Travelling to Mexico? You won't find this first-timer’s advice in a guide book, but it will certainly help your trip go smoothly…
Mexican citizens can visit museums and archaeological sites for free on Sundays – a great initiative that encourages pride and interest in their country’s rich history, but sometimes the attractions can prove too popular. We visited Teotihuacan on a Sunday, and were unable to climb the Pyramid of the Sun (a highlight) because the queues were so long. That said, it was brilliant to see local people enjoying this ancient wonder.
On any other day of the week, you’ll feel like you’ve got the place to yourself.
Teotihuacan on a Sunday
English isn't widely spoken at all, so non-Spanish speakers who are travelling alone will want to invest in a good-quality phrasebook. If you can muster a few Spanish words, you'll be mightily rewarded for your efforts – with smiles, assistance, and maybe even a shot of tequila too.
If the mere mention of spicy food makes you reach for the Pepto Bismol, you might not think Mexico's for you. Think again! Many of its signature dishes aren't as hot as you suspect – the spice usually comes from the copious salsas and chilis (of all shapes and sizes) that are served on the side. You can easily opt out of these with your head held high – although your Mexican compadres might make a few good-natured jokes at your expense.
If you're planning your own itinerary, check the distances carefully: next to the USA it looks positively tiny, but Mexico covers a whopping 761,600 mi² – that's eight times the size of the UK. Luckily, its cities are well connected with domestic flights.
The highways are also good and there are lots of long-distance buses, but give yourself plenty of time: when heading to the airport for our flight home, the highway was closed because of a teachers' protest – and our driver had plenty of similar stories. Our only alternative route was the old mountain road – an interminable drive along steep winding tracks, with the threat of a missed flight looming on the horizon.
If you come from a country where tipping is reserved for top-quality service in restaurants, you’ll need to loosen your purse strings. Tipping is an integral part of Mexican culture – if someone performs a service for you (anything from carrying your bags to performing juggling at the traffic lights), they’ll expect a coin or two. Refusing to tip can cause great offence, so slip them 20 Pesos (roughly 70p / US$1).
You’re not just being targeted because you’re a tourist – tipping is expected from all walks of life. At budget restaurants and cafés, round up the bill – and in pricier places, tip up to 10%.
