10 things you need to know when traveling to Mexico

Have I already convinced you to come to Mexico? Then I have some handy tips for you. Things you need to know before you come this way and that unfortunately were not all told to me in advance. So make use of it.

1. They drink tequila here without lime and salt

Let's get started with an important point: Mexico is virtually the only country where they drink tequila without salt and lime. (link to tequila article). It's quite handy to know if you want to adapt a bit here.

2. Mezcal is the new tequila

In addition to tequila, you should also try mezcal. Mezcal is another very strong alcoholic drink, made from the agave plant just like tequila. The big difference between mezcal and tequila: mezcal has a smoky flavor because the agave is roasted, while tequila is cooked.

3. The average tip is fifteen percent

I thought giving a ten percent tip on the first night was generous, but this was not entirely appreciated. Afterwards, I looked it up and what turns out? In Mexico, a tip of fifteen percent is average. When ‘including IVA’ is on the receipt, it means that VAT is included. We had previously mentioned that IVA would concern tips: this is not correct! Apologies.

4. Mexico is bigger than you think

Just Mexico City alone, with 24 million inhabitants, is many times larger than our entire country. Don't underestimate this when you want to travel around and think that two days will be enough. For this city, you need to set aside at least a week. And if you then want to travel to the sunny Tulum side, you'll quickly lose a day of travel time as well. So plan enough time.

5. Take Ubers

In Mexico, it's best to order Ubers, as you are almost always ripped off in a regular taxi. The Ubers here are super fast and safe.

6. The police like to rip you off 

There was a lot of police around in Mexico City, to which my brother and I said to each other: ‘How nice that there are so many police around here.’ Not even five minutes later, we were stopped for not wearing a mask, just like all of Mexico, but try explaining that to a corrupt officer. We did receive a fine of 4000 pesos, which is about 200 euros. Quite a bummer, but well, you just have to accept it and move on, that's just part of it.

7. Many attractions are closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday

Unfortunately, I couldn't visit many museums in Mexico City because they are only open four days a week. I was quite frustrated about this. So it's handy to check this out well in advance, because you probably won't go to Mexico that often.

8. Book your museum tickets in advance

Besides the fact that you need to check when the museums are open, it's also advisable to buy tickets in advance. In many places, you cannot buy a ticket on the spot, and sometimes a museum is fully booked for a few days. You definitely don't want that.

9. Keep the immigration paper 

When you arrive in Mexico, you need to fill out an immigration form. You will receive a tiny piece of paper back that you must keep for your return trip. When you leave the country again, you need to show this slip. Keep it safe, as you can get a fine if you lose it.

10. Plane tickets are just as expensive as bus tickets

When you need to travel from A to B in Mexico and think that a bus trip is cheaper than flying, you are mistaken. The difference is often negligible in terms of money, but you do save a few precious hours of your vacation.