Mexico
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Talking to locals and getting a feel for different neighborhoods and how you should act in them is your best protection from crime.
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
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.
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".
You should double check that all of your prescriptions are available before moving to Mexico. A few things are harder to get (ritalin) and some things are much easier.
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.
Visas / Visa requirements
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- San Miguel de Allende - This is an ex-pat community of mostly American retirees. It has the highest cost of living of these options.