Sample Chapter — Living in Mexico

Note: This is a complete sample chapter from Living in Mexico. It reflects the tone, depth, and analytical framework used throughout the book.

Mexican Myth Ratings

There is a variety of myths circulating about Mexico. Some of these myths are rooted in fact, while others are simply untrue. We examine a number of these assumptions in order to dispel false impressions, while also acknowledging any truthful elements that may exist within them.

News reports can give a very skewed understanding of what is really happening when events are not presented in proper context. In reality, most violent crime in Mexico is concentrated in specific geographic areas and is overwhelmingly associated with narcotics trafficking or efforts to combat it.

If you steer clear of certain neighborhoods, cities, states, and regions, your risk drops significantly. Mexico is a large country with many safe places to visit and live. Chapter 4 contains an extensive guide to many of those locations.

Provided you do not become involved in narcotics trafficking, policing, politics, or certain forms of investigative journalism, your chances of being a victim of violent crime decrease even further.

Mexico has nearly 500 beaches, not just a few. Beyond its coastline, the country contains snow-capped volcanoes, tropical forests, freshwater lagoons, lakes, and rugged mountain landscapes. This geographic diversity makes Mexico one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

While some rural roads may require four-wheel drive, most of Mexico’s road system is perfectly accessible with a standard two-wheel drive vehicle.

Residency applications are generally submitted while you are outside Mexico. Once approved, you must appear in Mexico in person to receive your physical residency card. After that, you are under no obligation to remain in or return to Mexico, though you retain the right to do so at any time.

If you hold a residency card, you must present it upon entry to Mexico. Accepting a tourist visa instead can jeopardize your residency status.

While bottled water is commonly used, many people safely drink water from large five-gallon garrafón jugs, which are widely available and commonly used by restaurants and households.

Unfiltered tap water is generally not recommended unless verified safe in your area. Many households install reverse osmosis systems with remineralization filters to safely drink from their taps.

Restaurant ice is typically produced from filtered water at regulated facilities. Restaurants have a strong incentive to maintain food safety standards, and government regulation is substantial.

While exceptions may exist, they are rare. When in doubt, simply ask about the source of the ice.

Mexico has a growing number of internationally recognized universities. Fifty-nine institutions appear in the QS Latin America University Rankings. Universidad de las Américas Puebla, for example, holds a five-star QS rating.

Medical schools are similarly strong. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) ranks among the top universities globally.

Mexico has no official primary language. Spanish is one of 64 recognized national languages, alongside 63 indigenous languages protected under the General Law of Linguistic Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

English fluency varies widely. Many Mexicans speak little or no English, particularly outside tourist and expat areas. Learning Spanish significantly improves quality of life.

Mexico’s climate ranges from desert to alpine. Some regions enjoy year-round spring-like conditions with moderate temperatures and low humidity.

Driving restrictions apply only in Mexico City. No such limits exist elsewhere in the country.

While many goods and services are cheaper, imported products such as automobiles, electronics, and luxury items often cost more due to taxes and import fees.

Residency grants the right — not the obligation — to live in Mexico. Only a brief in-country visit is required to obtain the physical card.

Visa rules change frequently. Securing residency as soon as you qualify can lock in current requirements and provide long-term flexibility, especially with permanent residency.