¡Hola amigos! This week, we’ve got the scoop on PV’s new tourist tax, Mexico’s plan to put a lid on gas prices, and why those innocent-looking peppers in your salsa are secretly health superheroes. 

Plus, we’re stepping into Oaxaca’s smoky world of mezcal and mapping out Mexico’s 2025 Carnaval lineup – because if you miss the country’s biggest party, we can’t help you.

📣Que Paso

⛽️ President Claudia Sheinbaum announces plans to cap gasoline prices at MX$24 per liter to address market disparities and prevent overcharging.

🚆 The Mexican Army has assumed control of the train connecting Mexico City to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) after delays by the previous contractor. Expected inauguration is July 2025.

✈️ Volaris announces a new flight connecting Costa Rica to Tulum International Airport.

💸 Puerto Vallarta introduces new tourist tax. Jalisco Congress has approved a 141-peso fee for foreign visitors, with funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements.

🏆 Benito Juárez International Airport in CDMX was named the third most punctual airport worldwide in 2024, with 85.7% of flights departing on time. See which other airports made the cut.

🍼 Mexico leads global push for breastfeeding protections. Mexico and Brazil have proposed a WHO resolution to regulate aggressive online advertising of breast milk substitutes.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

How to Find the Best International Health Insurance Broker in Mexico

Finding reliable health insurance in Mexico isn’t just about picking a policy — it’s about choosing the right broker. But before you start comparing plans, it’s crucial to understand what brokers are legally required to do — and what they’re not. Knowing these responsibilities helps you avoid confusion, missed claims, and costly mistakes.

So, how can you tell a trustworthy broker from the rest?

It all comes down to asking the right questions—like whether they’re truly independent, how they handle claims, and what kind of ongoing support they provide.

Live Like You Already Know Mexico

Every day, people like you and me struggle with basic life in Mexico – rental contracts, medical visits, cultural faux pas – wasting time and money on preventable mistakes. Best case: You figure it out eventually. Worst case: You damage relationships, overpay on everything, or end up with sketchy legal obligations.

It's time you check out The Insider Pulse Toolkit. Whether you need contracts translated, cultural guidance, or help figuring out which version of "ahorita" someone actually means... we've got your back. Plus, our Facebook Directory helps you find specific info in your region from people who share your interests and lifestyle (not Karen from Wisconsin who visited Cancun once).

Help yourself thrive in Mexico. Newsletter readers get access for just $47/year. That’s less than 1000 pesos a year (that's less than two weeks of your daily torta runs).

🏠 Real Estate Roundup

Avoid Real Estate Scams in Mexico

Buying property in Mexico can be an exciting investment – but it can also be risky if you don’t know what to watch for.

From fake property titles to too-good-to-be-true deals, scammers often target foreign buyers unfamiliar with the legal landscape.

The good news? Avoiding these scams is easier when you know the red flags.

Learn why verifying a Certificado de Libertad de Gravamen is essential, how to spot fake listings, and the simple legal step that can protect your funds during closing. Get the essential tips to protect your investment.

🇲🇽 Viva Mexico

Mezcal might be Mexico’s smokiest spirit, but its story is anything but hazy. In Oaxaca, the journey from agave to glass is a fascinating mix of ancient tradition, raw craftsmanship, and a few surprises along the way.

It all starts with the piñas — the agave hearts — roasted in underground ovens lined with volcanic stones. The roasting doesn’t just cook the agave; it infuses it with that signature smoky flavor. But here's the twist: Many palenqueros still place a cross atop the oven before sealing it — a small nod to tradition and a prayer for good luck.

After roasting, the softened piñas get crushed under a massive stone wheel called a tahona, often pulled by a mule. Then, nature takes over. The mash ferments in open-air vats with wild yeast from Oaxaca’s mountain air — no commercial shortcuts here. 

And who better to take us behind the scenes than Alvin Starkman, a mezcal expert who’s written 75+ articles, published two books, and led Oaxaca’s very first mezcal tours?

Daily News for Curious Minds

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 4 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.

Sign up now!

🪷 Viva Wellness

Jalapeños: Mexico’s Tiny Peppers with Big Health Benefits

That little green pepper lighting up your tacos? Turns out, it’s doing more than just setting your mouth on fire.

Jalapeños are packed with capsaicin – the compound that gives them their heat – and it’s also a metabolism-boosting, pain-relieving powerhouse. Studies show it can help your body burn more calories, reduce inflammation, and even provide natural pain relief.

But that’s not all. These spicy staples are also loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that support heart health, strengthen your immune system, and protect your cells from damage.

Of course, jalapeños aren’t for everyone – especially if your stomach throws a fit after spicy foods. But if you can handle the heat, the health benefits are hard to beat.

Want to know more about these fiery little superfoods?

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

Carnaval season is here! From coast to coast, Mexico’s got a party for everyone —parades, costumes, music, and more. Check out the full 2025 lineup here.

🎭 Carnaval Putleco: February 19 – 21, 2025, Putla Villa de Guerrero, Oaxaca 
Step into one of Oaxaca’s most colorful and culturally rich celebrations – Carnaval Putleco. Known for its vibrant costumes, lively dances, and deep-rooted Mixtec, Triqui, and Afro-Mexican traditions, this carnival is a sensory explosion of color, music, and heritage. The streets come alive with masked dancers performing the "Danza de los Viejos" and "Danza de los Diablos," while locals throw confetti and share traditional foods. Get more info here.

🎭 Carnaval de Campeche: February 20 – March 4, Campeche
Experience Mexico's oldest carnival, blending centuries-old traditions with modern festivities. Highlights include the "Quema del Mal Humor" on February 20, the coronation of the main carnival kings on February 26 featuring singer María José, and the vibrant "Paseo de las Flores" parade on February 27. The celebration concludes with the "Pintadera" on March 4, featuring comedian Chuponcito. Some events are free, while others require tickets ranging from $65 to $300 MXN. Get more info here.

🎭 Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Mexico: Feb 21 – 23, Mexico City
Get ready to dance under the electric sky at EDC Mexico 2025! From February 21 to 23, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will transform into a vibrant playground featuring top electronic artists like Tiësto, Peggy Gou, and Solomun. Get more info here.

🎉 Carnaval de Autlán: February 22 – March 4, Jalisco
Join the vibrant Carnaval de Autlán, a mix of carnival and charro culture, featuring rodeos, bullfights, and tequila-fueled celebrations. The event features a stellar lineup of artists, including Julión Álvarez on February 23, La Adictiva on February 24, and a special urban music night with Natanael Cano, Santa Fe Klan, and Gabito Ballesteros on March 1. Festivities also include colorful parades, cultural exhibitions, and traditional bullfighting events at the Plaza de Toros Alberto Balderas. Get more info here.

💡 Say It in Spanish

¿Con quién podría hablar para resolver esto?

Translation: Who can I speak with to get this resolved?

Ah, Mexico — the land of sunshine, tacos, and mysterious administrative black holes. Ever tried fixing a billing issue only to get passed around like a hot potato? This phrase is your secret weapon. It politely says, "Enough with the runaround — who actually has the power to help me?"

Want to handle conversations with confidence? Get our Insider Pulse Toolkit – your complete system for handling EVERY aspect of Mexican life like a pro. Check it out here.

Why El Expat Insider? 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.

✅ Have expertise or a business our readers need to know about? Click here to be featured in El Expat Insider Mexico.

Send us your feedback to [email protected]. We're ready to listen.

Not Yet a Subscriber? Click Below to Get Our Newsletter Every Week — It’s FREE!