While there have been a few high-profile crime incidents that impacted tourists recently, Mexico remains a safe destination for millions of travelers each year. Nonetheless, there are certain mistakes that every traveler should avoid making when visiting Mexico for the first time.
From mopping up taco drippings to emergency TP (public restrooms in off the beaten path pueblos and crowded tourist attractions don’t always have it), tissues are a must for your Mexico trip.
1. Don’t Bring Your Own Bag
While a designer Fendi sweater might impress at home, in Mexico it may draw unwanted attention. In addition, it is best to leave high-end electronic gadgets at home as well. Instead, you should purchase a cheap digital camera that is easy to use and won’t break the bank in case of an emergency.
In general, bringing your own bag is not a good idea because pick-pockets operate in public transportation, such as buses and microbuses, and at tourist destinations. A bag snatched in these locations can ruin your vacation. It is also recommended to keep valuables and expensive jewelry in your hotel safe at all times, especially when visiting neighborhoods that are less well-traversed by tourists or using public transport.
Many travelers choose to skip taxis and opt for Uber. While this isn’t a bad idea, there are some things you should know about when taking an Uber in Mexico. For instance, you should always confirm the driver’s name and license plate number. It is also important to sit in the front seat of the vehicle if traveling solo.
Finally, if you are planning to take an Uber in Mexico, make sure your cell phone has enough data for the trip. For this reason, you should get a Mexico SIM Card before your trip.
It is also important to bring a breathable rain jacket shell in Mexico because it can rain at any time of the year. Additionally, you should pack one or two pairs of pants for the country. Although shorts are common in some places, it is generally better to wear pants for the comfort and warmth of your legs. It is also a good idea to pack a pair of comfortable closed-toe shoes that can be worn for walking on sidewalks, streets and rocky beaches.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Mexico has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Cancun will cost about 16 euros per day, in Mexico city - about 17 euros per day.
2. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission
In an age where everyone’s a photographer, it can be easy to forget the rules of etiquette when you are snapping pictures of strangers and local landmarks. While it’s legal to take photos of people in public places, such as a park or beach, you should ask for permission to shoot portraits of individuals or groups in more intimate settings, such as markets and cafes.
Mexico’s rich cultural legacy offers ample opportunities for photographers to capture the beauty and diversity of its landscape, people and traditions. However, discerning what is truly special about a developing nation like Mexico requires forethought and cultural sensitivity.
Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, you will want to reserve a driver and guide before arriving in the Mexican destination of your choice. This will help ensure that you’ll have a reliable vehicle at your disposal and that you’ll be working with a company who has a track record for providing excellent service to tourists.
For example, if you’re interested in learning more about Oaxaca’s indigenous harvest of chapulines (grasshoppers), you will want to book a tour with an operator that has experience offering these adventures during the dry season. This is a crucial step because, during the rainy season, this activity is not feasible and certain vegetation may be difficult to photograph. In addition, some operators only operate in specific regions of the country and require advance bookings to guarantee availability. The earlier you reserve, the more likely you are to get your preferred date and time of travel. This will also give you a chance to secure accommodations in the area of your choice, which is often less expensive and more convenient than reserving last-minute.
3. Don’t Flush Toilet Paper
If you are traveling in Mexico, it is best not to flush toilet paper. This is not just a matter of etiquette – the Mexican sewage system and septic tanks are not built to handle TP. Instead, it is recommended to throw your used paper in the little waste bin that you will find near every bathroom throne. This is a custom that is also followed in many countries outside the US, including Japan.
When you flush your toilet at home, all that you throw down there goes through the sewer system and eventually into a water treatment plant where everything is separated into liquids and solids. The solids are either treated and reused as fertilizer or sent to landfills where they decompose. The liquids go back into the environment, where nature finishes the process using rain and evaporation.
In Mexico, however, sewage systems are not equipped to handle all of that, so TP ends up in the filtro, where it slowly builds up into a paper mache sludge. This can cause a number of problems, including blocked toilets and even the spread of diseases such as Hepatitis C through feces and urine.
In addition, if the water pressure is too high, it can cause the filtero to burst. This can create a huge mess that is not only difficult to clean, but can even flood the rest of your house or hotel room. Besides, it is simply bad sanitary hygiene to flush your papel confort.
4. Don’t Wear Flip Flops
While flip flops may be comfortable, they are also one of the most obvious signs that you’re a tourist. When you’re visiting a neighborhood that’s not used to tourists, this is especially true and can lead to you getting ripped off or robbed. If you want to avoid this, wear shoes that cover your feet and try not to wear flashy jewelry or expensive cameras (especially when on public transport).
The unwritten rule in Mexico City is that no tourist should ever venture out during the hora pico, a.k.a. rush hour. This is the time of day when millions of people shuffle around town on their way to work and back again at night, and it’s best to avoid this if you value your time and personal space. If you want to visit during this time, it is a good idea to travel with a friend and stick to well-lit areas.
When you’re in the midst of the hora, it is also important to remember that tap water in Mexico isn’t safe to drink, and even if you see Mexicans drinking it you should still stick to bottled drinks. This is because tap water can pick up lots of different bacteria that can make you sick if it enters your system.
If you want to stay healthy while in Mexico, it is best to pack a lot of bottled water and to avoid main streets where the traffic moves at high speed. Having a water bottle with you will also come in handy when visiting a market as these can be very crowded and it’s easy to touch things like handrails or turnstiles, which could contain some germs.
5. Don’t Let Street Dogs Bite You
When travelers think of Mexico, they often envision sun-soaked beaches and steamy temperatures. However, the reality is that the country’s capital sits nearly a mile-and-a-half above sea level, and average temperatures throughout most of the year are pleasantly cool. This is what makes the city such an appealing destination for many travelers, and it is also why it is important to avoid making these common mistakes when visiting Mexico City.
While tacos are certainly an essential part of any trip to Mexico, the culinary world here extends far beyond this popular dish. Whether it’s the northern part of the country serving up their famous steaks or the southeast offering up a unique Lebanese-Mayan-Mexican fusion, each region has something to offer its visitors that is distinctly different from the rest of the country. To ignore the wide range of flavors and ingredients that Mexico has to offer would be a shame.
If you’re planning on visiting Mexico for the first time, it is best to brush up on some basic Spanish before your journey. Not only will this allow you to ask for food or directions more easily, but it will also demonstrate that you are making an effort to engage with the local culture. Mexicans are world-famous for their hospitality, and learning a few simple phrases can go a long way toward strengthening your connection with locals on your travels.
As much as it pains us to see anyone making common travel mistakes, even the most well-traveled of travelers can find themselves committing them from time to time. With this in mind, we hope the tips above will help you make the most of your trip to Mexico and enjoy all that this cosmopolitan city has to offer.
