Mexico’s UMA and Residency Qualification Criteria 2025
UMA is replacing Mexico's 'minimum wage' as a basis for official calculations. This article describes how it affects applications for legal residency.
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Comprehension: ¿Me Entiendes, o Me Explico?
A brief summary of two phrases in Spanish that, on the surface, intend to verify understanding but may come across as fake humility
Torn Money: The Banknote Versus the Joker
In Mexico, merchants of all kinds tend to reject damaged banknotes, but you can exchange damaged notes at a bank if you have at least half of the note intact
The Gender Problem in Spanish Language Grammar
In Spanish, feminine words end in an 'a' and masculine words in an 'o', and so do corresponding adjectives—but there are a number of exceptions
Passenger Trains are Making a Comeback in Mexico
After decades of decline in railway investment, Mexico is reigniting its efforts to get passengers back into railcars for long-distance travel
Wandering Around to Explore the Old Part of Acapulco
Wherever you stay in Acapulco, some exploration around the old part of this port city is worthwhile, and reveals why it was so popular in its heyday
Rush Hour Variety at Mexico City’s Traffic Lights
For variety, there's little that can beat the entertainers and purveyors of unwanted services who work the traffic lights of Mexico City
Driving Tip: Read the Signs, then Ask for Directions
Even today with many modern roads and bridges putting a first-world stamp on major cities, Mexico still has some notorious sign posting
Terremoto or Temblor? Well, it Depends
Mexican Spanish contains three terms for the word 'earthquake,' and choosing which one to use depends on a range of factors
Smoke-Free Mexico Offers No Substitutes for Quitters
Ex-smokers and those trying to quit smoking can't find tobacco substitutes in Mexico. Vaping is banned and vaping products may be confiscated at the border.
Variation on a Theme: the Spanish Verb Poder
The Spanish verb "poder" —to be able— can get tricky for Spanish language students as well as be a cause of headaches for Spanish speakers learning English
The Versatile Ending that Transforms Words in Spanish
A versatile Mexican Spanish suffix used as a kind of superlative for nouns can create a word that almost does the work of an entire sentence
