You’re an American or Canadian contemplating a move to Mexico. Once you finally take that leap, what does that make you? An expat? An immigrant? While the distinction might seem like just a matter of vocabulary, it’s actually a topic filled with cultural significance and, sometimes, controversy. In fact, with rising immigration tensions across North America, the words we choose matter more than ever. Let’s explore what these labels mean and why being culturally competent when moving to Mexico is essential.
Cultural Competence: The Starting Point
Before we dive into the terminology, let’s talk about cultural competence. Cultural competence is your ability to interact effectively with people from different backgrounds. It includes understanding cultural norms, recognizing and addressing internal biases, and communicating respectfully across differences.
Why is this relevant when moving to a foreign country like Mexico? Because if you’re relocating here, you’re going to be interacting with locals—Mexican nationals—in daily life. If you find the Mexican culture or language intimidating or unapproachable, you might want to rethink your decision. Chances are, though, you chose Mexico because of its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and lower cost of living. Learning Spanish and understanding local customs will only deepen that connection.
My Experience with Cultural Competence
Before my real estate journey, I founded an NGO in Nicaragua. One of our main goals was to connect the local community with opportunities brought by tourism. We depended on foreign workers and volunteers—from the U.S., Canada, and Europe—to teach, support programs, and fundraise.
Despite good intentions, miscommunications and tensions arose. With our board of directors, we created a handbook on cultural competence to help bridge the gap. These were often minor issues rooted in internal biases or differing expectations, but addressing them proactively was key. That work still informs how I help expat communities settle in Puerto Vallarta today.
Miscommunication: A Tale as Old as Time
I often think about the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. A group of people tries to build a tower to reach the heavens, and as punishment, they’re each given a different language. Unable to communicate, they scatter across the globe. Whether you see it as a myth or a metaphor, it illustrates a key point: communication barriers can break down even the best of intentions.
When foreigners move to a new country, cultural misunderstandings are inevitable. That’s why developing cultural sensitivity isn’t optional—it’s a necessary step in building respectful relationships and adjusting to the different types of visas and visa requirements you’ll encounter.
Expat or Immigrant: Definitions That Matter
Let’s clarify some definitions:
Expat is short for expatriate, meaning someone who lives outside their home country. It describes your relationship with where you’re from.
Immigrant refers to someone who relocates to another country with the intent of making it their home. It describes your relationship with where you’re going.
So, if you’re a U.S. citizen who left the United States in 2008 (like me), you’ve been an American expat for 17 years. I lived in Nicaragua for nine years, so I was an immigrant there. I moved to Mexico in 2017, making me an immigrant in Mexico for eight years. All these identities are true at the same time.
Why Do Some People Get Upset About the Word "Expat"?
This is where things get political. Americans and Canadians often refer to themselves as expats, while Mexicans living in American cities are labeled immigrants—sometimes even as illegal immigrants, regardless of their legal status.
That double standard can be frustrating. The word “expat” is often associated with privilege. When western white people from wealthy countries move abroad, they’re “expats.” When people from developing nations move abroad, they’re “immigrants.”
Even more striking? Many Americans live in Mexico on a tourist visa for years and still call themselves expats, while Mexicans in the U.S. face deportation threats and legal scrutiny. Meanwhile, temporary residency visa and permanent resident visa holders in Mexico are following all legal requirements from the Mexican government and local Mexican consulate.
Legal Residency and Respect
To be clear, many Americans and Canadians in Mexico do follow the rules. They get their temporary resident visa or permanent residency and integrate fully into society. Others are digital nomads or remote workers choosing cities like Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, or San Miguel de Allende for their lifestyle and good infrastructure.
If you’re one of them, you might wonder why there’s still backlash for using the term “expat.”
The issue isn’t legal status. It’s perception and sensitivity. Being mindful of how we label ourselves and recognizing the history and privilege behind those labels is part of being a respectful foreign resident.
So What Should You Call Yourself?
Honestly, it depends on the context. I use both terms.
I use “expat” in content targeting Americans and Canadian citizens because that’s how they search for information when considering the best places to live in Latin America.
I use “immigrant” when talking about my legal and cultural integration into Mexican society, especially around real estate, health care, and community engagement.
There’s nothing wrong with using the term “expat” in a Facebook group to find fellow Americans. But when you’re engaging in the local community, embracing your identity as an immigrant shows respect and a willingness to integrate.
Moving to Mexico from Abroad
Living abroad is incredible. I believe in it wholeheartedly. Sometimes, a different place or culture just fits better. It can improve your mental health, bring new friendships, and open up a higher quality of life. That said, it’s not a vacation—it’s a life decision that requires work, humility, and a desire to integrate.
You’ll have to consider important things like applying for the appropriate visa type, showing months of bank statements, or proving monthly income to meet visa application process requirements. You may need to set up a local bank account, get private health insurance, and understand exchange rates. For families, choosing between international schools, public schools, or private schools will be key.
Whether you’re buying real estate, applying for a work permit, looking for a job offer, or simply living your best beach life, remember that you are part of a larger society. Be a responsible, respectful member of it.
Expat or Immigrant: How Do You Identify?
So, what about you? Do you consider yourself an expat or an immigrant? Or maybe both? Maybe this is the first time you’ve thought about the distinction.
Please comment on this blog or our YouTube video and share your story. I would love to know where you’re coming from, what you’re hoping to create in Mexico, and how I can support that journey.
If you’re considering moving to Puerto Vallarta and need help finding property or navigating residency, I’m here to guide you. As my clients know, I don’t just sell homes—I support the entire relocation journey, from helping you find your ideal property to understanding your financial goals, to answering your questions when you realize you’re not sure how to activate your phone plan. or get gas for your house. I’m here to help.
