Summer is an ideal time to visit the neighbor to the south. Magnificent beaches, fantastic foods and a variety of amazing sites to visit make Mexico a prime choice for a vacation. However, you should take some things into consideration before you visit there.
People at Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance offer you a glimpse into some of the amazing beaches Mexico has to offer in this article https://www.mexicaninsurance.com/Blog/mexican-auto-insurance-guide-to-the-most-fabulous-beaches-in-mexico. However, before you get to dip your feet, you must get there. Here are some tips on how to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.
Bring your passport
Well, the first thing you need to do if you want to go to Mexico is to bring your passport. Since this is another country, you cannot enter it without a valid passport. According to the State Department, only around 130 million Americans have a valid passport. If you are not among them, make sure you prepare well in advance. Regular wait time for a passport is 6 weeks, but it can be expedited to 3 weeks. This, however, costs $60. SO, save yourself some time and plan ahead.
If you do have a passport, make sure that it is still valid both when you leave for Mexico and when you are expecting to return to the US. And don’t forget to pack it with you.
Buy Insurance
When travelling abroad, make sure that your health insurance covers you even when you are out of the country. If it doesn’t, you can purchase a temporary policy for Mexico.
The same goes for your car. It is insured in the US, but that insurance is not valid out of the country. If you are planning to visit Mexico by car, you will need a policy which is valid in Mexico.
Different currency
US dollars are typically not accepted in Mexico. Exchange money at a bank or designated exchange office to avoid any confusion and uncomfortable situations.
Mexican currency is peso, and different values are of different colors. Most commonly, you can expect to encounter banknotes of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20 pesos. Note that higher values are paper, whereas 50 and 20 are made of polymer since they are most commonly used and wear out quickly.
Different language
Needless to say, the official language of Mexico is Spanish. Do not assume that everyone will speak English, and try to learn at least some basic phrases in Spanish. That being said, in most resorts the staff speak passable English, so once you reach your destination you might be able to rely solely on English.
Careful where you go
Our television series and films have made out Mexico to be a drug-fueled war zone. While it is true that some areas of the country are experiencing problems with drug cartels and other criminal activities, most of the tourist areas are fairly safe and far from problematic areas.
Before you start your journey, make sure that you thoroughly research your route and destination for any potential problems.
Another common misconception about Mexico is that it is a backwater and underdeveloped country. Once again, it depends on where you go. There are areas which are rural and underdeveloped, but there are those tourist resorts which have all the amenities which you are accustomed to in the USA.
What to wear in Mexico
Mexico experiences high temperatures all year round, but during the summer, the humidity is high, which means that you should choose your wardrobe carefully. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not the best options since the sun is fairly strong there.
The locals wear long sleeves and long pants made of natural materials, like cotton and linen. You should try to bring similar clothes in order to feel comfortable. On the other hand, avoid artificial material which trap heat.
Cuisine
Finally, the cuisine; Mexican cuisine is varied and rich, just like their culture. It cannot be reduced to just tacos. Depending on the part of the country you visit, you can find a variety of delicious savory and sweet treats. Do be warned, however, that the majority of food will be spicy if you do not ask for it to be prepared differently.
When it comes to drinks, it is not advised to drink tap water. Even the locals avoid drinking it in most of the country. Bottled water is safer for your stomach, so you can properly enjoy the vacation.
