20 Tips to travel cheap in Mexico

Granted: Mexico is not one of the most expensive countries in the world, of course. However, as a long-term, audacious backpacker travelling in the country for 2 months or more, you may still end up becoming budget-sensitive and looking for affordable ways to live this peerless nation.

In my case, for example, I travelled overland from San Diego (USA) – Tijuana border down to Chetumal – Corozal (Santa Elena border) in Belize, for more than 2 months, 4,000 Km and 10 States. In addition, encompassed in a 12 months sabbatical journey (from USA to Panama overland), this stretch came with supplementary economic constraints making my experience even more focused on resourceful adventure.

Evidently, being that huge and diversified, Mexico can offer plenty of lifestyles, scenarios and prices according to the location, standard of living, risk-aversion, etc. As usual, my constant goal is trying to experience the local and community life in less touristy places, with regular public transportation, humble accommodation, no organized tours, etc. Always not possible, sure, but still the fixed target in my mind.

Since much is and has already been written about these disputed and magical lands, my tentative objective here is only providing some quick, handy hints to make your stay in Mexico more inexpensive. Some hints are quite straightforward, others maybe more ingenious, you can judge by yourself. It goes without saying that the following list only comes from my personal story and a bit of investigation on the field.

1. USE COUCHSURFING.COM: quite established at this stage, but worth to be remembered as a true, genuine method to live local life…and free by all means. Together with my girlfriend Angelica we gladly used it several times from Tijuana to Chiapas with always jovial and amazing experiences. In the dangerous Tijuana, for instance, we got picked up at the border by a friendly couch mate housing us for 2 entertaining days there.
2. HITCHHIKE IN BAJA CALIFORNIA AND REMOTE PLACES: sure, as a solo woman perhaps it might be tricky, I understand. As a couple, we did it a lot in Baja California and some other rural areas without any mishap, maybe apart from a binge-drinking (funny) driver : ) Again, direct, authentic Mexican exposure!
3. USE BLABLACAR.COM: since buses are by far expensive in Mexico, another cheaper option could be using this quite widespread platform. Honestly in Baja California it was not so common like elsewhere, at least until Oaxaca State, going downward. Cost is almost half price than regular line buses. Check it out!
4. DON’T BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE, UNLESS IN VERY HIGH SEASON: regular travellers do normally tend to be “cautious” and reserve in advance. In some “digitalized” States (e.g. Baja California) that might help (Airbnb maybe often cheaper than Booking) but in most of the situations, you can locally inquire about family lodges, which to my amazement and in large deal were not bookable on Internet. Prices are generally more competitive and even for those establishments also available online, off-line prices were cheaper. A bit of improvisation certainly pays off : )
5. TRAVEL OFF SEASON: sure, not always possible, but preferable in case you can choose. Trade-off is it is hotter and rainier outside the November – February range, deemed the pitch season. Giving up some weather comfort, nevertheless, you might take profit from better rates, higher availability and less people around.
6. COMPARE BUS FARES ON CLICKBUS.COM.MX: maybe the best page I have come across for bus fares.
7. USE “COLECTIVOS” INSTEAD OF REGULAR BUSES: “colectivos” are local, 15 seats minivans leaving from and halting at flexible spots. The normally have no timetables and only depart when full. “Advertisers” are typically yelling nearby to gather passengers. Colectivos fulfil three purposes: travelling with natives, in a cheaper and faster way. Because it requires a bit of investigation and spaces are cramped, I hardly (and luckily) saw other foreigners in those vehicles.
8. EAT MEXICAN: you can flavourfully taste local and inexpensive food by heading for Taquerias (selling Tacos) or Cocinerias or Comedores not having English menu nor exotic, fancy dishes. The more you eat with natives and appreciate their food, the more economical and authentic it gets for you. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, are only few examples of what you may try for a small bunch of pesos. Endeavour to improve your “spices resilience” as well : ) I have to ashamedly admit that a couple of times I indulged myself with a pizza and indeed was the wrong choice, as explained above : )
9. PAY ALWAYS IN MEXICAN PESOS AND NEVER WITH CARDS: while the first point in almost obvious (exchange rates with USD or EUR are quite bad), the second a bit less. It often happens, as a matter of fact, that card commissions are very high in Mexico. Always try thereby to withdraw and pay by cash in local currency.
10. SEARCH FOR BANAMEX AND BANCO AZTECA ATMs: they generally charge you only 30 MXN (approx. 1.5 USD) for each withdrawal regardless the amount. Other ATM circuits are much pricier.
11. GET A UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD: I know it looks like a bit dishonest, but in most cases I was granted discounts and free entrances with my old student card. It especially worked in less important museums and archaeological sites. In bigger, institutional ones, instead, Mexican credentials are commonly asked. Definitely a money-saving trick though !
12. TAKE NIGHT BUSES: for large distances, that allows you to save accommodation nights.
13. SEEK FOR FREE MUSEUMS: Morelia was for example the perfect city for all kind of free admissions to the city museums. Also in Puebla, the wonderful Museo Amparo is free of charge. In Mexico City, you should by all means visit the futuristic, all-embracing Museo Soumaya, which is again for free. There are many more available examples of course. In Guanajuato, my favourite city, you can instead purchase an all-inclusive, affordable museum pass giving you access to several museums.
14. GO TO CHEAP STATES: evidently prices may vary a lot from State to State. I was for instance astonished when moving from rural Chiapas to commercial Quintana Roo, in the Yucatan peninsula.  Because of senseless mass-tourism, prices for accommodation were twice or three times higher, not to mention the poorer travelling experience. Oaxaca and Chiapas were for me the most authentic States I crossed, with related lower prices as well. Needless to say, however, I missed many areas which could turn out to be deeply “pristine” too. Please let me know in this post comments !
15. USE UNEFON AS A PHONE PROVIDER: although maybe it has not the best coverage (especially in Baja California) like Telcel or Movistar, it notwithstanding offers flexible, pay-as-you-go plans you can top up for just few days. I generally recharged for 100 MXN (about 5 USD) my phone with unlimited Internet traffic for 10 days. Pretty reasonable I would say. You can easily purchase a sim card in any phone stall without any ID and be ready to go in a matter of minutes.
16. VISIT MEZCAL FACTORIES FOR FREE: you shouldn’t miss the hundreds of Mezcal artisan factories disseminated around Mitla and Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca. In most of them, you can just step in for free and get invited to different types of homemade Mezcal, while listening to unpaid technical explanations or folklorist family stories. According to your goodwill, then, you may eventually leave a tip or buy a bottle. No pressure though.
17. SLEEP IN CABAÑAS: especially in Chiapas, you may find excellent deals in the middle of the spotless nature by renting a hut (cabaña). Although huts comfort is evidently not lofty as standard rooms, their wild charm and affordable price make this option very attractive for a low-budget backpacker nonetheless. They are normally built near lakes (Montebello), rivers (Agua Azul or Roberto Barrios), lagoons (Emiliano Zapata – Miramar), etc. No advance booking required. Needless to say that noises, mosquitoes and weird bugs may always sneak in : )
18. SLEEP IN TENTS: this option (available even on Booking.com) is instead more commonly applicable for the seaside. Along all Riviera Maya, Yucatan, this solution is by far cheaper even than dormitories in hostels. In most cases, tents are endowed with lifted mattresses too. Quite a good alternative therefore. Downsides are doubtlessly mosquitoes, heat and security issues. You can however show up and check it out on the spot.
19. BUY HANDCRAFTS AND MEXICAN SOUVENIRS IN OAXACA OR CHIAPAS: here you may find a very good quality-price ratio. Products get more authentic and local too.
20. GO TO LOCAL MARKETS: both for souvenirs and typical food, markets are the best spot to stay among natives and breathe the local atmosphere. You might experiment tasty dishes for half of a restaurant price.

To summarize, Mexico is so vast and different from side to side that it is quite impossible to provide a unique, clear-cut perspective. Me, as a solo backpacker on a shoestring, I tried to constantly grasp the real essence of the country, until a certain extent, of course. Spanish knowledge is also a great weapon to better move around in a seamless, low-profile guise. The winning key is keep asking around to locals, exploring new corners, improvising day by day, eating in grubby booths, using local transportation, etc. You will get so much in return!

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