Arrival Checklist

Get a Mexican SIM card

Telcel (best coverage), AT&T, or Movistar. Available at OXXO or carrier stores. $150-300 MXN.

Download essential apps

Uber, DiDi (rides), Rappi (delivery), Google Maps, WhatsApp (primary messaging).

Withdraw pesos from ATM

Use ATMs inside banks (Santander, BBVA). Decline conversion to home currency.

Keep cash on hand

Many places are cash-only. Keep $500-1,000 MXN for daily needs.

Learn basic Spanish phrases

"Buenos días", "Gracias", "¿Cuánto cuesta?", "La cuenta, por favor".

Download Google Translate

Get the Spanish offline pack. Camera feature helps with menus and signs.

INM address registration

Required within 90 days if you have residency. Bring passport, residency card, proof of address. Learn more →

Get your CURP

Mexico's population ID. Free at Registro Civil with passport and residency card. Learn more →

Obtain RFC (if working)

Tax ID for employment. Apply at SAT office with CURP, passport, proof of address. Learn more →

Register at your consulate

For emergency assistance and voting abroad. Most done online.

Mexican driver's license (optional)

Apply at Secretaría de Seguridad Pública. Cost: ~$800-1,200 MXN.

Set up electricity (CFE)

Transfer account at CFE office with lease and ID. Pay at OXXO or online. Learn more →

Set up water (INTERAPAS)

Transfer at INTERAPAS office. Bills typically $150-400 MXN/month. Learn more →

Arrange gas delivery

Providers: Gas Express Nieto, Zeta Gas. Stationary tanks refilled, portable exchanged.

Set up internet

Telmex (most coverage), Totalplay (fiber), Izzi. Plans $400-800 MXN/month.

Buy water garrafones

Tap water NOT drinkable. Buy 5-gallon jugs from Bonafont, Ciel. ~$30-40 MXN each.

Get a garrafón dispenser

Available at Soriana, Walmart, Amazon Mexico. $500-2,000 MXN.

Open Mexican bank account

BBVA, Santander (expat-friendly), Banorte. Need: passport, residency, CURP, proof of address.

Set up Mercado Pago

Mexico's popular digital wallet. Works at many stores, transfers to friends, pay bills.

Learn SPEI transfers

Mexico's instant bank transfer system. Free, fast, widely used for rent and services.

Set up international transfers

Wise (best rates), Remitly, or wire transfer for regular transfers.

Understand bill payments

Pay at OXXO (24/7), bank apps, online portals. OXXO is easiest for most services.

Find a general doctor

Ask in expat groups for English speakers. Consultations: $400-800 MXN. Learn more →

Find a dentist

Dental care is excellent and affordable. Cleaning: $400-800 MXN.

Locate pharmacies

Farmacias Guadalajara, Farmacias del Ahorro. Many meds available without prescription.

Set up health insurance

IMSS (~$6,000 MXN/year) or private: GNP, Seguros Monterrey, Bupa.

Save emergency numbers

911 (emergency), 066 (police), 065 (ambulance/Red Cross).

Join expat Facebook groups

Search "Expats in San Luis Potosí". Great for advice and meeting others.

Find language exchange partners

Practice Spanish, help with English. Check Meetup, university boards, cafes. Learn more →

Enroll in Spanish classes

UASLP offers courses. Private tutors: $150-300 MXN/hour.

Explore neighborhoods

Walk Centro Histórico, Parque Tangamanga, Lomas. Best way to feel at home.

Attend local events

Check our events calendar. FENAPO (August) is the biggest annual fair. Learn more →

Meet your neighbors

A simple "Buenos días" goes a long way. Neighbors are valuable for recommendations.

Find supermarkets

Soriana (local), Walmart, HEB (premium), Costco (membership).

Explore local markets

Mercado Hidalgo (Centro), Mercado República. Fresh produce at better prices.

Download ride apps

Uber and DiDi work throughout the city. Safer than street taxis.

Find a gym

Smart Fit ($400-600 MXN/mo), Sport City (premium), local gyms ($300-500 MXN/mo).

Explore Parque Tangamanga

One of Mexico's largest urban parks. Running, cycling, picnics. Free entry.

Set up Amazon Mexico

Delivery available. Prime offers faster shipping. Great for hard-to-find items.