35 Mexico Travel Tips You Need to Read Before Traveling
Mexico is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world, and also one of the most misunderstood. Whether you are planning your first visit or your tenth, having the right information before you go makes an enormous difference between a smooth, unforgettable trip and an avoidable headache.
I am an Italian expatriate who has been living in Mexico for over a decade, traveling extensively across the country, and these are the Mexico travel tips I wish someone had given me before I arrived. From practical advice on money, safety, and transport to cultural nuances that will help you connect with locals rather than accidentally offend them, this 2026 guide covers everything you need to know.
If you are planning your trip to Mexico, you may want to save these other posts for later. interesting facts about Mexico, and safety in Mexico.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.
Mexico Travel Tips: Essential Facts at a Glance
💵 Currency – The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Always pay in pesos rather than dollars, even when businesses offer to accept them. The exchange rate they use will almost always work against you.
🗣️ Language – Spanish is spoken everywhere. Learning even a handful of basic phrases will completely transform your experience and will be warmly received by locals who genuinely appreciate the effort.
💧 Tap Water -Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Mexico. Always drink bottled or purified water and carry a reusable bottle to refill from purified dispensers to reduce plastic waste.
🙏 Tipping – Tipping is expected and important. In restaurants start at a minimum of 10% and aim for 15% for good service. Also tip at bars, petrol stations, supermarket baggers, parking attendants, and tour guides. Always carry small coins and notes for this purpose.
🔒 Safety – Mexico is a large and diverse country and safety levels vary by region. Most tourist destinations are very safe with basic common sense precautions. Check your government’s official travel advisory for current information on specific areas.
🚌 Getting Around – ADO buses are comfortable, reliable, and excellent for long distance travel between cities. Renting a car is the best way to explore at your own pace, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula and Baja California.
📅 Best Time to Visit – November through April is the dry season and the best time to visit most destinations. December through March is whale watching season on the Pacific coast. Mid-July through August is the only time to swim with whale sharks near Cancun.
🔌 Plugs – Mexico uses Type A and B sockets, the same as the United States. If you are traveling from Europe or another region, bring a universal adaptor.
📱 Connectivity – Buy a Telcel SIM card on arrival at the airport or at any Telcel store for the best local coverage. Alternatively, set up an eSIM before you leave home through providers like Airalo for instant connectivity on landing.
✈️ Visa – Most nationalities do not need a visa to visit Mexico. A tourist permit of up to 180 days is granted on arrival at no cost. Check the official Mexican immigration website before traveling to confirm this applies to your passport.
Mexico General Travel Tip
1. Toilets are peculiar
Not bad as a first topic! 🙂 In almost every state of Mexico, it is requested not to flush toilet paper in the WC because the pipes are narrow, and the paper can get stuck, causing damage to the pipe system. You will be reminded all the time, but I thought I should let you know and explain why.
2. WIFI is not an issue
In the most touristy area, wifi works quite well. It is probably not the case for less touristic areas, but you will be surprised to see that they have free WIFI on the town’s main plaza in small towns off the beaten track. Sometimes a password is required.
Just ask a local. You will see lots of teenagers busy on their phones. They will be happy to help you and share it.
The only touristic place where WIFI is an issue is Holbox, but you don’t need it there as you will be super busy exploring and staring at the blue sea, snorkeling, and watching sunsets.
3. Understand the meaning of ” ahorita”
Time in Mexico is a very subjective concept.
And the expression “Ahorita,” which could be translated in “in a minute,” has many different meanings from indeed “in a minute” to “tomorrow” or “in 10 years”. Make sure you ask specific questions when somebody tells you, “Ahorita voy,” I am coming in a minute. Or go with the flow.
4. Cultivate patience
Following up on the previous point, to not lose your mind, you need to be patient, and things will come to you at the time they are supposed to.
Just bring a book with you. Just this morning, I was in one of my favorite cafes in Playa del Carmen, and I ordered a sandwich.
My friend and I were basically alone. No other customers were around. It took about 40 minutes for my sandwich to land on my table.
Then I ordered a chai latte with almond milk, and they took me a cappuccino.
When I told the waiter, I didn’t order a cappuccino but a chai latte, she took me the chai but with regular milk (not almond). At that point, I just gave up and laughed with my friend.
What else can you do?
Obviously, this was just a random episode that just happened, and I thought it was a funny story to share, but it’s not always like that. Waiting time at restaurants can indeed be longer than usual.
5. Speak the language
I understand that it can be difficult, but I would suggest you should learn a few basic terms in Spanish. It will help you mingle with locals and make friends. Or to have somebody laughing at your pronunciation. (I always get that being Italian). It’s a good conversation starter.
Get one of that mini-dictionary with you or have one on your phone.
Here are some basic phrases
Hola = Hello
Como estàs = How are you?
Por Favor = Please
Gracias = Thank you
Disculpa = I am sorry
Perdon? = Excuse me?
Donde està la parada del bus? = Where is the bust stop?
Una chela por favor = A beer, please
Un jugo, por favor = A juice, please
Cuanto cuesta? = How much is it?
Me puede ayudar? = Can you help me?
Donde està…? = Where is…
Ahorita… Sometime in the future. 🙂
If you want to learn more you will love these posts on How to say how are you in Spanish and How to say I love you in Spanish.
6. Get a local SIM CARD
Preferably choose Telcel. It’s always better to have a Mexican sim card if you need to ask for help, make a reservation, use your Google Maps, or even post on INSTAGRAM. It’s also useful to stay in touch with your family via Whatsapp calls where there is no wireless.
7. Mexico is not only beaches
Although the majority of travelers are drawn to the spectacular Mexican beaches, Mexico is much more than that. The fascinating blending of pre-colonial civilization with European architecture and traditions can be explored in spectacular cities such as Oaxaca, Mexico City, Puebla, and Merida, among others.
Also outdoorsy will love the amazing hiking opportunities, hidden waterfalls, and rivers such as the Huasteca Potosina or the Grutas de Tolantongo. or the amazing El Chiflon near San Cristobal de Las Casas, the Mexican Mayan Ruins are a magnificent heritage from the Pre-Colombian civilization that you must explore.
8. Don’t assume it’s hot everywhere in Mexico
Mexico is a humongous country with an extension of 1973 million km2. You can imagine how diverse its climate is.
While in Chihuahua, it snows in winter, people from Cancun or Puerto Vallarta enjoy the beach and 76ºF.
Mexico City (friendly known as CDMX) is at 2000 mt over the sea level, winters are cold, and summers hot, altitude issues can be a fact. So, make sure you check the weather before deciding where to go.
Also, read – The best time to travel to Tulum
9. Bring the right plugs
There are two types of sockets in Mexico: one with flat parallel pins and one with two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. If your plugs have a different shape, you need to get an adaptor.
You surely find adaptors in Mexico, but I am sure you don’t want to waste time looking for one during your vacation. I would suggest you get one in your trusted store. It will also work without the grounding pin.
10. Museums are often closed on Monday
Unlike the archaeological sites that are open every day except New year’s day, museums are normally closed one day of the week, which is normally used for maintenance and major cleaning.
That day is usually a Monday since weekends are normally packed with visitors because that’s when locals have time to visit. Also, locals and permanent residents don’t pay on Sundays.
For this very reason, I would suggest you plan a visit to a Museum from Tuesday through Friday because that’s when Museums are less crowded unless you are an expatriate in Mexico with a permanent residency visa. In this case, go early on a Sunday and bring your credential with you so that you don’t pay.
11. Carry a reusable shopping bag
More and more supermarkets nowadays are applying eco-friendly practices and don’t give out plastic bags.
Regardless, you can start your own eco-friendly awareness and carry your own shopping bag for any shopping so that we can contribute to creating a plastic-free world.
Travel tips about safety in Mexico
12. Mexico is safe to travel to with some exceptions
I understand that some not flattering news about Mexico might create concern about safety in Mexico.
But you need to understand that Mexico is a huge country and not everywhere there is danger. I have lived in Cancun for 9 years now, of which 1 I have spent traveling around Mexico.
Of course, there are places that I would avoid, but there are spectacular areas that are worth visiting and worry-free. One of these is Yucatan, which is considered the safest state in Mexico. Is pretty safe to travel in the Yucatan Peninsula in general. Baja California Sur is another super safe state, among others.
But you need to use some common sense…
You may also like
- Is it safe to travel to Tulum
- Is Puerto Vallarta safe?
- Is Cancun Safe to Travel to right now?
- Is Cabo safe to Travel to right now?
13. Use some common sense as you would anywhere else
I have written a thorough guide on Safety in Mexico if you want to read more in detail. However, I am stressing about using some common sense since dangers are everywhere if you are acting naive. Here are a few pointers:
- Don’t show off your valuables.
- Avoid walking in the dark in isolated areas.
- If you decide to get wasted, do it when you have reliable friends around
- Don’t use ATM at night; be careful in general when you use it.
- Carry little cash with you
- Use a money belt to carry your money, cards, and documents
14. Regardless, travel insurance is recommended
Do we really need travel insurance? YES, you do. Of course, we hope nothing happens, and we are very careful. But still, shit happens for no reason, and we need to be prepared.
Getting sick or having an accident doesn’t happen because of you, but it might happen. What about an airline that is late and you missed your connecting flight with another airline?
The insurance will cover it. Or what if you are getting sick before your trip? The travel insurance will reimburse it. Did I give you enough arguments?
You can also check out my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico.
How to avoid getting sick in Mexico
15. Don’t drink tap water
Tap water is not drinkable unless they tell you so, because a special water purifier is used. Make sure you always have a bottle of purified water or natural spring water (agua de manantial) with you.
In theory, you can use tap water to brush your teeth, as I do, but it is advisable to still use bottled water, just in case. You don’t really want to spend your vacation in the bathroom.
16. You can eat greens
It is a common myth that tourists must avoid greens, meaning any leafy vegetables consumed raw (lettuce, for example).
That’s because it’s believed that it is being washed with tap water, which is not drinkable, and therefore, even the greens would be contaminated.
I don’t think this is accurate. It doesn’t make sense if you think about that. Locals don’t drink tap water either for the same reason.
Why would they use it to wash their veggies, too? Instead, they are cautious in washing their veggies thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. So I wouldn’t worry too much.
17. Don’t worry about ice in your drinks
For the very same reason, even ice is made with purified water. So you can have it in your drink, especially in a beach destination where it’s so hot, you will want your ice. Now you can have it without worrying.
18. Enjoy the delicious street food but be aware…
Street food is one of Mexico’s best things, as their typical best meals are consumed by street vendors. However, not all of them are good, and not all of them offer good quality meat and hygiene practices.
That also goes for the fruit vendors. Make sure you go where there is a line, so you know that’s the most popular vendor, and if you want fruit, ask to cut yours at the moment. Don’t buy fruit standing in the heat for a long exposure to who knows what.
19. Always keep antibacterial wet wipes in your bag
Now more than ever, it’s recommended to keep your hands clean all the time. Some wet wipes to keep with you all the time can come in handy.
20. Vaccines are not required
To travel to Mexico, there are no vaccine requirements, but you should consult your doctor if you are concerned.
21. Keep yourself hydrated
Especially in beach destinations it’s really hot and the sun is strong, so make sure you stay hydrated. Keep a refillable water bottle with you and top it up every time you can.
Especially if you go out on tours to cenotes or Mayan ruins where you are even more exposed to sun rays
22. Wear sunblock
Make sure you are wearing sunblock even on a cloudy day, especially if you are on the Mexican Coast. It’s very easy to get a sunburn and you will spoil your vacation. Make sure it’s eco-friendly though.
23. Wear mosquito repellent
If you go to tropical destinations in Mexico, both on the Caribbean and the Pacific coast, there are a lot of mosquitoes, especially in the wet season.
Also, there have been random cases of Zika, dengue, and other mosquito-related diseases. So you need to protect yourself. There are many different mosquito repellent products. Just pick the one you consider best for you. Here are some options.
Money-related tips for Mexico
24. Pay in Pesos
The local currency is Mexican Pesos (MXN), which you can exchange in the Casa de Cambio or banks, although the first ones usually have a better exchange rate.
It’s always advisable to exchange your currency for Mexican pesos because even if in a shop or supermarket, they accept USD, the exchange rates are, most of the time, unreasonable.
Almost everywhere, credit and debit cards are accepted, except in Tulum in many restaurants and hotels or in remote towns where there are still many places that only accept cash.
So keep it in mind if you plan to visit the area (which I heartily recommend).
If you want to withdraw from the ATM, please be aware that if you get dollars, you will be asked to pay a commission of 50 USD per withdrawal, which is insane.
I would rather get a small amount in Mexican pesos (check with your bank how much they charge for the withdrawal ) or bring some cash with you and exchange it here for local expenses on the road.
Bear in mind that if you rent a car.
Sometimes at gas stations, they don’t accept credit cards for some reason. You should better ask before getting gas.
Protect your personal belonging from pickpocketers!
25. How much does it cost to travel to Mexico?
I see this question coming repeatedly, and although it is complicated to quantify, let me give you some examples. Local restaurants in the non-touristic areas might charge as low as 6 USD for enough tacos and 3 for a glass of wine and a steak, or a ceviche can go from 12 to 15 USD.
In the hotel zone, a full meal with wine can start from 40 USD onward. A bottle of purified water (1l) 75c. A bus ride from the hotel zone to the town of 60c (12 pesos). A car rental from 30 USD per day (without insurance).
26. Credit cards are most commonly used, but…
Although credit cards are used basically everywhere, certain businesses will charge you a commission % if you pay by card, except for Supermarkets and Restaurants.
However, some restaurants do not accept cards, and they usually make sure to let you know before you order.
But some of them don’t and expect you to know. So if you are out of cash, always make sure you ask first. Especially in markets and small non-touristic towns, it is less common to use credit cards, so always take some cash with you.
In the restaurants in Tulum is more likely that credit cards are not accepted although things are starting to change.
27. Always have change with you (in Mexican Pesos)
You will be avoiding annoying situations if you have change or notes of low value, like 100 or 200 pesos. Commonly, businesses don’t have change, and you just need to walk away empty-handed.
It happened to me more than once that I couldn’t buy what I needed because they didn’t have a change of 500 MXN (25 USD). Also, remember the tipping tips. You will always need to be ready to tip, so make sure you carry some 10 or 5 peso coins with you.
28. Avoid ATMs during payday
Mexicans get paid every 15 days, on the 1st and the 15th of the month (día de nomina). So keep in mind that the ATMs will be crowded with long lines for the following two or three days.
If you are anything like me and hate waiting in line, avoid those days for withdrawing.
How to move around Mexico
29. Public transportation is efficient and safe. TRANSPORTATION IS EFFICIENT AND SAFE
There is a very well-organized network of bus lines that covers the major cities in Mexico. Traveling around Mexico is very easy and comfortable.
Some of them, such as ETN, are real luxury buses. Besides a good choice of airlines, you also have the options of many bus lines, local and national, that connect the main cities and towns.
Traveler Alert: Although traveling by bus is quite safe, please do not leave your personal belongings (such as money, camera, laptop) in the overhead compartment. That would not be smart. Please keep it on your lap or under your legs.
This website is an aggregator and can help you to find your connection.
30. Driving in Mexico is safe and fun
There is this myth that driving in Mexico is dangerous. Renting a car is my favorite way to get around.
I am not sure about the other parts of Mexico, but I can surely tell you that it is really doable and danger-free in the Yucatan peninsula and Baja California, and the Hidalgo State of Mexico, where I had an amazing road trip on my own.
But also Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Queretaro Sierra Gorda, or Oaxaca are pretty safe areas for a road trip.
31. Uber and Rideshare Apps in Mexico
The rideshare situation in Mexico varies significantly by city and has changed considerably in recent years.
In most major Mexican cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Merida, Oaxaca, and Monterrey, Uber operates normally and is the most practical and reliable way to get around.
In tourist destinations along the Caribbean coast, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Uber has faced significant resistance from local taxi unions. Uber drivers in these areas can be difficult to find, and some avoid operating near taxi stands due to ongoing tensions. The best alternative in these cities is DiDi, a rideshare app widely used by locals and accepted by taxi drivers themselves. It offers competitive fares and is significantly less stressful to use than Uber in the Quintana Roo region.
Neither Uber nor DiDi can pick you up at Cancun International Airport. For airport transfers, a pre-booked private shuttle is the most reliable and stress-free option.
Also read:
How to use Uber in Mexico City
Is there Uber in Cancun?
32. Confirm taxi rates in advance
If you get a taxi, make sure you agree on the fare before getting in. And it’s always better to pay in pesos. If you want him/her to pick you up, only pay one way and ask for their number (that’s another reason why Whatsapp is helpful in these cases).
33. Consider the long distances
For the same reason stated above (that Mexico is a huge country), consider consulting google maps and understand the distances. I love to drive by bus, but sometimes a flight is more convenient.
Just to give you an idea. I took a bus to San Cristobal de Las Casas from Cancun. It took me 21 hrs bus. I should have taken a flight but due to the COVID restriction there are no direct flights and it would have taken me forever anyway. Besides, it’s cheaper by bus, considering I have two bags.
If you want to check out domestic flights here are the local airlines:
Volaris
Aeromexico – the most expensive
VivaAerobus – the least reliable but it works.
Mexico travel tips in Restaurants
34. Spicy food is like anywhere else
Whether you love spicy food or not, be careful when you read the word HABANERO, because that is the king of all spices, or so they say. I don’t even dare try.
If you are like me and can’t bear spicy food, make sure to be careful when they say, “It’s just a little spicy” (in Spanish: “pica poco”) because they have their own sense of “little,” and it means to us that it will be burning hot.
You can just ask if it contains chile. If so, it is going to be spicy.
You may also like:
35. Be extra polite
Mexicans are very formal. I noticed it working in a Mexican office, where the work emails I received were like 400 words, of which only 50 were the actual message. The rest were all formalities. Even in informal situations, Mexicans maintain a formal attitude.
Always ask, “How are you?” before asking anything else. Just keep it in mind and go with the flow. For example, when you enter a shop, always greet the salespeople with hello and goodbye.
But the weirdest part was hearing strangers wish me “Buen provecho” (meaning “have a good meal”) while I was sitting at a restaurant. That was awkward, but I have learned now, and I am doing it too.
The funny part is that when I go back to Italy I feel like doing the same and that would be really embarrassing because we don’t do it.
36. …and generous (Tipping advice in Mexico)
In Mexico, like in the US, tipping is the norm, and, although not mandatory, it’s “kindly required.” Some restaurants include it in the bill, but it’s just a suggestion. You can decide what to tip. The normality is starting from 10% (considered very tight) up.
Where to tip in Mexico – bars and restaurants, gas stations, parking, and the people who put your grocery shopping in the supermarket bags.
Getting to Mexico
37. Entry Visa Requirements
You need to apply for a visa if your passport is from the country listed on this page. If your country is not on the list, you can enter Mexico with your valid passport and obtain a 3- to 6-month tourist permit.
Working in Mexico is more complicated, so you should put it in the hands of a good lawyer who can handle all the paperwork for you and spare you the hassle and headaches.
I was lucky because I was hired by a local company that handled my paperwork through a lawyer. She was so efficient and trustworthy that I asked her if I could interview her.
38. Immigration form
They are slowly eliminating the immigration forms in all the major touristy airports in Mexico. In Cancun, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta, they have already started. This makes your immigration process very easy.
Also, they are giving 180-day tourist visas by default.
You still have to fill out the customs form, though.
Best Time to Visit Mexico
Mexico is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends entirely on where you are going and what you want to do.
November through April: Dry Season
This is the best time to visit most of Mexico. The weather is warm and sunny across coastal destinations, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures are comfortable rather than extreme. This is peak season which means higher prices and more crowds at the most popular spots, but the trade-off is reliable weather.
December through March: Pacific Whale Season
The Pacific coast from Baja California down to Puerto Vallarta and beyond is the best place in the world to watch grey whales, humpbacks, and blue whales during these months. If wildlife is a priority this is an unmissable window.
July through August: Whale Shark Season on the Caribbean
Swimming with whale sharks near Cancun and Isla Mujeres is only possible during summer, with mid-July through August being the peak period. The weather is hot and humid but the experience is extraordinary.
Late October through November: Day of the Dead
If experiencing one of Mexico’s most important cultural celebrations is on your list, this is the time to go. Oaxaca is the most celebrated destination for Día de los Muertos but the festivities take place across the entire country.
May through early July and September through mid-December: Shoulder Season
These are the cheapest and least crowded times to visit most destinations. You will find excellent deals on accommodation and flights. The trade-off is higher humidity and the possibility of rain, particularly in the Caribbean, where hurricane season runs from June through November. Major storms are relatively rare, but September and October carry the highest risk on the Yucatán Peninsula.
What to Pack for Mexico
What you need to pack for Mexico depends heavily on which part of the country you are visiting and when. Here are the essentials that apply to almost every Mexico trip.
Documents and Money
Bring your passport with at least six months’ validity remaining, a printed copy of your travel insurance, a mix of card and cash, and a copy of your flight itinerary. Keep originals and copies in separate places.
Clothing
Mexico’s climate varies enormously by region and altitude. For beach destinations, pack lightweight breathable clothing, swimwear, a light cover-up, and one layer for air-conditioned restaurants and buses, which can be extremely cold. For Mexico City, Oaxaca, or San Cristobal de las Casas, pack warmer layers as evenings can be genuinely cold year-round.
Health and Hygiene
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply generously, a good quality mosquito repellent especially for tropical destinations in the rainy season, antibacterial hand gel and wet wipes, any prescription medication you need for the full duration of your trip, plus extra, and oral rehydration sachets in case of stomach issues.
Tech and Connectivity
A universal power adaptor if coming from Europe, a portable battery charger, a waterproof phone case for cenotes and boat trips, and either a local SIM card arranged in advance or an eSIM already downloaded before departure.
Practical Extras
A reusable water bottle to refill from purified water dispensers, a small day pack for tours and beach days, and a money belt for carrying cards and documents in busy market areas.
Mexico Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico safe to travel to?
Yes, Mexico is safe to travel to for the vast majority of visitors. It is a huge and enormously diverse country and safety levels vary significantly by region. States like Yucatán, Baja California Sur, Querétaro, and Guanajuato are consistently considered very safe for tourists. The most-visited destinations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Los Cabos all receive millions of visitors every year safely. The key is using common sense, staying informed about the specific area you are visiting, and avoiding the border regions and states with active travel advisories. Check your government’s official travel advisory page before your trip for the most current information.
What should I avoid doing in Mexico?
Avoid drinking tap water anywhere in the country. Avoid flashing expensive jewelry, cameras, or cash in busy public areas. Avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated locations. Avoid getting into unmarked or unofficial taxis, particularly at airports. Avoid driving at night on highway routes outside of major cities. Avoid getting involved in anything drug-related under any circumstances. And avoid the common tourist mistake of staying only in your resort without exploring the extraordinary culture, food, and nature that surrounds you.
What is the currency in Mexico and should I exchange money?
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the local currency and you should always pay in pesos rather than dollars even when businesses offer to accept them. The exchange rate offered by businesses accepting dollars is almost always significantly worse than the official rate. Exchange your money at a Casa de Cambio rather than a bank as they generally offer better rates. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas but always carry some cash for markets, small towns, taxis, and tips.
What is the cheapest time to visit Mexico?
The shoulder seasons offer the best combination of value and enjoyable travel conditions. The period from after Semana Santa (Holy Week) through June and from September through mid-December (excluding Día de los Muertos week and Thanksgiving) offers lower prices and fewer crowds at most destinations. July and August are busy and expensive at beach resorts due to Mexican domestic tourism even though they fall in the technical low season for international visitors.
Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?
Most nationalities do not need a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist. On arrival you will be given a tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) allowing you to stay for up to 180 days. Check the official Mexican immigration website for the current list of nationalities that do require a visa before traveling.
Is it safe to eat street food in Mexico?
Yes, and you absolutely should. Street food is at the heart of Mexican culinary culture and some of the best food in the country is found at small roadside stands. The key is choosing vendors with high turnover, long queues of local customers, and food that is freshly prepared in front of you. Avoid pre-cut fruit sitting in the sun and always use the limes and salsas provided as the acidity helps with digestion.
How much does it cost to travel in Mexico?
Mexico can be extremely affordable or surprisingly expensive depending entirely on where you go and how you travel. As a rough guide for 2026: a meal at a local restaurant costs between 80 and 200 pesos, a taco from a street stand costs 20 to 40 pesos, a litre of purified water costs around 15 pesos, a long-distance ADO bus costs between 200 and 800 pesos depending on distance, and a budget hotel room in a non-tourist town costs from 400 pesos per night. In tourist areas like the Cancun hotel zone, Tulum, or Los Cabos all of these prices increase significantly.
What language is spoken in Mexico?
Spanish is the official language and is spoken everywhere. Mexico also has 68 recognized indigenous languages, many of which are still spoken daily in specific regions. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in major destinations, but outside these areas, basic Spanish is essential. Learning even a handful of phrases will dramatically improve your experience and will be warmly received by locals.
Can I drink the water in Mexico?
No. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Mexico and this applies to brushing teeth as well if you want to be careful. Always drink bottled or purified water. Most hotels, hostels, and rentals provide water dispensers or purified water. Carry a reusable bottle and refill it from purified sources to reduce plastic waste.
What is tipping etiquette in Mexico?
Tipping is expected and important in Mexico as service workers depend on tips as a significant part of their income. In restaurants tip a minimum of 10% though 15% to 20% is more appreciated for good service. Also tip at bars, at petrol stations where attendants fill your tank, at supermarkets where baggers pack your shopping, parking attendants, hotel housekeeping, and tour guides. Always carry small denomination coins and notes specifically for tipping
Mexico travel tips: final thoughts
I believe that after reading this post, you are well-informed and ready to explore this beautiful country. But if you think you have any more questions, please write them in the comments below! I’ll respond as fast as I can!
