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From sunny tropical beaches to mystic jungle ruins, Mexico is an amazing and diverse travel getaway. However, if you plan on heading to one of Mexico's many travel hotspots anytime soon, it's important to know what to put on your packing list.
Luckily, if you want to know what to pack for Mexico, we know all the best things to take to Mexico. This article will cover anything and everything you need to know, regardless of where you're heading.
So get your Cancun scuba gear ready, and let's dive in!
What should I bring on vacation to Mexico?
Before we get into specific locations, it’s important to get a general overview on “what to pack for Mexico”. First thing’s first: pesos!
You’ll save yourself a ton of time and money if you go to your local bank a few weeks before your trip and ask to convert your money into pesos. Conversion rates can be higher in tourist-heavy areas due to fees, so this is a great move.
Also, you’re going to need a backpack for easy travel. We recommend the Voyager camera backpack. It’s a midsize bag; versatile for city and rural travel. It’s also got special compartments for camera gear or your laptop, making it a great camera and lens backpack. By far, this is one of the best backpacks for travel.
It’s even made of a weatherproof material, making it perfect for when you’re out and about, rain or shine. And, on top of that, you’ll have quick access to everything you need. The Voyager has multiple access points to equipment with both rear access, side access, and a top pocket for your convenience.
However, if you want to go even lighter and only pack a few essentials while you’re out, consider this handy tech pouch.
However, for more specific tips, let’s get into some common travel locations:
Mexico Packing List: What to pack for Cancun Mexico vacation
As one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, we’ve made a list for all of the best Cancun essentials. Some of these holiday essentials for Mexico include:
☐ High SPF sunscreen
☐ Bug spray
☐ Bathing suits
☐ Sneakers
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Towels
☐ Sandals
☐ Snorkel and goggles
☐ First aid kit
☐ Sun hat
Mexico Packing List: What to pack for Mexico City in July
You can’t make a “what to pack for Mexico” packing list without including Mexico City. This city is full of amazing history and attractions. Fortunately, we have a travel list for Mexico City that includes all the best things to take to Mexico.
Here are our packing checklist tips:
☐ Power bank
☐ Outlet adapter
☐ Tank tops
☐ Sneakers
☐ SPF lip balm
☐ Earplugs
☐ Motion sickness medication
☐ First aid kit
☐ Sunglasses
Mexico Packing List: What should I pack for an all inclusive trip to Mexico?
If you’re unsure of What to pack for an all inclusive trip, or what to pack for a 5 day cruise to Mexico, the main thing to know is that you can pack lighter. These trips usually include things like food and activities, without having to pay extra.
That means that you can lighten your suitcase. Of course, you'll still want to bring pesos, sun screen, and other medical supplies. However, you don't need to pack snacks.
What should you not do at an all inclusive resort?
While you’re figuring out what to pack for Mexico, it’s also important to know what not to do at an all inclusive resort. Here are a few of our tips:
- Don’t wander outside the resort alone
- Don’t drink the high-sugar complimentary juice
- Don’t only eat at the buffet
- Don’t wrack up hidden fees
- Don’t shop at tourist trap gift shops
- Don’t lose your resort wristband
- Don't drink the tap water
What to Pack for Mexico FAQ
To make sure we cover all of our bases, here are some of the most common questions asked related to “what to pack for Mexico.” If you have any other questions, be sure to leave a comment below!
What can I take in my luggage to Mexico?
For the most part, you can expect the usual restrictions on what you can bring in your luggage. However, here is the detailed list of banned items: hoverboards, trophy animals, alcohol over 70%, firearms and ammunition, lithium ion batteries, and primary cell batteries.
Is 50 pesos a good tip?
Considering the fact that 50 pesos is less than $5, it’s not an amazing tip. However, it can be adequate when tipping housekeepers or bellhops. In general, you’ll want to be tipping 25-50% in Mexico.
Is 200 pesos a good tip?
While 200 pesos is a fairly high tip, there are instances where it might make sense. For example, you’ll likely want to tip at least 200 pesos per day for a private tour.
Do I tip at an all-inclusive resort?
Tipping isn’t a requirement of course, but it’s a normal custom and highly encouraged in Mexico. For happy staff, and for courtesy’s sake, we definitely recommend tipping.
Up Next: What to Pack for Japan
Now that you know what to pack for Mexico, why not brush up on some other travel destinations? Road tripping to Mexico is also common, so if you want to learn how to plan a road trip, we got you covered.
Plus, if you’re interested in travelling to Japan, be sure to check out our article on what to pack for Japan next.
