Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for most travelers to Mexico. Hepatitis B is advisable if you might have sexual encounters, get a tattoo, or need medical treatment. Rabies is considered if you’ll be around animals, particularly bats. If you’re visiting rural areas, consider Malaria prevention. Routine vaccines like Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, and Polio should be up-to-date. Check for **COVID-19** vaccine requirements too. Always consult your healthcare provider before travel.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Mexico, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for MexicoCulture & Customs
Respect is key in Mexico. When meeting someone, a handshake or a cheek kiss is common. Use *usted* instead of *tú* to show respect. Punctuality is relaxed; arrive 15-30 minutes late for social events.
Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Don’t openly criticize local customs. Avoid discussing politics unless you’re familiar with the context.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, urban areas like Mexico City are more welcoming, but discretion is advised in conservative regions. Women should remain cautious when traveling alone, especially at night, and consider joining female-only dorms or tours for added security. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Mexico.
- Tacos al Pastor: A staple of Mexican street food, these are marinated pork tacos cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma. The pork is seasoned with spices and pineapple, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor unique to Mexican cuisine.
- Mole Poblano: This rich, complex sauce is made with a blend of chili peppers, chocolate, and over 20 other ingredients. Originating from Puebla, it’s often served over chicken and is a perfect example of Mexico’s intricate and historical culinary traditions.
- Chiles en Nogada: A dish that embodies Mexican patriotism, featuring poblano chilies stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices) topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. It’s traditionally served during Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
- Pozole: A hearty soup made from hominy, meat (usually pork), and seasoned with herbs and spices. Often garnished with radishes, lettuce, and lime, this dish is deeply rooted in pre-Columbian tradition and is a popular comfort food.
- Ceviche: While it has roots across Latin America, Mexican ceviche is a must-try, especially in coastal regions. It typically includes raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers, offering a fresh and tangy flavor.
Tap water in Mexico is generally not safe for tourists to drink, even if locals sometimes consume it. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any risk of stomach issues. It’s also a good idea to use the same for brushing your teeth.
The main language in Mexico is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Mexico includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Mexico,
English proficiency varies significantly by region and context. In major tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Mexico City, many locals, especially in the hospitality and service industries, speak English quite well. Restaurants, hotels, and tour operators often employ English-speaking staff to accommodate international visitors.
However, in more rural or less touristy areas, English may be less commonly spoken, and communication can be more challenging. In these regions, Spanish is predominantly used, and knowing basic Spanish phrases can greatly enhance the travel experience.
Overall, while English is widely understood in urban and tourist-centric locations, it is advisable for travelers to learn some basic Spanish to navigate interactions effectively, especially in remote areas. This not only helps in communication but also enriches the cultural experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Mexico is MXN ($).
ATMs: Mexico’s pretty solid with ATMs, especially in cities and tourist spots. Go for ones at banks to avoid sketchy fees. Just watch out for withdrawal limits; they can be low, so you might need multiple trips.
Cash vs. Card: Cash is king in small towns and for street vendors, so keep some pesos on hand. Cards are cool for bigger purchases or in cities, but not everywhere takes them.
Dollars or Euros? Stick to pesos. Dollars can work in super touristy zones, but you’ll get a lousy rate. Euros are a no-go for local transactions.
Exchanging Money: Avoid airport exchange rates; they’re brutal. Hunt for casas de cambio in town for better deals. Don’t forget your passport if you’re exchanging at a bank.
In Mexico, tipping is customary, with 10-15% being standard at restaurants. For bellhops, 20-50 MXN per bag is typical, and taxi drivers don’t usually expect a tip unless they help with bags. Keep small bills handy for these situations.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.