26 Things To Know Before Taking A Trip To Mexico
Taking a trip to Mexico for the first time? Here are some travel tips that will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip!
Forget about all the misleading travel information floating around. Here, we are weighing in on all the key tips for a Mexico vacation, from safety to navigating transportation, avoiding embarrassing moments, and much more.
Hopefully, this collection of tips will help you blend in more and avoid confusion during your travels.
1. Book Early To Have A Budgeted Trip
Being a popular tourist destination all year, Mexico is mostly packed during the holiday season. From both foreigners and domestic tourists, you can expect the unexpected on your vacation.
Except we know that you may experience a surge in the pricing of accommodations, excursions, car rentals, and even airfare, especially around Christmas, New Year's, spring break, and July.
Thus, one of the most common yet important advice for traveling to Mexico is to book everything - from stay to excursions, if possible, car rentals - beforehand to save a big chunk of your pocket. This is especially important when you are taking a trip to the coastal region of this country.
Some key tips for visiting Mexico on a budget:
- Know the cost and airline offers
- Book a stay with added perks
- Pre-book airport pickup
- Book the tour guide packages in advance
- Nab the shoulder season deal
- Buy tickets in advance for extra savings
2. Pack As Per The Climate
With a vast climate range, you may notice that the country ranges from frosty mornings at 8700ft to pleasantly warm nights at sea level. Make sure to check the weather for all the destinations you have on your itinerary.
Once you know what to expect, you will know what to pack for a trip to Mexico. It may be possible that you’d need to have - a bikini, an umbrella, and a winter jacket - all three of them together.
It is also vital to remember that Mexico is in the hurricane belt, and its coasts are greatly susceptible to storms from June to November.
Here is a season-wise breakdown of the things to bring on a trip to Mexico:
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Spring (March to May)
- Lightweight clothing, such as T-shirts, shorts and sundresses.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat for sun protection.
- Swimwear for beach visits or lounging.
- A raincoat or poncho just in case of unexpected showers.
- A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
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Summer (June to August)
- Lightweight and breathable attire, such as shorts, tank tops, and summer dresses.
- A raincoat or poncho in case of showers.
- Sandals or comfortable walking shoes.
- Insect repellent for protection against mosquitos.
- Swimwear for beach activities and swimming.
- Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Portable fan, misting spray, or cooling towel for extra comfort.
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Fall (September to November)
- Light layers, such as T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and light sweaters.
- Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration.
- Pants or jeans for cooler evenings.
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Daypack or tote bag for carrying essentials.
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Winter (December to February)
- A mix of lightweight clothing and layers, including some sweaters and a medium-weight jacket for evenings and cooler days.
- Sturdy walking shoes for urban exploration.
- Scarves, gloves, and a hat for colder regions.
- Swimwear if visiting warmer coastal areas.
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sun protection.
3. Don’t Carry Precious Items/Jewelry
Being susceptible to theft is pretty common in some parts of Mexico. And if we know this, why risk carrying your bling and precious items on this trip? Flashing your bling, be it fancy watches or jewelry, in the streets of Mexico might risk you and make you the target of pickpocketers and scammers. Likewise, resist renting a luxury car, as it is likely to be broken into or stopped by officials.
However, in case you are carrying some jewelry with you, make sure to consider the following tips:
- Document the jewelry both visually and in writing.
- Make sure to check with your travel insurance company for the safety of your precious items.
- Understand when and where you must avoid wearing your bling.
- When not in use, store them safely at your hotel.
- Try to conceal them in the streets to avoid grabbing attention.
4. Not To Worry About Carrying A Tourist Card Anymore
If you are taking a trip to Mexico, you must know that earlier, tourists had to fill out a paper tourist card. Immigration stamped the card with the mention of the number of days permitted to stay in Mexico. The tourists were then responsible for keeping the form with them until returning it back to the immigration the time of leaving the country. However, the times have changed now!
Most of the airports in Mexico have now switched to digital immigration forms, so you don’t have to worry about retaining this document anymore. Instead, you’ll get a stamp on your passport with the number of days you are permitted to stay scribbled by the immigration agent.
5. Get A Local SIM Card
One of the most underrated tips for traveling to Mexico is to purchase a local SIM card. If you don’t have a roaming pack on your phone, then buying a local SIM card would be the most easy and inexpensive way to stay connected with one another seamlessly. With it, you get a continuous access to:
✔ Google Translate
✔ Google Maps
✔ Making Calls
✔ Using Social Media (which is a must for keeping your followers updated on your trip)
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Local SIM Card Details
- To get started, you can purchase a Mi Telcel card from a convenience store for about $150 MXN ($11 USD) and a $50 MXN data plan.
- Download the Mi Telcel app to check your balance and top up as needed.
- When you input your payment information, the app will ask for a Mexican zip code. Use the local postal code of wherever you are staying.
6. Use Your Personal ATM Card
It is wise to carry a combination of cash and a debit card - it is one of the primary Mexico travel recommendations. With a diversity of businesses and eateries, you may find that some are most likely to accept cash over cards.
You may need to have pesos with you at all times to pay at small market stalls, street food stands, and taxis. Additionally, some of the tourist areas and sections of places outside the cities may not accept cards at all.
There is a wide network of ATMs in Mexico, so you can withdraw money anytime you want. But if you still carry a little cash and prefer spending with your debit card, here are a few potential fees you need to know about:
✔ Foreign transaction fees
✔ ATM fees
✔ Currency conversion fees.
Check with your bank before you travel to see what they charge and how much they charge.
Ultimately, our best recommendation would be to carry and pay the businesses in their local currency.
7. Don’t Drink Tap Water
It is unfortunate that sipping water from the tap might make you susceptible to catching some kind of bug. Thus, it is likely recommended that you avoid drinking tap water in Mexico.
Like any other Latin country, the public water systems are not treated, leaving you to catch a nasty parasite or bacteria easily. Thus, always drink from sealed water bottles, even if you stay in a luxury property.
Besides drinking, make sure to brush your teeth with bottled water. However, hotels or vacation villas in Tulum and Playa del Carmen tend to have safer water conditions.
These guidelines are not mandatory only for travelers. You’ll probably notice even the locals refrain from using tap water unfiltered or without boiling it. However, we don’t recommend the boiling practice for travelers as they don’t have stomach conditions similar to the locals.
If you accidentally drink tap water in Mexico, make sure to follow the mentioned guidelines:
✔ Go to a pharmacy immediately and ask for their recommendations
✔ DIY practice of making yourself vomit could work, too
✔ If your condition worsens, make sure to check with the doctors immediately.
Besides these guidelines, we have some more recommendations for you:
- Throw out bottles of water that aren’t refrigerated or have been open for over two days.
- You may brush your teeth, but don’t gargle or swallow the water.
- Avoid ordering fresh salads or unpeeled fruits/vegetables, as they might have been washed with tap water.
8. Ice Is Safe To Use
It may sound a little confusing why water is unsafe, yet ice is safe to consume. However, it is really true!
The ice in all the places is made strictly with purified water. People in the country refrain from using tap water to prepare ice. However, if the place looks to have a low standard of hygiene, then you must listen to your gut and avoid ice in your drinks.
As long as you don't make your own ice cubes with tap water, you'll be fine.
9. Carry A Refillable Water Bottle
Mexico is big on saving the environment from excessive use of plastic bottles, so you shouldn’t be the one contributing negatively to this cause. Thus, carry a refillable bottle instead of repeatedly buying single-use plastic water bottles.
Refill this bottle from the filter tap in your hotel or Airbnb; if you need it on the go, you can ask the restaurants for it!
10. Restroom Doors Marked With an “M” Are For the Ladies
It might be confusing at first, but you know what it means: you won’t make the mistake of entering the wrong loo.
“M” stands for the Spanish word “mujeres,” which is used to address women, and “H” or “C” is, in fact, used for men, as “hombres” and “caballeros” are the two words used to address male gender.
Even after understanding the difference between the two, you may notice only English-speaking men making this mistake out of their habit.
Save yourself from the embarrassment, and be sure to check twice before entering the public restroom in Mexico.
11. Take Public Transport For Long Travels
One might consider Mexico a small country, but in reality, it is quite vast. So, getting around the country can be a bit of a challenge.
However, internal flights are available at a pretty decent price, but if you want to experience the place on a budget, then you must not forget about the most common transportation in Mexico, i.e., the buses. Mexico has a tiered bus system, with different classes of service offered at correspondingly higher prices. The higher classes are first (“primero”) and platinum (“platino”).
Always opt for primera clase (first class) service as it is much faster and vastly more comfortable with cushy reclining seats, individual screens, Wi-Fi, and even snacks. With the Busbud platform, you can search for the timetables for multiple bus lines at once. You can even use the app to book tickets using any foreign credit card.
12. Don’t Miss Out On Trying Mouthwatering Street Food
It is often noticed that people who are unfamiliar with Mexican street food often advise others not to try it. However, it is a huge mistake to miss out on the culinary wonders created by the local street vendors.
You can find some of the tastiest and cheapest Mexican food at the street vendors. From sizzling tacos to elote (grilled corn) in a cup and sweet and crunchy marquesitas (sweet crepes) to salsa, you must not come back to your regular life without trying them with their authentic flavors.
Seek out stands with a crowd—they’re a litmus test for safe-to-eat spots. However, make sure to abstain from sauces like mayo and cream, as they often sit unrefrigerated in the sun for long hours, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Here are a few indicators to look out for when judging which is a safe place to eat:
- Crowds are always a good indication that a cart is safe to eat from.
- Watching how they handle the food and the money.
Mexican food is slightly more spicy than anyone can handle, so check before you have anything, as it might occasionally itch you like crazy (pica mucho). Always put a drop of salsa on the back of your hand and taste it before you douse your food.
13. Be Polite With Locals
As easy-going as Mexican culture is, good manners are very prevalent. You’ll make a better impression if you exercise extra politeness. You can try exercising this habit by saying “buenos dias” (Good Morning) and “buenas tardes” (Good Afternoon) to every person you encounter on your way. Also, whenever leaving a space, be sure to say a quick "con permiso" (excuse me) to be polite to the people.
When meeting a person for the first time, the go-to is a handshake with "mucho gusto" (a great pleasure). If you already know the person, then a quick peck on the cheek or a hug seems appropriate in Mexican culture. While some might find all this information unnecessary, if you wish to gain a little cultural insight to make your visit memorable, you must know all these things before going to Mexico.
14. Don’t Forget To Be Generous With Your Tips
It is like a custom to tip everyone who assisted you in Mexico. Besides, it is even the most important source of income for most workers in Mexico. You must tip everyone in pesos, from the kid who looked after your parked vehicle to the concierge who provided you with specialized service.
Generally, the tip percentage of the people varies on the services they provide, such as:
- Waiter - 10% to 15%
- Tour guides - 10% to 15%
- Hotel housekeeping - US$3 to US$10/per day
- Per Bag for port - US$2 to US$3
- Parking attendants, grocery baggers, and gas station attendants - US$0.25 to US$0.75
- Taxi drivers don’t expect tips but certainly welcome them!
The amount depends on your experience and the type of tour you’re on, but I’d say no less than $50 MXN.
15. Plan Your Itinerary Carefully (Frequent Holidays)
Mexico has many festive days, meaning you never know when everyone will be taking a day off work to celebrate. Thus, be sure to plan your itinerary after doing very detailed research.
Although festivals mean getting more of the cultural taste of the place, they make it challenging to do certain things, such as visiting the immigration office, banks, or any other administrative service.
Besides, here are a few more things to know before traveling to Mexico:
- The schedule in Mexico is different from what you’re used to.
- Everything happens later (and more slowly)
- Energy in the streets is entirely different in the evening.
- You might not be able to accommodate diners if you want to eat at different hours.
- Be sure to carry snacks in case you can’t find a restaurant that’s open at your preferred meal time.
It might be challenging to shift your schedule, especially on a short trip, but you’ll risk missing out on the full Mexican experience if you’re the early-to-bed, early-to-rise type.
16. Don’t Hesitate On Seeing A Doctor
The idea of seeing a doctor might be dreading, especially for the visitors to the USA. However, the situation is pretty different in Mexico, here you don’t have to be afraid of paying a fortune for a simple visit.
If you need to see a doctor for any reason during your visit, you can simply go, take a seat, and wait for the doctor to see you. Other than that, most of the major pharmacies, like Farmacia del Ahorro or Farmacia de Guadalajara, have their own walk-in clinics called “consultorios.”
Once inside, describe your symptoms, and the doctor will offer a diagnosis and a list of medications to help you feel better. You’re expected to buy the meds from the adjoining pharmacy. Seeking medical attention is a simple and affordable process. You don’t pay for the consultation, just the medications, which are much cheaper than usual.
So, if you get sick during your trip, you won’t have to suffer until you get home to your primary care physician. The “consultorios” here can fix you up without cutting your travel fund in half!
17. Carry A Reusable Shopping Bag
As we mentioned earlier, Mexico is taking major action to reduce the use of single-use plastic. You can contribute to this concern by reducing the use of plastic bags and carrying a reusable shopping bag instead.
Always carry a shopping bag in your purse or handbag. If not, you can also use a backpack. It comes in handy on your shopping days—just shop and throw things in your bag without worrying about losing any of your packets in the market or anywhere you go.
18. Carry Small Bills And Coins
While credit cards are becoming increasingly common, Mexico remains a predominantly cash economy. However, despite the maximum use of cash in this country, there is often a scarcity of change.
It is essential always to keep some coins and small bills on hand when traveling in Mexico. Carrying small bills will come in handy when it comes to tipping, visiting public restrooms (often they charge a 5 peso fee), or making small purchases.
The smaller the denomination, the better; otherwise, you might be left waiting for the vendor to break a bill.
19. Haggling Isn’t A Culture In Mexico
Many people might believe that haggling is a part of the shopping adventure in Mexico; however, it is not part of their culture, especially in markets and streetside stands.
Most of the time, you can get the item at the marked prices, but there’s nothing you can do about that.
The vendors, particularly in touristy zones, might occasionally invite you to haggle out of courtesy. But again, it is not a big part of their selling culture. However, don’t try to drive the price down to as low as you want - it might be a little offensive!
Remember, the person selling to you probably has a family to feed. Thus, if they are shopping their courtesy by playing the haggling game with you, then make sure to maintain a respectful balance!
| Key Note - Avoid souvenir shopping in the heart of the tourist zones, where the prices are comparatively higher than in regular city markets. |
20. Basic Spanish Is Enough To Take You A Long Way
If you are willing to learn just one thing out of everything, then this is probably the one!
Although most people in Mexico, especially those in the public dealing industry, understand a little bit of English, it would be great if you learned some basic Spanish words before your trip.
Being able to at least exchange pleasantries with people around you will make a lot of difference. Learning basics would be a small gesture for the locals and, at the same time, would make you less vulnerable to scams.
Basic Spanish Words:
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| Key Note - Avoid speaking in English in a taxi, as it would make you the victim of being overcharged by the taxi drivers. |
21. Avoid Taking A Trip ATMs Around Payday
From the 15th to the 30th of any month, you can expect abnormally long queues. It is that time of the month when most workers get their pay. Besides the long wait, you are even more likely to become a prey of the pickpocketers or thieves. This is particularly true during this time when they are on high alert, as many people are liable to carry large quantities of cash.
If you visit an ATM, be sure to visit one in a well-lit, populated area, preferably during the day when there is less risk of robbery.
22. Avoid Visiting Sensitive Places
With so much news about cartel violence in Mexico, your safety must be your top concern. Although the violent crime is cartel-on-cartel – tourists aren’t targets. But there is no harm in keeping yourself from ending up in any violent situation.
The best way to protect yourself is to keep a reasonable distance from the drugs (from the peddlers and passive intakers), besides making sure to avoid staying or stepping in fringe neighborhoods. If you’re traveling in cartel hotbeds (say, Sonora or Michoacán), turn in early, travel by day, and take toll roads.
23. Always Check The Latest Travel Warnings For Mexico
The US State Department has a frequently updated site with all of the current travel warnings for Mexico.
Remember, though, that in some cases, dangerous activity may be limited to particular cities or areas within a state and not spread throughout the state. Read the warnings carefully and then double-check recommendations with other sources.
Don’t forget to search for destination-specific Facebook groups, as these tend to have members who live there with real-time information.
24. Take Registered Taxis
One of the best ways to prevent transportation mishaps is by using registered taxis whenever possible. Being a traveler, you can be an easy target, thus, be sure to book a ride and not hail one on airports and bus stations.
There are booths at airports and bus stations, and you can book tickets at the terminal. This gives you the opportunity to a fixed rate and not the one that they might take from you, considering you are a foreigner in their country. Mexico vacation tips are incomplete without mentioning something that can save your money or become a target of the greed of the drivers.
Also, when you are out in the city, catch registered taxis from sitios (taxi stands) or by calling a radio taxi. You will have to pay a few extra pesos in both of these scenarios, but it’s worth it.
25. Confirm Taxi Rates Beforehand
You’ll probably end up squabbling with the taxi driver about the fare if you don’t confirm the rate in advance.
At times you might notice that some taxi drivers apply a “gringo tax,” which means they charge foreigners more than they would charge locals. If you don’t want to pay any extra pesos, be sure to set a reasonable fare before taking the ride.
If you or the driver don’t agree with the suggested rate, let it go and wait for the next one to come. It is always best when both of you’re on the same page before you get in.
26. Make Sure To Purchase Travel Insurance
Although the chances of something going wrong are slim, having travel insurance would not harm you. Besides peace of mind, these insurances cover all of your emergency medical expenses, trip interruption lost or stolen items, and more.
Otherwise, all these mentioned categories can put a serious dent in your traveling budget. Thus, to answer your question - “What do you need to travel to Mexico?” - is getting a viable travel insurance!
Finally!
We hope now you know have satisfied your query about what to know when traveling to Mexico with these helpful tips!