Advice, budget and procedures for your
exchange semester in Mexico

Practical information about everyday life in Mexico

📱 Mobile telephony:

• Get a local number Buy a SIM card from a local provider like Telcel or Movistar as soon as you arrive. SIM cards are available from phone stores or supermarkets such as Oxxo.
• Recommended package Telcel's "Paquete Amigo sin limite 200" is perfect for you. For around 12 euros a month, this package entitles you to 3 gigs of data, with unlimited calls + social networks: Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat, and Messenger.
• Charging points You can top up your SIM card easily in the many Oxxo stores all over the country.

ℹ️ Cultural Tips and Local Etiquette :

• 🤝 GreetingsA handshake, a hug or a peck on the cheek. A handshake, a hug or a peck on the cheek (just one, though - you'll quickly get the hang of it) are common, depending on the degree of familiarity.
• 🏡 Invitations to eatAccepting an invitation to eat is a sign of respect and friendship. Don't forget to compliment the cook and thank the host. A small gift, such as flowers or a bottle of wine, is much appreciated.
• 🗣 Respect for seniorsIt's essential to show respect to the elderly. Use formal titles like "Señor" or "Señora" and the famous "Usted".

🛡️ Safety:

It's important to know that there's a huge contrast between the image conveyed by the media and the reality of life in Mexico. On a day-to-day basis, in the neighborhoods where expatriates and students live, which are very safe, no problems are encountered.

Mexico is a safe country, as long as you're careful about where you go and simply follow the basic rules of caution, as you would anywhere else:

• Areas to avoid: Find out about less safe areas and neighborhoods and avoid them, especially after sunset. Check on diplomatie.gouv.
• Keep your valuables safeUse a fanny pack or inner pocket for your passport and money.
• Emergency numbersSave local emergency numbers in your phone. The general emergency number in Mexico is 911.
• Caution on public transportBe vigilant on public transport and avoid showing signs of affluence.

🏥 Student health insurance Mexico

• Student insurance : Before you leave, remember to take out a insurance for international students in Mexico because healthcare costs can soar!
• Recommended vaccinationsConsult your doctor about any vaccinations you may need well in advance of your departure. Common vaccines include those against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and yellow fever. But none are compulsory.
• Drinking waterTap water is generally not safe to drink. Prefer bottled or purified water to avoid illness and indigestion.
• First aid kitTake along a first-aid kit including disinfectants, bandages and basic medication for diarrhea and fever.

🥑 Where to shop in Mexico?

• Large hypermarkets Walmart, Soriana and Chedraui are giants where everything from prepared meals to fresh produce is available. For even more convenience, use apps like Uber Eats or Rappi to get delivery straight to your door.
• 24-hour grocery stores OXXO, 7 Eleven and others are ubiquitous and offer a quick solution for last-minute shopping, although they're not the healthiest places.
• Local markets Immerse yourself in the local bustle and find fresh produce at unbeatable prices.
• Street food : Street taco stands are an economical and tasty option for eating on the go without having to cook.

💵 Tips and payments

• Tips Leaving a 10-15% tip in restaurants and cafés is common and much appreciated as a way of supporting employees.
• Supermarket help : It's customary to tip the people who help you pack your groceries, often pensioners.
• Card payments In the big cities, there's no need to worry about using your bank card, with international banks easily accessible. For small expenses, especially on the street, keep some cash on you.

📱 Useful apps during your exchange

• Transport Uber, Didi and Indrive are essential for getting around easily.
• Communication The Telcel app for managing your mobile subscription.
• Delivery Rappi and Uber Eats for meals delivered to your door.
• Budget A currency converter to manage your peso budget.
• Urban bike Eco Bici is perfect for exploring big cities on two wheels.