Nuevo Laredo, Mexico Report of what it's like to live there - 02/20/13
Personal Experiences from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
Background:
1. Your reason for living this city (e.g. corporate, government, military, student, educator, retiree, etc.):
2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
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.
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.)
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.
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.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Tacos are plentiful.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Some ants, no big problems.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Yes.
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.
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.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
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.
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.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Not advisable given the security.
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.
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.
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.
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
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.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
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
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.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small.
2. Morale among expats:
Low - this is a very difficult place to live, with few outlets.
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?
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.
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.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
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.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Furniture and crafts.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Proximity to Texas.
11. Can you save money?
Yes -- there is not much to spend money on here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
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.
