People who spend time worrying about the large number of monopolies in Mexico should perhaps check out the cutthroat competition for listeners on the morning radio news shows, which take to the airwaves around 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m. and don’t let go of them until 9 or 10 a.m. Then they start up again [...]

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Last year, we published a five-part series of blog articles entitled “Essential Skills for Expats”.  The series focused on five key themes that you need to consider—whether you are planning to live in Mexico or are already here—when moving, and settling-in to, your new life. Whether you plan to live, work, retire, do business in [...]

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In my opinion, there's no bad time to visit Mexico, as each season has something to offer. There are a few things you'll probably want to take into account when planning the timing of your trip, however. If there are any special festivals or events you would like to attend, by all means you should plan your trip accordingly. You'll also want to keep in mind that certain times of the year can be crowded at popular destinations, and you'll also want to have an idea of what the weather will be like during the time of your visit. Check out our Mexico Month-by-Month calendar to have a look at what's happening each month of the year....Read Full Post

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When the weather starts turning cold up north, Monarch butterflies begin to head south for the winter. In the space of a few months the Monarchs fly over 1500 miles to return to their overwintering grounds in the Mexican states of Michoacan and Mexico. The Monarch butterflies begin arriving in Mexico around the Day of the Dead, but January and February are the best months for visiting butterfly reserves, when you can experience being surrounded by these colorful creatures and have them fluttering around you. A trip to Mexico's Monarch butterfly reserves is an amazing experience....Read Full Post

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Mariachi music was recognized by the United Nations' cultural organization as part of the intangible culture of humanity this week. At the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage being held in Bali from November 22 to 29, 2011, the Mexican musical tradition was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity along with over a dozen other cultural traditions from around the world. According to UNESCO: "Mariachi is a traditional music and fundamental element of Mexican culture, transmitting values, heritage, history and different Indian languages."...Read Full Post

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If you're planning a short getaway you may just go to one destination and stay there the whole time, but if you have a bit more time and are hoping to see more of Mexico, you'll have to deal with transportation. Getting around Mexico can be a challenge, but it's worth it to experience more of what the country has to offer. Read about modes of transportation in Mexico, or explore some of the options below....Read Full Post

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San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico's prettiest colonial towns and an expat favorite. But it doesn't have to be expensive. You can find properties there now starting at about $150,000, and enjoy San Miguel's vibrant atmosphere and many amenities. And your cost of living in San Miguel will be low, too.

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This isn’t five days a week; it’s closer to seven with 12- to 14-hour days. The stress has mounted, your health has suffered, and forget a personal life. You think constantly of retirement, but it is five years in the future. Sound familiar? Fifteen months ago, that was my life…and it was certainly not my own.

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New World Women is a native women artisan group in Tecalpulco, Guerrero who decided to form a production cooperative. These skilled artisans are the original designers and producers, creating beautiful jewelry. Theirs is a cottage industry with a goal of perpetuating the region's craft tradition and creating a source of work that can keep their people at home — an alternative to migrating to urban centers or to the U.S. These enterprising women utilize modern means of communication. They communicate through their web page and via romantic novelas serialized on blogs. They write e-mail, post videos on YouTube, and have published an unusual book: The New World Mexican Women Workbook: How to Make Your Own Traditional Mexican Jewelry.

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In this video, IL's Mexico editor Glynna Prentice talks about the cost of living in Lake Chapala, Mexico. Lake Chapala, located in central Mexico, is an affordable expat haven that is one of the easiest places to retire abroad, thanks to thousands of English-speaking expats and US-style amenities. It’s a part of the world where it’s easy to afford a cook, a maid, and a gardener.

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In Mexico, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is the Impuesto Sobre la Renta (ISR), which is paid by the seller of the property. It translates to a tax upon rent, profit, yield or income and in other financial circles it is called an income tax. In recent years, Mexico's federal government had modified the regulations governing the Impuesto Sobre la Renta.

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Someone asked me recently what city in Mexico has the best climate. Questions like this are subjective, so at the time I said, “It depends.” It depends, of course, on your own tastes and temperament. But the question made me think about climate a bit… and some places do stand out. So here are my picks for the best climate in Mexico.

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One reader asked a generic "Anything going on?" which gives me a different opening: Indeed there is. It appears that Mexican holidays are undergoing Americanization.

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© Suzanne BarbezatIf the weather's getting chilly where you are, it may be just the right time to plan a getaway with sand, sun and sea on the menu. With nearly 6000 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Mexico is an excellent choice for a beach vacation. It may be difficult to choose among Mexico's many beautiful beach destinations, however.  Mexico's top beach destinations may be the first options that come to mind, but there are many other options that are worth some consideration....Read Full Post

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This hearty stew gets its flavor from pork and a medley of vegetables. The best choice for the pork stew meat is shoulder. In Mexico, ask the butcher for espaldilla. Substitute güero chile for the xca...

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