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All great points! There is no single approach to doing these kinds of things and we could all use some sort of support along the way. @CommonSense970 did you send us an email? I did a quick search in our inbox for your name/handle but nothing came up. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t leave you hanging!
@@michellecronk5396 you're right I didn't bother looking it up because these guys don't even respond to emails when they provided the address and repeatedly mentioned a willingness to talk. That leads me to believe these other resources for "well everything" will be equally as underwhelming. People are only limited by their own thoughts. If people want to use a guide that's wonderful. The reality is this guide targets people afraid to do this on their own and really only seeks to fund the hosts of this channel's journey. Helping anyone, having a dialogue related to travel, etc all take a back seat to producing USA dollars to fund their travel experiences. Call me crazy but I'd rather get my information elsewhere. I'm not convinced.
@@michellecronk5396 additionally, "having a team all over the country" and knowing what resources to use and when to use them are very different things. Lastly, they definitely don't have a real sense of the word "team working all over the country" on their payroll. This is an American couple traveling the world on the money of people who wish to live vicariously through them.
Ya'll are so badass... My hubby and I are moving to MX on 12/16 and sheeeeessssh are we gonna have A LOT to learn. Thank you for your spirit, energy, effort in making these videos. Hope we can meet up in these CDMX streets sometime.
Thank you for watching commenting. Yes these are things we had to learn while living in Mexico. We thought we’d share just in case others were wondering.
As a mexican american , i love you’re guy’s video due to the fact that you guys talk to us(threw the screen) like actual people, and actually show us the things we’ve never had the courage to ask due to getting the side eyes😅! So thank you!!! Now i feel more ready to vist mexico this coming December
Oh I forgot to mention, you can also avoid some of the payment hassles (at least for services) by creating a Didi or Rappi account and linking your credit card to it (I do prefer Didi, though). You can then pay many services, including electricity and internet, through the app. I have only used it with credit cards issued in Mexico, but I would be surprised if it didn't work with other credit cards.
I can relate to all of this. On my last home sit in Puebla, I learned that there are identical garafons (water jugs) but with a different quality of water. Of course the better one costs more and the only way I could discern was to ask the price! The money change issue is the worst! Take care Kevin and Jenny!
Interesting! I didn’t know that about the water jugs. I know there are different brands but I’ve never paid attention to any difference in taste or quality. Nice to hear from you, Kenny. Hope you’re well!
Hey guys! Good to see you again. One tip I would like to give you is, ALWAYS ASK FIRST!, for example, Oxxo, Do you have change? always ask first. Tipping, Don't feel bad if you don't give a tip but try to be generous because wages are low and people could use the help. Ask FIRST about the Return Policy, save yourself some heartache. Crossing the street, Since Cops giving someone a ticket here is rare, that's why no one cares about pedestrians, We run red lights, we park wherever we want, etc. About Large bills , many large bills in Mexico are counterfeit so taking a bill especially $1000 is a risk for all. Always ask for smaller bills from the bank if you can. How about Mayonaise? Many places here DO NOT refrigerate it! Still strange for me and I've been here 38 years, Thanks again, guys! Stay safe!!!
@@veronicamartinez-sc9ih Agree! I give the guys putting my groceries in bags $50 pesos just to see the Happy and Surprised look on their faces, That's PRICELESS!
The counterfeit problem really stinks, but yea i understand why accepting a bill that large would be risky. It’s also unfortunate that lines at the bank to speak to a teller are so long, so going to ask for smaller bills after the atm just gave me large bills isn’t exactly realistic.
Another great informative video friends. ❤🎉 Cheers from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living our best life in Mexico. We are loving La Crucecita Huatulco Oaxaca guys. ❤️🇲🇽 Wishing you both all the success in the world. 🙏🏼💕
1. Drinkable tap water and not having to worry about water scarcity are also the things I miss most about Canada when I’m in Mexico. 2. In our small town of Tepoztlan, cars do stop for pedestrians, so I think there’s a small town vs big city difference, as you mention. 3. I would love a “De aquí y de allá” shirt, but on your website I couldn’t have it shipped to Canada. 😢 Any way to buy one from you in Mexico? (Since I’m close by in Tepoztlan, I could go into Mexico City to pick it up.)
A good thing we have learned in our travels is to always greet people before asking a question. Another thing is that especially in MX City is to alway refer to a lady as Senorita. One time, I used Dona and it was not taken that well.
Mortal sin never call a female doña, señorita unless she says other wise. I called a older lady señorita once and she got offended because she was a señora because she had 4 kids.
Fun to watch your videos again, thank you guys!😍 Makes me appreciate more Canada now even though after my long trip to Russia I feel like moving to Mexico or Portugal.
Tipping technicians is normal in Las Vegas. You have a hvac tech that fixes your AC in the middle of a 120F weather. You have a cox IT guy fix your wifi, you have an electrician fix your breaker problem. I honestly thought it was normal To tip a technician for all the hard work they did.ill rather tip a technician then a waiter because they actually have a skill and made your day better by fixing the issue
Tipping is outrageous in the US. We went out to eat in Chicago and now they have a “service tax” that is not for servers in the restaurant but for restaurants to cover restaurant wages. Times are so strange and it gets harder and harder to go out
Great video! The one tipping thing I found odd was in supermarkets tipping the guys who bag the groceries. Turns out they're not paid at all and depend on tips. The cash thing is real, too. I have a debit card that refunds ATM fees (Schwab) so I always take out a small amount (like MXN $200) at a time so I get smaller bills. Last visit to Mexico I got over $40 of ATM fees refunded.
We have Schwab, too! and love it, but taking out small bills at a time feels a bit unrealistic for someone who lives there full time. That’s way too much time spent at the atm for me
@@EatBailaTravel I get that - if I lived there long term it would get annoying. Even during a trip, I'm constantly underestimating how much I need and have to go back and, even then, get larger bills than I want.
Thanks, this is again a very helpful video for all like me who want to move there. Interestingly, nothing surprises me, because it is the same in Europe where I grew up: you tip for every service, for example at the end of the year you tip the sanitation workers, the mail carrier etc etc. Get anything installed at home you tip. Same with returns, Europe looks with suspicion on people who buy and then return things. It creates a huge hassle for the stores. The only thing I never experienced in Mexico, but in Italy, is the cash change shortage. I just came back from a trip to Jalisco and every vendor, every store had ample cash to give change, from 50 centavos coins (they do exist) to 20, 50, 100 pesos bills. Never a problem. As to the traffic, well, I lived in New York City, that says it all... :)
You are a well-traveled and experienced person! Nice. Getting change is much easier when the bill is 100 pesos or smaller, so you’re smart to use mainly those bills.
Loved it! Thanks for this great video. Sometimes as a Mexican it's easy to forget these are not the "norms". Thanks for this reminder. I really liked you guys added a lot of great scenery
Paying protection money for cars is bad. I don't know if they still do it ,but at one point there was police workers telling us to give tips for police work. It came to the point where I put a camera on the door and if I didn't know who it was I didn't answer.
I’m Mexican, and to be honest, that’s just plain extortion. No actual police workers should ever ask you for tips of any kind. Just like in the US, they’re funded with taxpayer money. Unfortunately, in many parts of Mexico (cynics would say pretty much everywhere) police is either part of organized crime or is colluded with them. That’s just one stark reality every Mexican learns as they grow up.
I’ve had internet technicians come and do installations many times in Mexico and I’ve never seen them expect any tips. I think what you experienced was just a bit different: they might have felt they were doing you a favor (since your official installation wasn’t on their schedule)
I could see that! Although it took us a minute to realize it because we were initially annoyed that the company had scheduled to come install and cancelled on us 3 times. In our eyes, the company was past due on their service, but then we realized these guys probably have nothing to do with scheduling and likely isn’t their fault we got stood up 3x.
The atm gives you smaller bills automatically? Or are you suggesting to go ask the teller for smaller bills? If the atm does it automatically, that’s great to know!! I’d start going to Ban Bajío more often
the 500 peso note is my biggest peeve. after use ATM, have to go inside to break it. even 200 is hard for many vendors. so sad about the Walmart baggers, didn't find out until many years later that tipping is their only compensation ***NOTICE: counterfeits warning for the older 200 (and 500), if you have it, spend it!
@@EatBailaTravel thats probably true for those older notes. but most everyday things cost under 100 so its hard to use bigger notes in any case. agua is 10, taco is 20. 500s mainly with doctors, pharmacy, taxi friend. so I break those 500s for 100 and 50
Hey guys! The tipping situation sounds like the biggest adjustment. Maybe the "not having change" is a way of baking in tips? And wow, Oxxo's got it ALL going on! 🇺🇸 🇲🇽
Love your videos. Your experience as Mexican Americans in Mexico add a unique touch that millions of us want to hear. Moreover, I wonder if can create a video about how Mexicans (Esp. authorities, Taxis, restaurants, etc.) treat Gringos different than Mexican Americans. Thanks in advance.
Now that could be an interesting video! We’d need to collaborate with a foreign friend to experiment! We’ve actually thought about this before, but never got around to it because it becomes tricky to film. But not impossible! Hopefully one day we can make it happen
Great vlog you guys! I’m also originally from Chicago, been living here in Austin Texas since 2021 and Las Vegas for many years before that. I’ve been researching moving to Mexico for a few years now. I love the Lago de Chapala area but I like the smaller town of Jocotepec instead of the busier city of Ajijic.
Drivers not yielding to pedestrians is a problem in pretty much every big city in Mexico. I live in Guadalajara (I was born and raised in Mexico City), and it’s essentially the same here. We Mexicans are used to this and we get around it, but that doesn’t make it right, especially since most transit codes do specify pedestrians have the right of way in many situations.
Hello , It’s so interesting the difference in systems , cultures and mentality. Here in Australia we find it interesting that Americans have to tip for most services such as in cafes and restaurants which isn’t the case here . Tips are only given for exceptional service or because one feels like it . The minimum wage here in Oz is one of the highest in the world and staff are compensated for overtime , weekend work etc . There are zero expectations for tips . So , yeh even countries such as Australia and the US there are differences for sure . I loved holidaying in Mexico , the art , history, food and people . I hope you both enjoy your time there. Take care 🤗 JP Sydney, Australia.
Very informative, I find alot of taco stands did not expect a tip. I also think the standard tipping percentage is about 10% , not entirely sure though
Tipping in Mexico is one of those things I am still confused by. Not sure when to and when not to. I don't want to offend anyone. I went to a small place to eat in QRO that was run by, I think, two sisters. The food was very good, so I gave them a little more when I was paying. I almost had to beg them to take the extra (not that bad but I had to insist that it was OK that they keep the change). Later, I felt bad because I started thinking maybe I had offended them.
you didn't offend the owners but some other local customers could be. the American Overtipping culture is toxic and hope these expats DON't bring the Overtipping to Mexico. I have been to more than a dozen places in Mexico everywhere I visit, I do ask some real locals, and observe other real locals, those who live there for life, how much tipping is okay, in most cash paying examples just round up to next good number, for a 190 pesos meal, leave with a 200 pesos bill is okay, you calculate the percentage is between 5~10%. In places where there are many expats who pay more than 15% or more than 20% you set a high standard the sellers got spoiled, and for other locals who can't pay that much, their services got deprived eventually.
Great video!! A question about water. After your done cooking, do you wash your dishes with tap or jug water? Same for brushing your teeth and your toothbrush.
Same! We wash everything (including teeth!) with tap water :) the only part of Mexico I would not recommend brushing your teeth with tap water is Chiapas.
aqui en tejas todavia no damos propina a los que ponen tus alimentos en bulsas.. HEB paga lo mismo a los cajeros y supongo lo mismo de aldi / walmart / trader joes etc. y si hay alguien que quiere una propina por "ciudar" a mi coche - no me estaciono alla jajaja saludos de austin ( y en este momento especifico, Taipei, Taiwan!!)
Y después que hacemos cuando el estacionamiento está muy limitado y no hay otras opciones?? 😖😅 Wow, Taiwan! La tierra del boba 🧋🤩estás de paseo? Que cool
I absolutely love this video! I'm from NYC and considering moving to Guadalajara, just for a bit more calm and slightly fewer people, but with lots of things to do and people who are actually friendly 🙂. Your basic stories and tips are priceless! And, let me tell you, I am one of those people who will walk into the street, and be like " Hello! 👋🏽 I'm here!😅 The sign says walk, so I'm gonna walk." I feel like people will only do what you allow them to get away with. But anyway, thank you for all of the insight. Very good information about the nuances of being and living in Mexico. Cheers!
Gotta love the people who force their services on you like the windshield cleaning guys or the people who guide you while parking. You're expected to pay them though you never asked for the service. It's ridiculous
the pedestrian thing is somewhat catching on at least in Houston suburbs. the tipping thing yall gotta be careful of: some people do get paid right but they see foreigners and they straight hustle you out of money on top of what employers pay them. we are getting an oxxo in texas: I'm excited. the bills thing if i remember correctly was to avoid carrying coins(think the evolution of currency) in the same value(that must have been a heavy load to carry around) and also if i remember right it had to do with preventing fraudulent money printing/laundering(???).question have yall met anyone with dual citizenship that has attended/is attending/will attend school/university in mex? 🇲🇽 🇺🇸
Great video, thank you!!! I live in Guadalajara... Cars yielding for pedestrians? 😂😂😂 I even count to five... before stepping into the road after getting a green light. Drinking water, I bought a filter, so much easier. Yes, all installation services, delivery of furniture and appliances, or otherwise expect a tip. The basura workers I tip every now and then. My understanding is the are paid by the city, not by us. And... tipping can help with the frequency of their visits. Yeah, the cash thing is hard to get used to. However, giving a smaller bill, I have found, is a gesture of respect. Big bills are frequently counterfeited and they can cause a big loss, including a job, for a business or person. Thanks again!!
Good video about some differences between the U.S. and Mexico. There are some nuances that you have to get used to. Also love the From here and there t shirt. No Mexico or US flag emoji so I substituted a taco and cheese burger.🌮🍔. -Marc
In most of Mexico, the Pedestrian never has the right of way, that’s crazy making for me too! I was almost hit by a motorcycle coming from nowhere in Oaxaca City as well as a car driving way too fast, and a bus coming up on the curb. Oaxaca City is as bad or worse than CDMX, I felt like they wanted to hit me, scary! And the total lack of change, CASH is king but no one ever has any change. Anywhere! And the noise, the fireworks and rockets, almost daily. Much to adjust to when relocating, and I do love my Mexico life. 💖🇲🇽
The water is too contaminated with toxins and possibly bacteria. Most homes have a water tank on the roof that gets nasty quickly. I really don't understand how it works compared to the US, but it's not possible to filter tap water safely in Mexico.
Regarding the Couch order, there are restocking fees as high as 20% in the U.S.. Think about this, the retailer is ordering something they don’t stock. It’s costing them money to ship it then store it until someone decides they want to buy it. It’s the cost of doing business so yes there is a justification for a cancellation fee.
That’s a good point! And yea, justified. We were also annoyed that it took them over two months to deliver the couch when their promise was 30 days but in the end we took the couch and moved on with our lives
My first time in Mexico (2008) I didn't understand why there was a gas attendant at every gas station and why I had to tip him when I have been putting gas in my own car for decades. I also didn't understand why I had to pay to use a restroom and tip the cleaning lady attending to the restroom if I brought my own rollo (toilet paper) and cleaned my area by the sink. I didn't understand why I had to "thank someone" for giving me directions with a tip. Over the years I grew to accept it. What I don't understand is service workers (basura, gas, agua) expecting aguinaldos (Christmas bonuses) from their costumers when they have already received one from their employer. This is definitely a culture shock for me.
on my 1st trip to Germany as a teen - mid `80s, 40 years ago (I'm old) it was a very cash oriented society - i'd brought with me a DM1000 banknote (~US$400 at the time) from Dallas to fund the start of my trip. NO one wanted to break it! later learned there'd been a counterfeiting scandal of that specific banknote.
These points are very Important to know in advance. Recently I visited mexico city and stayed in the NH Hotel CDMX Valle Dorado which is located in a shopping mall. The Mall parking requires exact change or it will not let you exit. I was stressed out because who always has exact change. There was an app but I could not get it to work. Late one night I realized I was running low on pesos and I had to drive all the way to Zona Rosa to a currency exchange place @ 9pm because I was frightened that I was not going to be able to exit the next morning which was the day of my flight.
Another robbery is when traveling on the quota highway. After paying the quota at the official casetas, one travels and, in some towns, the locals stop the traffic with obstacles until you pay an entry fee, go 400 feet and then you pay an exit fee. Had issues with paying as well - 500 pesos ($25) got us a lot of looks at small establishments; we would have to wait until other customers paid to get our change.
Your two are great. Yea I feel so bad trying to use big bills, so I do go and use it at a store to get smaller change. As for xing the street, not all towns and city's are the same. If you try being bold xing the street in Aguascalientes trust me you will get run over, not the same in my favorite town Coatepec where cars do stop for people. As for tipping, as they say everything in Mexico can be a business, in Queretaro there is a Oxxo where a guy opens the door for tips. First time I didn't tip, but later I saw him sitting next to the door eating a plat of food, I tipped every time after that. A PERSON HAS TO EAT... I will be in Chalula and Puebla soon. :>)
You dont have to tip the installation people but i gave minen 100 pesos para las cocas. Tipping sometimes depends on what you want to get accomplished.
In our situation, would you have tipped? The company had stood us up 3x already and they were there to install for our neighbors (who moved in after us lol), so we asked them to do ours too since they were technicians from the same company
BBVA would do that sometimes when I took out larger quantities to pay rent. But I would receive them more often from my employer because they were paying me in cash.
You weren’t being rude to that lady at Oxxo. The largest convenience store chain in Mexico and they don’t take credit cards? That’s insane! Instead of withdrawing from the ATM maybe go to the counter at yalls bank that way you guys can request small denominations? The guy calling you for a tip for cleaning the street is crazy work😂 that’s like if a cop came knocking asking for tip for doing his job.
Obviously you have never done any banking in Mexico. It's not like the US where you just walk in and walk up to a teller. Here you walk in and take a number, have a seat and hope someone will help you in less than an hour. I've been here a few years and still do all of banking through my mobile apps. Buena suerte!
Oxxo takes credit cards but not for bill payments (why? I don’t understand!). And David above is right about how long it takes to see a teller at the bank, another topic that could’ve fit well in this video! Lastly, I had the same thought about the police! They are public service as well and it would feel silly if they rang our doorbell to ask for tips.
Look at videos of the 1920s and beyond of big cities like Los Angeles for instance, and you will notice people did not have the right-of-the way either. Its the Generational Softening that i started noticing around the 1990’s. Facts
crossing the street... its like that everywhere in Latin America. BE CAREFUL (follow and walk behind a local doing it - they actually smile and laugh at a gringo scrambling closely, always say muchas gracias) or only at crosswalks.
It’s unfortunate that the law is that cars are supposed to yield to pedestrians but they don’t respect it… so then it’s on us pedestrians to be careful
Hola chicos hermosos ❤ About the total play guys. With tradies you’ve booked to do a job generally you wouldn’t tip. Unless you’ve asked them to do you a favour as in your case they came over and completed your installation. Your job was not on their agenda so in this case yes a tip would have been the norm.
😂😂😂....We had a bunch of stuff that the trash truck just didn't want it to take...I approach the guys and ask(politely of course)if they could take it? they looked at me and said:we that's been there for a while!Me:yes, that's why I am asking 🤔...I had a bill on my hand...they looked at it and said ..okay will do!!Funny but not funny...😮
@ I wonder if this is a regional thing. I promise you, nobody tips their grocery baggers in Los Angeles. I get it in Mexico where almost everything is gratuity based. Maybe you guys tip them in Chicago.
Be careful crossing the street. I had a punk try to run me over in Cd. Juarez in '08 while I was packing heat (I was a Consular: it was permitted) I was in Canun a few years ago and a tour bus and one of Canun's Finest stopped to let a little old lady cross the street on Bonanpak. . Go figure. When's the Eat Baila Travel hostel going to open? I got 5 guys ageeing: we're there! (We're not flying Volaris). Love you two: be well.
Nice to hear a good story about a bus stopping for a lady! And sounds like that guys was lucky you didn’t bust out the heat 😅 Hoping to break ground in 2025! Starting with a room for ourselves.. then we’ll see how long it takes to build the rest 😁😁 we’ll save you guys a room!!🙌🏼
I never thought i would hear words you uttered at the very end ie ‘Moving to Mexico for a better life’ but i’ve been hearing it for a while now. Many are saying thats why Trump won. They want the old-school back. We didn’t vote for him but we get it. Try and appreciate the old school, it makes you tougher.
It was our dream to retire in Mexico for 12 years prior to moving here. Not for political reasons, and not because we thought it was cheap. We saw the beautiful way of life, the fresh healthy food, and the wonderful culture. Being from Northern Canada the weather was also attractive. The wife went to university in Guadalajara many years ago studying Spanish and Mexico stole her heart, then it stole mine. We were holidaying here for 12 years prior to moving here. It's now been over 3 years and we couldn't be happier. Good luck on your search for happiness wherever that may be. ❤🙏🏼
Hola Ana! Coming down to Mexico was a short drive for me coming from the LA/Ventura area of CA. Before moving here a few years ago I had been here remote beach camping, surfing and fishing close to a hundred times since the early eighties. It was years ago that I fell in love with the warm, friendly people along with their welcoming family based culture and of course the food. Seeing how living here would be much more affordable to live a better quality of life I decided I could retire early and move here, so I did! Best thing I've ever done for myself! Mucha suerte desde la hermosa Mexico!
That was a blooper clip lol 😆 I was showing Kevin text messages between my brother and I. He works for the federal government and they were asking for my address in Mexico (not sure why). It’s certainly ironic that we were born in the country with the global reputation for the “American dream” that usually implies an improved quality of life. When I said that, I was laughing at the irony of saying that to the US federal government, but I really did mean it. There is a quality of life in Mexico that has a lot to do with the culture, the climate, and opportunities we have that our ancestors didn’t.
I wish it were that simple! Seeing a teller at the bank for anything (including just to get change) requires patrons to take a number and sit and wait to be called, hopefully in less than an hour. Lines are notoriously long at banks in Mexico. This is something I wish we had mentioned in this video!
Here is an idea: Maybe one can start a business where the customer receives excellent customer service experience. Trouble free like product returns, dealing with office employees, etc.
The US-born Latin Americans are so funny... everything is a shock to them, outside of USA. That is the main issue driven by the lack of traveling that Latin Americans submit to in the USA because of the cost of life being so expensive.
We actually never expected to live in Mexico City. Mexico yes, but Mexico City no. It’s a wonderful city but it’s massive size comes with challenges. Two years after we’d been living in Mexico nomadically (moving every few weeks or couple of months), I received a job offer for a permanent full-time position from a US university with a partner office at the UNAM campus. After three months, things didn’t work out. We talk more about it during this video at six flags Mexico: th-cam.com/video/7Fnj53-QyZ4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PmbUimQN9rENO5B7
Jenny, muy buen día. Just dropping a line. I remember how you deal with fibromyalgia. Have you ever looked into the benefits of creatine monohydrate? Not trying to sell you on anything but it might just help you. Please Google it. Take care, you and K.
Hi Michael! Nice to hear from you. I have never heard of a relationship between creatine and fibromyalgia, but I have taken it before some time ago when I was trying to build muscle. I took it for three months, I believe, but did not notice a significant difference in my symptoms.
@EatBailaTravel Well, darn. Of course, anything that might help workouts might be beneficial to pain reduction, but just thought I'd mention it. Take care. I'm following y'all's adventures as always. We're headed to a Mérida-Campeche Christmas vacation soon (yesss!)
Hey, travelers, I like and look forward to your travel videos. Keep up your wonderful work!! BTW, you're getting much better. More professional!! 👍👍 #1, In Centro Merida, Yucatan, the Va-y-Ven bus drivers ignore pedestrian crosswalk right-of-way laws. Even when I was already in the crosswalk, the bus drivers blow the horn as they don't even slow down. #2, I was baffled that México has cenotes with pure, drinkable water, yet municipalities in México don't offer water service. Although they have sewer systems?! I was told that the reason for this is Cartels control México's bottled water industry as well as many other industries, such as the Taxi industry. Wh8ch is the reason Uber drivers were prohibited from picking up passengers at Federal (international) airports. I ran into that at Cancun International Airport. #3, Tipping: Before arriving in México, I read that Méxican patrons tip 5-10%, yet foreigners tip 15-20%. And because foreigners tip much more than Méxican customers felt slighted by the servers ignoring them to attend to foreigners. Therefore, "when in México, do as Méxicans do", and I tipped 10% at a restaurant in Tampico. When the server saw "only" 10% tip, she gave me a noticeable look of disgust. Apparently, servers expect foreigners to tip 15-20%. Lesson learned. Also, I'm not accustomed to a tipping society where darned near everyone expects a tip. That changed in México. And 10% seems to be an acceptable amount. #4, Change. I'm a BOOMER that was raised before credit cards became a thing. I have always paid in cash. In fact, my momma would drive to the electric company, the water authority and telephone company and pay her monthly utility bills in cash. I pay my monthly utility bills with bank draft. And, even when I dine out, even if I pay with Amex; I pay the tip in cash. (IT IS NO ONE'S BUSINESS WHAT I SPEND MY MONEY ON, NOR WITH WHOM I SPEND MY MONEY. THEREFORE, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, I PAY CASH!!) That said, I couldn't understand why no one ever seems to have change for any bill larger than a MX$200 bill. At first, since most of My expenses were at restaurants, I thought the servers were scamming Me when they made change with the largest bills so I would have to over tip. Apparently, unlike the USA, where the U.S. Treasury keeps printing money to keep a constant supply of money in the economy. México doesn't seem to follow suit. Maybe counterfeiting is an issue. I don't know, but it is an inconvenience. I have found that the larger grocery stores and Western Union locations will change MX$500 bill if I buy something. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Expresar sorpresa a alguna novedad (para mi) no es equivalente a ser tacaño. Obviamente no escuchaste el momento en el que me puse a reflexionar que sí se merecen la propina, simplemente me sorprendió la novedad que me timbraran para pedirla.
I dare to belive that the lack of change is on purpose, their salary is very low so having no change is a way of giving you less and them winning some extra even if it's only 5 pesos.
We got a free lead test kit once and tested our tap water, and it was fine. May not taste the best but at least we knew it was safe! But I understand that's not the case everywhere, especially in Michigan! Crazy
I feel sorry that you find it “super strange” drivers don’t give you “way of passage”, especially when you are happily shown in your video, crossing the road in the middle of that beautiful street and not at the boring red light, as everybody knows it’s supposed to be done, right? ✅ Congratulations 👏🏻 on your “don’t giving up”and keeping trying to adapt to such an “exotic” new lifestyle, especially after 3 long and surely tough years of living in this amazing country of Mexico 🇲🇽 It must have been tough for you guys trying to cope with so many oddities every single day. 😔 I’m sure you are not letting anybody down here, by keeping aware of everything that “could be improved”, “unlearning” your old ways of doing things and embracing with joy this new culture, while you let everybody know the tiny little things that make you unease. ¡Cheers to you! 👏🏻
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Chicago water is also awful I was in cicero there is alot gas stations wells and industry in chicago is not good quality water either..
The Mexican Relocation Guide, their services and videos ate HUGELY helpful🩷
All great points! There is no single approach to doing these kinds of things and we could all use some sort of support along the way.
@CommonSense970 did you send us an email? I did a quick search in our inbox for your name/handle but nothing came up. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t leave you hanging!
@@michellecronk5396 you're right I didn't bother looking it up because these guys don't even respond to emails when they provided the address and repeatedly mentioned a willingness to talk. That leads me to believe these other resources for "well everything" will be equally as underwhelming. People are only limited by their own thoughts. If people want to use a guide that's wonderful. The reality is this guide targets people afraid to do this on their own and really only seeks to fund the hosts of this channel's journey. Helping anyone, having a dialogue related to travel, etc all take a back seat to producing USA dollars to fund their travel experiences. Call me crazy but I'd rather get my information elsewhere. I'm not convinced.
@@michellecronk5396 additionally, "having a team all over the country" and knowing what resources to use and when to use them are very different things. Lastly, they definitely don't have a real sense of the word "team working all over the country" on their payroll. This is an American couple traveling the world on the money of people who wish to live vicariously through them.
The instinct to jaywalk among moving cars is definitely a Chicago thing. Lol
Haha maybe! Lol
Great video! My family and I recently made the voluntary decision to move to Mexico from the USA, and we're thrilled to be living here now. Blessings.
Ya'll are so badass... My hubby and I are moving to MX on 12/16 and sheeeeessssh are we gonna have A LOT to learn. Thank you for your spirit, energy, effort in making these videos. Hope we can meet up in these CDMX streets sometime.
Great video! These are the daily life things that many ppl don’t think about when traveling or moving to MX. Thank you both!!
Thank you for watching commenting. Yes these are things we had to learn while living in Mexico. We thought we’d share just in case others were wondering.
Absolutely love you showing your life in Mexico. You’re such a fun channel to watch.
Thank you for watching and commenting. We appreciate the love and support. Saludos!
As a mexican american , i love you’re guy’s video due to the fact that you guys talk to us(threw the screen) like actual people, and actually show us the things we’ve never had the courage to ask due to getting the side eyes😅! So thank you!!! Now i feel more ready to vist mexico this coming December
Oh I forgot to mention, you can also avoid some of the payment hassles (at least for services) by creating a Didi or Rappi account and linking your credit card to it (I do prefer Didi, though). You can then pay many services, including electricity and internet, through the app. I have only used it with credit cards issued in Mexico, but I would be surprised if it didn't work with other credit cards.
Did not know this! Thanks!
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I can relate to all of this. On my last home sit in Puebla, I learned that there are identical garafons (water jugs) but with a different quality of water. Of course the better one costs more and the only way I could discern was to ask the price! The money change issue is the worst! Take care Kevin and Jenny!
Interesting! I didn’t know that about the water jugs. I know there are different brands but I’ve never paid attention to any difference in taste or quality. Nice to hear from you, Kenny. Hope you’re well!
I'm a Chicagoan currently in Xalapa, and in Mexico for a total of 25 days. I found this video interesting. Thanks!! 😊
Love to hear from our fellow Chicagoans! I hope you are loving Mexico 😊❤️
Hey guys! Good to see you again. One tip I would like to give you is, ALWAYS ASK FIRST!, for example, Oxxo, Do you have change? always ask first. Tipping, Don't feel bad if you don't give a tip but try to be generous because wages are low and people could use the help. Ask FIRST about the Return Policy, save yourself some heartache. Crossing the street, Since Cops giving someone a ticket here is rare, that's why no one cares about pedestrians, We run red lights, we park wherever we want, etc. About Large bills , many large bills in Mexico are counterfeit so taking a bill especially $1000 is a risk for all. Always ask for smaller bills from the bank if you can. How about Mayonaise? Many places here DO NOT refrigerate it! Still strange for me and I've been here 38 years, Thanks again, guys! Stay safe!!!
This!!! Wages are low that's why tipping makes such a difference
@@veronicamartinez-sc9ih Agree! I give the guys putting my groceries in bags $50 pesos just to see the Happy and Surprised look on their faces, That's PRICELESS!
The counterfeit problem really stinks, but yea i understand why accepting a bill that large would be risky. It’s also unfortunate that lines at the bank to speak to a teller are so long, so going to ask for smaller bills after the atm just gave me large bills isn’t exactly realistic.
@@EatBailaTravel I skip the line, with Banamex PRIORITY status (and get free access to their lounge at MEX airport)
@@asan1050 so sad I didn't know until years later that tips were Walmart baggers sole compensation.
Another great informative video friends. ❤🎉
Cheers from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living our best life in Mexico. We are loving La Crucecita Huatulco Oaxaca guys. ❤️🇲🇽
Wishing you both all the success in the world. 🙏🏼💕
Oh my gosh, I'm so happy to hear you're loving La Crucecita! We hope to visit soon!
1. Drinkable tap water and not having to worry about water scarcity are also the things I miss most about Canada when I’m in Mexico.
2. In our small town of Tepoztlan, cars do stop for pedestrians, so I think there’s a small town vs big city difference, as you mention.
3. I would love a “De aquí y de allá” shirt, but on your website I couldn’t have it shipped to Canada. 😢 Any way to buy one from you in Mexico? (Since I’m close by in Tepoztlan, I could go into Mexico City to pick it up.)
A good thing we have learned in our travels is to always greet people before asking a question. Another thing is that especially in MX City is to alway refer to a lady as Senorita. One time, I used Dona and it was not taken that well.
Mortal sin never call a female doña, señorita unless she says other wise. I called a older lady señorita once and she got offended because she was a señora because she had 4 kids.
Fun to watch your videos again, thank you guys!😍 Makes me appreciate more Canada now even though after my long trip to Russia I feel like moving to Mexico or Portugal.
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Tipping technicians is normal in Las Vegas. You have a hvac tech that fixes your AC in the middle of a 120F weather. You have a cox IT guy fix your wifi, you have an electrician fix your breaker problem. I honestly thought it was normal To tip a technician for all the hard work they did.ill rather tip a technician then a waiter because they actually have a skill and made your day better by fixing the issue
but only $5 or $10 bill for their errand, never been a percentage like 10% or more.
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You two are just too fabulous!! Thank you for all the info you pass on
I always look forward to your vlogs 😅
Thanks so much 🙏🏽 wishing you a wonderful week!
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❤🎉So Thankful to see you two back on here! Amazing content. You 2 are so Awesome ❤🎉🎉🎉
this is amazing. and i've run into like all of these in the last few years. thank you for making this video!
I’m happy you’re finding it relatable! Do you have any more examples of those moments?
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Tipping everywhere is out of hand... it's such a bad practice, because it keeps the employers from being accountable for paying honest living wages.
Tipping is outrageous in the US. We went out to eat in Chicago and now they have a “service tax” that is not for servers in the restaurant but for restaurants to cover restaurant wages. Times are so strange and it gets harder and harder to go out
Great video! The one tipping thing I found odd was in supermarkets tipping the guys who bag the groceries. Turns out they're not paid at all and depend on tips. The cash thing is real, too. I have a debit card that refunds ATM fees (Schwab) so I always take out a small amount (like MXN $200) at a time so I get smaller bills. Last visit to Mexico I got over $40 of ATM fees refunded.
We have Schwab, too! and love it, but taking out small bills at a time feels a bit unrealistic for someone who lives there full time. That’s way too much time spent at the atm for me
@@EatBailaTravel I get that - if I lived there long term it would get annoying. Even during a trip, I'm constantly underestimating how much I need and have to go back and, even then, get larger bills than I want.
It’s tricky to find the right balance! 😅
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Thanks, this is again a very helpful video for all like me who want to move there. Interestingly, nothing surprises me, because it is the same in Europe where I grew up: you tip for every service, for example at the end of the year you tip the sanitation workers, the mail carrier etc etc. Get anything installed at home you tip. Same with returns, Europe looks with suspicion on people who buy and then return things. It creates a huge hassle for the stores. The only thing I never experienced in Mexico, but in Italy, is the cash change shortage. I just came back from a trip to Jalisco and every vendor, every store had ample cash to give change, from 50 centavos coins (they do exist) to 20, 50, 100 pesos bills. Never a problem. As to the traffic, well, I lived in New York City, that says it all... :)
You are a well-traveled and experienced person! Nice. Getting change is much easier when the bill is 100 pesos or smaller, so you’re smart to use mainly those bills.
@@EatBailaTravel LOL That is true. Probably I am part of the problem, I am hoarding 20 50 and 100 pesos bills whenever I am in Mexico.
@ naaaa hardly! If anything, I think what you do actually helps in a small way!
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Loved it! Thanks for this great video. Sometimes as a Mexican it's easy to forget these are not the "norms". Thanks for this reminder. I really liked you guys added a lot of great scenery
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Paying protection money for cars is bad. I don't know if they still do it ,but at one point there was police workers telling us to give tips for police work. It came to the point where I put a camera on the door and if I didn't know who it was I didn't answer.
Police asking for tips? Now that’s odd!!
@EatBailaTravel it was bizarre, they said it was for equipment
I’m Mexican, and to be honest, that’s just plain extortion. No actual police workers should ever ask you for tips of any kind. Just like in the US, they’re funded with taxpayer money. Unfortunately, in many parts of Mexico (cynics would say pretty much everywhere) police is either part of organized crime or is colluded with them. That’s just one stark reality every Mexican learns as they grow up.
police asking for tip is called BRIBE; those who get paycheck from tax payers money should not be tipped!
You can also pay for bus trips at OXXO (ADO, etc.)!
Great tip! Oxxo has gone above and beyond to provide services for people and of course make lots of money by doing so.
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When I withdraw from the atm I immediately go into the bank and get change now for that exact issue of no one wanting big bills.
I’ve had internet technicians come and do installations many times in Mexico and I’ve never seen them expect any tips. I think what you experienced was just a bit different: they might have felt they were doing you a favor (since your official installation wasn’t on their schedule)
I could see that! Although it took us a minute to realize it because we were initially annoyed that the company had scheduled to come install and cancelled on us 3 times. In our eyes, the company was past due on their service, but then we realized these guys probably have nothing to do with scheduling and likely isn’t their fault we got stood up 3x.
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Also a little tip, if you go to the atms at ban bajio they break up the bills to 200s 100s and 50s and the transaction fee is the lowest I have seen.
The atm gives you smaller bills automatically? Or are you suggesting to go ask the teller for smaller bills? If the atm does it automatically, that’s great to know!! I’d start going to Ban Bajío more often
@@EatBailaTravel the atm does it automatically.
That’s so good to know! Thanks for the tip!
the 500 peso note is my biggest peeve. after use ATM, have to go inside to break it. even 200 is hard for many vendors.
so sad about the Walmart baggers, didn't find out until many years later that tipping is their only compensation
***NOTICE: counterfeits warning for the older 200 (and 500), if you have it, spend it!
Maybe the counterfeit problem is part of the reason people don’t want to accept 500 (or even 1,000) peso bills 😯
@@EatBailaTravel thats probably true for those older notes. but most everyday things cost under 100 so its hard to use bigger notes in any case. agua is 10, taco is 20. 500s mainly with doctors, pharmacy, taxi friend. so I break those 500s for 100 and 50
Hey guys! The tipping situation sounds like the biggest adjustment. Maybe the "not having change" is a way of baking in tips? And wow, Oxxo's got it ALL going on! 🇺🇸 🇲🇽
Interesting, thanks! 🇲🇽 🇺🇸
Thank you for always watching and commenting really appreciate it Cindy. Saludos!
In Los Mochis, Sinaloa you can drink the tap water
Oh nice!!
Love your videos. Your experience as Mexican Americans in Mexico add a unique touch that millions of us want to hear.
Moreover, I wonder if can create a video about how Mexicans (Esp. authorities, Taxis, restaurants, etc.) treat Gringos different than Mexican Americans. Thanks in advance.
Now that could be an interesting video! We’d need to collaborate with a foreign friend to experiment! We’ve actually thought about this before, but never got around to it because it becomes tricky to film. But not impossible! Hopefully one day we can make it happen
@ Thanks for replying 👍
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Great vlog you guys! I’m also originally from Chicago, been living here in Austin Texas since 2021 and Las Vegas for many years before that. I’ve been researching moving to Mexico for a few years now. I love the Lago de Chapala area but I like the smaller town of Jocotepec instead of the busier city of Ajijic.
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Drivers not yielding to pedestrians is a problem in pretty much every big city in Mexico. I live in Guadalajara (I was born and raised in Mexico City), and it’s essentially the same here. We Mexicans are used to this and we get around it, but that doesn’t make it right, especially since most transit codes do specify pedestrians have the right of way in many situations.
So true! We adapt to it but it doesn’t make it right.
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Hello ,
It’s so interesting the difference in systems , cultures and mentality.
Here in Australia we find it interesting that Americans have to tip for most services such as in cafes and restaurants which isn’t the case here . Tips are only given for exceptional service or because one feels like it . The minimum wage here in Oz is one of the highest in the world and staff are compensated for overtime , weekend work etc . There are zero expectations for tips .
So , yeh even countries such as Australia and the US there are differences for sure .
I loved holidaying in Mexico , the art , history, food and people . I hope you both enjoy your time there.
Take care 🤗
JP
Sydney, Australia.
Very informative, I find alot of taco stands did not expect a tip. I also think the standard tipping percentage is about 10% , not entirely sure though
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Tipping in Mexico is one of those things I am still confused by. Not sure when to and when not to. I don't want to offend anyone. I went to a small place to eat in QRO that was run by, I think, two sisters. The food was very good, so I gave them a little more when I was paying. I almost had to beg them to take the extra (not that bad but I had to insist that it was OK that they keep the change). Later, I felt bad because I started thinking maybe I had offended them.
you didn't offend the owners but some other local customers could be.
the American Overtipping culture is toxic and hope these expats DON't bring the Overtipping to Mexico.
I have been to more than a dozen places in Mexico everywhere I visit, I do ask some real locals, and observe other real locals, those who live there for life, how much tipping is okay, in most cash paying examples just round up to next good number, for a 190 pesos meal, leave with a 200 pesos bill is okay, you calculate the percentage is between 5~10%.
In places where there are many expats who pay more than 15% or more than 20% you set a high standard the sellers got spoiled, and for other locals who can't pay that much, their services got deprived eventually.
Great job on the video.🤗 I can totally relate . I've experienced simular issues. Now I know it's not just me😂
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In other words... If you're not too much of a baby, you'll be just fiine in México.
Absolutely! There will be a learning curve with things such as this, but that’s normal 🙂
Great video!! A question about water. After your done cooking, do you wash your dishes with tap or jug water? Same for brushing your teeth and your toothbrush.
We wash our dishes, brush our teeth and rinse the toothbrush, and wash clothes using tap water. 😊
Same! We wash everything (including teeth!) with tap water :) the only part of Mexico I would not recommend brushing your teeth with tap water is Chiapas.
Hola Amigos,
Not only do they not stop for peds, they are usually speeding and on their phone too!
Yep!!😮💨
aqui en tejas todavia no damos propina a los que ponen tus alimentos en bulsas.. HEB paga lo mismo a los cajeros y supongo lo mismo de aldi / walmart / trader joes etc. y si hay alguien que quiere una propina por "ciudar" a mi coche - no me estaciono alla jajaja
saludos de austin ( y en este momento especifico, Taipei, Taiwan!!)
Y después que hacemos cuando el estacionamiento está muy limitado y no hay otras opciones?? 😖😅
Wow, Taiwan! La tierra del boba 🧋🤩estás de paseo? Que cool
Good info!!
Glad you think so! Saludos
I absolutely love this video! I'm from NYC and considering moving to Guadalajara, just for a bit more calm and slightly fewer people, but with lots of things to do and people who are actually friendly 🙂. Your basic stories and tips are priceless! And, let me tell you, I am one of those people who will walk into the street, and be like " Hello! 👋🏽 I'm here!😅 The sign says walk, so I'm gonna walk." I feel like people will only do what you allow them to get away with. But anyway, thank you for all of the insight. Very good information about the nuances of being and living in Mexico. Cheers!
Gotta love the people who force their services on you like the windshield cleaning guys or the people who guide you while parking. You're expected to pay them though you never asked for the service. It's ridiculous
the pedestrian thing is somewhat catching on at least in Houston suburbs. the tipping thing yall gotta be careful of: some people do get paid right but they see foreigners and they straight hustle you out of money on top of what employers pay them. we are getting an oxxo in texas: I'm excited. the bills thing if i remember correctly was to avoid carrying coins(think the evolution of currency) in the same value(that must have been a heavy load to carry around) and also if i remember right it had to do with preventing fraudulent money printing/laundering(???).question have yall met anyone with dual citizenship that has attended/is attending/will attend school/university in mex? 🇲🇽 🇺🇸
Vehicles in Houston suburbs aren’t stopping for pedestrians? Oxxo in Texas?? So much happening! 😅
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Great video, thank you!!! I live in Guadalajara... Cars yielding for pedestrians? 😂😂😂 I even count to five... before stepping into the road after getting a green light. Drinking water, I bought a filter, so much easier. Yes, all installation services, delivery of furniture and appliances, or otherwise expect a tip. The basura workers I tip every now and then. My understanding is the are paid by the city, not by us. And... tipping can help with the frequency of their visits. Yeah, the cash thing is hard to get used to. However, giving a smaller bill, I have found, is a gesture of respect. Big bills are frequently counterfeited and they can cause a big loss, including a job, for a business or person. Thanks again!!
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thanks!
Thank you for watching and commenting. Saludos
Good video about some differences between the U.S. and Mexico. There are some nuances that you have to get used to. Also love the From here and there t shirt. No Mexico or US flag emoji so I substituted a taco and cheese burger.🌮🍔. -Marc
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In most of Mexico, the Pedestrian never has the right of way, that’s crazy making for me too! I was almost hit by a motorcycle coming from nowhere in Oaxaca City as well as a car driving way too fast, and a bus coming up on the curb. Oaxaca City is as bad or worse than CDMX, I felt like they wanted to hit me, scary!
And the total lack of change, CASH is king but no one ever has any change. Anywhere! And the noise, the fireworks and rockets, almost daily. Much to adjust to when relocating, and I do love my Mexico life. 💖🇲🇽
Have you guys thought about installing ECOFILTER to your water system so you don't have to always get water delivered?
The water is too contaminated with toxins and possibly bacteria. Most homes have a water tank on the roof that gets nasty quickly. I really don't understand how it works compared to the US, but it's not possible to filter tap water safely in Mexico.
Definitely, but since we’re renting at this apartment temporarily we probably wouldn’t do it here. Something to consider for our future home
ME ENCANTAN TODOS SUS VIDEOS, SOY SUPER FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure the tipping was started by foreigners, mainly from the USA. I'm sure locals are not tipping or expected to do so.
If that’s so, it must’ve caught on decades ago. I don’t think it’s anything new in Mexico
Enjoyed the vid. What do you do about getting any mail from the U.S., if any? Also, what kind of banking arrangements do you have?
Regarding the Couch order, there are restocking fees as high as 20% in the U.S.. Think about this, the retailer is ordering something they don’t stock. It’s costing them money to ship it then store it until someone decides they want to buy it. It’s the cost of doing business so yes there is a justification for a cancellation fee.
That’s a good point! And yea, justified. We were also annoyed that it took them over two months to deliver the couch when their promise was 30 days but in the end we took the couch and moved on with our lives
East coast in U.S. doesn’t stop for pedestrians either. California definitely has water shortages.
🇺🇸 🇲🇽 I've always thought that expecting drivers to respect pedestrians in the US was something you could not rely on everywhere.
My first time in Mexico (2008) I didn't understand why there was a gas attendant at every gas station and why I had to tip him when I have been putting gas in my own car for decades. I also didn't understand why I had to pay to use a restroom and tip the cleaning lady attending to the restroom if I brought my own rollo (toilet paper) and cleaned my area by the sink. I didn't understand why I had to "thank someone" for giving me directions with a tip. Over the years I grew to accept it. What I don't understand is service workers (basura, gas, agua) expecting aguinaldos (Christmas bonuses) from their costumers when they have already received one from their employer. This is definitely a culture shock for me.
Also in Michoacán people do not get offended if you do not tip, they actually don’t expect tips. Maybe every state is different
Very interesting, we have never heard of that but also never asked. I’m sure traditions are different as customs vary from state to state.
on my 1st trip to Germany as a teen - mid `80s, 40 years ago (I'm old) it was a very cash oriented society - i'd brought with me a DM1000 banknote (~US$400 at the time) from Dallas to fund the start of my trip. NO one wanted to break it! later learned there'd been a counterfeiting scandal of that specific banknote.
These points are very Important to know in advance. Recently I visited mexico city and stayed in the NH Hotel CDMX Valle Dorado which is located in a shopping mall. The Mall parking requires exact change or it will not let you exit. I was stressed out because who always has exact change. There was an app but I could not get it to work. Late one night I realized I was running low on pesos and I had to drive all the way to Zona Rosa to a currency exchange place @ 9pm because I was frightened that I was not going to be able to exit the next morning which was the day of my flight.
Glad you think so! They may seem like minor things but they can impact daily life in a big way for those who aren’t accustomed, I think.
Another robbery is when traveling on the quota highway. After paying the quota at the official casetas, one travels and, in some towns, the locals stop the traffic with obstacles until you pay an entry fee, go 400 feet and then you pay an exit fee. Had issues with paying as well - 500 pesos ($25) got us a lot of looks at small establishments; we would have to wait until other customers paid to get our change.
Yikes! The tolls/quotas are shockingly high to begin with, but these other random ones in the small towns have to be made up… gosh.
Your two are great. Yea I feel so bad trying to use big bills, so I do go and use it at a store to get smaller change. As for xing the street, not all towns and city's are the same. If you try being bold xing the street in Aguascalientes trust me you will get run over, not the same in my favorite town Coatepec where cars do stop for people. As for tipping, as they say everything in Mexico can be a business, in Queretaro there is a Oxxo where a guy opens the door for tips. First time I didn't tip, but later I saw him sitting next to the door eating a plat of food, I tipped every time after that. A PERSON HAS TO EAT... I will be in Chalula and Puebla soon. :>)
They don’t sell orange juice in the stores like in the US
What city is that where you are filming ?
It looks like they are in CDMX, in Coyoacán.
We filmed at Viveros de Coyoacán and in the roof top of our apartment in CDMX
You dont have to tip the installation people but i gave minen 100 pesos para las cocas. Tipping sometimes depends on what you want to get accomplished.
In our situation, would you have tipped? The company had stood us up 3x already and they were there to install for our neighbors (who moved in after us lol), so we asked them to do ours too since they were technicians from the same company
What’s your bank that gives out 1000 peso bill? I got accounts at HSBC, bbva, ban bajio, and banco Azteca and none give out those billls
BBVA would do that sometimes when I took out larger quantities to pay rent. But I would receive them more often from my employer because they were paying me in cash.
I live in CDMX and I tip ss if im in the states. 10 to 15%. Except in coffee shops...15 to 20%
I think the expectation in the US now is 18% minimum is more of a norm, which feels high to me
You weren’t being rude to that lady at Oxxo. The largest convenience store chain in Mexico and they don’t take credit cards? That’s insane! Instead of withdrawing from the ATM maybe go to the counter at yalls bank that way you guys can request small denominations? The guy calling you for a tip for cleaning the street is crazy work😂 that’s like if a cop came knocking asking for tip for doing his job.
Obviously you have never done any banking in Mexico. It's not like the US where you just walk in and walk up to a teller. Here you walk in and take a number, have a seat and hope someone will help you in less than an hour. I've been here a few years and still do all of banking through my mobile apps. Buena suerte!
Thank you for informing me. I was not aware of that. More complicated than it has to be in my opinion.
Oxxo takes credit cards but not for bill payments (why? I don’t understand!). And David above is right about how long it takes to see a teller at the bank, another topic that could’ve fit well in this video!
Lastly, I had the same thought about the police! They are public service as well and it would feel silly if they rang our doorbell to ask for tips.
Look at videos of the 1920s and beyond of big cities like Los Angeles for instance, and you will notice people did not have the right-of-the way either. Its the Generational Softening that i started noticing around the 1990’s. Facts
Never really paid attention to those old school videos. I’ll TH-cam some now to see how it used to happen. Thank you for watching and commenting.
crossing the street... its like that everywhere in Latin America. BE CAREFUL (follow and walk behind a local doing it - they actually smile and laugh at a gringo scrambling closely, always say muchas gracias) or only at crosswalks.
It’s unfortunate that the law is that cars are supposed to yield to pedestrians but they don’t respect it… so then it’s on us pedestrians to be careful
Hola chicos hermosos ❤
About the total play guys. With tradies you’ve booked to do a job generally you wouldn’t tip. Unless you’ve asked them to do you a favour as in your case they came over and completed your installation. Your job was not on their agenda so in this case yes a tip would have been the norm.
The cruz roja and the lifegaurds also ask for tips/donations
😂😂😂....We had a bunch of stuff that the trash truck just didn't want it to take...I approach the guys and ask(politely of course)if they could take it?
they looked at me and said:we that's been there for a while!Me:yes, that's why I am asking 🤔...I had a bill on my hand...they looked at it and said ..okay will do!!Funny but not funny...😮
lol 🤭🤭 that’s not surprising at all hahaha
You tip your grocery baggers? I’ve never heard of this
Yep! In the US also
@ I wonder if this is a regional thing. I promise you, nobody tips their grocery baggers in Los Angeles. I get it in Mexico where almost everything is gratuity based. Maybe you guys tip them in Chicago.
I have never seen a 1000 peso bill in Mexico.
They’re rare, but they exist! My job was paying me in cash and it was super annoying to receive those bills because it was hard to spend them.
Be careful crossing the street. I had a punk try to run me over in Cd. Juarez in '08 while I was packing heat (I was a Consular: it was permitted) I was in Canun a few years ago and a tour bus and one of Canun's Finest stopped to let a little old lady cross the street on Bonanpak. . Go figure. When's the Eat Baila Travel hostel going to open? I got 5 guys ageeing: we're there! (We're not flying Volaris). Love you two: be well.
Nice to hear a good story about a bus stopping for a lady! And sounds like that guys was lucky you didn’t bust out the heat 😅
Hoping to break ground in 2025! Starting with a room for ourselves.. then we’ll see how long it takes to build the rest 😁😁 we’ll save you guys a room!!🙌🏼
We used to have tap water before 1985; however, Coca-Cola started selling bottled water, and the government stopped investing in clean water.
Coca Cola has A LOT to do with Mexico’s water issues!
I never thought i would hear words you uttered at the very end ie ‘Moving to Mexico for a better life’ but i’ve been hearing it for a while now. Many are saying thats why Trump won. They want the old-school back. We didn’t vote for him but we get it. Try and appreciate the old school, it makes you tougher.
It was our dream to retire in Mexico for 12 years prior to moving here.
Not for political reasons, and not because we thought it was cheap.
We saw the beautiful way of life, the fresh healthy food, and the wonderful culture. Being from Northern Canada the weather was also attractive. The wife went to university in Guadalajara many years ago studying Spanish and Mexico stole her heart, then it stole mine. We were holidaying here for 12 years prior to moving here.
It's now been over 3 years and we couldn't be happier. Good luck on your search for happiness wherever that may be. ❤🙏🏼
😮😂
Hola Ana! Coming down to Mexico was a short drive for me coming from the LA/Ventura area of CA. Before moving here a few years ago I had been here remote beach camping, surfing and fishing close to a hundred times since the early eighties. It was years ago that I fell in love with the warm, friendly people along with their welcoming family based culture and of course the food. Seeing how living here would be much more affordable to live a better quality of life I decided I could retire early and move here, so I did! Best thing I've ever done for myself! Mucha suerte desde la hermosa Mexico!
That was a blooper clip lol 😆 I was showing Kevin text messages between my brother and I. He works for the federal government and they were asking for my address in Mexico (not sure why). It’s certainly ironic that we were born in the country with the global reputation for the “American dream” that usually implies an improved quality of life. When I said that, I was laughing at the irony of saying that to the US federal government, but I really did mean it. There is a quality of life in Mexico that has a lot to do with the culture, the climate, and opportunities we have that our ancestors didn’t.
Con la Karencita? en Colombia
We are great friends! 😊
When your at bank simply change large bills into smaller bills😅😅
I wish it were that simple! Seeing a teller at the bank for anything (including just to get change) requires patrons to take a number and sit and wait to be called, hopefully in less than an hour. Lines are notoriously long at banks in Mexico. This is something I wish we had mentioned in this video!
Here is an idea: Maybe one can start a business where the customer receives excellent customer service experience. Trouble free like product returns, dealing with office employees, etc.
Oh, don't get me started on the returns! The item I bought was even defective and the guy tried to blame me that I am the one that broke it.
We know the feeling! If you don’t mind me asking where was this at?
The US-born Latin Americans are so funny... everything is a shock to them, outside of USA. That is the main issue driven by the lack of traveling that Latin Americans submit to in the USA because of the cost of life being so expensive.
I'm sure you answered this question 🤔 why are you living in Mexico City?
We actually never expected to live in Mexico City. Mexico yes, but Mexico City no. It’s a wonderful city but it’s massive size comes with challenges. Two years after we’d been living in Mexico nomadically (moving every few weeks or couple of months), I received a job offer for a permanent full-time position from a US university with a partner office at the UNAM campus. After three months, things didn’t work out. We talk more about it during this video at six flags Mexico: th-cam.com/video/7Fnj53-QyZ4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PmbUimQN9rENO5B7
🇨🇱 (yes, that's Chile's but, it's similar to Texas' flag) 🇲🇽
This made us LOL thank you!
Jenny, muy buen día. Just dropping a line. I remember how you deal with fibromyalgia. Have you ever looked into the benefits of creatine monohydrate? Not trying to sell you on anything but it might just help you. Please Google it. Take care, you and K.
Hi Michael! Nice to hear from you. I have never heard of a relationship between creatine and fibromyalgia, but I have taken it before some time ago when I was trying to build muscle. I took it for three months, I believe, but did not notice a significant difference in my symptoms.
@EatBailaTravel Well, darn. Of course, anything that might help workouts might be beneficial to pain reduction, but just thought I'd mention it. Take care. I'm following y'all's adventures as always. We're headed to a Mérida-Campeche Christmas vacation soon (yesss!)
When withdrawing from the atm I immediately go in the bank and get change
Which bank do you go to in Mexico that doesn’t have a long wait to see a teller?
Interesting
Thanks for watching 🙂
Hey, travelers, I like and look forward to your travel videos. Keep up your wonderful work!! BTW, you're getting much better. More professional!! 👍👍
#1, In Centro Merida, Yucatan, the Va-y-Ven bus drivers ignore pedestrian crosswalk right-of-way laws. Even when I was already in the crosswalk, the bus drivers blow the horn as they don't even slow down.
#2, I was baffled that México has cenotes with pure, drinkable water, yet municipalities in México don't offer water service. Although they have sewer systems?!
I was told that the reason for this is Cartels control México's bottled water industry as well as many other industries, such as the Taxi industry. Wh8ch is the reason Uber drivers were prohibited from picking up passengers at Federal (international) airports. I ran into that at Cancun International Airport.
#3, Tipping: Before arriving in México, I read that Méxican patrons tip 5-10%, yet foreigners tip 15-20%. And because foreigners tip much more than Méxican customers felt slighted by the servers ignoring them to attend to foreigners.
Therefore, "when in México, do as Méxicans do", and I tipped 10% at a restaurant in Tampico. When the server saw "only" 10% tip, she gave me a noticeable look of disgust. Apparently, servers expect foreigners to tip 15-20%.
Lesson learned.
Also, I'm not accustomed to a tipping society where darned near everyone expects a tip. That changed in México. And 10% seems to be an acceptable amount.
#4, Change. I'm a BOOMER that was raised before credit cards became a thing. I have always paid in cash. In fact, my momma would drive to the electric company, the water authority and telephone company and pay her monthly utility bills in cash. I pay my monthly utility bills with bank draft. And, even when I dine out, even if I pay with Amex; I pay the tip in cash. (IT IS NO ONE'S BUSINESS WHAT I SPEND MY MONEY ON, NOR WITH WHOM I SPEND MY MONEY. THEREFORE, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, I PAY CASH!!)
That said, I couldn't understand why no one ever seems to have change for any bill larger than a MX$200 bill.
At first, since most of My expenses were at restaurants, I thought the servers were scamming Me when they made change with the largest bills so I would have to over tip. Apparently, unlike the USA, where the U.S. Treasury keeps printing money to keep a constant supply of money in the economy. México doesn't seem to follow suit. Maybe counterfeiting is an issue. I don't know, but it is an inconvenience.
I have found that the larger grocery stores and Western Union locations will change MX$500 bill if I buy something.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
I use OXXO for drinks and snacks lol
😅😅😅
😂 100%!!
6:00 tell me you are tacaño without telling me you are tacaño.
Expresar sorpresa a alguna novedad (para mi) no es equivalente a ser tacaño. Obviamente no escuchaste el momento en el que me puse a reflexionar que sí se merecen la propina, simplemente me sorprendió la novedad que me timbraran para pedirla.
American part of me 😂😂😂 hay que Mexico esta en Europa 😂😂
😂😂🙄
❤❤🇲🇽 🇺🇸 ❤❤
Yo nunca regreso lo que compré solo por un ya no lo necesito y vivo en Texas
👍🏽
ni de aqui ni de alla.? .. SOMOS DE AQUI Y DE ALLA
Es exactamente lo que dicen nuestras camisas 😊 de aquí y de allá ❣️
I dare to belive that the lack of change is on purpose, their salary is very low so having no change is a way of giving you less and them winning some extra even if it's only 5 pesos.
Personally I never drink tap water even in the U.S lol
We got a free lead test kit once and tested our tap water, and it was fine. May not taste the best but at least we knew it was safe! But I understand that's not the case everywhere, especially in Michigan! Crazy
Never tipped the technical guy, is not common
Apparently in Mexico it is common and we didn’t know
@ I don’t think so, Mexico City citizen my whole life. Never pay tip for internet installation.
@ 😯🤔
I feel sorry that you find it “super strange” drivers don’t give you “way of passage”, especially when you are happily shown in your video, crossing the road in the middle of that beautiful street and not at the boring red light, as everybody knows it’s supposed to be done, right? ✅
Congratulations 👏🏻 on your “don’t giving up”and keeping trying to adapt to such an “exotic” new lifestyle, especially after 3 long and surely tough years of living in this amazing country of Mexico 🇲🇽
It must have been tough for you guys trying to cope with so many oddities every single day. 😔
I’m sure you are not letting anybody down here, by keeping aware of everything that “could be improved”, “unlearning” your old ways of doing things and embracing with joy this new culture, while you let everybody know the tiny little things that make you unease. ¡Cheers to you! 👏🏻