Trip readiness checklist for Mexico

What to pack

Mexico is sun, street food, and serious history. Pack light cottons, real sun protection, and a slightly dressier option for nights out — and never drink the tap water.

• Sun protection that works

  Strong sun year-round, especially on the coasts. Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen.

• Light, breathable clothing

  Hot and humid in much of the country; linen and cotton win.

• A light layer for evenings and AC

  Highland cities like Mexico City cool off at night, and buses crank the air conditioning.

• Comfortable walking shoes

  Ruins, cobbled colonial towns, and big cities all mean a lot of steps.

When to go

Winter (Dec–Apr) is dry, warm, and peak — especially the beach resorts; spring break (Mar) packs the coasts. Summer is hotter and wetter, with hurricane season on the coasts running Jun–Nov. Shoulder months trade a little rain for fewer crowds.

Money & getting around

Mexico runs on the peso (MXN). Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry cash for markets, street food, and small towns. Tipping matters here — around 10–15% in restaurants, plus a few pesos for the many people who help you out. Stick to bottled or purified water.

Local quirks worth knowing

Mexico is warm, unhurried, and personal. Greet first, rush never, and follow the locals' lead on where to eat.

• Greet before business

  A 'buenos días' opens every interaction — shops, taxis, market stalls. Skipping it is the gringo tell.

• The busy stall is the safe stall

  For street food, join the longest local line. High turnover means fresh — and delicious is usually attached.

• The bill comes when you ask

  Bringing it unrequested is considered rude, so it won't happen. 'La cuenta, por favor' when ready.

• Paper in the bin

  In many bathrooms, toilet paper goes in the wastebasket, not the bowl. The sign (or the bin's placement) will tell you.