22 RANDOM things to know about living in MEXICO in 2022
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- Thinking about moving to Mexico in 2022? In this video, I'm sharing 22 RANDOM cultural norms that I WISH I'd known before moving to Mexico...Knowing them would have helped me adjust to life in Mexico A LOT faster.
#livinginmexico2022 #sprint202201 #backpackingbrunette
✏️ Ready to FINALLY learn Spanish in 2022? Sign up for the Lingoda Sprint Challenge: try.lingoda.com/Sprint_Alex (voucher code: ALEX2022)
✨ Moving to Mexico? Snag the 11-point Move to Mexico Checklist PLUS my top tips for finding an apartment in Mexico & a handy renting in Spanish cheat sheet ⬇️
**Download the FREE 32-page Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide (PDF) // backpackingbrunette.com/mexic...
• 22 RANDOM things to kn... 
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Apartment hunting tips, renting in Spanish cheatsheet & 11-point Move to Mexico Checklist! Download the FREE 32-page Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide (PDF) 👉🏼 backpackingbrunette.com/mexicoguide/
I'm a Mexican born, US raised and liv3d here most all my life.
I've visited several times to visit family and on vacation.
I'm working on building the courage needed to make a life change to return to the motherland.
I've lived a good American life and feel the need to live a second life, as a full and complete Mexican.
Me too! 😂
#4 - It’s not that your landlord wants to see you each month, it’s that she wants cash from you, and not a bank deposit, which is subject to disclosure to SAT. :)
Maybe a little of that 😜
Lol don’t ruin the fantasy 😆
very well said! Sometimes it takes a little while to get used to new customs, but most of them make sense after a very short while. THANK YOU!
You are the most informative Mexico vlogger on RUclips. Thanks again for the great info.
I really appreciate that, Doug! I am so glad to hear you found the video helpful!
Great video! Here’s a couple more: you will be entertained at stoplights by jugglers who juggle everything from balls to machetes, people on unicycles, etc. Give them a couple pesos if you enjoyed the show.
In a restaurant, people will wish each other “provecho” like bon appetite. If you want to see someone smile, wish them provecho!
Here's another................If you are seated in a restaurant, other patrons will often greet you as they come and go, and often saying provecho as they pass.
Great video. I appreciate the info you gave on the "si" and "thank you"gestures. I use these all the time and also love the index finger "si" :) Appreciate your tips!
Thanks so much for a really helpful video! You shared a number of things that we have not heard from anyone else after months of research into what will soon be our new home in Mexico! We appreciate your channel and all the hard work that goes into it!
Glad it was helpful, Ashley!
As regards language differences between Mexico and Spain I had the opposite experience. In a hotel in Extremadura the toilet wasn't working so I went to the desk to say "el excusado no funciona". I got a look of perplexion in return. Once I exhausted my synonyms--retrete, inodoro, even toilet--the receptionist said, "ah, el váter", a word obviously derived from the Victorian English "water closet".
Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Ray & happy new year!
Another great video with lots of helpful tips
Great video and so informative! Love your positiveness. Loved it when you said adjusting is just part of the adventure! 😊
Great info, thanks
We agree! 6 months in Queretaro and we never want to leave! Interesting info.
Nice video thanks for the tips, yes you are so right these things are different in different locales, it is an adventure and a beautiful country!
Great info! Thanks for posting. Coming to visit January 21st.
Another informative awesome video. Thank you, Alex!
Very helpful, thank you!!!
This was one of my favorites of your videos. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
All good stuff. Thanks.
Excellent compilation of "small" things that, given the right circumstances, can't turn bigger. Excellent. And don't forget to upload a video on Mexican wedding dresses. :)
So glad you found the video helpful, Violetta!
Thanks for sharing these tips! Your vids (and those from other travelers) came in handy for me last year when I moved down to Mexico. I was there for 5 months, but for me personally, I just wasn't feeling the country as much as I imagined I would... I speak Spanish so I didn't have any language barrier, but me and Mexico just didn't vibe well for reasons I won't go into. Even after COVID eases up, it's not at the top of my list of countries I want to revisit. But hey, at least I gave it a shot and for that I am thankful 👍 Glad things are going well for you guys though! Happy 2022!
Not every destination is for every traveler! Wishing you the best for whichever country you decide to try next!
Loved this episode. Happy new year!
So glad to hear that you enjoyed it, Jim!
Alex no te pierdas
Awesome video and content, muchas gracias Alex!
Thanks for watching, Lainey! I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Love your positive videos!
I so appreciate your positive, well spoken disposition about Mexico! I chuckled a bit when you mentioned restaurants not always having every item on the menu. I live in LA and I have friends that flip out when that happens here - although it’s rare. It’s not the end of the world when a dish is not available! It’s actually a lesson! Thanks again! Your channel is da best!
Thank you for your kind words, Thomas! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 🥰
Looking forward to your Sayulita video!
I missed these videos. Great work!
More to come!
Another great video Alex. Thanks. Most of the time I think that I truly do enjoy those "AHA!" moments when I figure out something new, but I do appreciate Gringa efficiency in just watching a video. My personal problem is that I don't remember lessons like this as well as my stupid mistakes or humbling moments of clarity. Still: one of my favorite videos.
Thanks for watching, Terry & happy new year!
This is the only Things You Should Probably Know About Mexico video that actually helped me. Thank you.
I'm so glad to hear you found it helpful!
Great video... however, as a Mexican I can tell you tequila is better not drank in shots, I think that's a 90's springbreak invention and a bad marketing for tequila. Tequila and mezcal are better drank "kissed", as you say, and tasted for notes and flavors. That's how a Mexican would do with both.
Thanks for sharing, Ernesto!
@@alex-wittman Yup, we mexas sip tequila too. In fact, mexas dont drink tequila in shots, we drink palomas, vampiritos, margaritas, cantaritos locos... and sipping it when its a very good tequila like reposado or añejo.
I loved this! You got me a little teary eyed at the end. .in a good way! Love the nagover tip!
Glad you liked it, Carmen!
These tips are so interesting! I used to go to Mexico a lot in the 90's and early 2000's and I guess I never noticed those two gestures. It's been about 3 years since I've last and really cant wait to go back!
Glad you enjoyed the video, John!
I have to say I love how you present your videos, Moving this spring to the Chapala area. I am fluent in Spanish but my hubby can use a course like lingoda, going to check it our. Thanks again for great content.
Wishing you all the best for your move to Mexico!
Great video
Thanks for sharing
Cheers J&D
Which of these 22 RANDOM things to know about living in MEXICO in 2022 did you find most interesting? Already living in Mexico? What would you add to the list??
the index finger yes and besitos :P
I guess I found the arm gesture interesting I have not noticed it but will look for it now that you have pointed it out!
I think everyone needs to know the word propina (tip) and be generous with it! 🤗
A few of my own Mexico purse essentials:
I carry a small package of compostable, plain baby wipes everywhere in my day bag. Very handy with street food and washrooms without toilet paper! (and never put toilet paper in the toilet, there’s always bins next to it for that purpose.)
Dr Bronners makes a nice lavender hand sanitizer: not only is it important during covid time, I found out that it can work as a mosquito repellent, too!
For the water/food issues, I also carry some activated charcoal tablets. You can buy them anywhere in the local pharmacies, my usual brand is Carbotural. I take some whenever I think the street food might be a bit sketchy... and if taken in time at the first symptoms, it can save someone having to suffer several days with turista! Otherwise, I hate buying bottled water in Mexico - especially since recycling can be problematic, so I use a very effective collapsible silicone filter bottle made by Katadyn called BeFree. It’s made for rugged camping and filtering “wild” water from ponds, rivers, streams... so I feel confident drinking Mexican tap water with it. It really doesn’t take much space. I also bring along the same big stainless cup bottle we use to get coffee to go up north and hand it to the staff in cafés and la Michoacana to get my piña con chaya to avoid the plastic or styrofoam trash. Never had a problem with anyone accepting it, it’s the same size as their medium cups.
👜🇲🇽🤔🤗
Thanks for great tips😊😊🇲🇽🍺
Great video !
Glad you enjoyed it 🤓
Thanks for this great little package. I just returned to the states after spending 5 months in Mexico and Guatemala. I cannot WAIT to return! ASAP!
Thanks for watching, Sue!
You are so right about Mexican Spanish! I am watching a Mexican telenovela (La Desalmada) and i have learned several words that i never knew before! Hasta pronto!
It sounds like you're enjoying your Spanish studies! Keep up the good work!
Outstanding insight!!! Greetings from Texas!!! We thank you so much!!!
Thanks for watching! I am so glad to hear that you found it helpful!
Very helpful. I was born in Mexico City, but I moved as kid to the US. Been in NYC 30 years but moving to Mexico next year, and I know it will be a change and long periods of adjusting. I have lunch here at 11 and dinner at six. In Mexico all is later… but I’m looking forward to it.
Thanks , loving yr videos .
What is the tip breakdown like for a restaurant , a taxi and like u were mentioning help with luggage. I don't want to under tip because I don't know how to tip. :)
Watching your videos makes me want to move to Mexico, but I already live here 😂.... then, what I need is to enjoy this place as you do. Thanks for your content.
Greetings Alex!
Have a nice day.
Hello Alex , I hope you enjoy Sayulita , can't wait to see your video of Sayulita, I've heard it's similar to Mazunte,Oaxaca , I will be visiting Sayulita in March ,Ron
Thanks for watching, Ron! Yep, definitely keep an eye out for that video!
Great video.. I am soon to be there
I always break my big bills at the gas station, the guy filling your car always has a hand full of bills to change.
Great job
Another winner of a video, Alex! Many of the tips you mention also apply to other popular tourism and retirement destinations, like Thailand, Indonesia, and Turkey; particularly the tips about breaking large bills, tipping, and keeping small change on hand for public bathrooms. What is the safety record for those long-haul overnight buses? Also, for what it is worth, I think Tequila is a specific type of Mezcal, in the same way Bourbon is a specific type of whiskey. Cheers.
Thanks for watching, Mark! The first class lines that I mentioned (Primera Plus, ETN & ADO) all have really good reputations. As long as you don't get motion-sickness, buses are a great way to travel!
Love sayulita so much!! Was there back in November ☺️
I will always support this channel. ❤
I so appreciate that! Thank you!
I think the hand gesture to say yes took me the longest to get used to. That or maybe the change thing, but at least Mexicans tend to be nice and polite when they don't have change. Thanks for another amazing video!
The change thing still gets me sometimes! It can be frustrating when you only have a $200 & no one can break it 😅 thanks for watching & for sharing the wonders of Mexico with me!
PV here cinco anos....love watching you! Feliz Anos 2022!
Thanks for watching, Ronald!
This is a good summary of useful information. We are bicycle touring in Yucatan (not my first time) and this is definitely a good reminder of basic stuff we noticed on our trip. I'd suggest to have 2 five pesos in your pockets and a couple of ones. The bathroom in many tourist destinations can be ten pesos, but most will be five. Less travelled places it will often be free, but never take it for granted. Out on the road there is always the bush 😁.
Wowww, 10 pesos?! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience, Jorg!
That THANK YOU with the arm is NEW to me...
Great video, by the way.
Thanks for watching, Rafael!
3:34 Mexicans most of the time will borrow the exact pronunciation of foreign words, specially English, unlike Spaniards who simply pronounce it like they would a native word.
The Mexico City being referred to as just Mexico comes from Aztec times, as the capital was Mexico-Tenochtitlan. The empire was Mexico and the people Mexicahs...
Dress code is very important avoid dressing very casual at social events it can be considerate very disrespectful.
Thanks for adding this!
Que curiosos sus puntos de vista. Me sorprendió!
When you said topes i was like what’s a topes jajaj fun fact, in Puerto Rico they call speed bumps muertos
As always, your videos are sooo informative and practical!
If you are not subscribed, and you plan on visiting or moving to Mexico, subscribe!
If moving is your goal, join the membership groups.
Happy new year, Cate! It was so great hearing about your experience in La Paz during our December Mexico Mixer 🥳
Hi Alex Happy new year
Happy new year!
Hilarious about our Mexican ways.
The yes with the fingers is from a popular show, El Chavo del Ocho.
He'd say, "eso, eso" (that, that or yes, yes) as a form of confirmation.
In fact, we even have a form to cuss your as out, much like the middle finger.
Thanks for sharing, Lucio! I didn't know the origin of the yes finger.
Felicidades, muy buen video Alex!. Saludos desde Sonora
Gracias por ver, Ricardo!
@@alex-wittman Aprovechando que respondiste, me podrias recomendar algun vecindario que no este muy lejos del centro para rentar un depa? Espero poder moverme a queretaro en marzo o abril de este año y seguir con mi trabajo desde alla (soy interprete telefonico), mi presupuesto para renta es de $4000
@@ricardogarcia5986 checate viva anuncios
Hey there, I'm Mexican. The thing about paying rent in cash is to evade taxes. If you were to deposit, the IRS would question that income. In Mexico the IRS (SAT) monitors all your electronic transactions (all of them). Yo can only deposit in your account a total of up to 12,000 mxp monthly no questions asked.
Interesting!
Tequila is also drunk in small sips, like mezcal, no matter what others tell you. It is only done in movies about charros or Hollywood stereotypes. Restaurants that "teach" you to drink it in one gulp just want to get you drunk fast! Also, in restaurants in Mexico most people ask for a cold glass or mug for their beer, only nacos (lower classes) drink it out of the bottle or can, Same with tattoos. Table manners show your background! Beware if you do not want to be confused.
I will be in queretaro in a couple of weeks, looking at homes in zibata. I love it there... getting away from Michigan weather lol
Enjoy your time in Mexico, John!
I Hope You All Have A Great Time & Stay Motivated Through Motivational Content, Facts and Quotes Learned From The Top Leaders And Best Champions. What Has Worked For Them Can Work For You As Well, But The Only Catch Is That These People Have Been Consistent And Never Gave Up!! You Should Try It Too!!
I enjoy your videos! This one in particular was helpful. I've tried to download your "book" twice, but it says the website is unavailable. I'd love to get it. Thank you, Mariana
Hi, Mariana! It should be up and working now!
Te extrañe mucho!!
What do you know about the water in SMA? The water table is dropping precipitously and fluoride and arsenic levels are a serious problem, at least in the pueblas in that watershed. A NGO, Caminos de Agua, is working to provide low cost water filters and rain water harvesting to the indigenous people. Does SMA have water treatment to filter out arsenic and fluoride? Thanks. I enjoy your channel.
Very informative....
Glad it was helpful!
Great presentation. Thank you.
I'm considering a move to Mexico in the next few years. I know I'd like to reside in a coastal location. Do you have a few recommendations?
Thanks for watching, David! I think you might find this blog post helpful: backpackingbrunette.com/best-places-live-mexico/
Funny thing, the only drinkable tap water is in Monterrey, it is good and safe for drinking, so to me even traveling in Mexico means I need to be careful. When I lived abroad in Germany other mexicans thought I was crazy for being so confident of tap water there, it was as safe as in Monterrey, but they were all from other parts of the country so they felt weird of doing it at first.
Hidalgo also has very clean tap water. Lived there for over 20 years now.
Very good video. I am looking forward to visiting Mexico again after 30 years and the only thing holding me back right now are the Covid restrictions that might be in place.
Did you make it to MX🤔
Always good info. I hope to meet you next time I am in Mexico. I should be there by March. I will try to contact you. Thanks
Thanks for watching, Robert!
Regarding restaurants, is Google maps a good resource to locate a nearby restaurant or is there another website they use?
Soy fluyente entonces esta bien si un sítio es en Inglés.
Voy de cruzera en diciembre pero planeo salir el barco en Hondúras, Belize, Costa Maya, y Cozumel.
I would say Google Maps is a good resource for finding restaurants but don't always trust the hours listed!
Great video ,the pilot light is that also common in hotels there?
It's happened to me at hotels--most recently when I was staying at one in Chiapas!
@@alex-wittman Thanks I am will be travelling throughout Mexico so I will ask before hand :)
I'm a truck driver in the US and according to the DOT that's the right way to use Hazzard lights
I mean it makes sense! I just don't often see people in the US use their hazard lights.
How much do you think is appropriate for those kinds of tipping, such as bagging etc in MXN
I try to give 10 pesos if I have it!
Great tips! Try the salsa first! I learned that one the hard way in CDMX. Make a reservation! I learned that one the hard way in Guanajuato. Also, ¿Cómo se dice "pilot light"? Thank you as always for great information!
Luz piloto!
Also you can say "el piloto" like "prende el piloto".
I REALLY THINK YOU HIT THIS ONE ON THE NOSE!!! I'VE BEEN COMMIN' TO MEXICO SINCE 2002 AND HAVE LEARNED A LOT... JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST IS SPOT ON... THE ONE OR TWO THAT DON'T COMPLY WITH ME ARE ADJUSTABLE... I LOVE MEXICO, IT'S LIKE I SHOULD'VE BEEN BORN HERE... I CAN'T WATE TO COME AND LIKE YOU SAID I HATE...I HATE LEAVIN'... SOON MY WIFE AND I WILL BE RESIDING IN CREEL CHIHUAHUA FULL TIME EXCEPT WHEN WE ARE AT THE FAMILY HOME IN CHOIX, OR SOMEWHERE ELSE... MY NIECE LIVES IN MONTEREY I DEFINITELY WANT TO VISIT THERE... ALSO, ANY PLACE THAT HAS RUINS LIKE CHICHEN ITZA OR TEOTIHWHUACAN... THANX FOR YOUR CHANEL. STAY COOL... PEACE...
I've heard lovely things about Creel!
Thank you for the video. Do the majority of places not offer contactless payments either (apple pay/google pay)?
In big cities, those options are becoming increasingly popular, but I wouldn't say it is offered in the majority of places yet.
@@alex-wittman Thank you for taking the time to reply. Hoping to move to Mexico in a year or so. 🤞
Nothing prepared me for the Topes, no warning signs, not painted, and often placed in seemingly inappropriate places. I've been here 7 years and I've had the suspension rebuilt in my car twice. It can be infuriating.
*#7 I believe it comes from the old habit when the men used to wear hats in the last century, the men would take their hat off or lift their hat to acknowledge the ladies or other people or important people, so you'd take it away for a moment to greet the people and put it back on top of your head right away, the hat has disappeared ever since over time but the habit didn't*
Interesting!
Re: #2, After you go to an ATM and get your 500 notes, can you go inside the branch and ask them to break it for you? I've never tried. On a recent trip to Veracruz, I went to a Scotiabank and withdrew 2000 MXN and was given all 200s. I felt like I had won the lottery! 😅
I just make withdrawals of 450 or 350 from the cash machine to avoid 500 peso bills.
Great video - just discovered your channel! I am going to San Miguel in April - first time in Mexico. If you get large bills out of the ATM, can you go into the bank for change? Thanks
Welcome to the community, so glad to have you here! A little trick with the ATMs is to withdraw an amount that will get you at least a couple of $200s like "$2,400" or something like that. No one wants to break your big bills including banks 😅
She is right but our banks are required by law to break the bills, change or accept them if they are damaged. Cashiers might get annoyed but they can't refuse
The reason why Mexicans raise their arm in front of their head to say thank you is that they used to wear large sombreros and the gesture to touch the brim, like "tipping the hat " to someone. They don't have the hat anymore but still go the gesture.
Ahh I had no idea! Thanks for sharing!
Viva mexicooo....there are much more to learnd from mexico...
Re: Electrolytes. Water/spritz of lemon/salt and BOOM. Electrolyte drink for 1 peso. You are paying 20 pesos for that bottle. All the best from ajijic.
Love your videos. Just one big thing about Mexico (and probably every Latin American country) everyone needs to know, manners!!! (big exception when driving). It’s very important for Mexicans to have manners and be polite. You should always say good morning, good evening, hi, bon appetit, to as many people as you can. This is not a common practice in the US or Canada :(. Some times you will find a complete stranger walking by and greeting you, watch out for bon appetit in a food stablishment.
I actually just arrived in Mazatlan and many of those things I've already encountered haha
Haha! Anything to add to the list, David??
@@alex-wittman Eh not really yet, maybe that Spanish is spoken much faster than expected and is different than academic Spanish but you kind of already covered that.
@@Dressy7 keep me posted on what else you pick up as you spend more time in Mexico!
Hi I had a question about the wifi. My job is very dependent on face chatting. Can I rely on an Airbnb wifi internet in queretaro?
I always recommend asking to see a speed test! There are varying levels of internet throughout the city.
@@alex-wittman do you have recommendations for what to do or a backup if internet goes out?
I am really curious about how that works.... How does some place where right now doesn't actually mean right now, and today basically means sometime within about a month even need or use reservations?
Viva México 😜
Great video! I remember giving 100 pesos for one whole role of toilet paper when my twins were much younger 😄😄
Oh no! 😅
The finger thing comes from a now defunct sitcom called "El Chavo del Ocho"
So weird... I just had a class with Livia :D
Ahhh what a coincidence!
Never ever have had trouble paying with 500 MX in OXXO. Have Lived I 4 Mexican states...same there ..but in Small tiendas are very much an issue with large bills
I wish I had your Oxxos where I live! I've even had them be like "$100, seriously??"
It all depends on what you’re buying. Nobody wants to give $490 change on a $10 purchase. Use bills wisely!
Is Mexico safe though?