Travel Tips for Mexico

Planning Guide

Travel Tip #1 – What You Need Before You Go To Mexico

• Passport
• Valid Passport Book (if flying) or Passport Card (only valid for land and sea travel)
  • Check the Mexican Government’s website or find out from your travel consultant if there have been any recent changes to this policy
• FMME (Aerea)
  • This is the Electronic Migratory Form for Air Travel
    • Facilitates and expedites the registration of your entry to Mexico
      • Print (from link on the Mexican Embassy)
      • Stamped & Validated at the airport
      • Valid for 30 days
    • NOTE: Keep the stamped portion with you at all times

• All Canadian visitors in Mexico must have a valid passport that will remain valid for the entirety of the stay.
  • Your international travel company may have different identification requirements as well.
• Mexican authorities do not require a minimum period of validity of passports.
  • However, your passport must be valid at the time of entry and for the extent of time you are planning to remain in Mexico.
• Note About Passport Genders
  • Canadian passports allow for “X” identifications for gender.
    • The Canadian government does not guarantee that a foreign country will accept a passport with an “X” gender designation. 
• Below, is the link to the Mexican embassy in Canada:

https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada/index.php/en/notices/11506-entryrequirements

• Keep Track of Your ID and Tourist Card
  • You might need ID during your visit to Mexico.
    • Keep your documents on your person at all times.
• Get a good travel insurance policy when you buy your ticket
  • Don’t take the risk. 
  • Travel insurance is essential.
  • The costs of medical care can add up.
• Travel Insurance Documents You’ll Need
  • At least one physical copy (and a digital copy) of your travel insurance confirmation of coverage.
  • The information should include:
    • the policy number
    • policy terms & conditions
    • exactly what you are covered for.

Travel Tip #2 – Essentials to Pack

• Stomach aid
  • for excessive gas
  • indigestion & heartburn
  • stomach pain or diarrhea
• Sunscreen – lots!
• Hat to provide shade for face
• Proper clothing
  • short and long sleeves
• Swimsuits
• Comfortable walking shoes (Not newly bought)

Travel Tip #3 – Visit Mexico With An Open Mind!

• Anticipate a diversity of people, sights and sounds
• Time in many instances is flexible.

Travel Tip #4 – What To Expect On The Flight To Mexico

The Customs Declaration Form is per family. 

• Number of family members traveling with you?
• Means of transportation
• Anything to declare, such as:
  • Live animals
  • Meats
  • Chemicals, pharmaceuticals
  • Dangerous materials
  • Disease agents; live/dead cultures
  • Weapons or cartridges
  • Samples
  • Professional working equipment
  • Merchandise (over your baggage and duty-free exemption)
  • Soil
  • If you have visited a farm, ranch or prairie
  • Been in contact with livestock

Most of the answers will be yes or no.

*Keep the information safe and accessible

Travel Tip #5 – Going Through Customs In Mexico

• When you land in Mexico, make your way to the customs area.
  • At the customs area
    • scan your passport on the machine
    • Remove hat and/or sunglasses
    • have your picture taken
  • At the customs counter
    • Answer some basic questions, such as:
      • where are you going?
      • why are you going there?
      • how long are you staying?

Travel Tip #6 – Airport Transportation In Mexico

 Taxis and shuttles

• Always ask for the price before accepting the ride.
• Ubers may not be allowed to enter the airport’s property.

Travel Tip #7 – What NOT To Do When Traveling To Mexico

Mexico is a friendly and inviting place, but there are bad people everywhere.

Use common sense! Don’t ruin your trip.

Other things you should NOT DO when traveling to Mexico:

• DON’T:
  • Wear fancy or expensive jewelry
  • Walk around with a lot of money
  • Expose your money or tell someone how much money you have
  • Leave any personal items out in the open
  • Cause a scene or uproar
  • Walk around at night by yourself
  • Wander around the cities in Mexico after the sun has gone down.
  • Drink the water
  • Brush teeth with tap water
  • Use ice cubes in drinks
  • Eat uncooked meats, fish or vegetables
  • Eat fruits you haven’t peeled yourself
  • Avoid “Montezuma’s Revenge”

Some things you SHOULD DO when traveling to Mexico:

• Download the Google Translate App
  • Learn Some Basic Spanish
    • Hello – Hola
    • Goodbye – Adiós
    • Please – Por favor
    • Thank you – Gracias
    • Cheers – Salud
    • With permission (for when you need to get past someone) – Con permiso
    • Do you speak English? – ¿Habla inglés?
    • ALWAYS be aware of your surrounding.
      • Do your wandering during the day time
      • Travel with an extremely bright flashlight
      • Travel around the tourist zones where there are more people
      • Stay in the tourist-populated areas.

Potential trouble?

• BE AWARE: Conflicts between the Mexican drug cartels and government forces.
  • Government advisory
    • https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

Travel Tip #8 – Pay in Pesos, Avoid Dollars

• Wear a (hidden) money belt around your waist
• Everything is priced in pesos, so pay in Pesos
• Avoid converting currency on the spot

Travel Tip #9 Send Yourself Some Pesos

• Convert your money to pesos then pick it up locally
• Use a money transfer App instead of the ATM

Travel Tip #10 – Use A Travel Debit Card

• Transfer some money to a debit card with a smaller amount
• Avoid carrying too much cash on hand

Travel Tip #11 – Bargaining a must!

• Don’t feel pressured into buying anything
• Pay in pesos
• Don’t show how much money you have
• Bargain for the best deal
• Speak Spanish if you can

Travel Tip #12 – Try Less Touristy Food Options if possible

• Restaurants in tourist areas are expensive
• Google local restaurants
• Eat at a local vendor to save money

Travel Tip #12 – Smart Food Choices – Checklist!

BEFORE YOU EAT!

•  Trustworthy source?
  • Are the restaurants, food carts and stands busy?
• Sanitary conditions?
  • Is the same person handling the money & serving the food?
• Food freshness?
  • Do the foods look and smell fresh?

Travel Tip #13 – Tip please!

At least 10% of the total bill.

Travel Tip #14 – Transportation Options Around Mexico

• Walking
• Local Buses
• Uber
• Taxi
• Rent a Car

Final Words of Advice

1. Disinfect! Disinfect! Disinfect!

• Light switches
• Door knobs
• Bathroom/Kitchen – hardware, handles & faucets
• Bath/Shower/Toilet – knobs & handles
• Countertops
• Freezer and Refrigerator handles
• Remote controls
• Accessories – hair dryer & hotel safes
• Anything else you use or touch

2. Drinks

• Don’t accept free drinks from anyone
• Keep your drinks in your hands always
• Keep your drink with you, in your hand even when you go to the restroom

3. Don’t share the address where you are staying

Stay silent! Stay safe!

Don’t trust anyone you don’t know!

Travel To Mexico: Be Smart, Be Safe & ENJOY

HAPPY WANDERING!