A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Mexico

2 rules found

Essential restrictionsEntryPlace-specific guidance · Mexico

Mexico: carry your original passport and entry record

Do

  • Carry your original passport with its entry stamp, or download your electronic entry record from the immigration website

Don’t

  • Carrying only a copy or photo

Immigration officers do not accept copies; you may be questioned, detained or even deported.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Mexico travel advice

Essential restrictionsEntryPlace-specific guidance · Mexico

Mexico: e-cigarettes may not be brought in or sold

Do

  • Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel

Don’t

  • Bringing e-cigarettes or vape liquid into the country
  • Smoking or vaping in public places

Customs will confiscate them and may fine or detain you; smoking in public places can bring a fine of up to MXN 3,000.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Mexico travel advice

Site-specific notes 5

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Chichén Itzá

  • Climbing the pyramid is now banned (for preservation and safety)
  • don't touch the reliefs
  • don't be loud inside the site.

Tulum

  • Don't climb the ruins
  • don't use sunscreen in cenotes (it pollutes the water)
  • don't take shells or coral.

Tacos al pastor

  • Don't eat tacos with a knife and fork (use your hands)
  • don't dither at the stall and hold up the queue

Teotihuacan

  • Don't climb closed areas of the pyramids (the summit of the Pyramid of the Sun has been closed in recent years — follow the rules on site)
  • don't take stones or potsherds from the site

Day of the Dead

  • Don't treat a cemetery vigil as a costume party
  • don't photograph family altars or people mourning without permission
  • don't touch or take offerings from altars