How to TRAVEL SAFELY in MEXICO | 10 MUST-KNOW Tips!

[@alex-wittman]

Apartment hunting tips, renting in Spanish cheatsheet & 11-point Move to Mexico Checklist! Download the FREE 32-page Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide (PDF) 👉🏼 backpackingbrunette.com/mexicoguide/

[@theknightswhosay]

I agree about the flip-flops, but there are places that are hot and humid enough that you need them. You can also find sandals that are a little sturdier and less… floppy.

[@joespurgeon7250]

Thank you for the safety tips while traveling. They are an important part of enjoying a short stay. Even in the Estados Unidos Americanos. I have traveled Mexico for many years and have had exceptional experiences meeting the friendliest and mist honest people I know. We are retired now and plan on spending at least 3 or 4 months a year in different locations around the country. Start in La Paz in Jan. and go from there. My wife and I speak Spanish which helps imeasureably. Muchicimas Gracias . Joe

[@alex-wittman]

Yes, speaking Spanish really puts you ahead of the game & can go along way to help you feeling safe. I hope to get over to La Paz myself sometime this year!

[@leemargraf4178]

Headed to Mexico City, Puebla and Taxco in the spring. I’ve always been told to never hail a taxi on the street.

[@alex-wittman]

Most places in Mexico, I use authorized taxis or Uber, but in Querétaro, I feel safe taking any yellow cab off the street.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! Questions about how to travel safely in Mexico? Leave them in the comments!

[@Paula-nl7bh]

what a great video! another tip - I also land up saving up on unnecessary expenses like atm fees etc in Mexico - using apps like ATM Fee Saver - it helps find atms abroad with no fees or lower fees than others along with withdrawal limits etc. worth adding to your list of tricks!

[@XO.Studio]

New Subscriber, I can see this channel booming in the future, easily ... Keep it up 👍

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks, Jose! Your kind words mean so much to me! As someone who is still relatively new to KZbin, I appreciate the support 🤓

[@coding4tacos]

Smashed that like button! Keep the tips for traveling in Mexico coming!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching!

[@martieden9049]

Thank you so much Alex! We are traveling to Zihuatanejo for the first time. Your advice has helped us tremendously, things that had never even occurred to me. You definitely helped to make this a relaxing vacation.

[@alex-wittman]

Happy to hear that!

[@briaf3370]

hey subscribers, the one tip about using an ATM using Schwab is worth its weight in Gold. You have no idea how the casa de cambios (currency change places) rip foreigners off. Also you get a better rate from the ATM as your transaction is pooled with millions of other. THANKS ALEX :)

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for backing me up, Bria!

[@andrewk666]

Thanks for the tips, this is great! I'm going to be in Mexico all summer- first a week in Baja, then 7 weeks in CDMX, then 3 weeks traveling around estados de Oaxaca & Chiapas :)

[@alex-wittman]

That's so exciting, Andrew! Safe travels!

[@kurlyman93]

How'd that end up going for you ?

[@TheLoulou2501]

Hi! Just recently discovered your channel, and i am obseeeeeeeeessed Alex! I'm heading to Puerto Escondido by myself at the end of the month, and i've found your videos both inspirational as well as super educational, since it'll be my first time visiting Mexico. New loyal subscriber here, all the way from Copenhagen, Denmark :)

[@alex-wittman]

I am so happy to have you here & please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Mexico! Wishing you all the best for your upcoming adventures 🥰

[@DebraWomack]

Ok, I'm totally binging your channel. You should have a million subscribers! Very informative and well presented.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching & taking the time to leave such a nice comment, Debra! It made my day!

[@stevenhs8821]

A lot of good advice. I just want to add one concerning using ATMs. Usually near the end of the transaction, you will see an offer to exchange at the ATM owner's rate (pesos per USD). It may seem that you have to accept their exchange rate. You do not. Decline and you will get your bank's exchange rate which will invariably be better.

[@larryyakimoski8126]

Thanks. I’ve travelled a fair amount and find your advice to be good and applicable to other countries including the ones we live in. No all places are safe for unaware travellers.

[@alex-wittman]

Situational awareness is key! Thanks for watching, Larry!

[@joroberts1174]

Brilliant!, Thank You, Namaste 🙏

[@annastayziaa]

Thank youuu❣️

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching!

[@annastayziaa]

@@alex-wittman

[@susanwittman6963]

Good job Alex, your videos are always very informative. I can’t wait to visit Mexico again, hopefully Queretaro! Hopefully soon! The tip about footwear was great. Too many travelers never give this a thought.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! Tripping is a real danger here. I know it's simple, but some of the best advice I can give is just to watch where you're walking!

[@OscarSanchez-gn1cc]

Gracias ....por los tips....tiene muchos años k no voy a México, cómo 20 años......muy buenos tips, visitaré Querétaro, dicen k es muy bonito.....

[@alex-wittman]

Gracias por ver, Oscar!

[@charlieramz3126]

Awesome content. I’ve always wanted to visit Querétaro. I’ve only been to a handful of Mexican destinations but this one looks very rustic and original.

[@alex-wittman]

Queretaro is right in the heart of central Mexico. I grew up traveling to central Mexico to visit family so this has always been my idea of Mexico--even more so than beaches! The centro has a lot of colonial architecture and is great for walking, but Qro is a huge city with all the big city amenities you could want.

[@charlieramz3126]

@@alex-wittman Same here! Spent most of my youth traveling to SLP and MTY. That was Mexico to me till I became an adult and met Cancun and Playa del Carmen. 😀

[@alex-wittman]

@@charlieramz3126 I love the west coast for a beach vacay. My happy place is Puerto Escondido!

[@charlieramz3126]

@@alex-wittman Do you have a vid on that one? I’d love to see that place someday, heard a lot about it.

[@katielittle4491]

I’m going to Monterey for work soon! Thanks for the tips!!

[@TheChefTiger]

Awesome content. Thanks. We are potentially moving to Queretaro soon, your tips will sure come in handy for us. Gracias!

[@alex-wittman]

How exciting that you're thinking about moving to Querétaro! I'm so glad you're finding my videos helpful. Best of luck with your upcoming move, Jorge!

[@julioalvarez4481]

Awesome video, I think you had a lot of great tips on traveling internationally! Agree with you on many of these tips, especially for someone that doesn’t speak Spanish, or hasn’t been to Mexico before!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Julio! The more Spanish you speak, the easier it is to get around Mexico. I made this video with a first-time visitor in mind (people who might not have had a chance to learn any Spanish before their trip), but I hope anyone watching was able to pick a little something up. Like you pointed out, pretty much all of these tips can be used for whatever destination in the world you're visiting to ensure a safe trip 🤓

[@levibasinger820]

Would definitely like to hear more about bus travel in Mexico. We're going there Dec-Jan and considering taking the bus from Guadalajara to Patzcuaro. Any tips?

[@alex-wittman]

I have a whole video about bus travel in Mexico that I think you'll find helpful 🤓 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoWXiK2EYpWEf6s

[@imagesinla8575]

Lots of good information. What is that place at 2:11? I always carry my passport in my money belt, which sits inside of the front of my pants. I find that to be a very safe place for it. Great point about how street food vendors should be using hand sanitizer. I haven't eaten at a street food vendor since I saw a cook at one of those carts violently sneeze into both of his hands, and there was no water or hand sanitizer for him to clean his hands.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! The place at 2:11 is Hierve de Agua, which you can visit as a day trip from Oaxaca City. It's one of only two petrified waterfalls in the world. I rode in the back of a pickup truck to get up there, but it was totally worth the bumpy ride! The views are incredible!

[@nw7067]

Would love to see more! Love your advice!

[@SCLana]

Thank you for your tips!!

[@alex-wittman]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@patriciadiaz5622]

Great video Alex! Spot on

[@alex-wittman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kricklasalty8599]

Great advice! I am not sure where i want to live in Mexico, but i know i wanna go and start my life over. I am also wanting to by property and a home! Thanks for the advice, i will be checking out all your videos!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Krick!

[@ceritat625]

Lovely videos. We have been travelling in Mexico since 1993 and love this gorgeous country. I feel like we have met very briefly in Querétaro, Christmas lunch 2019? Maybe? :).

[@alex-wittman]

I spent Christmas 2019 in Puerto Escondido!

[@beldaadrovel2990]

I love the hand sanitizer part..."you're touching this and that etc then you touch your taco 🌮. What did you think was going to happen " 🤔 😆🤣

[@alex-wittman]

Haha funny but so so true!

[@zenmaiden1]

Great video Alex! and I would like to hear more tips for safe travel. Especially about driving from town to town, check points, what to do if stopped by people other than the police... etc. Where are the safe places to drive ? ( or should I ask.. where is it Not safe to drive) and how to know before going? Thank you

[@Pthommie]

Hola! I'm traveling to the Yucatan in winter to learn more Spanish (and escape the cold weather!) and wonder if you have specific advise re: food safety. Especially wondering if ensaladas & fresh fruits are safe if I wash them in clean water? Also, do you recommend hi-tech water bottles with bio-filters? Do they work? Muchas gracias!

[@enriquemoreno9013]

Muy buena informacion felicidades pronto ire a mexico

[@alex-wittman]

Gracias por ver, Enrique!

[@golfertex]

Love your channel! Hazel eyes & spaghetti straps, lucky guy! Congrats on your engagement!💕 When & Where? Planning a 6-month stay in QRO, OCT21 - MAR22. Can't wait. We are LatinX, fluent Spanish - English.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! We're planning to get married in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca! So exciting about you're upcoming trip to Qro 🤓 if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out1

[@marcies1297]

WhTs latinx meAn

[@colbywittman7489]

I love this video! I have never felt more welcomed when traveling then I have in Mexico! I think the SIM card is a must have. Do you find it helpful in other countries too?

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! Last year when I was traveling around Spain, I also purchased a SIM card in-country. I loved that it also worked in Portugal! It was super helpful to have data, and if you don't speak the language, it's nice to have access to Google Translate.

[@alex-wittman]

@@debrabarnum63 I don't remember off the top of my head, but from what I can tell from a quick Google search, the answer is yes. I'm flying out of the Qro airport in December & can confirm for you then!

[@ladydiholmes]

Really enjoying and learning a lot from your videos! I'm going to spend this summer (maybe longer) in San Miguel de Allende. I've been to many places in MX (including SMA 5 times prior) and always used my AT&T cell phone service on my iPhone. Is a MX Sim card absolutely necessary? If so, why? Note - I have an online business, so guess I'm a 'digital nomad'. Thank you!

[@alex-wittman]

If you're happy with your cell phone providers international plan, stick with it! Just make sure you download whatsapp since that's how most people communicate here.

[@chrisventer3060]

Hoping to spend 7 nights in bucerias early next year once they allow flights from Vancouver again , have a great day any keep up great work

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Chris! Your plan sounds lovely 🤓

[@rafaelfimbres9655]

Rocky point trip coming soon!

[@domeswall]

Gracias por los advices!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching!

[@AlvinLeslie-yb3hl]

Hey I'm going to torreon but I'm traveling with my lady friend who's from there.any good tips

[@maryannelarsen1186]

Like the shoe advice. Drives me crazy seeing some of these youtubers going around in inappropriate shoes for the terrain.

[@alex-wittman]

On top of it being a hazard, your feet just get so dirty! Thanks for watching, Maryanne! 🇲🇽💕

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Especially since you can buy such lovely yet cheap shoes in Mexico! 🤗🇲🇽

[@alex-wittman]

@@sophiemarcaurele that's very true!

[@mariobruyere9169]

A few more tips... Didi is usually a cheaper alternative to Uber where it is available (and one used by locals). I agree that flip-flops are a bad idea everywhere except the beach and for many reasons. Shorts: typically, Mexicans only wear shorts in resort towns and on vacation. Wearing shorts in the city automatically identifies you as a tourist. Water: if you are going for short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.) and intend on cooking, soak your food first in water with Microdyn (anti-bacterial/germicide, available in pharmacies). It can also be used to sterilize tap water in case you run out of bottled water.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing your tips, Mario! I really like that last one about Microdyn. I didn't know about that & am going to pick some up today 🤓

[@mariobruyere9169]

Another tip, this one for Canadians who don't have the option of opening a bank account with Schwab. Scotiabank has a pretty good footprint in Mexico. I have a Tangerine account (no fees and owned by Scotiabank), so this is the account I use when in Mexico (I often stay for a full month). This way, I avoid ATM charges. Worse comes to worst, I use a credit union bank machine (ATM charges usually lower) but pay no service fees to Tangerine. About ATM charges: they can vary greatly from one bank to another (not like Canada where they are + or - standardized), so shop around before you accept the charges and withdraw money. Iny own experience, Banco Santander is the absolute worst. BBVA is pretty bad too unless it's a credit union affiliated with BBVA.

[@alex-wittman]

@@mariobruyere9169 great tip, Mario!

[@mariobruyere9169]

@@alex-wittman If not found at the pharmacy, Soriana usually has it in the produce department.

[@alexwittman2204]

To me, traveling safely in Mexico means staying healthy in Mexico! I hope you find these Mexico travel tips helpful 🤓🇲🇽

[@RickFidelisReed]

Regarding agreeing on a price with a Taxi, CONFIRM the numbers we are talking are Pesos and not USD. Some friends while I was in Perú learned this.

[@alex-wittman]

Yikes! Good advice, Rick!

[@eziodeldegan414]

Maybe Saltillo

[@stephenedwardleemusic8997]

Thank You !! beautiful Naja BTW.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching!

[@erniemccracken5509]

Great video, thank you! What is your favorite nomad city in Mexico?

[@alex-wittman]

Probably Mexico City! I know beach cities are popular too (don't get me wrong: I love Puerto Escondido), but the internet isn't always the best. If you plan to spend significant time on the coast, I suggest having a backup internet source.

[@JW3BALT]

Hey Alex, what bus do you recommend for travel between Mexico City and Queretaro. Also what bus stop do you use in Mexico City?

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, John! I recommend Primera Plus. I generally take it right from the Mexico City Airport unless I'm spending time in Mexico City (then I usually take it to Norte). I hope that helps & thanks for watching!

[@JW3BALT]

@@alex-wittman awesome thank you for the reply! A friend of mine who lives in Mexico State says Norte is a little dicey, have you had good experiences there?

[@alex-wittman]

@@JW3BALT I don't remember anything out of the ordinary sticking out. I arrived during the day & had no issues.

[@AlvinLeslie-yb3hl]

Tips on going to torreon

[@tessbeasley]

I have a question about the SIM card! I have an iPhone with AT&T so I would just purchase a new SIM card and switch it for the duration of my trip?

[@alex-wittman]

If your phone is unlocked you can! Check with AT&T if you're not sure if it's unlocked or not.

[@boodabill]

Gracias for the video. I live in Todos Santos and would like to take the ferry over to Sinaloa, travel around to wildlife destinations, and then circle back. Is it safe for one person? I speak Spanish and have a 4Runner and camera gear. I have permanent residency.

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, D!

[@scottysblog7317]

Im planning a trip to Cuidad Mèxico

[@loukramer152]

You missed waring about the legal ATM scam where the bank asks you to accept their very unfavorable exchange rate - always reject this and it will default to a better rate from your bank in the US.

[@stephenwhited1833]

I also travel a lot in Mexico with family and friends. One of the tricks I use is a decoy wallet. It has an old expired license in it pictures of kids, some pesos and some old expired credit cards in it. My real wallet with my passport card and fmm is in money belt or a leg wallet., I also try to dress as close to the way the locals do as possible. The decoy wallet worked during a pickpocket. In Mexico friends and family mean security and I have made many friends and am married to a lovely lady from Celaya. The number one secret though is to be the "Grey Man" Seen but not seen.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing your tips, Stephen!

[@bikenpdx]

heading to Puerto Escondido

[@alex-wittman]

Very exciting! I got married in Puerto Escondido back in 2022 so it has a special place in my heart 🥰 safe travels & enjoy!

[@redlush91]

Hey I was wondering if you have any suggestions regarding booking air bnbs! Cause I was planning on moving around a bit. Visiting playa del Carmen, Tulum, isla mujeres etc! Any idea how I can move from one place to another?

[@onepolarman]

Question, you mentioned getting a sim card for the phone, you must have an unlock phone? Thanks great video.

[@alex-wittman]

Yes, you need to have an unlocked phone, Diego!

[@TheChefTiger]

Any feedback about the Covid situation down there? How's everyday life going? I know schools are virtual for most but how about the rest, grocery shopping, etc, and to your knowledge is the local government -and businesses readying for a potential spike during fall/winter? Gracias again and keep doing such great work!

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, Jorge! Life in Querétaro seems to be pretty much back to normal as far as businesses being open. I haven't been back inside Mercado La Cruz myself yet, but I know that it is open. If you're curious to see where I've been buying my groceries instead during the pandemic, I have a video about that. As far as preparing for a potential spike, I know that the government here has put festivals & other celebrations on hold (Dia de Muertos, etc.). Still, tourism is returning to the city. Just last night, I saw the tourist tram taking people around & it was almost entirely full. Businesses are limiting the number of people that enter their establishments & lots of places still do mandatory temperature checks. I hope this information helps!

[@EdithFrost]

Please tell me who made the adorable brown leather backpack I see in a lot of your vids?

[@alex-wittman]

Patricia Nash! It was a gift from my mom!

[@EdithFrost]

@@alex-wittman So chic!

[@melaniemejia7400]

Regarding the filter water, let's say I order a cocktail or a drink with ice cubes should I assume its from the tap rather than the filter? Love your vids. Appreciate any input.

[@alex-wittman]

Ice is generally safe!

[@melaniemejia7400]

@@alex-wittman Cool. Thank you for the quick reply.

[@jammiez2805]

For those of us who don't know what a sim card is can you please explain more about this? Also how do you install it? Can you use it on a no contract phone like straight talk? If i am using a straight talk phone in the us and i move to mexico shouldn't i just buy a mexican phone at oxxo?

[@alex-wittman]

A SIM card is the chip in your phone that allows cellular data to transmit. You can buy a phone in Mexico or if your phone is unlocked you can just change out the SIM card for a Mexican SIM.

[@normthibodeau5212]

Well done!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Norm!

[@valerialaurenrojas503]

Thanks so very much for these tips! I'm leaving to Mexico in 3 weeks so know I know what to do and not do.

[@marcies1297]

You wouldve known these things anyway girl...theyre common sense.

[@karanbediss8712]

Hi Alex, I will be soon moving to Mexico from India!!

[@alex-wittman]

Wishing you all the best for your move to Mexico!

[@karanbediss8712]

@@alex-wittman But Student Visas are still not opened for Indians!!

[@DragonPrinceSun]

I’m trying to figure out more about being or at least visiting in Mexico because my partner sometimes lives there with his mom (his mom lives there) and my mom is worried about the cartel-

[@polluxblaze]

"Don't wear flip flops in Mexico because a lot of the sidewalks are uneven." Me, a brazilian who deals with the *worst* sidewalks while wearing Havaianas: 🤸‍♂️🏃‍♂️👣🧗‍♂️🦵🤙

[@mikerich1164]

I'm planning on going to Monterey mexico in December what do I need to know before I come

[@alex-wittman]

Check out the Mexico travel tips in this post, Mike: backpackingbrunette.com/mexico-travel-tips/ I think you will find them helpful!

[@arellano408]

I’m 39 & I’m planning on moving to Guadalajara early 2022, I live in the San Francisco BayArea & I was looking to buy a house but the cheapest crappy house is $980,000 so with the 30% down payment I can buy cash & retire now, I’m planning on buying 3 condos & renting them out, my dad & family live there & I go there every year, I am a US citizen but I was born there in Guadalajara

[@alex-wittman]

Very cool! I'm wishing you all the best with your move to Mexico!

[@albertr.2576]

Lots of good info. 1) You don’t need to be robbed or pickpocketed to lose your belongings. I once forgot my bag (which had cash and my passport) at a restaurant in Guadalajara. I realized I had forgotten my bag 45 minutes later and was panicking. I went back and the staff had my bag with all my things in it. 2) The U.S. doesn’t have a reputation for being unsafe. However, we have had many random acts of gun violence across the U.S. for years now (sadly this problem seems to be getting worse). I think we have a false sense of security because the surroundings are familiar. We need to be aware whenever we travel anywhere. Some countries are considered safe but you can still find yourself being a victim of crime. Also, the U.S. puts out a travel advisory but it doesn’t included itself in it. 3) Also ongoing has been the torture and death of African-Americans and other minorities at the hands of police officers (and the violent protests that have ensued). We also have seen an alarming rise in violence against Asians and an increase in anti Semitism. These are all things that can be googled.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment, A.R. One of the things that you noted was how many people living in the US have a false sense of security. It's so important to be aware of our surroundings wherever we are in the world.

[@laura-bronner]

LOL about #6. I definitely thought when I first moved to CDMX that I could wear flip flops around the city. Now I would NEVER do that mostly because icky feet haha.

[@alex-wittman]

Ewwww lol your feet would be BLACK after walking around CDMX in flip flops! I learned my lesson about sandals in the city while living in Madrid.

[@eziodeldegan414]

I am going to Monterrey and San Luis Potosi

[@alex-wittman]

I just shared a vlog about my experience in San Luis Potosi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3fNhY2JltB7prc

[@ELREYTV]

Hi Alex, this is Reynaldo , from Trenton Michigan. Have the laws changed about someone wanting to live in Mexico now. I’ve been told that they have is this true and if so can you make a video and bring it up to date. Whereas you could stay 180 days now you cannot. Let me know I want to plan to retire this year or the middle of next or sooner and Mexico is the place I want to live in. Now because I am an American born and raised here but I have family down there and we had buried my dad there in Mexico because he was born and raised there. Would appreciate updated information thank you very much Reynaldo

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, Reynaldo! I have two videos on my channel about the immigration changes.

[@gordontataryn6026]

Where would you recommend a first time travel to Mexico to go?

[@kusumaasmadi4799]

Thanks

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Kusuma!

[@donnahughs9749]

Hi Alex! I always find some useful tips from your videos, thanks! I had been planning to retire in Mexico on my social security, but with the latest changes will have to see how that goes. I was in Oaxaca decades ago for a few weeks and loved it, and plan on going down there for about a month to check it out and get some much-needed dental work done while I'm there. I'm thinking that having a dental appt. set up in advance and possibly needing time for recuperating and followup will help me get a month's time from immigration. Also was thinking that finding some volunteer work might make it easier go back for more time on my second trip when I was planning on living down there, and perhaps get my resident visa. --Thoughts?

[@marcies1297]

You can get 6 months. I did. Get your return ticket and speak clearly in soanish for yourself. You can do it!

[@jblue1299]

I am considering a motorcycle trip to Mexico!!!

[@alex-wittman]

That's awesome! Any idea what destinations you'll include??

[@jblue1299]

@@alex-wittman , I think Ajicic, and the city and area where you are...

[@alex-wittman]

@@jblue1299 very cool! If you have any questions about traveling in Mexico, please feel free to reach out 🤓🇲🇽

[@jblue1299]

@@alex-wittman , what would you suggest the best way to learn Spanish?

[@alex-wittman]

@@jblue1299 I recommend working with a tutor to get your base. You can find great teachers for one to one virtual classes at affordable prices on italki. Also, @spanishandgo has lots of resources 🤓

[@Stevenfrijol]

I suggest having a money belt, to stash money and documents. I also got a passport card, which is an extra ID card. I keep a small wallet in my front pocket.

[@alex-wittman]

Great tips, Steven! So important to be careful who you hand your passport over to...I love the idea of a passport card.

[@ToddGoldfinger]

Planning on going to GDL. 👍

[@alex-wittman]

Awesome! Safe travels!

[@SCLana]

How is hurricane going? I hope you're safe and Cancun/Playa del Carmen 🙏 people too. :(( so scare.

[@alex-wittman]

Queretaro is very far inland, so we didn't see any effects of the hurricane here. The storm was very intense in the Yucatan & I hope everything there is safe!

[@yvette3970]

New subscriber!!!

[@alex-wittman]

Welcome, Yvette! So glad to have you here!

[@aureliana2001]

I want to spend my 180 days in Mexico traveling AROUND Mexico, but I haven't seen any videos on how to actually travel in between cities without a car... Like is there a bus or train like we have in the us that goes around the country? Should I fly? Is it expensive? Should I rent a car and drive?

[@marcies1297]

Dont drive unless youre fluent is my opinion. Youll need that because of the many roadblocks and checkpoints. You dont automatically get 180 days anymore so if thats your plan ten youd need extensive proof like accomodations booked and return flights. Vast majority of ppl arent getting more than a few weeks or less. I woukd also say learn enough Spanish to get around and defend tour need for 180 days.

[@marcies1297]

There are really nice buses in Mexico. I have used them overnight and to go all over the different states. Cheap flights too. That is all your preference.

[@lisadeboest6482]

Hi Alex! Great video! I'll be traveling to Queretaro in January...so excited, but the airbnb we booked last week just cancelled, saying they aren't allowed to book for 2021 yet. We're confused! Is this a thing?

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, Lisa! Wow, that's really interesting & I hadn't heard anything about Airbnbs not being allowed to book for 2021 yet. Perhaps it's something with that specific Airbnb? I just booked an Airbnb for later this month without any issue. Are you going to try booking another Airbnb now or wait until it is closer to the new year?

[@lisadeboest6482]

@@alex-wittman i think we will try after a few weeks with the same place, but may just find another if we still have trouble. Either way, I don't think there will be a real problem finding one in Qro. Thanks for your insight!

[@alex-wittman]

@@lisadeboest6482 send me a DM on Instagram & let me know how it works out. If there's anything I can help you with, please let me know!

[@lisadeboest6482]

@@alex-wittman will do - so excited to finally come to Qro! 🤩

[@TheSchev]

I am coming to Queretaro ASAP. but that may vary anwhere from 3 wks to December. probably 3 months in a wheelchair. I'm retired and looking to bring my whole family, eventually. How can I find appropriate help?

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, George! I recommend reaching out to Ivonne Pavaan at Host Relocation: hostrelocation.com.mx/

[@shakeonthemove]

Hi Alex, I want to apply for temp res visa, but I don’t have location figured out. I want to travel around and find my perfect home in Mexico when I get there. You think that would be ok with immigration.

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, thanks for watching! If possible, I recommend coming down to Mexico & utilizing the 180-day tourist pass to travel around. If you're a U.S. or Canadian passport holder, it's the stamp you get when you enter Mexico. No need to apply for anything special. Then, once you've found the place you want to call home, you can fly back to the U.S. (even just to the consulate in Texas if that's the most affordable option) to start the process. I say this because when you apply for temporary residency in Mexico, the paperwork will require a home address. If you put a temporary address like an Airbnb on the documents, you will have to go back to INM later and file to change it. Trust me when I say you want to limit your trips to INM (immigration) as much as possible 😅 good luck!

[@robertcamp6623]

I plan to come to Queretaro in april i met a woman there. i hope It will sork out with her. i am just checking out the place. I hope to meet you when I come there

[@alex-wittman]

Safe travels around Mexico, Robert! I hope you enjoy your time in Queretaro!

[@Mmmmkaaay]

Is it safe to bicycle in your city? Are the drivers terrible or courteous? Also, would a Brita filter or filtration system installed under your sink treat the water sufficiently to make it potable? Great videos! ❤️

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, thanks for watching! It is safe to bicycle here & in many parts of the city there are bike lanes. I find the drivers to be courteous & on the look out for bikers/pedestrians. As for the water, I don't know much about filtration systems...what we & most people do is buy five-gallon jugs of filtered water. You can exchange for a refill at a store or guys come around the neighborhood for deliveries.

[@Mmmmkaaay]

@@alex-wittman Thanks for your reply!

[@mikelitoris4028]

Hey, I'm going to be travelling to Playa Del Carmen in 3 weeks. Would it be best to use my cc for purchases or just take out all the money from an ATM there?

[@alex-wittman]

You will be able to use a credit card for a lot, but I recommend always having cash on hand as well.

[@mikelitoris4028]

@@alex-wittman sounds good! Also, do you know what's a good converasion rate from CAD to Mex Peso?

[@cfjelde]

I've never sweat in my entire life as much as I sweat(ed) in Tulum! Hoofah. Bring water, light clothing and lots of sunscreen going there. I kept apologizing for my drenched appearance.

[@joedoe1300]

Ok, but there are some detail lacking. Most important, speak very kindly and be friendly!!! 1: ATM awareness. 2: Travel in daytime. 3: Dont look stupid, know your route. 4: Dont give exact destinations because you can get set up. 5: Share "Pinguinos", candy, become a friend with those around you. 6: Dont tell jokes, jokes are not funny in Mexico, people think you try to say something and check your character. 7: Have a reserve wallet to give if robbed. With enough. 8: Police are more dangerous than criminals because you dont know where you have them, they might have quote to fill for their boss. 9: Take a photo of taxi and send it to someone by WhatsApp or so as a backup before traveling. Better Signal because you cant delete sent messages. 10: Dont turn around and look shocked if you hear something crazy, look down and walk as if nothing happend. 11: Dont wear expencive shit. 12: Be aware your sorroundings so you dont get surrounded, like if someone ask for the time, dont stop, continue walking. 13: Waiting for green man at crossover is a good place to put a pistol in your back, so keep distance and avoid to be trapped like in a situation like that. 14: If traveling with someone else, might be good to have a backup visiting toilet at dangerous areas. 15: Travel light. 16: Dont tell your route if not nessesary to random people asking. 16: Dont get drunk, in heated clima you can get mych faster drunk. 17: Dont treat people as shit even you are tired, say therefore sorry asap if you missbehave. 18: Walk where there are light and people if you can choose it. 19: Avoid drunk people asap. 20: A professional robber will keep distance while treathening with assaultweapond, so if not proffecional he can get close and you two can start fysical battle and a shot can axidently get fired BECAUSE YOU TRIED TO FIGHT, so better not fight while getting robbed. 21: If you get robbed, you probably get framed in a scam like girl throwing beer at you, others act as they will help the girls but rob you, so be therefore aware to your reactions, distance etc. 22: If police frame you, record, but Dont hide it from them. 23: Dont get involved in others fight, you dont know the story. 24: Dont look as a stupid dea agent. 25: Ask local friendly people where not to go/go. 26: Get trusted taxi from your hotel. 27: Have extra cash in socks. 28: If kidnapping, make chaos at the place at the moment it starts (better die there). 29: If corruption, Dont argue using offensive lenguage calling it corruption. 30: Better wearing light color than Black. 31: Mexico is Nice, until you run in problems, nothing works, not even official emails etc, so Dont expect anything to work. 32: Ask your embassy if nessesary if you have complication. 33: You never know who you argue with, even small things, it can be a Brother of someone dangerous so even he looks as no'one, treat him with respect. 34: Better walk away asap when you get the possibility. (Be like water.) 35: Avoid transexuals at streets selling sex because they make scams. 36: Dont travel with drugs since sentences are big and you might pay alot. 37: Better make a fast deal so you dont end up in a worse situation needing to pay more later if you really fucked up. 38: Bring activated charcoal for stomach. 39: Buy suero : electrolytt-powder for water from phermacy'drugstore. 40: Plan where you want to go in advance. 41: Dont use plates on car from a territory of one cartel in the area of another cartel in dispute. 42: Look at US embassy travel advice for the partikler area. 43: Check your route for crime on elcri.men/en/violence-map/ 44: Dont get entangled; dont rent a room with someone you dont know, resulting in being entangled in the other persons desicions. Be your own boss. Have your own key. Have the possibility to go home when you want to, so you dont end up babysitting someone drunk outside. 45: Have a clear agreement, you are not responsable for anyone else than yourself, so be clear about what your limit is, so you dont babysit a drunk stupid friend. 45: Bring firedetector or door-opener detector. 46: Flashlight. 47: Better go with someone local you can trust. 48: Get a phone you can loose. 49: No camping. 50: Change Google setting to track your movements. Give someone home "shared location" or Gmail password to find your location record if something happend, it makes it much more easy for those who love you if you are missing. 51: Dont get involvert as a witness because you dont know anything about anything and nobody ever get sentenced anywhay. 52: Carry your gun on front waist, since every Mexican carry on the back. Just speak kindly. Buena suerte!

[@marcies1297]

What year is this advice from?

[@joedoe1300]

@@marcies1297 I just wrote it, as I saw the video had "Travel safety in Mexico" as topic, but street-wise tips were not mentioned.. so I just randomly thought about experiences and commented. I have been living and traveling there long time and have never been in any real danger because I speak kindly and follow my own advice. Even tho I go in dangerous areas nothing bad sticks on me. In addition I dont wear black color (as black absorbs) and speak kindly 24/7, so I travel with good vibes 🤠👍/2021..

[@Thee_PinkPanther]

Now that is true tips to travel Mexico my friend. Bravo! 👏 The truth and well said. Great job.

[@jimshomecomforts8505]

Can animals drink the water?

[@a-rock239]

Do I need an fmm to drive in mexico?

[@alex-wittman]

No, your license is enough from what I understand.

[@tahirjetter5665]

Hey there, are the cabbies good about wearing masks?

[@alex-wittman]

Hi, Tahir! They're really good about it & most cabs actually have a plastic barrier built around the driver's seat.

[@wendymah-o4v]

Sun Carlo Mex

[@davidvavra9113]

A question about passports. What about the possibility of the police wanting to see it at a checkpoint?

[@alex-wittman]

Your passport is your official id in Mexico, but I recommend having a copy to show!

[@VideosDeMexico]

Every where in the world in every city , there is crime , the only and most effective way to travel safe is using common sense.I traveled México for 20 or more years , shooting my sight seeing videos of city"s and towns, and never had a bad experience or incident, respect for the people , traditions and their community, happy traveling in México every one.

[@jeyalakshmiramadurai1629]

Hi I am reaching GDL by jan

[@alex-wittman]

That's awesome! Enjoy your time there!

[@dudeleboski2692]

Is UBER USA and MEX UBER the app?

[@marcies1297]

Yea

[@BuellersBack]

Great advice but you should NOT get pesos at the airport. That's the worst exchange!

[@alex-wittman]

I don't recommend getting them from a currency exchange, but since it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, I recommend getting at least some from an ATM.

[@BuellersBack]

@@alex-wittman Unfortunately ATMs have bad exchange rate but they do help in a pinch