Mexico: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:17, 15 February 2025

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, 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.

English

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.

Crime and Safety

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. Always use Uber or other rideshare apps rather than calling a taxi, and 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.) when driving in highways.

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.

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.

Racism

Caveat: I am a white American. Other people can speak to this better than I can.

As a white person 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.

Colorism is also a thing. I was told to my (and my partner's) face as if it was normal that it was great that my babies would be whiter than my ex-husband. As if that were a totally normal thing to say.

The necessities: Food and utilites

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, 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. You need to use iodine tablets if you use tap water to wash vegetables (it is safe for bathing). Electricity is not paid by mail, you have to go to a station to pay your bill.

Mail was not reliable last I lived there (2009).

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. Uber is also a safe option (Taxis are not.) Traveling in a car on the highway at night is not recommended.

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.

From LB: 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.

Caveat: 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.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 == Living in Mexico ==
-Living in Mexico is very different from living in the United States. It will be important to make friends with locals so that you can know where and what activities are safe. People are very friendly, in general.
+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, 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.
 === English ===
-Mexico's primary language is Spanish, and over 80 indigenous languages are spoken there. Many people speak English as a second language. Touristy places like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Oaxaca City are more likely to have English speakers. I do recommend learning Spanish while you're there. People are very friendly and very willing to help you figure things out.
+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.
 === Crime and Safety ===
-In general, Mexico is 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.
+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. Always use Uber or other rideshare apps rather than calling a taxi, and 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.) when driving in highways.
-In general, you will want to be sure that you are not advertising the amount of wealth you have. If you are not Mexican, you will already stand out. Don't flash large bills or drive a very fancy car. Pay attention to what locals do and follow their example. Always use Uber or other rideshare apps rather than calling a taxi. Don't drive on the highways at night.
+<u>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.</u>
 ==== Queer safety ====
-Most Mexicans are very polite and will not bother you if you don't bother them. As in America, this is more true the bigger the city is. However, people do report being called slurs while living in Mexico, and the rate of violence and murder is high for trans women especially. While there are now laws on the books 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. The violence against trans women here often comes from families of the victim or their sex work clients, so you may be less at risk than the average trans Mexican. If you're white, being a white American may also protect you somewhat. There is a list of queer-friendly Mexican cities below.
+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.
-You will, regardless of queerness, get yelled at by vendors and get nicknames from your friends. The nickname will be your most salient characteristic. Nicknames like, la gorda, el chino (curly-haired), and güerra (whitety) are common nicknames. If you are very obviously queer or trans, that may be the characteristic people choose.
+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).
-<u>Talking to locals and getting a feel for different neighborhoods and how you should act in them is your best protection from crime.</u>
+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, <u>Mexico is indeed a place where racism, sexism, and other forms of LGBTQIA+ discrimination are present</u>. 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.
 === Racism ===
@@ Line 34: / Line 40: @@
 === Getting around ===
-In general, you do not need a car to live in Mexico. Inter- and intra- city busses are cheap and reliable and can get you absolutely everywhere. Mexico City has a large metro. Uber is also a safe option (Taxis are not.) Traveling in a car on the highway at night is not recommended.
+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. Uber is also a safe option (Taxis are not.) Traveling in a car on the highway at night is not recommended.
-If you do choose to bring your car, you will want to update your car security. You can have a car in Mexico for six months before you need to re-register it. Get the kind of radio where the front is removable so it can't be stolen, and the thing to lock your steering wheel. I would also choose an apartment that has a zaguan (a large gate) rather than parking your car on the street overnight.
 === Healthcare ===
-If you are on a "digital nomad" visa, you will need to have US healthcare. 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.
+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 ====
-''Caveat: This is information from talking to various queer people and a bunch of internet research, not personal experience. Take it with a grain of salt.''
+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.
-It might be best to look for an LGBTQ-friendly clinic. Not all doctors are accepting of queer / trans patients. Like in the US, in general, the bigger the city is, the more likely you are to find doctors that "get it". But again, most Mexicans are
+Here is a list of some trans health providers:
-You should double check that all of your prescriptions are available before moving to Mexico. A few things are harder to get (ritalin) and somethings are much easier (testosterone, and many other meds) can be bought over the counter).
+*'''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: <nowiki>https://www.transsalud.com/citas</nowiki>
+* '''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: <nowiki>https://impulsotransac.org/</nowiki>
+<u>Disclaimer</u>: 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 ===
@@ Line 54: / Line 64: @@
 ''From LB: 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.''
+Caveat: 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 ==
@@ Line 59: / Line 71: @@
 === Tourist visa ===
-Americans 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.
+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 ===
@@ Line 71: / Line 83: @@
 * 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 high school transcript and birth certificate for this visa. This visa also needs to be certified within 30 days of arrival.
+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 ==
@@ Line 79: / Line 92: @@
 * '''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.
-* '''Guadalajara'''
 * '''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. The town itself is very safe, the surrounding state '''is not''', use caution and ask a local before visiting small towns nearby.
+* '''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.