Table of Contents
Introduction
What I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Mexico
Exploring Mexico is a fantastic sensory adventure: jaw-dropping beaches, colorful cities, chili-laden cuisine, flamboyant fiestas, and angsty arts. The country is massive, complex, and deeply diverse. One cannot simply go there without research and planning, which I did extensively, meticulously, and very seriously. And yes, I had a blast. Still, I could have dodged some rookie mistakes had I known what to expect.
Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Before you visit a museum on a Monday, enter the wrong bathroom (see number 5), or leave without packing a jacket because it’s a tropical country anyway, check out this list of things you should know before traveling to Mexico.
Mexico is safer than you think the country has a bad rap for being dangerous, with drug cartel violence, kidnapping, robbery, and homicide. Despite its reputation, Mexico remains the top destination for US travelers, welcoming 39.3 million American visitors in 2019 alone. Like any other country, Mexico has areas where crimes tend to happen more and safe places. Attacks don’t typically target foreigners. The most common threat tourists face across the country is petty theft. Still, avoid areas affected by drug cartels and those with high homicide rates. Don’t wear flashy clothes or jewelry, avoid walking alone at night or in secluded places, use ridesharing apps, and pick taxis at regulated taxi stands instead of hailing one on the street. Trust your intuition, and if something seems dodgy, walk away. For extra safety, get travel insurance from a reputable company.
The tap water is not safe to drink
It is tempting to gulp a glass of tap water after a long hike in the sweltering heat. Don’t. Tap water in Mexico is not safe for consumption unless you boil it. But why go through such a hassle when you can buy purified or bottled water? Better yet, bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill with filtered water. As for iced beverages, most ice cubes are purified water. Do not be afraid to ask. If so, they are safe to drink.
Don’t just stick to beach resorts
Cancun, Tulum, Los Cabos, Acapulco, and Playa de Carmen are some of the most popular destinations in Mexico, but they are not the entirety of Mexico. Get away from these over-touristy spots to experience the real Mexico. One of my favorites is the city of Merida, known for its rich Mayan heritage and unique Yucatan cuisine. If you like wine and cheese, head to San Sebastian Bernal. For unforgettable outdoor adventures and incredible natural wonders, explore Huasteca Potosina in San Luis Potosí. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to give Mexico City a chance.
There’s more to Mexican fare than tacos and tequila
Yes, tacos are everywhere, and tequila is somewhat a national symbol, but Mexico’s cuisine is so varied and diverse. The food is regional, so each state has its specialty. There’s something new to try every time you visit another place. Wherever you go, don’t skip the street food as that would be missing one of the best parts of your trip. The question is, how will you find food that is not only cheap and delicious but also safe? The answer is to stick to vendors with a line of customers. Who else but locals know which food is good and clean? If you are visiting the Jalisco state, look for birria and tortas ahogadas. Try mole poblano and cemitas in Pueblo, or marquesitas, cochinita pibil, and sopa de lima when you’re in the Yucatan Peninsula. Craving something familiar? Mexico City is the best place for tacos. On a side note, drink your tequila and its equally popular sibling mezcal like sipping and savoring whiskey or rum.
Mexicans love their chilis, so most food is highly spiced. Test out a dip, sauce, or salsa by putting a small drop on your finger and tasting it. You can also ask the server not to make the food spicy by saying sin picante, por favor.
Learn basic Spanish phrases
Brush up on your Spanish before traveling to Mexico, especially if you plan to visit smaller towns where not many locals speak English. Learning a few words and phrases of the local language will not only ease your travels but also signifies respect and helps you connect with the locals. Mexicans speak Latin American Spanish, and if you learned peninsular Spanish (Castilian), the accent and vocabulary are different. Some common words for travelers are hola (hello), mande (pardon), perdon (sorry), gracias (thank you), and mi nombre es (my name is).
When it comes to bathrooms, M is for female
The Spanish word for bathroom or restroom is baño. Be sure you understand what the letters on the toilet doors mean to avoid embarrassing ‘wrong bathroom’ incidents. The M sign stands for mujeres, meaning women. You might also find a D, and it’s not a dirty word. It means dama or ladies. Men’s bathrooms have either H for hombres (men) or C for caballeros (gentlemen).
When using a bathroom outside your accommodations, throw away your toilet paper in the trash bin instead of flushing it to prevent clogging the drain. Also, restrooms in markets and many public places typically charge five to ten pesos per use.
Always have cash and change in pesos
Though more and more places in Mexico are starting to accept credit cards, cash is still the most common mode of payment, especially at small stores, pop restaurants, street food stalls, and public transportation. Apart from having cash on hand, hang on to small bills as they are convenient for paying taxis, tipping, or buying knickknacks from street vendors.
It’s not advisable to exchange money in Mexico through a private money changer. The currency exchange fees are usually high, and you will only lose money. Instead, withdraw funds from an ATM upon your arrival. For extra caution, only use ATMs in safe areas, such as banks, airports, or malls.
Get a local SIM Card
Staying connected at all times and having data you can use for emergencies help you stay safe during your trip. But Mexico is not yet as technologically sophisticated as some countries that can get by with free public WiFi. To use your cellphone, you need a local SIM Card. Mexico’s largest service provider is Telcel, which guarantees the most coverage throughout the country. The card itself costs between $5 to $10. You’ll have to pay an additional amount to add data. Most travelers use between 2Gb to 5Gb each month. So, if you don’t have a lot of high-data usage activities, you can go for 4Gb, which costs around $15.
If you use a shared connection, such as in coffee shops, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect yourself from cyberattacks.
Socialize with locals
Mexicans are known for their friendliness, warmth, and hospitality. If you need suggestions on where to go and what to see, nothing beats the tips and advice from a local insider. You might even get invited to a party.
Pack light
Most places in Mexico are generally warm all year round, so you don’t need extra layers of clothes. Cars tend to be smaller, and you’ll have trouble cramming a massive suitcase into the trunk of a tiny Uber. Leave behind designer labels and high-end electronic gadgets and ditch heels and wedges in favor of flats or comfy sneakers. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Keep in mind that inland cities have a colder climate, with temperatures dropping to 7°C during some winter nights. Check the weather forecast before you go. To be on the safe side, bring a jacket or sweater, particularly if you’re visiting between December to March.
Have your FMM with you at all times
Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) is a requirement for all tourists traveling to Mexico. You’ll get a form on the plane or at the airport once you land. As you go through Immigration, the officer will tear the lower part of the paper and give it back to you. This slip serves as your FMM tourist card. You must always have this paperwork with you as it proves that you’re in Mexico legally. Upon departing the country, the Immigration officer will ask for your FMM. You can’t leave without returning it. If you lost your FMM, you have to fill out some paperwork and pay a 600 peso fine for a replacement card.
