Travel Etiquette for Mexico

Hey there, are you planning a trip to Mexico? Well, let me tell you, it's an incredible country with so much to offer! But before you go, let's go over some travel etiquette tips that will help you get the most out of your visit, while also showing respect to the locals.

First things first,  Double-check toilet signs before entering:

Toilets signs starting with the letter M are for females or "Mujeres," not for males. The designation for male toilets is "Hombres." When visiting churches, please remember that they are places of worship for the locals, not just tourist attractions. So, please dress appropriately (some churches may not allow entrance if you have uncovered shoulders or are wearing very short shorts or skirts), remove your hat before entering, don’t use flash while taking pictures, and most importantly, don’t interrupt the religious services. Wait for them to finish before touring the church. Oh, and if you can, it's always appreciated if you donate something to each church you visit. Even just a small amount can help with the expensive task of restoring these beautiful buildings.

Next up, museums! Try to visit as many as you can, especially in colonial cities. Not only are they fascinating, but they also have clean restrooms (always a plus!). But please, don’t touch any of the exhibits, and turn off the flash of your camera or smartphone as soon as you enter.

Now, when visiting natural reserves or parks, please don’t take anything from these places back home with you. These are beautiful places that should be left undisturbed for the enjoyment of future visitors, just as you're enjoying them now.

Tipping is expected at table service restaurants and bars, and for small food stands, just round up the bill. Also, leaving a small daily tip (50 pesos or 2-3 USD) for the maid cleaning your room is always welcome. And remember, tour guides also expect to be tipped, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your trip.

When it comes to haggling, it's a national sport in Mexico, but I would advise against it. The savings that can be achieved (10-20%) are usually only a few US dollars and not significant for the average traveler, but it can be a big loss for the locals. So, if you see something you like and you can afford it, buy it at the price being offered. The locals will appreciate it.

Lastly, please don’t litter and remember that smoking indoors (and vaping) is banned in Mexico. Also, you can only drink indoors, like restaurants, bars, or even your hotel room.

And most importantly, be smart, obey all local laws, and have fun!