🇲🇽 Moving to Mexico: Culture Shock, Manzanillo Spotlight, and Record Foreign Investment - March 1, 2026
- Adam Race
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
Moving to 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
Why Culture Shock Happens in Month One
Daily life moves at a different rhythm in Mexico. The pace is slower, service can be more conversational, and schedules don't always match what newcomers expect. Noise, weather, communication styles, and bureaucracy also take getting used to. These adjustments are normal and temporary. Most people find their comfort zone after a few weeks once routines settle and expectations adjust.
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.
Quick Insight
CFE bills (electricity) can be paid in the CFE Contigo app - Easy tracking and instant confirmation.
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 - 2.1K views. 79 comments (and counting):
"What helped you choose your city in Mexico — cost, climate, culture, or something else?"
Top 5 Tips (Summarized):
The People Come First: Over and over — kindness, community, culture, values, friendliness. Many said simply: "the people." For most, that was the deciding factor.
Climate Drives Everything: Temperate weather, not too hot, not too cold, ocean breezes, mountain air — climate was mentioned more than anything else. Lifestyle starts with weather.
Location & Proximity Matter: Close to family in the U.S., short flights, near the border, airport access, and walkability shape the decision.
Cost of Living & Practicality: Housing prices, electric bills, affordability, and avoiding tourist premiums make the move sustainable.
Lifestyle Fit Over Hype: Beach or mountains. Quiet or vibrant. Many researched deeply, rented first, and prioritized what truly fit their long-term 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.
Comments