Pros and Cons of Living in Merida

"Most people that we have met have been very friendly. Some going out of their way to help us, Merida is a very historical city and very rich in Mayan and Mexican culture. We have not had any time yet to check out all the history and culture, but are really looking forward to finding all about it," said a person living in Merida.

"They are family oriented, like inviting you places to do fun activities and they like to celebrate dates with a lot of joy. Also the laid back lifestyle compared to big cities in the states. I also love to see the traditions being kept up and honored. And I like seeing my son speak Spanish beautifully. I like everything. The architecture, the art, the music, the dancing and the literature and the people telling me their life stories," explained one expat living in Merida.

"Expatriates in Merida appreciate the warmth of the locals and the strong sense of community that exists in the city. They are also drawn to the city's rich cultural heritage, vibrant art and music scenes, and the abundance of colorful markets and traditional festivals. Merida is also known for its delicious regional cuisine, from street food to award-winning restaurants. Its mild climate and easy access to the nearby coast and Yucatan Peninsula make Merida a great place to live, work and explore," said one in Merida.

"I hate the slowness of the bureaucracy. I don't like the bank fees and exhorbitant fees associated with Mexican banks and US foreign banks in Mexico. I don't like the need to negotiate with others not used to fixed prices because it means I got to figure out what the reasonable price for an item is and then negotiate down. I never liked shopping much so it is not fun to do that for me. But I love buying artistic things that bring me joy to look at it at home. I don't like men ignoring me and asking my husband the question or giving my husband the answer. It is impolite," said one person in Merida.

"Expats in Merida may find that the local culture and customs can be quite different from those of the West. They may struggle to adjust to the slower pace of life and high levels of bureaucracy, a marked distinction from the much faster pace of western countries. Additionally, developing trust with the locals can be difficult since strong relationships are a cornerstone of Mexican culture. Language barriers can be an issue as well, both in terms of verbal communication and understanding Spanish-language media and literature. Additionally, learning the religious customs and traditions may be a challenge for those unfamiliar with Catholicism. Finally, adjusting to the climate and local seasons can be a challenge; summers are incredibly hot and the heat and humidity often continue through the winter season," remarked one expat in Merida.