Mexico Hints and Tips

Planning a trip to Mexico? Interested in knowing what they don't tell you? Here's our two cents.

• Driving - I would sooner base jump than drive in Mexico. That's not to say it is dangerous per se; just different. Most taxis and vans we took drove quite fast and a little crazy, but other drivers seem to be more defensive than in the U.S. as a result. Don't be surprised when you notice many vehicles lack seatbelts.
• Bad Plumbing - For some reason even expensive, fancy restaurants suffer from this problem. You cannot flush toilet paper in Mexico - it will clog the plumbing.
• Public Restrooms - If you are lucky enough to find one, it might cost you a few pesos to enter. In this case, you can expect to be provided with toilet paper and maybe even soap if you're lucky. Since many restrooms do not have either, however, always carry with you some paper and hand sanitizer.
• Cheap Eats - You can get a decent, delicious full meal throughout Mexico for no more than five dollars, but if you take this route make sure you have a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Ciprofloxacin with you and have all your travel vaccinations up to date (e.g. Hepatitis A, Typhoid). In fact, some of the tastiest meals we had were from street vendors.
• Burritos - I hope you aren't hoping to find them in Mexico. Except in the north, they virtually don't exist, and neither do some other "Tex-Mex" food items. The typical Mexican diet consists of meat, meat, cheese, and meat. Even beans were less common than we had expected. Unlike in the U.S., most tortillas in Mexico are made of corn (which I prefer anyway). If you are adventurous, all parts of the cow are served here.
• Spanish - Speaking even a little bit can be a big help, especially if you want to travel to places that aren't super touristy. You don't need to be fluent to communicate.
• Tipping - Do it, and do it often. Tips are typically smaller than in the U.S. (10% for restaurants is common and often included in the bill automatically), but wages are low so most workers expect a little extra for their troubles.
• Credit Cards - Surprisingly few places seem to take plastic (except in Mexico City) - even the first class and luxury intercity buses are mostly cash only!
• Colectivos - Collective taxis range from standard four doors to large 12 person vans. They differ from normal taxis in that they have specific routes and are much cheaper. The main points on the route are written behind the windshield. Make sure to ask the driver ahead of time to let you off somewhere on the way, if you want (here's where it's good to know some Spanish).
• Safety - We did not feel truly in danger at any time. We did hear stories about people getting robbed in Mexico City, especially on the metro. Some advice: if you value your belongings and your personal space, AVOID using the metro during rush hour. We did not hail any taxis in Mexico City nor did we walk around late at night. The most touristy areas are filled with police, but like everyone says, you should be fine if you keep your head about you wherever you go (i.e. try to blend in a little). We did hail many cabs in other cities with no problems. Also, be ready for airport-like security if you take a bus to or from Mexico City. Before departure, an agent boarded our bus to record every passenger's face with a digital camcorder, and later our bags were searched at a military checkpoint outside the city (we were present of course). One more thing: do take first class buses for intercity travel (or fly). It is faster, safer, and not terribly expensive compared to second class.