20 Things You Should Never Do in Mexico

Steve Jennifer
Updated: April 24th 2023

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It is important to be mindful of your actions and stay safe while traveling in Mexico. Some things you should never do include drinking tap water, leaving your drink unattended, flashing your valuables.

Swimming in the ocean at night or in contaminated water, picking up hitchhikers, walking alone at night, bringing illegal drugs into the country, engaging in illegal activities, disrespecting local customs and traditions, being disrespectful to the police.

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It is not safe to drink tap water in Mexico as it may contain contaminants and bacteria that can cause illness. It is best to drink bottled water or water that has been treated with purification tablets to ensure that it is safe to consume.

It is also a good idea to avoid ice in drinks, as it may be made from tap water. It is important to take precautions to avoid getting sick while traveling, and staying hydrated with safe sources of water is an important part of this.

It is generally a good idea to not leave your drink unattended in any country, including Mexico. In public places, someone could potentially tamper with your drink. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on your drink in order to prevent any accidental spills or mishaps.

Additionally, if you are at a social event or party, it is important to be mindful of your drink and to not leave it unattended in order to prevent any potential substance abuse or misuse.

It is generally not a good idea to flash or display your valuables in public, regardless of where you are. This includes in Mexico. Displaying your valuables in public can make you a target for theft, and it is important to be cautious when traveling to new places, as you may not be familiar with local customs and practices.

It is a good idea to keep your valuables, such as jewelry, watches, and cash, out of sight and in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or a money belt.

Swimming in the ocean at night can be dangerous for a number of reasons, regardless of where you are. It is generally not recommended to swim in the ocean at night, especially in areas where there may be strong currents or other hazards.

If you do decide to swim in the ocean at night, it is important to take precautions, such as using a flotation device, staying near a lifeguard station, and making sure someone on shore knows where you are.

Driving at night can be more dangerous than driving during the day due to reduced visibility and increased fatigue. It is important to be extra cautious when driving at night, regardless of where you are.

This includes taking breaks if you are feeling tired, making sure your headlights and taillights are in good working order, and being aware of your surroundings. In Mexico, it is also a good idea to avoid driving at night in areas that are unfamiliar to you, as roads may not be well-marked and there may be additional hazards.

Swimming in freshwater bodies can be dangerous due to the presence of potential hazards, such as underwater debris or strong currents. It is generally a good idea to be cautious when swimming in freshwater bodies, regardless of where you are.

In Mexico, it is especially important to be aware of the potential risks and to take precautions when swimming in freshwater bodies, as there may be additional hazards, such as crocodiles or venomous snakes.

It is generally a good idea to avoid taking unnecessary risks in any situation, including when traveling in Mexico. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to ensure your safety.

This can include being aware of local customs and laws, staying in well-lit and populated areas, and avoiding risky activities or situations. It is also a good idea to have a plan in case of an emergency and to know who to contact for help.

It is generally a good idea to be cautious with your belongings and to keep them secure, especially when traveling in a new place. In Mexico, it is especially important to take precautions to protect your belongings, as theft can be a concern in some areas.

To help protect your belongings, you can keep them out of sight and in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or a money belt. You should also be aware of your surroundings and avoid leaving your belongings unattended in public places.

It is generally a good idea to be cautious and to not assume that everyone is honest, regardless of where you are. This includes when traveling in Mexico.

While the majority of people are honest and trustworthy, it is important to be aware of the potential for scams or other dishonest behavior, especially in unfamiliar situations or areas.

It is generally a good idea to be cautious when using your credit card, especially at unfamiliar businesses or in unfamiliar places. This includes when traveling in Mexico.

To help protect your financial information, it is a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to only use your credit card at reputable businesses. You should also be mindful of your credit card when making purchases and try to keep it in sight at all times to prevent unauthorized use.

It is generally a good idea to respect the police and follow their instructions, regardless of where you are. This includes when traveling in Mexico.

The police are responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law, and it is important to cooperate with them and follow their instructions if you are stopped or questioned. It is also a good idea to be aware of local laws and customs, as what may be acceptable behavior in one country may be seen as disrespectful in another.

It is generally not a good idea to litter in any place, including in Mexico. Littering can have negative impacts on the environment and can be harmful to wildlife. It can also contribute to pollution and can be unsightly.

To help keep Mexico clean and beautiful, it is important to dispose of trash properly and to not litter. You can do this by using designated trash bins or recycling facilities and by being mindful of your waste. By following these guidelines, you can help to keep Mexico clean and preserve its natural beauty.

It is never acceptable to use racial slurs or engage in racial discrimination, regardless of where you are. This includes when traveling in Mexico.

Racial slurs and discrimination are harmful and can cause serious emotional and psychological harm to those who experience them. They can also contribute to a culture of intolerance and discrimination and can have negative impacts on society as a whole.

It is important to follow the terms of your visa and to not overstay your allowed time in Mexico or any other country. If you do overstay your visa, you may be subject to fines, deportation, or other legal consequences.

It is important to be aware of the expiration date of your visa and to make plans to leave the country before it expires. If you need to stay longer than your visa allows, you may be able to apply for an extension through the appropriate authorities.

It is extremely dangerous and illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impairment from these substances can significantly reduce your ability to react to hazards and make safe decisions while driving, which can result in accidents and injuries to yourself and others.

If you have consumed alcohol or drugs, it is important to arrange for a designated driver or another safe mode of transportation before getting behind the wheel.

It is very important to drive safely and responsibly at all times. Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors can include things like speeding, tailgating, sudden lane changes, running red lights or stop signs, and ignoring traffic signals and road signs.

These behaviors can be extremely dangerous and increase the risk of accidents and injuries on the road. In addition to endangering yourself and others, aggressive or reckless driving can also result in traffic violations and legal consequences.

It is generally not a good idea to leave your belongings unattended in public places. Doing so can make your belongings vulnerable to theft or damage, and you may not be able to retrieve them if they are taken or misplaced.

If you need to leave your belongings somewhere, it is best to keep them with you or to secure them in a safe location, such as a locked car trunk or a hotel safe.

It is very important to be aware of the potential hazards when swimming in the ocean or other bodies of water. Strong currents and undertows can be especially dangerous, as they can quickly pull swimmers out to sea or under the water.

If you are in an area with strong currents or undertows, it is important to exercise caution and avoid entering the water. If you are already in the water and feel yourself being pulled by a current or undertow, try to swim parallel to the shore to escape the current.

It is generally a good idea to avoid engaging in risky behaviors that could potentially harm yourself or others. Risky behaviors can include things like reckless driving, substance abuse, extreme sports or activities, and engaging in dangerous situations without proper safety measures.

These behaviors can lead to accidents, injuries, or other negative consequences. It is important to consider the potential risks and consequences of any activity before engaging in it, and to take steps to minimize risk whenever possible.

Bribing officials, also known as corruption, is generally considered a serious crime and is often punishable by law. It is generally not a good idea to attempt to bribe officials, as it can have serious legal and personal consequences.

In many countries, it is illegal to offer or accept bribes, and doing so can result in criminal charges and imprisonment. In addition to the legal consequences, attempting to bribe officials can also damage your reputation and credibility.