Facebook

Here in Mexico, it’s common for a business to not have a website but to have a Facebook page that they use to communicate with potential customers. Even if you’re not a Facebook fan, it’s worth having a page so that you can find and message businesses when necessary.

Phone calls

While it’s still completely possible to pick up your cell and simply call someone, it’s more common to text, even when reaching out to a business.

That being said, businesses are more likely to pick up the phone, so if you hate texting, you’re still in luck.

Websites

If a particular business you’re interested in doesn’t have a website, don’t immediately write them off. Websites for businesses based in San Miguel (and many other parts of Mexico) are simply not as popular as they are in the US and other countries.

However, as I’ve noted above, most businesses do have a Facebook page, and you’re more likely to find up-to-date information there.

WhatsApp

This app is extremely popular in Mexico and pretty much every Mexican’s “go to” when it comes to texting. Having this app on your phone is going to make communication with the locals (friends, doctors, restaurants) much easier. It’s also very popular for groups of all kinds (classes, associations, social clubs, etc.), so if you don’t want to be left out in the cold, I suggest you download it.

Speaking Spanish

One final note about communicating here in San Miguel. Mexicans will greatly appreciate it if you speak to them in Spanish. If you only know a little, use what you got.

If you’re thinking “but I feel so embarrassed/uncomfortable speaking Spanish,” I hear you. But the person you’re talking to may feel just as awkward speaking English. Since you’re in Mexico, the onus is on you to do your best to speak Spanish.

That being said, many, many Mexicans here in San Miguel can speak English, or at least understand quite a lot.

NEVER assume that those around you cannot understand what you’re saying and take that as license to complain, be critical or share personal information.

It’s not unusual for me to have had many conversations in Spanish with a Mexican person and then weeks or months later discover they speak English as well.