You’ve come to the right place because I have lived in Mexicosince 2018 — and I’ve laid out the 50 best tips for travel right here.
By the end of this article, you’ll discover all the tips for traveling to Mexico that will make your trip smoother, safer and more enjoyable.
After living in Mexico, and traveling to half the states in the country, the 50 useful Mexico travel tips you’ll find in this article are the ones I wish I knew before traveling to Mexico!
Here, you’ll find out everything from Mexico travel safety tips, how to pick the best street food when visiting Mexico, packing tips for Mexico — and, basically, all the things to know when traveling to Mexico.
Ready to find out the Top 50 travel in Mexico tips? Let’s get to this Ultimate Travel Guide to Mexico, so you can have the best vacation ever.
If there are any travel tips to Mexico that you must be very clear on, it’s this one.
Mexico water is not safe to drink — and you can’t drink the water in Mexico that comes from the tap unless you boil it.
Put simply, the tap water in Mexico is not safe for human consumption. No one drinks it — not locals, not Mexico expats (like me), and not travelers (like you).
Now, if you take the time to boil it, you can then safely consume Mexico water. However, the easier option is simply to buy bottled water and purified water.
With this Water-To-Go Bottle, you’re not only practicing sustainable and responsible tourism in Mexico by not constantly buying single-use plastic water bottles, but these bottles also filter your drinking water.
They have a built-in, three-stage filter that filters automatically.
“Water-To-Go bottles filter 99.99999% of water-borne contaminants including bacteria, parasites, toxins, chemicals, microplastics and heavy metals,” according to their website.
This is your best line of defense so you don’t get sick in Mexico from the water.
If there’s one thing certain of all Mexico trips and vacations anywhere in the world, it’s that something will not go according to plan!
That’s not meant to scare you — just the opposite.
It’s actually meant to make you think about these things and prepare for them before you need to when it’s already too late!
Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.
As you came to this article for travel tips, Mexico travel insurance is up there with the most important of all tips for Mexico travelers (and all travelers).
If you plan on renting a car in Mexico, you have the option to add in car insurance on the Explorer Plan with World Nomads.
This often ends up being cheaper buying it from the car rental companies.
3. Double check the weather reports
Mexico is a huge country; the 14th largest country on Earth, actually.
While many head to the country to visit the best beaches in Mexico, those visiting inland cities will encounter colder climates so do check the forecasts — one of the most important things to know about Mexico before you go.
In fact, one of the best travel tips for Mexico City specifically, is to pack layers.
Temperatures can fluctuate from 80°F (26°C) during the day to 45°F (7°C) at night in winter, so layers help.
VPNs basically allow you to create a secure connection over a shared connection.
When you’re using free coffee shop WiFi, for example, you’re digitally connected to all the other people in that cafe on that same shared network.
🚨 Since you’re on free, shared WiFi more when traveling than at home — you’re also more prone to nefarious attacks.
Being on an open network means others have relatively easy access to your information.
In a worse case scenario, someone can steal your passwords, debit card and credit card info, travel itinerary, and other private things on any device you connect from — be is phone, laptop and/or tablet.
This is where the VPN comes in.
The VPN disguises your connection, so your information is essentially invisible to anyone looking to do anything nefarious.
By and large, all museums are closed on Mondays in Mexico.
Some of the best things to do in Mexico on a Monday is visit the archeological sites and ruins in Mexico — like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan.
Those place will be open, while museums will be closed, so save your visit to the ruins for Mondays.
Besides museums, some restaurants, boutique shops and more are also closed Mondays, so double check specific places before making plans for your Mondays in Mexico.
If there is something on your Must SeeMexico bucket list, purchase tickets in advance so you don’t miss out.
While there are certain things that generally sell out each day, like the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, some tours also require a minimum number of people to go.
This means the earlier you buy, the sooner the tour operator knows they are closer to hitting their quota.
No — Passport holders from the United States, Canada, Japan and the Schengen countries (which includes most Europeans) don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico.
Coming from another country? Check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
For those who don’t need a Mexico visa, there is one piece of paperwork you need to know about: The FMM.
🤔 What is a Mexico FMM?
When you arrive and go through Immigration, you’ll submit your Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM).
The FMM (sometimes abbreviated as FMT), and you’ll either get one on the plane or in the airport once you land.
As you clear Immigration, the officer will remove the bottom one-third of the form and give it back to you.
This is your 180-day (6 month) FMM Tourist Card. (⚠️ Note: Not everyone gets 6 months these days, but there are ways to help your chances.)
The FMM is a five-inch by five-inch piece of paper you must have on you at all times while traveling Mexico.
🚨 Don’t lose your FMM
You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as it proves you’re in the country legally.
Also, you’ll need to give it back to an Immigration officer when you leave the country.
Without returning your FMM, you can’t leave the country!
If you lost your FMM, plan to arrive to the airport one hour earlier than normal as you’ll need to fill out some paperwork.
You’ll also have to pay the $600 pesos ($30 USD) fine for a new one.
⚠️ Update about FMM Mexico Visas
Many airports have stopped issuing FMMs, and now just use a passport stamp.
Some still use the stamp though, and both the stamp and paper FMM are valid.
9. Get permission before taking photos
GuanajuatoCity is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico to photograph.
Before taking photos of people (especially children), artwork where the artist is present, items for sale in mercados(markets), etc., make sure you get permission from the person or vendor before taking a photo.
10. Bring earplugs (Mexico is loud)
Mexico is a fun, festive country, which also means it can be loud! This goes for all parts of the country, and especially in big cities like Mexico Cityand Guadalajara.
It’s not uncommon for tamale vendors to walk up and down the streets starting at 7am screaming to anyone who wants to buy breakfast.
Beyond food vendors, there’s a Mexico holiday at least once or twice a month, and with holidays, come late-night fireworks.
You probably get the idea by now, but know that if you’re a light (or even medium) sleeper, you’ll want some good noise canceling ear plugs for Mexico.
This is one of the most common (though misguided, IMO) safety tips for traveling to Mexico.
Though Mexican resort towns are wonderful, they aren’t the only safe places, and you don’t need to be restricted to your resort.
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
Carlos Barron, 25-year FBI veteran (Source: Forbes)
As one of the most culturally-rich countries on Earth, you won’t possibly get a real sense of Mexico at an all-inclusive resort.
12. Apply sunscreen daily
Make sure to pack one of these best sunscreens for Mexico when your traveling to Mexico. (Photo: Canva, Mexico travel writer Mexico travel blogger Mexico travel tips)
Mexico is close to the Equator, so make sure to use sunscreen.
This is one of the more useful tips for Mexico all inclusive travel at the beach, but even applies to cities in Mexico cities on cloudy days.
Head here for tips on how to meet people while traveling. (Photo: Canva, Mexico travel writer Mexico travel blogger Mexico travel tips)
Mexicans are, by and large, very friendly. In fact, Blue Zones says Mexicans are some of the friendliest and happiest people on Earth.
While the internet, Facebook groups, even blogs and YouTube videos can offer you info on wherever you’re travelling in Mexico — there’s nothing better than the advice and tips from a local.
Mexico locals can let you know what to see, what to avoid and maybe even some fun Mexico facts.
14. Learn basic Spanish
This is one of the more important traveling tips for Mexico — brush up on your Spanish before your Mexico trip.
As a visitor, you get more respect and leeway from locals when you at least try to speak Spanish, especially everyday basics and casual niceties.
In Mexico’s cities, you’ll find English-speakers, but when venturing off the beaten path in Mexico to smaller towns and pueblos, fewer and fewer people speak English (if any).
Taking the time to learn a few words and phrases in Spanish is a sign of respect, and will help you travel easier.
This isn’t to say you’re 100% guaranteed safety when traveling to Mexico — you’re not!
However, if you stay aware of yourself and your belongings, you will more than likely be safe in Mexico.
16. Don’t stress over Mexico travel safety
The thing with all travel is, you’re stepping into the unknown. For many, this is why you travel in the first place!
Just as there’s no point in stressing over anything you can’t control, it’s unnecessary to stress yourself out over safe travel in Mexico. Be aware; but don’t stress.
…at the end of the day, personal safety comes down to common sense… Always think of safety and security as something that’s part of your trip.
Carlos Barron, 25-year FBI veteran (Source: Forbes)
Statistics show travelers are very safe in Mexico. However, that doesn’t mean travel safety in Mexico is a guarantee.
(Actually, it’s not a guarantee anywhere; now even your hometown).
In Mexico, you must remain aware of your surroundings, watch your alcohol intake, stay hydrated, take an Uber home at night, and most importantly, listen to your intuition.
The U.S. offers free travel safety services through the STEP Program to all U.S. citizens traveling abroad.
STEP stands for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and you can read all about it and register here.
In short, STEP lets the closest U.S. Consulate or Embassy to where you’re traveling know where you’ll be staying, for how long and other info about your trip.
In the event of a lost passport, natural disaster or civil unrest, the U.S. government will know how to find you and get you safely back into the U.S.
🤔 Unsure if you need a SIM card in Mexico? Head to this article to find out all the reasons you do.
Even with a SIM card, the WiFi signal can go in and out so you’ll want a backup option for maps so you don’t get lost.
Two of the best offline maps for Mexico are Google Maps and Maps.me; both free options.
20. Join online expat groups
Some experiences are more fun with a group, like going sailing in Cabo — one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico.
Online networking is one of the easiest ways to make friends while traveling solo. To network online, Facebook Groups are a great way to get Mexico travel tips.
While some groups are more helpful (and friendlier) than others, consider joining a few groups for expats in the city or cities you’re visiting.
To find expat groups (expat is short for expatriate), head to Facebook and type “expats in [city name]” in the search.
While a bit pricey, even long-term travelers and fellow travel bloggers often keep theirs for more than a decade — and then end up buying another Osprey to replace it.
🎒 Need more reasons to pack light for Mexico?
Older buildings in historic areas often don’t have elevators, so you’ll have to lug your suitcase(s) up and down flights of stairs.
Cars in Mexico tend to be of the compact size, so you’ll also have to scrabble to cram everything into a tiny Uber or taxi trunk, to then carry it up the stairs in your elevator-less Airbnb.
If you’re considering traveling light or backpacking in Mexico, check out the options above.
In 2020, Mexico really began cracking down in major cities and popular tourism destinations with a ban on single use plastic bags.
As more and more pueblos (small towns) follow suit, a reusable shopping bag that folds down into a tiny pouch, is ideal for Mexico travel.
Once folded down into their smallest size, you can clip the bag onto the side of your purse so it’s always ready to fill with colorful Mexico souvenirs from small craft mercados (markets).
Though they fold down small, you’d be surprised how much you can store per bag.
Since Mexico is so close to the Equator, you’ll likely feel hotter even if the temperatures don’t seem elevated.
One of the easiest ways to stay cool is by wearing this cute sun hat — which isn’t just one of the tips for traveling to Mexico all-inclusive, but a tip that comes in handy in cities also.
26. Opt for flats over heels and wedges
First off: If you’re planning on climbing Mayan Ruins in Mexico, you’ll definitely need comfy footwear.
Second: Mexico’s cute cobblestone streets and city sidewalks aren’t the easiest to walk on — especially in older historic areas.
You’ll need to pay more attention to the ground when you’re walking than what you might be used to.
For your own safety, comfort and ease of walking, you’ll want to opt for flats over heels or even wedges.
In Mexico, you tip servers and bartenders, Uber and taxi drivers, manicurists, tour guides, and anyone who provides a service.
This includes tipping in Cancun, tipping in Mexico City, tipping in Cabo, tipping in Puerto Vallarta, tipping at all inclusive resorts — and tipping in Mexico anywhere.
In professional places, like restaurants and salons, customary Mexico tip rates are 15-20%.
For taquerias and street food stands where you don’t actually have a server, I leave the cooks/employees a few pesos in coins.
As appropriate tipping amounts can be a hotly debated topic, keep in mind that you should always tip generously for good service.
💸 Tipping in Mexico with Credit Cards
The procedure for tipping on a card in Mexico is one of the top things to know about traveling to Mexico that is very much unlike what you’re used to in the U.S.
When paying with a card, they will add in the tip before running the card, and you have to indicate the amount you want to leave.
An easy way to do this is by saying Más veinte por ciento, por favor, or “Add in 20%, please.’
You can also request to add in a specific amount, and not a percentage. To do that, you’d say Más cien pesos, por favor, or “Add in $100 pesos, please.”
💸 Note: $100 pesos is about $5 USD, or $7 CAD.
Best Tips for Mexico Travel
31. Don’t exchange money in Mexico
For the most part, the way you lose the most money to currency exchange fees is by changing dollars to pesos through a private company.
💸Mexico Travel Money Tip:Withdraw money only during the times the bank is actually open. This way, if there’s any issues, someone from the bank can help.
Since cash is the preferred method of payment, you’ll find ATMs all over the place — and often in very random places, like just on a street corner in a main tourist area.
There are also ATMs in convenience stores, but try not to use these either. Your best bet is to look for a bank where you can go inside and use their ATM.
This is good for both your safety and privacy, and because if there’s a problem using the street or convenience ATMs, it can be difficult to get in touch with the owner.
33. Avoid ATMs on paydays and peak times
On paydays (called quincena), usually the 15th and 30th of the month, you’ll see long lines of people at ATMs.
If you can avoid it, don’t use ATMs on these days.
You’ll also want to avoid ATMs during the busiest hours of the day, about 5-7pm, when people are getting off work.
34. Price haggling in Mexico isn’t the norm
Depending on who you ask, some will say haggling is acceptable. However, most won’t — especially those who actually live in Mexico (like me).
Where I live in Merida, Mexico, one of the largest Mayan artisanal craft stores actually had a sign indicating not to price-haggle.
Now, if you’re somewhere like a local mercado (market), and you’re looking at something but then begin to walk away, and that vendor offers it at a lower price — then it’s obviously OK to negotiate with the person.
🚕💨 Price haggling in Mexico Taxis
Occasionally, taxi drivers will haggle and negotiate a fare with you, particularly in touristic areas where they’re used to people doing it.
However, this isn’t generally the norm in Mexican culture.
You can try to negotiate, of course, but don’t be surprised if they just drive away when you try to haggle. (I’ve had this done to me before!)
In short: Price haggling and price negotiations in Mexico aren’t as common as in Asia or the Middle East.
They aren’t exactly a hard no, but there’s a chance doing so will be seen as offensive.
Not all Mexico car rental companies are created equal — and in fact, the Mexico car rental scam is one of the most well known.
In short, they advertise prices as low as $10 USD per day, but with fees, insurance, and whatever else, you end up paying about $35 USD per day.
For this reason, consider only car rentals from a well-reviewed company. Discover Cars is the company I both recommend, and use, on any Mexico road trip.
They also offer the cheapest Mexico driving insurance I have ever found — about $7-10 USD per day for full coverage.
Note: You need Mexico car insurance to drive to Mexico and drive in Mexico, and your U.S. policy won’t be accepted.
36. Inter-country Mexico flights are cheap
Many underestimate the size of Mexico, but it is actually the 14th largest country on Earth!
If your trip involves covering a lot of geographic distance, don’t assume a rental car or even a bus will be cheaper than flying.
In Mexico, you’ll find several low-cost Mexican airlines, like Volaris, AeroMexico and VivaAerobus with flights going all over the country.
Of the three, VivaAerobus has about as good of a reputation as Spirit Airlines in the U.S., but they are often the cheapest.
ADO has several classes of buses, though all their buses are generally comfortable. The classes are
ADO Primera — Clase Primera (First Class), their basic buses, which are still nice
ADO GL — GranLujo (Deluxe Class), one class up from Clase Primera, with nicer amenities
ADO Platino — ClaseLujo (Executive Class), the best ADO buses they have, which are the Merida to Cancun bus equivalent of flying first class!
Even with a standard bus ticket, you’ll have AC, a large comfy reclining seat, outlet for your gadgets and bathroom.
The luxury class buses also have WiFi, and usually aren’t much more money.
Best Tips for Mexico Travel
38. Use Uber in Mexico over public transport
Mexico Travel Tip: There is no Lyft in Mexico, but there is Uber and DiDi, and a few others.
One of the top safe traveling in Mexico tips is to skip public transportation. Now, that’s not to say it’s unsafe; rather, that Uber tends to be much safer.
Uber and taxi rates are comparable, but Uber cars are nicer, you don’t have to negotiate the price, or have to have cash to pay.
If you have a U.S. Uber account, it will work in Mexico, but you must be on WiFi or have cellular data to call one — so don’t forget your Mexico SIM card.
Rates of course vary, but Uber costs about 50% less in Mexico than in the U.S., on top of the great monetary exchange rate — so figure about $7 USD for a 30 minute ride.
As in the U.S., Mexico taxis can be a bit sketchy, so for safety, I personally only recommend using Uber in Mexico.
🚨 Uber isn’t everywhere in Mexico
For now, Uber is not available in all Mexico states — namely Quintana Roo state (where you’ll find Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya), Oaxaca state and Chiapas state.
In those states, you’ll need to use taxis, public transport, orrent a car.
39. Agree on the taxi fare before getting in
In the city of Taxco, Mexico, all the taxis are vintage white VW bugs!
In Mexico, you’ll ask the taxi driver the rate from where you are to where you’re headed.
After they will tell you, you’ll verbally agree, you then you can get in and go.
The taxis in Mexico have no meters, and fares tend to have standard rates by zone.
If the driver tells you a price you’re unhappy with, you can offer a lower price, but there’s a good chance they will say no and drive off, as the rates pre-set.
As mentioned in Tip #34, Mexico isn’t known for price haggling, but that doesn’t mean many people don’t do it anyway.
Best Tips for Mexico Travel
40. Avoid public transport during rush hour
If you do opt for public transportation, try to avoid it from about 7am-9am, and 5pm-7pm.
In Mexico, especially big cities, people squish in like sardines to get to and from work.
During this hectic time of day, you’re also at the highest risk of getting pickpocketed.
Mexico Food Tips
41. Test the salsa before eating it
You never know how spicy a salsa will be — so always try them before adding any to your food. (Photo: Canva, Mexico travel writer Mexico travel blogger Mexico travel tips)
The point of salsa is to add the “heat’ element to food, so they are always spicy, to some degree.
Before putting salsa all over your food, test it out by putting a small drop on your hand in the area between your thumb and pointer finger, like many locals do.
🌶Mexico Travel Tips:Learn how to ask Is this spicy?(¿Esto pica?), and say Not spicy, please(Sin picante, por favor), if you don’t like spicy foods.
42. Sip your tequila and mezcal
Contrary to popular belief, tequila and mezcal, the most famous liquors in Mexico, are meant to be savored and sipped — not taken as shots.
If you’re planning to drink a lot, one of the most important tips when traveling to Mexico is to pack these Anti-Hangover Meds from Liquid IV.
This is an Amazon best seller with more than 104,000 positive reviews (and counting).
Mexican food has been recognized by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” a designation it shares with just one other country, France.
This basically means Mexican food is a gift to mankind — so if you go to Mexico and skip street food entirely, you’re really missing out.
As a country with some of the best street food in the world — and a lot of stands to choose from — the key with street food in Mexico is picking the right place.
To do so, use these four tips to pick safe, delicious, cheap Mexican street food:
Find a place that has a line: They aren’t fun to wait in, but do indicate the food is good and the place is hygienic — or else people wouldn’t wait to eat there.
Look for somewhere with a lot of cabs parked in front: Taxi drivers usually know the best cheap eats and street food in Mexico.
Make sure there are at least two employees: One should be cooking and other should only handle the money.
Look for a large jug of hand sanitizer: If you don’t see one, the employees likely aren’t using any.
Mexico and tacos go together like milk and cookies, and you’ll certainly find tacos everywhere.
However, depending on where you’re headed, the best food in that state or region might not be tacos, so make sure to sample the authentic Mexican food in that area too.
Here are some examples of foods from different states you’ll want to be on the lookout for:
Jalisco State: Try birria and tortas ahogadas in Jalisco state, home to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Tequila and more.
Yucatan Peninsula: Try cochinita pibil, panuchos, salbutes, sopa de lima and marquesitas, Yucatan food staples in the Yucatan Peninsula, home to Tulum, Cancun, Mérida, Playa del Carmen, etc.
Puebla State: Try mole poblano and cemitas in Puebla state, located next to Mexico City.
Mexico Travel Tips: Don’t skip the street food, and don’t forget to tip your taquero.
Tipping procedures and rates are the same in Mexico as in the U.S., and you’ll want to tip anyone providing you a service — including servers, bartenders, street food vendors, Uber and taxi drivers, etc.
💳 Tipping on Credit Card in Mexico: For more information about how to tip on a credit card, head to Tip #30 above.
In restaurants and bars, tip rates are 15-20%.
For taquerias and street food stands, tipping is less-common, though I still leave a few pesos (usually just my change from the food I ate).
Of course, do feel free to tip generously in Mexico, and only use those percentages as a guide.
If someone goes above and beyond for you, they’d certainly appreciate a tip for doing so.
Best Tips for Mexico Travel
Mexico Bathroom Travel Tips
You might see the words baño or sanitario, or the abbreviation WC, for Mexico restrooms. (Photo: Canva, Mexico travel writer Mexico travel blogger Mexico travel tips)
While not the sexiest of tips for travelling to Mexico, this bathroom knowledge will surely come in handy.
As far as tips for travelers to Mexico, I saved the best for last with #50 — as I’ve seen more than one unfortunate “wrong restroom” incident.
47. Public bathrooms aren’t always free
Public bathrooms in most indoor places, like grocery stores, malls and museums will be free.
However, restrooms in mercados(markets), downtown areas, and other places for locals may cost between $5-10 pesos (about 25¢), and you will need coins to access them.
48. Carry a pack of tissues
Inside of said restrooms, as well as at gas stations, off the beaten path pueblos (small towns), crowded tourist attractions, etc., toilet paper can often be MIA.
Do yourself a favor and carry around a small pack of tissues, which do come in handy as more than just TP.
49. Don’t flush your TP
Mexico’s sewage infrastructure isn’t the same as in the U.S., so to be on the safe side — don’t flush toilet paper.
There are places where it’s considered safe, so double check with your accommodation to get their say, but in public it’s better to be on the safe side and throw it away.
50. “M” bathrooms are for women
Knowing some Spanish goes a long way — especially with bathroom signs and restaurant menus! Rocket Spanish is one of the best online programs to learn Spanish fast.
This is perhaps the most important of all travel tips Mexico visitors need to hear!
The “M” sign on a bathroom door stands for mujeres, or women. You may also see the letter “D” for damas, meaning ladies, or just the woman in a dress icon.
🚺 Women’s Bathrooms: M or D — Indicating mujeres (women) and damas (ladies).
🚹 Men’s Bathrooms: H or C — Indicating hombres (men) and caballeros (gentlemen).
🚾 All Bathrooms: You might see the bathroom labeled as baño (restroom) and WC, or “water closet”
My Final Thoughts on The Best Tips for Mexico Travel
As neighboring countries, the U.S. and Mexico aren’t too dissimilar — though there are plenty of differences.
Beyond verbal communication issues, most things are easily navigable by being friendly, patient and humble.
The 50 tips for traveling in Mexico in this article are the ones that come up often, both in my DMs and in Mexico travel forums online, though it’s by no means an exhaustive list.
I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and still discover new ways I can be more integrated and culturally-appropriate.
These tips aren’t about being perfect; rather they are a guide to help you be prepared for different customs so they don’t frustrate you and throw you off.
In the end, the best Mexico tips of all are to be kind, not assume things are done the same as they are in the U.S., and have fun.
Whether this is your first trip to Mexico, you’ve been before and will be exploring Mexico a bit more in-depth this time, or you’re doing a long-term one month in Mexico trip — these are my best tips for all Mexico travelers.
I hope they help you when visiting Mexico 🇲🇽 If want to hear these tips in audio form, it’s now available as a Mexico podcast.
Head here to listen to Episode #43, which covers these 50 Tips on Traveling to Mexico.
