The first local contacts every expat should build, Mexico’s first electric to debut, a central spotlight on Bernal, and the Community Tip: “What’s the most underrated Mexican city?”

Living in Mexico gets easier when you know who to call. At first, many expats rely on Facebook groups, Google searches, and random recommendations. That can help, but it is not the same as having a small list of trusted local contacts saved in your phone.

Start with the basics: a doctor, dentist, nearby pharmacy, landlord or property manager, and someone in your building or neighborhood who understands how things work locally. Then add practical contacts like a handyman, plumber, electrician, cleaner, and a driver or taxi contact you trust.

These people matter because small problems feel bigger when you are new. A leak, broken appliance, medical question, lost key, or confusing bill is much easier when you already have a name to call. Depending on your situation, you may also want an accountant, immigration facilitator, lawyer, insurance broker, or Spanish teacher.

Build this list before you urgently need it. Your Mexico setup is not only documents, apps, and bank accounts. It is also people.

❓ What is Mexico’s most consumed soft drink?

See answer below 👇

🇲🇽 MEXICO SAYS IT IS ACTING AGAINST CARTELS AFTER TRUMP WARNING

Mexico’s government said it is already acting against organized crime after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Mexico does not act against drug cartels, the U.S. would do so itself. President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by saying Mexico is cooperating with the U.S., but that cooperation must respect Mexican sovereignty.

The exchange comes as security remains one of the most sensitive issues between Mexico and the U.S., especially around cartel violence, cross-border crime, and the possibility of deeper U.S. involvement.

Why it matters: Security cooperation can affect travel perception, border policy, U.S.-Mexico relations, and how Mexico is discussed internationally. For people moving to or living in Mexico, it is worth watching how both governments handle cooperation without creating more political tension.

Source: La Jornada

🇲🇽 MEXICO’S FIRST ELECTRIC CAR, OLINIA, GETS PROTOTYPE PRESENTATION DATE

Mexico’s first electric car project, Olinia, now has a date for the presentation of its final prototype. According to El Financiero, President Claudia Sheinbaum said the prototype will be presented on June 7.

The project is part of Mexico’s push to develop a domestic electric vehicle brand and strengthen its role in the future of auto manufacturing.

Why it matters: Mexico is already one of the world’s major auto manufacturing countries. A domestic EV project could become an important test of whether Mexico can move beyond assembly and build more of its own technology, design, and clean transportation capacity.

Source: El Financiero

🇲🇽 NASA TRACKS MEXICO CITY AS IT CONTINUES TO SINK

Mexico City is sinking by as much as 2 centimeters per month in some areas, according to reporting from The Guardian. The issue is tied largely to groundwater extraction beneath the city, which was built on the soft clay bed of an ancient lake.

NASA and India’s space agency are now using a radar satellite called NISAR to monitor small changes in the ground. The data can help track which parts of the city are sinking fastest and where infrastructure may face the biggest risks.

Why it matters: Mexico City’s sinking affects buildings, roads, water pipes, drainage, and long-term urban planning. For people living in or moving to the city, it is a reminder that infrastructure, water supply, and neighborhood conditions can vary a lot across the metro area.

Source: The Guardian

🇲🇽 SINALOA GOVERNOR STEPS ASIDE AFTER U.S. CARTEL ACCUSATIONS

Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha temporarily stepped aside after U.S. accusations linked him to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to Reuters. Rocha denied wrongdoing and said the accusations were politically motivated.

The case has added pressure on President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico’s ruling Morena party, especially as the U.S. pushes Mexico to take stronger action on corruption and cartel ties. Sinaloa’s Congress appointed Yeraldine Bonilla as interim governor while the situation moves forward.

Why it matters: This story touches several major issues at once: cartel influence, corruption concerns, U.S.-Mexico pressure, and Mexican sovereignty. It could also create political tension inside Morena as Mexico heads into a more sensitive security debate with the U.S.

Source: Reuters

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

🟥 CENTRAL SERIES — Bernal, Querétaro

A small, charming Pueblo Mágico famous for its giant monolith and peaceful streets.

Pueblo Mágico: Yes
Food: Gorditas, atoles, sweets.
Culture: Handicrafts and traditional markets.
History: 17th-century town around Peña de Bernal.
Nature: Massive monolith, hiking trails.
Known for: Peña de Bernal.
Cost of Living: Low.

ENFRIJOLADAS

Enfrijoladas are a simple and comforting Mexican dish made with corn tortillas dipped in a smooth bean sauce and filled with cheese or shredded chicken. They are one of the most common home-style dishes in Mexico and are often served as a light meal or dinner.

📋 INGREDIENTES

• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups cooked black beans
• 1 small piece of white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 to 2 tbsp oil
• 1 cup shredded chicken or crumbled cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional:
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Mexican crema
• Sliced white onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Salsa or chile sauce

👩‍🍳 STEPS

1. Blend the black beans, onion, garlic, and 1 cup of broth or water until smooth.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the bean mixture and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often.
4. Add more broth or water little by little until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for a few more minutes.
6. Warm the tortillas on a skillet so they soften.
7. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken or cheese, fold it, and dip or cover it with the bean sauce.
8. Serve hot and top with queso fresco, crema, onion, cilantro, avocado, or salsa if desired.

🔎 Many services require exact change – Taxis and small stores may not have coins.

🗓️ May 10 — Mother’s Day in Mexico
Mother’s Day in Mexico is always celebrated on May 10, no matter what day of the week it falls on. Restaurants, flower shops, bakeries, and family gatherings are usually very busy, so expect more movement around gifts, reservations, and celebrations.

🗓️ May 13 — U.S. Declares War on Mexico
On May 13, 1846, the U.S. Congress declared war on Mexico, beginning the Mexican-American War. The conflict reshaped both countries and eventually led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

🗓️ May 14 — Miguel Alemán Valdés’ Death Anniversary
Miguel Alemán Valdés, Mexico’s president from 1946 to 1952, died on May 14, 1983. His presidency is often tied to modernization, infrastructure, tourism growth, and post-war political change in Mexico.

🗓️ May 15 — Día del Maestro / Teacher’s Day
Mexico celebrates Teacher’s Day on May 15. It is an official observance, not a federal public holiday, but many schools and communities mark the day with appreciation for teachers and professors.

The word “Mexico” comes from the Nahuatl word Mēxihco, meaning “place of the Mexica.”

¿Le pongo salsa? — Do you want salsa? (They mean spicy salsa.)

Here’s what our Facebook community shared this week — 75 comments (and counting):

📌 Top 5 Community Tips (Summarized):

1. Look Beyond the Most Famous Expat Cities.
Many people mentioned places outside the usual Mexico City, Mérida, Ajijic, San Miguel, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen circuit. Cities like Puebla, Morelia, Xalapa, Veracruz, Aguascalientes, Durango, Colima, Saltillo, and San Luis Potosí came up often.

2. Consider Smaller Colonial Cities.
Several comments pointed to places with historic charm, walkable streets, architecture, plazas, and a calmer pace. Guanajuato, Morelia, Taxco, Real de Catorce, Valladolid, and Zacatlán were all mentioned as places worth exploring.

3. Don’t Ignore Veracruz.
Veracruz came up repeatedly, including Veracruz City, Xalapa, Coatepec, and Córdoba. People described the region as appealing, less overrun by foreigners, and worth visiting or living in.

4. Match the Climate to Your Lifestyle.
A few comments brought up weather directly. Some places can be hot, while others like San Cristóbal de las Casas can get surprisingly cold in winter. Before choosing a city, make sure the climate fits how you actually want to live.

5. Use Travel as Research Before Moving.
Many responses were based on places people had visited, loved, or wanted to revisit. The bigger lesson is simple: explore different regions first, because Mexico has many livable cities that may not be obvious from the usual expat lists.

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

Quiz Answer: Coca-Cola.