Mexico Ranked #1 for Expats in the WORLD for Making Foreigners Feel at Home
Mexico Ranked #1 for Expats in the WORLD
Not top five. Not top three. Two.
The InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey — one of the largest studies of people living abroad, built from nearly 8,000 responses across 162 nationalities — just named Mexico the #1 country on Earth for Ease of Settling In.
And Mexico did not just win. It SWEPT all three categories at once:
🥇 #1 in Local Friendliness
🥇 #1 in Finding Friends
🥇 #1 in Culture & Welcome
No other country on the planet did that. Not one.
The numbers behind it are almost unbelievable:
✅ 73% of expats say making Mexican friends is EASY — worldwide, only 39% can say that.
✅ 34% say most of their friends are LOCALS, not other foreigners — DOUBLE the global average of 17%.
✅ And in the 2023 edition, 91% of expats described Mexicans as friendly — against a global average of just 67%.
That second stat is the one that matters. Plenty of countries are polite to visitors. Very few actually let them in.
And here’s the part almost nobody mentions: this is not a one-year headline. InterNations has run this survey since 2014, and Mexico has NEVER dropped out of the top three for settling in — not once, in any edition. It was even named the #1 country overall in 2023 and #1 for settling in again in 2025. Twelve years. Different economies, different governments, different global moods. Same result.
That is not luck. That’s national character.
In the 2026 overall ranking, Mexico finished #2 in the entire world — ahead of Spain, Portugal, Singapore, and the UAE — and beat first-place Panama in every single friendliness category. Expats also ranked Mexico #3 worldwide for personal finances and #2 for career prospects.
Because in Mexico, hospitality isn’t a service standard. It’s a value. “Mi casa es tu casa” isn’t a slogan on a menu — it’s the stranger who walks you to the address instead of pointing. The vendor who insists you taste it first. The family that pulls up one more chair without being asked.
Money can’t build it. Tourism campaigns can’t fake it. And the world just measured it:
When it comes to how it FEELS to be welcomed, Mexico is #1 on Earth.
One warm welcome at a time.
Source: InterNations Expat Insider 2026 (published July 2026)
The InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey ranked Panama 1st, Mexico 2nd, and Thailand 3rd as the best destinations for living abroad. Norway ranked last at 31st, preceded by Germany (30th) and Türkiye (29th), based on responses from 7,786 expats representing 162 nationalities.Top DestinationsPanama (1st): Tops the Working Abroad and Personal Finance indices with high satisfaction and ease for retirees.Mexico (2nd): Ranks 1st globally in the Ease of Settling In Index, praised for friendly locals and affordability.Thailand (3rd): Noted for high expat happiness, friendly culture, and low cost of living.Other Top 10: UAE (4th), Brazil (5th), Spain (6th), Singapore (7th), Portugal (8th), Malaysia (9th), and Luxembourg (10th).
Find Out More about Being an Expat in Mexico
Mexico is famed for its lush tropical beaches, with Los Cabos, for example, one of the largest beaches in the world, with brilliant white sand that stretches for over 20 miles. Mexico’s rich ancient heritage also brings travelers flocking to see various sites such as the famous Mayan pyramids at Palneque. Mexico, along with Egypt and Greece, is fundamental to our understanding of the ancient world and expatriates planning a life in Mexico can look forward to discovering a truly fascinating culture. Mexican food has been exported and copied all over the world, but when you get an authentic taste for it on Mexico’s streets you’ll be truly hooked. The country has something for everybody, from the adventurous thrill seeker to the culture vulture. Not only are Mexican people famously friendly, many expatriates also choose to live in Mexico to take advantage of the employment opportunities. Mexico is among the world’s largest economy, with most of its population working in the food and beverages, chemicals, petroleum and clothing industries. Tourism is a main part of Mexico’s prosperity, too, and being an expat there will allow you to take your time enjoying all of the great experiences that tourists from all over the world can only delight in for a few weeks at a time. The cost of living is relatively low compared to many other countries, so opportunities for expats to live well on a small budget are plentiful.
InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you’re moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Malaysia or Saudi Arabia, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Make Friends and Build Your Expat Network before You Arrive in Mexico. https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-nayarit-facebook-groups-2/
InterNations is the world’s first community for expats around the globe, and with membership by approval only, it is a safe environment to network and connect with fellow members who are trustworthy, polite, and friendly. So feel free to use InterNations to pose any questions that you need answering about living in Mexico! Keep up your hobbies and interests or learn brand new ones by joining various interest-based groups on InterNations and taking parts in a range of activities organized regularly by fellow members. Whether you live in Mexico City, Cancun, or Monterrey, there is sure to be a get-together close by. Existing groups cover activities such as sizzling hot Latin dancing and invigorating outdoor adventures, but you can always create your own group if your hobby is not yet covered in your city. After all, continuing your favorite activities after moving to Mexico will sure help ensure that your relocation is successful. Lastly, you can also attend the larger get-togethers organized by the InterNations Community and be introduced to some of the most interesting and helpful expats you’ll ever meet!
The Best & Worst Countries for Expats in 2026
Panama defends its title in the 2026 Expat Insider survey, while Norway crashes to last place in a bottom 10 dominated by European countries.
➡️You are welcome to use these 2026 Expat Insider results. Please remember to credit InterNations as the source, and where possible, include a link to www.internations.org.
Panama (1st) Makes It a Hat Trick
Mexico (2nd) Is Still the Easiest Place to Feel at Home
The World’s Happiest Expats Live in Thailand (3rd)
Trends in the Top 10
Mexico (2nd) Is Still the Easiest Place to Feel at Home
Mexico ranks 2nd overall and defends its traditional strength: 1st place in the Ease of Settling In Index, with all three of its subcategories — Local Friendliness, Finding Friends, and Culture & Welcome — also in 1st. Expats find the locals friendly towards foreign residents (1st), and 73% say making local friends is easy (vs. 39% globally). In fact, 34% describe their friends and acquaintances as mostly local residents — double the global average of 17%.
It is a slower lifestyle, people are very friendly and I enjoy learning about the history and culture as well as enjoying the nature and green spaces. (US American expat in San Miguel de Allende)
The country’s finances impress as well, with Mexico landing a 3rd place in the Personal Finance Index. Over four in five expats (81%) feel their disposable household income is enough for a comfortable life (vs. 71% globally), and 73% are satisfied with their financial situation (vs. 55%). Working life doesn’t lag far behind (10th for Working Abroad) — expats rank their personal career opportunities (2nd) and overall job satisfaction (2nd) near the top. And 69% feel paid fairly for their work (vs. 58% globally).
The Quality of Life Index (16th) is Mexico’s weak spot, despite the world’s best ratings for culture and nightlife (1st) and climate and weather (1st). More than half the expats (55%) give the latter factor the best possible rating (vs. 24% globally). However, Mexico ranks 25th in the Safety & Security Subcategory: only 68% of expats rate their personal safety positively, compared to 81% globally. The concern predates the move for many — 27% cite the lack of safety and security as one of their biggest worries before relocating (vs. 6% globally). The urban environment (30th) and air quality (28th) also get poor marks.
https://www.internations.org/expat-insider/2026/best-and-worst-countries-2026
Our Community of Expats in Mexico Welcomes You!
¡Hola and welcome to our expat communities in vibrant Mexico! InterNations has been created to serve and support people around the globe who are moving to and living another country. Already, expats in Mexico are making the most of their new lives thanks to the mix of resources available on the InterNations platform. Simply join InterNations to find the answers to the questions that have been keeping you up at night as you prepare to move abroad. You may be worrying ʺwhat is the cost of living?”, “how is the tax system differentʺ, ʺis it better to live by the sea or in urban Mexico City?”, or ʺhow about the overall safety for me and my family?ʺ. All of these questions can be answered by the expats in our InterNations Communities in Mexico. They are always keen to help new members, just as they were helped when they first joined.
Living in Mexico: Your Questions, Answered
If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Mexico, you might have some questions about what life will be like in this vibrant country. To help you get started, we’ve answered seven common questions about living in Mexico. For more specific questions or to share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, where you’ll find a welcoming community of expats who love to help each other out.
- Is it necessary to speak the local language?
While many people in Mexico speak English, especially in tourist areas and larger cities, it’s beneficial to learn Spanish to better connect with locals and navigate daily life. Speaking Spanish will make it easier to handle administrative tasks, shop at local markets, and immerse yourself in the culture. - How safe is Mexico for expats?
Safety in Mexico varies depending on the location. Some areas are safer than others, and it’s essential to research the specific area you plan to live in. In general, practice common-sense precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, being cautious with your belongings, and staying informed about local security updates. - How does the healthcare system work in Mexico?
Mexico has both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system, known as IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), is available to residents with a valid work permit. However, many expats opt for private healthcare due to shorter wait times and more personalized care. It’s essential to have health insurance to cover medical expenses in private facilities. - How can I open a bank account in Mexico?
To open a bank account in Mexico, you’ll typically need to provide identification (such as a passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill), and a valid visa or residence permit. Some banks may require additional documentation, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use. - What is the cost of living in Mexico?
The cost of living in Mexico is generally lower than in many Western countries. Housing, food, and transportation are relatively affordable, although imported goods can be more expensive. As an expat, you can expect to live comfortably on a moderate budget. - Can I drive with my foreign driver’s license in Mexico?
Foreigners can drive in Mexico using their foreign driver’s license for the duration of their tourist visa, which is usually up to 180 days. If you plan to stay in Mexico long-term, you will need to obtain a Mexican driver’s license. Requirements may vary by state, so it’s essential to check with your local licensing office for specific details.
Crossing borders, bridging cultures, connecting global minds
At InterNations, we believe in the benefits of international experience, cultural exchange, and the power of bringing people together.
After all, that’s how it all began …
InterNations was founded by two university friends who were living in different countries as expats, very early in their careers.
They realized their challenges were the same: finding new friends, making new business contacts, and sorting out the essentials of daily life. It all felt very nerve-wracking, time-consuming, and disheartening. Puerto Vallarta – Nayarit Facebook Groups https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-nayarit-facebook-groups-2/
And they thought: wouldn’t it be so much easier if there was one place you could turn to and find everything you need?
So in 2007, they launched a platform where open-minded individuals from different cultures can network, socialize, and find trustworthy information and services, wherever they are.
Within a couple of years, InterNations grew from a network of friends living abroad to the largest community for expats and global minds worldwide.
Fast-forward to today. Yes, the world has changed. But expat challenges haven’t.
When you move abroad, meeting others who can relate to your experience — people you have things in common with — can be a game changer.
And that’s the best thing about InterNations: everyone in the community has the same mindset. This takes away the awkwardness of going up to new people and introducing yourself. No matter where you are from, you feel like you belong.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/InterNations.org
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/InterNationsVideos
Looking for information about your membership or our official events and activities?
Check out our FAQs, we may already have an answer for you.
Did not find what you were looking for in the FAQs — or simply want to reach out with a comment or question? Write us!
https://www.internations.org/about/contact?ref=fo_co&intent=general
We provide information and resources for visitors to Puerto Vallarta, areas of The Riviera Nayarit and other destinations in both states of Jalisco and Nayarit . Follow: https://promovisionpv.com You will find variety of content, including articles, blog posts, videos, photos, descriptions and interviews, all of which are designed to help visitors plan their trip, including attractions, restaurants, and events. Follow: https://promovisionpv.com
Visit and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit 220+ videos: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@promovision/videos
Follow: Web site: https://promovisionpv.com
Subscribe: YouTube: https://youtube.com/promovision/videos
Subscribe: Instagram: https://instagram.com/promovisionpv/
Follow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-dion-48861926/
Follow: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@promovisionpv
Follow: Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/794486120348295
Follow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576061534287