What To Bring To Mexico 2024: Don’t Forget These
Wondering what to bring to Mexico for your upcoming trip?
I have spent months traveling through the entire country of Mexico. And I love it so much that I go back to visit every single year.
Figuring out what to pack can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember what to bring and not overpack.
Before going, I always take the time to consider the items I’ll need for my trip.
When packing for Mexico, the most important thing is comfort. Clothes should be light and breathable, and a few basic toiletries are important to bring along.
Finally, it’s important to stay hydrated, so bottled water and self-filtering water bottles are really helpful.
I have a lot of experience with traveling to Mexico and packing for both long and short trips.
So, I’m here to share my travel tips and my ultimate packing list for Mexico to help ensure you have everything you need.
Let’s dive in.
Essentials to Bring to Mexico
These essentials are the things you rely on as you get ready to face each day.
Take special care when packing these items because they’re among the most important items to bring to Mexico.
Whether you’re visiting Mexico City, the Mayan Ruins, the Riviera Maya, or swimming in cenotes, I’ll cover all aspects of what to bring to Mexico so you can focus on having a great trip.
Toiletries and Personal Care
No Mexico packing list would be complete without the bare essentials such as shampoo and conditioner, sunblock, soap, wet wipes, a razor and shaving cream, and Q-tips.
Everyone’s routine is different, and you’ll know what you need better than anyone else.
You can get travel toiletry kits and containers to make it easier to pack these essential items.
If you’re looking to travel as lightly as possible, you can always forgo packing these items and buy them while you’re in Mexico.
Hair Products and Makeup
Include all the essential hair and makeup products on your Mexico packing list. Pack as light as you can, sticking only to the essentials.
I like to stay simple and use waterproof mascara and tinted moisturizer with SPF while traveling.
Also, I purchase hair products at my destination when I arrive, so I don’t have to worry about packing them and can save room for the most important things.
However, everyone is different, and you should pack what feels best for you.
If possible, purchase travel-size versions of the makeup products and hair products you need to save space for other necessities.
Small First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit like this is one of the most critical things you can pack on any trip and is important for a complete Mexico packing list.
You can find easy travel kits that include all of the main things you need, so you don’t have to buy items separately.
These items are easy to forget, but they come in handy more often than you realize when traveling.
You can easily pick them up at most pharmacies and general stores, but it’s always helpful to have everything you need within reach.
Cash and Extra Credit Cards
When traveling internationally, it’s critically important that your cash and cards are for your regular travel expenses and any emergencies that may arise.
While most Mexican businesses in the tourist areas are happy to take USD as payment, you must have at least some of your cash on hand in pesos.
Having pesos can save you from high ATM or currency exchange fees.
Also, make sure that you have several credit cards on hand in the event of emergencies.
Packing For Mexico Adventures
Mexico is home to perhaps the world’s most incredible collection of caves and cenotes, including Sistema Huaulta, one of the most expansive caves in the world.
If you’re planning on exploring the beauty of these caves and cenotes, you’ll want to pack food, bottled water (or a self-filtering water bottle), and some extras.
A general-purpose helmet and some light knee pads are musts for caving, as they offer protection while keeping you comfortable.
A headlamp is also vital to pack so you can see inside the cave.
It’s also helpful to pack an extra bag in your luggage so you can pack the essentials for your cave expedition.
Other Items
Other items you should pack for Mexico include a water filtration bottle so you can save on bottled water.
I strongly recommend this self-filtering travel water bottle because it is such great quality and is long-lasting.
Other items that should be on your list of things to bring to Mexico are bug spray and a microfiber towel.
Be sure to get compact travel versions of these items so that they don’t weigh down your luggage.
The tap water in Mexico can cause havoc on your digestive system if you aren’t used to it, so a filtration bottle goes a long way when you pack for Mexico.
Bug spray and travel towels are a must to keep comfortable during beach and pool time.
If you’re on an extended trip and packing lots of items, collapsible packing cubes can also be helpful for organizing everything.
They help make sure your clothes don’t take up too much room in your bag and are an absolute lifesaver.
Electronics
You’ve packed your phone and camera, but there’s a handful of other crucial items you’ll need to bring to document your unforgettable vacation in Mexico.
Phone Accessories
While easy to overlook, a few essential phone accessories are must-haves.
A waterproof case or pouch to keep your phone in while you’re at the beach or in the water is especially important.
These cases will allow you to use your camera underwater to capture some of the breathtaking sights below the surface.
It’s also helpful to have a portable battery charger like this with you when you don’t have access to power but need to keep your electronics charged and ready to go.
Travel Adapters
Travel adapters aren’t necessary to pack with you since Mexico operates on the same power as we do.
But, you may consider bringing an outlet tap or extender that provides additional receptacles so you can plug in all your electronics.
In my experience, some hotels In Mexico only have a few outlets in each room.
Clothing For Mexico
Whether you’re hiking and exploring caves or preparing a special meal at a posh restaurant, you will need clothes to pack for Mexico.
I recommend sticking with comfortable casual clothing for journeys to any part of the country.
Jackets
Depending on where you’re traveling within the country, you may want to pack one or more jackets with you.
Mexico City sits almost 8,000 feet above sea level, so the temperatures can also drop significantly in the evening.
I was so grateful to have a good-quality rain jacket along with me while riding a motorcycle through the mountains of central Mexico.
A lightweight rain jacket won’t take up too much room in your bag and should definitely be added to your list of things to bring to Mexico.
While the temperature in Mexico is pretty consistent throughout the year, the rain showers can come down hard during the rainy season.
Having a lightweight jacket is a relief.
Tops
How many tops you’ll pack depends mainly on how many days you’ll be in Mexico and whether or not you’ll have access to convenient laundry services.
As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to pack one shirt for the daytime and one for the evening for each day you’ll be in Mexico.
It also matters where you will be in Mexico.
Are you exploring coastal areas and beach towns? Or the mountains and cities of central Mexico?
Plan for a variation of tank tops and light tees with at least one long sleeve thrown in.
Pants
Bring one or two pairs of quality, lightweight pants for your trip to Mexico.
Depending on how active you’ll be on your trip, you may want to pack an additional pair or two.
You’ll also want to have one nicer pair of pants for your Mexico trip in a more formal environment, like a nice dinner.
Shorts and Leggings
Shorts are a must-have on your Mexico packing list, especially if you’re traveling to a warmer part of the country.
It’s common for temperatures to reach the 90s in Northern Mexico and along the Pacific Coast, so you’ll want to have a few pairs of comfortable shorts in your bag.
Leggings are another must-have. They’re about the most comfortable thing you could wear while walking, hiking, or doing anything active during your time in Mexico.
Depending on the length of your trip, one or two pairs should be more than sufficient.
Dresses
Chances are you’ll be spending at least one night out on the town during your Mexico trip, so you’ll want to pack a dress for the occasion.
Lighter and more casual dresses are also excellent alternatives to shorts, skirts, or pants.
So consider packing a few more dresses instead of pants or shorts if that fits your vibe and style.
Underwear
Arguably the most essential clothing item on your Mexico packing list, you’ll want plenty of underwear!
As a rule of thumb, pack one pair of underwear each day you’ll be in Mexico and a few extra pairs for days when you’re especially active.
One of the most brilliant Mexico packing tips I have ever received: pack a pair or two of underwear and purchase whatever else you need when you’re in the country to save space in your bag.
In the more urban areas of the country, like Mexico City, you’ll find no shortage of stores to purchase essentials.
Beachwear
Hopefully, you’ll take advantage of the beautiful and pristine beaches on at least one of Mexico’s coasts during your trip.
Add a few essential beach items to your Mexico packing list, such as a beach towel, wide-brim hat, bathing suit, flip-flops or sandals, and a wrap or sarong.
Headwear and Sunglasses
Even during the rainy season, you should see plenty of sun during your time in Mexico. Be sure to pack a baseball cap and a pair of cheap sunglasses for your trip.
We recommend leaving your designer sunnies at home in favor of a cheap pair.
That way, if you lose or misplace them, you won’t lose any sleep over them.
Footwear
Comfortable footwear is a must-have when packing for Mexico.
You’ll want to pack at least three footwear options for your trip: a comfortable pair of athletic shoes or pair of sneakers, or something a bit nicer for dinner and entertainment.
And at least one pair of flip-flops for the beach or running down to the pool.
I like to travel light, so I bring along a pair of hiking shoes and a pair of flip-flops and call it good.
Luggage
It may seem like an afterthought since you’ll be packing everything into your suitcase to begin with, but your luggage is another important consideration when you pack for Mexico.
Backpacks
A backpack is an excellent item to pack if you’re traveling extensively on foot in Mexico. If you’re planning on hiking or caving, a large bag is also a super helpful item to have.
Otherwise, you can probably get by with a small day pack.
Backpacks like this one are my main choice for traveling. They are so easy to carry around and can fit so much!
I strongly recommend Osprey travel backpacks because they are such amazing quality and can last you a long time.
I have used the same one for years, and it is still holding strong.
Cross-body Bags
A cross-body bag is an excellent alternative to a backpack for those who like to travel light.
These small bags are ideal for storing your essentials, and they hardly take up any space in your luggage, so they are easy to include on your packing list for Mexico.
Daypacks
Unless you’re going to be hiking or caving extensively, a small daypack is the perfect size auxiliary bag to bring for your trip to Mexico.
A daypack is an ideal size for your essentials, beach accessories, or to store away anything you purchased on your travels that day.
Travel Laundry Bags
Many hotels and resorts in Mexico offer exceptional laundry service to help keep you fresh on your trip to Mexico.
Throw a travel laundry bag in your suitcase and bring it along to Mexico to help keep your dirty clothes together, so it’s easy for you to take advantage of the in-house laundry services.
Even if you are not the type of traveler who enjoys all-inclusive resorts, bringing along a travel laundry bag or using dry bags as laundry bags is so convenient.
You can keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones while traveling.
Travel Documents
Perhaps nothing is more critical to pack for Mexico than the travel documents you’ll need to enter and leave the country and identify yourself as necessary.
Here’s what you can’t forget.
Passport and Other Photographic ID
The obvious travel document you need to bring to Mexico is your passport.
Your passport is your lifeline in and out of the country, so you’ll want to keep it safe and secure at all times.
In addition to your passport, you’ll need at least one other form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state resident card.
Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
Travel insurance for your trip to Mexico isn’t a requirement for your trip, although it is a wise decision.
It can protect you financially if you need to cancel your trip.
It also offers reimbursements for inconveniences like delayed flights, lost or delayed baggage, and more.
I strongly recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for anywhere you plan to travel. This is what I use every time I travel anywhere in the world.
They have excellent, affordable coverage and top-notch customer service.
You can even get SafetyWing Travel insurance if you have already left your home country and begun traveling.
What Not To Bring to Mexico
When you pack for Mexico, it’s all about maximizing your space. When considering what to bring to Mexico, make sure you aren’t wasting any space by packing the unnecessary items below.
Clothing
Be sure to pack for your destination, and have a solid idea of the weather you’ll encounter in Mexico before you decide what to bring along.
Pack only the essentials, and consider how much use you’ll get out of it while on your trip.
A light rain jacket is usually much more helpful than a bulkier coat.
Electronics You Won’t Use Frequently
Ask yourself if you need to bring your laptop or a large tablet with you on your trip.
As full-time travel bloggers and YouTubers, we bring our Electronics with us everywhere we go.
However, you don’t necessarily need to weigh yourself down with all these items when taking a vacation trip to Mexico.
Assuming you aren’t in Mexico on business, these electronics will only take up valuable space in your luggage, and you’ll rarely use them.
Jewelry
For several reasons, bringing a ton of jewelry with you on your trip isn’t a good idea. It can get stolen, and it’s easy to lose or misplace, especially if you’re hopping between different areas of Mexico on your trip.
Pack only the essentials that you’ll wear every day.
Plus, it is so much fun to find new handmade jewelry at local markets in Mexico! They are the best things to get as my favorite souvenirs.
Fruits
Bringing fruits or vegetables into the country is not allowed.
Anything you need can be purchased locally from the bodegas and markets throughout Mexico.
Support local businesses!
Plus the fruits and veggies locally grown in Mexico are delicious.
Travel Recap Checklist ✅
Ready to go yet? Review this travel checklist of what to pack for Mexico before hopping on your flight!
Dry Season
- Toiletries and Personal Care
- Hair Products and Makeup
- Small First Aid Kit
- Cash and Extra Credit Cards
- Electronics: Cell phone, smartwatch, small tablet
- Phone Accessories: Waterproof case or waterproof bag
- USB Cables and Chargers: Two wall plugs and two charging cables
- Jackets: One packable, light jacket
- Tops: One for each day of the trip
- Pants: At least two pairs
- Shorts and Leggings: At least two pairs of each
- Dresses: One or more, depending on personal style
- Skirts: Optional
- Underwear: One pair for each day of the trip, plus one extra
- Beachwear: Bathing suit, flip-flops, beach towel, bug spray sun hat, beach bag
- Headwear and Sunglasses: Baseball cap, cheap sunglasses
- Footwear: One pair of athletic shoes, one pair of nicer shoes
- Backpack/bag: Large or small, depending on your activities for the day
- Travel Documents: Passport, state or federal photo ID, travel insurance documentation
Rainy Season
- Toiletries and Personal Care
- Hair Products and Makeup
- Small First Aid Kit
- Cash and Extra Credit Cards
- Electronics: Cell phone, smartwatch, small tablet
- Phone Accessories: Waterproof case or waterproof bag
- USB Cables and Chargers: Two wall plugs and two charging cables
- Jackets: One packable, light jacket, one waterproof windbreaker, and one sweatshirt
- Tops: One for each day of the trip
- Pants: At least two pairs
- Shorts and Leggings: At least two pairs of each
- Dresses: One or more, depending on personal style
- Skirts: Optional
- Underwear: One pair for each day of the trip, plus one extra
- Beachwear: Bathing suit, flip-flops, beach towel, bug spray sun hat, beach bag
- Headwear and Sunglasses: Baseball cap, cheap sunglasses
- Footwear: One pair of athletic shoes, one pair of nicer shoes
- Backpack/bag: Large or small, depending on your activities for the day
- Travel Documents: Passport, state or federal photo ID, travel insurance documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to your common questions about traveling in Mexico.
When on your Mexico vacation, it’s customary to tip all the people who help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. For restaurants, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is customary.
Cars are an excellent way to travel in Mexico, but buses and taxis are also solid options for getting around the country if you prefer.
Personally, after spending three months riding my bike through the entire country, I have to say that the absolute best way to travel through Mexico is by motorcycle.
It’s an excellent idea to pack as lightly as you can to save room for any souvenirs you’re bringing home for friends and family.
Try to map out your souvenir ideas before you travel so you can estimate how much room you’ll need in your bags to get everything back home.
Cancun, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas are all must-see destinations for enjoying a beach destination. Tulum has some beautiful cenotes to visit and be sure to check out the best hikes in Cabo.
Mexico also has some outstandingly beautiful islands off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula near Playa del Carmen, including Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Holbox.
At the same time, the Mayan Ruins, and Mexico City are ideal for taking in the rich history and culture of the country.
You can also see some unique hidden gems like Val’Quirico, Las Grutas de Tolantongo, the bioluminescence at Playa el Coyote, and even find snow in Mexico!
Yes, all U.S. citizens entering Mexico must present their passport and an entry permit from the Instituto Nacional de Migración.
If you’re driving into the country, you also need to provide proof of registration and a temporary import permit to get into the country.
A temporary import permit isn’t necessary for travelers staying exclusively in the Baja Peninsula.
You need to make sure you have international coverage on your phone plan. Otherwise, you may come home to a nasty bill from your cell carrier for international calls and roaming charges.
I use Google Fi cell service, which works great for me while traveling throughout the entire country of Mexico. I strongly recommend it to any traveler.
Keep in mind that you must activate your Google Fi SIM card in the United States before you travel to another country.
You can also purchase a local SIM card for your phone to work in Mexico.
Renting a Car in Mexico
If you are going to rent a car in Mexico, I strongly recommend renting one through Discover Cars.
It is super easy to use and search for the best prices and ratings of rental cars online. Plus, they have outstanding customer service.
You can look through their website and compare prices and reviews of all the top car rental suppliers, which makes finding a great rental car so much easier.
Don’t forget: You absolutely must have auto insurance when driving any vehicle in Mexico.
It is required by law.
My go-to automobile and motorcycle insurance for traveling through Mexico is Baja Bound Insurance. You can literally get coverage in less than 5 minutes through their easy online setup.
I really appreciate how simple and straightforward the whole process is.
This is another company that has fantastic customer service. (Good customer service means a lot to me, especially while traveling).
Baja Bound has awesome rates and coverage, flexible policies, and they pay out claims in U.S. dollars.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to your Mexico travel essentials, this guide on what to pack for Mexico should make your trip entirely stress-free.
Some careful planning and packing while you’re still in the States will help ensure that your trip to Mexico is as special and memorable in reality as it is in your mind.
Once you’ve decided on what to bring to Mexico, let your baggage worries melt away and adjust your focus to enjoying everything this beautiful and historical country has to offer.
For many travelers, Mexico represents the trip of a lifetime!
Happy travels, my friends.