Travel tips for Mexico - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Going to Mexico, one needs to learn some basic phrases ("hello", "please", "thank you", "excuse me", "goodbye" and so on). Even if words are pronounced incorrectly or with difficulty, Mexicans see this as a manifestation of respect for their culture and will be more willing to help a tourist trying to speak Spanish.
2. Crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing, one need to monitor the cars carefully: many drivers have a driver's license but have never attended courses, so there is always a risk of getting under the wheels of a self-taught driver.
3. You should not criticize religion or argue about faith with locals, most of whom are devout Catholics - this can greatly offend a person and make him/her your enemy.
The nature of Mexico is quite diverse: swamps and mountains, deciduous forests and jungles, deserts and reefs, marshes, sea and Ocean coasts — all …
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4. Drinking water other than the one sold in bottles at almost every corner should be avoided - there is a high risk of getting an upset stomach and spoiling your vacation. When ordering an alcoholic drink at a bar, it's better to ask the bartender not to add ice - it may be the same polluted water. Tap water is absolutely undrinkable.
5. Before eating food bought on the street, be sure to wash your hands. This applies to any food in Mexico - often the disease is caused not by bad food but by unwashed hands.
6. In the capital of Mexico, it is not customary to wear flip-flops or sandals - this immediately gives tourists away. This kind of shoes is only good for a beach. Even in extreme heat locals wear more closed shoes.
7. Don't wear jewelry, nor take with you expensive phones and cameras, going for a walk after sunset. Mexico has a high crime rate, and the risk of becoming a victim of a thief or a robber is very high. In the daytime it is also better to try to merge with the crowd, it is important to avoid looking confused - this will surely attract the attention of criminals. If an unknown street looks deserted and suspicious, it's better not to go there if you don't want to become a victim of crime. For the same reason, one should leave all the money and valuables in a safe, which is available in every room in most hotels. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
8. Loss of a visa or passport can lead to a fine, a huge heap of paperwork, loss of time, hassle and spoiled vacations, therefore documents should also be kept in a safe after making copies that can be safely carried outside.
9. It's not recommended to discuss politics, especially if the interlocutor has opposing views. A bitter dispute may arise, especially if the interlocutor supports any political party. If a Mexican himself starts this kind of conversation, it's best to stay neutral.
10. The same can be said about football, which is very popular in Mexico. If possible, one should avoid discussing this sport, especially if the interlocutor is a fan of any club. And if he is, do not criticize his favorite club under any circumstances.
11. In Mexico City, it's better to avoid taking the subway at "Hora Pico" (peak hours) - from 7 to 10 am when people go to work, and from 5 to 9 pm when everyone returns home. In these hours, the subway is really overcrowded, and on hot days it is completely impossible to stay there, which is an ideal time for pickpockets.
Colorful, sunny Mexico boasts excellent cuisine consisting of a variety of dishes popular all over the world. Most of the recipes are a mix of Spanish …
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12. It is important to apply sunscreen not only on the face but also on all exposed parts of the body before leaving the hotel. The sun in Mexico is often very strong, as it is close to the equator, and a sunburn can ruin your vacation. Be sure to wear a hat during the daytime to avoid sunstroke and getting to a hospital.
13. Drinking alcohol on the streets is prohibited by law and can result in a fine.
14. It is considered very rude to ask about somebody's income. Many Mexicans live below the poverty line, there is social inequality, so one should avoid this kind of questions.
15. Women should not respond to loud comments on the streets. This male behavior is considered normal even during the daytime on a busy street.
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Colorful and unique places in Mexico

Campeche

From the series “The Last City-Fortresses Survived to This Day”
On the Mexican coast has placed an old town Campeche. It was always the main aim of pirates. That’s why the fort systems of fortification were built year by year. Some parts of this system were saved until our times. The most interesting touristic district is the Old Town. An architectural landmark of this place is the variety of ridiculous sculptures. They are everywhere, the most unusual sculptures are located next to the Cathedral church.

One more peculiarity of the historical district is the narrow streets with old houses, their facades are painted in different bright colours. A lot of interesting shops and restaurants have placed in these houses. The main tourist street of the historical Campeche district is America. Here you can see many unusual sculptures and bright buildings. … Read all

Alux Restaurant-Bar

From the series “The Most Extraordinary Bars and Café on the Planet”
One more unusual bar you can find in Playa del Carmen, Mexica. It was made in the underground cavern. The name of it is "Alux Restaurant-Bar". Nowadays it is decorated with marvellous art illumination and looks like a fairy underground world. The cave astonishes by a great number of stalactites and stalagmites. Together with the thoroughly made illumination, they look fantastic. The cave is quite large for placing the restaurant and bar here.

A lot of people come here to try the original cocktail Aluxinant. It consists of mezcal, orange and cucumber juice. Moreover, the visitors can order outstanding dishes of Mexican cuisine in the restaurant. One more peculiarity of the restaurant-bar is an equipped stage for musicians. The cave has a special acoustic, that's why life concerts are … Read all

San Juan Parangaricutiro Church

From the series “Deserted Places Causing the Feeling of Chill”
Towns and villages affected by the destructive elements are always a depressing spectacle. The church of San Juan Parangaricutiro is a witness of a devastating natural disaster. The sight is located in the former settlement of the same name in Mexico. In 1944, during an eruption of the Paricutin volcano the town was completely destroyed. The church building is one of the few that managed to survive.

Today, the church is almost completely buried under a layer of lava. Since the disaster, it is abandoned. Surrounded by solidified volcanic cones, the dilapidated building looks very grim. Some travelers say that the church resembles to an ancient building that was restored from ruins. During the disaster mighty lava flows were covering the place; they were several meters thick. Given this, … Read all
All unique sightseeing Mexico
 

Advices for popular cities of Mexico

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