Hermosillo - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to know Spanish to survive in Hermosillo. You cannot expect people to speak to you in English. Post has a free language program for Spanish. People at post have also hired private tutors. I don't know the cost but I'm guessing it's affordable because several people have gone down this route. - Sep 2024
In my opinion, it's definitely needed. You can *survive* with limited Spanish but life will be much easier with Spanish. There are a good number of English speakers but you can always rely on or expect it. Most of the staff at my kid's school have no English skills. It's not difficult to find medical providers who speak English but the reception and staff probably won't. I was surprised at how few people could speak English at the private hospital. I've been working with a private tutor for nearly 2 years now and I'm really glad I put forth the effort. You can easily find a private tutor, post has a language program, the local university offers a Spanish for foreigners program. - Jun 2023
It helps to make an effort. You'll often find somebody who can speak English, but you can't rely on it. Spanish is not overly difficult for native English speakers, but you can only get so far with being self-taught so it might be worth looking into a tutor. My wife takes Spanish classes here and her Spanish is getting better and better. - Sep 2022
It's definitely helpful to know Spanish, though if you don't you can find a tutor. A lot of people here speak English and there is a small expat community of native English speakers in Kino, San Carlos and even in Hermosillo. - Sep 2022
Although one can survive without Spanish, I would HIGHLY recommend studying it before arrival to facilitate transactions. Tutor is available at post. - Aug 2022
Some. - Aug 2015
There are a lot of people in Hermosillo who speak English because of the proximity to Arizona, however, I have found my Spanish to be invaluable for day-to-day living and for making friends. - Apr 2013
While many people speak English due to Hermosillo's proximity to the U.S., good working knowledge of Spanish will greatly enhance your experience in this city. - Dec 2009
The more the better, and every little bit helps. That said, many in the professional community speak at least passable English. Most of the better restaurants have English-speaking staff, as do some of the bigger stores. But English is not as widespread as in border towns. And you will find few people speaking a language other than Spanish or English. - Feb 2008
