Traveling in Mexico or any foreign country can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Here are the top tips for traveling in Mexico for first-time visitors.
- 1. Don’t assume you’ll automatically get 180 days upon entry
- 2. Don’t lose your FMM card
- 3. Toilet paper goes in the trash, not the toilet
- 4. Bathroom doors marked with “M” are for women
- 5. Learn some Spanish
- 6. Consider seeing a doctor or dentist
- 7. Don’t drink tap water
- 8. Be ready to negotiate taxi fares
- 9. Mexicans tend to dress conservatively
- 10. Don’t hesitate to take long-distance buses
- 11. Book a hotel with a pool if traveling in the Yucatan
- 12. All museums in Mexico are closed on Mondays
- 13. Even at beach resorts, bring a sweater and a rain jacket
- 14. Bring a reusable shopping bag
- 15. Carry Mexican pesos, including small change
- 16. Street food is often better than restaurants
- 17. Don’t miss the Pueblos Mágicos
- 18. Don’t be afraid of Mexico City
- 19. Get used to a different sense of time
- 20. Plan to spend LOTS of time in Mexico
1. Don’t assume you’ll automatically get 180 days upon entry
For years, Mexico routinely granted 180-day stays to travelers, making it a magnet for retirees and digital nomads. This is no longer guaranteed. Immigration officers now often ask exactly how long you’ll stay and, if you request more than a month, may not grant it.
2. Don’t lose your FMM card
Most nationalities don’t need a visa to enter Mexico. Instead, you’ll receive a form, the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), on the plane or at the airport. Immigration keeps one part and returns the other to you—you must have this with you at all times, as it proves your legal stay in Mexico.
3. Toilet paper goes in the trash, not the toilet
Yes, even in luxury resorts: always dispose of toilet paper in the trash bin, not in the toilet! Mexican plumbing simply isn’t designed for this and flushable waste can clog the pipes fast.
4. Bathroom doors marked with “M” are for women
The Spanish word for women is “mujeres” and for men it’s “hombres.” So if you see a bathroom marked with an “M,” don’t assume it’s the men’s restroom—it’s for women. “H” indicates the men’s room.
5. Learn some Spanish
This is one of the most important travel tips for visiting Mexico. Brush up on Spanish before your trip, especially outside major tourist hotspots. Even in Mexico City, English isn’t guaranteed.
6. Consider seeing a doctor or dentist
Mexico is a major destination for medical tourism. Many visitors come for surgery or check-ups at a fraction of US costs, often with more personal care and high-quality service.
7. Don’t drink tap water
Tap water in Mexico is generally unsafe to drink. Always buy bottled water.
8. Be ready to negotiate taxi fares
In most places, taxi fares are negotiated in advance. Don’t be afraid to bargain.
9. Mexicans tend to dress conservatively
If you want to blend in, avoid shorts for men and revealing outfits for women—unless you’re at the beach destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Cabo or Puerto Vallarta.
10. Don’t hesitate to take long-distance buses
Mexican long-distance buses aren’t like American Greyhounds. They’re comfortable and safe, with large seats, air conditioning, and sometimes food service.
11. Book a hotel with a pool if traveling in the Yucatan
If you’re visiting the Caribbean side, you’re probably dreaming of white sand beaches, but a pool is nearly essential for cooling off.
12. All museums in Mexico are closed on Mondays
On Mondays, plan to visit archaeological sites and ruins, as museums will be closed—even in Mexico City.
13. Even at beach resorts, bring a sweater and a rain jacket
Mexican weather can be unpredictable, and it can get cold anywhere—even snowing in some regions!
14. Bring a reusable shopping bag
Just like in much of Europe, single-use plastic bags are no longer freely provided in Mexican supermarkets.
15. Carry Mexican pesos, including small change
Mexico’s economy is still largely cash-based. Some restaurants may accept cards, but don’t expect it everywhere.
16. Street food is often better than restaurants
Taco stands and street vendors selling elotes, tamales, tortas—you name it—are a crucial part of Mexican life. It may seem unfamiliar at first, but street food is usually tasty and safe.
17. Don’t miss the Pueblos Mágicos
No matter where you are, try to visit one of the 100+ Pueblos Mágicos—towns designated by the Mexican government for their cultural significance and heritage.
18. Don’t be afraid of Mexico City
Some visitors worry Mexico City is unsafe or crowded, but while it’s a bustling metropolis, it’s also a great destination for travelers.
19. Get used to a different sense of time
Nothing starts on time in Mexico—and arriving exactly on time can even be considered odd or impolite.
20. Plan to spend LOTS of time in Mexico
Mexico is vast and diverse. Many travelers assume visiting Cancun or Puerto Vallarta means they know the country, but that’s far from the truth.
