stack of $500 peso notes

How to Break a $500 Peso Note in Mexico

Despite the increasing prevalence of electronic payment options, cash is still king in Mexico, accounting for more than 90% of all transactions according to the Dallas Federal Reserve. Paying for everyday items like taxis, tacos from street vendors, and a bus ride requires efectivo, with small bills strongly preferred.  

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RFC credential

You Can Now Get Your RFC Number Online

I’m super thrilled to share that foreign residents (and Mexican citizens) can now apply for an RFC number online and save themselves a trip to their local SAT office. For readers who are unfamiliar, RFC is the acronym for “Registro Federal de Contribuyentes” which translates to “Federal Taxpayer Registry” in English.

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The medical clinic at Farmacia Guadalajara.

Visiting a Walk-in Doctor in Mexico

There may come a time when you need to see a doctor in a hurry. In Mexico, one excellent option is the in-house doctor at a local pharmacy. This will sound like an alien concept to many expats, especially Americans, who are accustomed to heading to an emergency room for

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An agave field in Tequila.

Here Comes the Tequila Bust

Living in the heart of Tequila country, I am fortunate to have super premium tequilas I’d never even heard of before moving to Mexico readily available in local restaurants, stores, and bars. While artisanal brands like Los Abuelos (Fortaleza in the U.S.) and Tequila Ocho are produced in limited quantities

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Rustic courtyard in Comonfort, Mexico with ivy and lush greenery creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Paying Mexican Property Taxes in 2025

Everyone who owns real estate in Mexico (house, condo, or a piece of land) owes property taxes to their state government, aka the “impuesto predial.” These taxes are paid annually, during the first quarter of each year. The  predial is separate from the property acquisition tax, known by the acronym ISAI, which

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House in Zapopan, Jalisco.

What it Costs to Get a Mexican Residency Visa in 2025

If you read my post last November explaining how the Mexican government sets the financial requirements for foreigners seeking residency visas, you know it’s based on the national minimum wage. My previous article estimated the likely thresholds foreign applicants would be expected to meet next year because the minimum wage

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