LAC – LIVING ABROAD COMMUNITY e.V.

Mexico City

Vibrant and cosmopolitan.​

Surrounded by gigantic mountain ranges.​

Mexico City for nomads

The capital of Mexico is located in the center of the country at an altitude of about 2,200 meters. It is economically, politically, socially and culturally the center of the country. Mexico City is one of the most populous cities in the world.

entry requirements

There is no special visa for digital nomads in Mexico.

Most travel to the country on a 6-month tourist visa. For those who want to stay longer or need to open a bank account, it is best to apply for a temporary residence permit. The temporary residence visa allows digital nomads to live in Mexico for between 6 months and 4 years. However, you are not allowed to work for Mexican companies during that time.

At the end of the 4 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Leisure and Lifestyle

Mexico City is very traditional.

Mexico City is very traditional. On the other hand, it is also extremely modern. It can be very surreal at times and you need some time to understand it. The social differences in the population are quite large. The locals are friendly and open. The willingness to help, especially towards guests, is very pronounced.

Pollution has been a big problem for years. The constant growth causes considerable pollution, which the city has only limited control over. The air quality is not the best. If you have respiratory problems, you should take precautions in any case. You should not drink tap water. You risk diarrhea due to contamination.

The second biggest problem is the high crime rate. Special care should always be taken in crowded places as well as on public transportation.

Must Sees in Mexico City

1

Teotihuacan

The Unesco World Heritage Site is an absolute must for anyone visiting Mexico City. The highlight of the ruined city is the Great Pyramid.

2

Chapultepec Park

The trees of Chapultepec Forest date back to the time of the Aztecs. The park once served as a royal retreat and is the city’s green lung. It has hiking, running and biking trails, the Chapultepec Zoo and several popular museums.

3

Food Tour

If you want to get to know the culinary highlights of the region, you should definitely take a food tour. The options range from street food to upscale restaurants.

4

Mexico is famous for its wrestling culture. Even if you are not a fan of the sport, you should not miss the unique atmosphere of the shows.

Public Transport

Through Mexico City by metro, bus or cab

The most important, fastest and cheapest means of transportation in Mexico City is the Metro. The system includes a total of 12 lines, making it one of the largest metro systems in the world. The four major bus terminals and the International Airport are also connected.

Metrobus lines run on the main arterial roads and mircobuses supplement public transport in the rest of the city.

Cabs are another way to get from A to B cheaply. They are spread all over the city, so you never have to wait long. However, cabs are not recommended during rush hours, as the streets are literally jammed.

 

Everyday life

Food and Groceries

Mexican food is considered one of the best in the world. You could say that food means life for Mexicans. This is reflected in the streets of the city. There are stalls and restaurants on every corner. The food culture is literally celebrated. Street food in Mexico City is not only delicious but also unbeatably cheap.

Of course, there are also markets that offer vegetables, fruits and food. Bargaining is part of the process to get a good price. One of the largest and best known is the Mercado La Merced. One should not be surprised about creepy-crawlies. Spiders, grasshoppers, snakes and scorpions are not uncommon in Mexican markets. 

Supermarkets of larger chains are of course also present. However, Mexicans prefer the small stores around the corner. As a very proud people, they attach great importance to supporting local merchants instead of the big chains.

Laundry

In Mexico City, you can get your laundry done cheaply on almost every corner. Often even a same-day service is possible. Many accommodations do not provide their own washing machine. If they do, you must be prepared for the fact that the equipment may not have its own heating and the laundry will be washed cold. 

Pharmacy

Pharmacies can also be found on almost every corner. The price level is very different, but the offer is very large. As a rule, common medications are also available without a prescription in Mexico’s pharmacies. Antibiotics are available only on prescription.

Many pharmacies belong to a chain and are open 24 hours.

Fitness and Health

Health Care

Public health care in Mexico is good. Nevertheless, there are serious differences in quality between individual hospitals. This can sometimes lead to long waiting times.

Medical treatment must be paid for directly on site – even in emergencies. Credit card payments are not possible everywhere. A travel health and repatriation insurance should therefore be taken out in any case.

Stay fit in Mexico City

Despite the air pollution in Mexico City a healthy lifestyle possible. There is an offer for everyone to stay fit. Cyclists and runners in particular get their money’s worth in and around the city. There are miles of safe bike paths throughout the city and free bike sharing stations throughout the center. There’s even a car-free Sunday to encourage Mexicans to leave their cars behind more often. The system works great. Cars are not to be seen on Sunday on the streets around the Paseo de la Reforma. Instead, people flock to the center on foot or on two wheels.

Strength and endurance training are also not neglected. There are a number of gyms in the city area.

Finding Places to live in Mexico-City

Apartments in Mexico City

AIRBNB

Apartments and private rooms

Casai

Fully equipped apartments

Foreigners in Mexico City

Large Facebook group where you can also search for accommodation.

Hostels in Mexico City

Hostelworld

Shared rooms, co-living and apartments

Mexico City Hostel

Shared and private rooms, communal kitchen and bar

Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel

Hostel in the center of Mexico-City, Coworking spaces available

Coliving in Mexico City

Covive

Coliving flats

U-Co Juarez Coliving

Coliving in Colonia Juarez, Roma or Guadalajara

Hotels in Mexico City

Booking.com

Searching for a hotel rooms in Mexico City.

Best Places to Work

Mexico City is a hot spot for digital nomads in Latin America.

The local community is correspondingly large. The districts Condesa, Roma and Reforma are particularly popular.

Coworking Spaces in Mexico City

El 3er Espacio

Coworking space in Mexico-City

Openhub Coworking Juárez

Coworking space without membership

The Pool

Offices and coworking space 24/7

WeWork

Various locations in Mexico-City and a worldwide network.

3 facts you need to know about​ Mexico City

Mexicans love to celebrate

One of the most special celebrations takes place every year on November 22 in Plaza Garibaldi. Artists and musicians gather for a tribute concert in honor of Saint Cecilia. At the big open-air party there is boisterous dancing, drinking and singing.

Women only subway​

Every subway line in Mexico City has cars reserved for women and children only. Usually it is the last two cars that are reserved for this purpose. Nevertheless, outside of rush hour, it can happen that men also board in these areas.

LGBTQ+ friendly​

Mexicans are very open to the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are also legal in Mexico.