Traveling to Mexico? Here are 21 Tips from a Local You NEED to Know Before Booking Your Ticket

After living in Mexico and traveling to more than half the states in the country, the 21 useful Mexico travel tips in this article are the ones I wish I knew before traveling!

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.

Ready to find discover me Top 21 Mexico travel tips? Let’s get to this Ultimate Travel Guide to Mexico so you can have the best vacation ever!

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1. Don’t drink the water in Mexico

Can you drink the water in Mexico? is one of my most asked questions (it comes right after Is Mexico Safe?).

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 Mexican expats (like me), and not travelers (like you).

Now, if you take the time to boil it, you can safely consume Mexico water. However, the easier option is to buy bottled water and purified water.

Unfortunately, not all purified and bottled water is created equal.

Because of this, one of the things you’ll want to include on your Mexico packing list is this Water-To-Go Filterable Water Bottle (see below).

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 defense so you don’t get sick in Mexico from the water.

🩺 Need more tips to help you avoid getting sick? Head to How to NOT Get Sick in Mexico: 10 Tips You Need.

2. Get Mexico travel insurance

Wondering, Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Mexico? Head to the linked article to find out all about travel insurance for Mexico.

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 meant to make you think about these things and prepare for them before you need to when it’s 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 among the most important tips for Mexican travelers (and all travelers).

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 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.

In winter, temperatures can fluctuate from 80°F (26°C) during the day to 45°F (7°C) at night, so layers help.

🧳 Head here for more Mexico City packing tips! Needoutfit inspo? Check out Cute Outfits for Mexico Vacation: What to Wear in Mexico.

4. Mexico museums are closed on Mondays

Headed to Mexico City? Don’t miss Chapultepec Castle & Museum, one of the best museums in Mexico City.

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.

Besides museums, some restaurants, boutique shops, and more are also closed on Mondays, so double-check specific places before making plans for your Mondays in Mexico.

5. Buy tickets in advance

One of the best things to do in Mexico City, the Casa Azul Frida Museum sells out on most days.

If something is on your Must See Mexico bucket list, purchase tickets in advance so you don’t miss out.

While certain things generally sell out each day, like the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, some tours also require a minimum number of people to go.

The earlier you buy, the sooner the tour operator knows they are closer to hitting their quota. ▶ For tours in Mexico, I recommend Airbnb Experiences and Viator.

6. 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 City and Guadalajara.

It’s common for tamale vendors to walk up and down the streets 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.

🎧 Another option are these noise canceling earbuds — which have 41,000+ positive reviews on Amazon.

Traveling is the best time to upgrade if you don’t have wireless headphones yet.

7. Apply sunscreen daily

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 it even applies to cities in Mexico cities on cloudy days.

While swimming at the best beaches in Mexico, coral reefs and cenotes, use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen to practice sustainable tourism in Mexico.

8. Chat with locals for 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.

9. Opt for flats over heels and wedges

First, if you plan on climbing Mayan Ruins in Mexico, you’ll 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 walking than you might be used to.

For your safety, comfort, and ease of walking, you should opt for flats over heels or wedges.

Since you’ll likely be walking a lot, consider using massaging gel shoe inserts to prevent blisters.

If you are going out in wedges and heels, plan to use Uber instead of walking.

10. Have cash and change at all times

In Mexico, cash is still king. Although more places accept credit cards each year, cash is the safer bet because it’s accepted everywhere.

In upscale places where people tend to spend more, such as malls, popular tourist attractions and restaurants, cards are generally accepted.

However, you’ll need to pay in cash at street food stands, mom-and-pop restaurants, taxis, etc. Also, people seem to appreciate tipping in cash.

11. Hang on to small bills

As mentioned, Mexico is still a cash-dominant country, and since ATMs generally give big bills, people often need to break them.

For this reason, small bills (and coin change) come in handy in Mexico, where breaking large bills can sometimes be an issue.

12. Pay in pesos, not dollars

Some places accept U.S. dollars and euros, especially cities with cruise ports where visitors are just in town for a few hours.

If that’s your only option, then of course, use those currencies.

However, merchants accepting USD, CAD and Euros usually have a pretty low exchange rate.

💸 This is because they have to take your money somewhere to change it back to pesos, and you essentially pay that cost.

13. Don’t exchange money in Mexico

For the most part, you lose the most money to currency exchange fees by changing dollars to pesos through a private company.

Instead, just use an ATM from a reputable bank when you arrive in Mexico at the airport as a way to save money on the conversion fee.

14. Use indoor bank ATMs only

Since cash is the preferred payment method, 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 your safety and privacy, and it can be difficult to contact the owner if there’s a problem using the street or convenience ATMs.

15. 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.

16. 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 covers many geographic distances, don’t assume a rental car or bus will be cheaper than flying.

In Mexico, several low-cost Mexican airlines, like Volaris, AeroMexico, and VivaAerobus, offer flights 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.

✈️ Find cheap Mexico flights on SkyScanner!

17. Agree on the taxi fare before getting in

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.

For the most part, 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.

18. Test the salsa before eating it

The point of salsa is to add the “heat” element to food, so it is always spicy to some degree.

Before spreading salsa on your food, test it out by putting a small drop on your hand between your thumb and pointer finger, as 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.

19. 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 this Anti-Hangover Powder from Liquid IV.

This is an Amazon best seller with more than 100,000 positive reviews (and counting).

20. Carry a pack of tissues

Toilet paper can often be MIA inside restrooms, gas stations, off-the-beaten-path pueblos (small towns), crowded tourist attractions, etc.

Do yourself a favor and carry around this small pack of tissues. They come in handy as more than just TP.

21. 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.