Before planning a trip to Mexico, it’s important to learn the local language. The Spanish in Mexico is very different from the Spanish spoken in Spain, so it’s important to learn some basic phrases before you travel. You can also learn about Mexican weather so that you’ll know when to expect sunny days. Also, you’ll want to be aware of any scams in Mexico.
Buying artisan goods
Purchasing artisan goods while traveling in Mexico is an excellent way to support local businesses and enjoy the rich local culture. Many popular destinations have markets dedicated to local craftspeople. Even the coastal resort towns have areas that feature artisan shops. Mexican crafts are unique and unlike anything, you’ll find outside of Mexico. They’re a product of thousands of years of tradition and the pride of the artisan.
Many cities have large public markets, known as tianguis. These markets are open for several hours each day and date back to pre-Hispanic times. Many street markets open at nine in the morning and close by 4 in the afternoon, although some sell handcrafted accessories and produce until late at night.
Another option for souvenirs is buying a traditional product like a serape. These are typically handmade by Mayan women and have unique designs. Many of these handwoven pieces have fringed edges and hang to the knees. A serape is often worn over the head like a poncho and can be purchased at a market focusing on artisanal crafts.
Buying artisan goods while traveling to Mexico is a unique way to support local artisans. Buying locally made goods will help you support the artisans and the community. While you’re in the city, look for boutiques that support local artists and are committed to fair trade and sustainable business practices.
Avoiding Mexican scams
While traveling in Mexico, you must be careful to avoid common scams. For example, you should always negotiate the rate before getting into a cab. You should also be wary of inflated insurance rates. If you are renting a car, always get a company that offers international bookings. You should also pay attention to the fuel meter. Some gas station attendants do not zero it out properly, so you should always be aware of your mileage.
Another scam that can catch you off guard is the “phantom buyer” scam. In this scheme, a con artist claims to have a buyer for your timeshare and asks you to pay a large upfront fee. The scammer then disappears with the money and tries to sell it to another victim. The victim may never receive his or her money. Some scammers even try to sell you an invalid timeshare deed.
While many tourists use credit cards in Mexico, you should keep cash on you at all times. ATM machines can be found in convenience stores, tourist areas, and even on street corners. You can even find them inside banks. They are much safer than outside ATMs, but always remember to bring your valuables with you.
Another major scam in Mexico is road piracy. Some road pirates and Bandidos have set up roadblocks. They may overpower the driver, so it is best to avoid these scams. Make sure you check the prices of bus and flight reservations before booking them.
Drinking tap water in Mexico
The quality of the water coming from a tap in Mexico is questionable at best. While bottled water is easily available, tap water is not usually safe to drink. Fortunately, the water departments in most cities and towns purify it before it leaves their facilities. However, tap water does have a funny taste. To avoid the unpleasant taste, you can purchase purified water from a grocery store or use an electric kettle to heat water.
Water in Mexico has different levels of minerals and microorganisms than in the United States. Some areas have water that is particularly hard, which can result in white residue on pans and dishes. For this reason, it is best to rinse fruits and vegetables before eating or preparing them for cooking. If you must rinse fruits or vegetables in tap water, make sure you dry them thoroughly before consuming them. Never drink the water directly.
Although most municipal water departments in Mexico purify their water, the process of transportation can cause the water to become contaminated. vuelos desde Nueva York a Santiago Hence, drinking tap water in Mexico can be risky, particularly if you are traveling with young children. You may even contract diarrhea if you consume water in unsafe water sources.
Although the water in Mexico is generally safe to drink, it is important to avoid tap water, which may be contaminated with parasites or bacteria. Although these diseases are rare, they can be dangerous and cause gastrointestinal distress. For travelers, it is better to stick to bottled water.
Avoiding driving in Mexico in shorts
Driving in Mexico in shorts is not advisable. It is illegal in some states, and there are several dangers involved. In Mexico, it is also a good idea to use registered taxis rather than public transport. You should also stay away from shady areas and don’t accept drinks from strangers. Besides that, you should never use drugs. In order to avoid being targeted by pickpockets, avoid staying in shady areas and always keep your cellphone charged. Moreover, consider using a local SIM card to avoid high data charges.
If you are a woman, consider wearing long pants. This is because Mexican women are more vulnerable to robbers. If you don’t wear long pants, you could risk being recognized as a tourist and attract unwanted attention. Likewise, it is important to learn Spanish and don’t wear clothes that scream “tourist” or “Tourist.” While driving in Mexico, you should always follow the speed limit posted on the road.
Driving in Mexico in shorts is not advisable, as there are many dangers associated with wearing shorts. Generally, you should only drive in cities that have been welcoming foreigners for many years. It is unlikely that you will face any kind of danger, but you should always follow common sense rules when traveling in Mexico.
Buying multiple immigration forms
Purchasing multiple immigration forms when traveling to Mexico is essential. A FMM form is a travel document that enables citizens of certain countries to enter Mexico without the need for a visa. These forms can be bought online and are issued by the Mexican government’s Instituto Nacional de Migracion. When traveling to Mexico, you must have a valid passport and FMM form, in order to enter the country.
The process of immigration in Mexico is backwards. To enter or leave the country, you must fill out the bottom half of your FMM and present it to the immigration official at the airport. Only international airports accept this form. Without it, the aircrew may refuse to let you board. The FMM must be stamped by an INM official so the authorities know that you are a Mexican resident.
The form should contain the name of the traveler and the date of birth. You should also use the details from the passport. Depending on the type of travel document, the form will differ in requirements. For example, temporary passports, emergency travel documents, or other forms may not be accepted. If you travel by plane, it is best to buy a passport with a long enough validity period so that you can get in and out of the country.
Purchasing multiple immigration forms when traveling to Mexico is a good idea because Mexican immigration is notorious for changing its rules on entry and exit. In addition to buying multiple immigration forms, you should make sure that your passport is fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated, you can be refused entry unless you provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or verbal attestation of your reason for traveling to Mexico.
Buying a Lifestraw filtered water bottle
When you’re traveling to Mexico, buying a filtered water bottle will help you drink more water, cut down on plastic waste, and stay hydrated. It’s also a great way to ensure that your water is clean and safe. Whether you’re filling up a water fountain or squeezing water from a tap, a Lifestraw bottle will make the process much simpler.
The Lifestraw Go is one of the more popular water filters on the market. It uses a two-stage filtration process that includes a carbon capsule and hollow-fiber membrane. When full, it filters water with minimal particle and odor. In addition, the Lifestraw Go is lightweight and comes with a carabiner to attach it to your backpack. The filters are easily Call Copa Airlines removable and cleanable, and the Lifestraw Go can even be used as a standard water bottle.
While the water in Mexico is generally safe, some areas still have contaminated water. Despite improvements in water treatment, the CDC still recommends that travelers avoid drinking tap water in Mexico. Sanitation standards are not as high as in other countries, and exposure to bacteria, viruses, and parasites can spoil your vacation. Using a water purifier will convert dirty water to pure water in seconds. One bottle of purified water can replace 400 plastic single-use bottles.
Filtered water bottles are great for travelers who want to make drinking water as healthy as possible. Water bottles can become expensive to buy at airports and in some other tourist destinations, but this simple device will prevent you from spending a fortune in bottled water. It will save you money in the long run, and it will save the environment.
