From someone who's lived in Mexico, what should I be aware of, as an American, if I move to Mexico?

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joey322

stick to bottled water, be ready for HUGE differences in living from one street to another. one moment there's a huge shopping district, the next there's homes with three walls and a chicken running in the yard (not kidding).
don't buy anything for the price they ask for. always haggle the price, unless it's a real store, then go with what they ask. you can tell the difference between a store and a haggling flea market.
exchange your money at banks and hotels, not street shops, etc. or, if you can, keep money in a US bank and withdraw from ATMS, that way you get the best exchange rates.
take the bus...it's cheap.
dating, you'll get a feel for.
work, i'd try something at a resort or hotel. try out bartending here and then when you get there, look for bartending jobs at resorts, those are the best jobs to get at a hotel.

have fun and take care!

JimmyR.com

People actually go outside in Mexico. They sweep their concrete sidewalks for their neighbors and kids play int eh streets. Drink bottled water. The faucet water isn't likely to make you sick but over time the chemicals they use to clean it can be hazardous.

~Echeagaraygirl~~

IF you need to go to the hospital ,make sure you have money ,because if you don't the doctors will not even look at you,I lived in Nayarit for 4 years,when I tried to have a check up THEY DIDN'T BECAUSE I am a us citizen,I wasn't able to go to school ,or get a Job down there,you wont be able to really own anything,It is cheap But In reality Americans cant own anything down there, .My Dad lives in Tecuala Nayarit, My Mom is from there, nothing is in his name,Without money, we wont get help in Mexico.

fjgc73

Nothing different to be aware of...if you want to contact me

teotl15

Like many other places, There are people who will welcome you, and others who are looking for the way to get your money, ( American and Mexican people living in U.S. are known for carry money, even if they not, but they think your are in vacation with a lot of money to spend,) so be careful with those kind of people, dating is easier for a new neighbor, since many people see somebody different and want to meet him.her, if you are not expecting to live in a big city, one of the best things, is that you do not have to worry about to drive 1 mile far to buy your food, of course will not be the same go to a supermarket than a small grocery store, communication is another important thing, if you speak Spanish, will be easy to get involve socially

Baby DoÃ±a!

Im Mexican and grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Gto. In mexico americans are very welcome. We are party people. For dating you should look for someone who not only looking for a white girl to have sex. Finding a job down there is easier if you know english and spanish! good luck!

von m

Some areas really dirty, but people are friendly. Just watch for those who see Americans as an "easy mark" and try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge about the place or those always looking for a handout, even though some definitely don't need it, it's how they make a living.(especially in tourist areas)--Other than those things, I love the place and people.

lion61_mx

I would choose Joey322's answer as the best one, only adding that in touristic areas its easier to find a Job as a North American visitor, yes stick to bottled water, running water is safe in most places, but the pipes of the facilities could be old and dirty, and it has a lot of cloride in it, if you withraw money from an ATM, do not do it on the street, choose the ones inside the hotel or in a Mall.
Violent Robbery delinquency happens mostly in dangerous areas as it does in Detroit, Madrid, or Paris, just stay away from these places and try not to show off money or expensive belongins.
And the safest advise is to act natural like you have been living here for a while, do not look lost or shy, and you are very welcome.

Jimmy A

Beware of the water it gives you the runs

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