🚨 Big changes are coming to Into Mexico We Go! This newsletter will be getting a refresh soon, and I’m excited to make it even more useful for anyone thinking about moving to Mexico or setting up life here.

A huge thank you to everyone who filled out the survey — muchas gracias! 🙏🇲🇽

I’m also going to make the Into Mexico We Go Facebook group more interactive, so make sure to check it out.

And please feel free to post your burning questions about moving to Mexico, living here, or getting through your first year. Your questions help others learn too. 💬✨

How to deal with Noise, Neighbors, Fireworks, Sheinbaum tells US to keep out of Mexican politics, a central spotlight on Guanajuato, and the Community Tip: “Nobody warned me that living in Mexico would mean ____?”

Living in Mexico can feel warm, social, and full of energy. But one of the biggest adjustments for many expats is noise. Daily life here often sounds different than what people are used to back home, especially if they are coming from quieter suburbs, detached homes, or buildings with stricter rules.

Noise can come from many places. You may hear construction, dogs, traffic, street vendors, music, neighbors, parties, kids playing, water trucks, garbage trucks, church bells, or people talking late at night. In apartment buildings, you may also hear footsteps, doors, plumbing, shared hallways, elevators, and daily movement from the people around you.

Fireworks are another common surprise. In many parts of Mexico, fireworks may happen for holidays, religious celebrations, neighborhood events, birthdays, weddings, patron saint days, football wins, and sometimes for reasons you may not understand at first. They can happen early in the morning, late at night, or randomly during the day. For expats with pets, anxiety, sleep issues, or noise sensitivity, this can be one of the harder parts of adjusting.

The key is knowing the difference between normal local life and a real problem. Some noise is simply part of the rhythm of the neighborhood. Other issues, like constant late-night parties inside your building, unsafe behavior, or repeated problems with a neighbor, may need to be handled more directly.

Start by learning how your building works. Is there a doorman? A building administrator? A WhatsApp group? Written rules? Quiet hours? Some buildings are organized and responsive. Others are more informal. Before confronting a neighbor, it is often better to ask how these things are usually handled.

It also helps to prepare your own space. Earplugs, white noise, fans, heavier curtains, rugs, and choosing the right bedroom location can make a big difference. If you have pets, fireworks may require extra planning, especially around holidays and local festivals.

Mexico is not always quiet, and that can be frustrating. But over time, many people learn which sounds are normal, which ones are temporary, and which ones are worth addressing. The goal is not to ignore every issue. The goal is to understand your environment, protect your peace, and handle problems in a way that fits the culture you now live in.

❓ Which city is famous for its silver production?

See answer below 👇

🇲🇽 CNTE TAKES TOLL BOOTHS IN SIX STATES AND ALLOWS CARS THROUGH FOR FREE

CNTE teachers took over toll booths in several parts of Mexico and allowed vehicles to pass without paying. The protests included access points into Mexico City, along with toll plazas in states such as Guerrero, Morelos, Zacatecas, Chiapas, and the State of Mexico.

The protest is part of the teachers’ larger push against pension and education reforms. CNTE members are demanding the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE reform, along with changes tied to past education reforms. The demonstrations also come as Mexico prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

Why it matters: These protests can affect highways, travel times, airport access, and movement around Mexico City. For people living in or traveling through Mexico, this is a reminder that national protests can quickly affect roads, toll booths, and daily logistics.

Source: Aristegui Noticias

🇲🇽 2026 WORLD CUP WILL TEST MEXICO’S SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE, SPECIALISTS WARN

Security and infrastructure specialists warned that the 2026 World Cup will put Mexico’s planning, transportation, emergency response, telecom, energy, and public services under major pressure. The tournament begins on June 11 and will bring international attention to how Mexico manages large crowds and essential services.

Specialists said the challenge is not only about stadium security. It also includes fire prevention, emergency systems, electrical safety, cybersecurity, hospitals, transportation, and coordinated public response. They emphasized that preparation, maintenance, inspections, and risk management will be key.

Why it matters: The World Cup will affect more than just soccer fans. It may impact transportation, public services, security planning, and city operations in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Even residents who are not attending games may notice changes in traffic, services, and public safety measures.

Source: La Jornada

🇲🇽 TRIO OF WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONIES IN THE U.S., CANADA, AND MEXICO AIM TO SHOWCASE UNITY

The 2026 World Cup will feature three opening ceremonies across the host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The ceremonies are meant to highlight the shared North American hosting model and create a sense of unity across the tournament.

Mexico City will host the first opening match on June 11, followed by major opening events in the U.S. and Canada. The ceremonies are expected to include major artists, entertainment, and country-specific cultural elements as the tournament begins across three nations.

Why it matters: This World Cup is the first hosted across three countries, and Mexico plays a central role by opening the tournament in Mexico City. For residents and visitors, this means more international attention, heavier crowds, and major public events around the start of the tournament.

Source: Associated Press

🇲🇽 SHEINBAUM TELLS U.S. ENVOY TO KEEP OUT OF MEXICAN POLITICS AFTER DRUG-TRADE POST

President Claudia Sheinbaum pushed back against U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson after he commented online about Mexico and the shared fight against drug trafficking. Sheinbaum said ambassadors should focus on coordination and cooperation, but must respect the internal political affairs of the countries where they serve.

The exchange comes during a tense period between Mexico and the United States over security, drug trafficking, and sovereignty. Recent disputes have included U.S. pressure on cartel issues, concerns over alleged foreign interference, and disagreements about how both countries should handle cross-border security.

Why it matters: U.S.-Mexico relations affect immigration, trade, security, travel, and daily life for many foreigners living in Mexico. When tensions rise between the two governments, it can influence public messaging, border policy, law enforcement cooperation, and the broader political climate.

Source: The Guardian

🇺🇸 USD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 17.50 📈
🇨🇦 CAD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 12.52 📉
🇪🇺 EUR → 🇲🇽 MXN: 20.11 📉

🟥 CENTRAL SERIES — Guanajuato City, Guanajuato

Colorful alleyways, tunnels, music, students, and history make this one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities.

Pueblo Mágico: No
Nearby Pueblo Mágicos: Dolores Hidalgo, Mineral de Pozos
Food: Enchiladas mineras, guacamayas.
Culture: Callejoneadas, arts, student life.
History: Birthplace of the independence movement.
Nature: Hills, mines, scenic viewpoints.
Known for: Parades, colors, tunnels.
Cost of Living: Medium.

Sopes

Sopes are thick, handmade corn masa rounds with pinched edges, topped with beans, meat or vegetables, lettuce, crema, cheese, and salsa. They are a classic Mexican street food and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or full meal depending on the toppings.

📋 INGREDIENTES

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup shredded chicken, beef, chorizo, mushrooms, or vegetables
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• Salsa roja or salsa verde
• Oil for lightly frying

Optional:
• Avocado slices
• Diced onion
• Radish slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeños or pickled chiles
• Lime wedges

👩‍🍳 STEPS

1. Mix the masa harina, warm water, and salt in a bowl until a soft dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls.
3. Flatten each ball into a thick round, about 3 to 4 inches wide.
4. Cook each round on a hot comal or skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
5. While still warm, carefully pinch the edges upward to form a small rim.
6. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat.
7. Lightly fry each sope until firm and slightly crisp.
8. Spread refried beans over each sope.
9. Add your choice of shredded chicken, beef, chorizo, mushrooms, or vegetables.
10. Top with lettuce, crema, queso fresco, salsa, and any optional toppings. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.

🔎 Buying appliances involves delivery schedules – Same-day delivery is common in big chains.

🗓️ June 7 — Día de la Libertad de Expresión / Freedom of Expression Day
Mexico observes Freedom of Expression Day on June 7. It is not a federal public holiday, but it is an important civic date tied to journalism, public speech, and press freedom in Mexico.

🗓️ June 11 — FIFA World Cup 2026 Begins
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on Thursday, June 11. Mexico is one of the three host countries, along with the United States and Canada, making this a major national moment for tourism, sports, travel, and public events across the country.

🗓️ June 11 — Mexico Plays South Africa in the Opening Match
Mexico opens the World Cup against South Africa on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium. Even though the match is in Mexico City, this will be watched nationwide and will likely affect restaurants, bars, public viewing areas, travel, and general traffic around major gathering spots.

🗓️ June 13 — San Antonio de Padua Day
June 13 is the feast day of San Antonio de Padua. It is not a federal holiday, but many towns, churches, and neighborhoods in Mexico hold local religious celebrations, fairs, processions, or community events around this date.

The tamale dates to at least 8,000 years ago.

¿Está abierto todavía? — Is it still open?

Here’s what our Facebook community shared this week — 154 comments (and counting):

📌 Top 5 Community Tips: What People Wish They Knew About Living in Mexico

1️⃣ Cost of living depends heavily on where you live
Several people said Mexico can be much cheaper, but not everywhere. Tourist-heavy areas like Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and popular expat zones can feel expensive, especially for rent and groceries. Others said life became much cheaper when they moved to smaller cities, local neighborhoods, or less touristy areas.

2️⃣ Learning Spanish changes everything
Many people said Spanish makes daily life easier, friendlier, and more connected. It helps with neighbors, doctors, shopping, paperwork, and feeling like part of the community instead of just passing through.

3️⃣ Daily life works differently — and patience helps
People mentioned things like propane tanks, water bottles, internet outages, power cuts, paying bills in person, traffic, paperwork, copies, stamps, and slower timelines. The big lesson: Mexico has its own rhythm, and adjusting your expectations makes life much easier.

4️⃣ Community can be one of the biggest surprises
Several people talked about warm neighbors, being welcomed by locals, sharing food, getting “adopted” by a Mexican family, and feeling more present and connected. For many, the people are one of the best parts of living in Mexico.

5️⃣ Mexico can feel freeing — but it’s not for everyone
Some people described life in Mexico as fuller, healthier, calmer, and more joyful. Others mentioned challenges like heat, traffic, politics, entitlement, bureaucracy, and cultural adjustment. The takeaway: living in Mexico can be amazing, but it works best when you come with respect, flexibility, realistic expectations, and a willingness to adapt.

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

Quiz Answer: Taxco.