Mexico Travel Tips: Ten “Don’ts” of Visiting Mexico
Hola from Cancun, Mexico! Mexico is near and dear to us, and we’ve spent a lot of time visiting Mexico. There are so many awesome things about Mexico: the people, the food, the scenery and so much more! But today, we’re focusing on the things travelers should not do when visiting Mexico.
Mexico Travel Tip #1: Don’t Mess With Montezuma
Montezuma’s Revenge is the real deal. (In case you don’t know, Montezuma’s Revenge is the name for traveler’s diarrhea in Mexico.) Travelers should avoid this if possible. The easiest way to do this is to avoid drinking tap water. It has to be bottled water. It’s also a good idea to check the seal when you purchase bottled water, to ensure it hasn’t been refilled. This also applies to the ice in Mexico. Big resorts in places like Cancun and Cabo will have filtered ice, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Think about anything else that uses water and be cautious with washed vegetables, unpeeled fruits, etc.
Mexico Travel Tip #2: Don’t Lose Your Immigration Card
Travelers arriving in Mexico will receive an immigration card. It’s typically something that gets filled out on the plane, and upon arrival, the bottom card will be stamped and returned to you. You’ll need this when leaving Mexico, so be sure to keep it in a safe place during your travels. If the immigration card is lost, it’s possible to get a new one at the airport, for a fee.
Mexico Travel Tip #3: Don’t Expect Mexican Food to Be the Same as Back Home
The names may be the same, but the food in Mexico will be very different from, say, Taco Bell in the States. The Mexican food in the States pales in comparison to the Mexican food in Mexico. Don’t just order the familiar items like tacos or quesadillas. Try some new things, like flautas, enchiladas, gorditas or sopes. Even within Mexico, there are many regional dishes, and those are usually really good to try. Just ask the locals what the regional specialty is.
Mexico Travel Tip #4: Don’t Forget to Brush Up on Spanish Before Arriving
Yes, in some places like Cancun or Cabo, English is widely spoken, but even then, Spanish can come in handy. Anyone traveling inland in Mexico needs to know a few basic Spanish phrases. People in Mexico are really fantastic, and they really open up when a visitor speaks a little bit of Spanish.
Watch: Ten Spanish Words Travelers Should Know
Mexico Travel Tip #5: Don’t Forget to Tip
Much like the U.S. people working the service industry in Mexico rely on tips for the bulk of their income. Waiters and bartenders should get 10-20% tip, and for credit card transactions, sometimes it’s automatically added. Cleaning staff at the hotels also rely on tips, and it’s recommended to tip between 50-100 pesos per day.
Mexico Travel Tip #6: Don’t Take the First Price
Haggling is a big part of shopping in Mexico. Any markets or street vendors will quote a higher initial price, with the expectation that some haggling will take place. This also applies to taxis, where prices are negotiated before the trip begins. Constant bargaining can get annoying after a while, but it’s just part of shopping in Mexico. In the very touristy areas of Mexico, even tour prices can sometimes be negotiated.
Mexico Travel Tip #7: Don’t Miss the Chance to Hang Out With Locals
With just a little bit of Spanish, the people of Mexico are very open and friendly, wanting to share their country and culture with visitors. I once met several Mexican girls who spent three days showing me around Guadalajara, and even took me to their grandmother’s house to eat. Anytime you have a chance to hang out with locals, don’t pass it up! (While the Mexican people are very friendly, the same can’t always be said for the stray dogs running the streets. Don’t pet them!)
Mexico Travel Tip #8: Don’t Drive, Especially at Night
Unless driving is absolutely necessary, it’s not recommended for tourists. The public buses between cities are really good, so driving isn’t really necessary. For travelers who choose to drive in Mexico, don’t drive at night. In the mountains, extra caution is required. Roads can be dangerous, but you also might run into some unsavory or unethical police who can shake you down for cash.
Mexico Travel Tip #9: Don’t Lick It, Slam It, Suck It
When drinking tequila in Mexico, it’s better to sip and enjoy it rather than downing shots as we’re used to in the States. The tequila in Mexico is so good, and smooth, you will want to savor it rather than slam it. For those who prefer to mix their tequila, there’s usually a grapefruit soda available and it’s really tasty!
Mexico Travel Tip #10: Don’t Think Cabo & Cancun Are Representative of Mexico
There is so much more to Mexico than the big tourist resorts. This is like assuming all of the U.S. is like Orlando or New York. Places like Cabo and Cancun are geared towards tourists, with a lot of Mexican culture stripped away. Travelers who venture beyond the tourist resort areas are rewarded with the “real Mexico.” Tourist resorts are great, too, but there’s so much more to see around Mexico.
Don’t worry about having a great time in Mexico! It’s practically guaranteed, with all the great people, food and culture to experience. For more Mexico travel tips, check out some of our other videos and blog posts: