FAQ
What are the origins of the MEXPAT?
The MEXPAT is a term coined to describe a foreigner living in Mexico, or even for that matter a Mexican living abroad.The MEXPAT event was created in Mexico City in early 2002 by Ian Jarvie, who at the time was the General Manager of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.Honduran IT executive Diego Mejia and Finnish security expert, Ulla Pentinpuro took the Mexpat to Monterrey in late 2003. In 2004 the MEXPAT was was established in Guadalajara by Danish businessman Brian Bielenberg.
Is there a photo gallery of MEXPAT events?
Yes, we've just started to compile a gallery at Flickr.com to store alot of the pics we've collected over the years at events. We never ask for names when we take photos, so if you are a kidnaper or "sociales" fanatic, you're out of luck. But, if you want to see yourself (and who doesn't), feel free to peruse the gallery and hopefully we took a most flatering mugshot of you. Just look for the shots on the right side of his website's pages, drag your mouse over an image and click away.
I've heard the MEXPAT is just a meat market, is this true?
The MEXPAT has very little structure to it. It's a cocktail for people to let their hair down and socialize, without the explict pressure to hand out cards and do the formal networking thing. Yes, people do make romantic connections of all kinds, but four years of experience and watching the attendance has shown us that folks of all ages, professional backgounds and nationalities go to the MEXPAT. We know that people also close business deals, make important job finding connections or simply and most importantly, either make new friends or nurture existing friendships. There is a little bit of everything for everyone.
How do I find out about MEXPAT events?
Usually by word of mouth in the expat community. We also have mailing lists and we send out notices of the schedule. Write us at
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and we'll gladly add you to the list in your city.
What does it cost to attend a MEXPAT?
Nothing. Its free. Well not entirely. While no admission is charged, cash bar is the norm, unless there is a special event such as the MEXPAT Xmas party. We really try to make the bar prices as reasonable as possible.
What is Mexpat?
The MEXPAT is a regularly scheduled event for foreigners and local friends held at restaurants in Mexico's three largest cities.
When do Mexpat's meet?
The MEXPAT in Mexico city takes place every last Wednesday of the month in different restaurants.
The MEXPAT in Guadalajara is held every last Friday of every second month. The venue has been changed for the month of May 2006 and is yet to be defined.
The MEXPAT in Monterrey is hosted every first Wednesday of the month at El Español located at Independencia #240 Pte (corner with Corregidora) in San Pedro Garza García.
