¡Hola amigos! I’m taking a little R&R this week, so today’s newsletter is lighter than usual. But get ready for next week – we're rolling out some exciting changes based on YOUR feedback.

This week, we're covering Mexico's nationwide transport modernization plan, what happens to your property when you die, and the ambitious coastal cleanup to eliminate all plastic from marine ecosystems by 2030.

And, with World Blood Donor Day on the 14th, we're breaking down how blood donation in Mexico is drastically different – and why understanding the system now could make all the difference later.

Let’s get to it!

📣Que Paso

📉 UNICEF now ranks Mexico 34 out of 43 for child well-being post-COVID, citing 81 weeks of school closures (one of the longest durations worldwide) and a health crisis where 39% of kids are overweight or obese and 38% are living with diabetes. Read the full report.

🚛 Mexico unveiled a nationwide transport plan to modernize logistics and expand infrastructure, including MX$126.6B to upgrade 62 airports and new training programs for truckers.

🌊 Mexico launched a national coastal cleanup across 63 beaches in 17 states, aiming to eliminate all plastic from marine ecosystems by 2030. This is much needed because an estimated 12,000 tons of plastic end up on Mexico’s coasts every day

⚖️ The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously tossed Mexico’s $10B lawsuit against American gunmakers, ruling the case doesn’t meet the legal threshold to hold companies liable for cartel violence linked to U.S.-made firearms.

🔫 Mexican police crossed into Guatemala during a shootout near La Mesilla, killing four. The cross-border clash was caught on video and is now under investigation in both countries.

🏹 Korea beat Mexico in the finals at the Archery World Cup in Antalya, ending Mexico’s shot at a third team gold this year.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

How Blood Donations in Mexico Work

World Blood Donor Day is June 14, and there’s no better time to understand how blood donation works in Mexico – and why it matters way more than you think.

Mexico does not have a centralized blood bank system.

Instead, it uses a “replacement donor” system.

That means when someone needs a transfusion, the hospital expects friends or family to replenish the blood used.

Over 91% of blood donations in Mexico are replacement-based, while voluntary donations make up less than 4% of the national supply. In an emergency, this system can create dangerous delays if you’re not prepared.

And here’s what most people don’t realize: eligibility to donate is strict. Really strict. Between weight limits, health screenings, travel restrictions, recent tattoos, and medication rules, more people get turned away than accepted.

That means even when someone steps up to help, there's no guarantee they’ll qualify. Which is why having a plan in place – before you need it – is absolutely critical.

Keep reading for how the system works, what to do if you or someone you know needs blood, and how to be prepared – just in case.

🏠 Real Estate Roundup 

Why You Should Negotiate in Pesos, Not Dollars

Buying property in Mexico is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and the currency you negotiate in plays a much bigger role than most people realize.

It might feel easier to talk in dollars, since that’s what you’re used to. But if you’re negotiating in USD while the deal is rooted in pesos, you’re giving up more than you think.

From inflated prices to missed savings and hidden risks, the difference between pesos and dollars can quietly cost you thousands.

📍 Immigration Essentials

Who Will Inherit Your Property in Mexico?

Owning property in Mexico comes with an important question many overlook: what happens to it when you’re gone?

Without a will, Mexican law automatically splits your assets between your legal spouse and children. The process can take over a year, with lots of paperwork, translations, and legal hoops.

Foreign wills are valid but come with delays and extra costs. They require international probate, official translations, and often the presence of heirs in Mexico.

A Mexican will is the simplest option. It shortens timelines, reduces legal friction, and keeps your heirs out of red-tape limbo.

And if you own through a fideicomiso (bank trust), remember: your beneficiaries must be named in the trust itself. Property held through a bank trust is not included or referred to in a will made in Mexico.

Keep reading for the steps you need to take now to avoid future complications.

🪷 Viva Wellness

The Desert Plant That Delivers Deep Hydration

If your skin’s feeling dry, tight, or just a little sun-worn under the Mexican rays, there’s a natural remedy that’s been used for generations: Nopal.

That spiny, paddle-shaped cactus you see piled high in markets isn’t just for your breakfast tacos. This plant has been Mexico’s ride-or-die skincare hero for centuries.

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, nopal is packed with a soothing gel that calms inflammation, restores moisture, and supports your skin’s natural barrier. It’s a bit like aloe vera’s earthier cousin, but with even more benefits for sun-stressed skin.

But the real glow-up magic comes from the tiny, mighty prickly pear seed oil – extracted from the fruit of the nopal, known as tuna. Often called “Mexico’s liquid gold,” this lightweight oil is loaded with linoleic acid and vitamin E. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooths texture, and delivers a radiant glow without feeling greasy.

And nopal doesn’t just work from the outside in. When eaten – grilled, blended into smoothies, or tossed into morning eggs – it helps hydrate the body, ease inflammation, support digestion, and balance blood sugar.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🍻 Expo Cerveza Artesanal Gto. – June 13–15, Guanajuato City 
Craft beer, live music, and a party in the heart of the city – what's not to love? Celebrate the 10th edition of Guanajuato’s craft beer expo with tastings from top brewers, limited-edition commemorative glasses, and a Father’s Day beer-pairing lunch. With live bands and epic views in front of the Juárez Theater and Diego Rivera Museum, this three-day bash blends foam, flavor, and fiesta. More info here.

🪶 Feria de Corpus Christi – June 14–22, Papantla, Veracruz 
Part Catholic celebration, part Totonac cultural explosion, this vibrant annual fair transforms Papantla into a nine-day fiesta of ritual, music, and mouthwatering food. Expect the iconic Voladores de Papantla soaring skyward, artisan markets, and a full-blown Festival del Mole for the foodies. Oh, and there’s a Lucha Libre showdown midweek. More info here.

🌮 Festival de la Cocina Mexicana – June 14–15, Museo Anahuacalli, CDMX
Spend Father's Day weekend savoring mole, tacos, and traditional dishes at this culinary fiesta in the heart of Coyoacán. With 30+ food vendors, live music, artisan goods, cultural talks, and a special guest appearance from Peruvian cuisine, it’s a feast for all senses. Entry is free, museum access extra. More info here.

🎭 Desfile de los Locos – June 15, San Miguel de Allende 
Get ready for chaos, costumes, and confetti! San Miguel’s wackiest tradition takes over the streets as thousands parade in over-the-top disguises throwing candy and dancing to loud bandas. It’s wild, joyful, and 100% San Miguel. More info here.

🎬 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival – June 6–14, Guadalajara 
Portugal takes the spotlight as Guest of Honor at Latin America’s biggest film fest, with over 30 featured films from past to present. The 40th anniversary of FICG brings more than 170 screenings. Click for more info.

🎡 Feria de San Pedro Garza García – June 20–August 10, Valle Oriente, Nuevo León Monterrey’s most upscale suburb is throwing a month-long party — and everyone’s invited. From thrill rides and artisan markets to gourmet food trucks. Expect family-friendly fun. More info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

“¿Cómo le hago?” 

Translation: How am I supposed to do this?

You're knee-deep in paperwork at the immigration office, or staring down a confusing banking app in Spanish, and you're thinking: What now?

That’s when this super common Mexican phrase comes in. It literally means “How do I do it?” – but it’s really used more like “How am I supposed to make this work?”

From paying bills without a local debit card to trying to book a last-minute bus out of town, this one’s your go-to when you're stuck and need help figuring it out.

Why El Expat Insider Mexico? Life abroad isn’t just about relocating — it’s about reinventing. Every sunrise in Mexico brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and connect. Whether you’re here for a season or a lifetime, we’re your compass for making the most of every moment. Because life’s too short to live on autopilot.

Want to reach globally minded readers living in Mexico? Email us at [email protected] to chat about partnership opportunities.

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