Nuevo Laredo, Mexico Report of what it's like to live there - 06/07/14
Personal Experiences from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, several other cities around the world in the U.S., Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
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. About 5 hours of flying and a couple hours of waiting around for connections in Dallas or Houston
3. How long have you lived here?
About a year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Since most officers are first tour, we are all amazed at our housing, barring the few super rich who are used to having 3-4 bedroom houses with multiple bathrooms and maid's quarters as a single young adult or new young family. They are set up like mini fortresses. Commute time is about 10 minutes. Every house has unique features. So you'll most likely be jealous of one feature in someone's house and they'll be jealous of one feature in your house.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
U.S. prices, some things are cheaper on this side and others are cheaper in Laredo. Most of us shop on the U.S. side and supplement with some Mexican groceries as well.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Houses are furnished well. You have full access to most U.S. retail stores and Mexican ones. You really don't need much. Nothing you're going to want for really with the U.S. so close. It's actually a great tour for first tour officers to get their housewares and housing essentials bought while they have a car and access to easy shopping in the U.S. Especially those transitioning from roommate living to becoming a young professional.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Great little taco stands of varying quality are easy to come by. Everyone has their favorite. And also the U.S. chains are all in Laredo. U.S. prices for restaurants, cheap for taco stands.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants mainly. You need to keep your ant drawing items stored properly or else they'll find a why in. They are very industrious.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have a PO BOX in Laredo TX so add one day to traditional U.S. shipping. It's great.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and reasonable.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, many people have memberships on both sides of the border. Although, you could not hire a housekeeper and clean your own house for exercise. Just saying...
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?
Widely available and accepted.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
It is a heavily Catholic area. But some other services are available. Some people are willing to drive far for church. I imagine everything would be available in San Antonio. I haven't found any English language services in Nuevo Laredo for church. If you are Catholic, this is a great area for you. The church is one of the more vibrant areas of the community.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Surprisingly, a lot. Despite the proximity to the U.S., most speak only Spanish. And you will be left out of the jokes and other insider talk in Laredo, TX as well if you don't speak Spanish. There's no real push to learn English since every aspect of civil life in Laredo can be conducted in Spanish. Most of the staff speak fluent (at times Native-level) English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not really. You drive everywhere. Although the Consulate is two stories and doesn't have an elevator.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
I wish.
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?
Small SUV or a sedan is fine. People drive whatever they want from big SUVS to Toyota Corrollas. The roads are somewhat beat up on both sides. When it rains, it floods the streets. That's just what you get with pop up thunderstorms in this area. I think you can now bring a car up to 10 years old. New isn't important but well maintained is very important. You don't want to break down on the side of the highway here frequently.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I pay 800 pesos for Cable and high speed internet. It's worth it to me. Of course we have some U.S. programming on the Mexican cable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I used T-Mobile and it sometimes works from my house in Mexico. I recently bought a TelCel (Mexican) SIM card for 3G access when out and about the Consulate gives you a phone. I would suggest bringing an unlocked phone so you can just get a U.S. sim and a Mexican Sim and switch them. out.
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?
No, I don't think so.
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?
Not really.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes, there are with orphanages, animal shelters and the like. You should speak Spanish though. Some people have found all kinds of things to do. On the surface these things are hard to find because there isn't really a driving force behind things to do.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work is business casual. Khakis and button down shirt. Suits and ties for public appearances outside of the consulate.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It can be a very dangerous place. You have be street smart around here. You know, doors locked, alert at all times and don't talk to strangers. We stick together when we go out; it's not recommended to go out alone. The violence is random and unpredictable and normally not targeted at the USG directly.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Health care is available on both sides. Care is adequate but expect to wait a long time at the doctors' offices.
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?
It's not too polluted. It's hot and dusty.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and dry. With the occasional drop in temperature during the winter months. Winter is like early spring in DC. The rest of the year it's hot and you'll spend most of your time running from your air conditioned house to your air conditioned car to your air conditioned office.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Kids go to school in Laredo,TX; a couple of different options.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Limited but available.
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?
Reasonable, most people with young families have a stay-at-home spouse and sometimes a nanny as well.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, there are a few. It requires a lot of commitment going back and forth over the border all the time.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The Consulate is small. The ELOs tend to be close knit and on directed assignments here. And are mainly all first tour. The mid level officers are generally here because of family ties to the area and therefore happy with their assignment. It can be lonely but you make your own fun and make the most of it. Every tour has peaks and valleys.
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?
We go to the movies, out to dinner at a few restaurants, go to a few bars. Lot's of hanging with co-workers, but also room to do your own thing if you want.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
In general, Nuevo Laredo is somewhat off limits to our social scene. When we go out, we normally hang out as a group from work, and some people find the occasional date, or date on the Laredo side. There aren't many outlets for young professionals in my opinion. We do a lot of things as a group. We make the most of it. Manage your expectations and you'll be fine.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
The consulate environment is diverse, more so than the surrounding areas but there is a scene for everyone.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really overtly obvious. Laredo, TX is more than 90% Latino. You won't find much diversity.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Mexico is a great country with great food and culture. The people are generally friendly. I've been able to learn tons about South Texas and feel like it's nice to be able to go home to the U.S. frequently.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
South Padre Island for beach weekends, Austin, San Antonio, a number of flea markets and Walmarts at your disposal. I have gotten involved in the arts scene in Laredo a bit. Nice to be able to have "time off" from being a diplomat and go back and just be a citizen for a while.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There's a great glass factory here.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Proximity of the U.S. The Consulate is about a 10-15 minute drive to the U.S. Border. Wait times can be long during peak seasons but this is normally mitigated by having a Known Traveler Program ID like SENTRI or GLOBAL Entry. You cannot really save money, food/gas prices are not cheaper here and you'll most likely be crossing frequently into South Texas because of lack of activity within Nuevo Laredo.
10. Can you save money?
Not really.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I don't know. It's kind of how I expected.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Maybe. I know none of us signed up to be expats only to cross into the U.S. whenever we felt like it. It's not exotic or exciting really, but you are close to home. So if you need to be close to relatives in the U.S. or need a break from being too far away from home, then you can enjoy the option to travel without being jet lagged, etc. I really like that aspect of it. Not forever, but it's a nice break after being a lot further away from the U.S.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Diplomatic sash and ball gowns. We're the only diplomatic mission in town! Ski equipment and ice scraper. It snowed here once like 20 years ago and everyone still talks about it. Overseas survival kit. If Walmart doesn't have it, you don't need it!
4. But don't forget your:
Grill for grilling your carne asadas, sun glasses and situational awareness. Cowboy hats and boots.
