The biggest myths about traveling in Mexico, DEBUNKED

[@gregfaison3799]

Alex, your Move to Mexico guide helped me get my residency here in 2021. “Decline the conversion!” Great advice

[@alex-wittman]

Congrats on getting your Mexico residency, Greg! That’s amazing! Let me know if you have any additional Mexico travel advice to add 🤓

[@carlab3866]

Me too, Thanks Alex!

[@ToddBinNM]

I was in CDMX two years ago. Any time I saw a food stand that a police officer was eating at, I would stop and order the same thing he or she was having. Worked great.

[@janeberryman3581]

Appreciate that mindfulness re the word cheap.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Jane!

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

@alex-wittman Gracias and Hola! Cheap tends to sound kind of degrading or demeaning. Try saying affordable, inexpensive, economical, reasonable along with reasonably low cost or just low cost. I was wondering when you would change your online name, married and starting to settle down is not quite the "Backpacking Brunette" anymore! Hope you didn't throw off some of your long time friends/subscribers.... I have a similar but unfixable problem. My nickname is "Bing" or "Bing Bing" (Think of the old cartoon "Ricochet Rabbit") and where I was working most of my life, my boss and his son's name was David also, so since all of my friends and people already called me "Bing", to avoid confusion my business cards and clients knew me as Bing Sebastianelli or just plain Bing. I know and have met thousands of people as "Bing"! Now since I've retired and moved to Mexico when people are curious and ask others, they say "Do you know a guy David Sebasianelli?" and they say "Nope, never heard of him" but when they ask them "Do you know a guy named "Bing"? and "Whatever happened to him?" everybody says "Yes, great guy!" with a big smile. Just in case anyone is wondering where I went to... "Mucha suerte desde Ensenada!"🤔🤷‍♂😎🏄🌮🍺

[@matthewjbarnhart2068]

Great video, all excellent tips! Just FYI, pretty much all the big cervezas in Mexico (including Victoria and Pacifico) are owned by the huge multinational, InBev. If you like fancier beer there are lots of great artisanal cervecerîas, but I've been told Mexican laws make their distribution pretty difficult. Two of my favorites that are more readily available (at least in CDMX) are Monstruo de Agua and Colima.

[@happyinparadise7812]

Indio and Montejo beers are soooo good too!!

[@MichaelG1986]

Great advice as regards the weather. I grew up in Southern California and the first snow I experienced was in Ciudad Juarez in the 1970s when I was a little kid while visiting family. It was a really cold and snowy winter that year.

[@alex-wittman]

It snowed one day the first winter I lived in Querétaro & the city all but completely sold out of space heaters!

[@EnergyreaderempathMary]

Excellent tips! You sound like a germaphobe like me. My male friends told me that I won’t be safe going alone, but not one of my friends wants to go snorkeling with sea turtles or go to the mermaid school.

[@indyschlumpf728]

Love your videos. You have such great travel tips! Here’s a first for me on our trip to CDMX. We just arrived at MEX, and I wanted to grab some cash from the ATM. I was so proud of getting through the menu in Spanish until the very end. Not only did it decline the transaction😱; it kept my ATM card!🤯 So I immediately called my bank , gave the phone to my hubby to talk to the bank, and tried to explain what happened to the persons at the exchange counter. They were unable to help unfortunately. My hubby learned from our local bank that their ATM cards are only valid in the US. Welcome to small town USA. No worries. I had enough cash to exchange for the week plus credit cards for larger purchases. Though Guenter has used the credit union debit card in Europe, I wasn’t going to risk another ATM mishap. Had the best time in CDMX and never did replace my card.❤

[@alex-wittman]

Oh no, Indy! I am glad to hear you had enough cash on hand to make it work. Yikes...thanks for sharing your experience!

[@christopherarkills8912]

Awesome video Alex! I loved the common sense advice about buses and street food. Two things people have to try. I will recommend this video to others interested in going to the real Mexico.

[@alex-wittman]

Yessss, thanks for spreading the word!!!

[@martbright]

Elotes is my absolute favorite street food anywhere! So many people don’t know much about Mexico and assume it’s all dangerous. I travel there often as a solo woman and have had great experiences!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for sharing your experience traveling in Mexico as a solo woman 🇲🇽

[@worldobserver3515]

I would like to go to a language school in Mexico, but am too nervous about the safety issue to go. So, @martbright, you are saying that is overblown?

[@martbright]

@@worldobserver3515 definitely! I have been to Mexico about a dozen times, most of those times alone. In February/March I went to a language school in Oaxaca. It was totally fabulous. I stayed at the family compound of the school and they are lovely people. I wouldn't walk around alone at 2 AM, but I often walked around alone after dark in the downtown areas. I have never felt unsafe.

[@worldobserver3515]

@@martbright thank you for your reply.

[@Mawazination]

Your “r” in “carne en su jugo” is on point!!

[@alex-wittman]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@beachlife8367]

Hands down the BEST Mexico information video channel I have come across.

[@mdrichards]

The random holes in sidewalks are REAL.

[@crappocrappoproductions-ak9403]

Hi Alex. Elote is one of my favorite Mexican street foods but I have not actually seen it served with mayo, at least not in GDL. My preference is well done smeared with crema (somewhat like sour cream but sweeter) and sprinkled with grated dry cheese. Another option is having drizzled with lime juice (lima) and chili powder. Muy buenos saludos !

[@alex-wittman]

I love the chili powder!

[@FidalgoSwing]

Once again great info. As for my travels it's all about central Mexico and Veracruz for me. I liked your comment on street food and getting sick, one may feel it's best to find a stand with a lot of people well I don't follow that rule, Hot, yes cold with ice yes at least two people running the stand yes. I also out of necessity drink the water, knock on wood I have never been sick. On the topic of drinks made from the Agave, all Tequila is Mescal, but not all Mescal is Tequila. The Agave drink I'm hopping more gringos will seek out is Pulque, it is known as the drink of the Gods and most likely the first of all the Agave drinks. It can't be found out side the states that grow Agave, it only has a three day self life. it's sucked out of the Agave before harvest so I would say it's from the Gods NO cooking needed about three % acl.. On traveling by bus, I travel with a Schipperke service dog, flying no trouble with no older than five day old health card, taxis just fine ,Uber good most of the time but buses not so much. Only two busses I have found that is good with service dogs, Primera plus and ETN. I'm heading to Veracruz end of November for a extended stay, Great state more people should give it a go...

[@ecomtomcat]

Thanks for the the tip about the Schwab debit card & charge rebates.

[@journeykendrick]

Good video, Alex! I want to share with so many people that have preconceived thoughts on Mexico.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! Yes, plz share!

[@anitamendez116]

Great video Alex. Gracias for all the valuable information you share with us. It makes a big difference when visiting Mexico and those of us that live here.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Anita! So glad you found this Mexico travel advice helpful 🥰🇲🇽

[@alex-wittman]

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[@cindyk3076]

All great tips, Alex! You debunked the most prevalent stereotypes that people seem to have, good job!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Cindy!

[@RishayanPorMexico]

Very good video, with many good tips. Just a couple little notes. US banks give a horrible exchange rate, at least my bank does. I have found, after 40 years, that the very best exchange rate comes from Western Union. I send myself money from my US bank via Western Union and have found that I get the most pesos for my dollar doing it this way. Since I live here, and to avoid a lot of questions, I simply send myself money every week using my friends here who have Mexican IDs. I then give them a few pesos for their service. Also, as far as food making you sick, I will tell you this. Street restaurants and roving vendors are pigs. Simple as that. I love my Mexican people, but food vendors are pigs! jajaja...That doesn't mean you can't eat that cheap and delicious torta o taco from a street vendor. Just don't do it 24 to 48 hours before you are leaving the country or travelling a long distance. There is nothing worse than running to the bathroom on a plane or a bus every so often. Buy a delicious package of FUD Jamon Pavo and a pack of American cheese slices ( available in most all food stores across the country) and make yourself some ham and cheese sandwiches before travelling. And as far as security goes, American cities are by and large many times more dangerous than most Mexican cities, so take the same precautions you would in the US. That's it, enjoy my great country!

[@DaveB826]

I travel to Mexico frequently and your video is spot on! Excellent content!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Dave!

[@dannyavanti]

Love your video . i have in diferents states of mexico always i been impresed with the diversity of cultures .

[@alex-wittman]

Such a rich & diverse culture! Thanks for watching, Danny!

[@Fifi07076]

Hola Alex seria bueno que fueras a pasear a islas marias en el pacífico saludos

[@genaroignot3332]

Alex no te pierdas tanto!!

[@alex-wittman]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@genaroignot3332]

Buen video Alex

[@alex-wittman]

Muchísimas gracias ☺️

[@eprohoda]

what a unreal picture! 🤗

[@paule.alvarez8720]

The more I watch your videos, the more I love you, Alex. I live in Colorado, and sometimes even in this liberal, enlightened state, I am dismayed at people's perception of Mexico. I think I'll share this video with them in the future. It will save me a lot of unnecessary explanation and frustration. Keep the great work!

[@alex-wittman]

It's always amazing to me the things people say about Mexico...especially the people who've never even been here! Thanks so much for watching & taking the time to leave a comment--much appreciated 🥰

[@ivonnepavaan7521]

Great video alex. Interesting facts.

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Ivonne!

[@beachlife8367]

6:07 Question time: what percentage is good when it comes to tipping? Is it common to tip EVERYONE (street food vendor, restaurants, Uber driver, etc), or just certain places? I have a Charles Schwab account (I got one after watching one of your earlier videos). Would you recommend using cash (pesos) OR to use my CS debit card at places like restaurants, Oxxos, etc? Lastly (for now), from your experience, do hotels require a deposit when you book reservations? I have booked and paid for a hotel stay in QRO coming up in a few months. I did this through Orbitz, I believe. I'm wondering if the hotel will charge a deposit and, if they do, if they will require cash (pesos) or if I can use my CS card (and how much they might charge). Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

[@genaroignot3332]

Como estas espero que bien .

[@dgaydos]

Cancún is...................the only town not to visit in Mexico! OK, I do use the airport...but then I get the heck away asap. PS. Valladolid is only 2 hours west (with a great bus) and is sooooooo much nicer, light years better, than staying anywhere in Cancún. One note about buses in Mexico. The 1st class (ADO etc) buses are excellent for sure, and an incredible value, but be aware that your destination might not match the destination sign on the front of the bus. Example: From Mérida, my bus to Valladolid said Cancún, as that was its final destination after stopping in Valladolid. Also, kind of related to that......if the departure time for your bus is drawing near, keep asking the guy at the gate about your bus, just so you don't miss it. Oh, and if it's a long bus trip and it will make bathroom/stretching stops, know the # of the bus so you'll be sure to board the right one again.

[@miguel-h]

Hi Alex! Great video. You’re getting Mexican savvier by the day! 😆

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Miguel! Any advice to add about traveling in Mexico??

[@miguel-h]

I'll let you know if I think of something but otherwise, you pretty much have it covered! 👍

[@daniellares7237]

Muy bien!

[@alex-wittman]

Gracias por ver!

[@Mawazination]

Go Alex!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching!!

[@sunnybrookfamily6711]

Someone gave my tour guide friend a tip of $20 Australian dollars. Maybe the client didn't have any pesos but, yeah, what is the guide going to do with that?!

[@alex-wittman]

Just so much more trouble to exchange that 🙃🙃🙃

[@oscarlugo8761]

Hey Alex! Have you been to Las Grutas de Tolantongo (in my home state of Hidalgo)? Just one of MANY tips: GO ONLY ON AN EARLY WEEKDAY MORNING, LIKE MONDAY OR TUESDAY, DURING THE LOW SEASON!! (In other words, if you want the NATURALLY THERMAL river, NATURALLY THERMAL cave, NATURALLY THERMAL waterfall, and NATURALLY THERMAL cliffside pools all to YOURSELF, then do NOT visit when large families are out of school and on vacation!! It's a freakin' WET, LUSH-GREEN PARADISE with A LOT less people at the right time of year!! I can almost guarantee that you will NEVER regret this completely NATURAL water park!! More tips: cash only (around $8 for the ENTIRE DAY and no wifi due to its remote location in a VERY deep, but spectacular canyon (that does NOT belong in the middle of the Mezquital Valley Desert!), but bring your own water shoes, towels, toilet paper, and transparent, waterproof protector to take "wet" photos/videos without damaging your cellphone!

[@genaroignot3332]

Hola Alex saludos

[@alex-wittman]

Hola!!! Estoy muy bien! De hecho, estoy en Puerto Vallarta este finde 😎

[@valerieventures6026]

Yes tequila is awesome

[@roundpaws]

Totally off topic but searching for Mexican lawyer referral if you can point me to someone. It has to do with a lawsuit settlement in San Miguel de Allende (for a friend).

[@loumota68]

Very nice video

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching! Hope you found this Mexico travel advice helpful 🤓🇲🇽

[@barbaradivita880]

I have watched some of your videos. You are adorable!

[@maryjoan4128]

Great info,, sadly for Canadians the peso is a killer,

[@alex-wittman]

Yes, I definitely plan on sharing more on Guadalajara life!

[@oscarp2629]

Do not pay taxi drivers with a credit or debit card!!! You will regret it.

[@alex-wittman]

Good tip! I mostly do Ubers & when I do take a taxi, it’s usually from an authorized stand where I buy the ticket ahead of time 👍🏼

[@RishayanPorMexico]

I have been living in MX for the past 40 years and (almost) NEVER use a card. Cash is king here and certainly the best way with the least amount of problems. Always hide your cash in multiple locations around your body, and never pull out a wad of bills. Pre plan the bills that you will use that day. And always have plenty of small bills, especially if you spend time in the countryside. I walk, and use all forms of public transportation all the time, and have NEVER been robbed in 40 years( vs. several times in the US).

[@Shane3274]

Yes, dont expect people in Mexico to speak English, on the other hand, in the USA, it is offensive not to speak/know Spanish.

[@boink800]

I love ordering from the local taco truck in Spanish.

[@alex-wittman]

I love any chance I get in the US to speak Spanish 🫶🏼

[@oscarlugo8761]

Oh no, a sheltered American's worst nightmare--LEARNING ANOTHER LANGUAGE!! Maybe it's best to just leave L.A. for 'Bama, where you can speak all the "'Murican Dixie" ya want!!

[@porfiriogarcia8132]

Hola

[@ba8898]

Mexico is pretty expensive right now. Airbnbs seems to be skyrocketing in price and plummeting in quality. And I don't like those old and manky plastic plates they serve food on in the taquerias. Otherwise, Mexico is great.

[@alex-wittman]

I've been trying to stay in more hotels lately & have been very happy with the accommodation I've found.

[@ba8898]

@@alex-wittman it would be too expensive to stay in on a monthly basis :)

[@worldobserver3515]

I thought you didn't tip in Mexico.

[@alex-wittman]

You definitely tip in Mexico! Tipping is appropriate and expected in a much wider range of situations. For example, you should tip the person bagging your groceries & the person who puts your luggage on/takes it off the bus-just two examples 🤓 let me know if you’d like to see a longer video about tipping in Mexico!

[@oleogabalo]

🙂

[@worldobserver3515]

@@Blue_Water I must have confused it with a video on Spain.

[@geraldarnoult]

By the (U.S.) media

[@alalesc3796]

Beautiful woman!!😅

[@alalesc3796]

Safety in Mexico?? Safer than the US!!! Let’s change that attitude!

[@alex-wittman]

In this video, I talk about safety in Mexico.

[@davebacon6194]

👍👍😄😄 Spot on as usual!

[@alex-wittman]

Thanks for watching, Dave!

[@worldobserver3515]

I was very ill for three days after eating from a street vendor in TJ. It definitely wasn't germs I brought with me.

[@alex-wittman]

Yikes! I’ve definitely had food poisoning in Mexico & I’ve also had it several times in the US as well 🥲 the worst time was mayo from a Subway in metro Detroit!

[@happyinparadise7812]

Washing it down with tequila is important.

[@jesuzo23]

I don’t think learning Spanish with Bad Bunny is a good idea. His Spanish is horrible, and his songs lyrics are even worse, you don’t want to be walking around telling people “te mamo el culo”.

[@alex-wittman]

I wouldn't suggest anyone say anything they don't know the meaning behind. The point here is to use media that you enjoy to make language learning fun!

[@donyaschuk6538]

I love these videos. Alex makes this look like she's living her best life. Gotta get my buttski out of Canada and take a peek. :-)

[@alex-wittman]

Yes, come visit Mexico 🇲🇽 it’s incredible!

[@eduardobaz6413]

tacos in Mexico are very difrent from what you eat as tacos in the us.

[@selfscience]

Tip 20% or more

[@cruzalejandro2915]

Hi hermosa girl , you change change the name about your channel is fiene 👍👍 I like