Tips on Traveling in Mexico
After spending (on and off) over 2 years in Mexico I want to share some tips on travelling and staying in Mexico.
Mostly this is my personal experience mixed with some second hand accounts and local advice.
What to consider when travelling to Mexico?
Although it is generally safer than it is portrayed in the media, there are some things to look out for when visiting Mexico.
You can read the whole thing or just take my list of dos. Here they are:
Credit Card - Make sure to always check your receipt after making a payment
To exchange Cash, use the exchange office in Mexico City Airport (outside the security zone)
Stay Hydrated and Wear Sun Protection
Follow the mob when choosing Street Food
Don't drink water from the tap
3 - Have fun and enjoy the culture
Practise some basic spanish and use it
Use authorised Taxis or Rideshare services
When booking a tour check for reviews of other travellers
If you do not have to, avoid public transport.
Dos:
1 - Money
Credit Card - Make sure to always check your receipt after making a payment
Although in more than 2 years,it only happened to me once in Mexico, that something was charged to my credit card that was not right. I have heard some stories and especially locals make me constantly aware of the importance of keeping your eyes open when making payments.
To exchange Cash, use the exchange office in Mexico City Airport (outside the security zone)
Contrary to popular advice I have found the best exchange rate to be the one at the Airport in Mexico City outside of the security zone.
Cash Machines are usually not the best option, but this also depends on your bank. When using Wise (formerly TransferWise) the rate could even be better or equal to what you would get at the exchange booth.
2 - Health and Hygiene
Stay Hydrated and Wear Sun Protection
The sun in Mexico can be intense, although it does not seem like it when it is cloudy. . Bring sunscreen, a hat, and drink plenty of water. Depending on where you fly in, also consider that you might face considerable altitudes (e.g. Mexico City: 2240 metres/7350 feet) which can require even more hydration and makes the sun more intense as well. I do not know how that actually works, but I guess its proximity.
Follow the mob when choosing Street Food
Make sure that there are other people eating at the stands or restaurants where you order. That's the mexican way to assess an unknown street vendor and I have found it to be a good rule of thumb.
Don't drink water from the tap
The water from the tap is mostly NOT drinking water in Mexico, if it is not filtered. That is why you will see “garrafones” (big water canisters) in most houses and living places. Make sure to stock up on water bottles for your hotel room or AirBnB to not run out of drinking water at night. You will get big water containers at most small tiendas in Mexico.
3 - Have fun and enjoy the culture
Practise some basic spanish and use it
In the more touristy places a lot of Mexicans will be able to speak some basic English, but it will change your experience big time if you practise the basics and use it deliberately. Sometimes the locals can be timid to speak and even if not they are very grateful for your effort and show that through their loving hospitality.
Try the local food
It can be a bit intimidating as a foreigner without speaking the language, but if you have practised your essential Spanish beforehand and check for the hygienic conditions, you will not regret trying something new.
Enjoy the mexican culture
There are so many ways to enjoy Mexican culture, but when I first came here, I really enjoyed how the people treated each other. This might seem like rose coloured glasses of a tourist, and partly it sure is. But there is a lot to like about Mexican hospitality, inclusiveness and respect.
4 - Crime and Safety
Use authorised Taxis or Rideshare services
Since you are reading this list you are most likely not very accustomed to travelling in Mexico. In that case, I would not recommend renting a car, since depending on the place you are visiting, you can become an easy target for police corruption.
Also I would advise using exclusively authorised taxis or rideshare services like Uber or Didi if you can. You can have your hotel call a taxi for you and confirm the number of the taxi when they arrive.
Sidenote: Uber will not always be available, depending on the city you are visiting.
Don’t Display Valuables
Avoid drawing attention with expensive jewellery or gadgets, especially in non-touristy areas. I like to tell friends and family that are visiting that, because of the lower income here, your Iphone draws more attention to a person who is willing to take advantage of you then it would do back home.
When booking a tour check for reviews of other travellers
Although these are exceptions, you do not want to be the one who falls for an unsafe or unserious tour experience. Make sure to verify either through your own research or through your hotel/host which tours are safe to take.
Be aware of corruption
Apart from one experience with the highway-police I have not been a victim of corruption but I have heard quite some 2nd hand accounts, which lead me to believe that this is something to be aware of. Also I have heard a lot of stories about corruption in the government, but I do not think it does any good to recount them here.
If you do not have to, avoid public transport.
There is nothing terribly wrong with public transport in Mexico, but the reality is, if you are not planning to stay for a long time, in need to save money, or already acquainted with Mexico or the language, it is just unnecessary complicated.
Taxis and Uber are cheap. I see a lot of people wearing their backpacks in front when stepping out of the bus, which could be a sign for lack of safety.
If you are on the fence if you want to go to Mexico or still have questions, if no one else can help, and if you contact me, maybe I can help.