The Ultimate List of Things You Should Know About Mexico City

On February 23, 2019 my husband and I boarded a one-way plane to Mexico City (CDMX) to live out our (really my) dream of living abroad. In just a few weeks we will celebrate our 1 year anniversary, which has undoubtably created time for reflecting upon everything we’ve learned and experienced. Every day we try to integrate ourselves into the local community and take in everything this bustling city, and country has to offer. Being the Type A personalities that we are, we’ve also been keeping track of some of the more unusual, eye-opening, or laugh inducing differences we notice. For anyone thinking about traveling or moving here, this list is for you!

1. Public trash cans pretty much don’t exist. So be prepared to carry your snack trash with you for a while. There are a few exceptions. Public parks tend to have both trash and recycling cans on every corner.

2. Dogs aren’t leashed, however, they all seem well trained (so far). We are not pet people, but have been impressed with how the dogs follow their owners obediently. Just watch where you step!

3. I am so glad we never have to drive here! If you think NYC, or LA traffic is bad, then come for a visit. You will feel better after seeing the insane car chaos here. Not only are there just way too many cars, but drivers appear to treat using their turn signals as a waste of time. Also, lanes are just a guideline, who knew?

4. Oranges. One of the many things I was was excited about was the potential for delicious fruit in CDMX, and so far it’s lived up to my expectations — particularly the oranges. They are levels above anything I have ever eaten back home, but they also have 100% more seeds.

5. Lunch really isn’t until at least 2:00. Prior to moving, I read this helpful article on Mexican eating customs, but was unsure how much reality would live up to this example. Well, I’m here to tell you that it does.

6. I love not having A/C. Yes, I know I am in a minority with this opinion, but I love opening up the windows instead of turning on an AC unit. The only time you may wish you had AC or heat is for a few weeks in May and January.

7. Everything just takes a little longer. It recently took me 30 minutes to get my check at a cafe, and not because of poor service. The culture is just a little more laid back here, which is usually a great thing, but if you are coming for a visit and are on a tight timeline, consider adding extra time for each activity.

8. Uber can only give you an estimated arrival time within a 30 minute window because traffic is that bad (see #3). This is also true when looking at Google for walking or public transit options.

9. The PDA (public displays of affection) game is strong. We’re still not always used to this, especially when we’re forced to encounter someone’s “private” interaction on a very public bus. On the other hand, it’s nice to know there is so much love flowing through this city.

10. Altitude and dry air. Mexico City is higher in altitude than Denver, CO, and also happens to have a very dry climate. We’ve been lucky in that we haven’t experienced major issues with the altitude, but the inside of my nose, skin, and hair, are always adjusting to the lack of humidity. Whether you are visiting, or moving here, come prepared with lotion, chapstick, etc.

11. Buying tickets to shows or concerts is a pain. This is because Ticketmaster has some sort of deal/monopoly in Mexico with Citibanamex, which only allows those credit card holders to purchase tickets online. Otherwise, you have to purchase tickets in person at the venue, or at one of the Ticketmaster locations cross the city. Many of the Mixup Music stores have Ticketmaster associated kiosks in the back, which do take non-Citibanamex cards. However, I still recommend coming with cash as well, just in case.

12. There are convenience stores everywhere. Usually at least two on each block (Oxxo, Circle K, 7–11, etc).

13. There ISN’T air conditioning on Metro or Metrobús. I take public transportation multiple times a day. Even with the ridiculous crowds during rush hour, it’s still the cheapest, and most efficient way to travel around the city. However, it’s hot. Be prepared to get sweaty, and comfortable with your neighbors.

14. You really can’t drink tap water. Lots of people have already written on this topic, so I’m just going to point you here to learn more, but it’s especially noticeable as a tourist. Every time you need water you will need to stop into a convenience store. If you are lucky, your hotel or a cafe will have filtered water to refill with.

15. Crosswalk signals may or may not exist so be careful crossing the street. We’ve found that the largest intersections have them, but even a small intersection in a large city can be a little like Frogger. The best thing to do is pay attention to the traffic signals, and follow those around you.

16. Buenas noches (good night) isn’t really a thing. It’s actually customary to continue saying buenas tardes (good afternoon) well into the evening.

17. Basic manners still reign here. Passing a stranger on the street on your way to work? Look up and say buenos dias. In a crowded elevator? Make sure to let women, children, and seniors off first. Wondering if you should hold the door open for someone way behind you? The answer is absolutely yes.

18. Don’t wear shoes you care about, especially white ones. This is because Mexico City streets are just a little dustier than you may be used to, and the drier air ensures that dust will stick to your shoes. If you are here for a visit, most shoes can easily be thrown in the wash when you return home, but if you plan on living here my tip is just don’t spend money on expensive shoes in the first place.

19. But if you do need to wear nice shoes, no worries, there are shoe shiners on every corner, so for a nominal fee they will make your leather pumps look brand new.

20. It’s warmer than your weather app tells you. The sun is certainly warmer here, so you not only need to be prepared with warmer weather clothes, but you also need to apply sunscreen EVERY DAY.

21. There are women/children/seniors sections on Metro and Metrobus. This is something I take advantage of often when I’m riding public transit alone, and not because I feel unsafe in the other cars, but rather because these sections tend to be a little less crowded (but not always). Please note though, that these sections only exist on the official CDMX Metro and Metrobus systems. There are many other “unofficial” buses that travel throughout the city.

22. Metrobus buses stop at every stop! This means you do not have to remember to push a button or pull a wire to signal you need to get off, but do remember to make your way to the exit door early or else you may struggle getting off before the doors close.

23. Always have small change with you. Whether it’s 6 pesos for a public restroom, 3 pesos for tipping the grocery bagger at Superama, or 7 pesos to ride one of the unofficial buses, it’s important to have coins with you at all times.

24. Account for a bathroom budget. This goes for people living here, or just visiting. There is no such thing as a free public restroom in CDMX, and even the ones that only cost 5–6 pesos seem like they don’t exist when you really need one, so be prepared to step into the closest cafe. While some will let you use the restroom without purchasing anything, I always feel like it’s the nicest thing to do to purchase something small. RESTROOM TIP: the only free ones can be found in larger malls.

25. Pay for your taco AFTER you eat it. The first few times we stopped for street food, we made the mistake of trying to pay for our order up front. For a number of reasons, in Mexico, it’s customary to eat first and pay later. 1) This is generally a more relaxed culture, and vendors assume their customers will be honest and pay before they go, and 2) What if you end of wanting more food?

26. Some police and even some private security carry large guns. We expected to see armed cops around town, but what we did not expect are the private security guards so heavily protecting seemingly small establishments like the corner convenience store. There is nothing to be alarmed about though as long as you are staying in safe areas of the city (most of the city).

27. Two words…stick brooms (just like a witch’s broom). CDMX does a decent job of hiring a large staff of city street cleaners and trash collectors, but David and I always give each other quizzical looks when we pass by a group of street cleaners creating clouds of dust in an already dusty city. I actually believe that the collection of tree branches used by the employees does a better job of sweeping up trash than a standard broom, but immediately walk to the other side of the street if you see one, unless you want to walk through a small dust storm.

28. End your words with “-ita/o” to sound like a local. Every Spanish speaking country has it’s own dialect, and one of the things that makes Mexican Spanish unique is the use of “-ita/o” on the ends of words to show affection or urgency. For example, abuela = abuelita, ahora = ahorita, and perro = perrito.

Looking for more tips, tricks, or recommendations? Keep checking back for updates and additions to this list, or feel free to comment below.