How to meet locals when travelling in Mexico.
Do you have thoughts of coming to Mexico and a beautiful latino/latina will sweep you off your feet and take you out for a drink or something to eat? Or be out partying with locals all night? But when you actually travel, the only locals you talk to are the people in the hotels and restaurants?? Well, we’re going to change that!
Believe it or not, speaking English is your biggest asset. If you speak some Spanish you may find it easier to start a conversation, but so many people in Mexico are learning English and want to practice with you.
It is actually quite easy to meet locals. The old fashion way of talking to people, or with the way the world works these days, use the internet!
How to learn Spanish. All the resources you need.
The old fashion way
Remember as a foreigner in Mexico, you’re different. And you’re interesting. People actually want to meet and chat with you.
Talk, talk, talk. Say Hello or Hola to everybody. Even just a Hello or Hola in a shop, cafe or bar can be the beginning of a new friendship or being invited out with their friends and meeting new people.
Asking people on the street some questions is a great way to start a conversation. Ask people for directions. Where is a great place to eat? Good coffee? A good bar? They’re great ways to initiate a conversation.
Maybe you’re a bit shy to talk if you don’t speak Spanish, but the reality is, most of the younger generation know a little, if not a lot of English. They will speak to you in all the English they know to continue the conversation. You just need to begin with a simple Hola or question.
Get out there, put a smile on your face and see how you go. You’ll be surprised.
Or just have a couple of beers first and head out to a bar. Alcohol always gets everybody chatting :-)
Using the internet to make new friends
You have a world of friends at your fingertips. On your phone or computer, you just don’t know them yet.
When meeting anybody from the internet for the first time, be careful. There are lots of beautiful people in this world, but unfortunately, a few bad ones. Always meet people in a public place.
Meetup – Meetup is an app to meet up with groups of people who plan activities. I’ve been to a couple of meet-ups in Mexico city and met lots of great people. It may be a language exchange, dancing, dinner, chess, book club, hiking. There is something for everybody. This app is more popular in bigger cities.
Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing is the worldwide travelling community. They often have events planned on any given day. Or search locals in the area who want to go out for a coffee or beer. Be sure that the people you meet have lots of references so you know they a genuine.
Hellotalk – Hellotalk is a community for learning languages. Search for people learning English close by and get chatting. Then you can organize to catch up for a coffee.
Facebook – Search Facebook groups and events in the area that you are. There are often groups meeting up. I joined a group that meets up every Saturday to practice languages and have been going most Saturdays for a year now and have made some friendships for life.
Tinder – Download the world’s number one dating app. Tinder is a great tool for meeting new people even for friendships. State that you are just looking for friendship first up if that’s all you are looking for.
Good luck meeting your new Mexican friends. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
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This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!
Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.
Happy Travels!!
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