US, Canada Sending Growing Wave of Migrants to Mexico

Spanish version

Mexico, a country known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and rich culture, has also become an attractive destination for U.S. migrants. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this migration flow thanks to the growing adoption of telecommuting around the world.

The main reasons Americans are migrating to Mexico are the favorable exchange rate, cheap prices, and the country's tourist attractions. Many Americans have chosen to telecommute from Mexico because of the low cost of living, affordable rents and opportunities to enjoy the country's natural beauty.

According to data, 66.74% of migrants living in Mexico come from the United States. Spaniards are also an important group of migrants in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Veracruz and Puebla. Hondurans are the main migrant group in San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas, while Guatemalans and Cubans are concentrated in southeastern Mexico.

Canada has also been another of the countries that have chosen Mexico as a migration destination. Canadians prefer the states of Guerrero, Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua and Durango, among others.

What does this mean for Mexican consumers?

Migration to Mexico not only has implications for migrants, but also for Mexican consumers. The arrival of U.S. and other foreign migrants has boosted the local economy in many cities and states, leading to greater investment in tourism infrastructure and economic development.

In addition, the presence of a large U.S. migrant community has led to an increase in the supply of products and services in English, making life easier for those consumers who do not speak Spanish. This has also led to increased competition between local and foreign businesses, which has led to higher quality and more attractive prices for consumers.

However, it is important to keep in mind that consumer rights must also be protected in this situation. It is important that migrants and native Mexican consumers have access to clear and accurate information about the products and services they consume. Consumers have the right to receive complete and accurate information about the prices, characteristics, quality and safety of the products and services they purchase.

It is also important that consumers are protected against fraud and market abuse. Consumers have the right to receive clear and accurate information about return policies, warranties and repairs, and should be protected against deception, fraud and unfair business practices.

Regulators and consumer advocacy groups must work together to ensure that consumers' rights are respected and protected in this growing migration situation.

How to protect your rights as a foreign consumer in Mexico?

In Mexico, consumers have rights established by the Federal Consumer Protection Law (LFPC), which protects your rights as a consumer in the event of non-compliance by a company or service provider. These rights include the right to information, the right to safety, the right to choose and compare products, the right to redress and the right to compensation.

If you are a foreign consumer, it is important that you know your rights and that you inform yourself about the laws and regulations that apply in Mexico. You can obtain information from the Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (PROFECO), which is the authority in charge of protecting the rights of consumers in Mexico.

Verify information and prices

Before making any purchase or contracting a service, it is important that you verify the information and prices. Make sure that the information provided is clear and truthful, and that the prices offered are the same as those shown to the general public. If you have doubts or suspect that you are being overcharged, do not hesitate to ask for a detailed explanation.

In Mexico, there are different options to compare prices, such as supermarkets, online stores or mobile applications. Be sure to compare prices and quality before making any purchase.

Check the terms and conditions

Before contracting a service or making a purchase, it is important that you review the terms and conditions, to know the conditions of the contract and avoid possible abuses or fraud. Make sure that the terms and conditions are clear and that you agree with them before signing or accepting any agreement.

If you have doubts or do not understand any term or condition, ask for a detailed explanation before proceeding with the contract.

Keep your proofs of purchase

It is important that you keep all proofs of purchase and payment receipts, as these documents will be useful in case you need to make a claim or complaint. Make sure that the purchase receipts contain clear and detailed information about the products or services purchased, the price, the method of payment and the date of the transaction.

If you have a problem with a product or service, it is important that you present proof of purchase to support your claim.

Report any abuse or non-compliance

If you have been the victim of any abuse or non-compliance by a company or service provider, it is important that you report the situation to PROFECO.