Ciudad Juarez, Mexico Report of what it's like to live there - 07/23/24
Personal Experiences from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, multiple cities across WHA, EUR, NEA, and EAP with diplomatic Missions.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
4. What years did you live here?
2023-2025
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Consulate
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing is fine but varies; however, most are two story houses with 3+bedrooms and 2+ baths. No house is sealed properly so sand/dust gets in, but you can install your own very easily and cheaply. Most houses have tile or wood floors. Some have yards with grass, others with concrete. A/C is a must in the summer, but be prepared for occasional power outages through the summer. Most are able to walk to the Consulate, although not all.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries and household supplies are readily available on either side of the border. Plentiful grocery stores and Costco on both sides. Prices are interesting as a product can be cheap in the US, but expensive in Mexico - depends on demand. It is worth it to shop around.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Everything is available on arrival.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Plenty of Mexican, steakhouses, a surprising number of seafood restaurants. Lots of cross border franchises. Uber Eats, Didi, Rappi MX
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really, but in the summer cockroaches may try to get inside to avoid the heat.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
In El Paso - either via a PO box or a private mail box.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Plentiful and cheap compared to the United States. Household help, lawn care, auto mechanic to your house, child care.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
I walk in the neighborhood. Some bike ride to work at the Consulate. There are parks, but I haven't used them.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms are available in CDJ. Consulate has two gyms, basketball half court, tennis court.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
In El Paso, yes. Unsure about CDJ.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Spanish is very useful and recommended in CDJ. It is gaining popularity and is used frequently in El Paso.
The Consulate has a tutor and classes. El Paso has community centers and colleges with classes.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The neighborhoods are ok, but the streets and other places are not all accessible. It could be done with some challenges.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Consulate employees do not take public transport. Uber is safe and affordable.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Any car is ok, but would recommend a car with high clearance due to pot holes, speed bumps, and when it rains it floods the streets.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is fast and cheap.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
T Mobile works
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Vets are good, medication and care are cheap. I have a dog walker who will also kennel the dog. No quarantine, but CDC is always changing the rules for reimportation - so double check that you have all the required documents before travel.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There are jobs within the Consulate, but a lot of spouses/partners work at home for a US company or in El Paso - easy commute. Or they live and work in El Paso.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes - both sides of the border
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Still a dangerous place in areas, but I haven't been concerned. Follow the guidance on travel.state.gov, which is very detailed and up to date for Mexico.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Water is hard and has arsenic. Bottled water or heavy duty filters. Dust and pollen can be issues at certain times of year.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate. Pollution and dust impact the air, and sometimes with dust storms you can't see across the border.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Be clear in expectations. You can request special orders at restaurants with no problem. This is an area (TX, NM) with acres and acres of nut farms. Bring an air filter if dust bothers you.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot in summer, very dry climate.
Schools & Children:
1. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Lots based on conversations with parents and the number of teams who travel for cross-border tournaments.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
This is two cities, one community - tons of dual citizens. Maquiladoras have lots of third country nationals. It is what you make of it. Lots of activities and places to go - you just have to go out your door.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Bars, friends houses, restaurants, theater (one small) - on both sides of border.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's fine. There is a dating scene in El Paso - but it's a large town that is still fairly insular. It can be hard to get to know people and be included.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It's not easy to make friends with the locals.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It's fine.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I've encountered, but it is Catholic and there is some historic machismo to the area.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Mexico City and Oaxaca. Great food, the people are lovely and hardworking. Very interesting culture and history and many beautiful places to visit.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The X, the Museum of the Revolution at the Border, Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral. Chamizal Park (with Archaeology and History Museum). Lots of interesting tourism throughout New Mexico.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not a lot, there are a few souvenir shops, but you will really need to go further afield for handicrafts and artwork.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It has easy access to the United States and great food.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Old, interesting history happened all over the area. It is one of the epicenters of US-Mexico relations and a huge are for trade.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. I've enjoyed it so far.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Umbrella, heavy coat.
4. But don't forget your:
SENTRI is essential for any movement on the border and sunscreen.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
This Love is Not for Cowards, The Daughters of Juarez, Making a Killing: Femicide, Free Trade, and La Frontera
