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Step 1
Learn some basic Spanish. Spanish is the language that is spoken in most parts of Mexico. You will need it to communicate with the native people. Some people speak English in Mexico, but not many.
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Step 2
Know where you are going. Looking like you're lost makes you a good target for con artists and thieves. Study the map before you go out, and know exactly where you are going. Be familiar with some Mexican landmarks such as the Zocalo, Mexico City and Cancun. Knowing specific landmarks will help you get around this large country. It will also provide you some entertainment options as well.
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Step 3
Take your passport and identification with you every place you go in Mexico. Keep it in a safe place. Many Mexican governmental agencies or departments such as museums like the Museo de Anthropologia may ask you for an ID, such as your passport.
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Step 4
Carry traveler's checks. Never carry money or other valuables with you. Mexico uses pesos for their monetary unit. However, pesos can easily be used in Mexican traveler's checks. Always check the currency rate since it changes frequently in Mexico.
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Step 5
Leave all of your jewelry and other valuables at home. Flashing expensive jewelry attracts thieves. Mexicans are known for their clever and swift pickpocket tactics. Every day, thousands of people are robbed in Mexico City. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when in a large Mexican city such as Cancun, Monterrey or Mexico City.
Comments
jorch62 said
on 9/27/2009 you don't need to go down to Mexico to survive, you can do it here in Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Dallas, Colorado, Minneapolis, LA, Washington, so don't waste you time going yo Mexico, u can tray here at home
joker90 said
on 8/14/2009 Mexicans are known for their clever and swift pickpocket tactics. You've probably never even been to mexico. Mexico gets a Bad Rap because of it's government. Americans are known for being stupid.
1. Recession (Thanks alot)
2. George Bush and his son (Faliures)
3. They are easily conned and fail to recognize that everywhere is just like Mexico their are always to be sneaky people. Watch what you say before you say it. Jerk.
txtomx said
on 8/5/2009 Over the years it has become more difficult to cash travelers checks. We use our DEBIT card and withdraw the pesos we need from ATMs which are easily found in Mexico. There is a small fee, so you'll want to be aware of that. As in the US, when using an ATM always be cautious and alert. Be sure your cash is secure; we wear a money belt and/or money holder inside our shirts. We keep a limited amount of pesos in my small purse which I wear over my shoulder or in my husband's front pants pocket. I've put a button and button hole on his front pocket to secure the cash.
It's a good idea to carry your passport and tourist card; however, in over 30 years the only people who have asked to see them were bank tellers when we were changing US$ to pesos. You do want to be sure to carry a card with the name of your hotel written on it.
AmericanMexican said
on 11/29/2008 cont.
There are also many American Settlement areas (where what is referred to as where the ex-pats are) where I've heard you feel as if you are actually in the US, if you are interested in that, check out http://www.mexconnect.com . Mexico is a beautiful country and LARGE country with cold and warm climates. It is full of surprises you could never imagine, for info on Puerto Vallarta see my articles. Happy
Travelling!
AmericanMexican said
on 11/29/2008 This article would be better titled, "How to travel smart" rather than "How to survive in Mexico, for a day". First off the "You must speak Spanish" part is not necessarily true. It is fun to learn a new language, but don't rule out all of Mexico because you don't know basic Spanish. Whether Spanish is required or not all depends on if you are going to a touristy area or NOT. In Puerto Vallarta for example, all of the hotels require employees who deal with tourists to speak English. You may run into some random people working around your hotel that do not speak English, but if you deal with the Bell Boys, Bartenders, waiters, receptionists, and desk clerks, they will have anywhere from a 60% to 100% fluency in spoken English.
Each city in Mexico is very different from another city of Mexico. The beach resort towns are very tourist friendly.
There are also many American Settlemen