Frequent Asked Questions 
Is it safe to live in Yucatán?
Yes, Yucatán is the safest state in Mexico and among the safest places in the world to live. Particularly in and around Mérida crime is low and Yucatecan’s are generally warm, friendly, helpful, and family oriented. Of course, as in every populated city, practicing common sense in public areas is required in order to have a good time.
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How is the medical and dental attention in Yucatán? Are there modern hospitals and good doctors?
Yes, Yucatán has an excellent reputation for high quality medical attention at an affordable cost, including dental and optical.
Mérida is a center for medical training and in fact many people living in surrounding states or neighboring countries choose to come to Mérida when medical attention is needed. Specialists can be found in most fields and a growing number of doctors in the private hospitals speak English having received part of their specialty training in North America or Europe. Several local hospitals have established affiliations with hospitals in the United States (e.g. Houston, Miami, etc). See our helpful links section.
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Is there health insurance available in Yucatán?
Yes, a foreigner can obtain health insurance in Yucatán very easily. Full coverage for a year offered by most companies is significantly less expensive than in North America or Europe.
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How is driving in Yucatán?
Driving in Yucatán is safe and drivers are generally respectful to traffic signals, stoplights etc. Just like driving in any other place, extra caution must be practiced, and traffic signs must be learned especially to know when you are approaching a speed bump!
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Can I open a bank account easily?
Yes, you can open bank account the same day at any bank. You could even apply for a credit card. All you need to show is a copy of your passport, FM3 visa, and a proof of physical address (e.g. electricity bill).
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Is it easy to get a cell phone, cable, and internet service?
Yes. It is very easy to obtain a prepaid cell phone. You can acquire one that is connected and ready to use at any 7-Eleven. In order to enter into a long-term contract (12 months and more) with a service provider you normally must provide a copy of your passport, FM3 visa, a proof of physical address (e.g. electricity bill). Cell phone calls are charged at about 1 peso per minute, but also calls are free among other users of the same service.
There are several cable and internet service providers to choose from, and connection and monthly service fees are about the same as in the United States.
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Are there North American/European food chains and stores in Yucatán?
Yes, and the list of popular franchises keeps growing and already includes names such as: KFC, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Subway, Mc Donald’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr. Bennigan’s, TGI Friday’s, Chili’s, Boston’s, Starbucks, Italian Coffee, Segafredo, Haagen Das and many others.
Along with popular food chains, Mérida is also host to popular mega stores such as SAMS Club, Wall-Mart, Sears, COSTCO, Home Depot, Office Max, Office Depot and more. See our helpful links section.
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Are there shopping malls?
Yes, in addition to the already existing malls, in the past year alone four brand new large-sized malls were built. These malls host all types of products including named brand stores such as Lacoste, Hugo Boss, Zara, etc. In addition to specialty stores one can find modern movie theaters, supermarkets, casinos, and restaurants. There is even a shopping mall with an ice-skating rink in it!
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Does Yucatán have reputable schools and universities?
Yes, Yucatán has an outstanding reputation for schools on all levels and Mérida is host to the best universities in southeast Mexico. Every year students come from all around the country including from overseas to study in Mérida, choosing from a long list of careers.
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What is the practice for tipping in Yucatán?
In Yucatán tipping is very common and widely practiced. This is because many workers, especially those without a formal education, do not have the privilege of receiving an adequate fixed salary and depend heavily on tips to complete their income.
The common practice for tipping is as follows:
Restaurant/ Bars
|
Gas Station
|
Grocery Clerks |
Parking Attendants |
15% |
5-10 Pesos |
5-10 Pesos |
2-5 Pesos |
Hair Dresser/ Barber |
Taxi |
Delivery |
|
15% |
10% |
10% |
|
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What is the average cost for services and other living utility expenses in Yucatán?
In addition to being a beautiful and safe place to live Yucatán offers a low cost of living. The average cost of services and other living utilities are as follows:
Average Utility Costs (Pesos)
Gas/Cooking |
Water |
Electricity |
Telephone |
Cable
/Internet |
Gasoline |
Garbage |
$10 / Liter average 50 ltr |
$75 / month |
$1,000/Month |
$180 /Month 100 free local
|
$600 / month 60 channels + internet |
$8/Liter
$30.50/Gallon |
$20-50/Month |
Common Services (Pesos)
Live in House keeper |
House Cleaner |
Gardener |
Mason/ Handy man |
Plumber |
Electrician |
Laundry |
$1,200 /
Per week plus meals |
$150-200 /Day |
$150-200 /Day |
$300-400 /Day
|
$100 / Hour |
$100 / Hour |
$8 -10/ Kilo |
Local Public Transportation (Pesos)
BUS (CITY) |
TAXI (CITY) |
$5 |
|
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Will I be able to buy a decent car in Yucatán?
Yes, in Yucatán all types of cars can be purchased, old and new. Mérida is home to dealerships of most leading international makers such as Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Suzuki, Pontiac, Peugeot, Renault, Fiat, Saab, Lincoln, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover and more. Although the prices of cars are slightly higher than in North America and Europe, the price is compensated by the low cost for insurance and gasoline.
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Can we bring our pets to Yucatán?
Yes, as long as they have proper documentation from the veterinarian proving that they are up to date on their immunizations. Although pets are not allowed in places such as restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and stores Yucatecan’s love their pets and veterinary services in and around Mérida are abundant and very reasonably priced.
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