Tap water in Mexico is NOT safe to drink. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. ), Malaria (Recommended for travelers who plan to visit Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Durango, Narayit, Chiapas, Campeche, and Tabasco). But we found a few worth climbing the stairs up to (…or pushing the button in the elevator). They’ll help you set it up. But if you ask the right way, they’ll begrudgingly give you a glass of filtered water for free. Though nobody wants to be labeled a racist, racist acts happen every single day. Much better to support this Uber exploiter company. The nation’s capital sits atop Mexico’s high central plateau. Even in Vancouver, where we are now, you can find yourself in trouble if you’re naive and careless. As for which pulqueria to go to, as a general rule of thumb the farther the pulqueria is from tourist attractions, the better. Learn why menstrual cups are perfect for female travelers, and how to have a bloody good time while swimming, hiking, and camping. To dig into how to eat like a local in Mexico City, we asked Uber drivers, born-and-raised chilango friends, our restaurant-owner Airbnb host, and longtime expat acquaintances to spill the (refried) beans and tell us their favorites.. And man did they deliver. We asked him to screw off. Concerned that you’ll stick out like a sore thumb in a poorer neighborhood? Instead, simply carry a colour photocopy and save yourself the hassle. That means no flip-flops under any circumstances, and no shorts unless it’s blisteringly hot outside. A young man asked me while crossing attentive Madero Street in the heart of Mexico City (CDMX), immediately in my mind I answered “of course man, very”. As we explain in the neighborhood overview of our Mexico City first-timers’ guide, it’s the ideal area to base your stay. “Fair skinned, blonde haired” I see you poking fun at yourself. Thanks! so don’t be fooled by what looks like a cool avocado sauce. Check out this guide to places you want to be wary of when in Mexico City and act accordingly. Biking, the bus, and the metro can be faster and are certainly cheaper. Hungry? This problem is not rampant but it does exist in Mexico and many other countries. My favorite can be found in my travel store and is featured in the video below. Repeat if necessary. To be extra safe, stick to fruit that can be peeled, such as bananas and mangoes. Just about every restaurant and bar will be happy to oblige. June 6, 2016, 3:51 PM, by That’s why we use Uber in Mexico City. Like me, many are in a rush and find themselves with little time to eat, the problem, in time we start to have health problems. To be clear, that is not the case in Mexico City. Here’s some more taco-related debunking for you: Ground beef actually isn’t a common taco topping in Mexico. If anything Ricardo is too friendly and helpful. It costs you nothing, so we’d be crazy not to. If you're looking for delicious enchiladas in Mexico City, then locals suggest the … Thanks! Tacos, yes; but burritos are essentially just an embiggened Americanization of them. You’re probably aware that Latin countries tend to dine late, and Mexico City is no exception to that rule. Mexican Cubano sandwiches are nothing like actual Cuban food (where spaghetti, pizza, and mustard are oddly popular), and are loaded with astounding amounts of ham, pork, sausage, cheese, and mystery meat. Mexico is safer than India as to what you can bring back with you in your stomach. I tend toward breathable products that are multi-purpose. The swathe of Mexican dining options that the entire country has to offer, whether it be fine dining, regional specialities or street side options served straight from the comal, is so vast that you could go an entire trip without repeating a dish. Let’s get something straight: eating street food in, Wash your fruit and veg thoroughly before tucking in, swollen lips and a lingering sense of regret. Furthermore, I’m very happy to say that nobody on any of my group trips to Mexico has gotten sick. Per the Mayo Clinic, if you feel you’re suffering from heatstroke, get in the shade, remove excess clothes, cool your body (ice, water, fans), and seek medical help. Making an effort costs nothing. Learn how to examine your own biases and how to help dismantle racism and oppression. Side roads are mostly empty, the roads are flat, and drivers are more likely to honk one of those custom Mexican sexy whistle horns at you than an angry one. Culture Trip stands with Black Lives Matter. White pozole is a staple of the southern state of Guerrero, and even though Los Tolucos is not the only place where you can find this delicious broth, it’s head and shoulders above the rest. Many people will complain about the so-called Moctezuma’s revenge that plagues them after eating Mexican street food, but the chances are that’s more to do with their lack of good hygiene practices than those of the food stall itself. Learn some surprising facts about Cinco de Mayo you never knew. Like most developed countries, Mexico has loads of AirBnBs to stay in. Read these other blogs’ Mexico City travel tips. In the interest of reducing the number of ATM trips you need to make and foreign withdrawal fees, take out as much cash as you can all at once. My favorite brand is listed in my travel store (and shown below). Condesa / Roma Norte has plenty of boutique hotels and hostels. However, when purchasing bottled water from street vendors, DO NOT let the vendor twist off the cap, as it’s possible they’re trying to sell bottles that have been re-filled with tap water. “Tacos are the perfect size and have the right pr 10 Must-Try Mexican Foods in Mexico City. Opt for medium-well done, even in nice restaurants. Then you spend the next hour with swollen lips and a lingering sense of regret. During my first trip to Mexico in the summer of 2000, I got too excited about the sunny beaches in Acapulco and wound up spending two days passed out in my hotel room nauseous and with a terrible headache (not to mention massive sunburn). Raw fruits and vegetables may or may not have been washed with purified water and in some cases, may or may not have been washed at all. Finally, street side fruit should absolutely be enjoyed in Mexico, giving the abundance of it. You’re going to need it. Sunstroke is most common in summer months, when temperatures are at their highest, and/or in conjunction with strenuous physically activity such as hiking through Mexican jungles - with our without jungle diarrhea :) - and climbing Mayan ruins. If you’re interested in trying this “kombucha on steroids,” make sure to check our guide to its up-and-down-and-up-again history, amazing nutritional benefits, and where to get it in Mexico City. If I like it, I’ll add it and link to your site as a shout-out. Want to help the environment and avoid bottled water altogether? We’re headed to CDMX mid February. Great tips. Food is typically safer in restaurants catering to tourists. There aren’t swarms like in the Amazon or Northern Canada, but they still have a remarkable ability to ruin your sleep. They may as well go to one of the many other, but less popular, museum. Hey Nina, Thanks. Go into a nice restaurant and eat well to stay well. It isn’t that spicy’ routine. Certainly not the topping-loaded chip piles that you can order in the United States, anyway. Pulque is kombucha with attitude. On the other two, in addition to what we write in the Quick and Dirty guide I’d say the biggest determinant of whether to go or not is how much time you have. There was a fluent-English speaking tourist booth beside us whose job it is to help out people like him, so he was clearly a scammer. Today, over 150,000 people a month visit the site and thousands more explore a dose of uncomplacent ideas with them every 10 days in their free newsletter, Consider This. Many a visitor to Mexico has fallen victim to the ol’ ‘oh, don’t worry about that sauce! Cash is still king in Mexico City and it will remain that way until business owners can no longer dodge taxes by taking it as payment.
Colorful, decorated in this artist’s very particular taste. That way you’ll make the right choice every time and experience more flavors. If you see these signs, keep walking! We know because we went up to each of them and generally came back down quickly and unimpressed. Mexican street food is world famous for good reason but it’s also known to cause Montezuma’s Revenge. 2020 © The Unconventional Route All Rights Reserved, Insert details about how the information is going to be processed, this more detailed guide to SIM cards in Mexico, How to Experience More of CDMX, Faster, by Using EcoBici, 9 Fun & Fast Tricks We Use to Stay Fit While Traveling, Quick and Dirty Mexico City First-Timers’ Guide, What not to Do in Mexico City: Advice from a Local, 17 Things to Know Before You Go to Mexico City, A SIM card. What is it? Save these bars’ locations and those of 19 more of our favorite restaurants, cafés, and street food right to your phone’s Google Maps by getting our free Mexico City treasures map, below. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with Tex-Mex food, but if you wanted enchiladas with melted cheese and nachos piled high with jalapeños, go to Texas. As a traveler watching the budget I definitely appreciate all the local and more affordable tips! Don't eat street vendor foods either or stuff from the open markets that is cooked while you watch. Whatever you decide, have a fantastic trip. All content cited is derived from their respective sources. Travel insurance is an important part of any trip abroad and could come in very handy if things in Mexico don’t go exactly as planned. Yes, that is true Mexican fare. Tip: Save yourself a couple of hours waiting to get into the Frida museum by buying tickets in advance on this site or doing a tour, like this this highly-rated Airbnb experience, that includes VIP skip-the-line entry. In other words, educate yourself on what’s in your food before ordering it and then turning your nose up. Self guided walk is the SAFEST way to sightsee while observing SOCIAL DISTANCING! Though there’s no definitive evidence about where, exactly, the chimichanga was invented—a popular but unproven story claims it was Arizona—one thing’s for sure: You won’t find them in Mexico today. I would bet that a good percentage of people waiting in line are waiting simple because everyone else said to go.