Nuevo Laredo, Mexico Report of what it's like to live there - 02/20/13

Personal Experiences from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico

Nuevo Laredo, Mexico 02/20/13

Background:

1. Your reason for living this city (e.g. corporate, government, military, student, educator, retiree, etc.):

View All Answers


2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?

View All Answers


3. 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.

View All Answers


4. How long have you lived here?

(The contributor is affiliated with the U.S. Consulate and has been living in Nuevo Laredo for two years, not a first expat experience.)

View All Answers


Housing, Groceries & Food:

1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?

Consulate housing is nice, scattered within a 10-minute drive of the consulate.

View All Answers


2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?

I shopped on the Mexican side before the security deteriorated and then began shopping on the US side.

View All Answers


3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?

View All Answers


4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?

Tacos are plentiful.

View All Answers


5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?

Some ants, no big problems.

View All Answers


Daily Life:

1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?

View All Answers


2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?

Yes.

View All Answers


3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?

Some have found gyms on the Mexican side; it depends on the security situation. Otherwise there are gyms in Laredo, TX.

View All Answers


4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?

Going to the ATM can be a jarring experience as many people get robbed there.

View All Answers


5. What English-language religious services are available locally?

View All Answers


6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?

View All Answers


7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?

Definitely helpful, some shopkeepers speak English but not all.

View All Answers


8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?

You need a car to get around everywhere here, regardless of disability status.

View All Answers


Transportation:

1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?

Not advisable given the security.

View All Answers


2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?

Most cars are fine, the roads are well paved.

View All Answers


Phone & Internet:

1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?

Yes, Hypercable and Telmex. Hypercable seems cheaper and comes with cable TV.

View All Answers


2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?

Some plans work across the border, but not all.

View All Answers


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?

View All Answers


2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?

View All Answers


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?

View All Answers


2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?

View All Answers


Health & Safety:

1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.

It is very dangerous because of the drug-related violence: grenades explode routinely around the city, including near and at the grocery stores in town. Gunfights can happen anywhere, as can kidnappings, robberies, etc. While has nothing happened to me personally, it really wears on you -- always being worried about being carjacked or robbed at the store.

View All Answers


2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?

View All Answers


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?

Fine

View All Answers


4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?

Hot dry summers and mild winters. It is surprisingly humid most of the time.

View All Answers


Schools & Children:

1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?

View All Answers


2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?

View All Answers


3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?

View All Answers


4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?

View All Answers


Expat Life:

1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?

Small.

View All Answers


2. Morale among expats:

Low - this is a very difficult place to live, with few outlets.

View All Answers


3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?

View All Answers


4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?

Families have it best because you end up spending most time at home, given the security restrictions and danger outside.

View All Answers


5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?

There seems to be a scene on both sides of the border, but the security situation makes dating for all singles more difficult.

View All Answers


6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?

View All Answers


7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?

View All Answers


8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?

Don Rafael's furniture shop has great wood furniture and antiques and is a holdover from Nuevo Laredo's heyday.

View All Answers


9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?

Furniture and crafts.

View All Answers


10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?

Proximity to Texas.

View All Answers


11. Can you save money?

Yes -- there is not much to spend money on here.

View All Answers


Words of Wisdom:

1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?

No.

View All Answers


2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:

View All Answers


3. But don't forget your:

View All Answers


4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?

View All Answers


5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:

View All Answers


6. Do you have any other comments?

This place used to be a party town but is having some hard knocks right now. The drug violence affects every part of life in this town, sadly.

View All Answers


Subscribe to our newsletter


New book from Talesmag! Honest and courageous stories of life abroad with special needs.

Read More