Survival Tips to Know
before visiting Mexico
Before you go: Let’s talk safety
I always want to discuss this point before anything else, the reasoning is more than likely very obvious. Now the topic of safety (or lack thereof) comes up A LOT when talking about Mexico. When I told people I’d be going, they were shocked and asked if I was nervous and so on. Truth be told, it was the first trip I felt shit scared about, just purely because of what you hear online (and I’m usually not one who believes all they read).
However, I felt completely safe throughout the 5 weeks I was there and enjoyed every minute, while just keeping my wits about me, as you would anywhere. I probably made more Mexican friends in these 5 weeks than Swiss in 8 years living in Zurich.
Mérida is actually one of the safest cities and felt very easy, which surprised me, especially as it’s not as visited as other major places.
The Locals
I feel it’s fitting to place this next bit right after safety. Mexicans really make the country even more special, and those I met were nothing short of warm, insanely fun, and kind. I’ll never forget randomly joining a street party on my birthday with both locals and travellers of all ages, while visiting the tiny island of Holbox. An older Mexican gentlemen ordered me a bus of tequila, just out of friendliness - no ulterior motive.
Now one thing I feel the need to discuss is when for example men look at you, or want to compliment, they seem to be mindful and tend to do it at a distance. It’s very polite, without catcalling or awkward encounters and that’s something you don’t really get too often.
Sim & Wifi
Now for the other important bits and bobs you need. On the first day I arrived, I went to get a local SIM from Telcel, which was cheap and efficient, BUT be warned: due to new laws in Mexico, it takes a few days to work.
Then, when my data eventually ran out, I managed the next two weeks without internet by just making sure I had certain things saved on maps that I could navigate to. Maybe not sensible but hey!
Good to know: Mérida and Mexico City have free public WiFi in many areas
Transport
Mexico is absolutely huge (I underestimated this, silly me from little European countries), and that means that sometimes you need long-ass public transport or even flights. For air travel, I’d say you’d be best booking with Viva or Aeromexico - avoid Volaris, since they have quite a negative reputation for delays, poor service and lost luggage.
For more manageable distances, I always used ADO buses. They’re available almost anywhere and easy to find, safe, reliable and remarkably comfortable (even more so than buses I’ve taken in Western countries). Tickets can be bought more cheaply in advance via their app, or otherwise directly at the terminals in the stations.
ATMs & cards
I don’t take any money until I’m in the country I visit, and only use Revolut as they have the best exchanges. For cash withdrawals in Mexico, I religiously used Banamax ATMs as they were by far the cheapest, with only a 30-peso fee (approximately 1.50€). Others I checked were around 80-120 pesos.
Santander can honestly do one after my misfortune with it. I do not trust it whatsoever since it swallowed my card for “security” reasons. Having said that, Revolut offers incredible support service, should this happen to you, but they cannot really ship out new cards to you in Mexico unless your hotel signs off on it. There’s a rule or something about customs and what not that makes it notoriously difficult to get any sort of letter or package sent to you there when visiting.
Where to stay
There’s such an incredible variety of places in Mexico but I have to say, sometimes I purposely chose hostels because for the price, they are insane. Shits on those we get in major European countries (sorry but you pay 30-50 for just a basic room and sod all else). Places like Casa Amate in Mérida and Yak Lake House in Bacalar, which overlooks the lagoon, were even more impressive than upscale accommodation and great value too. Plus, you’ll likely make many friends (and make hilarious, but potentially questionable choices).
However, be careful. The drawback is, from my own experience, you’ll probably have many tearful goodbyes (or rather, see you laters).
Little. BASTARDS
Mosquitos, everywhere! I love animals but absolutely detest them with every fibre of my being. Now I cannot stress this enough: bring a strong repellent and apply it often. I’ve been in many countries with a plethora of these assholes (incl’ Kenya), but Mexico is next level. You will be devoured otherwise, be warned.
Little. BASTARDS
Mosquitos, everywhere! I love animals but absolutely detest them with every fibre of my being. Now I cannot stress this enough: bring a strong repellent and apply it often. I’ve been in many countries with a plethora of these assholes (incl’ Kenya), but Mexico is next level. You will be devoured otherwise, be warned.
Ready for Mexico?
Figure out the basics, don’t think twice. Go and have the best bloody time in this incredible country!
If you’re still on the edge, hopefully my 5 week itinerary can be of help.