Mexico
North America's most vibrant expat hub - warm, affordable and culturally rich
Key Scores
Why people move to Mexico
Vibrant, family-driven, food-rich, deeply Catholic. 32 states with wildly different cultures - Yucatecan ≠ Norteño ≠ Chilango.
People, religion & languages
High in tourism and Mexico City business; moderate elsewhere.
Catholic majority - though practice varies. Religious tradition shapes festivals and family.
Visible - Day of the Dead, Virgen de Guadalupe, religious holidays public.
Culture & etiquette
What locals value and what to watch for
- Greet with handshake or single cheek kiss (women)
- Try mezcal/tequila with limón salt ritual
- Take time over conversations and meals
- Use 'usted' formally with elders
- Treating Mexico as one culture (regional pride strong)
- Mariachi stereotypes (limited regional relevance)
- Rushing meals or business meetings
Warm, social, late dinners; Mexico City fast.
Among the world's most welcoming. CDMX, Playa, Tulum, Mérida, San Miguel huge expat scenes.
Holidays & food culture
Vast pre-Hispanic + Spanish + regional traditions. Among the world's most diverse cuisines.
Lunch 14:00–16:00 (main meal), dinner 21:00–23:00.
Veg/vegan options strong in cities; meat and corn central. Alcohol cultural; agave spirits especially.
Work culture & business norms
Hidden Gems
Off the beaten path
Hierve el Agua - petrified waterfall and infinity pools over a Oaxacan mountain valley
Bacalar - the 'Lake of Seven Colors' near the Belize border - turquoise lagoon with sailing and cenotes, no cruise ships
San Cristóbal de las Casas - highland colonial city in Chiapas surrounded by indigenous Maya villages
Single person, before income tax