If you’re about to embark on a trip to Mexico, it’s time to know basic facts that will help you during your time there. Ensure you don’t make silly mistakes that could make you seem rude or oblivious to Mexican reality. Here you will find practical information to avoid surprises when you get there. Check it out now.
Restrooms doors with an ‘M’ are for women
It may seem simple, but many people who don’t know Spanish can make mistakes. The Spanish word for women is ‘mujeres,’ so whenever you see an M on a restroom door, don’t assume it’s a men’s room. Go for the door with the letter H, which stands for ‘hombres’ (men), or a C, which stands for ‘caballeros’ (gentlemen).
If you are given a paper slip (FMM) at Customs, don’t lose It
When you arrive at the immigration services in Mexico, the officer will stamp your passport and may give you something else as well. For several years, international travelers entering Mexico had to complete a small section of an immigration form that the officers would tear off and affix to the passport. This paper is called the Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). As of 2022, Mexico has started a process to stop using this form, but you may still get it depending on your port of entry into Mexico. If you obtain it, keep it safe until you leave Mexico, as immigration officers will ask for it. If you don’t have it, you could be fined.
Don’t assume you’ll get 180 days at Immigration automatically
Mexican immigration officers would almost automatically grant 180 days to all incoming visitors. For this reason, many digital nomads chose Mexico as their destination. However, this situation is no longer the case. In 2021, Mexico started giving fewer days and has continued to do so. Now, you must specify how many days you will stay in Mexico. If it’s longer than a month, you must have a ticket to prove you’re leaving. Make sure you have lodging reservations and outbound flight tickets. You can still get 180 days, depending on the airport, city, or even the individual immigration officer.
Don’t drink Mexico’s tap water
Tap water in Mexico isn’t safe to drink. Never drink straight from the tap, or you risk getting a stomach bug. Still, you must drink several liters of water on summer days to avoid dehydration. Always search for an alternative to fill your water bottle instead of using countless plastic bottles.
Mexico Tourist Card
After learning all these tips, you will spend more time relaxing at the tourist spots in Mexico than worrying about them. Remember to get the [Mexico Tourist Card] before entering Mexico for tourism. The good news is that iVisa provides a trustworthy platform to process your application. After completing the online form, you will receive an email with the mandatory travel document. Welcome to Mexico!