Three years in Mexico They showed me: This country is a constant mix of "Wow, this is incredible!" and "Wait a minute, is this really possible?" I've learned that traffic lights are suggestions rather than rules, public toilets are adventure parks for the brave and that you can go to Mexico tip almost everywhere – otherwise you get a "bad face" for free.
Mexico is colorful, loud, chaotic and sometimes totally crazy – but that’s what makes it so exciting. In this article I share 27 Things That Shocked Me Most During My Three Years in Mexico. First of all, a small note: Everything I describe here reflects my own experiences and impressions from three years in Mexico.
Table of contents
Education and social differences in Mexico
- I lived with a Mexican family during my early days in Mexico. The little daughter went to kindergarten there. However, it was very different than we know in Germany: In Mexico, kindergarten is almost like a small school. Children learn rules, numbers and letters early on – and even have to sit at school tables for several hours.
- The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Mexico City is among the best universities in the world. Nevertheless, there are many Mexicans who can not read and write, which is why there are always signs on the subways and buses so that those people can orient themselves.
- English is rarely spoken outside tourist zones, contrary to my expectation (I thought in such a big city I think many speak English).
- The social differences are extremely visible: Obvious poverty Right next to luxurious neighborhoods, homeless people and street vendors making a living, while there are expensive hotels right next to them. In addition, a very low Minimum wage of 50 pesos (about 2.29 euros), which severely restricts many people.
Cleanliness, environment and hygiene
- What shocked me the most in Mexico is the Cleanliness or rather dirtyness in most cities and rural areas. Everywhere there is rubbish on the streets, in rivers or even on beaches. Open sewers or mountains of garbage in poorer areas are not uncommon. Garbagemen separate the garbage directly on the vehicle – often without gloves.
- Public toilets You'd better just be careful. Usually there is no toilet paper, no water and no soap. If you want to play it safe, bring your own toilet paper and disinfectant. Also includes the toilet paper Not in the toilet, but in the garbage can intended for it.
Daily life, culture and social norms
- The so-called "Mañana mentality" This means that everything is approached more relaxed. A date at 3 p.m. becomes a date at 5 p.m. or the next day or better yet next week. Did I say next week? I'd rather come over...
- Power outagesInternet interruptions and slow administrative processes (we already know this from Germany) are part of everyday life
- Mexicans are incredible Creative in everyday life. On the streets you can see everything: sellers who offer their goods on temporary wagons or from small boxes, means of transport assembled from old motorcycles, pick-ups or even bicycles to get people or goods from A to B, and small services that cover everything from shoe cleaning to mobile phones.Repairs up to Improvised food stalls
- Tipping is expected almost everywhere, and if you don’t give one, sometimes you get to see a bad face.
- Children's birthdays This is different than in Germany: When a child is invited, the whole family comes – and everyone stays all day until very late in the evening.
- Pets, especially dogs, often walk freely during the day, only in the evening they are allowed back into the house.
- Especially in the suburbs you can see many Street dogs.
- There are so many cockroaches in this country! And some can even fly!! In addition, some become as long as the palm of a hand!!!
- In houses you should always wear slippers, because then you are protected from scorpions.
Traffic, roads and volume
- Traffic in Mexico City is a real challenge. Traffic lights are just proposals, motorcycles overtake in impossible places, motorists drive with broken rear lights, and pedestrians rarely or never have priority – certainly not on zebra crossings. Potholesuneven roads and Improvised road signs Don't make things easier.
- Anyone who visits a city in Mexico will also be Volume surprise: markets, construction sites, honking cars and loud music shape everyday life. It is a different pace than in Germany, and you have to be prepared for it and try to go with the flow.
A round trip is perfect for experiencing the contrasts of Mexico – here I wrote you an article for different routes and tips: Mexico round trip: route, tips and costs at a glance.
And so that you do not catch rain or too hot temperatures, you will find everything here for the Best Time to Visit Mexico 2025: Climate, Weather & Rain Season.
Food, drinks and culinary highlights
- Coke is drunk more than water.
- Extremely many children are overweight.
- Street food is cheap and fresh: Tacos, Elotes and Tamales (Filled corn pie rolled in corn leaves) is available for few pesos.
- Exotic fruits such as Mangosteen, pitaya or mamey They are sold everywhere, even in small markets. Also the Mexican Café de Olla A coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) is very different from German filter coffee and is a must for every coffee lover.
Nature and special experiences
- Mexico surprises not only with culture, but also with Stunning nature. On the Yucatán Peninsula you will find the famous CenotesNatural freshwater pools that are crystal clear and invite you to swim.
If you plan to explore the beaches of Mexico yourself, especially Cancún, it is worth taking a look at my article Best Time to Visit Cancun: Tips for Every Season – my tips will help you to catch the perfect days.
History and politics
- Although Mexico is often considered the land of machos, there are many Presidents and strong female role models.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
Yes, many tourist regions are safe, but as everywhere you should be careful, not to be alone at night and pay attention to your valuables.
Do you have to tip?
Yes, tipping is almost always expected in restaurants, taxis or services. An amount of 10-15% is common.
Is it possible to speak English well in Mexico?
Only in tourist areas do many people speak English. Outside of cities, Spanish is the most important language.
What foods should you try?
Street food such as tacos, elotes and tamales as well as exotic fruits such as mangosteen, pitaya or mamey and the traditional Café de Olla are a must.
