Your ticket to trouble-free travel: What to know before you go to Mexico

Essential Mexico travel tips to know before you go

MEXICO CATERS TO all types of visitors, offering a dynamic blend of historical splendor, natural beauty, and cultural richness that invites exploration from every angle. You’ll come to love its scrumptious dishes (pozole, chicken enchiladas, or tacos), ancient civilizations (Olmec, Izapa, Teotihuacan. Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Huastec, Purépecha, Totonac, Toltec, and Aztec), and, above all, its charming, hospitable people – they’re always smiling. Getting from point A to point B is very comfortable since buses run almost everywhere and many flights operate within the boundaries of the country.

Canadians are the second-largest tourist group in Mexico after the United States. In 2024, Canada accounted for 2.6 million visitors who were drawn to the year-round pleasant temperatures that offer a welcome escape. Whether for a seasonal getaway or a longer retreat that provides a more immersive and potentially transformative experience, a travel eSIM for Mexico can be a convenient and cost-effective way to access mobile data. Instead of hunting for a local SIM card on arrival, you can buy and install an eSIM package online before you set off.

Before traveling to Mexico, it’s wise to be aware of the following:

Commit to your holiday plans well in advance

Mexico is a popular destination year-round due to its wide range of attractions and pleasant weather. Tourism in the nation peaks in December and the mid-summer months – June, July, and August – so prices tend to be higher and the crowds bigger. Short bursts of visitor activity occur in the weeks leading up to Easter and Spring Break. Make bookings (for accommodation, travel, restaurants, etc.) more than six months before departure for significant savings. Hotels can fill up quickly, especially on the coasts, where people tend to spend their vacations.

There’s no better time than now to start looking at flights. Google Flights allows you to set alerts for specific routes and dates, meaning you’ll receive notifications when the cheapest time to travel is. Credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico, notably in tourist areas, so inform your card issuer about your travel plans so they don’t assume your credit card was stolen or used without your consent. Equally important is to be prepared for the unexpected. Even the best-planned trips can experience hiccups and having a financial buffer helps manage these surprises without derailing your vacation.

Leave expensive or fragile jewelry at home

It’s never a good idea to travel with expensive jewelry incorporating precious metals or stones or jewelry that holds special meaning because these treasured objects can be lost, damaged, and even stolen. Losing a favorite ring or necklace can be devastating, and there’s no substitute for caution. Valuable items attract unwanted attention, and you risk becoming the victim of theft, even in well-secured locations. Pickpocketing, theft, and bag snatching are fairly common in Mexico, and tourists are more likely to be subjected to opportunistic petty crimes.

If you absolutely need to travel with jewelry, keep your valuable possessions securely stored in your carry-on. Outdoor activities could put your engagement ring at risk – you could take away its edge with sunscreen, or the diamond could get swept away while you’re swimming in the Pacific Ocean. When it comes to storing rings, earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry, it’s best to use a travel case that features a leak-proof zipper and opens like a small trunk. When you leave the hotel room, put the box in the closet safe with a password only you know.

Use ride-sharing services rather than traditional taxis

There’s a “taxi mafia” that has been accused of overcharging tourists who aren’t familiar with local practices. This is why you should book taxis based on your hotel recommendation or through official taxi stands at busy hubs: fares are set transparently. Ride-sharing, mediated by digital platforms, offers a reliable service that’s even cheaper than that provided by taxis. The best eSIM for Mexico delivers fast and reliable Internet, which you’ll need to request a car. The driver can pick you up anywhere, and you can text them if you can’t find them.

Tipping is always expected, so it’s not okay to skip the tip

You should expect to tip in places like restaurants, bars, salons, and hotels. The vast majority of people in Mexico’s service industry earn lower wages and rely on gratuities to earn a living wage. Tipping in US dollars can be problematic, so pesos are more practical for the recipient as they can use them directly, avoiding currency conversion fees. The amount you tip is at your discretion and should be based on the service quality or bill size. A standard tip is between 10% and 20%.

Be respectful of the people and places you’re photographing

Photography allows you to freeze the moment and capture the memory forever. It’s the little things that light you up, bring a smile to your face, and fuel your curiosity. You’re intrigued by the buzz of urban street life or overwhelmed by the endlessly rolling landscape. Either way, nobody likes a stranger suddenly aiming a camera at their face and taking a photo. Instead of taking the photo right away, engage with the people you’re seeing and get involved in what they do to create a warm atmosphere.

In marketplaces, you should buy something and then ask if you can take photos. It takes a lot of time and practice to become a good photographer, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Keep trying, and you’ll get a little bit better. When things don’t go as expected, you might feel disappointed because you’re fixated on the ideas you’ve built in your mind, so you don’t see what’s in front of you. You must be able to pivot when that happens. Shoot what it is. Mexico offers numerous experiences that can lead to unforgettable memories.

Closing remarks

You should get out of the cities and coastal resorts into the countryside and smaller towns and villages to slow down and soak up the charm of Mexico. Many Mexicans speak some English, often good English.