what is the best way to pay in mexico
Traveling to Mexico for the first time? Don't miss these 23 surprising but useful Mexico travel tips, because there are a few things to know before traveling to United mexican states, peculiarly in 2022!
After a dozen visits and more than a year total traveling Mexico, I've learned a thing or two the hard way – and I've put together this listing of things to know Before traveling United mexican states and so that y'all don't repeat my worst mistakes.
We'll embrace practical info you lot may not hear elsewhere – including how to use the bathroom without making a fool out of yourself, and an important clearing certificate you need to remember to salvage or else you may run into bug. Oh, and if you're headed to the beach, you lot might be in for a nasty surprise unless yous read tip #22!
Table of Contents
- 👉 Meridian Tips
- ⚠️ Prophylactic Tips
- 💲 Coin-Saving Tips
- ✈️ Practical Tips
- 🧳 Mexico Packing Listing (opens in new tab)
⚠ Important: What's Your Plan If You Exam Positive? ⚠
You demand a plan. Really. Travel Lemming's founder Nate is currently in United mexican states and hears constant reports of travelers – vaccinated included – testing positive and forking out thousands for quarantine. There's no way effectually it: you have to test to return to the USA. And a positive test = quarantine. Menstruum.
👉 Pro tip: brand a backup plan for quarantine and consider travel insurance. Globe Nomads is what I personally apply, but compare policies and stay safe out there!
22 Mexico Travel Tips
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported weblog. You tin support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Cheers!
#1 – Restroom Doors Marked With an "Thousand" Are For the Ladies
The Spanish give-and-take for women is "mujeres." So, gentlemen, if y'all see a door marked with an "M," do Non assume that information technology is the men'south room. Instead, await for a door marked with an "H" (for "hombres") or a "C" (for "caballeros").
It seems like a simple plenty thing, but going into the restroom marked "M" is almost habitual for English language-speaking men, and so this tip still trips me upwards one time in awhile. At least three dissimilar times I've rather embarrassingly found myself barging into the incorrect restroom!
#2 – Don't Lose the Paper Slip (FMM) You Go at Customs
When the United mexican states immigration officer hands you lot dorsum your stamped passport, pay attention because there is likely something else hidden within it.
Near visitors to United mexican states volition fill out a fiddling section at the terminate of the immigration form which is actually on break-away paper. The clearing officeholder will tear it off and stick information technology in your passport. This is your Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). Hold onto it because you'll be asked for it when yous leave the land (or hazard paying a fine)!
This is such an important thing to know before traveling to Mexico, so don't forget it!
#3 – Immigration Is Cracking Downward on Longer Stays
Until a few months ago, Mexico would give just about anyone 180 days in the state more or less automatically. This is i of the reasons United mexican states became such a popular destination for digital nomads.
Not anymore!
Recently, Mexico's clearing service (INM) has started cracking down – difficult. Now at the airport they will inquire you for exactly how many days y'all demand and, if its longer than a month or so, may require proof you're really leaving. Have copies of adaptation reservations and outbound flight tickets on hand. I've heard many horror stories of nomads coming with plans to stay for half dozen months, only to be given xxx days – sometimes even 10 – to leave the country.
Likewise know that INM has started conducting random checks of people who appear non-Mexican – on the street, at passenger vehicle stations, at popular nomad spots. This seems well-nigh common in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Technically you're supposed to always have your passport and FMM on manus. I've gotten by with photos on my telephone, but your mileage may vary.
#four – Never Drink the Tap H2o
The tap water in Mexico is definitely 100% non ok to drink pretty much anywhere, so never drinkable direct from the tap. Just United mexican states is hot, then yous actually Demand to drink a lot on your vacation (h2o … nosotros're talking nigh drinking h2o here, y'all party animal). Many tourists end upward spending a lot of time chasing down something to drink, and often get price gouged by enterprising vendors hawking bottled water. Buying bottled h2o quickly adds up, and the plastic kills the local environment.
So what are you to do?
1 convenient and eco-friendly solution is to simply pack a water bottle with a travel-grade filter and then that you can confidently drink the water everywhere y'all become.
The virtually popular and trusted name in this infinite is The Lifestraw Filtered Water Bottle. Lifestraw has been used by thousands of travelers around the world. You lot only make full the water canteen and permit the heavy-grade filter remove bacteria and parasites as you drink.
#5 – Go Beyond the Beach Resorts
This is one of the most important tips for traveling to Mexico.
Expect, at that place is nothing incorrect with enjoying pop sites like Tulum beach along Mexico's Riviera Maya.
But, with that said, then many visitors simply stick to the highly-touristed littoral areas (the Tulum ruins, for example, are massively overcrowded at times) and perhaps throw in a quick stop in to practice 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 one of the most important travel tips for Mexico is this: get off the travel lemming path and explore Mexico'south towns. Valladolid, Mexico is ane of my favorites, and easily accessible from the Riviera Maya.
Mexico is a big state and there is a LOT more to it than merely the beaches.
#half-dozen – Toilet Paper Goes in the Trash Bin
Yep, another bath tip! But information technology'due south an important one if you don't want to flood your hotel's loo:
Do NOT affluent toilet paper in Mexico.
Unless y'all're in a resort, where they sometimes build them wide plenty to handle American bowel movements, the pipes just aren't built to handle the stuff. Instead, the proper procedure is to toss information technology in the little waste matter bin that you'll ever find somewhere close to the throne. Exist a skillful restroom citizen and apply the bin!
🎁 Have a Holiday or Birthday Coming Upwards? Share our list of the best gifts for people going to Mexico with your loved ones. Maybe they'll get the hint 😉.
#7 – Use a VPN to Protect Your Digital Security (Especially if Working Remotely)
Mexico is struggling to go along upwards with the rising of hackers. Several news investigations have highlighted how easy it is for identity thieves to target travelers in Mexico. Yous remember y'all are connected to your hotel'south WiFi, but really you lot're passing your info to a nearby scammer. Bank details, passwords, sensitive data … whatsoever else you're doing on your devices, a hacker could see.
The best fashion to protect yourself from digital theft in Mexico – specially if you plan to work remotely – is to use a VPN to securely encrypt your information. Quality VPNs are cheap, then in that location's really no excuse not to set one up now then you'll be secure when yous get to Mexico.
👉 Personally, I just apply the cheap but effective Express VPN (that link gives y'all 3 months free, by the way). I've tested several VPNs, and I like Limited VPN because it works on every device, doesn't dull downwards my speeds, and is affordable. They have a 30-twenty-four hour period money-back guarantee, so for a brusque trip, there'due south really zip adventure in trying information technology.
three months Gratuitous on annual plans
Express VPN
One of the biggest threats to traveler security these days is digital security. Express VPN helps keep you lot safe on that shady airport WiFi. Plus, you can utilise it to become Netflix shows from other countries' libraries!
Mexico Safety Tips During Covid
#viii – You Might Get Covid in United mexican states
I realize many of you won't want to hear this, and may fifty-fifty get aroused at me for telling you, but I recollect you deserve the truth:
Mexico is still far from done with Covid-19. Mexico is lagging way backside the globe on vaccinations, and is frankly not well prepared for Omicron or future variants. There is a very high adventure yous will go covid in Mexico.
Now, the case numbers may look relatively low compared to the United states or Europe, but remember that United mexican states does far fewer tests than near whatsoever other state in the world (in fact, the just countries that test less than Mexico are in Africa)
Covid tests costs $30 USD (or more) in Mexico, which means only tourists and wealthy Mexicans can afford them. About locals don't get a examination until the bespeak of bodily hospitalization.
The lack of testing isn't an accident. Mexico'south health minister was recently defenseless on tape hiding expected surges from the media. Hey, you can't find what yous don't test for!
If you lot're having problem making sense of this, merely realize the cold hard reality is that Mexico's covid approach is driven by the fact that it really needs tourism money, Non what is actually rubber.
Lesser line: if you travel to Mexico (even if you're vaccinated) you lot should probably await that y'all or someone in your political party will get covid. Now is the fourth dimension to program for how to handle that!
#9 – MANY Travelers are Getting Quarantined in Mexico
With almost half of United mexican states'due south covid tests coming back positive during the Omicron wave, many travelers to Mexico take hold of covid and and so get forced to beat out big for a week or more than hotel stay while they quarantined.
This has happened to several people I personally know, including to a friend who visited me in Puerto Vallarta recently (thankfully, his travel insurance helped defray his costs associated with extending his Puerto Vallarta hotel). This was despite the fact that he is vaccinated (Omicron apparently doesn't care).
Honestly, there's no perfect way to limit your hazard except not traveling in the first place. Covid tests are required for many nationalities to return home, and yous could get slammed with a huge quarantine bill if you test positive. Again, now is the time to make a plan!
#10 – Don't Skimp on Travel Insurance (Like I Did)
Our Selection
Need Insurance? Try Globe Nomads
When I personally need travel insurance in Mexico, I trust World Nomads. I've used other companies and e'er come back to them. But, of course, do your ain research!
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 personally but use Globe Nomads, as they are the simplest and most trusted proper noun in the space for backpacker. But you can also apply a site similar TravelInsurance.com to compare policies and find the one best for you.
Whatever you, only think difficult about it. Are y'all really going to chance travel to a foreign country during a global pandemic while totally uninsured? I mean, I know covid-xix has become more than political than it should and that y'all probably have strong opinions about it, but … like … really?
Personally, I feel the risks are only likewise great. Travel insurance isn't expensive compared to what might happen if y'all skimp on it. Plus, if you plan to drive in Mexico, you'll want to consider coverage for both liability and the rental.
👉 I personally purchase my travel insurance through World Nomads. I used them for years, and then switched to a different budget insurer trying to save a few bucks. MAJOR error. At the showtime of the pandemic, I got trapped in Argentina. That other visitor (who will remain nameless, lest I give them publicity) refused to cover anything related to covid. I learned my lesson, and I'm once over again using World Nomads.
#11 – United mexican states is Safer Than You Retrieve (Apart From Covid)
Mexico has gotten a lot of negative attention on the safe front in recent years. And certainly it's true that parts of the land have been plagued past a recent increase in cartel-associated violent crime. Most of them yous are unlikely to visit, but to exist honest there take been several high-profile safety bug in Playa del Carmen and Tulum law-breaking incidents impacting tourists recently.
All the same, let's be clear about one thing: traveling in virtually of Mexico is by and large 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 safe of visitors – especially in the pop places similar the Riviera Maya, Mexico City, Cabo, etc.
Moreover, Mexicans are some of the well-nigh welcoming and friendly people on the planet – they aren't out to become yous!
With that said, law-breaking isn't the merely issue. Mexico is currently experiencing a severe covid epidemic (with the third highest number of deaths in the world). And so cheque the latest United States Department of Land Travel Advisories for Mexico before you get.
👉 Read Adjacent: Is Mexico Metropolis Safe?
#12 – Beware of Car Rental Scams in Mexico
If you try finding rental cars in United mexican states online, you'll probable exist tempted with some crazy cheap rental car prices online (information technology's not uncommon to run across rental cars listed online for as low every bit $1/day).
Don't believe this Mexico travel scam for a second! As shortly as you lot show up to the counter, the agents will insist y'all have to have their MASSIVELY overpriced insurance.
The best manner to avert this scam?
👉 Bookmark the automobile rental site Discover Auto Hire, which is the best I've found in terms of avoiding subconscious car rental fees in Mexico (and a bully site for rentals generally compared to the more than pop American sites).
Our Pick
Need a Rental in Mexico? Employ Discover Cars!
Mexico is absolutely notorious for car rental scams and hidden costs. With the Observe Cars search engine, yous can search & compare the all-time prices from dozens of rental agencies, see reviews, and book with confidence.
Coin Saving Tips
#xiii – Ever Pay with Pesos
I don't know why, but a lot people seem to get it in their caput that simply considering many touristy places in Mexico will accept the U.South. Dollar, there is no need to acquire pesos.
While information technology's true that you tin pay with dollars at many places in Mexico, information technology's nigh Ever a bad idea.
Why?
Considering the exchange rate yous'll get from the merchant is going to be deserving of a place in those waste product bins along with your TP.
A improve option is to change dollars at the all-time charge per unit you can find, only the all-time pick is to learn an ATM card that gives the interbank loan rate for foreign currency withdrawals (personally I utilise Charles Schwab). Or yous can pay with a credit card that gives that same rate without foreign transaction fees.
Only, any y'all do, please please please pay with pesos. Unless y'all dearest giving coin away, that is, in which case go on shelling out those dollars.
#fourteen – Salve Coin past Taking the Colectivos
This is ane of my best coin-saving tips for traveling to Mexico. Colectivos are shared minibuses or vans that are very common in the Yucatan and some other parts of Mexico (elsewhere, such as in United mexican states City, they are sometimes called "peseros").
And colectivos are by far the cheapest and quickest form of public transportation available. For case, a ride from Playa del Carmen to Tulum costs but $2! If you desire to learn how to take a colectivo, hither'southward a good guide.
#15 – Use Mexico's Double-decker Network (It's Tiptop Notch)
Mexico is a much bigger country than most realize, so getting around tin can be a challenge. And while flights are oft a decent value option, don't forget about the first-class United mexican states buses. It can be a great and affordable way to travel, plus yous get to see Mexico's gorgeous countryside.
United mexican states has a tiered bus organization, with different classes of service offered at correspondingly higher prices. The higher classes are beginning ("primero") and platinum ("platino"). The beginning form buses are nicer than virtually in the U.South., with comfortable seats and onboard restrooms.
The platino buses, meanwhile, are worth a trip but to experience. The seats are equivalent to business concern form seats on an airline!
Bottom line: Whether you're merely taking a brusque trip from Cancun to Valladolid, or a longer journey across Mexico, don't experience shy almost taking the buses hither!
#16 – But Buying Bus or Plane Tickets Online Can Be Tricky
If you want to purchase a jitney or domestic air ticket through the internet, be prepared for the likelihood that your foreign credit menu won't be accepted.
It's super frustrating, and hopefully with the growth of "pin and bit" cards volition somewhen get fixed, merely in the meantime the only mode to buy ADO tickets or many airline tickets is to either:
one) go to the station, or
two) reserve online so go pay at your local OXXO convenience store (this aforementioned, method, past the way, is how locals pay their electricity bills here).
It's annoying but, hey, all office of the fun of going to Mexico right?
👉 Update: A reader points out that y'all tin can now use BusBud to pre-book ADO bus tickets online. Hooray!
Practical Things to Know Visiting United mexican states
#17 – Visit Some Cenotes
In parts of Mexico, especially the Yucatan peninsula, the limestone boulder gives way in places to form caverns filled with natural surreptitious water. These "cenotes" brand for some incredible swimming holes. Some are exposed above basis, while in others yous'll feel like you lot are in a cavern.
Yous tin 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 lot absolutely have to try it out!
#18 – Endeavour the Botanas
"Botanas" are basically snacks that are served between meals in many parts of Mexico. Recollect of them sort of like a more than casual version of Spain's tapas. In many Mexican cantinas, y'all will receive free botanas forth with the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
Oft times, the quality and the quantity of the botanas they bring out will get meliorate the more than you lodge…. and then beverage up!
#xix – Avoid VivaAerobus
You know how in the USA people hate Spirit Airlines? And how in Europe they hate EasyJet and Ryanair?
Well, one matter you should know before going to Mexico is that all of those airlines look like start-class carriers compared to United mexican states's budget airline, VivaAerobus.
VivaAerobus is the male monarch of nickel-and-diming customers. Don't exist tempted by VivaAerobus's fares: information technology'south almost always worth it to pay for another airline in United mexican states.
#twenty – You Might Demand to Pack a Jacket (Mexico Isn't Always Hot!)
Yep, Mexico's latitude means that much of the country is warm during virtually of the year. Yous'll probably never have a cold nighttime in Quintana Roo.
But ane of the things you need to know when traveling to United mexican states is that some popular destinations – particularly interior destinations like Mexico Urban center and Oaxaca – sit down at high altitudes and tin can go surprisingly chilly during winter, especially at dark.
That's why i of my top Mexico travel tips is to not presume that just considering you lot are going to Mexico that you can go away with packing but shorts and swimwear – you may need a jacket!
If you lot're the type of person who always messes up what to pack, cheque out our full packing list for Mexico to brand sure yous don't forget any essentials!
#21 – Build in Actress Time for Everything
Similar most of Latin America, Mexico tends to run on a clock that's a little fuzzy at times.
Never assume that annihilation is going to get-go on time in United mexican states. The person you're meeting may non be at that place promptly, only they are coming. That the ride you lot're taking is going to get there, but probably not quite when promised.
Merely roll with it.
Seriously, you'll bask your Mexican vacation if you lot chill out and cover the local's fluid concept of time. And then whether yous're planning two weeks in United mexican states, two days, or two months, just exist certain you don't schedule yourself too tightly …. and don't stress when things take a bit longer than planned.
READ NEXT: 16 Best Day Trips from Playa del Carmen Mexico
#22 – Be Prepared for Sargassum (Seaweed)
When you think of lounging on a Mexican embankment, yous probably don't picture a meter of seaweed separating you lot and the shoreline. But that'southward the reality of the situation in many popular Carribean destinations — more often than you might recollect!
Sargassum is specially a problem in Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. Information technology's a risk all twelvemonth but, honestly, a lot depends on when yous visit Mexico. The sargassum season tends to pick up in late bound, and continues until hurricane flavor in the fall (when the hurricanes clear out the great sargassum belt).
If y'all are traveling during this window and worried nigh seaweed ruining your embankment vacation, consider going to an island like Isla Mujeres or Cozumel. Depending on the currents, at least one side of the island volition commonly be seaweed free. Alternatively, the Pacific Declension is an option to avoid the problem altogether (though you may run into the rainy season, depending on where you are going).
#23 – Be Certain to Feel Mexico'due south Many Different Regions
My terminal 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 only because you stayed in Puerto Vallarta for a weekend once. Mexico is an ENORMOUS country and at that place are a lot to do in Mexico.
Mexico is HUGE! Mexico has over 128 million people. That'due south more than the unabridged populations of the U.Yard, Canada, and Australia – combined.
And United mexican states spans almost 2 million square kilometers – which is nearly half the size of the unabridged European Matrimony.
United mexican states has mountains, deserts, cities, beaches, jungles, canyons, plains, and every sort of landscape you tin imagine. Each office of the country has its ain culture, food, history, compages, and unique vibe.
Information technology'south not even so!
I've been to United mexican states more than dozen times, oft for months at a time – and I notwithstanding feel similar I have barely scratched the surface!
READ Adjacent: The 25 Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta United mexican states
***
I promise you enjoyed these Mexico travel tips! If you have whatever questions or tips before you travel to United mexican states, scroll down and get out me a comment.
And, while you're in the planning mood, be certain to bookmark some of my about pop Mexico guides:
- Best Chichen Itza Tours
- Best Tulum Hotels
- How to Go from Cancun to Tulum
- All-time Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen
Source: https://travellemming.com/mexico-travel-tips/
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