Where Can I Find __ in Mexico?

If you could quickly find and have what you wanted in Mexico, life would be easy! Right? But we all know this isn’t the case.

When you start looking for things in Mexico, it will likely be challenging at first. Finding everything from up-to-date information to household goods to specific contacts and so on will be a new process for you. Plus, you’ll have to translate everything from Spanish to English at the beginning. And that is a guaranteed learning curve.

But I want to empower you! I want to help you figure out where you can find some everyday things in Mexico.

Before You Ask “Where Can I Find…?”

Believe it or not, Mexico is incredibly resourceful. With the second-highest GDP per capita in Latin America, people here like to spend, and you’ll find a surprising variety of goods and services if you know where to look.

That said, some things might not exist due to tradition, practicality, or cost, while others may look or be named differently than what you’re used to. That’s where resourcefulness and a little research come into play. Before asking where to find something, consider:

• Is this item common in a typical Mexican household?
• What demographic might use it? (Minimum wage, middle class, or upper-middle class)
• What is it called in Spanish?

Tip: Learning the Spanish name of the item you’re searching for will save you time. For example, if you’re looking for baking powder, you’ll need to ask for polvo para hornear. Need a vacuum cleaner? It’s called an aspiradora. Baking soda is “bicarbonato” and baking powder is often referred to as the most popular brand, “Royal” even though the actual name is “polvo para hornear.”

And believe it or not, you’ll find everything you need in Mexico.

Mexico is a huge country with the second-highest GDP per capita in Latin America. The people in Mexico like to spend. And for you, this means you’ll find almost everything you need in Mexico.

But there might also a lot of things you won’t find, either due to little variety, practicality, custom, tradition, or because they are crazy expensive. But I want to help you! My goal with this post is to give you ideas. Help you take some tips out of the way of life here. Because I know it may seem to you that moving to Mexico and learning the way of life will be a bit daunting.

What do I mean?

I belong to hundreds of different expat groups and forums in Mexico. And the one thing I see the most is “where can I find …?”

Usually, there are a lot of helpful answers (and then some snarky, unhelpful ones too). But I want to help you be better prepared to be a bit more resourceful. Because I know you’ll feel good when you find things on your own. I know you’ll feel like you’re getting the hang of living in Mexico!

Before you ask, “Where can I find (insert item)?” there are a couple of things to consider: Is what I’m looking for something that you would find in a typical Mexican household? What segment of the population might use this? Is it called something different in Spanish?

By segment, I’m referring to income such as minimum wage, middle-class, or upper-middle-class individuals. I guess the word to use would be demographics.

Exploring Your Local Neighborhood Is Key

The first thing you should do after moving to Mexico is explore your local neighborhood. Visit every shop, from the small tienda (corner store) to the frutería (fruit shop), panadería (bakery), and ferretería (hardware store). Take note of what they sell, their hours, and their specialties.

This not only helps you figure out where to find the things you need, but it also allows you to build relationships with local shopkeepers and neighbors—something that matters deeply in Mexico. Plus, you’ll feel less intimidated and more confident as you settle into daily life.

Ask Locals—It’s Part of the Culture

Word of mouth is a powerful tool in Mexico. Whether you’re talking to your neighbors, the taxi driver, or the vendor at your local market, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. Even if you don’t speak perfect Spanish, a little effort goes a long way. Mexicans are generally warm, helpful, and happy to share their insights.

Google Maps

Did you know that Google Maps works seamlessly in Mexico?

You can use it to quickly search for stores, retailers, and local recommendations for just about anything—doctors, grocery stores, hardware shops, or even the best spots to buy local eggs and produce.

A simple Google Maps search in your area can save you time and effort while helping you discover hidden gems nearby.

I have even used it to help me find a great dentist when my crown fell in Playa del Carmen while on vacation. I looked at their reviews, checked out their opening hours, saw pictures of their facilities, and made my decision that way. And it turned out to be a GREAT experience. But as with all medical procedures, you should use your own judgment when you are searching for a local doctor/dentist/veterinarian.

The only caveat here is that depending on what you are searching for, you may need first to find out the word in Spanish for the best results. And if you are looking for a doctor, I think you should do more due diligence than just relying on Google Maps- especially if it is for something a bit more serious.

TripAdvisor/Booking.com/Airbnb

For restaurants, hotels, tours, excursions, and those kinds of local reviews, we recommend using Google Maps and checking TripAdvisor.

If you’re looking for lodging, we recommend Booking.com and Airbnb.com- both of these sites have the ability to read reviews, which gives travelers a higher sense of peace of mind about what to expect when they book.

Ask Your Neighbors

Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth in Mexico. It is part of the culture here. In Mexico, we usually ask our friends and neighbors first when we need a recommendation. Especially if it is something a bit unique and you think your neighbor might have some insight.

Our neighbors have usually lived in the city for a while and know many people in town. So even if they don’t know the answer, many will ask their network. Your neighbors don’t literally have to live next to you. They can also be the taxi driver taking you from the grocery store back home or the lady at the Mercado bagging your produce. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals- even if you have broken Spanish or can only use Google Translate.

Shopping Is Done Differently in Mexico

Face it- most of us come from homes built of wood with carpeted interiors, regardless of whether it’s a small town or a big city. We’ve always cooked in modern kitchens with all the electric amenities you could desire. We see these things as practical for our lifestyle and culture. Likewise, living here in Mexico, practicality and culture run deeper than you can imagine.

Houses made of cement with tile floors, a hand juicer, an electric cooktop, and a small fridge are as sophisticated as it gets. Yes, there are exceptions to every rule, but the word demographic comes right back to explain the differences.

Modern urban hubs like Mexico City, Merida, Queretaro, and the like naturally come to mind, where there is greater affluence to find many items that are not so common in smaller cities and towns.

Your resourcefulness and research got you to this website. And it will get you to live in Mexico, too. You are in Mexico because you want to live by design, not by chance. Now…take that resourcefulness and put it to the test.

Now, Mexico isn’t the internet-driven economy we might be used to in the USA, Canada, or other parts of the world. You’ll be able to Google a lot of things, but not everything.

So, I encourage you to go out and find what you need and want to make your life easier. Sometimes it will be easy. Sometimes, it’ll be a challenge, and you won’t find it in one visit. But you will always learn something new. And it’ll not only help you discover what’s in your neighborhood. But it will also help you realize how you can find things in Mexico.

Additional Reading: Grocery Shopping in Mexico Like A Local Would

Embrace the Shopping Culture

Shopping in Mexico is often different from what you may be used to. Instead of one big store with everything you need, you might visit several smaller specialty shops:

• Frutería for fruits and vegetables
• Carnicería for meats and deli
• Panadería for baked goods
• Ferretería for tools and hardware
• Cremeria– Creamery and Deli

For higher-end items, explore stores like Sears, Liverpool (Mexico’s Macy’s), and Palacio de Hierro (similar to Nordstrom). Mexico also has online options like Amazon.mx and MercadoLibre, which are great for ordering items that may be harder to find locally.

Go Explore Your Back Yard!

I think this one gets lost a lot when people first move to Mexico. A lot of people assume that everything in Mexico must be entirely different, and so they get scared and don’t explore their own backyard.

But I think this is a missed opportunity.

One of the first things you should do after moving to Mexico is to explore your neighborhood.

Visit every little store nearby. Step into the corner shop, the local panaderia (bakery), the carniceria (butcher), and the ferreteria (hardware store). Look around to see what they sell, and take note of their hours. You might discover that a small tienda (shop) down the street carries the exact household item you’ve been looking for or that the frutería (fruit stand) has fresher produce than the big supermarket.

Not only does this help you become a friendly face, but it will help you feel less intimidated by having to learn where to get x,y, and z things. In Mexico, relationships matter. Building a rapport with local shop owners and neighbors can make a big difference in how welcome and supported you feel. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your Spanish in a real-world setting!

If you are looking for practical Mexican goods such as food disinfectant, a specific medication, a certain spice, etc.- start in your own backyard.

Local shops, markets, grocery stores, and even street vendors have a wide array of traditional items. Head out to where the locals shop. This will not only help you make a direct impact on your local economy but is the cheapest way to buy food. But there are also big box grocery stores. Some of them are local chains, and some are national chains- get familiar with the ones in your neighborhood.

Check out one of our relocation tours if you need help figuring out where the locals shop before you permanently move here. The goal of this tour is to give you a local perspective to help you save time and introduce you to the way of life in a specific city. That way, you hit the ground running when you move to Mexico.

Also, try to remember that Mexicans shop based on a specific need. And the longevity of the item is a big factor. A lot of Mexican homes don’t have the giant freezers or fridges we’re used to. So they buy what they need for the next few days and make frequent stops at the store.

Additional Reading: Ultimate Guide to Grocery Stores in Mexico

Tips When Looking For Things in Mexico

• Learn the word for the item you are looking for in Spanish. Remember, Mexico’s official language is Spanish. If you want baking powder, you’ll find it in the supermarket’s baking aisle. But it is called polvo para hornear in Espanol. Looking for a vacuum cleaner? The word is aspiradora. Many items you may need and want have names that are not even close to their English counterparts. Google Translate is amazing for this.
• Here are a few hints: If you are looking for something in a local store, be sure to add your location. For example, if I’m looking for a vacuum, I would search “vacuums in Morelia.” Taking it one step further, search for this in Spanish- “Aspiradoras en Morelia,” And you will get much better search results.
• Explore the local mercados (markets). Take the time to go out and see what types of local shops are in your area. In Mexico, finding everything you need in one store is rare. And Mexicans are used to this way of life. So, you’ll see a shop for fruits (fruteria), one for meat (carniceria), one for baked goods (panaderia), one for tools (ferreteria), and so on. Many locals don’t venture far from home to shop. Tiendas are plentiful in many neighborhoods. Fruterías, Carnecerías, Queserías, Panaderías. Even electronics and appliances are local at Coppel and Elektra.
• Explore the more affluent side of shopping in your area. Higher-end goods will most likely be found at higher-end stores. Stores like Sears still have a large presence here in Mexico. Liverpool is like the Macys of Mexico. Sanborn’s is a bookstore with high-end jewelry, small appliances, some household goods, and a restaurant on site. Palacio del Hierro is like the Nordstrom of Mexico.
• Chances are these stores are in larger cities and not in more rural parts of Mexico. Many foreigners don’t even realize there are some very big malls here in Mexico. But remember- demographics rule. The selection of higher-end stores is relative to the population. You will find nicer stores in Cancun than in Playa del Carmen. And you’ll find much nicer grocery stores in Guadalajara than you will in Lake Chapala.
• Shop on Amazon.Mx and MercadoLibre. These are the biggest online marketplaces in Mexico. Both ship safely and securely in Mexico. If you aren’t comfortable shipping to your Mexican address, you can ship to either DHL, ESTAFETA, FEDEX or an Oxxo location for pickup. Many items can also be purchased from Amazon.com, and then shipped to your Mexican address. You’ll just have to pay for customs duties and additional fees. Just make sure the items are allowed in Mexico. All too often, shipments from outside of Mexico get held in customs for a variety of reasons. Incorrect duty, the item is restricted or banned, or a customs agent just doesn’t know how to process a specific item. Once that happens, it’s cheaper to just return the shipment, as the cost of a broker far outweighs the cost of the item.
• You can also count on friends and family. Once they know you live in Mexico, everyone will want to visit you! Load them up! Let them bring the things you must have. It’s a small price to pay for a visit to paradise.
• Learn to compromise. Use what’s available, and adapt. I’m really sorry Chedraui doesn’t have your favorite baked beans. But they do have frijoles bayos, Heinz ketchup, molasses, bacon, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and so on. You can then make your own. See my point? Anything is possible!

Good Information Isn’t As Simple To Find

Unlike searching for and finding local recommendations to a hair salon, a veterinarian, a manicurist, or the best Thai food in town, good and accurate information isn’t as easy to find in Mexico.

The Complete Mexico Relocation Guide is designed to answer the most important basics (and not so basics) for moving to Mexico. However, moving to Mexico is a unique journey for everyone, and some of the answers you’re looking for might require a little research on your own.

Unfortunately, we don’t have every answer to every imaginable question—especially when it comes to local recommendations like where to buy boots for your cat or finding a doctor that speaks English in x city, hair salon, veterinarian, manicurist, or the best market for fresh produce. 😉

However, the online guide will help you save a ton of time and help you avoid a lot of headaches. While also connecting you with our vetted professionals across Mexico who can help make your move a lot easier.

That way, you have more time to explore your new city!

When you buy the guide, you get instant access to the easy-to-follow steps and the directory of vetted contacts. See what’s included here.