Cultural Differences You’ll Notice When You Move to Mexico

If you’re thinking about moving to Mexico or are already living in Mexico, you’re in for a treat.

One of the things I’ve loved most about this country and its differences to the United States or North of The Border is discovering the unique habits and customs that make Mexico so special.

After helping many others relocate here, I’ve come to appreciate these small cultural differences that make daily life interesting and fun. Let me take you through some of the things that might catch your attention when you first arrive!

Hand Gestures: Communicating Without Words

Mexicans are incredibly expressive, and they use hand gestures in ways that might surprise you.

One gesture that you’ll see a lot means “Yes.”

It’s really handy when you’re eating and can’t talk or don’t want to interrupt the speaker—just a quick gesture of the finger folding and unfolding, and the person you’re with understands perfectly! It’s something you’ll probably adopt because it’s just so practical.

Another gesture is to say thank you, especially when someone lets you cross the street or helps you from a distance. Most new expats find this confusing at first because, in the U.S., we tend to rely more on verbal thanks or a wave. But a simple hand mid in the air does the trick here, and people appreciate it just as much.

And let’s not forget the hand movements for “come here.” For many newcomers, it may seem as though you’re being shooed away when it’s actually the opposite!

The dozens of hand gestures in Mexico are fun and a big part of the lively social culture here.

Chili and Lime: A Mexican Culinary Staple

You’ll quickly notice that we Mexicans love to put chili and lime on almost everything. Whether it’s fruit, snacks, or even candy, chili and lime bring an extra burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.

For example, you’ll see mango slices sprinkled with chili powder and a squeeze of lime—it might sound unusual at first, but trust me, it’s delicious! We even put lime on our beans, meats, mayo, and pretty much everything in between.

One of the things I always tell people who are thinking of moving to Mexico is to embrace these new flavor combinations. What might seem odd at first will soon become something you can’t live without.

Makeup on the Go: A Street-Side Beauty Routine

One of the things that surprises a lot of newcomers when they first move here is seeing women putting on makeup in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s on the street or even in the car, you’ll see women using spoons to curl their eyelashes while on the move! It’s a fun little quirk of life in Mexico that you get used to pretty quickly.

Back in the U.S., we tend to do our makeup at home, in private.

But here, it’s not uncommon to see someone applying lipstick or mascara while sitting in traffic or waiting for the bus. It’s just one of those things that adds to the charm of everyday life in Mexico—everyone’s busy, but they still make time to look fabulous!

The Sounds of the Street: Embrace the Noise

If you’re moving to a city like Mexico City, one of the first things that will hit you is the sound.

The streets are alive with noise—cars honking, vendors calling out what they’re selling, and even trucks driving around announcing that they’ll buy your old appliances or mattresses. You’ll hear the tamales vendor early in the morning, and by the afternoon, the sweet potato vendor’s whistle echoes through the streets.

At first, it can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re coming from a quieter area. But once you get used to it, those sounds become part of the rhythm of life here.

Now, when I hear those familiar street sounds, it feels like home. Maybe one day you will also associate these noises with home.

Swear Words and Expressions: A Colorful Language

Mexican Spanish is full of colorful expressions, and you’ll notice that people here are pretty casual about using certain words that might sound a little strong at first. But don’t worry! In most cases, these words aren’t meant to offend—they’re just part of everyday conversation and are often used for emphasis or fun.

Phrases like “No manches” or “Órale” are incredibly versatile.

You’ll hear them in all sorts of situations, and before long, you’ll find yourself using them too. One of my personal favorites is “Ahorita,” which literally means “right now,” but can mean anything from “in a few minutes” to “later,” or even “never.”

It’s part of the laid-back, easygoing attitude that makes Mexico such a welcoming place to live.

The Jello Obsession: More Than Just Dessert

Jello is a big deal in Mexico, and it’s something you’ll see at almost every party, celebration, or family gathering. Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday event, jello is sure to make an appearance. You’ll even find it in hospitals, where it’s considered a comforting and easy-to-digest treat.

You probably are thinking, “jello? Really?”

And yes, jello is such a popular dessert and can be one of those things you associate with special occasions or everyday life. Go to any bakery, and they most likely have a jello section. And if you ever have a stomach ache? Yep, jello is the go-to remedy!

Breakfast: Starting the Day with a Feast

Breakfast in Mexico is a completely different experience than what you may be used to in the U.S. While we might have something light like toast or cereal, breakfast here is a full-on feast. You’ll find people enjoying tacos, chilaquiles, or even barbacoa for breakfast—it’s hearty, filling, and absolutely delicious.

Another thing I love about Mexican breakfasts is the tradition of saying “Buen provecho” (similar to “Bon appétit”) to the people around you when you’re leaving a restaurant. Even if you don’t know them, it’s a kind and respectful gesture that adds to the warmth of the culture.

Mexican Men: Chivalry is Alive and Well

One thing that really stands out to a lot of women when they first arrive in Mexico is how attentive and thoughtful Mexican men are. Whether it’s making sure you’re walking on the side of the sidewalk farthest from the road or helping you carry something heavy, there’s a strong sense of care and chivalry that’s deeply ingrained in the culture here.

It’s also common to see couples of all ages holding hands and showing affection in public, which is something I didn’t see as much in the U.S. It’s a beautiful reminder of the deep connections and sense of romance that are very much alive here.

I hope this gave you a little insight into some of the everyday customs and habits that make Mexico so unique. Moving to a new country is always an adventure, and these small quirks make life in Mexico so interesting and enjoyable.

If you’ve noticed anything else that stands out to you, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!