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Craigslist Mexico – What You Need to Know

BySherry Arkfeld Updated

Are you looking for information on Craigslist in Mexico? You’re in the right place. I’ve lived in Mexico for nearly three years and have all the information you need.

The short answer is yes, Craigslist is available in Mexico. However, it’s not the best or most popular option for buying and selling. You should also check out Mercado Libre and Facebook Marketplace.

I love buying things second-hand. It’s economical and better for the planet. Especially in Mexico, where expats seem to come and go all the time, you can find great deals on pre-owned stuff like furniture and kitchen appliances.

Let’s take a look at all your options to find great deals online in Mexico.

Using Craigslist Mexico

Craigslist is a well-known classifieds site that serves as a hub for buying and selling items, finding job listings, and even searching for housing.

Here’s a quick overview of the areas in Mexico where Craigslist operates:

  • Acapulco: Ideal for local tourism-related buys and rentals.
  • Baja California Sur: Great for finding outdoor gear and vacation rentals.
  • Chihuahua: Known for its large selection of auto parts and livestock sales.
  • Ciudad Juarez: A good place for cross-border commerce opportunities.
  • Guadalajara: Offers a rich variety of electronics and home goods.
  • Guanajuato: Features listings related to arts, crafts, and local real estate.
  • Hermosillo: Active in job listings and automotive sales.
  • Mazatlan: Popular for fishing gear and local vacation rentals.
  • Mexico City: A vast array of services, jobs, and high-end items.
  • Monterrey: Strong focus on industrial equipment and job listings.
  • Oaxaca: Cultural items, local crafts, and tourist accommodations.
  • Puebla: Known for antiques, collectibles, and educational services.
  • Puerto Vallarta: A hub for tourism-related jobs and rental properties.
  • Tijuana: Bustling with electronics, cars, and services aimed at both local and cross-border shoppers.
  • Veracruz: Offers a mix of fishing equipment and local goods.
  • Yucatan: Ideal for real estate deals and historical items.

When using Craigslist, be careful to avoid scams, which are unfortunately all too common on the platform.

Some frequent scams include listings for rental properties that don’t exist, sellers requesting wire transfers for goods before any transaction, or job offers that require payment for training or materials upfront.

To safeguard against these risks, here are some practical tips:

  • Verify before you pay: Always see the item or property in person before making any payment. For job offers, research the company thoroughly.
  • Local and cash transactions: Stick to local sellers and cash transactions to avoid the pitfalls of wiring money.
  • Trust your instincts: If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. High-pressure tactics or too-low prices can be red flags.
  • Secure your information: Never share personal details like your social security number or bank account information.
A person's hands typing on a laptop keyboard, with vibrant icons representing various online shopping categories like clothing, gadgets, and gifts floating above and seemingly emanating from the keyboard, symbolizing the convenience of e-commerce like Craigslist Mexico.

Alternatives to Craigslist Mexico

Craigslist can be handy, but it’s far from your only option in Mexico.

Two of the biggest alternatives are Mercado Libre and Facebook Marketplace. Both usually offer more product variety, better security, and an overall smoother experience.

Mercado Libre

Mercado Libre is basically Mexico’s version of eBay and Amazon rolled into one. It’s huge across Latin America and dominates the online shopping scene here.

Here’s why many people skip Craigslist and go straight to Mercado Libre:

  • Bigger selection: You’ll find everything from laptops and clothes to car parts and home goods. It’s a true one-stop shop for both new and used items.
  • Safer transactions: They use an escrow system, so sellers only get paid once buyers confirm they’re happy with their purchase. That’s a big step up from Craigslist’s “meet in a parking lot and hope for the best” approach.
  • Built-in shipping: Many listings include shipping, handled through big-name delivery companies. That means faster, more reliable delivery without you arranging it yourself.
  • Real customer support: If something goes wrong, there’s actually someone to help with returns, disputes, and other issues.

If you want a more secure, hassle-free way to buy or sell in Mexico, Mercado Libre is hard to beat.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has exploded in popularity in Mexico because it’s built right into a platform most people already use every day. You can buy and sell without leaving Facebook, which makes it fast, familiar, and social.

Here’s why a lot of people choose it over Craigslist:

  • Built-in trust: You can see if you have mutual friends with a seller, which adds a layer of comfort you won’t get from an anonymous listing.
  • Local focus: It’s designed for nearby transactions, so you’re more likely to find something in your own neighborhood. That means easier meetups and fewer delivery headaches.
  • Easy communication: All chats happen in Messenger, so there’s no need to swap phone numbers or email addresses.
  • Plenty of categories: From furniture and garden tools to cars and real estate, the selection is wide. Listings can include multiple photos and detailed descriptions so you know what you’re getting.
  • Simple to use: Creating a listing takes just a few minutes. Snap some photos, write a short description, set your price, and you’re done.
  • Free to list: Facebook doesn’t charge any fees, which makes it an easy choice for casual sellers.

If you want to keep things local and easy, Facebook Marketplace is one of the most convenient ways to buy and sell in Mexico.

Wrap-Up: Craigslist Mexico

When it comes to buying and selling online in Mexico, each platform has its own strengths.

Craigslist keeps it simple, but it can fall short on product variety and buyer protection.

Mercado Libre offers a huge selection, built-in shipping, and strong safeguards for both buyers and sellers.

Facebook Marketplace focuses on local, community-based deals where social connections can add an extra layer of trust.

Think about what matters most to you: security, selection, or the convenience of buying from someone nearby, and choose the platform that fits your needs. That way, you’ll have a safer and more successful experience.

Related Posts

Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips

Do I need travel insurance?

YES. No matter when you visit Mexico, don’t forget to buy travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you need it once it will pay for itself many times over. I highly recommend Safety Wing. They have a proven track record for customer satisfaction and a variety of coverage levels.

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

YES. Renting a car in Mexico is not only safe, but it’s a great way to explore. Discover Cars is hands down the best rental car company. They check international and local companies to get you the best rates.

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.

You can also get an eSIM. Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries/regions, including Mexico.

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper with more options.

What do I pack for Mexico?

 My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.

What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Probably Not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa check the Mexican Consulate’s website.
For assistance with all your worldwide visa questions, check out iVisa.

Sherry Arkfeld is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and copywriter living her dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world while exploring new places with her little dog, Shelby. Sherry is passionate about sharing her experiences to help other travelers and digital nomads. Sherry and Shelby are currently traveling slowly around Mexico with plans to eventually go (almost) everywhere.