What NOT to do in MEXICO 

Watch until the end for the most important piece of advice in this video!

So I'm going to Guadalajara for 11 days starting the 28th. I'm 68 and this is my first solo trip, this is a very timely video!

Fantastic advice based on my 23 trips to Mexico! Love your videos - solo and with May. Love you guys! I’ve been watching since the early days and you inspired me to go to Puerto Morelos which I love also. ❤

Thanks Jordan!!! Your information is something I find extremely useful. Keep up the great work!!!

Very informative video, Jordan! Muy bien hecho!

There is so much that can be said about the "do's and don'ts" of traveling in Mexico, but this video is an excellent primer. I spent the first 18 years of my life in Mexico and went back there seasonally for another 12 years to work after college. Pretty much everything that Jordan is saying is spot on. Be aware of your surroundings, treat people like you would want to be treated, don't be a jerk, try not to do anything too stoopid and you'll be fine 95% of the time......

I don't even drink tap water in the states

Great video Jordan. These are all so right on!!! We have lived here a year now next month and these are true. I also learned how to order my food in Spanish and what the dishes are. Helps to be able to read the menu. I totally agree with you about the CUN airport too. We live in Puerto Morelos and have to use this airport and it’s awful!!!! Have a good weekend 😊

This was a really good video. Great advice. Thank you.

I want to thank you for all your great videos I’ve been watching you for probably two years in with your help and many others I have arrived in Zacatecas from CBX Tijuana and with an itinerary written in Espanol I am enjoying my first 10 days

Thanks for all the great info Jordan. I had a great time but have learnt a lot in Mexico. I really appreciate your honest experienced opinion. Also from May. You have answered a lot of my questions. I will be in Queretaro soon.

ALL great tips! It's been so long since I've been but, many times we would take buses (long distance). People used to generally be very helpful (I loved how when you thanked them, they would reply, "para servirle"). Taking a bus also gives you a chance to enjoy the Mexican scenery and possibly give you ideas where else you might like to visit.

Thanks for these tips. Was just in Mexico, and they were very useful.

Maybe, I shouldn't mention how I lived in Tijuana and rented my own apartment for a year as an illegal US citizen without a visa prior in 2019!

This was so helpful. Thank you!

Great information, Jordan.

Awesome job as usual. Thanks

Thankyou! I have travelled to Cancun probably 10 times but have never heard such sound advice! I sincerely appreciate it!!

Jordan.... Another fine video. You have the Midas touch. Thanks!

The currency note tip is so true. In the US mot merchants accept damaged notes because US banks are required by law to exchange the note if 1/2 of it can be identified

Thank you for talking about the tap water specifically the brushing teeth and ice parts also the food hygiene and getting sick ! 👏

Comments on your tips from a Mexican to our friends visiting us: Even though the street food might be delicious, its better to skip it if you have a delicate stomach, there are plenty of restaurants that will serve cleaner food that will also taste delicious. The double tip issue is honestly embarrassing in Hollbox, but it is not common practice in every place. Arts and Crafts from established stores are more expensive but they usually offer better quality as well, arts and crafts offered by people on the street and in small markets are cheaper and they usually are not marking it up by a lot, so if you want it just pay for it, it will make a difference in their economy, it will most probably not make a dent in yours.

Very good and realistic advice here!!

Arriving to live in PV this weekend, so thank you for these tips.

Loving your channel. Just subscribed. Having trouble getting an appointment with my consulate here in the states in order to obtain a visa though.

This was really good advice (I live in Mexico now).!When I lived in Italy for 20+ years and everyone that visited always wanted to go to the main cities in the summer, they are mad houses or absolutely shut down in August and the locals are at the beach.. !'d tell people if you want to see real Italy, rent a car and hit and stay in the smaller towns and then take a train to the cities. In Mexico... take a bus, they're good.

Great tips thank you.

Great tips, especially about not negotiating for a lower price, thanks!

We have something similar in big tourist areas in Canada. They add an extra entry which is essentially the local businesses adding more fees and of course not mandatory. All good tips.

Great video!!! Lol The spicy food reactions are hilarious 😂😂😂😂

The best advice is to not negotiate the prices. If you think it´s too expensive, then you should just leave. I don´t think Americans grasp the financial struggle in Mexico because if they did, they would be appalled at their actions.

GREAT VIDEO/TIPS

Nice Jam Packed Video!

✔️ Good information from someone who learned from experience 👍

The thing about the damaged or even older currency is that this happens in every country. I've even had a $100 bill not accepted at a bank in London because it had writing in pen on it. I was able to change the same bill at a different location but it was still a hassle. You've got to figure that in airports, major banks or 'casas de cambio" they deal with paper money from all around the world so some aren't going to exchange old, damaged or sometimes even just worn bills of any currency.

Excellent !

Cancun isn’t that bad. Usually get through it uneventful. Can’t beat the airfare prices. I don’t stay in Cancun, but the airport is a jump zone to many places throughout the Yucatán peninsula.

HAHA that face May makes the moment she realized that she got played is hilarious xD

My friend violated the last one. 60 days in prison and $90k later they finally let him out.

well done - good presentation

I love Mexico so I travel alot down there. The secret is to book your vacation from a Mexican Travel company. They are usually astronomically less expensive and they go to the places that the locals would like to see. You just have to fly into the nearest airport and either rent a car or take the bus to the town that the Travel company is leaving from. And then travel with them. Youll get better food make great friends and don't worry about Spanish just try and they will help you. Once you make friends with your travel companions they will look out for you. It is a little more work but the rewards are unbelievable.

Great video, as per usual. I've been to Mexico enough to have avoided most of these mistakes--or made them one time only. I 100% agree with Jordan about Cancun, both the airport and the resort. If all you want to do is lie by the pool and drink margaritas you can do that at any Hyatt Regency or Marriott in the US. Why bother to even go to the Mexico? The beach? Sure but there are plenty of gorgeous beaches NOT located in the mega-tourist resorts along the Maya Riviera. And If I want to hang out with stupid, drunken, obnoxious tourists--which I do NOT--I can do that here in Houston. And the horror stories about CUN are all true. Jordan mentions flying to Mexico City but if you do want to go to the Yucatan, United has a flight from IAH and it's usually reasonably priced. Can you tell I might move "skip Cancun" to #1 on my own list? 😊

Huatulco is calling you!

I vouch for the Airbnb tip, I rented a 4.5 rated placed in Cancun it was a dump. The host was great but that doesn’t make it right. So we shortened our stay and I even was guilty to leave a 3 star review due to the good service of the host when I should’ve left a 1 star.

That last tip is very scary... Very. That is crazy 5 years in fed prison because she rode in a car that someone hid a gun in??? Wow. It's like it was hers. I met a new friend, someone I met recently but trusted, in a bar in Puerto morelos and two of his friends joined us. Then they invited me to his house and he gave us a ride... It was late and we got stopped in colonial side. Three heavily armed cops searched the car and everyone including me all belonging on the tail gate of the car. I remember thinking to myself.. Man I hope these guys are clean.. The other guys were totally unknown to me. I trusted them by extension of the first friend. Long story short they were clean but I dodged a bullet right there wow. Never again. Now it's a taxi... Unless they are more known to me.

Just discovered that Mexico still uses asbestos in lots of products. Would be good to research this topic and take precautions.

Can you do a video on what you do from ground zero to moving in..? Step by step but in a short manner perse? Example, getting your passport/visa, making arrangements to meet up with a realtor for renting or owning air bnb/hotels i.e., to having a VPN before hand. In which order you think is adequate for staying organized. Bcz its so overwhelming! Any input is appreciated! As I suggested before, I think you n Mai should be a guide/host for foreign visiting and or for those looking to permanently make Mexico their home, as in me lol it would definitely make the transition much less anxious! My hubby is so skiddish bcz of the feeling of being in a foreign land not knowing anyone there. You can help those in need lol I'm sure you'll be in great demand ❤😅🎉

Interesting channel. Liked and subbed.

LOVE this video! The only thing that I hope people would do is consider that the average HARD-WORKING person in Mexico is struggling (a bit) to make ends-meet, just like in the US, UK, etc. They make around $7 per day or under $400 per month - working FULL-TIM!!! Forget the businesses, PLEASE look-out for the common WORKER in the form of SIDE tips. Great Video, and I learned a lot! Peace.

Man, your tips are great. I'm Mexican and you mastered the culture

Hi! Thanks for a great video! I have a follow up question on the second last advice, the one where you mentioned not to overstay your visa. Here is the thing, I visited Cancun, Mexico during the summer of 2021. The reason for my trip was actually to go to USA but since I live in Europe I couldn't go directly into USA from Europe given the rules and regulations back then during the pandemic. I had to stay 14 full days outside of Schengen to be able to go to USA. Now, just as you've mentioned I received one of those FMM's. I was given 14 days since that's the amount of time before I should go to USA. These rules were USA regulations, nothing to do with Mexico. However, there is one thing here. On the day of departure from Mexico, I was going to check in my luggage and everything but they said I couldn't go to USA that day. Why? Because I hadn't stayed 14 FULL days in Mexico... I arrived in the evening 14 days earlier but the flight was booked around lunch 14 days later... I had no idea it had to be 14 FULL days, just 14 days they said... That means I had to take a flight the day after (thereby overstaying the 14 day period/visa)... Now, nothing happened that time at least which I am very thankful for. But is there a risk that they will be able to see this next time I go? I mean they can see if I have overstayed last time I was there? Have you ever heard about something like that? In that case it might be very risky to go there. Thanks! / Daniel

Thank you for all the good advices. liked and subscribed. I have a question about negotiating. I work want me to move down and take up work at our Mexico company. Looking at casas renta and I find some places I can consider. I noticed some of them are newly listed and some have been listed for a few months. Is rent from a private person negotiable? From a broken negotiable? Thank you for a useful video.

Yeah, I use tap water for brushing my teeth and sometimes drink the tap water.

I have had that happen with the tip. It happens in Mexico City a lot

When stationed at Fort Bliss ages ago, we would go to Juarez on the days free. I had no apprehension about buying from a street vendor. He had the great sandwich breads I have only found in Mexico, delicious. I ordered a sandwich and he asked with a straight face do you want peppers. I said oh yeah, well in 2 minutes my eyes were flooded, my nose drooling and my mouth like a fire breathing dragon.

What's interesting is that I told my Mexican friend about Montezuma's revenge and he laughed because he has never heard of it.

What are the average ping and jitter times of the internet services you all have in your residences in Mexico? Mine are ping: 56 ms, jitter: 7 ms. and that is through Alestra but our house is connected through a microwave antenna. TotalPlay is better, it averages at about 180 megs but it depends on the host the computer connects to. Has anyone else noticed that if you connect to a US based host via VPN your ping time is faster and download time is faster? I still have not encountered faster internet service than Spectrum but Spectrum is not available in Mexico.

Along with the TIP (temp import permit), make sure you have Mexican insurance on your car when driving in Mexico! Your USA insurance is NOT recognized in Mexico! If something happens, YOU, the gringo, are responsible, no matter who caused the accident! We lived in San Miguel de Allende for almost 18 months, and now live in Nogales AZ (5 min from the border), and this is soooo important to do! :)

nice, im mexican and i didn't even know about the visa and car permit ...

A FRIDAY video?!? That´s right. You´re getting this week´s video a day early because I won´t be available tomorrow. Watch next: The UNWRITTEN rules of Mexico: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-R4_1ZI2SB80.html

More May please.

I got that stomach bug brushing my teeth after 6 months of doing it. It will get you soon or later. Not always at first. Was fucked up for like 5-6 days. 😂

I like your channel

Okay, I have to say it. I've literally watched hundreds of moving to Mexico videos, most of which are great. I've bought a condo in Bucerias, and STILL this is the best content RICH, authentic video by somebody who really knows what's going on that I've ever seen!! Just a freaking great job.! ❤️

I did ABNB once in Mexico. Never could find the keys. Ended up with an excellent hotel for about the same money.

Jorden I am moving to Queretaro and wondering if you could recommend what bank branch would be that best to setup and account. Going to be living in The Zibata development having a house built there. Any response would be a help. Thanks Casey

Hi Jordan. Loyal subscriber here. Inside Inmuebles 24 some home prices seem low and some seem high on homes. Is this the EJIDAL factor? Are titles twice as much? Can you explain a little please?

And what no one told you, apparently, is NOT to drink WATER or JUICE to soften the burn of the spicy food. It actually makes it worse. Only bread (tortillas ?) of a glass of milk will be of some help to soften the burn. NO WATER.

#14 overstaying your visa. But for the current regularisation program this is actually needed.

Oh yes another interesting fact I am traveling with my skipper key service dog seems you have Lasca I thought you might like to know that he traveled on valores just fine I may be looking at troubles with with the buses will see

They've never asked me for my passport in Mexico so I've never got it stamps so I can stay as long as I want

Great tips from a new subscriber. I agree about learning some Spanish. The locals always appreciate people making an effort to speak the native language.

where is the place with the tide pool waterfall they showed?

Treda is for Montezuma's revenge! Over the counter and works quickly. I speak from experience...unfortunately, lol.

i was told if you do move there you can apply for a gun permit is this true?

What do you do if someone pays you change with broken bills,if you don’t catch it you are stuck with it?

I have never had anyone ask for a tip in Guadalajara.

Regarding driving your car in MX, you MUST have insurance. No insurance & an accident lands you in jail,

brushing my teeth with tap water in Mexico City got me Giardia...not recommended

What if you are looking to go to merida.. I want to fly in to cancun rent a car and see a few places on the way.. I will watch your cancun Rental car video next...

Otra cosa que hay que tener en cuenta, SIEMPRE RESPETA EL SENTIDO DE LAS CALLES, no sé a quien se le ocurrió eso de que en México el sentido no se respeta 😅😅

Just walk away is the way to negotiate in Mexico. But usually I find someone else who is willing to see for less.

Dude, start a travel agency. I'd trust you

extra tip to explore amazing Mexico ... don't fly use their bus services super affordable safe & so comfortable (half sofa seats) ac tv toilets ... once u learn how to do it u won't regret ... as for accommodations read the good & bad reviews .. sometimes for night or two u can suffer but can have mariachi under ur windows at 3 am..hehehe just saying God is great & life is beautiful just enjoy it..

Do Mexicans get Montezuma's Revenge, or are they immune?

I'm traveling to Mexico to visit,how much liquor am I allowed to take for friends?

Make sure to stay till the end? People skip this video half way?

Everything is relative.

8:49 Anyone know what place this is? Wow Looks insane.

What are your comments on things to Acapulco .

There has to be much more to that last story about your friend, I highly doubt if I am, for example, the passenger in an Uber in Merida, we get pulled over, and he has a gun in his trunk that I would serve jail time.

Can you visit Oaxaca?

Great tips Jorden. I have followed for some time....not mentioned in this video but what happens if you DO flush toilet paper? I visited SMA, drank the water ( because my ABnB said it was sterilized and flushed paper at times- no problems!😅

very nice video... i could recommend a small beach town called Zihuatanejo ... check it out .. thanks

He said Don’t trust a Mexican if they say something isn’t spicy 🤣🤣

In Cambodia too people don’t accept old or bad condition!! Who makes this rule?

#2❤❤🤣😂

In Mexico don't buy honey off the street, it isn't honey but glucose or something else sold at the high price of an authentic bee honey, but as it isnt honey it will never crystalize

Yes. Like Paul Whelan. He was attending a former Marine's wedding and a Russian Paul befriended put a USB drive in Paul's bag that Paul claimed to have pictures actually had Russian intel. Now Paul Whelan is spending 16 years in Russian prison for espionage. BTW Pimsleur Latin American Spanish is the way to learn Spanish and buy a couple of phrasebooks. I recommend Berlitz and Lonely Planet.

El que no acepta los dólares rotos es home depot México y solo puedes pagar 100 dólares nada más lo demás en pesos mexicanos