Useful Information
Here’s a list of general advice that will help you to have a safe and pleasant stay in Mexico.
Mexicans are generally very polite, and you should begin every transaction with a formal greeting:
● In the morning, “Buenos días” (Good morning)
● After 12pm, “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon)
● After nightfall, “Buenas noches” (Good evening, but it can also mean
“Good night” provided you at home or in a hotel and on your way to bed).
● “Hola” is rather informal (the equivalent of “Hi”) and should generally only
be used with people you already know.
If you don’t speak Spanish it’s worth following up with “¿Habla inglés?” (ab-lah in-glace) because many people do, or they’ll find you someone who does, but if not just be as clear and straightforward as you can. Mexicans are always willing to help.
Finish your transaction with “Gracias” or “Muchas gracias”, that’s all you need, plus a smile.
Smoking, including vaping, is banned in all public places in Mexico, including beaches, parks, hotels, and restaurants. Importing electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is also prohibited. By doing so, you may be fined or arrested.
Some activities are illegal for foreigners in Mexico. These include political activity, driving without insurance, and failing to report a road accident.
Possessing or exporting ancient Mexican artefacts and carrying firearms or ammunition without a permit are also illegal. Here is an interesting article on guns in Mexico:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/26/mexico-lawsuit-us-gun-dealers
Pack a good pair of walking shoes: while the streets of Veracruz and Mexico City are level and easily negotiated, Xalapa is very hilly and a lot of the streets are cobbled. Women are advised to bring a pair of flat, grippy shoes for walking around town.
The weather is as unpredictable now as it is everywhere, but October is still officially the rainy season in southeast Mexico, so don’t forget to pack a collapsible umbrella. As a general rule, bring layered clothing with a short-sleeve blouse or t-shirt as the first layer, a long-sleeve turtleneck as the second, and a windbreaker, light sweater, or jacket as the final layer. Bringing a small ‘day pack’, useful for ditching one or two of the layers, and for transporting other small personal belongings is a good idea. The weather in the port of Veracruz might be warm enough for a swim, or at least for a visit to the pool or beach, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a swimsuit. For more information about attire for the wedding, see the Q & A link.