🟩Important Updates - BEFORE We Dive In

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🧩 WHAT HAPPENED
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✅ NOW FIXED
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🟦 THIS WEEK

Why RFC matters, Mexican inflating rising, a coastal spotlight on Puerto Morelos, and the Community Tip: “biggest money-saver living in Mexico?”

The RFC is more than a tax ID. It’s a basic requirement for many services. You’ll need it to open certain bank accounts, sign up for utilities, register for internet, and complete online forms.

Without it, everyday tasks take longer and some services stay off-limits. Getting your RFC after receiving residency sets you up for smoother long-term living.

Once it’s in place, many parts of Mexico’s digital and financial systems become much easier to navigate.

📰 Mexico News

📊 MEXICO INFLATION ACCELERATES IN JANUARY

Mexico’s inflation rose to 3.77% in January 2026, according to the National Statistics Institute, driven by higher prices for cigarettes, sugary drinks, and other consumer goods. Core inflation — which strips out volatile items — climbed to about 4.47%, the highest for early January in over a decade.

Why it matters:

This signals persistent price pressure in Mexico’s economy, which can affect costs for consumers and influence monetary policy decisions on interest rates. Higher inflation can shrink buying power and impact household budgets.

Source: El País

📜 MEXICO SEEKS APOLOGIES FOR CONQUEST ATROCITIES

President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico will continue seeking a formal apology from Spain for the historical injustices inflicted on Indigenous peoples during the Spanish Conquest. She spoke about the issue at a government event, noting that the effort started under the previous administration and remains a symbolic priority for reconciliation and historic justice.

Why it matters:

This highlights ongoing efforts to address historical grievances and influence diplomatic relations with Spain. It also underscores how Mexico’s current leadership seeks to foreground Indigenous rights and historical recognition.

Source: El País

🌎 Foreign News About Mexico

📊 MEXICO WEIGHS HALTING OIL SHIPMENTS TO CUBA

Mexican officials signaled they are reviewing whether to halt oil shipments to Cuba, amid concerns the support could trigger retaliation or pressure from the United States. The shipments have become politically sensitive as Washington tightens scrutiny of countries assisting Cuba’s energy needs.

Why it matters:

This highlights growing friction between Mexico’s independent foreign policy and U.S. regional priorities. For foreigners and expats, it helps explain how diplomatic pressure from the U.S. can influence Mexico’s energy decisions and international relationships with little advance notice.

Source: Reuters

📊 NEARSHORING BOOM STRAINS MEXICO’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATER SUPPLY

Mexico’s nearshoring surge is placing increasing strain on infrastructure, electricity grids, and water resources, particularly in industrial regions attracting foreign manufacturers. Analysts warn that without faster investment, these bottlenecks could limit Mexico’s ability to fully capitalize on the manufacturing shift away from Asia.

Why it matters:

Nearshoring is a major economic opportunity, but infrastructure and water shortages can affect housing, utilities, and quality of life. For foreigners and expats, this helps explain why some fast-growing regions face rising costs, service disruptions, and new local restrictions.

Source: Financial Times

🇺🇸 USD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 17.47 📉
🇨🇦 CAD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 12.66 📉
🇪🇺 EUR → 🇲🇽 MXN: 20.51 📉

🟥 COASTAL SERIES — WEEK 4 — Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

Puerto Morelos is quiet, calm, and Caribbean. It sits between Cancún and Playa yet keeps a small-town feel with reef access and slow living.

Pueblo Mágico: Yes
Food: Caribbean seafood, tikin-xic, ceviches, coastal Yucatán flavors.
Culture: Fishing traditions and close-knit community.
History: One of the coast’s oldest fishing/trade towns.
Nature: Mangroves, calm waters, barrier reef.
Known for: Snorkeling and peaceful beaches.
Cost of Living: Medium–high. Cheaper than Cancún/Playa but still tourist-influenced.

Link

Ensenada-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Ensenada-style battered shrimp tacos are a true gem of Mexico’s coastal cuisine. Their light, crispy batter on the outside and tender, juicy shrimp on the inside create a unique and irresistible flavor experience. Every bite delivers fresh, bright seafood flavor, making this recipe perfect for casual meals or celebrations with a tropical touch.

Recipe Link

🔎 Gas delivery trucks take WhatsApp orders — Add your street’s provider to contacts.

🗓️ January 26 — Día del Chef en México
A day to celebrate chefs and Mexican cuisine. Many restaurants and culinary schools highlight special dishes.

The Aztecs used cacao beans as currency for trade.

¿Cómo cree? — Mexican “No way!” or “You’re kidding!”

Here’s what our IMWG Facebook community shared this week — 6K+ views · 136 comments (and counting):

📌 Top 5 Tips (Summarized):

1. Property taxes are dramatically lower.
Owning a home in Mexico is not heavily penalized, and annual property taxes are a fraction of U.S. and Canada costs.

2. Not owning a car saves a huge amount.
Public transit, buses, combis, Uber, and walking replace car payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance.

3. Rent and utilities are far cheaper in many areas.
Especially outside tourist zones and coastal resorts, rent, electricity, water, cellular, and internet costs drop significantly.

4. Daily food costs drop when you live like locals.
Shopping at mercados, tianguis, carnicerías, and eating at mom-and-pop spots is cheaper and often better quality.

5. Healthcare and insurance costs are massively reduced.
Doctor visits, prescriptions, private care, and even full insurance plans cost a small fraction of North American prices.

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

❓ Which ancient civilization built Chichén Itzá?

Quiz Answer: The Maya