Tourist life in Mexico

Some answers about Mexico!

We tried to collect the most popular questions that you ask us about Mexico. If you have any other questions, please indicate it in the comments and we will answer you personally and/or add it to this post.

Can I pay with my credit card in shops, restaurants and other touristic places in Mexico?

Almost all restaurants, cafes and shops accept international cards. The exception is the street vendors. We recommend you take your credit card with a small amount of cash.

Which currency should I use in Mexico?

Big supermarkets (Walmart, Mega, AKI, etc..) and OXO are more convenient to pay in dollars because the exchange rates is more favorable. In other places, it is better to pay in pesos. Please note that you can pay with dollars only in Quintana Roo, Yucatan and other touristic destinations. If you will plan to travel to other states, you should take a peso.

Where can I exchange my dollars and euros?

We do not recommend you exchange your money at the airport because you will find a better rate in the city. In the city, there are small exchange offices (Capital and San Jorge) near almost any hotel.

How many tips should I leave and where?

In the restaurant, the general rule is to give 10% if you didn't like it, 15% if it was good, and over 20% if you stayed delighted. Housekeepers usually get 1 USD a day that you can leave on the bed. When leaving a hotel, you may give more, around 10 – 20 USD depending on the hotel. In large supermarkets, it is normal to leave about 10 pesos for the person who collects grocery bags. Do not forget that it is very important to leave tips in Mexico because they are taken into account when settling wages. So feel free to bring a little money for all tours, excursions, etc. It is better to leave a small tip than not to leave it at all. The level of service for you will depend on the size of your tip.

Is it dangerous to rent a car?

No, it is not dangerous. Traffic is enough quiet, and road are very decent. All rental cars have special numbers so people can see that you are a tourist and are very friendly to you, forgiving not big violations. Please note that cars only need to be rented from large and proven companies. We also recommend you take pictures of cars from all sides.

How spicy is the food in Mexico?

Most restaurants in resort areas are adapted for tourists, but even somewhere in the outback a lot of dishes are not spicy. The spicy sauces that usually stand in the center will be spicy, so be careful with them.

Spicy

Is it safe in Mexico?

You are safe in Mexico. There is a lot of police in all the tourist places. The only problem that can upset you is the little thieves who can pull your wallet or phone. But they act very carefully in 99% of cases, so a little vigilance and everything will be super. It's better to keep the money on the card, withdraw it only in ATMs at bank branches. A safe in a hotel room is not a safe place to store cash, so if you do eat with cash, hide it in non-standard places. Do not leave things unattended, phones in your back pocket and slipper on the beach while you swim in the sea. Be careful and your rest will be without accidents!

Where to go with excursion, and where it is possible itself?

You can go all around by yourself with a car, buses and hitchhikes. The only question is the quality of these trips and the goals you set for yourself.