Are you planning to embark on an exciting journey as an expat in Mexico? Congratulations! Living abroad can be a thrilling and transformative experience. To make the most of your time in Mexico, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right tech tools. In this article, we’ll explore five must-have tech essentials that will enhance your expat experience. This toolkit will be a lifesaver during your Mexican adventure. These are easy ways to stay connected, do research, and manage your finances. Let’s dive in!
1. WhatsApp: Your Go-To Communication App
Communication is key, especially when you’re in a foreign country. It’s helpful to get familiar with the local go-to communication app BEFORE people start asking you to connect. In Mexico, the messenger of choice is WhatsApp. If you know how to set up the group function and connect with someone with a QR, then you are ready to start connecting! WhatsApp is a versatile and widely-used messaging app. It will be your lifeline for staying connected with locals, businesses, and expats. In Mexico, it’s quite common for businesses and service providers to do business on the app.
2. Facebook Groups: Unlocking the Power of Local Communities
I’m not a huge Facebook fan. If it weren’t for certain older relatives – and certain younger baby pictures – I’d would have quit years ago. But when it comes to researching your new city, Facebook groups can be invaluable. Joining groups dedicated to the city or region opens up a world of information. The best part is that you will be able to speak directly with real people. These groups are great sources of insider knowledge. You can ask questions about prices, crime, rip-offs, food, rent, neighborhoods, and more. This is also where you find out about networking events and special interests. Most cities have more than one group, so good luck keeping them organized. Most people are supportive, helpful, and generous –but it’s still Facebook. Even in the nicest groups, trolls may rear their ugly heads.
3. Android Phone: Your Gateway to Seamless Connectivity
Having a reliable smartphone is a necessity for any expat in Mexico. An Android phone, in particular, offers a wide range of features and compatibility with local apps and services. You can buy sim cards in the local convience store — provided you have an unlocked phone. Your Android phone is your trusted guide for doing everything from navigating to translating to hailing cabs. As in many other big cities, since Covid you can’t even get a physical menu in Mexico — it’s all QR code.
For me, the most important map is definitely the map. But if you want to study Spanish, hail a cab, buy tickets, check in to a plane, or take part in modern Mexican society in any way, deal with your phone in advance. I haven’t seen that many electronics shops I’d trust to jailbreak a phone here.
4. Stay Connected on a Budget: The Importance of a Spare Phone
In Mexico, having a spare phone can be a game-changer. It’s always a good idea to have a backup device in case of emergencies. Tourist cell phones are the #1 target for pickpockets in Mexico, so many expats own two phones. One nice one for talkin’ – and one cheap one for walkin’. You’re also supposed to have a backup wallet for the same reason. If you get mugged, you just hand over your cheap phone and near-empty wallet.
Check around your house and ask your family and friends if they have an old cell phone kicking around. You can get a TelCel account and SIM card at any convenience store for six dollars worth of mobile time. You can buy inexpensive Chinese made cellphones all over.
5. Finance Tip: Wise Card – Your Ultimate Financial Companion
Managing your finances as an expat can sometimes be an expensive challenge. I use the Wise card, a debit and bank account that’s good for expats and travellers. You have access many currencies, and it costs very little to transfer between them. Then you can use you card to withdraw from ATMs in local currency. It’s very convenient and transparent. You see the fees for everything — and they are low. Wise means you no longer have to deal with crazy currency exchange fees at ATMs (I’m looking at you Thailand).
Wise is also safer. You can use your phone to transfer money from you main bank to Wise as you need it, so the active balance on the card is very low.
The catch? You have to apply for a Wise card from within the US and have the card mailed to a US address.
In conclusion, tech is one of the easier things to plan before your expat research trip. Mexicans aren’t as addicted to social media as some, but your personal business relies on apps and online platforms, so get up to speed early. Get on those Facebook groups now, and start figuring out the mysteries of Whatsapp. Your mobile phone and other basic tech can act as a barrier to local culture, or as a gateway.