🇲🇽 Living in Mexico — Weekly Update | Cost of Living in Mexico, Foreign Companies Shift Production, Huatulco, Oaxaca - March 22, 2026

🟩 Important Updates - BEFORE We Dive In

🏥 LIVE WEBINAR: HEALTHCARE & INSURANCE IN MEXICO

Thinking about healthcare in Mexico — and unsure how the system actually works?

Join me for a live, step-by-step breakdown of how healthcare and insurance really work in Mexico — and how to avoid the costly mistakes many expats make their first year.

We’ll cover:

• How public healthcare works (IMSS and other options)

• Private healthcare and what care actually costs

• Health insurance myths many expats believe

• When insurance makes sense — and when it may not

• How expats combine public care, private doctors, and insurance

📅 Healthcare & Insurance → Wed, March 25 (8pm Mexico City time)

📍 Live on Zoom

👉 Register here

🟨 QUICK 1-MINUTE SURVEY

I want to make this newsletter more useful, more interesting, and more worth opening each week.

So I put together a quick 1-minute survey to learn what you actually like, skip, and want more of in future issues.

As a thank you, when you finish, you’ll get my free: A Complete Guide to: Learn Spanish, Mexican Food & Drinks, History, Culture, & Traditions of a Vibrant Nation!

👉 Click Here

🎥 Podcast Feature

I joined Taniel Chemsian on Live By Design: Mexico Edition to talk about what it’s really been like moving to Mexico City, adjusting to life here, and building Into Mexico We Go along the way. Check it out!

🟦 THIS WEEK

Cost of living in Mexico - how locals stretch their budget, foreign companies shift production to Mexico, a coastal spotlight on Huatulco, Oaxaca, and the Community Tip: “What’s one bill or subscription you do differently in Mexico?”

🟥 Cost of Living in Mexico — How Locals Stretch Their Budget

  • Shop at local markets

    Produce is cheaper and fresher than supermarkets

  • Use public transport / Uber

    Skip car costs, parking, and insurance

  • Eat at local spots (cocinas económicas)

    Full meals for a fraction of tourist prices

  • Avoid imported products

    U.S. brands cost way more here

  • Furnish slowly

    Buy locally. Skip overpriced expat setups

  • Pay in cash when possible

    Some places give better prices

🟦 Bottom Line

  • Live like a local, not a visitor

  • Small habits = big monthly savings

❓ MX Quiz

❓ Which Mexican beach town is known as the birthplace of surfing in Mexico?See answer below 👇

 Mexico Weekly Roundup

📰 Mexico News

🌆 MEXICO REINFORCES SECURITY COORDINATION WITH U.S.

Mexico’s federal government confirmed continued coordination with the United States on security and intelligence efforts, emphasizing collaboration without compromising national sovereignty. The discussion came during a recent presidential briefing, where officials highlighted ongoing joint efforts to address organized crime and cross-border security challenges.

Authorities stressed that cooperation remains strategic and controlled, focusing on intelligence sharing and operational alignment while maintaining Mexico’s independent decision-making on security matters.

Why it matters:

Security cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. directly impacts crime reduction, border stability, and public safety. It also signals how Mexico balances international collaboration with sovereignty, which can influence policy, enforcement strategies, and overall security conditions in the country.

Source: El Universal

🏦 BANKS URGED TO INCREASE LENDING TO SMALL BUSINESSES

Mexico’s government is pushing banks to expand access to credit, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (Pymes), which are seen as a key driver of economic growth. Officials noted that many businesses still struggle to obtain financing, limiting expansion and economic activity.

The initiative aims to improve financial inclusion by encouraging banks to lower barriers to credit and increase lending participation, especially for businesses that have traditionally been underserved by the financial system.

Why it matters:

Access to credit affects business growth, job creation, and overall economic stability. For everyday people, increased lending can lead to more opportunities, better services, and stronger local economies, while also influencing interest rates and financial conditions across Mexico.

Source: El Universal

🌎 Foreign News About Mexico

👑 MEXICO INVITES SPAIN’S KING TO 2026 WORLD CUP OPENING

Mexico has formally invited Spain’s King Felipe VI to attend the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, signaling a continued easing of diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The invitation comes after past disagreements related to colonial history, with both sides now showing signs of improved relations.

The move is part of Mexico’s broader effort to use the World Cup as a diplomatic platform, strengthening international ties while positioning itself as a key global host for the tournament.

Why it matters:

This reflects improving Mexico–Spain relations and shows how Mexico is using major global events like the World Cup to rebuild diplomatic ties. It also highlights the political and symbolic importance of the tournament beyond sports.

Source: Reuters

📈 FOREIGN COMPANIES CONTINUE SHIFTING PRODUCTION TO MEXICO

Foreign companies are continuing to move manufacturing and supply chain operations to Mexico, driven by the ongoing nearshoring trend. Businesses are seeking closer proximity to the U.S. market, lower costs, and more resilient logistics compared to Asia.

This shift is increasing industrial activity across key regions in Mexico, particularly in the north and central manufacturing corridors, as companies expand or relocate operations to take advantage of trade agreements and geographic advantages.

Why it matters:

Nearshoring is one of the biggest economic drivers in Mexico right now. It impacts jobs, infrastructure, real estate, and long-term economic growth, while also shaping Mexico’s role in global supply chains.

Source: Reuters

💱 Peso Watch

🇺🇸 USD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 17.73 📉

🇨🇦 CAD → 🇲🇽 MXN: 12.92 📈

🇪🇺 EUR → 🇲🇽 MXN: 20.58 📈

🗺️ Explore Mexico

🟥 COASTAL SERIES — Huatulco, Oaxaca

Huatulco is clean, organized, and centered around nine bays. It’s one of Mexico’s most environmentally planned destinations.

Pueblo Mágico: No

Nearby Pueblo Mágicos: Mazunte and Zipolite region (unofficially recognized tourist towns), Capulálpam de Méndez (inland)

Food: Oaxacan seafood, tlayudas, moles, mezcal.

Culture: Oaxacan mix of coastal + indigenous influence.

History: Developed in the 1980s as a planned eco-destination.

Nature: Bays, reefs, mountains, national parkland.

Known for: Clean beaches, eco-tourism, snorkeling.

Cost of Living: Moderate. More affordable than Cancún; pricier than Puerto Escondido.

Link: Visit Mexico

🍽️ MX Food of the Week

Mexican Style Salted Cod Recipe

Vizcaina Style Salted Cod originated in Spain and was adapted by Mexican cooks by adding more ingredients. Salted cod is a popular dish on Christmas Eve Dinner, and leftovers make the best sandwiches (tortas) using French rolls the next day. It tastes better the next day since the flavors have time to blend.

Recipe Link

🔎 Quick Insight

🔎 Learn the word “anticipo” – It means deposit, used everywhere from repairs to furniture.

🎉 What’s Happening

🗓️ March 20–29 — Feria Internacional del Libro Monterrey

One of Mexico’s largest book fairs, bringing together authors, publishers, and cultural events. Expect talks, exhibitions, and a strong turnout from students and professionals across the country.

🗓️ March 28 — Mexico vs Portugal (World Cup Warm-Up Match)

International friendly at Estadio Azteca as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. A high-energy event with national attention and strong local buzz in CDMX.

🗓️ March 13 – Apr 12 — Feria Internacional del Caballo (Texcoco)

A major regional fair featuring concerts, food, rides, and rodeo-style events. One of the biggest spring fairs near Mexico City, drawing large crowds throughout its run.

🗓️ March 24 — Birthday of Ignacio Zaragoza

Birthday of Ignacio Zaragoza, the Mexican general who led the victory at the Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo). An important historical figure, though not widely celebrated nationwide.

🗓️ All Week — Spring Travel Surge (Pre–Semana Santa)

Travel activity increases across Mexico as people begin moving ahead of Semana Santa. Beach destinations and tourist areas start filling up, with higher prices and heavier traffic in key spots.

🤓 Fun Fact / Mexican Phrase

Mexico has the world’s second-largest coral reef in Quintana Roo (the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef).

Mexican Phrase: ¿Va para allá? — Used with taxis or colectivos: “Are you heading that direction?”

👥 Community Wisdom

Here’s what our Facebook community shared this week — 2.4K views · 44 comments (and counting):

📌 Top 5 Community Tips (Summarized):

1. You Can Pay Almost Everything at OXXO (or Convenience Stores).

Electric, water, phone, and more. Many said this is the easiest and most reliable option. No need for perfect online setups or bank integrations.

2. Apps Exist — But They’re Not Always Smooth.

CFE, Telcel, and other apps work, but people reported bugs, delays, and failed auto-pay setups. Some prefer manual payments to avoid getting cut off unexpectedly.

3. Auto-Pay Can Be Unreliable.

Several people had payments fail due to timing issues, card changes, or system quirks. Even with auto-pay on, some still got disconnected and had to manually fix it.

4. Alternative Payment Tools Help (BBVA, Mercado Pago, Wise).

BBVA app, Mercado Pago, and even Wise were mentioned as more dependable ways to pay bills. Many found these easier than using provider apps directly.

5. Utilities Are Cheaper — and Often Simpler.

Electric, water, phone, and internet costs are much lower than the U.S. Some people bundle utilities in rent, use prepaid phone plans, or even go solar to reduce reliance on the grid.

See the full post + comments:👉 Facebook Group post

Quiz Answer: Sayulita.