Hola amigas – and feliz Día de las Madres! Whether you’re celebrating with flowers, brunch, or a little tequila, we’re raising a glass to all the fierce, fabulous moms out there this weekend.

This week: Sheinbaum told Trump “no troops, gracias,” Trump backed off the 25% auto tariff, and Mexico is investing $30.8 billion pesos in 37 major water infrastructure projects to tackle water scarcity and improve nationwide access to clean water.

Plus, the zero-waste brilliance of Oaxacan mezcal, how long you can leave Mexico without losing residency, and what dehydration really looks like when the heat’s on.

📣Que Paso

🇲🇽 President Sheinbaum rejected President Trump's proposal to deploy U.S. troops in Mexico to help fight drug trafficking. Her public stance came after a news report revealed a phone call where Trump suggested military assistance. In a Saturday speech, she emphasized sovereignty, saying, “We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours.”

🚗 Mexico avoided a 25% U.S. tariff on auto parts after a call between Sheinbaum and Trump, saving Mexico’s auto industry from a potential US$24.1 billion loss.

✈️ Volaris and TAG Airlines are teaming up to boost air connectivity between Mexico and Central America. The deal, if approved by regulators, will give Volaris customers access to over 11 destinations served by TAG and begin the second half of 2025.

📅 Mexico will officially cut the workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030.

📈 Tax revenue for Mexico rose 17.8% in Q1 2025, hitting MX$1.5 trillion. The boost came from stronger income and VAT collections, even as oil revenue declined.

💧 Mexico to invest MX$30.8 billion in 37 major water infrastructure projects. The plan includes dams, aqueducts, desalination plants, river cleanups, irrigation upgrades, and sanitation to tackle water scarcity and improve nationwide access to clean water.

📢 The CNTE teachers' union has called for a national strike starting May 15, including a march from the Ángel de la Independencia to the Zócalo and an indefinite sit-in. They demand the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, a salary increase, and improved labor rights.

🛡️ Mexico is tightening trade rules to protect local industry, canceling half of approved steel import licenses and suggesting price controls.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

What You Need to Know before Heading to the Hospital

International insurance doesn’t always work the way you think…especially in Mexico.

You’re expected to coordinate the paperwork. Pre-authorization is on you. And unless a Guarantee of Payment is in place, you may be paying out-of-pocket before the hospital lets you go.

This isn’t about having a policy. It’s about knowing how hospitals actually work with it.

📍 Immigration Essentials

How Long Can You Leave Mexico Without Losing Residency?

The answer depends on your residency type – and how connected you remain to life in Mexico.

Temporary Resident: You can leave Mexico for the entire validity of your permit (1 to 4 years), but it’s highly recommended to re-enter at least once or twice a year. Spending a month or two here shows ongoing ties.

Immigration authorities track your entry and exit patterns, and if they think you’ve abandoned your life in Mexico, your residency could be questioned – or even revoked. Always make sure your residency card is valid before returning.

Permanent Resident
With permanent residency, there’s no expiration and no official limit on time abroad. You can live overseas and still return to Mexico without issue. But even with this freedom, staying completely gone for years could raise flags.

Authorities may ask whether you’re truly a resident. Occasional visits – even short ones – can help protect your status and show you still consider Mexico home.

🇲🇽 Viva México

The Zero-Waste Magic of Oaxacan Mezcal

In Oaxaca, mezcal isn’t just a drink – it’s a testament to a culture of sustainability where nothing is wasted, and every part of the agave plant serves a purpose.

The heart of the agave, the piña, is roasted in underground ovens sealed with dirt and palm mats. After days of slow-cooking, it’s crushed and fermented without added yeast.

The bagazo (leftover fibrous pulp) becomes mulch, compost, adobe brick material, or even handcrafted paper for mezcal labels. The wastewater from distillation is mixed with mud to build homes.

The towering quiote finds new life as firewood, food, or even rustic musical instruments. Its flowers are stuffed and eaten, while the carbohydrate-rich base sweetens tortillas.

And the spiky pencas (leaves) are air-dried and fuel fires for making pottery, mole, and tortillas. Their fibers are spun into rope, brushes, sacks, and even used as natural sewing needles. Agave leaves also top barbacoa in earthen pits, infusing meat with earthy, smoky flavor.

Even the infamous gusano (worm) has a role: Dried and mixed with chile and salt for sal de gusano, turned into salsa, or infused into mezcal to deepen the flavor.

Wood used to bake the piñas or fuel the stills doesn’t have to be premium lumber — crooked logs, infested scraps, and even bark shavings from sawmills are all repurposed. The leftover charcoal becomes fertilizer, cooking fuel, or a product sold in local markets.

Even animals used to crush the agave, like oxen or horses, serve multiple roles on the farm – hauling firewood, mezcal, or plowing fields.

Cracked clay pots from stills are reused as planters, and even the rims of old dump truck tires are recycled as still openings.

In a world obsessed with “zero waste,” Oaxaca’s mezcaleros have been living the ethos for centuries. This is sustainability not as a trend, but as a way of life – passed down through generations.

So next time you sip mezcal, raise your glass to a tradition where nada se desperdicia – nothing is wasted, and everything has a purpose.

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🪷 Viva Wellness

What Dehydration Really Looks Like & How to Beat It

Whether you live in the desert highlands of Guanajuato or the jungle of Chiapas, dehydration can hit fast – and hard.

On average, the body loses around four liters of water per day just through regular activity – breathing, sweating, urination, and digestion. That loss increases quickly with heat and physical exertion.

How Do You Know If You're Dehydrated?

The body has several indicators to signal dehydration:

• A carefully hydrated body produces colorless urine.

• A somewhat dehydrated body produces yellow urine.

• A severely dehydrated body produces orange or dark-colored urine.

• If you are thirsty, it means your cells are already dehydrated.

• A dry mouth is the last outward sign of dehydration.

Side effects of dehydration can include stress, headaches, back pain, and high blood pressure.

How To Stay Hydrated in the Heat

Hydration isn’t just about drinking more – it’s about how your body absorbs and uses water. Here are some ways to stay hydrated.

• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily.

• Sip water every 15–20 minutes instead of drinking large amounts all at once.

• Start drinking water first thing when you get out of bed.

• Add a pinch of Celtic sea salt under your tongue in the morning — it helps with water absorption and electrolyte balance.

• Use lemon water or green drinks to increase hydration efficiency.

• Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content.

• If you’re already dehydrated or physically depleted, consider IV hydration therapy.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🎤 Lupita D’Alessio Live in the Zócalo – May 10, CDMX
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a powerhouse farewell concert by "La Leona Dormida" herself. Lupita D’Alessio takes the stage at 7 PM in the Plaza de la Constitución — performing hits from her iconic “Gracias Tour.” Free and open to the public. More info here.

🎭 Festival Cultural de Mayo – May 8–30, Guadalajara, Jalisco
Experience 44 events across 21 venues, including contemporary dance, jazz, mariachi, and immersive art installations. Highlights include Rubberband's Reckless Underdog, The Brooks' jazz-funk concert, and a tribute to Ravel by the Jalisco Philharmonic. Canada is the guest country, bringing a vibrant mix of performances and exhibitions. More info here.

🌸 Orchid Exhibition at Casa del Risco – May 7–11, CDMX
Explore “Orchids: Wonders of Guatemala” at the Casa del Risco Museum in San Ángel. This vibrant showcase features plants, artisan crafts, jewelry, and free workshops. Entry is by voluntary donation. More info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

“¡Sale!”

Translation: Okay! / Sounds good!

In Mexico, “¡Sale!” is the go-to way to say “Alright!” or “Deal!” – casual, friendly, and heard everywhere.

It’s what your friends say when you suggest carnitas, or what your landlord says when you agree on a rent day. It’s a thumbs-up in word form.

Want to sound even more local? Add a chill “pues” at the end: “¡Sale, pues!” – the Mexican version of “Cool, cool.”

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.

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