What are the Common Mistakes Expats made when moving to Mexico?

[tigernerve]

Should I place "Do not drink the water" to the top of the list? What do you say?

[Isla Verde]

Originally Posted by tigernerve

Should I place "Do not drink the water" to the top of the list? What do you say?

That's a good idea, though I must confess that I often boil water from the tap to make tea and coffee, without having suffered any ill effects for several years.

I'm not as old as dirt but am retired. I have spoken briefly with only 4 gringos face to face here in Mexico in 5+ years. None are friends or even acquaintances. I do have good friends in 4 other countries that I regularly speak with via Skype. I have several good friends here in MX who all grew up in this area.

I use tap water supplied by the city for almost everything, rinse and sometimes peel but don't disinfect any vegetables or fruit I eat, brush my teeth in it and have even occasionally drank it, with no ill effects to date.

Guess it depends on who is supplying your water and a bit of luck. I'm not sure what the difference is in the water I buy in garrafones other than a bit of additional filtration. Just yesterday, I saw a pipa ( a water tanker truck) with "Agua Potable" stenciled on his tank, stopped along the highway and the jerk was filling his truck up from an irrigation canal. (true story)

[Isla Verde]

Originally Posted by GringoCArlos

. . . rinse and sometimes peel but don't disinfect any vegetables or fruit I eat, brush my teeth in it and have even occasionally drank it, with no ill effects to date.

Me too.

[DebMer]

My story is the opposite. I got cocky after my first year in Mexico and began to drink the tap water and eat at certain puestos of ill repute. Several months later my belly looked like a kid on a World Vision commercial - all bloated, and with terrible pain. Went to the doctor and was prescribed two rounds of several purgantes. I saw clearly in the sanitario the results of my carelessness. I felt pretty foolish after that, thinking I could get away with what the locals didn't even do.

(Also a true story. )

[Isla Verde]

Originally Posted by DebMer

My story is the opposite. I got cocky after my first year in Mexico and began to drink the tap water and eat at certain puestos of ill repute. Several months later my belly looked like a kid on a World Vision commercial - all bloated, and with terrible pain. Went to the doctor and was prescribed two rounds of several purgantes. I saw clearly in the sanitario the results of my carelessness. I felt pretty foolish after that, thinking I could get away with what the locals didn't even do.

(Also a true story. )

I hope your tummy is all better by now. It's best to follow what sensible locals do. It's ok to eat at taco stands, et al. Just check to make sure that the people running it follow certain standards of cleanliness. If a place has been in business for years and has lots of satisfied customers, then it's a good bet that you can eat there safely. Of course, no matter how careful you are, every now and then you may get a slight case of turista. I always keep some Lomotil in my medicine chest por si acaso.

[DebMer]

I can't say I was fully restored to digestive perfection, but for the most part, yeah. I think it was taking double doses of two strong medications that actually did the lasting damage. I had pretty bad gastritis for a while (damage to the stomach lining), and pain in my lower gut when I applied pressure. Nowadays I only have stomach and gut pain if I'm in a bad food phase (i.e. too much sugar).

Originally Posted by Isla Verde

I hope your tummy is all better by now. It's best to follow what sensible locals do. It's ok to eat at taco stands, et al. Just check to make sure that the people running it follow certain standards of cleanliness. If a place has been in business for years and has lots of satisfied customers, then it's a good bet that you can eat there safely. Of course, no matter how careful you are, every now and then you may get a slight case of turista. I always keep some Lomotil in my medicine chest por si acaso.

[trpt2345]

Originally Posted by tigernerve

COULD EVERYONE LIST THE TOP TEN MISTAKES THEY MADE WHEN MOVING TO MEXICO?

And maybe we can vote together on the top ones and put them in order. Thank you everyone!



Here's what I've gathered so far. Please reorganize the list if you feel it should be re-prioritized.

1. Not Studying Spanish
(let's try to leave specific phrases and meanings in a different thread.)

2. Miscalculating the Cost of living in Mexico.

3. Under-estimating Customs Fees (Not having a receipt for everything)

4. Keep all your receipts. (both for entering Mexico with your belongings and in case of theft to prove to the police that what was stolen belongs to you.

5. Not studying the culture ( Refusing to kiss women on the cheek once, is like refusing to shake someone's hand. It's rude. This does not apply to strangers.)

6. Underestimating Electric Costs.

9. Not scheduling in the fact that everything is closed during noon.


There is also a list of 101 things about Mexico City that are very interesting at: 101 things about Mexico City | YMI Mexico

I have listed it below but maybe some folks can help me organize them.

1 There are 31 speed bumps between my house and my work.
2 You will get stood up. Bank on it.
3 If someone talks about “your house,” they are really talking about “their” house. (My house is your house)
4 The banks will be packed on the 15th and the 1st of the month.
5 If you don’t know what it is, don’t eat it.
6 Brain can be served in a tortilla.
7 Stomach can be served in a tortilla.
8 There are many different types of mole (a typical salsa). It takes a while to find one that you like.
9 There is no taco bell.
10 There are more people in the city at night.

12 Asking, how long will it take to get there is considered a stupid question.
13 Never say, just follow the green taxi.
14 Motorcycles don’t have to stay in a lane.
15 Car alarms are ignored. Always.
16 You can get your side view mirrors stolen off your car.
17 You might see cows in your front yard.
18 Dog poop happens.
19 Bus drivers are not afraid to hit you.
20 If you get there on time, you’re early.
21 The electricity can go out for no apparent reason.
22 You can buy almost anything on the side of the road.
23 Dogs are used as a house alarm.
24 Dogs bark at all hours.
25 There will be someone trying to give you a flyer at a speed bump.
26 You will tip someone everyday.
27 Clowns juggle at intersections.
28 Stores might be open at the time they say they are open, but probably not.
29 Nobody will leave a message on your answering machine.
30 Nothing ends on time.
31 You can get knock offs of just about everything.
32 Electronics are expensive.
33 Fruit is cheap.
34 If you miss your exit, you change your plans (usually).
35 The map book has over 200 pages (for the city).
36 If you ask for directions, chances are the person doesn’t know.
34 There’s one gas company…government owned pemex…no competition there.
35 The gas guy for your house may try to rip you off.
36 They paint lines on the street by hand.
37 McDonald’s has gigantic playgrounds.
38 Lunch is at 2 or 3 pm.
39 Customer service…what customer service?
40 Pizza has very little sauce (if any).
41 Movies are mostly in English with subtitles.
42 You should really only plan to get one thing done in a day.
43 If someone will be late or not show up to a meeting, they will probably not call you to tell you about it.
44 Stopping at a red light most of the time is optional.
45 There might be a pothole big enough to eat your car in your lane at any time.
46 The pedestrian does not have the right of way.
47 You will be offered just about any type of “fruit water.”
50 Smog (cough, cough) what smog?
51 You should get your car washed everyday like everyone else.
52 If someone thanks you by showing the back of their hand (in a sort of obscene way), it’s normal.
53 Don’t pronounce English words with an English accent or nobody will understand you. 54 For example, you must pronounce “hot dog” with a Spanish accent.
55 By the way, a hot dog is the full thing (dog, bun, ketchup, etc). A salchicha is just the hot dog and can be used as a pizza topping.
56 Ketchup goes on pizza.
57 Music can never be played too loud.
58 Stores hire dancing girls to promote their products.
59 The best way to park your car is backing it in.
60 A money loan to a friend should be seen as a gift.
61 You can get a piñata of whatever cartoon character you can imagine.
62 The word translated right now can mean anytime in the (maybe) future.
63 Cake can have the milk IN IT (and it’s good).
64 You can watch soccer 24 hours a day.
65 If you need to change lanes, just stick your arm out the window and the other person is obligated to let you in.
66 You can back up in your car even if there are people coming up behind you.
67 You can do just about anything in your car if you put on your flashers.
68 If you need windshield wipers, the best place to buy them is on the side of the road.
69 Hardly anything is open on Mondays.
70 You can get stuck in traffic going to the grocery store.
71 If you see traffic in an unusual spot, chances are there’s a traffic cop directing (creating) it.
72 Pretty much everyone has a cell phone.
73 If you call a cell phone, you pay for the call.
74 You get 100 outgoing calls per month on your home phone.
75 Traffic roundabouts are dangerous. You could get stuck in one all day.
76 You can get a pre-paid minutes card for your cell phone while waiting at an intersection.
77 In just about every parking lot, someone will ask you if you want your car washed, whether it needs it or not.
78 Parking is almost never free.
79 I hope you like mayonnaise. It will be loaded on your sandwich.
80 Left turns are usually a no-no. You must make a u-turn.
90 You better know how to parallel park.
91 You don’t walk on the sidewalk. You walk on the road.
92 Uneven pavement is a fact of life.
93 You can buy corn on the cob smothered with mayonnaise and chili powder.
94 Popcorn at the movies must be accompanied by hot salsa.
95 Japanese peanuts aren’t really from Japan (or are they?)
96 Lots of people wear suits and ties.
97 Pizza is 2 for 1 on Tuesday.
98 Movies are 2 for 1 on Wednesday.
99 Everything is “straight ahead” if you ask for directions.
100 The trunks of trees should be painted white…I think it has something to do with bugs.
101 If you see a cop with his lights on, it just means he’s patrolling the neighborhood. It’s not because you did something wrong.
102 You might get a receipt for the slip of toilet paper you buy at a public restroom.
103 Babies should be covered all the way pretty much at all times.
104 Children are not allowed to drink cold drinks or they will get sick.
105 Baby car seats are optional.
106 A traveling market can take up a whole street (and cause more traffic).
107 Coca Cola from a bottle goes great with tacos.
108 Grasshoppers can be eaten live.
109 You should sweep the street in front of your house everyday like everyone else.
110 The garbage men sit in the back of the truck and sort the trash.
111 Personal space doesn’t exist.
112 You can fit 15 people in a Volkswagen beetle.

There are nuggets of truth there which make me really laugh. Yes indeed, produce is cheap and electricity expensive. There's no telling how long a trip will take, but even if it is longer than expected you probably won't be late. Cold causes diseases. Cops just like to advertise the facts that they're cops by using their mars lights all the time. Popcorn at the movies is not just salsa but salsa buffalo. And at any given time there are eight soccer games on TV. And twenty on Sunday.

[GRINGOMAC]

I really enjoyed your list especially the numbers, looks like the '80's were forgettable for you too!

Just kidding,

Thanks for putting together

Originally Posted by tigernerve

COULD EVERYONE LIST THE TOP TEN MISTAKES THEY MADE WHEN MOVING TO MEXICO?

And maybe we can vote together on the top ones and put them in order. Thank you everyone!



Here's what I've gathered so far. Please reorganize the list if you feel it should be re-prioritized.

1. Not Studying Spanish
(let's try to leave specific phrases and meanings in a different thread.)

2. Miscalculating the Cost of living in Mexico.

3. Under-estimating Customs Fees (Not having a receipt for everything)

4. Keep all your receipts. (both for entering Mexico with your belongings and in case of theft to prove to the police that what was stolen belongs to you.

5. Not studying the culture ( Refusing to kiss women on the cheek once, is like refusing to shake someone's hand. It's rude. This does not apply to strangers.)

6. Underestimating Electric Costs.

9. Not scheduling in the fact that everything is closed during noon.


There is also a list of 101 things about Mexico City that are very interesting at: 101 things about Mexico City | YMI Mexico

I have listed it below but maybe some folks can help me organize them.

1 There are 31 speed bumps between my house and my work.
2 You will get stood up. Bank on it.
3 If someone talks about “your house,” they are really talking about “their” house. (My house is your house)
4 The banks will be packed on the 15th and the 1st of the month.
5 If you don’t know what it is, don’t eat it.
6 Brain can be served in a tortilla.
7 Stomach can be served in a tortilla.
8 There are many different types of mole (a typical salsa). It takes a while to find one that you like.
9 There is no taco bell.
10 There are more people in the city at night.

12 Asking, how long will it take to get there is considered a stupid question.
13 Never say, just follow the green taxi.
14 Motorcycles don’t have to stay in a lane.
15 Car alarms are ignored. Always.
16 You can get your side view mirrors stolen off your car.
17 You might see cows in your front yard.
18 Dog poop happens.
19 Bus drivers are not afraid to hit you.
20 If you get there on time, you’re early.
21 The electricity can go out for no apparent reason.
22 You can buy almost anything on the side of the road.
23 Dogs are used as a house alarm.
24 Dogs bark at all hours.
25 There will be someone trying to give you a flyer at a speed bump.
26 You will tip someone everyday.
27 Clowns juggle at intersections.
28 Stores might be open at the time they say they are open, but probably not.
29 Nobody will leave a message on your answering machine.
30 Nothing ends on time.
31 You can get knock offs of just about everything.
32 Electronics are expensive.
33 Fruit is cheap.
34 If you miss your exit, you change your plans (usually).
35 The map book has over 200 pages (for the city).
36 If you ask for directions, chances are the person doesn’t know.
34 There’s one gas company…government owned pemex…no competition there.
35 The gas guy for your house may try to rip you off.
36 They paint lines on the street by hand.
37 McDonald’s has gigantic playgrounds.
38 Lunch is at 2 or 3 pm.
39 Customer service…what customer service?
40 Pizza has very little sauce (if any).
41 Movies are mostly in English with subtitles.
42 You should really only plan to get one thing done in a day.
43 If someone will be late or not show up to a meeting, they will probably not call you to tell you about it.
44 Stopping at a red light most of the time is optional.
45 There might be a pothole big enough to eat your car in your lane at any time.
46 The pedestrian does not have the right of way.
47 You will be offered just about any type of “fruit water.”
50 Smog (cough, cough) what smog?
51 You should get your car washed everyday like everyone else.
52 If someone thanks you by showing the back of their hand (in a sort of obscene way), it’s normal.
53 Don’t pronounce English words with an English accent or nobody will understand you. 54 For example, you must pronounce “hot dog” with a Spanish accent.
55 By the way, a hot dog is the full thing (dog, bun, ketchup, etc). A salchicha is just the hot dog and can be used as a pizza topping.
56 Ketchup goes on pizza.
57 Music can never be played too loud.
58 Stores hire dancing girls to promote their products.
59 The best way to park your car is backing it in.
60 A money loan to a friend should be seen as a gift.
61 You can get a piñata of whatever cartoon character you can imagine.
62 The word translated right now can mean anytime in the (maybe) future.
63 Cake can have the milk IN IT (and it’s good).
64 You can watch soccer 24 hours a day.
65 If you need to change lanes, just stick your arm out the window and the other person is obligated to let you in.
66 You can back up in your car even if there are people coming up behind you.
67 You can do just about anything in your car if you put on your flashers.
68 If you need windshield wipers, the best place to buy them is on the side of the road.
69 Hardly anything is open on Mondays.
70 You can get stuck in traffic going to the grocery store.
71 If you see traffic in an unusual spot, chances are there’s a traffic cop directing (creating) it.
72 Pretty much everyone has a cell phone.
73 If you call a cell phone, you pay for the call.
74 You get 100 outgoing calls per month on your home phone.
75 Traffic roundabouts are dangerous. You could get stuck in one all day.
76 You can get a pre-paid minutes card for your cell phone while waiting at an intersection.
77 In just about every parking lot, someone will ask you if you want your car washed, whether it needs it or not.
78 Parking is almost never free.
79 I hope you like mayonnaise. It will be loaded on your sandwich.
80 Left turns are usually a no-no. You must make a u-turn.
90 You better know how to parallel park.
91 You don’t walk on the sidewalk. You walk on the road.
92 Uneven pavement is a fact of life.
93 You can buy corn on the cob smothered with mayonnaise and chili powder.
94 Popcorn at the movies must be accompanied by hot salsa.
95 Japanese peanuts aren’t really from Japan (or are they?)
96 Lots of people wear suits and ties.
97 Pizza is 2 for 1 on Tuesday.
98 Movies are 2 for 1 on Wednesday.
99 Everything is “straight ahead” if you ask for directions.
100 The trunks of trees should be painted white…I think it has something to do with bugs.
101 If you see a cop with his lights on, it just means he’s patrolling the neighborhood. It’s not because you did something wrong.
102 You might get a receipt for the slip of toilet paper you buy at a public restroom.
103 Babies should be covered all the way pretty much at all times.
104 Children are not allowed to drink cold drinks or they will get sick.
105 Baby car seats are optional.
106 A traveling market can take up a whole street (and cause more traffic).
107 Coca Cola from a bottle goes great with tacos.
108 Grasshoppers can be eaten live.
109 You should sweep the street in front of your house everyday like everyone else.
110 The garbage men sit in the back of the truck and sort the trash.
111 Personal space doesn’t exist.
112 You can fit 15 people in a Volkswagen beetle.