📱 Mexico Phone Number Registration Deadline

Mexico is requiring mobile phone lines to be registered to a real person or company. This applies to prepaid SIMs, postpaid plans, physical SIMs, and eSIMs with Mexican mobile numbers.

IMPORTANT: ONLY FOR MEXICAN PHONE NUMBERS — NOT U.S., CANADIAN, OR OTHER FOREIGN PHONE NUMBERS.

The deadline for existing Mexican lines is June 30, 2026. If a Mexican phone number is not registered by then, the carrier may suspend service.

You can start at the official CRT registration page:
https://registratulinea.crt.gob.mx/

From there, choose your mobile provider and follow the steps. You can also register directly through your carrier’s app, website, or by visiting a customer service center in person.

You will likely need your Mexican phone number, CURP, and an official ID, such as a passport or INE. Registration is handled by the phone companies, not through one central government database.

If your Mexican phone number is not registered by the deadline, your service could be suspended. That could affect calls, texts, mobile data, SMS verification codes, banking codes, and app logins tied to that number.

The realities of making local friends, CNTE strikes leave Centro Histórico, a central spotlight on Morelia, and the Community Tip: “Nobody warned me about living in Mexico would mean ____?”

Making local friends in Mexico can be one of the most rewarding parts of living here, but it does not always happen as quickly as people expect. Being friendly is not the same as being close. You may have warm conversations with neighbors, shop owners, coworkers, or people at the gym, but real friendship usually takes time, consistency, and trust.

Language matters too. You do not need perfect Spanish, but relying only on English can limit your world. Small efforts make a difference. Saying hello, remembering names, asking simple questions, and showing up regularly can slowly turn familiar faces into real connections.

It also helps to understand that social rhythms may feel different. Plans can be more flexible, family often comes first, and invitations may happen casually. Try not to compare everything to how friendships worked back home. Instead, look for activities where you naturally see the same people often, like classes, volunteering, fitness groups, language exchanges, local events, or neighborhood routines.

The goal is not to force friendships or avoid expat groups completely. The goal is balance. Expat friends can help you feel understood, while local friendships help you feel more connected to daily life in Mexico. Both matter, but both take effort.

❓ What freshwater lake once covered much of Mexico City?

See answer below 👇

🇲🇽 CNTE LEAVES CDMX CENTRO HISTÓRICO AS STRIKE DECISION CONTINUES

The CNTE began leaving parts of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico as teachers’ representatives prepared to decide whether to continue or lift the national strike. Members of Section 22 from Oaxaca reportedly started packing up tents and belongings after weeks of demonstrations and a large plantón in the capital.

The movement is still tied to teachers’ demands over pensions, education reforms, and the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law. According to the report, the government offered funds connected to teacher hiring, but CNTE representatives said the proposal still needed to be reviewed by their bases before a final decision.

Why it matters: The CNTE strike has affected traffic, public spaces, schools, businesses, and daily movement in Mexico City and other states. For people living in or visiting Mexico, this is a reminder that national labor actions can quickly affect transportation, public services, and city logistics.

Source: Proceso

🇲🇽 MEXICO BEATS SOUTH KOREA AND SECURES TOP SPOT IN WORLD CUP GROUP

Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 in its second match of the 2026 World Cup, securing first place in Group A. The win also means Mexico will keep home-field advantage and play its round-of-32 match at Estadio Ciudad de México.

The match was not easy for Mexico. After a difficult first half, Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute after a mistake between South Korea’s goalkeeper and defense. Mexico held on late, including a key save from goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel, to protect the lead and keep the national team’s strong start alive.

Why it matters: This is one of the biggest national stories in Mexico right now. Mexico’s strong World Cup run brings major attention, celebrations, and travel activity, especially in host cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Source: El Universal Oaxaca

🇲🇽 MEET MERLIN THE DUCK, MEXICO CITY’S UNOFFICIAL WORLD CUP MASCOT

A duck named Merlin has become one of Mexico City’s most unexpected World Cup celebrities. The 2-year-old duck, often seen wearing Mexico’s national team jersey and socks, went viral after appearing in the streets during celebrations of Mexico’s opening win over South Africa.

Merlin is already known around local fairs, where he helps his owner, Carla Gómez, attract attention while selling drinks. After the viral moment, Merlin’s popularity grew fast enough that he and Gómez were reportedly invited to participate in a FIFA-related photo and commercial shoot.

Why it matters: Not every World Cup story is about scores. Merlin’s rise shows the lighter side of Mexico’s tournament atmosphere, where street culture, national pride, humor, and social media all come together during a major global event.

Source: AP News

🇲🇽 MEXICO’S LOVE FOR KOREAN CULTURE FACES A WORLD CUP TEST

Mexico’s growing fascination with Korean culture has become hard to miss. From K-pop and Korean food to language classes and business ties, the relationship between Mexico and South Korea has grown stronger over the past decade.

That connection was put in the spotlight as Mexico prepared to face South Korea in the World Cup. The article highlights how cities like Monterrey have seen Korean influence grow through major companies like Kia, while many Mexicans have embraced Korean music, food, and culture. Still, once kickoff arrived, friendly cultural admiration turned into a playful soccer rivalry.

Why it matters: This story shows how global culture is shaping modern Mexico. For foreigners living in Mexico, it is a reminder that the country’s identity is not static. It keeps absorbing new influences through music, food, business, migration, and sports.

Source: Reuters

🇺🇸 USD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 17.33 📈
🇨🇦 CAD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 12.22 📉
🇪🇺 EUR → 🇲🇽 MXN: 19.8 📉

🟥 CENTRAL SERIES — Morelia, Michoacán

Morelia is elegant, pink-stone colonial, and full of traditional cuisine. It’s one of Mexico’s most underrated cities.

Pueblo Mágico: No
Nearby Pueblo Mágicos: Pátzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, Santa Clara del Cobre
Food: Carnitas, uchepos, corundas.
Culture: Day of the Dead traditions and artisan towns.
History: 1500s colonial city with UNESCO status.
Nature: Lakes, forests, mountains.
Known for: Cuisine and colonial beauty.
Cost of Living: Low–medium.

Chiles Rellenos

Chiles rellenos are roasted poblano peppers stuffed with melty cheese, lightly coated in egg batter, and served in a simple tomato sauce. They are smoky, savory, comforting, and perfect for lunch or dinner.

📋 INGREDIENTES

• 6 poblano peppers
• 8 oz Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella, cut into strips
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the sauce:
• 4 Roma tomatoes
• 1/4 white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup water or broth
• 1/2 tsp salt

Optional:
• Mexican crema
• Cilantro
• Refried beans
• Mexican rice

👩‍🍳 STEPS

1. Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or on a hot skillet until the skin is blackened on all sides.
2. Place the roasted peppers in a bowl or bag, cover, and let them steam for 10 minutes.
3. Gently peel off the burnt skin. Make a small slit down one side of each pepper and remove the seeds carefully.
4. Stuff each pepper with strips of Oaxaca cheese. Set aside.
5. Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, 1 cup water, and salt until smooth.
6. Pour the sauce into a pan and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside warm.
7. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold in the egg yolks and 1/4 tsp salt gently.
8. Lightly coat each stuffed pepper with flour.
9. Dip each pepper into the egg batter, then cook in a skillet with a little vegetable oil over medium heat until golden on both sides.
10. Serve the chiles rellenos warm with the tomato sauce spooned over the top. Add crema or a side of beans and rice if desired.

🔎 Street parking rules vary by block – Look for painted curbs or posted hours.

🔎 Apartment photos often hide street realities – Always check Google Street View before your visit.

🗓️ June 21 — Father’s Day in Mexico
Father’s Day is celebrated in Mexico on the third Sunday of June, which falls on June 21 in 2026. It is not a public holiday, but it is a popular family day for meals, gatherings, and restaurant outings across the country.

🗓️ June 21 — Porfirio Díaz Takes Mexico City
On June 21, 1867, Porfirio Díaz entered Mexico City after the fall of the Second Mexican Empire. This marked an important moment in the Republican victory after the French Intervention.

🗓️ June 23–27 — San Juan Bautista Festivals in Chiapas and Michoacán
Several communities in Mexico celebrate San Juan Bautista this week, including Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, Chiapas from June 23–25 and Purépero, Michoacán from June 24–27. These local patron-saint festivals include religious traditions, music, dances, fireworks, food, and community celebrations.

🗓️ June 24 — Mexico vs. Czech Republic in Mexico City
Mexico plays Czechia on June 24 at Estadio Ciudad de México in its final group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico has already advanced to the Round of 32 after defeating South Korea, making this a huge national watch-party day even before the knockout round begins.

🗓️ June 27 — Mexico City Pride March
The 48th Marcha del Orgullo LGBTTTIQAP+ takes place in Mexico City on June 27. It is one of the largest Pride events in Latin America and will bring major crowds, celebrations, traffic changes, and events around Reforma and the city center.

Mexico has 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in the Americas.

¿Dónde está la parada? — Where is the stop? (Bus/collectivo)

Here’s what our Facebook community shared this week — 153 comments (and counting):

📌 Top 5 Community Tips:

1️⃣ Expect daily life to feel more social
Many people said one of the biggest surprises was how friendly and connected daily life can feel. Neighbors greet each other, strangers say hello, people hug or kiss when greeting, and small moments of kindness happen often in stores, streets, taxis, and neighborhoods.

2️⃣ Slow down and adjust your expectations
Several comments mentioned that life in Mexico can move at a different pace. Distance may feel measured in minutes instead of miles, appointments and repairs may not happen exactly on schedule, and things can take patience. The common advice: stay flexible and do not expect everything to work the same way it did back home.

3️⃣ Learn the local customs and everyday habits
People mentioned small but important lifestyle adjustments, like throwing toilet paper in the trash, dealing with short hot showers, sweeping dust often, power outages, different driving habits, and learning how local systems work. These details may seem minor, but they are part of adjusting to everyday life.

4️⃣ Enjoy the food, culture, and healthier lifestyle
Many people said they felt healthier, happier, and more active after moving. Fresh food, local markets, tacos, tortillerías, walking more, less stress, better weather, and a calmer lifestyle came up often. Several people said they eat better and feel better in Mexico than they did before.

5️⃣ Be ready to fall in love with Mexico
A lot of comments had the same theme: people did not expect to love life in Mexico as much as they do. Many said they feel calmer, happier, more free, more connected, and less interested in returning to the U.S. or Canada. The biggest takeaway: Mexico can surprise you in very personal ways.

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

Quiz Answer: Lake Texcoco.