🇲🇽 Living in Mexico: Staying Safe Without Paranoia, Manzanillo Spotlight, and Routine Shifts - March 1, 2026

Living in Mexico - Weekly Update

Important Updates - BEFORE We Dive In

LIVE WEBINAR: HOUSING IN MEXICO

Thinking about renting or buying in Mexico and unsure how the process actually works? Join me for a live, step-by-step breakdown of how housing really works in Mexico and how to avoid the expensive mistakes most expats make their first year.

We'll cover:

• How rentals actually work (and why many expats overpay)

• Deposits, guarantors, and what's normal vs not

• Lease terms and exit clauses you must understand

• When buying makes sense — and when it doesn't

• The real process behind purchasing property in Mexico

Housing in Mexico → Wed, March 11 (8pm Mexico City time) Live on Zoom

👉 Register here

How to Stay Safe Without Feeling Paranoid

Safety varies by city and neighborhood. Simple habits such as using reputable transportation, staying aware of surroundings, and avoiding isolated areas at night go a long way. Most expats feel safe once they understand how locals move through their city. You don't need to be fearful, but awareness is important. Learning local norms helps you feel confident instead of anxious.

MEXICO WEEKLY ROUNDUP

Mexico News FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN MEXICO HITS RECORD $40.87 BILLION IN 2025

Mexico attracted a historic $40.87 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, the highest annual total on record. The surge reflects strong investor confidence in manufacturing, nearshoring, and industrial expansion - particularly tied to U.S. supply chain shifts. However, officials noted that investment slowed in the final quarter of the year, signaling possible caution amid global economic uncertainty.

Why it matters:

Foreign investment fuels job creation, infrastructure, industrial growth, and peso stability. For expats and business owners, strong FDI often means expanding economic opportunities, more corporate relocations, and continued nearshoring momentum in key states.

Source: El Pais Economy

VIOLENCE SURGES AFTER DEATH OF CJNG LEADER "EL MENCHO"

Following the killing of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), violence erupted across at least 20 Mexican states, including highway blockades, vehicle burnings, armed clashes, and heightened military presence. The federal government deployed security forces to stabilize affected areas while officials worked to reopen roads and restore order.

Why it matters:

Security shifts impact travel routes, public confidence, business operations, and regional stability. For residents and expats, sudden flare-ups can affect mobility, local enforcement patterns, and safety perception nationwide even outside directly impacted states.

Source: El Pais Mexico

Foreign News About Mexico MEXICO AFFIRMS WORLD CUP READINESS AMID SECURITY CONCERNS

Mexico is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will cooperate closely with FIFA to review and strengthen security and transportation plans after recent cartel-linked violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that there is "no risk" to fans attending matches in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Security forces are working to normalize conditions and ensure safety for visitors and residents alike.

Why it matters:

Large global events like the World Cup depend on public safety and logistical confidence. How Mexico manages safety now will shape tourism, foreign visitor trust, travel advisories, and international perception ahead of June 2026.

Source: Reuters Sports

NEARSHORING ACCELERATES U.S. FIRMS' MANUFACTURING EXPANSION IN MEXICO

As supply chains adjust to global disruptions, nearshoring - moving production closer to the U.S. - is driving investment into Mexico's manufacturing hubs. Companies seek geographic proximity, lower costs, and improved logistics, strengthening Mexico's role as a key manufacturing partner for U.S. firms.

Why it matters:

Nearshoring reshapes Mexico's industrial landscape, attracting capital, boosting jobs, and influencing real estate and infrastructure growth. For expats and entrepreneurs, it highlights sustained economic demand and long-term opportunities.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers

A new report highlights a major shift: more Americans are moving abroad than returning - something that hasn't happened in decades. While exact numbers are difficult to track, the trend is clear. Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens are choosing to relocate overseas, and interest in foreign residency and citizenship is rising. The reasons vary: cost of living, safety, healthcare, or remote work freedom. Many keep U.S.-based income while living where dollars stretch further.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Peso Watch

USD MXN: 17.23

CAD MXN: 12.63

EUR MXN: 20.36

Explore Mexico: COASTAL SERIES — Manzanillo, Colima

Manzanillo is a working port + beach city with a more local feel than bigger tourist areas. It's known for fishing, surfing, and relaxed coastal living.

• Pueblo Mágico: No

• Nearby Pueblo Mágicos: Comala

• Food: Seafood, marlin tacos, ceviche, Colima-style dishes.

• Culture: Fishing identity, port life, low-key beach scene.

• History: Important Pacific shipping port since the 1500s.

• Nature: Bays, warm waters, nearby volcano views inland.

• Known for: Sportfishing and fewer crowds.

• Cost of Living: Moderate. Cheaper than Jalisco and Nayarit coastlines.

  
  

  Link: Visit Mexico

  
  

MX Food of the Week

Jalapeño Poppers

Stuffed jalapeños are an irresistible snack or side dish. Their signature spicy kick balances beautifully with a creamy, savory filling. They're not only delicious but also easy to make, very versatile, and great for sharing at family gatherings or with friends.

Recipe Link

Quick Insight

Confirm taxi prices before entering - Uber and Didi avoid this issue entirely.

What's Happening

March 1 — Anniversary of the Plan de Ayutla

A key political movement that helped remove Santa Anna and opened the path to the Liberal Reform era.

March 2 — Death of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez

Heroine of Mexican Independence, remembered for secretly warning insurgents when the independence plot was discovered.

Fun Fact / Mexican Phrase

Mexico City has more museums than almost any city in the world.

Mexican Phrase: ¿Me regala una bolsa? — Mexican way to ask politely for a bag.

Community Tip

Here's what our IMWG Facebook community shared this week - 2.9K views. 64 comments (and counting):

"What daily routine changed the most after you moved here?"

Top 5 Tips (Summarized):

1. Less Stress, More Peace: "ZERO STRESS." "I stopped worrying." Slower mornings, calmer days, and feeling safe walking outside—many said their nervous system finally relaxed.

2. No More Rush Hour Life: No commuting. No endless traffic. No racing out the door. Many swapped the office grind for home offices or retirement freedom.

3. Walking Replaced Driving: More walking and use of public transportation. Daily movement became normal for school runs, groceries, and morning routines.

4. Fresh Food, Different Rhythms: Shopping daily and cooking from scratch. Slower meals, fresher ingredients, and less convenience culture.

5. Simple Living Adjustments: Hand-washing dishes, hanging clothes to dry, and water conservation. Small habit shifts that add up to a very different daily life.

See the full post + comments: IMWG Facebook Group post

MX Quiz

Where is the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve located?

Quiz Answer: Michoacán and State of Mexico.