36 Essential Mexico Travel Tips for Your First Time in Mexico

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Are you seeking Mexico travel tips? These essential Mexico travel tips are sure to help your trip go smoothly. Remember these Mexico travel tips as you plan your journey.

These tips below are Mexico travel tips that I’ve learned over the last 8 years living and traveling through Mexico on my own. The first and most essential Mexico travel tip is to find an affordable flight. Every Mexican travel tip counts toward making your trip enjoyable.

It has been a long time since my first visit to Mexico, 16 years ago, but I recently had the opportunity to see the culture through fresh eyes when one of my oldest friends came to visit me. My best friend kept going on and on.

👉 Stay at the best hotels in Mexico by using Booking.com. Make a reservation using my discount code. Just click the link above.

When planning your trip, consider incorporating various Mexico travel tips that locals swear by for a richer experience.

These Mexico travel tips can also help you avoid common pitfalls that many tourists face.

One thing she kept mentioning was related to all of these Mexico travel trips that she learned about and was taught by locals in many areas in Mexico.

It captivated my interest profoundly, and this occurred during my late twenties.

If I were a better friend (and a better planner), I would have written down notes about what she was trying to explain to me regarding her advice on Mexico Travel Tips.

Whether it’s about food safety or cultural customs, these Mexico travel tips are essential for any traveler.

Staying informed about these Mexico travel tips can enhance your experience greatly.

Instead, she had to learn on the go and help serve as a case study to remind us of these important details and cultural differences! Thanks, girl! I miss you!

Some Mexico travel tips you might find vital include local dining etiquette and transportation advice.

The travel tips for Mexico are priceless, and they changed the course of my life!

We tailor these Mexico travel tips to ensure tourists maximize their time in the country.

There’s a lot of misleading (or perhaps outdated) travel advice for Mexico floating around out there. This includes hotly debated topics such as “ice or no ice?” and “pesos vs. US dollars.”

I’m weighing in on all of it!

I’m also covering some of the more mundane things you should know before traveling to Mexico that are difficult to anticipate if you’ve never been before.

So, take note of these Mexico travel tips as you embark on your journey!

This includes safety tips, how to navigate the different forms of transportation, cultural nuances, the best places to visit in mexico during winter, money-saving tips for Mexico, and more.

Remember, implementing these Mexico travel tips can significantly improve your travel experience.

Hopefully, these Mexico travel tips will ensure your first trip to Mexico is fun and worry-free!

General Mexico Travel Tips

This collection of tips will help you blend in a little more and save you from confusion during your travels.

1. You (probably) won’t be given a tourist card

If you’ve visited Mexico before, you may remember receiving a paper tourist card (FMM) to fill out.

Immigration used to stamp this form with the number of days you could stay in Mexico and return it.

You were then responsible for keeping the form and returning it to immigration when leaving the country.

Not anymore!

Most airports in Mexico have now switched to digital immigration forms, so you don’t have to worry about retaining this document anymore.

You will still receive a customs declaration (where you list any food, tobacco, etc.) when you arrive in the country, but you won’t have to fill out an FMM form.

Instead, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport, and the immigration agent will scribble the number of days you’re allowed to stay in Mexico inside the stamp!

No need to carry around a pesky immigration card any longer!

2. Get a local SIM card

This is one of the most underrated Mexico travel tips:

If you don’t have a roaming package on your phone, a local SIM card is an easy and inexpensive way to ensure you stay connected during your visit.

It’s so handy to have continuous access to Google Maps for navigation or translation tools so that you can easily translate signs, menus, or conversations as needed.

Plus, the ability to make calls or keep friends and relatives updated with your location is a serious safety perk.

Purchase a Telcel SIM card in an Oxxo, Fasti, or X24 convenience store for about $150 MXN ($11 USD).

Spend $50 MXN on a data plan to get started and download the Mi Telcel app so you can check your balance (saldo, in Spanish) and top up as needed.

You can also buy additional data in an Oxxo at any time.

Pro Tip: The Mi Telcel app will ask for a Mexican zip code when you input your payment information– I used my Wise card to make the purchase and input the local postal code where I was staying, and it worked just fine!

3. Download WhatsApp

If you don’t already have it, be sure to download WhatsApp for your first trip to Mexico.

Most people in Mexico use Whatsapp almost exclusively for calling and messaging.

This includes many businesses, who will message over Whatsapp instead of speaking to customers over the phone. This is awesome because if your Spanish is shaky, the ability to copy texts into a translator is super handy.

If you end up making friends, coordinating tours, or even calling taxi companies, WhatsApp will be the best way to contact them.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with Whatsapp before traveling to Mexico.

4. Tap water isn’t drinkable

The tap water in Mexico is generally not safe to drink. Interestingly, the government rules that the water actually is sanitized and safe to drink.

However, the containers that people use to store the water are almost never cleaned, making it unsafe to drink.

Some homes have water filtration systems installed that enable you to drink water straight from the tap, but this is not the norm. 

While it’s generally safe to use tap water for cooking and brushing your teeth, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer to brush your teeth with bottled water.

That said, I always use tap water and haven’t had any issues.

5. It’s okay to have ice in your drink

I commonly hear travelers cautioning one another against getting ice in their drinks. There is a lot of skepticism over whether the ice is made with clean water or not.

In my opinion (and my experience), since the locals don’t drink tap water, they don’t make ice with it, so it is safe to drink.

Long story short: I am confident that the ice in my drinks is safe, and you should be too. If you desire ice, feel free to indulge!

6. Pack a refillable water bottle

The water may not be safe to drink, but repeatedly buying single-use plastic water bottles while traveling isn’t an ideal solution. It’s terrible for the environment and hard on your wallet.

Save yourself the trouble by packing a lifestraw water bottle, which filters bacteria and protozoa from water sources, making it safe to drink.

Refill this bottle from the tap in your hotel or Airbnb, and you’ll be all set!

7. DON’T skip the street food

I often hear travelers who are (seemingly) unfamiliar with Mexico advising others not to eat street food when visiting this culinary wonderland.

This is a huge mistake!!

Street vendors have sold me some of the tastiest Mexican food I’ve experienced (and some of the cheapest)!

It may sound dramatic, but my local taco lady literally changed my life. She feeds me the most delicious tacos I’ve ever tasted for the low, low price of 14 pesos each. 

You’ll be missing out if you neglect to try street food in Mexico. 

I understand why there is concern about the cleanliness of the street carts, but there are a few different indicators you can look for to help you judge whether it’s safe or not.

• Crowds are always a positive indication that a cart is safe to eat from. Once someone finds a tasty, sanitary street cart, they’ll come back over and over again.
  
  If they get sick, they’ll be long gone. If you spot a street cart with a group of people around it all chatting jovially, it’s safe to assume they all eat there regularly. 

• Watch how they handle the food and the money. At a trustworthy street cart, such as that of my taco lady, the person who handles the food never handles the money.
  
  As a result, she’s had a healthy crowd of patrons surrounding her cart since I first came across it 10 years ago.  

8. Food doesn’t always pica mucho

If you love spicy food, get used to hearing the phrase “pica mucho.” You’ll hear it every time your tortilla chip, spoon, finger, etc., nears that alluring bowl of green or red salsa.

Many Mexicans can’t believe that we Northerners can handle even a little spice, so they kindly warn us that all salsa is spicy (picante). 

If unsure, taste a drop of salsa on your hand before pouring it on your food.

Occasionally, the salsa is indeed very spicy, and you’ll be glad you tasted it first.

9. It’s not hot everywhere

If you associate Mexico solely with palm trees and beaches, you’re not alone.

While this landscape is typical in many parts of the country, Mexico has a diverse geography, and in some areas, it can actually be frigid in the evening.

Even the beach destinations have months cool enough to warrant wearing jeans.

Wherever you’re headed in Mexico, be sure to research the climate before you finalize your packing list. 

Related Reading: The Ultimate Packing List for Mexico

10. Remember your manners

As easy-going as Mexican culture is, excellent manners are very prevalent. You’ll make a better impression if you exercise extra politeness.

It felt strange at first to me, as a Canadian, to say “buenos dias” and “buenas tardes” to every person I encountered, but I’m becoming more extroverted in that way.

Whenever you visit a shop or restaurant, be prepared to greet the salespeople when you enter and say goodbye when you leave.

Additionally, when in restaurants, you may notice that people say “Provecho” when you’re eating—even strangers passing on the street will do this.

This is a polite gesture that people use to wish you a tasty meal. Using this phrase will earn you extra karmic points.

When you enter a restaurant and pass by a table of people eating, just say “provecho.”

11. Museums are often closed on Mondays

This tip is pretty straightforward. Museums throughout the country are typically closed on Mondays.

This arrangement is because the weekends are usually when they receive the most visitors, and therefore they must remain open.

Instead of giving employees a day off on Sundays (a day that usually offers free admission to Mexican nationals), they close on Monday, which is often a slower day.

While there might be an occasional exception to this rule, it’s generally recommended to schedule museum visits for other days of the week.

12. Kleenex is a lifesaver

The quality of toilet paper, soap, running water, and even toilet seats varies in public restrooms in Mexico.

Always keep a packet of tissues in your purse for unexpected situations.

I’d also recommend carrying hand sanitizer or wet wipes because often there is no soap to wash your hands. 

13. You CAN eat greens

There’s a lot of superstition floating around on the internet about what you should or shouldn’t eat in Mexico.

Salad (namely lettuce) is usually one of the foods that are blacklisted.

I guess the concern is that vegetables are washed with tap water, which isn’t safe to drink and therefore renders them contaminated as well.

Usually, this isn’t true.

The majority of locals wash their vegetables with soap or a vegetable cleaning solution that neutralizes any bacteria or microbes that will make you sick. After all, locals don’t drink tap water either.

They would rather not get sick any more than you do.

14. Don’t be afraid to see a doctor (if you need one)

After living in the US for 5 years, the idea of seeing a doctor usually fills me with dread because no matter how much I paid in insurance premiums, a simple visit always seemed to cost a fortune + parking (Canada, why did I leave you?!). 

In Mexico, things are different.

If you feel the need to see a doctor for any reason during your visit, it’s really easy to do so.

Many of the major pharmacies, like Farmacia del Ahorro or Farmacia de Guadalajara, have their own walk-in clinics called consultorios.

All you have to do is show up, take a seat, and wait for the doctor to see you.

Don’t forget to apply these Mexico travel tips during your visit for a more seamless adventure.

Once inside, describe your symptoms, and the doctor will offer a diagnosis and a list of medications to help you feel better.

Obviously, you’re expected to buy the meds from the adjoining pharmacy.

If you’re suffering from an illness or ailment that may benefit from medical attention, just know that this process is simple and affordable.

You only pay for the meds, which are cheaper than at home, not the consultation. 

All this to say, if you’re sick during your trip, there’s no need to suffer until you get home to your primary care physician.

These consultorios can likely heal you quickly and return you to your regular self without depleting your margarita fund!

And, if you have a more serious illness, a trip to the Emergency room isn’t going to ruin you financially either, especially if you have travel insurance.

If you’re looking for extra tips on how to avoid the dreaded Montezuma’s revenge, a fellow travel blogger put together a great post about how to avoid getting sick in Mexico.

Make sure to check it out before your trip!

Traveling soon? Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for Mexico. Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you can get the help you need if anything goes wrong. EKTA Insurance is the provider that I recommend.

15. Don’t shoot your Tequila

It may be served in a shot glass, but in Mexico, Tequila is usually sipped instead of downed as a shooter.

Drink it however you want, but this is included to help prevent potential party fouls. 

16. Be prepared to adjust your schedule

If you’re from a different country, you may find Mexico’s schedules hard to adjust to.

For instance, typically, everything happens later (and more slowly) in Mexico than you’re likely accustomed to. 

Breakfast hour is usually around 8:30 or 9 am, lunch is between 2 and 4, and dinner is around 9 pm. 

Because breakfast is so late in the morning (at least by the Canadian standard that I was used to), most businesses don’t open until 9 or 10.

This can be difficult to accept when you’re a Type A traveler who is accustomed to getting an early start (*ahem*, Dad, *ahem*). 

It can be difficult to shift your schedule, especially on a short trip, but you’ll risk missing out on the full Mexican experience if you’re the early-to-bed, early-to-rise type.

Not only is the energy in the streets entirely different in the evening when most people are off work, but also many restaurants cater to the traditional Mexican schedule.

Some may not be able to accommodate diners who want to eat at different hours. 

As you work on shifting your schedule to the Mexican one, be sure to carry snacks in case you can’t find a restaurant that’s open at your preferred mealtime.  

17. Familiarize yourself with the bus systems

One of the best Mexico travel tips I can offer is to use long-haul buses to get around. This transportation method is super safe and highly underrated.

It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get from city to city in Mexico.

If you’re planning to do any bus travel in Mexico, you’ll need to know which bus lines serve the area you are visiting. 

I often hear travelers recommending ADO to one another, but ADO only serves southern Mexico (below Mexico City), so if you’re headed to central Mexico, the west coast, or anywhere else, ADO won’t be an option.

If you ARE traveling to southern Mexico, check out my ADO bus guide to help plan your trip.

I put together a guide to buses in Mexico to help you decipher the tangled web of companies that are out there.

There is also a platform called Busbud, which allows you to search timetables for multiple bus lines at once (before, you had to visit their individual websites to do this).

Busbud also accepts payment via foreign credit cards (many bus sites do not), making it a convenient way to book tickets.

18. Carry a reusable shopping bag

Mexico is beginning to make strides to cut down on single-use plastics, but they still have a long way to go.

Help them reduce their plastic waste by carrying a reusable shopper with you during your travels.

It will come in handy time and again, from market days to souvenir shopping and everywhere in between. 

I’m sure you have a favorite bag around the house, but if you need a recommendation, I love Baggu bags.

They’re strong, machine washable, and they come in a compact little pouch, which makes them simple to stash in your purse or backpack. 

Money Tips for Mexico

There are a lot of little nuances when it comes to money in Mexico.

In this section, I’m sharing all the little tips and tricks I’ve learned to help make life easier and blend in more throughout my travels.

19. Always have change on hand

It’s important to always keep some coins and small bills on hand when traveling in Mexico.

You’ll need them for tipping, visiting public restrooms (often they charge a 5 peso fee), or making small purchases.

Many businesses in Mexico can’t (or won’t) make change for bills larger than 200 pesos, so always be prepared with smaller denominations. 

Travel Tip: I like to carry coins and small bills to pay for taxis with exact change. It cuts down on price disputes and makes it quicker and easier to exit the vehicle at the end of the ride.

20. You can use credit and debit cards in many places

Many places in Mexico accept payment with a credit or debit card. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, and even small businesses, especially in cities.

While cash transactions are typically preferred, carrying a large quantity of cash on you isn’t ideal, and most ATMs do charge a fee to withdraw money. 

I like to use a card for larger purchases and save my cash for smaller transactions or places that don’t accept cards at all. Of course, this is just a personal preference.

I don’t like to carry large amounts of cash, so using my card as much as possible enables me to maintain the small amount of cash that I am comfortable carrying.

21. Tipping in Mexico

It is customary to tip in restaurants in Mexico. Most Mexicans will tip 10 – 20%, depending on the quality of service. I generally tip 15 or 20% unless the service is particularly bad.

Just like in Canada and the US, waitstaff in Mexico are often underpaid with the assumption that tips will make up the rest of their wage.

On top of that, the minimum wage in Mexico is around $120 MXN per day.

I don’t think it’s necessary to tip more than 20%, but you should keep in mind that a few pesos could make a big difference to your server.

But servers aren’t the only people who will be expecting a tip. You should also plan to tip tour guides.

The amount obviously depends on your experience and the type of tour you’re on, but I’d say no less than $50 MXN. 

Other people you’ll encounter who expect a tip:

• Individuals who help you with your luggage (a few pesos is customary)
• Cleaning staff in hotels ($50 – 100 MXN per day)
• Baggers in grocery stores ($5 – $10 MXN)
• Shuttle drivers, but only if they help with your luggage ($20 – $50 MXN)

It is not expected that you will tip Taxi drivers. In Canada and the US, taxi drivers all seem to expect a tip, but in Mexico that is just not the case.

Check out my full guide to tipping in Mexico for more info on who and how much to tip.

22. Tip in pesos

There is a common misconception floating around, particularly in resort communities, that Mexican workers prefer to be tipped in US dollars.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I have yet to encounter a local who prefers US dollars to pesos. 

A common justification given for tipping in US dollars is that they are worth more… but it seems easy enough to just tip a comparable number of pesos, no?

When you tip a local in a foreign currency, they are then forced to visit a money exchange or exchange the currency in their bank, where they will usually be charged a conversion fee. 

Not to mention, they’ll have to spend their precious spare time waiting in line at the bank when they’d surely rather be spending time with their family and friends. A typical workweek in Mexico is 6 days on and one day off.

Don’t burden people with chores on their days off!

23. Pay in pesos

I’ve seen many people online asking what currency to bring to Mexico. It boggles my mind that anyone would say anything different than Mexican pesos.

Many people suggest that US dollars are the ideal currency, but their advice is simply incorrect. The local currency (Mexican pesos) is always the best currency to use.

When you pay in dollars, you are usually given a poor exchange rate. Currently, $1 USD is worth about $18 MXN, but when you use American dollars in shops and restaurants, you’re often given an exchange rate of 15 or 16 pesos to the dollar, and sometimes less!

Yes, it may cost a bit to exchange your native currency for pesos, but it will likely save you money in the long run.

24. Which ATMs are best?

If you prefer to deal with cash, the following ATMs are the ones that seem to charge the lowest fees for withdrawing cash.

Keep in mind my bank accounts are in Canada and the US; I’m not certain if the fees are different for banks in other countries.

Here are the banks I use, with their approximate fees (these seem to vary slightly by location, but not much):

• Santander – usually the fee is around 30 pesos
• CI Banco – usually about 17 pesos
• Ban Bajio – about 21 pesos
• BanaMex – about 25 pesos

I avoid HSBC and Bancomer because the fees tend to be high— around 90 pesos. Also, Bancomer is a really popular bank for Mexican nationals, and as such, it often has a long line (I really hate waiting in line).

25. Haggling isn’t actually that common in Mexico

Many people seem to believe that haggling is the name of the game when it comes to shopping in Mexico, but in my experience, this just isn’t the case.

More often than not, prices are as marked, and there’s not much you can do about it. 

Occasionally vendors or taxi drivers may invite you to haggle, particularly in very touristy zones where they’re accustomed to doing it, but it’s not a big part of the culture. 

On top of that, some locals even find it offensive (myself included). I understand the desire to pay a fair price in exchange for whatever you’re buying, but I’ve witnessed many tourists simply trying to drive the price down as low as possible.

Always remember, the person selling to you probably has a family to feed.

In my experience, prices in Mexico are low enough already. If you’re not content with what something costs, you’re better off looking for a different option. 

On that note, avoid doing your souvenir shopping in the heart of the tourist zones where rent is high. If you venture a couple of blocks away, you’ll often find the same items at a fraction of the cost.

26. Confirm taxi rates in advance

You wouldn’t be the first traveler to end up in a squabble with a taxi driver over a fare. Sometimes taxi drivers will apply a “gringo tax,” which basically means they charge foreigners more than they would charge locals.

It sucks, but it happens.

The best way to avoid this situation is to agree on a fare in advance. You can ask the taxi driver how much it costs to go to your desired destination.

If you don’t agree with his price, feel free to suggest a different one, but make sure you’re on the same page before you get in.

27. Use radio taxis

A great way to avoid haggling over taxi fares is to use radio taxi services. Here’s how it works:

You contact a taxi dispatcher over WhatsApp (you can call or text) and tell them where you want to be picked up and where you’re going.

The dispatcher will tell you the price, the ETA of the driver, and the unit number of the vehicle they’re sending.

Then, when the taxi arrives, you can verify the unit number and the price, and you’re all set.

There are radio taxis in every city. You can get a number for one from your hotel concierge or just go on Facebook and search “radio taxi + [city]” or “taxi + [city]” and take down the WhatsApp number listed.

Not only are radio taxis convenient, but they’re also safe because you can ensure you get in the correct vehicle, and there is a record of who picked you up.

Safety Tips for Mexico

It’s understandable to be concerned about safety if you’ve never visited Mexico before. After all, everyone and their crazy aunt is likely warning you not to go because it’s “super dangerous.”

While safety can be a concern in Mexico, the following travel advice will help you drastically reduce the risk of incidents during your trip.

28. Basic Spanish goes a long way

If you only follow one of these Mexico travel tips, let it be this one.

Many people in Mexico speak (or, at the very least, understand) a little bit of English, but it’s still a nice gesture to learn some basic Spanish before you visit.

Being able to exchange pleasantries with the people you encounter will make all of your interactions go much more smoothly. Mexican culture really appreciates formalities, and small gestures go a long way here. 

At the same time, understanding or speaking a little Spanish makes you less vulnerable as a traveler.

For example, in tourist areas, it’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to try to overcharge by as much as double the standard rate.

Knowing this, I have a strict “no English in taxis” rule. I figure if they know that I speak Spanish, they’ll be more reluctant to try to stick me with the “tourist price.”

So far, this rule has paid off. Literally.

For a quick cheat sheet of Spanish phrases for visiting Mexico, check out my post on Simple Spanish Phrases For Mexico. 

29. Avoid ATMs around payday

Most workers in Mexico are paid on the 15th and 30th of the month. During this time, the lines at ATM machines are exceptionally long, as many people need to withdraw cash right away to cover their bills and expenses. 

I’ve waited as long as 30 minutes to use an ATM on payday. Not my idea of a good time. If you need to withdraw cash around this time of the month, plan to go the day before payday. 

Additionally, thieves are on high alert during these times of the month because they know that many people are liable to be carrying large quantities of cash.

It’s important to be vigilant about this.

If you visit an ATM, be sure to visit one in a well-lit, populated area, preferably during the day when there is less risk of robbery.

Related Reading: Essential Safety Tips for Mexico

30. Don’t flaunt your valuables

This is especially important in cities and crowded areas, but it’s a good rule of thumb everywhere.

It’s always best to remain relatively inconspicuous as a tourist, as we can be easy targets for theft.

This is typically due to being distracted or overwhelmed by everything we’re trying to do or see. 

Petty theft isn’t exactly uncommon in Mexico, and while I’d say you’re unlikely to have a violent confrontation, there are many savvy pickpockets. 

Avoid drawing attention to yourself by keeping flashy jewelry to a minimum.

Try to keep your valuables (phone, camera, wallet) concealed as much as possible and close to your body. 

I try to limit the amount of cash I carry to exactly what I’ll need for the day, plus possibly my credit or debit card and a piece of ID.

I leave everything else at home and use a small zipped pouch as a wallet. It sinks quickly to the bottom of my purse, which I keep zipped and close to my body.

If I need to use my phone, I tuck it back in my purse and zip it closed as soon as I’m finished. 

I also invested in an anti-theft purse, which has special features that make it difficult for pickpockets to get into.

Usually, I’m not particularly concerned about theft, but I do try to be cautious. It’s especially important to take these measures when visiting crowded areas or attending events.

If you’re hanging out in a laid-back town like Tulum, there’s a much lower risk of theft than in a big city like Guadalajara or Mexico City.

Click here to check out my top anti-theft purse recommendations for Mexico!

31. Be aware of common Mexico travel scams

First, let me just state: scams are NOT THE NORM in Mexico. I lived in Mexico for 4 years and was scammed only a couple of times.

However, even though they aren’t super common, it’s best to be aware of common travel scams in Mexico so you can navigate them effectively if they happen to you.

Tangerine Travels put together this epic YouTube video talking about over 40 different scams in Mexico.

They’ve traveled throughout the entire country over the past 3 years, and they share everything they’ve learned along the way on their YouTube channel.

32. Stay safe by checking the latest travel warnings for Mexico

The US State Department has a frequently updated site with all of the current travel warnings for Mexico.

Keep in mind, though, that in some cases, dangerous activity is limited to particular cities or areas within a state and not rampant throughout the entire state.

Read the warnings carefully and then double-check recommendations with other sources.

I’ve found Facebook to be a decent resource when it comes to asking questions about the state of travel, as it enables you to connect with people who are on the ground in your desired destination. 

Because Facebook groups have been so helpful in my travels, I started my own Facebook group for women traveling in Mexico.

I’d love to have you join!

Don’t forget to also search for destination-specific Facebook groups, as these tend to have members who live somewhere year-round.

33. Schedule arrivals and departures for the daytime

That flight that lands at 11:30 pm might be $100 cheaper, but trying to navigate a foreign city in the middle of the night after a long day of travel could put you at risk.

This is especially true in Mexico City, but this tip applies everywhere.

While the chances that something catastrophic will happen are low, it is much more likely to happen at night. Unfortunately, kidnappings and robberies do happen throughout Mexico.

The last thing you want to do is get in a shifty taxi and then have to bail out of it on a dimly lit street after dark.

Especially if you’re a solo traveler.

Splurge a little on the plane or bus tickets that allow you to make connections in the daytime. That way, if anything shifty happens, there will probably be witnesses or at least someone to ask for help. 

Dreaming of taking a solo trip to Mexico? My guide to the best solo travel destinations in Mexico is packed with everything you know to plan your trip!

34. Use registered taxis   

A good way to prevent transportation mishaps is by using registered taxis whenever possible.

This is especially critical at airports and bus stations, where foreigners are easy targets.

At airports or bus stations, you can buy tickets for taxis from booths within the terminal. You’ll pay a fixed rate based on your destination, and don’t be surprised if it comes out a bit higher than you would ordinarily pay.

It’s worth the money to protect your safety.

When you’re out and about in the city, you can catch registered taxis from sitios (taxi stands) or by calling a radio taxi.

You will have to pay a few pesos extra in both of these scenarios, but again, it’s worth it.

Radio taxis (mentioned in tip #28) are similar to registered taxis, just the method of summoning them is different.

35. Holidays are frequent

There are all kinds of festive days in Mexico, meaning you never know when everyone will be taking a day off work to celebrate.

While this makes for a festive atmosphere, it can also make it challenging to do certain things, such as visiting the immigration office, banks, or any other administrative service.

Before you make any long trips to administrative offices, double-check that they’ll be open when you arrive.

Related Reading: 11 Holidays and Traditions Celebrated in Mexico

36. Purchase travel insurance

While the chances of something bad happening are slim, nothing beats having peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you from unexpected medical expenses, trip interruption, lost or stolen items, and more.

The expenses related to each of the instances I just mentioned could put a serious dent in your travel budget, but with travel insurance, you’re protected.

My go-to recommendation for travel insurance in Mexico is EKTA. They have policies for long- and short-term travel and cover things like trip interruption and emergency medical, too.

You may be able to combine EKTA with credit card insurance for even better coverage. Visit their site to get a quote (it only takes a few seconds)!

For more Mexico safety tips, click here.

I sincerely hope you found these Mexico travel tips helpful. Is there anything I missed? Let me know in the comments!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)