How To Stay Safe While Traveling in Mexico

Avoid trouble and make friends.

Last week, I talked about safety in Mexico. If you exercise good common sense and travel skills, you can avoid most types of trouble here.

Can terrible things still happen? Absolutely. Like anywhere else.

If you want to live a life with no risk, don't travel. Stay home. If you understand the travel risk and want to prepare yourself, keep reading.

1. Learn Some Spanish

I know Americans who have lived in Mexico for decades, and all they know is Hola and Gracias. I’m not fluent, so I'm not telling you to be. I’m asking you to learn the bare minimum. Mexicans will try to meet you halfway; if you try to speak Spanish, they will try even harder.

Here’s some practical Spanish you should know. Keep in mind that you do not need to speak in full sentences.

How to pay for gas at the gas station

Gas stations in Mexico have attendants: