expensive than in the US, especially if you are cooking at home.

"I am moving my polycule of three to Puebla. I expect to be able to rent a three-bedroom in a nice neighborhood for around $1100. I expect our total cost of living to be around $2,000-$2500 per month with food, utilities and gasoline. You can certainly live in Mexico for much, much less money than that, and most people do."

If you are considering relocating here, do try to learn or improve your Spanish. Most people will acknowledge your effort and share some more affordable options and tips if you approach this country as a place to live/care for instead of a tourist destination where everyone caters to foreigners. The cost of living for local people has been increasing significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, so be mindful of the anti-gentrification sentiment, show solidarity whenever you can afford to, and act wisely.

Visas / Visa requirements

More visa info

Tourist visa

US citizens can stay in Mexico for 180 days. You can leave the country to renew and get another 180 days indefinitely. Probably no one is going to check if you're secretly working remotely. You do not have to apply for this visa, you will get it as you go through immigration when you arrive. Do not lose the piece of paper they give you (sometimes they staple it in your passport). You will need it to exit the country without a hassle.

"Digital Nomad" / Temporary residency visa

This allows you to work in Mexico for a company that is not based in Mexico. You need to apply for this visa from the United States, and register it within 30 days of arrival. This will involve more photos of yourself and a fun visit or two to the local immigration office.

Requirements:

• A letter from your employer saying you are a remote worker
• Evidence of $4,200.00 USD per month coming into your bank account. (Bank statements from the past six months)
• A passport photo
• Proof of residency in the country you're applying from. (US passport)
• Proof of healthcare - your healthcare company will write a letter saying that your coverage is valid in Mexico.

This may not be a complete list. Check with your closest Mexican consulate for details.

Student visa

There are lots of universities around Mexico! You will need apostilles on your school transcripts and birth certificate for this visa. This visa also needs to be certified within 30 days of arrival.

Queer/Trans Friendly cities

This list is from various queer/trans people currently living in Mexico

• Mexico City - this is at the top of everyone's list. It's a very large city with a lot to offer and a lot of queer culture. There are lots of different kinds of neighborhoods, you can probably find something to suit your needs. It is more expensive than most other cities on this list.
• Oaxaca City - Oaxaca City is experiencing a lot of gentrification and tourism at the moment. But it's a queer-friendly city according to more than one source. The surrounding state is not known for it's queer friendlyness. Yes, Muxes do exist, no, you are not one of them and cannot become one of them.
• Xalapa (Jalapa) - This is a small city in Veracruz that is very artsy and has an excellent archeology museum.
• Puerto Vallarta - This is a west coast touristy/beach town not too far from Guadalajara, in Jalisco. The town itself is very safe, the surrounding state is not, use caution and ask a local before visiting small towns nearby.
• Cancun - this is a resort town on the Yucatán peninsula. It's known for queer friendliness. The surrounding towns are not.
• Puebla - Puebla is a more conservative city than the others listed here, but it is very safe, and it has a trans congresswoman.
• Guadalajara - Similar to Puebla, it is a very conservative city. As Jalisco's capital and the second largest city after Mexico City, its standing as a cultural hub makes it seem inclusive to some extent, however this city is currently facing general security issues related to organized crime (forced dissapearance), gentrification-related social cleansing, and increasing military presence.
• San Miguel de Allende - This is an ex-pat community of mostly American retirees. It has the highest cost of living of these options.