Mexico is huge and incredibly diverse. There are so many landscapes, so many styles of food, and an almost endless number of things to see and do.
If you’re traveling to Mexico for the first time, it can help to have a bit of an idea of what to expect. This article will help you. We will run through some dos and don’ts of visiting this amazing country, so you can make the most of every minute spent there.
If you think Mexico is going to be all beaches and hot weather, you’re wrong, but we forgive you.
Whilst there are beautiful beaches in Puerto Escondido on the West Coast and Holbox on the East Coast (plus loads of other places up and down the country, too), they’re not the only climate you can expect in Mexico.
Mexico is a multi-climate country, with cities as high as 2650m that can drop as low as 5°C at night, to sea-level towns that rarely drop below 30°C.
It might sound obvious, but know where you are going and don’t get caught out with the wrong clothes. The first time we came here, I had to wear the same thing for 5 days in Mexico City because I wasn’t prepared for the cold!
One of the biggest worries we hear about Mexico is that it’s dangerous.
Whilst crime is still high in some areas, this is often cartel vs cartel, and this level of violence does not apply to the whole country. On the whole, plenty of areas of Mexico are perfectly safe. Just operate the same level of caution you would in any European country; watch out for pickpockets, don’t wear flashy jewellery, and make sure you stay aware of your surroundings.
Tip: Check your home country’s government website for the latest travel information and news about visiting Mexico. These websites are usually kept up-to-date with any recent incidents or specific things to be aware of.
Whilst English is common in the main tourist areas like Cancun, Tulum and Puerto Escondido, it’s not as popular everywhere else. Learning a few simple phrases will help you get by much more easily, plus, the locals will really appreciate it!
Tip: For extra help, you can download offline translation apps onto your phone, so you can get your point across even if you have no data or WiFi!
Whilst most major restaurants, shops, and attractions will accept cards, there’s nothing worse than being caught out with no cash. Plus, if you want to make the most of the incredible street food, you’re going to need to carry some pesos with you.
Tip: There’s no need to convert loads of pesos in your home country. There are plenty of cashpoints around Mexico, so you should have no problems withdrawing as and when you need to. Just make sure you carry small bills whenever you can, as change is hard to come by!
Whilst this is not a hard and fast no-no, some taxi drivers have been known to scam tourists.
Often, this is because tourists didn’t agree on a price up front. So, at the end of the journey, the taxi driver decides on a number, and you have no choice but to pay. The best way to avoid this is by being clear about what you are paying before you get in. Feel free to haggle, but don’t get in the taxi without verbally confirming what the price will be at the end.
Another way to avoid this is by using rideshare apps like Uber, which is all over Mexico City and other major areas, but perhaps not as popular in small towns like Puerto Escondido, Bacalar or Holbox.
If you’re here on holiday, you’re naturally going to want to make the most of your time here, but try to work a little leeway into your schedule too.
There are a couple of reasons for this:
Mexico is an absolutely amazing place to travel. The food is incredible, the people are friendly, and there are so many climates, from jungles to deserts, small coastal towns to sprawling cities. Make the most of every second.
