Hermosillo, Mexico Report of what it's like to live there - 06/30/25
Personal Experiences from Hermosillo, Mexico
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I've served elsewhere in Latin America, headquarters, and Europe.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
East Coast. It is neither easy nor cheap to fly there, as only one flight per day goes to the U.S. (to Phoenix) and onward connections may require a layover depending on timing. As such, it is sometimes easier/quicker to just drive 4-6 hours to Arizona and take a flight to wherever you want to go.
3. What years did you live here?
2022-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing pool only includes standalone homes, no apartments. The houses are spacious, though some are plagued with maintenance issues that the consulate does a marginal job of addressing quickly. Rather than have all that extra space, many of us would prefer smaller houses where things just work right. Even the "small" houses are larger than anything I've seen at other posts. Commute time from any of the houses to work is about 15-25 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cost of groceries is surprisingly high. Many of the fruits and vegetables you find in the U.S. are grown in Mexico, but not sold in Hermosillo. The higher quality produce is shipped away, leaving lower quality goods for local sale. Some coworkers depend heavily on trips to Arizona to stock up on groceries.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More Asian spices.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Having grown up in California and the east coast, many of my Mexican-American friends told me the food in Mexico is much different than what we have in the states. In Hermosillo, however, it's the greasiest and least healthful types of Mexican cuisine. If you're not a fan of carne asada, you'll struggle. Seafood is available, but I typically stay away for hygiene reasons.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Cockroaches are a problem mainly because the consulate prohibits the use of effective pesticides, but your neighbors will be sure to use it. The cockroaches will find their way to your house instead. Many people choose to ignore the consulate rules and apply pesticides themselves.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Shipment through DPM. Even though it all comes by land, for some reason, we're bound by restrictions that were made for air shipments.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
One group of cleaning ladies was caught stealing from houses. It's surprisingly difficult to find people willing to clean, and when they do, you have to micromanage them to ensure they do a decent job. I gave up and clean myself.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
The heat is suffocating for much of the year, and the "scenery" isn't much for outdoor activities unless you enjoy seeing dirt and cacti around. I didn't realize how much i missed greenery until my first trip back to DC from Hermosillo.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms are available and can range from $30-300/month. People generally find whatever they need.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, no issues with credit cards or ATMs.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Knowing Spanish will make your life much easier, but there have definitely been many people at work along with their family members who survived without Spanish. Many locals, particularly younger ones, speak enough English to help you get by.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Most likely. There isn't much infrastructure for those with mobility issues.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We're not permitted to use these.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I wouldn't bring anything nice. Potholes are common, and they do serve a benefit of keeping traffic so slow that you're unlikely to get into a serious accident. A fender bender is a realistic possibility, as are pieces of debris that may blemish your paint job or windshield. You can get by with any car really, though I would suggest doing your best to avoid using any repair services locally. They either lack the parts or the experience that you might find in the U.S.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, for about $35/month internet is all covered with cable and phone.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The office provided a phone with a Mexican number. I kept a U.S. personal phone with t-mobile.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
The vet that's trusted by most consulate members insisted on taking a colleague's cat's blood from the neck. That was all I needed to know I never wanted to go to him. There are no quarantines, no border checks on the Mexican side, and no permits needed to bring pets into Mexico.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Local salaries are low. Most spouses either work at the consulate or don't work at all.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
No experience seeking them out, but I'm sure there are many available.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Mostly business casual. Formal dress is very rarely required, even among Mexican counterparts.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
The city of Hermosillo is relatively safe, but beyond city limits, there are regularly problems with violence. As such, we are restricted from traveling anywhere by car except for two towns by the beach and north towards Arizona.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Food poisoning may be a concern if you don't have an iron stomach. Medical care overall seems to be good, though if you can spare the time, it might be worth just driving to Arizona.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air isn't full of chemicals like many places in south/central Asia. It gets dusty though, so the layer of dirt you see on your car in the mornings is also going into your lungs. I understand that the larger pollution particles are actually less harmful to health, so maybe that's a silver lining.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
People with food allergies should absolutely learn enough Spanish to communicate their wishes to restaurant workers. Even then, prepare for them to possibly neglect your concerns.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
As the only diplomatic mission in the city, it can be isolating to not have an expat network. The consulate itself is small. If you don't want to meet up with those coworkers, you will need to find a hobby (one that you can do comfortably at home considering it's 100+ degrees outside for most of the summer).
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The heat is absolutely a factor in how people live/work. I underestimated how it would completely wreck my ability to participate in the outdoor activities I've always enjoyed.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are no USG-affiliated schools. The schools our kids attend are of questionable quality. This is certainly a factor for many people.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes there seem to be plenty of activities for kids to keep occupied.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The expat community is only the consulate and maybe some foreign businesses, but I haven't met many people in the latter group. Morale fluctuates. Many of our employees are on their first tour, so they don't know any better, but this is definitely not the kind of place I'd come back to again.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Events at coworkers' houses, restaurants, or anywhere that keeps you out of the heat.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For a city of one million people there's surprisingly very little to do for entertainment. There are virtually no cultural events. The happiest of my coworkers are those who enjoy eating carne asada and drinking. Beyond that, people with kids seem to meet other parents easily.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Locals are very kind and welcoming. I've enjoyed making friends with many, and only wish there was more to do in terms of entertainment or places to go. No signs of prejudice among those I've met.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It's a conservative environment but most people seem tolerant. There have been no issues of overt harassment or violence that I've heard about.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
It's a patriarchal society for sure, and the problem of femicides is prevalent throughout the country. Overall, many of the issues with discrimination pale in comparison to other places I've served, to include the United States.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Much like how everything else operates locally, the pace of work at the consulate is not overly demanding. We don't have weekend work obligations or evening mandatory events. Traveling within Mexico is doable, understanding the costs and time involved. I'd just as soon fly one hour to San Diego than the seven hours it takes to get to Cancun.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
If you find them, I'd like to know too.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not particularly.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Pace of work is relaxed, less stressful than most other assignments. Living in the city, I struggle to think of advantages.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How little there is to do in the city, and how restrictive rules are for getting out. It's incredibly isolating.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, sorry. The people are nice, but I'd rather have them visit me somewhere else.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Cold weather gear, expectations for spending time outdoors.
4. But don't forget your:
Tolerance for slow drivers and slow....everything.
