If you’ve read my different blog posts over the years (or followed me on Instagram), you might know that I love Mexico City. However, visiting a new city and a different culture can be daunting. One of the most frequent questions I get is “is Mexico City safe?” I’ll throw this out there that I have always felt safe – however I have heard from other travelers of some travel mishaps (which of course can happen anywhere). In order to help you prepare for your trip I’m sharing my list of Tips for visiting Mexico City.
10 TIPS FOR VISITING MEXICO CITY
1. Packing: Leave your shorts and flip flops at home.
Being Italian, I grew up being taught that shorts and flip flops are only acceptable if you’re headed to the beach. While culturally this is very different in the US, especially California, Mexico City goes by the Italian style.
Want to stand out and wave a red flag that you’re a tourist? Rock shorts and flip flops. We were recently there in 90 degree F heat, and locals were all wearing slacks or jeans. Note: these are tips, but you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
- For Women: Here’s some inspiration of what I wore on my last trip (in the winter). Opt for something a little more conservative, and note that people do tend to dress up in the evenings.
- For Men: Locals will often wear polos instead of t-shirts, and button downs in the evenings. You can’t go wrong with a pair of jeans and a polo.
2. Weather: Dress in Layers
Continuing the discussion of packing – I have now visited CDMX once in December and once in July. Weather in the city is pretty mild. It might be more likely to rain in certain seasons, and others you might need a jacket.
Main tip? Dress in layers because it could be cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon, and raining in the evening.
Pro Tip: The weather can be wrong. It said there were going to be thunderstorms our whole week, and it only rained one day for one afternoon.
3. Currency: Exchange your money in the city or use an ATM.
There’s a lot to share about spending money, currency, etc.
- US Dollars: Let’s start with the fact that many places will take US Dollars if you are in a pinch, however you’ll get a horrible exchange rate.
- ATMs: Instead of using the “casas de cambio” (money exchange), I would recommend using the ATM. You’ll pay a fee, but you’ll get a better exchange rate.
- Money Exchange: If you plan to use the Casas de Cambio, wait until you get to the center. Their rate is better than the airport. I would recommend changing around 50$ before you head into the city (even if it’s at the airport) since you do NOT want to be stuck without pesos.
- Small bills: Carry small bills. You’ll find these handy for tipping, buying a street taco, or picking up a souvenir in one of the markets.
4. Food: Research restaurants in advance
Mexico City is known for its world class cuisine. Some of their most famous restaurants require a 6 month in advance reservation. While I’m always a big fan of stumbling upon good food, if you’re a foodie you’ll want to do your research. PS: When you’re out to eat, it is customary to tip 10%.
Some famous restaurants according to locals:
- $$$$ – Quintonil– Mexican fine dining in Polanco. Make your reservation ASAP.
- $ – Tacos don Juan – street tacos in Condesa
- $$$$ – Dulce Patria – Mexican fine dining in Polanco.
- $ – El Moro Churros – famous churros
5. Packing: Bring duplicates of your passport and ID cards
Regardless of where I’m traveling, I never go around with my passport. I’ve heard enough horror stories to know that you don’t want to be requesting an emergency passport at the consulate. Travel with duplicates of your passport (and keep a photo on your phone), and go around with a license or a passport card. At least you’ll have an official document and proof of identification.
6. Transportation: Opt for an Uber or Taxi de Sitio.
As I state in my CDMX City Guide, NEVER just hop in a taxi, we are not in New York City. Taxis use a meter and if you’re a tourist they might take you the long way around and charge you more.
- Taxis de sitio: these are taxis you can call and they will tell you a flat rate for getting from point A to point B. These are a lot better option than just a normal taxi.
- Uber: if you have your data on, this would be the BEST option. You can check out your driver, see the route he is taking, and track your status to your destination. These tend to be cheaper than a normal taxi as well.
- Private drivers: you could also contract a private driver through a company but this can be more logistically complicated if you’re walking around and don’t have a set agenda.
7. Don’t drink the water or ice
Traveling internationally, you should always be weary of the water and ice. Some people might be okay, some people might have a bad reaction.
- Street food – always drink bottled and never order ice
- Restaurants – A new law was passed that restaurants are required to let you know when you ask for water if it isn’t filtered. Bottled water is pretty inexpensive so I tend to order that regardless.
8. Keep an eye out for pickpockets
This isn’t just a Mexico City issue. Most places you travel to (Europe, Asia, etc.) will have this problem in major cities. You might encounter pickpockets or have to deal with petty crime. A few of my tips:
- Leave your passport locked in a safe or hidden in your hotel room (see tip 5 for more information.
- Don’t carry all your money and credit cards with you at all times. Leave a card and some cash in the safe.
- Opt for a crossbody bag, or if you choose to keep your wallet in your pocket, never put it in the back pocket.
9. Learn some common phrases
Most people you run into (especially in the city) will speak some English. But knowing a few key phrases will go along way. Some helpful phrases:
- Buenos Días – Good Morning
- Hola – Hello
- Gracias – Thank you
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
- You can check out more phrases here.
It’s also helpful to download something like Google Translate in case you find yourself in a bind.
10. Shop your silver & gold
Last on the list of tips for visiting Mexico City? Shopping. Coming from the US, the exchange rate makes things like silver and gold significantly cheaper. These make for great gifts or souvenirs.
- For gold: Visit the Zócalo
- For silver: Visit the Mercado de Artesanias Zona Rosa
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to negotiate. And if you plan to buy multiple things, stick to a few vendors. You’ll get some major discounts buying in bulk! Lastly, don’t be afraid to walk away if something seems to expensive. They’ll either try to haggle more or you may find it at a different stand.
There you have it – my 10 tips for visiting Mexico City . Looking for more Mexico City content?
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/mexico-city-city-guide/
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/mexico-city-look-book/
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/2-days-mexico-city/
Beautiful architecture! Looks like a fantastic trip.
highly recommend a visit!