What To Know Before Visiting Mexico

A bucket list location for many, Mexico captures hearts with its bustling metropolitan cities and sprawling, white sand beaches.  Before you visit Mexico on your next vacation though, there are a few things you should know.

Language

Know some key Spanish phrases or words before you go to Mexico, as this helps immensely and locals are extremely grateful when you try to speak their language! Here are some common words you should know to make your vacation easier:

Phrases:

¿Dónde está [fill in the blank]? = Where is [fill in the blank]?
¿Cuánto cuesta [fill in the blank]? = How much does [fill in the blank] cost?

Words:

el baño = bathroom

el restaurante = restaurant

el cajero automático = ATM

la playa = beach

el taxi = taxi

la policia = police

Money

Many major resort towns take US dollars and even have ATMs that dispense it. Depending on the current exchange rate, most often you can get quite the deal if you pay in cash with dollars. Be sure to check with your hotel or resort before leaving home for their best recommendations.

Geography

Mexico is a massive country and you should plan your vacation accordingly. How many cities do you want to visit? Are they easily reachable by bus or car? Do you have to fly? The country is a phenomenal 761,600 square miles and there is frankly a lot to do and see all around the country. Make sure to peek at a map before you start planning your epic trip and be realistic about how much you can really see and do in one trip.

Diverse

Mexico has many different types of landscapes and cultures. Warm, calm, turquoise waters can be found in the Riviera Maya. In Mexico City you can find an upbeat, bustling, culture-filled metropolis. Rugged landscapes and spectacular surf spots can be found along the Pacific Coast. Decide which of these very different regions appeals most to you before you start planning your adventure.

Safety

And last but not least, the thing on everyone’s mind: Crime. Did you know that crime in Mexican cities are many times lower than in most of their American counterparts? While there are hot spots in Mexico that do have travel warnings that come along with them, many of the major tourist destinations are considered safe and are largely ignored by many of the problems found elsewhere. Like any destination though, do your research in advance and avoid any areas listed as crime-prone or dangerous.

What advice would you give someone visiting Mexico?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.