A quick personal note: I’ve been attending to some personal matters over the last couple of weeks, so the newsletter took a brief pause.

But I’m back now, and I’m excited to keep sharing the most useful, timely, and important information to help you move to Mexico, settle in, and feel more confident building your life here.

What to bring, sell, store, or leave behind, Mexico City sets up security for World Cup, a central spotlight on San Miguel de Allende, and the Community Tips: What’s something you thought would be easy but not true?”

Moving to Mexico gets easier when you are honest about what actually needs to come with you. At first, many people want to bring everything. Furniture, kitchen items, clothes, decorations, tools, electronics, and boxes of things they have not used in years.

But moving internationally is different from moving across town. The more you bring, the more you have to pack, ship, store, pay for, track, and eventually unpack.

Start with the basics: important documents, daily clothes, prescription medications, electronics, work equipment, sentimental items, and anything that would be hard or expensive to replace in Mexico. Then look at everything else with a simple question: will this make my life easier, or will it just create more stress?

Many household items can be bought in Mexico. Furniture, kitchen supplies, bedding, towels, cleaning products, and basic home goods are widely available. But specialty items, certain electronics, specific sizes, favorite brands, or important personal items may be worth bringing.

The biggest mistake is treating every item like it has the same value. Some things are worth shipping. Some things are better sold. Some things should go into short-term storage until you know where you will live long term. And some things are only being kept because letting go feels hard.

Before you move, divide everything into four groups: bring, sell, store, and leave behind. Your Mexico setup is not only about getting there. It is about arriving with less stress, fewer costs, and fewer things weighing you down.

❓ Which state produces the most mezcal?

See answer below 👇

🇲🇽 CDMX ANNOUNCES NEW SECURITY PLAN FOR THE HISTORIC CENTER AHEAD OF THE WORLD CUP

Mexico City announced a new security plan for the Historic Center as the city prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The plan will cover a 5-square-kilometer area that includes major public zones such as the Zócalo, Alameda Central, Bellas Artes, Garibaldi, and Balderas.

The goal is to strengthen public safety, improve coordination, and prepare key tourist and transit areas before the international crowds arrive. The Historic Center is one of the most visible parts of the capital, so security planning there will likely be a major part of Mexico City’s World Cup readiness.

Why it matters: The World Cup is pushing Mexico City to tighten security, improve crowd management, and prepare public spaces before the tournament. Even before the games begin, these changes could affect daily movement, public events, tourism areas, and how the city manages large crowds.

Source: Proceso

🇲🇽 SHEINBAUM TO PRESENT ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT MARKING TWO YEARS SINCE ELECTION VICTORY

President Claudia Sheinbaum will present an accountability report at the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City to mark two years since her election victory. According to Animal Político, the event will also be replicated in public plazas across the country, except in Coahuila due to the local election process.

The report is expected to highlight the administration’s progress, priorities, and political message as Sheinbaum continues to shape her presidency. Holding the event at one of Mexico City’s major symbolic public spaces also gives it a national political tone.

Why it matters: These major presidential reports help show where the federal government wants public attention focused. For anyone following Mexico’s direction, this kind of event can offer clues about upcoming priorities, policy messaging, and the government’s national agenda.

Source: Animal Político

🇲🇽 MEXICO MOVES TO ALLOW ELECTIONS TO BE ANNULLED OVER FOREIGN INTERFERENCE

Mexico’s Congress approved a constitutional amendment that would allow elections to be annulled if foreign interference is proven. According to Reuters, the measure defines foreign interference broadly, including illicit financing, propaganda, digital manipulation, misinformation, and pressure from foreign governments through political, economic, diplomatic, or media channels.

Supporters say the reform is meant to protect Mexico’s sovereignty and electoral integrity. Critics warn that the language could be too broad and may create new ways to challenge valid election results.

Why it matters: This is a major political change that could affect how future elections are contested in Mexico. It also shows how sensitive Mexico’s relationship with foreign governments has become, especially when politics, media influence, and national sovereignty overlap.

Source: Reuters

🇲🇽 TRUMP REVIEW THAT COULD SHUTTER MEXICAN CONSULATES RAISES CONCERN

The Trump administration’s review of Mexico’s 53 consulates in the U.S. has raised concern among Mexicans living in the United States. According to the Associated Press, possible closures could make it harder for Mexican citizens to access key services such as passports, official documents, legal support, and other consular assistance.

The review comes as U.S.-Mexico relations remain tense over immigration, security, trade, and border policy. For many Mexican communities in the U.S., consulates are a direct link to government services and protection abroad.

Why it matters: Mexican consulates are important for millions of Mexicans living in the U.S. Any closures could affect access to documents, legal help, and government services. It could also become another flashpoint in the broader U.S.-Mexico relationship.

Source: Associated Press

🇺🇸 USD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 17.17 📉
🇨🇦 CAD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 12.56 📉
🇪🇺 EUR → 🇲🇽 MXN: 20.24 📉

🟥 CENTRAL SERIES — San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

San Miguel is artistic, international, and architecturally stunning. One of Mexico’s most famous expat towns.

Pueblo Mágico: No (was removed after becoming a UNESCO city)
Nearby Pueblo Mágicos: Dolores Hidalgo
Food: International, café culture, regional dishes.
Culture: Art studios, galleries, live music.
History: Important point in Mexico’s independence era.
Nature: Hills, gardens, mild climate.
Known for: Art, architecture, lifestyle.
Cost of Living: High for Mexico.

Arroz Rojo

Arroz rojo is a classic and comforting Mexican side dish made with white rice cooked in a blended tomato sauce with onion, garlic, and broth. It is one of the most common homemade rice dishes in Mexico and is often served with everyday meals like chicken, beans, or enchiladas.

📋 INGREDIENTES

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 small piece of white onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 to 2 tbsp oil
• Salt, to taste

Optional:
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1 small jalapeño or serrano chile
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges

👩‍🍳 STEPS

1. Rinse the rice lightly and drain well.
2. Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and 1 cup of broth or water until smooth.
3. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add the rice and cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until it looks lightly golden.
5. Carefully pour in the blended tomato mixture and stir.
6. Add the rest of the broth or water and season with salt.
7. If using peas, carrots, or chile, add them now.
8. Bring to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
9. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
10. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

🔎 Pharmacies deliver via WhatsApp – Cheaper and faster than most delivery apps.

🗓️ June 1 — Día de la Marina Nacional / Mexican Navy Day
Mexico marks Navy Day every year on June 1. It recognizes Mexico’s maritime service members, naval institutions, and merchant marine history. It is a civic date, not a federal public holiday.

🗓️ June 1 — Possible CNTE National Strike Begins
The CNTE teachers’ union has announced an indefinite national strike starting June 1, 2026. This could affect schools, marches, protests, and mobility, especially in Mexico City.

🗓️ June 5 — SEP School Year Ends Early
Mexico’s federal government shortened the 2025–2026 school calendar, with the school year ending on June 5, 2026. The change is tied to the upcoming World Cup and heat concerns, and it affects millions of students.

🗓️ June 5 — Francisco “Pancho” Villa’s Birthday
Francisco Villa, born Doroteo Arango, was born on June 5, 1878, in Durango. Better known as Pancho Villa, he became one of the most famous leaders of the Mexican Revolution and remains one of Mexico’s most recognizable historical figures.

The Mexican flag’s eagle comes from an Aztec prophecy about where to found Tenochtitlan.

Sin picante, porfa. — No spice, please.

Here’s what our Facebook community shared this week — 74 comments (and counting):

📌 Top 5 Community Tips (Summarized):

1. Everyday Life May Be Easier Than Expected.
Several people said things they expected to be difficult turned out to be surprisingly easy. Getting around, finding food, making friends, using public transportation, and adjusting to daily life came up again and again.

2. Public Transportation Is a Big Win.
A lot of comments mentioned how affordable and convenient buses and public transportation can be in Mexico. For some people, it means leaving the car at home and moving around more easily than they expected.

3. Healthcare and Dental Care Can Be Surprisingly Accessible.
Doctor visits, dental offices, walk-in X-rays, home visits, and even lab work at home were mentioned as easier than expected. Several people seemed surprised by how simple and direct some healthcare experiences can be.

4. Driving Feels Intimidating at First, But People Adjust.
Some commenters said driving in Mexico looked scary at first because of traffic, honking, unclear lanes, or different road habits. But after living here, several people said they got used to it and learned to “go with the flow.”

5. The Bigger Adjustment Is Mindset.
A strong theme was learning patience, fitting in, trying Spanish, trusting the rhythm of life, and not expecting Mexico to feel like the U.S. People who adapt, stay open, and accept things as different seem to have an easier time settling in.

See the full post + comments:
👉 IMWG Facebook Group post

Quiz Answer: Oaxaca.