Traveling to foreign countries can seem a bit daunting. There are different languages, customs, and currencies that you need to get yourself accustomed to beforehand so you are well prepared on your journey. Many people are wary of traveling to Mexico nowadays due to what their television screens tell them. While Mexico has and still is experiencing its share of hardships in the world, there are many beautiful untouched places in this gorgeous country that are superbly safe, full of rich history and culture, and just downright fun. As a Cabo photographer transplanted from the United States, I know how crazy Mexico may seem to the untrained eye. But after living here for several years I´ve learned that it is easy to love this beautiful country. If you are a first time traveler to Mexico, or haven´t been in a while, I am here to offer you tips of the trade that will insure your vacation is smooth sailing, stress free, and fun!

Travel Papers and Customs

• In order to enter Mexico, you will need a valid passport from your country. It is always a great idea to bring copies of your passport in the event that it is misplaced. You will be handed a simple form for a tourist visa while on the airplane which only takes moments to fill out. Customs will run smoothly if you fill out the entire form whilst on the airplane and double check you have signed in all the necessary areas. Have your passport and forms ready at hand so that the line may run faster. Remember, absolutely no photography or cell phones while in customs, this is very important! Lastly, do not bring any food or drink items with you off the plane into customs. Sniffing dogs will smell your food which may result in having your bag thoroughly checked. One time my friend had her bag checked because she mistakenly backed a banana in the bottom of it!

Money

• Cash is king in Mexico and should be the number one way you pay for things. Not only is it easier to pay with money in Mexico, it is safer too. If you will be making purchases at authorized and safe places (your hotel, for example) then it will be necessary to call your bank at least 24 hours before your departure to inform them of the dates you will be in Mexico. There is nothing more aggravating than having to stay on hold with your bank will vacationing in paradise.
• As always, the peso to dollar rate fluctuates on a daily basis. It is important to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate beforehand so you know how much money to bring. For example, as of October 2011 the exchange rate is hovering at about 14 pesos for every 1 dollar. Many times, Americans become aggravated because they think they are getting ripped off when they see prices in pesos as oftentimes their minds automatically see the price as US Dollars. Please be sensitive and aware of the prices and do a quick calculation on your cell phone to see how much you would be paying with your country´s money. This will help to avoid confusion or hurt feelings.

Bartering

• Depending on the city you are visiting, there are probably small booths sitting along the streets selling beautiful ceramics, dresses, jewelry, and more. More often than not, at these places it is perfectly acceptable to barter, in fact it is encouraged! Try your skills to see how good of a deal you can get at these places – it can be fun! It should be noted that stores that not all stores professionally set up will be barter with you so it is good to feel out the situation.

Water

• It is true that Mexico does not have clean tap water available everywhere, and for this most locals and tourists drink bottled or purified water. Do not worry about ice in your margarita, any bar that is worth going to will most assuredly use purified ice for their concoctions. Contrary to Charlotte´s experience in the Sex and the City movie, you will not meet Montezuma´s Revenge by getting some shower water in your mouth – that is ridiculous.

Dangers

• Use any common sense you would apply in a major U.S. city and you will be absolutely fine in Mexico. It is important to understand that tourism is a major part of the Mexican economy and the government takes the safety and protection of our vacationers very seriously – for this you will most assuredly be safe and secure here. If you still have hesitations, read my hub ¨Is it Safe to Travel to Cabo?¨ Remember that a destination town like Cabo San Lucas is over 1,000 miles away from the violence in Tijuana, you are closer to the dangers in San Diego than you are down here!

Cell Phones and Calling Home

• More often than not, you will receive cell service in Mexico but be careful! If you use your cell phone while roaming you may come back from your vacation to find an exorbitant bill waiting for you! Talk with your service provider to see if they offer any out of country plans while you are away, otherwise it may be a safe bet to simply buy a calling card if need be. Also, more than ever, hotels offer free wifi to their guests which can be hooked up to your smart phone or used through your computer. Many hotels offer long distance calling for a small fee. Don´t fret, you will be connected, but honestly, why not cut the cord for a few days while on vacation anyways?

Getting Around Town

• Most likely at your hotel will be a pool of taxis that the hotel management company trusts. It is safe to use taxi transport that is clearly marked with official signage. If at all possible, ask how much the price of the ride will be before entering the vehicle to make sure there are no surprises when you arrive at your destination. While I cannot speak for other destination towns, Cabo San Lucas has a very safe bus transport that only costs about 8 pesos (about 60 cents USD). All buses are clearly marked with white marker as to their destinations and several of the buses go directly to popular hotels. Taking these buses are interesting rides as you get a glimpse into the daily life in a Mexican town. If renting a car is more your style, make a reservation beforehand and then simply pick up your car after going through customs. Major Mexican airport hubs offer all the rental car companies you are familiar with back home: Rent-A-Car, Budget, Etc. Don´t forget your ID and insurance card just in case!

Speaking Spanish

• Locals love when you try to speak a little of their language: it means that you respect the place you are visiting by trying to communicate with them in their native tongue. Of course, learning a language is quite a difficult task but there are always some greetings that can help you become friendlier with the locals:

• Hola! Como estas?: Hello! How are you?
• Muy bien, gracias!: Very good, thank you!
• Buenos Dias/Buenas Tardes/Buenas Noches: Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening
• Cuanto Cuesta?: How much does it cost?
• Yo quiero…: I want…
• Yo puedo tener: Can I have/I can have…
• Los precios son en dolares o pesos?: The prices are in dollars or pesos?
• Donde esta…: Where is…
• Nos Vemos: See you

Well there you have it! These are but a few tips I have to offer about traveling to Mexico. If you have absolutely any questions or comments, please let me know on my hubpage!