MendiolaCity blog

Mexico is one of the world’s favorite retirement havens for Americans and Canadians—and an estimated 1.6 million U.S. citizens alone call Mexico home. And honestly, it’s easy to understand why. The tacos are unbeatable, the ocean breeze is real, and the pace of life can feel like one long, deep breath. 🌴🌊 But the rosy picture sold in glossy relocation brochures and sugarcoated Facebook groups often skips over the things that actually determine whether you’ll love living her

Imagine this: You’ve just found the perfect condo, the ocean breeze is blowing, and you’re ready to start your dream life in paradise. 🌴 You walk into a local bank to set up an account, expecting it to be as simple as a five-minute app download back home. 📱 Instead, you’re handed three physical forms, asked for a utility bill that matches your legal name exactly, and told that you can’t get an account because you don’t have an RFC number from the tax authority. 🤯 Welcome t

If you’re new to "El Puerto," I guarantee you’ve already been hit with the million-dollar question: "So... are you ready for hurricane season?" If you’re like 99% of us newcomers, your first reaction was probably: Should I be worried? 😅 The short answer: Relax, don't overthink it. The "local" answer: Be prepared—complacency is the real danger. 🌴 Hollywood vs. Reality in PM Thanks to the movies, many people imagine a total apocalypse: boarded-up windows, flying palm trees, e

Nobody moves to Mexico expecting to need this information. You moved here for the sunsets, the tacos, the slow-paced lifestyle, and the warmth of the community. But if you’ve chosen Mexico as your home, it’s worth knowing what actually happens if the unexpected occurs. Not because it’s likely tomorrow. Not because you should live in fear. Simply because life happens. And trust me, having a plan is a lot easier than leaving your grieving loved ones thousands of miles away tryi

So... you found the perfect rental online. The photos look amazing.The pool is beautiful.The price seems reasonable. What could possibly go wrong? 😏 Quite a few things, actually. Don't get me wrong — Puerto Morelos has some wonderful rentals. But after helping people relocate here for years, I've learned that what you see online and what you get in real life aren't always the same thing. 📸 The photos were taken on a very good day Let's start with the obvious. Photos are des

Every year, the internet panics when the word sargazo starts trending. And every single year, someone on a Facebook group posts a dramatic, filtered photo of a brown beach like the apocalypse just arrived in the Mexican Caribbean. Cue the comments section melting down. So… let’s take a breath and talk about the real story. No sugar-coating, but no apocalypse either. 🔬 What Actually Is It? (Sargazo) Sargazo is a floating, brown seaweed that travels through the Atlantic Ocean.

A few years ago, renting your place on Airbnb in Mexico felt pretty simple. Take some cute photos. Upload the listing. Wait for bookings. 😏 Yeah… not anymore. Especially in Quintana Roo. ⚠️ Things have changed A LOT Authorities are paying much closer attention to short-term rentals now, especially in tourist areas like: Puerto Morelos Cancun Playa del Carmen Tulum And yes… people are getting fined. Some properties have even faced temporary closures for not having the correct

Opening a bank account in Mexico sounds like a basic step…but for most expats, it turns into one of the most frustrating experiences. Not because it’s impossible —but because it’s not as straightforward as it should be. 🤔 Why it’s not as simple as it sounds You walk into a bank thinking:👉 passport, address, done But then… They ask for an RFC Or proof of address in your name Or a Mexican phone number Or documents you were never told about 👉 And sometimes… the requirements c

Because yes… there are rules. And if you ignore them, you’re probably becoming tomorrow’s viral Facebook post. 😂 ⏰ Opening Hours The bridge is currently open daily from: 🕓 4:30 AM to Midnight And starting May 25th: 🕐 It will remain open until 1:00 AM. Emergency vehicles can use it 24/7. 🚦The Reversible Lane Situation This is the part everyone in Cancun is talking about. The bridge has a reversible lane system depending on traffic flow. Morning / Daytime: ➡️ 4:30 AM to 4:0

Getting electricity set up in Mexico sounds simple…until you actually try to do it. If you’re moving to Puerto Morelos, this is one of the first things you’ll need — and one of the most confusing. ⚠️ The expectation vs reality You expect: A quick name change A simple online process Clear requirements What you often get: In-person visits required Missing or unclear documents Long wait times 👉 And sometimes… different answers depending on who you talk to 🔌 What is CFE? CFE (C

(Telmex vs Izzi) Setting up internet should be one of the easiest things when you move somewhere new…but in Puerto Morelos, it rarely is. ⚠️ The expectation vs reality You expect: Quick installation Clear packages Reliable service What you often get: Delays Technicians who don’t show up “Mañana” (and sometimes the next mañana too) 🔌 Telmex vs Izzi — the real difference Here’s the honest, local perspective: 👉 Izzi Usually faster to install Easier to coordinate More flexible

If you own a car in Quintana Roo, this is something you can’t ignore. Here’s the simple version: 👉 License plates must be renewed every 3 years. 👉 Every year in between, you only renew your registration card (tarjeta de circulación). Sounds easy… but it’s not always that simple. ⚠️ What changed (and why people are confused) For 2026, the process now includes something called: 👉 REC (Registro Estatal de Contribuyentes) This is a state registration you must complete before d

Wow, what a night! Every edition of Barhop Puerto feels more magical, but Round 5 truly had it all — food, laughs, surprises, and pure Puerto spirit. Stop 1: El Charro Puerto Morelos We kicked things off with Mario, the heart behind El Charro, who welcomed us like family. The ceviche was spectacular, the quesabirrias to die for, and of course, guacamole that set the bar high from the very start. With cold beers flowing and big smiles all around, we knew this round was going

Every time, I leave more amazed, more grateful, and even more in love with this little adventure we’ve created. Stop 1: Muelle Once With its breathtaking ocean view — the kind that makes you want to stay forever — this classic Puerto spot delivered magic once again. Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Ovidia, author of 3 Journals with Amazing Recipes, kicked off our night with exquisite shrimp broth and pescadillas, crafted with absolute mastery. Drinks flowing, sea breeze, and Eust

Another unforgettable night in Puerto! I still can’t believe some of you have already joined 3 rounds of this adventure — it’s wild, beautiful, and I’m loving every second of it Big shoutout to Michael McDonald , the brave soul who’s been with me every single time — your support is amazing and means the world We’ve now visited 11 different spots — ELEVEV! Bringing hope and support to our local fav spots and every single one has given us something unique to remember. Here’s wh

It was epic, magical, unforgettable. First stop: El Che Carlitos Chef Pablito Sosa spoiled us with garlic bread, exquisite empanadas, and a pizza that was chef’s kiss. Next: I Wanna Pizza The mojitos that rule Puerto Morelos hit just right. Marco, the legend himself, welcomed us with his signature smile and the best pizza in town. Third stop: Yum Yum Wok Héctor treated us like royalty with crispy onion rings, kushipops, and killer spring rolls. Final stop: Los Molcajet

Four epic stops, amazing people, and a night full of flavor, laughter, and surprises. Big love to every spot that hosted us and made us feel so welcome — y’all went above and beyond! Stop 1: PENÍNSULA Chef Max spoiled us with complimentary ceviche tostadas and guac We weren’t expecting it, and we were so grateful! Stop 2: El Huerto del Puerto Chef Santiago surprised us with tacos dorados and sopecitos We also shared a traditional cazuela from Guadalajara — warm, delicious