Keep Valuables Hidden
In case you plan on bringing jewelry, electronics, cameras, money, or anything else of significant monetary value, make sure to keep it hidden out of plain sight. Many parts of Mexico are not dangerous for tourists, but you will still risk making yourself an easy target for thieves if you make it obvious that you’re carrying valuable items. Keep it simple and opt for a less is more clothing style when you are tourists in Mexico – try to look casual and blend in with citizens.
Stay Away from Driving or Using Transit During Rush Hour
In the big cities in Mexico (such as Mexico City or Tijuana) much of the highways and streets get stuck in gridlock and make getting around a nightmare. Generally, you’ll want to avoid driving and using public transportation between 7am and 10am, and 5pm to 8pm.
Don’t Drink the Water
Although it sounds cliche, it truly can be quite dangerous to drink the municipal tap water in many areas in Mexico. If you’re staying at a nice resort in Cancun or eating at a high-end restaurant they most likely utilize a water purification system, but aside from that, it’s best to stick to bottled water. You can find bottled water at a good price all over Mexico – just make sure the bottles you purchase are unopened, otherwise they could have been filled straight from the tap. We recommend even using bottled water for things like brushing your teeth.
Be Prepared to Hover
Although it sounds bizarre, there are many places in Mexico that you’ll find a complete lack of toilet seats. This means you should probably practice some squats before your trip to Mexico – especially if you’re a woman and have to sit each time you use the bathroom.
Additionally, flushing toilet paper is not generally a good idea in Mexico, as the plumbing can be quite old and ill-equipped to deal with it. There are usually trash cans next to the toilet that are used for this purpose.
Expect Late Dinners
It is a common practice to eat dinner as late as 9 or 10pm in Latin American countries, as opposed to the 5-7pm norm in the United States. If you go out to a restaurant for dinner in Mexico that early, you’ll usually find it quite empty.
Don’t Split the Bill
Although splitting dining bills is a common and socially acceptable practice in the US, it’s seen as rude in Mexico. If you invite someone out to dinner, be prepared to pay for the entire check. Also, if a local invites you out to eat, you can expect that they will pay for everything.