Despite Mexico’s vast scope, regional differences, social customs, cultural mores, safety concerns, and travel preferences, here are a few tips to make your upcoming Globe Aware volunteer vacation to Mexico a little easier.
17 tips for your next trip to Mexico
I grew up in a Mexican household in the heart of American suburbia, one of those kids who ping-ponged across the border as a kid.
By Liza Prado
Feb 12, 2025
Lonely Planet
I spent my summers in Mexico, as comfortable on janky city buses as I was body surfing on white-capped waves. Adulthood meant more of the same – but instead of mere months every summer, I passed entire years.
All these years later, I’m still awed by Mexico’s scale and diversity, its showcase of unique landscapes, flavors, music and art. Yet despite the country’s vast scope and regional differences, I always see the themes that bind Mexicans together everywhere: social customs and cultural mores, safety concerns and travel preferences.
With this in mind, here are a few tips to your upcoming trip to Mexico a little easier – no matter where you’re lucky enough to be going.
Here are a few tips to your upcoming trip to Mexico a little easier – no matter where you’re lucky enough to be going.
1. Book early and budget extra for the high season
Mexico is a popular destination year-round – though Christmas, New Year's, spring break and July see an uptick in travelers both foreign and domestic. Expect higher prices for accommodation, excursions, car rentals and even airfare, sometimes even double the norm. Hotels also fill up fast – so book early, especially on the coasts, where Mexicans tend to spend their vacations.
2. Pack for the climate
Mexico is a vast, multi-climate country with destinations ranging from frosty dawns at 8700ft (2650m) to balmy sunsets at sea level. Research your destination’s weather carefully so you know what to expect and how to pack, for you may need a bikini or umbrella or winter jacket (or all three!). Remember that Mexico sits squarely in the hurricane belt, with its coasts susceptible to big storms from June to November.
3. Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you
If you’ll need sunscreen or mosquito repellent (and we recommend both), bring it from home. While such products are widely available in Mexico, the options are limited and expensive.
4. Embrace long-distance bus travel
Unless you need a car, we recommend long-distance buses for exploring Mexico. Countless bus companies crisscross the country, providing reliable and efficient transport. Always opt for primera clase (first class) service, which is only slightly more expensive than segunda clase (second class) – yet much faster and vastly more comfortable thanks to cushy reclining seats, individual screens, wi-fi and even snacks.
5. Use your ATM card
Though it’s good practice to bring some cash in case of an emergency (say, if you lose your wallet), there’s no need to bring cash to exchange. Instead, use Mexican ATMs, which are ubiquitous in all but the smallest of towns and the most economical way to get pesos.
But pay attention to those ATM transaction fees. If they’re more than US$5/6 per withdrawal, use a different bank’s machine (BBVA Bancomer and Santander tend to have the lowest fees). Also, if the ATM prompts you to accept a “special” exchange rate, decline it. You’ll still be able to withdraw pesos, only the bank will apply the official exchange rate, which is always to your advantage.
6. Say hello – even to passersby
Mexicans deeply value pleasantries – for they’re a sign of respect. Saying “buenos dias” (good morning) or “buenas tardes” (good afternoon) when entering a room or a business is typical. When leaving, a quick “con permiso” (excuse me) is considered polite. And when meeting a person for the first time, a handshake with a ”mucho gusto“ (a great pleasure) is the go-to. If you know the person, a kiss on the cheek or a hug is expected.
7. Leave your bling at home
Avoid bringing flashy watches and jewelry to Mexico. If you wear such accessories, you’ll risk standing out and becoming a target for pickpockets and scammers. Likewise, resist renting a luxury car, which is more likely to be broken into or stopped by officials.
8. Tip (almost) everyone
Tipping is an important source of income for most workers in Mexico, from the kid who “watches” your parked car to the concierge who provides specialized services. In general, tip 10% to 15% for waiters and tour guides; US$3 to US$10 per day for hotel housekeepers; US$2 to US$3 per bag for porters; and US$0.25 to US$0.75 for parking attendants, grocery baggers and gas-station attendants. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips...but certainly welcome them.
9. Bargain with kindness
Haggling is a core component of shopping in Mexico, especially in markets and at street-side stands. Indeed, prices are often slightly inflated with that expectation. Yet be mindful of how hard a bargain you drive: those extra few pesos will likely mean a lot more to the vendor than to you.
10. Carry small bills and coins
While credit cards are becoming increasingly common, Mexico remains a predominantly cash economy, so be sure to carry pesos in your pocket whenever you’re out and about. The smaller the denomination, the better – for despite the ubiquity of cash, change is often scarce. You’ll either be left waiting for the vendor to break a bill – or, worse, be turned away.
11. Opt for rideshares
Mexican taxi drivers are notorious for scamming tourists, inflating their rates or rerouting passengers to locales where they can collect commissions. When possible, opt for a rideshare such as Uber, which has reliable service at rates that are often cheaper than taxis. If you must use a cab, agree on a price before you step into the vehicle.
12. Take photographs with respect
No one likes a stranger suddenly aiming a camera at their face and taking a photo. This certainly applies to Mexicans, including (and especially) Indigenous Mexicans, who all too often attract the notice of foreign shutterbugs because of their traditional clothing. Instead of quickly snapping a photo, approach the person and ask permission first. In marketplaces or for street vendors, buy something and then ask: this tends to grease the wheels.
13. Avoid places where things can go wrong fast
With so much news about cartel violence in Mexico, safety is a common and understandable concern. Generally, violent crime involves a cartel versus a cartel, with tourists highly infrequent targets. Still, it’s always possible to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. To play it safe, steer clear of drugs (either buying them, using them or being around people who are partaking of them) and avoid fringe neighborhoods. If you’re traveling in cartel hotbeds (such as Sonora or Michoacán), turn in early, travel by day and stick to toll roads.
14. Stay alert to petty theft
When tourists experience crime in Mexico, it’s typically of the petty-theft variety. As in most places around the world, it’s just an unfortunately fact of life here. Keep aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like markets or city buses where pickpockets tend to strike.
Leave your jewelry at home – and avoid displaying large sums of cash as well – for you’ll risk standing out and becoming a target for thieves and scammers. Wearing clothes with deep or zippered pockets also helps. If your hotel room doesn’t have a safe, lock your valuables in your luggage (those little TSA locks are real deterrents). Likewise, resist renting a flashy car and drawing too much attention to yourself.
15. Don’t drink the water
It’s true what they say: just don’t drink the water in Mexico, or even brush your teeth with it. While tap water is purified at the source all over the country, it picks up contaminants as it travels through pipes. Instead, stick to bottled water at all times.
Note that you don’t have to worry about ice at most restaurants and bars, as it’s made from purified water at commercial factories.
16. Do dig in to street food
Eating street food – sizzling tacos, elote (grilled corn) in a cup, sweet and crunchy marquesitas (sweet crêpes)... – is one of those Mexican must-dos. Seek out stands with a crowd, taking cues from locals about safe-to-eat-at spots. Yet always take a hard pass on the extras like mayo and cream, which often sit in the sun, unrefrigerated, for hours, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
17. Reach out to your embassy
If you’re a victim of crime, or need medical assistance or legal help, contact your embassy or consulate. Almost 90 countries, including the USA and Canada, have representatives in Mexico to help you navigate problems while you’re in the country.
