Bargain Shopping in Mexico

Originally, I'm from the US, Indiana to be exact. I've lived here for almost 2 years now and I must say that shopping is completely different from that in the US. Let's talk more about Bargain shopping. Hmm, well it doesn't exist! There are no outlet malls or Save-A-Lots or Big Lots or any stores to get a good deal. I am a notorious bargain shopper unless I have a little extra cash and feel like splurging. If you plan on shopping for clothing, household linens or anything made from cloth, forget it. The prices for these types of items are the same as in the US and there are almost never SALES. I love sales and clearance racks to find a good bargain but they really don't exist here. Most companies, large department stores to small stores in front of someone's home, would rather wait and receive the full asking price of something rather than mark it down and lose money. Crazy, I know. On occasion, there will be a sale rack of clothes at one of the large department stores, but even then the price is only about $50 pesos cheaper. Not really worth the wait.

Truly living on a real Mexican income, about $120 US every month, makes you realize how little you can get with that amount of money, even in Mexico. It's easy to go to the local market and buy fruits, veggies and meats for the week and spend $500 pesos. But if you're craving something American like French fries, frozen pizzas or Coco Puffs then a trip to a large Supermarket will be in order. If you only make $1000 pesos a month, you just can't run to Wal-Mart and spend $30-$40 US anytime you want. Keep in mind that all of those goods that are imported are going to cost slightly more than you'd pay in the US. For instance, I found English Muffins at Wal-Mart recently and for a package of 8 bad boys, the price was $27 pesos. Can you imagine, almost 3 Dollars? Or Smoked Sausages were $38 pesos for a pack of 6. I did splurge on these once and I cut them in the smallest to pieces possible in order to savor them for more time. Luckily, we own our house here so we don't pay rent and therefore have a few extra pesos for gum every now and then. Boy, do I miss Aldi.

Now don't get me wrong, I really like it here. However, if you're a bargain shopper head back to the States.