22 Mexico Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

👉 Jump to: Top Tips | Safety Tips | Money-Saving Tips | Practical Tips | Mexico Packing List (opens in new tab)

Traveling to Mexico for the first time? Here are some surprising but useful tips and things to know before you go.

I’ve learned a thing or two the hard way after a dozen visits and more than a year total traveling Mexico.

To help you avoid my mistakes, I’ve put together this list of things to know BEFORE traveling Mexico so that you don’t repeat my worst mistakes.

We’ll cover practical info you may not hear elsewhere – including how to use the bathroom without making a fool out of yourself. Oh, and if you’re headed to the beach, you might be in for a nasty surprise unless you read the second-to-last tip!

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

22 Mexico Travel Tips

#1 – Restroom Doors Marked With an “M” Are For the Ladies

The Spanish word for women is “mujeres.” So, gentlemen, if you see a door marked with an “M,” do NOT assume that it is the men’s room. Instead, look for a door marked with an “H” (for “hombres”) or a “C” (for “caballeros”).

It seems like a simple enough thing, but going into the restroom marked “M” is almost habitual for English-speaking men, and so this tip still trips me up once in awhile even though I now speak Spanish. In fact, at least three different times I’ve rather embarrassingly found myself barging into the wrong restroom! 🤦‍♂️

#2 – Toilet Paper Goes in the Trash Bin

Yep, another bathroom tip! But it’s an important one if you don’t want to flood your hotel’s loo:

Do NOT flush toilet paper in Mexico.

Resorts sometimes build their pipes wide enough to handle American bowel movements, but otherwise the local infrastructure just isn’t built to handle toilet paper.

Instead, the proper procedure is to toss toilet paper in the little waste bin that you’ll always find somewhere close to the throne in Mexico. Be a good restroom citizen and use the bin!

#3 – Never Drink Mexico’s Tap Water

The tap water in Mexico is definitely 100% not ok to drink pretty much anywhere, so never drink straight from the tap.

#4 – Go Beyond the Beach Resorts

Look, there is nothing wrong with enjoying popular sites like Tulum beach along Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

But, with that said, so many visitors simply stick to the highly-touristed coastal areas (the Tulum ruins, for example, are massively overcrowded at times) and perhaps throw in a quick stop in to do some things in Mexico City.

And, in my humble opinion, that means they miss a lot of what Mexico has to offer! That’s why I tell everyone to get off the travel lemming path and explore Mexico’s towns.

Valladolid, Mexico is one of my favorites, and easily accessible from the Riviera Maya. El Cuyo, a hidden beach gem, and Merida, one of the safest cities in Mexico, are worth considering too. Or, in the middle of the country, check out Santiago de Querétaro.

Mexico is a big country and there is a LOT more to it than just the beaches.

Mexico Safety Tips

#5 – Mexico is Safer Than You Think

Mexico has gotten a lot of negative attention on the safety front in recent years. And certainly it’s true that parts of the country have been plagued by a recent increase in cartel-associated violent crime.

Most of the dangerous parts of Mexico you are unlikely to visit. But, to be honest, there have been several high-profile safety issues in Playa del Carmen and Tulum crime incidents impacting tourists recently.

Still, let’s be clear about one thing: traveling in most of Mexico is generally very safe.

Millions of tourists visit Mexico every year, and violent incidents against tourists are actually very rare at a statistical level. Tourism is big business here and the government puts a lot of resources into ensuring the safety of visitors – especially in the popular places to go in Mexico, like the Riviera Maya, Mexico City, Cabo, etc.

Moreover, Mexicans are some of the most welcoming and friendly people on the planet – they aren’t out to get you!

#6 – But Consider Travel Insurance

Due to the risks of traveling in a pandemic, a record number of travelers around the globe are choosing to protect their trips with insurance.

When it comes to travel insurance Mexico isn’t that different than the other places I travel. I just think its common sense for me to get insurance.

You can compare quotes from dozens of insurers in minutes using sites like VisitorsCoverage or TravelInsurance.com.

#7 – Beware of Car Rental Scams in Mexico

If you try finding rental cars in Mexico online, you’ll likely be tempted with some crazy cheap rental car prices online (it’s not uncommon to see rental cars listed online for as low as $1/day).

Don’t believe this Mexico travel scam for a second! As soon as you show up to the counter, the agents will insist you have to have their MASSIVELY overpriced insurance.

The best way to avoid this scam?

👉 Bookmark the car rental site Discover Car Hire, which is the best I’ve found in terms of avoiding hidden car rental fees in Mexico (and a great site for rentals generally compared to the more popular American sites).

#8 – Expect to Pay Local Car Insurance in Mexico

Mexico is one of the few countries that insists on forcing foreign renters to purchase local liability insurance before allowing them to rent a car.

It doesn’t matter if you buy insurance online in advance. It doesn’t matter if you have your own car insurance at home. It doesn’t matter if you think your credit card covers it (it probably only covers CDW, by the way, not liability insurance, which is different).

You need local liability insurance to drive a rental car in Mexico. That’s the law.

Why does this law exist? Probably to fill the pockets of the local companies, to be honest. But that’s the way it is – and you can’t change it.

My advice is to just always be prepared to pay about $15/day above whatever price you are quoted online.

This is why I recommend looking closely at rental agency reviews when searching for rental cars in Mexico. Discover Cars makes this easy – they compare prices from multiple agencies, but also let you easily see customer reviews (so you can avoid the bad agencies).

#9 – Mexican Gas Stations are Full Service

You cannot pump your own gas in Mexico — all gas stations in Mexico are full service.

Pull up, tell the attendant how many pesos you want to put in the tank. Or, if you just want it filled up, say “llénelo, por favor” (note: the double “ll” is pronounced like a “y”).

Money Saving Tips for Mexico

#10- ALWAYS Pay with Pesos

I don’t know why, but a lot people seem to get it in their head that simply because many touristy places in Mexico will accept the U.S. Dollar, there is no need to acquire pesos.

While it’s true that you can pay with dollars at many places in Mexico, it’s almost ALWAYS a bad idea.

Why?

Because the exchange rate you’ll get from the merchant is going to be deserving of a place in those waste bins along with your TP.

A better option is to change dollars at the best rate you can find, but the best option is to acquire an ATM card that gives the interbank loan rate for foreign currency withdrawals (personally I use Charles Schwab).

You can also pay with a credit card that gives that same rate without foreign transaction fees.

But, whatever you do, please please please pay with pesos. Unless you love giving money away, that is, in which case keep shelling out those dollars.

#11 – Decline the Conversion at Mexican ATMs

While ATMs are the primary way I get cash pesos in Mexico, you absolutely have to pay close attention!

The ATMs will try to “conveniently” offer to convert the rate to dollars for you — always at a steep conversion rate. You will be better off declining the conversion and letting your bank handle the conversion at a better rate.

#12 – Save Money by Taking the Colectivos

Traveling Mexico on a budget? Do like a local and take a colectivo to get around!

Colectivos are shared minibuses or vans that are very common in the Yucatan and some other parts of Mexico (elsewhere, such as in Mexico City, they are sometimes called “peseros”).

And colectivos are by far the cheapest and quickest form of public transportation available. For example, a ride from Playa del Carmen to Tulum costs only $2! If you want to learn how to take a colectivo, here’s a good guide.

#13 – Or Save Time & Stress By Pre-Booking Private Transport (Especially from Cancun Airport!)

Ok, colectivos are cheap, but honestly I’m getting a little old for cramming myself into local public transport all the time. Sometimes it’s worth it just to pay for a private transfer. That’s especially true when you’re flying into Mexico’s airports.

And you definitely want to have a plan when flying into what I swear is the single worst airport in the world: Cancun International Airport. Seriously, the Cancun airport is a giant scam center. Get in and get out as fast as you can.

I personally use Cancun Airport Transportation for all my private transfers in and around Cancun airport. It’s cheaper than a taxi and totally worth it for the stress-saving factor (see my full Cancun Airport Transport review for more).

Of course, you can always take the bus if you prefer. Speaking of, let’s move on to our next thing to know before traveling Mexico …

#14 – Mexico’s Bus Network is Actually Top Notch

Mexico is a much bigger country than most realize, so getting around can be a challenge. And while flights are often a decent value option, don’t forget about the excellent Mexico buses. It can be a great and affordable way to travel, plus you get to see Mexico’s gorgeous countryside.

Mexico has a tiered bus system, with different classes of service offered at correspondingly higher prices. The higher classes are first (“primero”) and platinum (“platino”). The first class buses are nicer than most in the U.S., with comfortable seats and onboard restrooms.

The platino buses, meanwhile, are worth a trip just to experience. The seats are equivalent to business class seats on an airline!

Bottom line: Whether you’re just taking a short trip from Cancun to Valladolid, or a longer journey across Mexico, don’t feel shy about taking the buses here!

#15 – But Buying Bus or Plane Tickets Online Can Be Tricky

If you want to buy a bus or domestic air ticket through the internet, be prepared for the likelihood that your foreign credit card won’t be accepted.

It’s super frustrating, and hopefully with the growth of “pin and chip” cards will eventually get fixed, but in the meantime the only way to buy ADO tickets or many airline tickets is to either:

1) go to the station, or

2) reserve online and then go pay at your local OXXO convenience store (this same, method, by the way, is how locals pay their  electricity bills here).

It’s annoying but, hey, all part of the fun of going to Mexico right?

👉 Update: A reader points out that you can now use BusBud to pre-book ADO bus tickets online. Hooray!

Practical Things to Know Visiting Mexico

#16 – Visit Some Cenotes

In parts of Mexico, especially the Yucatan peninsula, the limestone bedrock gives way in places to form caverns filled with natural underground water. These “cenotes” make for some incredible swimming holes. Some are exposed above ground, while in others you’ll feel like you are in a cave.

You can go swimming, snorkeling, and even diving in these cenotes!

Swimming in a cenote is a uniquely Mexican experience and, if you’re visiting a part of the country that has them, you absolutely have to try it out!

#17 – Try the Botanas

“Botanas” are basically snacks that are served between meals in many parts of Mexico. Think of them sort of like a more casual version of Spain’s tapas. In many Mexican cantinas, you will receive free botanas along with the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

Often times, the quality and the quantity of the botanas they bring out will get better the more you order…. so drink up!

#18 – Avoid VivaAerobus

You know how in the USA people hate Spirit Airlines? And how in Europe they hate EasyJet and Ryanair?

Well, one thing you should know before going to Mexico is that all of those airlines look like first-class carriers compared to Mexico’s budget airline, VivaAerobus.

VivaAerobus is the king of nickel-and-diming customers. Don’t be tempted by VivaAerobus’s fares: it’s almost always worth it to pay for another airline in Mexico.

#19 – You Might Need to Pack a Jacket (Mexico Isn’t Always Hot!)

Yes, Mexico’s latitude means that much of the country is warm during most of the year. You’ll probably never have a cold night in Quintana Roo.

But one of the things you need to know when traveling to Mexico is that some popular destinations – particularly interior destinations like Mexico City and Oaxaca – sit at high altitudes and can get surprisingly chilly during winter, especially at night.

Do not assume that just because you are going to Mexico that you can get away with packing only shorts and swimwear – you may need a jacket!

If you’re the type of person who always messes up what to pack, check out our full packing list for Mexico to make sure you don’t forget any essentials! Or just sign up for our newsletter here and I’ll send a printable packing list right now!

#20 – Build in Extra Time for Everything

Like most of Latin America, Mexico tends to run on a clock that’s a little fuzzy at times.

Never assume that anything is going to start on time in Mexico. The person you’re meeting may not be there promptly, but they are coming. That the ride you’re taking is going to get there, but probably not quite when promised.

Just roll with it.

Seriously, you’ll enjoy your Mexican vacation if you chill out and embrace the local’s fluid concept of time. So whether you’re planning two weeks in Mexico, two days, or two months, just be sure you don’t schedule yourself too tightly …. and don’t stress when things take a bit longer than planned.

READ NEXT: 17 Best Day Trips from Playa del Carmen Mexico

#21 – Be Prepared for Sargassum (Seaweed) in Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen

When you think of lounging on a Mexican beach, you probably don’t picture a meter of seaweed separating you and the shoreline. But that’s the reality of the situation in many popular Carribean destinations — more often than you might think!

Sargassum is especially a problem in Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. It’s a risk all year but, honestly, a lot depends on when you visit Mexico. The sargassum season tends to pick up in late spring, and continues until hurricane season in the fall (when the hurricanes clear out the great sargassum belt).

If you are traveling during this window and worried about seaweed ruining your beach vacation, consider going to an island like Isla Mujeres or Cozumel. Depending on the currents, at least one side of the island will usually be seaweed free. Alternatively, the Pacific Coast is an option to avoid the problem altogether (though you may run into the rainy season, depending on where you are going).

#22 – Be Sure to Experience Mexico’s Many Different Regions

My final tip for travel in Mexico is …

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that Mexico has a single culture or that you’ve “done” the country just because you stayed in Puerto Vallarta for a weekend once. Mexico is an ENORMOUS country and there are a lot to do in Mexico.

Mexico is HUGE! Mexico has over 128 million people. That’s more than the entire populations of the U.K, Canada, and Australia – combined.

And Mexico spans almost 2 million square kilometers – which is about half the size of the entire European Union.

Mexico has mountains, deserts, cities, beaches, jungles, canyons, plains, and every sort of landscape you can imagine. Each part of the country has its own culture, food, history, architecture, and unique vibe.

It’s not all the same!

I’ve been to Mexico more than dozen times, often for months at a time – and I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface!

READ NEXT: The 27 Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

***

I hope feel better prepared for Mexico! If you have any questions or tips before you travel to Mexico, scroll down and leave me a comment.