Travel Tips
You don’t have to be an expert in Mexican culture and traditions to be respectful and courteous and have an enjoyable visit
in this beautiful country. If you haven’t traveled extensively in foreign countries, don’t worry. Mexico is very American-friendly
and it’s easy to get around and to make yourself understood.
To ensure that your trip is a success, read through some of our basic Mexico travel tips. If you have any additional suggestions that you would like to share with your fellow travelers, submit them to us via e-mail.
- The voltage in Mexico is the same as in the U.S. and Canada. Generally, there is no need to bring an adaptor (One less thing to pack!), unless your appliance does not have a flat blade plug.
- You are not in the U.S., so don’t expect everything to function like at home. There really is such a thing as Mexican time, and getting angry usually doesn’t help. Just relax and realize that eventually you’ll get the beer that you ordered. Plus, you are on vacation.
- As a tourist, you’re pretty much expected to haggle and bargain (regatear) when buying souvenirs, pottery, etc. However, don’t try this in shopping malls, upscale boutiques, and department stores such as Sanborns. When you do bargain, try to pay a fair price for the work while not feeling like you are being taken advantage of.
- You will find that no one ever seems to have change in Mexico. This is of course a popular way for not giving you correct change back when you purchase something. So, bring lots of coins and small bills. You will need numerous 1, 5, 10, 20 pesos, and some 10, 20, and 50 centavo coins. Try to use 20, 50, 100, and 200 peso bills instead of the larger denominations (unless it’s at an upscale establishment), because chances are – you guessed it – the merchant won’t have change.
- Traveler’s diarrhea, also known by the more eloquent “Montezuma’s Revenge” is a common traveler’s illness. You can prevent it by sticking to bottled water, not eating at the very enticing street food stands, eating only fruit that you can peel, and washing your hands or using hand sanitizer before you eat.
-- By Judy Jenner
- Mexicans are among the most welcoming and friendly people in the world. You should return the favor, be courteous, smile, and use what you learned in survival Spanish.
- Before you start taking pictures of indigenous people (including handicraft sellers, etc.), ask their permission. If you can’t say “¿Puedo sacar una foto?” just point at your camera, nod, and smile.
-- By Judy Jenner
- In beachside communities, casual wear is the norm. However, when inland, dress more conservatively, especially when you are in Mexico City (a chic urban environment), unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb in your shorts and Tevas.
- Remember that Mexico is, contrary to popular belief, a very conservative and Catholic country. If you are touring or attending services at a church dress appropriately. Men should remove their hats while in a church.
-- By Judy Jenner
- All beaches in Mexico are government property, so technically, there’s no such thing as a private beach. So, respect local customs and wear both pieces of your bikini.
- If you are going to the beach, especially in the Caribbean, bring mosquito repellent with you unless you’re willing to pay a steep markup at local shops.
-- By Judy Jenner
