The Roberts

We would love for you to join us in Mexico after all these years!

Travel Tips

  • Credit Card vs. Cash
    • Mexico is a cash-based economy. It is not a given that credit cards will be accepted in locations not frequented by tourists
    • Be aware of the exchange rate. It hovers around $20MEX “Pesos” <-> $1USD
  • Tipping is expected in Mexico. 10-15% is standard
  • Use https://wikitravel.org for extensive info
    • Geography
    • Culture
    • Transportation tips
      • To/from the place
      • Getting around
    • Sightseeing
    • Things to do
    • Shopping
    • Eat/Drink suggestions
    • Lodging
    • Safety tips
    • Nearby attractions
  • Phone service
    • Check your cellular plan to see if you have free service in Mexico
    • Many carriers will charge you a set fee per day per phone for extending coverage to Mexico (Verizon: $5/day)
    • Buying a prepaid SIM card at an airport will be the cheapest option (generally $2-4/day), but can be more complicated if you haven’t done it before. Recommended carriers: Telcel, Movistar, lusacel, Nextel, and AT&T.
    • Purchasing eSIMs to install on your phone via QR code is fast and easy. Normally they come with data-only, so you would not be able to use your phone number (WhatsApp is your friend) airalo.com is a great provider of eSIMs.
  • Be careful with valuables in public.
  • Drink bottled water
  • Renting a car
    • Tolls are common (and fairly expensive) on Mexican highways. Make sure you withdraw enough cash to pay the tolls. Google Maps should be accurate when telling you how much the tolls are.
    • Beware of “tope”s (speed bumps). They are everywhere!
    • Gas stations are not self-serve
    • People will try to clean your windows at stop lights. They may start cleaning it in anticipation of you paying them. If you don’t tell them not to, they will clean it (and do a great job!) and expect payment
    • There’s a sign similar to a stop sign that is an “uno por uno”. It is common in small towns like Cholula, it means that one car from each direction goes, alternating.
    • Driving at night is less commonplace, avoid it if you can.
  • Public transportation
    • Public transportation is much better than in the U.S.
    • Taxis are very cheap
    • Buses (especially from Mexico City to Puebla) are very nice and cheap
  • Google translate app or website is a lifesaver
  • Google maps offline maps: helps with directions without needing cellular data
  • If you’re an experienced traveler, flying into Cancun and flying local airlines to Puebla is cheaper, but leaves more possibility of missing flights.

  • Additional ideas for saving on travel costs
    • General
      • set up google.com/flights alerts on flights you are interested in. Prices are going between ~$450 and ~$800 periodically, so use this to catch them when they are lower.
      • Booking between January and April is generally best if flying into MEX, while flights into PBC on United are normally fairly steady
    • Basic traveller
      • Fly into Puebla (PBC)
      • Local transportation
        • Rent a car ($20/day)
        • Taxi
    • Experienced traveller
      • Fly into Mexico City (MEX)
      • Local transportation
        • Rent a car ($20/day)
          • Requires getting 400 (~180*2) pesos for round trip tolls
        • Bus to Puebla (~$15/person)
          • Safe, reliable, and comfortable
          • Recommended bus lines: Estrella Roja & ADO
    • Advanced traveller
      • Fly into Cancun (CUN)
      • Fly local flights to PBC (~$40) (<22lbs in baggage included)
      • Local transportation: see above