Mexico (MX)
Mexico is one of the world's most important expat destinations, especially for US and Canadian retirees, remote workers, entrepreneurs, families and lifestyle migrants.
Daily Life
Practical day-to-day information for living in Mexico.
🛒 Supermarkets
Broad national coverage; Bodega Aurrera is budget-oriented.
Major supermarket chain, common outside Mexico City too.
Strong in many expat coastal and urban areas; Selecto is premium.
Higher-end groceries and imported goods in major cities.
Useful for families and imported items; membership required.
Best for produce, prepared food and local life; cash and Spanish help.
Opening Hours
Supermarkets (Walmart, Chedraui, Soriana): 07:00–23:00 or 24 hours. Shopping malls (Antara, Parque Pedregal, Galerías): 11:00–21:00 Mon–Sat, 11:00–20:00 Sun. Banks (BBVA, Santander, Banamex/Citibanamex): Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00, Sat 10:00–14:00. Government offices (SAT, INM, IMSS): Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00 typically — book citas (appointments) online well in advance. Pharmacies (Farmacias del Ahorro, Benavides, Guadalajara): most open 07:00–22:00; many Farmacias del Ahorro are 24 hours. Oxxo convenience stores: 24/7 everywhere.
Sunday Rules
No Sunday trading restrictions in Mexico. Malls, supermarkets, restaurants and most shops open Sunday. Government offices (SAT, INM, IMSS, Civil Register) and banks are closed Sunday. Tianguis street markets often operate Sunday mornings as their primary day. Major CDMX tourist areas (Xochimilco, Coyoacán, Chapultepec) are very busy Sunday with local families.
Recycling
Recycling is municipal and building-specific; there is no national standardised household recycling system. In Mexico City, separate organic waste (kitchen scraps, leftover food) and inorganic waste (plastics, glass, metal, cardboard) — Wednesday and Saturday truck collection in many colonias. Ask your building manager exactly how waste sorting works where you live. Pepenadores (informal waste pickers) sort recyclables at collection points and transfer stations — a critical part of the recycling chain. Pilas/batteries: take to supermarket or pharmacy collection boxes. E-waste: authorised centres (GAIA in CDMX) accept electronics.
Dining Out
Mexico is exceptional for everyday food. Comida corrida (fixed-price lunch) at a fonda: MXN $60–120 for soup, main, rice/beans, agua fresca and tortillas. Street tacos: MXN $15–30 each. Mid-range Mexico City restaurant dinner: MXN $200–600 per person. Fine dining (Quintonil, Pujol, Contramar): MXN $1,000–2,500+ per person. Breakfast at a local café: MXN $50–100 for chilaquiles, huevos, café de olla. Lunch (14:00–16:00) is the main meal of the day for most Mexicans — the best restaurants fill at this time. Check whether card is accepted before ordering at taquerias and market fondas.
Utilities & Internet
Electricity: CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad) — residential tariffs (1A to DAC depending on usage). Subsidised below a base limit; bill spikes sharply if you exceed it with AC. Average: MXN $200–1,000/month (2BR apartment); higher in hot climates (Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey). Gas: LP gas cylinder (tanque) from Zeta Gas, Gas Natural, Biogas — MXN $200–400 per 30 kg fill, or stationary tank on the roof. Water: included in building fees in many condominiums; varies by municipality. Internet: Telmex Infinitum (DSL/FTTH), Totalplay (fibre), Izzi (cable), Megacable (cable) — fibre speeds 100–400 Mbps available in major cities for MXN $400–800/month.
Cultural Tips for Expats
- → Carry cash for markets, tips, taxis, small shops and outages.
- → Ask for factura if you need a tax-deductible invoice; the request usually must be made promptly.
- → Imported products can cost far more than in the US or Canada.
- → Check delivery addresses carefully; colonia, interior number, references and postcode matter.
- → WhatsApp is normal for local suppliers and trades, but keep payment evidence and receipts.
- → Laundry is easy through lavanderias; many flats have washers but dryers are less universal.
- → Tap-water habits vary by city and building. Many households use garrafon delivery or filters.
Quiet Hours
Mexico is socially lively, but apartment buildings and private developments still enforce internal rules. Noise, pets, parties, repairs, rooftop use and visitor access are usually governed by the reglamento interior and building administration.
Noise, parties, pets, repairs, common areas, guest access and deliveries.
Loud parties, bars, construction noise or repeated neighbour complaints.
- •Assuming a lively neighbourhood means the building allows loud parties.
- •Ignoring pet rules until a neighbour complains.
- •Doing drilling, moving or renovation work without asking permitted hours.
- •Letting short-term guests use common areas against HOA rules.
Consequences range from neighbour conflict and building fines to landlord warnings, lease disputes or local authority visits for repeated serious noise.
Postal Services
Correos de Mexico exists for ordinary mail, but private couriers are more reliable for important documents and ecommerce. Many expats use DHL, FedEx, UPS, Estafeta, Amazon, Mercado Libre and local pickup points.
Amazon and Mercado Libre pickup points, OXXO/retail pickup and courier branches can be more reliable than home delivery in buildings with access issues.
Couriers, banks and mobile providers may require ID at pickup or delivery. Use the same name and phone number as the order.
Official notices may arrive by courier, email, tax mailbox, ordinary mail or in-person service depending matter. Do not ignore Spanish notices or missed-delivery slips.
Formal mail forwarding is less predictable than in some countries. When moving, update banks, SAT, INM, insurers, schools, employer, utilities and delivery apps directly.
- →Add colonia, interior number, building name, cross streets and phone number to delivery instructions.
- →Use courier services for passports, legal documents and high-value items.
- →Check import duties and courier brokerage fees before ordering from abroad.
- →For apartment buildings, ask security how delivery drivers are handled.