May 6, 2026

The Locals Who Keep Expats from Drowning (Literally) | ft. YucaFriends

The Locals Who Keep Expats from Drowning (Literally) | ft. YucaFriends
This Might Be a Bad Idea | Expat Life & Marriage in Mexico
The Locals Who Keep Expats from Drowning (Literally) | ft. YucaFriends
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Before you move to Mérida, Mexico, you need to hear this. Erica & Jeff bring in Carlos Bermejo and Juan Lara — co-founders of YucaFriends — and the conversation covers everything expat orientation brochures leave out.


Why does water filtration matter so much? (Hint: cenotes were Mérida's ancient trash system.) What happens when you skip AC maintenance for a season? One client came back to a 25,000-peso CFE bill — and a realtor who'd pocketed the payments. And if you think locking up your house for six months is fine, Juan has a tinaco story with a possible frog involved that will change your mind.


Carlos and Juan break down what actually makes expat life in Mérida work: realistic expectations, vetted contractors, and the willingness to meet the culture where it is. Their closing advice? Don't try to change the people. Just learn two words: cerveza and vino.


Find YucaFriends at yucafriends.com | Facebook & Instagram: @YucaFriends | WhatsApp available via their website.

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Love, life & questionable decisions… from Mérida, Mexico. New episodes weekly.

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