In 2022, I made the decision to move to Mexico City, but, upon arriving in the town, I felt very overwhelmed. I had radically altered my hometown of Wales for a town with more residents than my entire nation. When I went on a walk, persons kept staring at me, and I kept getting astronomically high food prices.
But over one year after, México City has become my protected area. After spending a while based in one of the’ most dangerous places’ in the area before moving into a spot closer to new companions, I also love it it: the lifestyle, the speed, the power, the individuals. And now I know how to navigate it a bit better, I do n’t feel so lost.
However, there’s a lot of things I’d had liked to know before visiting, and consequently basing myself, in the area. There is no way I would have spent my second month so confused and wide-eyed if I had used this guideline when I arrived. But, before you travel to Mexico City, here are ten things you should know.
1. Rest
CDMX Museums. Amy Aed’s picture
The first thing you should do when you arrive in the town is to relax, even if it may seem crazy at first, at least until you arrive. When I was suddenly thrown into the chaos and unable to figure out the bus system for my new home, I burst into tears until a passing by paid my fare ( because the locals are incredibly sympathetic ).
Prior to arriving, somebody had told me that México City was dangerous and that if I were n’t watchful, terrible things would happen. Fear was entirely superfluous, but the scaremongering only made my first couple days spend in fear. How absurd when Mexico is such a welcoming nation and people usually only want to assist!
Had I initially made the wrong choice by exploring the town alone, I would have felt more excited to see what this beautiful area had to offer.
Mexico City’s top resorts
2. Adjusting to the Altitude
Temple places outside CDMX. Amy Aed’s picture
Mexico City’s location, which is at a height of about 7, 382 feet (2, 250 meters ) above sea level, shook me first, and as a result, I experienced a headache or breathlessness when I arrived (undoubtedly ). The best way to deal with it is just by drinking plenty of water, resting, and taking it easy as your body changes.
3. Is Mexico City Safe?
Despite being incredibly secure, one of the biggest problems most people have about Mexico City is about security. Keep to more tourist- pleasant areas such as Polanco, Condesa, and Rome, and prevent solitary places after dark to be sure, but in general, you should be okay.
For women, however, it can be a bit more difficult. Instead of hailing on the street, I advise using official ride-sharing apps to always travel in the women ‘s-only areas of public transportation and to always use official ride-sharing apps. Always decline if someone offers to take you home but you are n’t sure of their intentions; I personally have experienced that more than once.
Read More: A Realist’s Guide to Living in Mexico City
4. Mexico City’s public transportation system
Small towns outside CDMX. Amy Aed’s photo
While ride-sharing is my preferred mode of transportation around the city, there is also a ton of excellent public transportation. Although the Metro can become clumsily crowded during peak times ( imagine having to push yourself out of closing doors while thousands of people run around you ), it is one of the most effective ways to get around.
Make sure you have cash on hand when using the Metrobus and other general local buses, and walk frequently during the day is a good idea.
Planning a last- minute trip to Mexico?
Top Experiences and Tours in Mexico:
Take a tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum to see the sights.
See cenotes on the Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour, Cenote, and the Chichen Itza.
Take a day trip through Mexico City’s Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco with this tour.
Where to stay in Mexico:
Find accommodation with Booking.com
With Agoda, find the apartment of your dreams in Mexico.
Find a hostel in Mexico with Hostelworld
5. Currency and Costs
Although cards are widely accepted, it’s always a good idea to have Mexican pesos in the form of cash. Be sure to take out more money when you use banks because of the annoying ATM fees ( I personally spent about$ 15 per week there for the first month I was there ) along with that.
The city is super budget- friendly, especially if you shop small and go to locally- owned places. Believe me, street tacos are unquestionably superior to the food served in restaurants.
Just make sure to get acquainted with prices as soon as you can. Personally, during my first week in México City, I spent 120 pesos for one taco, and then 1, 200 pesos for groceries. These are not normal prices. It took me a while to learn to avoid the overtly touristy cafes with English menus and to buy my groceries from the local market.
Read More: How to Make Haggling a Cultural Experience
6. Mexico City is a Foodie’s Paradise
CDMX tacos! Amy Aed’s photo
The food in Mexico, as you already surely know, is absolutely insane. The street food is some of the best in the world, especially the tacos, tamales, and champurrado, and there’s seemingly an endless amount of good stuff to try. Just make sure you only use bottled water to wash your tortas instead of the tap water.
Read More: ‘ Tis The Season For Tamales
7. Language
Although English is the country’s official language, learning some basic Spanish phrases can really improve the experience for both young people and tourists alike. Mexicans are super supportive of foreigners trying their language, so there’s really nothing to lose.
8. What Should I Wear in Mexico City?
This might seem like a strange point, but it’s one that I’d have liked to know before arriving. Even though Mexico City has a temperate climate, the evenings can be surprisingly cold. As such, make sure to pack a few jumpers, layer up, and even bring a raincoat if travelling between May and October.
9. Attend Local Events
Mexico City’s Day of the Dead. Amy Aed’s photo
My first few days in the city were, as expected, the most difficult. I had no contacts in the city, I had no idea where to go or what to avoid, and my southern Spanish did n’t quite cover the slang I had just discovered. I felt pretty lost and confused, honestly.
But then I started making friends with people I cherished spending time with by Couchsurfing events and started attending local events. By the end of the year, I had a group of close friends who I still talk to weekly and with whom we exchanged languages and coffee dates.
As a result, I cannot emphasize enough how important attending local events are because they allow you to immerse yourself in the culture.
Powered by GetYourGuide
10. You’ll Be Okay
Finally, you’ll manage to figure it all out by the end. Although initially it may seem overwhelming initially, you will eventually get used to navigating the money, the food, and the people.
And once you figure it out, México City might just win your heart in the same way that mine did.
Read More:
Mexico
Top 10 Things to Do in Mexico City
Exploring Coyoácan, Mexico City’s Cultural Heart, Home to the Frida Kahlo Museum
What It’s Like to Live as an Expat: Lake Chapala, Mexico
In search of Mexico’s Best Mole
Author Bio: Freelance adventurer Amy Aed enjoys writing raw, off-the-beaten-path guides to stunning locations.
Latest News Go World Travel MagazineDigital magazine for travelers is Go World Travel Magazine. A dedicated team of travel journalists who are knowledgeable about the areas they cover creates our editorial content. We cover travel in more than 90 countries. The most recent Go World Travel Magazine posts are: 10 Things to Know Before You Visit Mexico City on May 9, 2024 Planning to Visit Crowded Areas on May 8, 2024 Explore Samoa: Dive into Polynesian Culture on this Enchanting Island on May 6, 2024.
