🇲🇽 Living in Mexico: How to Buy a Car, Los Cabos Spotlight, and Daily Digital Tools - February 8, 2026
- Adam Race
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Living in Mexico - Weekly Update
Important Updates - BEFORE We Dive In
LIVE WEBINARS UPDATE The Visas & Citizenship live webinar has been rescheduled to ensure it's delivered properly and at the level of quality I expect.
WHAT'S CHANGED
Visas & Citizenship → Wed, Feb 25 (8pm Mexico City time)
We're moving to a bi-weekly format to allow better depth, prep, and live discussion.
FULL UPCOMING SERIES
Feb 25 — Visas & Citizenship
Mar 11 — Housing (Renting & Buying)
Mar 25 — Healthcare in Mexico
Apr 8 — Work, Income & Taxes
WHY THIS IS BETTER
More clarity.
Better live Q&A.
Stronger, more useful sessions.
Recordings that actually hold long-term value.
👉 Register here
How to Buy a Car in Mexico Without Getting Burned
Buying a car in Mexico can feel simple, but there are important steps. Dealers offer more security but can be more expensive. Private sales require careful inspection, paperwork checks, and verification of registration. Plates, insurance, and annual taxes vary by state. Many newcomers overlook these costs when budgeting. Understanding the process ahead of time helps you avoid surprises and choose the best option for your needs.
MEXICO WEEKLY ROUNDUP
SHEINBAUM REITERATES HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT TO CUBA
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico will send humanitarian aid—including food and essential supplies—to Cuba, while exploring diplomatic paths to resume petroleum deliveries without triggering international sanctions. She stressed that the assistance is humanitarian in nature and will not compromise Mexico's economic stability or security.
Why it matters:
Mexico is attempting to balance humanitarian support for Cuba with international pressure and sanctions risks. The move reflects Mexico's continued regional role while navigating complex diplomatic constraints with the United States.
Source: El PaĂs
MAYOR OF TEQUILA ARRESTED IN CORRUPTION AND EXTORTION PROBE
Diego Rivera Navarro, the municipal president of Tequila, Jalisco, was arrested in a federal operation investigating extortion and criminal ties. Authorities allege he led a network involved in extorting local businesses and possibly connected to the CJNG cartel.
Why it matters:
The arrest of a sitting mayor for alleged corruption and organized crime involvement sends a strong signal about federal enforcement and efforts to fight local corruption and cartel influence.
Source: El Financiero
MEASLES OUTBREAK PROMPTS HEALTH ALERT IN WORLD CUP HOST JALISCO
A measles outbreak centered in Jalisco has prompted Mexican health authorities to issue alerts and expand vaccination efforts. Officials warn that international travel and large events, including preparations for the 2026 World Cup, increase the risk of wider spread.
Why it matters:
Measles outbreaks signal gaps in vaccination coverage. With major international events approaching, controlling outbreaks is critical to prevent wider regional transmission.
Source: AP News
MEXICO FORECASTS GROWTH BUMP FROM PUBLIC-PRIVATE INVESTMENT PLAN
Mexico's government announced a long-term investment strategy valued at roughly 5.6 trillion pesos, targeting infrastructure, energy, and strategic industries through 2030.
Why it matters:
This strategy signals Mexico's intent to lean on infrastructure and private capital to drive expansion while navigating global economic uncertainty.
Source: Reuters
Peso Watch (As of Friday 12pm)
USD MXN: 17.50
CAD MXN: 12.80
EUR MXN: 20.70
Explore Mexico: COASTAL SERIES — Los Cabos, BCS
Los Cabos blends dramatic desert cliffs with luxury resorts, fishing, nightlife, and iconic beaches. It's highly developed but still offers untouched scenery nearby.
Pueblo Mágico: No
Nearby Pueblo Mágicos: Todos Santos
Food: Seafood, Baja-style fare, high-end dining.
Nature: Desert meets ocean, world-class beaches, whale migrations.
Cost of Living: High. One of Mexico's most expensive places to live.
Link: Los Cabos Travel Guide
MX Food of the Week Stewed Nopales in Red Sauce
Stewed nopales in red sauce with cheese is a traditional Mexican dish that brings together the best of the countryside and homemade cooking. The freshness of the nopales, the creaminess of the cheese, and the touch of a mildly spicy red sauce come together to create a flavorful experience.
Quick Insight
Uber Green often arrives faster in big cities — More availability in central areas.
What's Happening
February 14 — DĂa del Amor y la Amistad
Mexico's Valentine's Day, which celebrates both romance and friendship. Flower shops and restaurants fill up quickly.
Fun Fact / Mexican Phrase
Mexico introduced the world to vanilla, originally cultivated in Veracruz.
Mexican Phrase: ¿Qué onda? Very casual "What's up?"
Community Tip of the Week
Here's what our IMWG Facebook community shared this week — 2.4K views, 40 comments (and counting):
"What's your go-to app, service, or tool you use almost daily in Mexico?"
Top 5 Tips (Summarized):
WhatsApp is non-negotiable: It replaces SMS and is used for friends, services, deliveries, landlords, banks, and verification codes.
Maps and navigation apps save time and stress: Google Maps and Waze are essential for traffic, directions, and navigating cities efficiently.
Translation tools are daily survival gear: Google Translate and ChatGPT help with menus, messages, services, and paperwork when Spanish isn't fluent yet.
Ride-hailing and delivery apps power daily life: Uber, DiDi, and food delivery apps like Rappi and Uber Eats handle transport and meals with ease.
Money and banking apps keep finances simple: Wise, currency converters, Mercado Pago, and bank apps make cross-border money and daily payments manageable.
See the full post + comments: IMWG Facebook Group post
MX Quiz
What Mexican holiday features the rosca de reyes bread?
Quiz Answer: DĂa de Reyes (January 6).
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