What NOT to do in MEXICO

15 Mistakes to Avoid When Coming to Mexico

In this video, the speaker shares 15 common mistakes that tourists make when visiting Mexico. The speaker provides tips on how to avoid these mistakes and enjoy a safe and pleasant trip.

Bringing Damaged Bills

• Damaged US dollar bills are not accepted in Mexico.

• Money exchange places also do not accept damaged bills.

• It is recommended to bring new and undamaged bills when traveling to Mexico.

Trusting Mexicans About Spicy Food

• Do not trust Mexicans when they say something is not spicy.

• Try a small amount of salsa before adding it to your food.

• Mexican palates are accustomed to spicier food than most foreigners.

Eating at Empty Street Food Stands

• Avoid eating at street food stands without any people.

• Busy stands have better hygiene and fresher food.

• Eating at busy stands reduces the risk of getting sick.

Negotiating for Everything

• Do not negotiate for street food or any kind of food in Mexico.

• Negotiating is acceptable in artisanal shops or souvenir stores, especially in tourist destinations like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

• Prices may be jacked up in tourist areas, but there may be little room for negotiation elsewhere.

Not Learning Basic Spanish Phrases

• Learn basic Spanish phrases before traveling to Mexico.

• Knowing some Spanish can help with communication and show respect for the local culture.

• Common phrases include greetings, asking for directions, and ordering food.

Not Carrying Cash

• Many places in Mexico only accept cash payments.

• ATMs may charge high fees or run out of money during peak hours.

• It is recommended to carry enough cash for daily expenses.

Not Using Uber or Official Taxis

• Use Uber or official taxis instead of unmarked taxis.

• Unmarked taxis may be unsafe and overcharge tourists.

• Uber and official taxis are safer and more reliable options.

Not Being Aware of Scams

• Be aware of common scams in Mexico, such as fake police officers or timeshare presentations.

• Do not give money to strangers or accept unsolicited help.

• Research common scams before traveling to Mexico.

Not Drinking Bottled Water

• Drink bottled water instead of tap water in Mexico.

• Tap water may contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness.

• It is also recommended to avoid ice made from tap water.

Not Bringing Sunscreen and Bug Spray

• Bring sunscreen and bug spray when traveling to Mexico.

• The sun can be strong, especially near the beach, and mosquitoes can transmit diseases like dengue fever or Zika virus.

• It is recommended to use a high SPF sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET.

Not Respecting Local Customs

• Respect local customs when traveling in Mexico.

• Dress modestly when visiting churches or other religious sites.

• Do not touch artifacts at archaeological sites or take photos without permission.

Not Having Travel Insurance

• Purchase travel insurance before traveling to Mexico.

• Medical care can be expensive, especially in private hospitals.

• Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unexpected events.

Driving Without Mexican Car Insurance

• Obtain Mexican car insurance if driving in Mexico with a foreign-plated vehicle.

• US car insurance policies do not cover accidents that occur outside the US border.

• Mexican car insurance can be purchased online or at the border.

Not Researching Your Destination

• Research your destination before traveling to Mexico.

• Learn about local customs, attractions, and safety concerns.

• Check travel advisories from your home country's government.

Bringing Illegal Substances

• Do not bring illegal substances into Mexico.

• Penalties for drug possession can be severe, including imprisonment in a Mexican prison.

• It is recommended to avoid any involvement with illegal drugs while in Mexico.

Tips for Traveling to Mexico

In this section, the speaker provides tips for traveling to Mexico, including advice on drinking tap water and tipping at restaurants.

Drinking Tap Water in Mexico

• Ice is safe to consume as it is made from filtered water.

• Brush teeth with bottled or filtered water if staying for a short period of time.

• If living in Mexico, brushing teeth with tap water is acceptable but may cause stomach bugs.

Tipping at Restaurants in Mexico

• It is illegal for restaurants to add mandatory tips to bills.

• Look out for the words "propina" or "servicio" on the bill which indicate an optional tip has been added.

• Do not double tip as some waiters may try to deceive tourists into leaving extra money.

Avoiding Cancun and Exploring Other Destinations

• Flying into Cancun can lead to scams and rip-offs.

• Consider flying into Mexico City instead and exploring the city before taking a flight to a lesser-known beach destination such as Mazatlan.

• Visiting other smaller beach destinations in Mexico can be more affordable and enjoyable than going to Cancun.

Exploring Pueblos Magicos in Mexico

In this section, the speaker recommends exploring Pueblos Magicos around Mexico as they offer a lot of history and culture.

Reasons to Explore Pueblos Magicos

• There are many Pueblos Magicos around Mexico that offer a lot of history and culture.

• These small towns have a unique charm that is worth experiencing.

• The speaker has visited 20 or 30 of these towns and loved every one of them.

Booking Airbnb in Mexico

In this section, the speaker provides tips for booking an Airbnb in Mexico.

Tips for Booking Airbnb

• Book only the highest-rated places with a rating of 4.9 or higher.

• People tend to give better ratings than deserved, so it's best to book highly rated places.

• Lower-rated Airbnbs can have problems during your stay.

Learning Spanish Before Visiting Mexico

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning some Spanish before visiting Mexico.

Tips for Learning Spanish

• Learn basic greetings and numbers before coming to Mexico.

• Two free apps to start learning basic Spanish are Duolingo and Memrise.

• For those who want to learn how to speak full sentences, the speaker recommends Rocket Languages.

Driving in Mexico

In this section, the speaker provides tips for driving in Mexico.

Tips for Driving in Mexico

• There are "free zones" within a few miles of the border, part of Sonora state, the entire Baja Peninsula, and Quintana Roo state.

• If you're driving outside of these free zones, you must get a temporary import permit when entering Mexico.

• Failure to obtain a permit can result in confiscation of your car with impound costs higher than the value of your car.

Paying Cash in Mexico

In this section, the speaker provides tips for paying cash in Mexico.

Tips for Paying Cash

• Do not use too big of a bill when paying cash. For example, if buying something less than 100 pesos, don't pay with a 500 peso bill.

• If an ATM gives only 500 peso bills, go into any bank and ask for change.

Overstaying Visa in Mexico

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not overstaying your visa while visiting Mexico.

Tips for Avoiding Overstaying Visa

• When flying into Mexico, you will receive a stamp on your passport indicating how many days you are allowed to stay.

• Make sure to leave before that number of days expires to avoid detention or imprisonment.

• For most people, the number of days allowed in the country is 180.

Avoiding Carrying Guns in Mexico

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not carrying guns while visiting Mexico.

Tips for Avoiding Carrying Guns

• Do not carry guns while visiting Mexico as it can lead to imprisonment.

• The speaker shares a story about someone who is serving a five-year term in a Mexican federal penitentiary for breaking this law.