Despite its rough reputation among global travelers, Mexico remains one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. Every year the country attracts thousands of tourists who arrive to experience the beauty and culture of Mexico. And most of those tourists tend to make the same mistakes that have locals scratching their heads!
There are certain things that travelers shouldn't do in Mexico, but newbie tourists don’t always get the memo. Luckily, most of them are easily avoidable if you use common sense. Then again, common sense in Mexico might be different than common sense elsewhere. After all, the culture is something it may take visitors a while to soak in.
Keep reading to find out what the locals advise against doing in Mexico!
20 Not Speaking Any Spanish
One of the biggest mistakes anyone can make when traveling to Mexico is not bothering to learn any Spanish. While there are lots of English-speaking tourists there, there’s no guarantee that everyone you come across will speak English. Plus, making the effort to learn some of the local language is just polite!
19 Not Staying Long Enough
According to Oyster, this is a common error that a lot of people make while in Mexico. And of course, the locals advise against it. It is a huge country with endless things to see and do. Don’t make the mistake of only booking a short trip.
18 Paying With US Dollars Instead Of Pesos
Some travelers prefer to pay with US Dollars rather than Pesos. But according to Mex Insurance, this is a mistake. It’s just more respectful to the local people to pay with the local currency. Plus, you ensure you’re paying the right price for the items.
17 Not Preparing For Day Of The Dead Festivities
Day of the Dead is a huge celebration in Mexico. Whether you would like to be there for the festivities or avoid them altogether, it’s important to recognize just how big a deal the holiday is in Mexico. If you don’t, you’ll be in for a huge shock!
16 Never Getting Out Of Mexico City
Mexico City is definitely worth seeing and possibly basing yourself in during any trip to Mexico. But that’s not to say that there’s nothing else to see in the country at all. Seasoned travelers will tell you that you shouldn’t be afraid to leave Mexico City and discover some hidden gems.
15 Waiting Until They Arrive In The Country To Book Tickets And Tours
There’s no need to book every single part of your trip online ahead of time, but there are certain tours and admission tickets that you can book in advance. It’s worth doing this with the busier attractions so you guarantee your place.
14 Drawing Too Much Attention To Themselves
It’s never a good idea to draw a lot of attention to yourself as a tourist in a foreign country. For one thing, you’re letting potential thieves and predators know that you’re vulnerable in a foreign country. But it’s also disrespectful to the locals to cause a ruckus.
13 Drinking Unfiltered Water
Drinking unfiltered water is okay in some countries, but Mexico isn’t one of them. While you might be okay to drink the unfiltered water from your resort, as a rule of thumb, you should stick to bottled water to avoid an upset stomach.
12 Expecting Tropical Temperatures
This tip especially applies to those visiting Mexico City. Many people think of Mexico as a summer getaway, but that doesn’t mean there are tropical temperatures like those you’d find in Southeast Asia or the Caribbean. It can be extremely cold in Mexico!
11 Being Too Afraid To Talk To Locals
Mexico has a reputation as being a dangerous country, but that doesn’t mean you need to be afraid of talking with the locals. Many people will be welcoming and friendly, plus you’ll learn a lot more about the culture by making friends with locals!
10 Underestimating The Size Of The Cities
People tend to underestimate the size of Mexico as a whole country, but also the size of the cities within it. Mexico City, for example, is huge. It’s not the kind of small town where you can simply walk to all the places that you want to go.
9 Booking All Your Accommodation Before They Get There
It’s a good idea to book some things in advance when you’re planning a trip to Mexico. But according to Mex Insurance, it’s a mistake to book all your accommodation in advance. You’ll often find the best places as you explore once you’ve arrived in the country.
8 Getting The Cheapest Insurance Available
You’ll need to get insurance when you do things such as renting cars during your trip to Mexico. It’s not wise to get the cheapest insurance available, because it might end up costing you a lot more money if anything does go wrong. It’s better to research your options properly before making a decision.
7 Expecting Every Single Police Officer To Be Corrupt
Mexican police officers are stereotyped as being corrupt, but that stereotype does not necessarily reflect the truth. If you need a police officer while in Mexico, don’t automatically assume that they are all corrupt. While some are crooked, many will be willing to help you.
6 Being Too Afraid To Sample Local Food
One of the best parts of going to Mexico is eating all the delicious local food. It would be a shame to miss out on the tasty authentic flavors because you’re afraid of getting sick. Get away from the foods you know while in Mexico and try something different!
5 Not Having Patience For Noise And Chaos
If you’re going to Mexico City, any local will tell you that it can get seriously noisy. Be prepared for noise and chaos and try not to lose your temper if things are loud and hectic. It is all part of the experience of being in Mexico!
4 Spending All Their Nights In The Hotel
Some tourists are too scared to leave their hotel rooms at night while in Mexico due to rumors that the country is unsafe. There are unsafe areas in the country, but there are also many areas that are safe as long as you stay aware of your surroundings.
3 Not Letting Other Motorists Pass Them On The Roads
If you’re going to rent a car and go on a road trip while in Mexico, it’s important to always follow the road rules and the road etiquette. That means allowing people who are driving faster than you to overtake you.
2 Forgetting To Visit At Least One Mercado
There are many authentic experiences that should be on your Mexican bucket list, and one of them is visiting the mercados. You’ll find endless mercados in the country so you won’t be able to visit all of them. Just visit one and enjoy the sights, sounds, and of course, tastes!
1 Expecting Everything To Run On Time
The thing to understand about Mexico is that it runs on Mexican time. That means that things are often late and it’s considered rude to arrive at most places early. Accept it and go with the flow for a stress-free Mexican trip!