🇲🇽 Living in Mexico: Digital Essentials, La Paz Spotlight, and Scams to Avoid - February 1, 2026

Living in Mexico - Weekly Update

Digital Essentials: Apps Every Expat Actually Uses

Living in Mexico is easier when you know the right apps. Transportation apps help you avoid confusion on day one. Food delivery apps, banking tools, and translation apps make daily life smoother. These apps close the gap between learning the language and settling into routines. They also connect you to services that are fast and reliable. Once you have them on your phone, daily tasks feel more predictable.

MEXICO WEEKLY ROUNDUP

Mexico News

MEXICO INVESTS OVER 21 BILLION PESOS IN INFRASTRUCTURE 

Mexico's federal government announced a 21.4 billion-peso investment in major infrastructure projects across Baja California. The funding will support new highways, educational facilities, and other public works designed to create over 64,000 jobs in the region.

Why it matters:

This investment will boost local employment and improve essential infrastructure in a border state that's key for trade and regional growth. Better roads and public facilities can also improve quality of life for residents and attract business.

Source: El Heraldo de México

MEXICO TO ASSIST CUBA WITH HUMANITARIAN OIL AID 

President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico will provide humanitarian oil assistance to Cuba but will not compromise its own safety or economic stability. The move comes amid U.S. pressure and threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.

Source: El País

Foreign News About Mexico 

1,400-YEAR-OLD ZAPOTEC TOMB FOUND IN OAXACA 

Archaeologists in Oaxaca discovered a 1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb featuring a large owl sculpture believed to symbolize death. The find sheds light on ancient burial practices and artistic traditions of the Zapotec civilization.

Source: Live Science

PRESIDENT VOWS NO INVASION AMID CARTEL DISCUSSION 

Mexico's president publicly stated there will be no invasion of Mexico after international reports suggested possible U.S. military action against drug cartels. Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation rather than foreign military intervention.

Why it matters:

This clarifies Mexico's stance on sovereignty and security, reinforcing that any partnership with foreign nations must respect national autonomy and legal frameworks.

Source: CBS News

Peso Watch (as of Friday 12pm)

• USD MXN: 17.33

• CAD MXN: 12.68

• EUR MXN: 20.63

Explore Mexico: COASTAL SERIES - La Paz, Baja California Sur

La Paz is a calm, sunny capital city known for incredible sea life and a relaxed waterfront. It's quieter than Los Cabos and ideal for people who want nature without the chaos of a resort town.

Link: Go La Paz

MX Food of the Week Sweet Corn Tamales With Pork 

Spicy and tender pork stuffed into a tamale shell—savory, spicy, and wrapped in sweet corn husks. The aroma alone will send your taste buds soaring!

Recipe Link: View Recipe

Quick Insight

Tip: OXXO Pay is useful for rent or shared bills — Works even without a Mexican bank account.

What's Happening in Mexico This Week

February 2 — Día de la Candelaria 

Families gather to enjoy tamales and atole, often hosted by whoever found the baby figurine in the rosca de reyes.

February 2 — Día de la Constitución (Observed) 

Public holiday honoring the 1917 Constitution. Banks and government offices close, and many people take long weekend trips.

Fun Fact / Mexican Phrase

Mexico has 68 national Indigenous languages and over 350 variations.

Mexican Phrase: Sale. Means "OK," "deal," or "sounds good."

Community Tip of the Week

Here's what our IMWG Facebook community shared this week — 3.4K views, 67 comments (and counting):

"What's one scam or mistake newcomers should watch out for?"

Top 5 Tips (Summarized):

1. Property and rental scams are common: Never send money without a contract. Use licensed agents, real escrow, and your own lawyer.

2. Always pay and transact in pesos: Decline ATM and card "conversion" screens. Dollar charges quietly cost you more every time.

3. Be cautious with payments, deposits, and tips: Avoid debit cards when possible. Tips are optional, and deposits are often not returned.

4. Verify professionals and documents yourself: Ask for licenses, cédulas, INE, and predial receipts. If names don't match, walk away.

5. Most problems come from rushing or shortcuts: Scams target trust, urgency, and familiarity. Slow down and document everything.

See the full post + comments: IMWG Facebook Group post

MX QUIZ OF THE WEEK

What year did Mexico gain independence from Spain?

Quiz Answer: 1810 (war began); independence formalized in 1821.