Local Tips

At lunchtime, it's a better time to train in some gyms.

Join Facebook groups: 'Americans in Mexico City', 'CDMX Expats', 'Internations Mexico City'. Great for finding roommates, recommendations, and making friends.

Cars can't drive certain days based on last digit of license plate. Yellow sticker = no restrictions. Check the schedule before renting/buying a car. Violations are expensive.

La Comer/City Market: upscale, lots of imports. Walmart/Chedraui: mid-range. Bodega Aurrera/Soriana: budget-friendly. Costco exists and accepts US membership!

At traditional markets, prices are often negotiable. Learn basic Spanish numbers. '¿Cuánto cuesta?' (how much?), '¿Me da dos?' (give me two). Vendors appreciate the effort!

CDMX is at 7,350 feet. First week: stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, take it easy on exercise. Shortness of breath is normal initially. Consider iron supplements.

You need: temporary residency card, RFC (tax ID), proof of address (utility bill), and passport. BBVA and Santander are most expat-friendly. Bring patience - it takes 1-2 hours.

Rush hour traffic is brutal (7-10am, 6-9pm). Plan around it. Wednesday and Thursday mornings can be lighter. Use Waze for real-time traffic updates.

Important numbers to save: 911 for emergencies (works in English), Cruz Roja (Red Cross) 065, Angeles Verdes (roadside assistance) 078. Most operators speak basic English.

Most medications are available without prescription in Mexico. Farmacias Similares offers affordable generics, while Farmacia San Pablo has higher-end products. Many pharmacies have doctors who can see you for minor issues for around 50 pesos.

Street food is generally safe if you follow these rules: Look for busy stalls with high turnover. Check if they use separate utensils for raw and cooked food. Avoid salads and fresh salsas initially. Stick to well-cooked items like tacos al pastor or quesadillas.

As an expat, you have two main options: IMSS (public healthcare, ~$500 USD/year) or private insurance. Private is faster and more comfortable, but IMSS covers everything including pre-existing conditions. Many expats use both - IMSS for emergencies and private for routine care.

Uber is generally safer and more convenient for expats. Always verify the car and driver match the app. Pink taxis at sitios (taxi stands) are also safe. Avoid hailing random taxis on the street, especially at night.

For everyday banking, BBVA and Santander are expat-friendly. You'll need temporary residency for most accounts. Wise and Revolut work great for transferring money from the US. ATMs: Use bank ATMs inside branches for safety.

The Metro is incredibly cheap (5 pesos) and covers most of the city. Download the 'Metro y Metrobús CDMX' app. Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 6-8pm). First cars are women-only during peak hours. Keep valuables hidden and stay alert.

An RFC (tax ID) is needed for many services: bank accounts, phone plans, rentals. You can get one with temporary residency at any SAT office. Bring passport, CURP (if you have one), proof of address, and residency card.

Official translations (by certified 'perito traductor') are required for: birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and legal contracts. Regular translations work for: business documents, personal correspondence, and medical records.

Standard tip is 10-15% at restaurants. At taquerias and street food, tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Coffee shops with tip jars - 10-20 pesos is fine. For delivery drivers, 20-50 pesos is standard.

Tourist visa: 180 days, no work allowed. Temporary Resident: 1-4 years, can work with permit. Permanent Resident: Indefinite, full work rights. Most Americans start with temp residency via financial solvency (showing ~$2,500 USD monthly income).