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What to Pack for Mexico City

What to Pack for Mexico City

Mexico City Mexico Travel Guide

Seasonal Layers

Layering is an effective plan for Mexico City's daily temperature shifts. Days can be warm, but evenings become cool.

Dry Season November-April

  • Light Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, thin jumpers for day.
  • Medium-weight Jacket, sweater, or fleece for evening.
  • Jeans, comfy pants, skirts, and dresses for overall wear.

Rainy Season May-October

Lighter clothing is appropriate, with provisions for showers in the afternoon.

Rainy Season Preparations

  • Lighter clothing like t-shirts and breathable fabrics for day.
  • A lightweight, Waterproof rain jacket or Umbrella.
  • A light jacket or cardigan for evenings.

Footwear Essentials

Comfortable Walking Shoes

These are fundamental for exploring the city's many attractions, which often involve extensive walking.

Highly Recommended for extensive city exploration.

Dressier Shoes

Pack these for nicer restaurants or evening outings where a more formal look is desired.

For upscale dining or special events.

Sandals/Open-Toed Shoes

Fine for daytime during warmer months. Closed-toed shoes offer better protection in crowded areas and on public transport.

Daytime wear, consider closed-toed for public transport.

Documents

Secure Your Papers

Keep your important documents organized and secure. Both printouts and digital copies are suggested.

  • Original, a current passport and FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) Tourist Card.
  • Your travel protection details (printouts/digital, emergency contacts).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) when renting a car outside of urban.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation (prescription list).
  • Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour reservations.
  • Emergency contact information for families, embassy, and insurance.
  • Student/senior/press Cards for possible discounts.
  • Keep copies of documents separate from originals.

Tech & Connectivity

Power & Mobile Readiness

Ensure your devices are compatible and always powered up.

Technical Considerations

  • Mexico uses 127V, 60Hz. Plug types A/B (same as US/Canada). A Type A/B adapter is suitable for other regions.
  • Most unlocked smartphones work (GSM 850/1900MHz). Purchase a local SIM card (Telcel) or ESIM upon arrival.
  • Portable chargers are recommended for day trips.

Cameras & Smart Apps

Take photos of your memories and navigate with ease using digital tools.

Digital Toolkit

  • Bring a Travel camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or quality Smartphone) with extra batteries/memory cards from B&H Photo.
  • Download Google Maps (offline maps), Moovit (public transport), Uber, Didi, Cabify.
  • Google Translate (offline Spanish pack) and WhatsApp for communication.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize cloud services for photos and documents for remote access and safety.

External Hard Drive

A Portable hard drive or second memory card for critical data.

VPN Services

A VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet connection on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Comfort Kit

Personal First Aid

A small Personal first aid kit and essential medicines will contribute to your comfort and safety.

Essential Supplies

Medications & Protection

Manage health specifics with proper provisions.

Personal Care

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Readiness

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Take it easy upon arrival.
  • Ibuprofen for headaches. Diamox (Acetazolamide) as prescribed.

Motion Sickness

  • For car sickness on twisting roads, bring appropriate remedies.
  • Anti-nausea medication.
  • Avoid heavy meals before travel if prone to motion sickness.

Activity Gear

Hiking Essentials

For day trips outside the city to natural areas.

Photography Gear

Capture the city's scenes.

Biking & Rentals

Explore the city on two wheels.

  • Rent bikes through Ecobici or private shops.
  • Specialty items: Bring your own if high-grade is a concern.
  • No specific unique items for tourists.

Rent vs. Buy Considerations

When to Buy/Bring

  • Specialized medications or dietary supplements.
  • High-quality outdoor gear or specific camera lenses.
  • Personal care items of specific brands.
  • Comfort items for long journeys (Neck pillow, Eye mask).

When to Rent/Purchase Locally

  • Bicycles through Ecobici or private shops.
  • Standard hygiene items (widely available in supermarkets).
  • Bottled water (widely available and inexpensive).
  • Local souvenirs (Lucha Libre masks, traditional clothing).

Miscellaneous Essentials

Security & Comfort

Items for peace of mind and travel ease.

Security Items

Reusable & Eco-Friendly

Minimize your environmental footprint while traveling.

Sustainable Choices

Sustainable Choices

Minimize Waste

Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.

Public Transport

Utilize Metro and Metrobus to reduce emissions.

Support Locals

Eat at local fondas and shop at markets.

Walk Whenever

Explore neighborhoods by foot.

Mexico City Specifics

Local Knowledge

  • Small Spanish phrasebook or translation app.
  • Copies of important documents (passport, FMM) stored separately.
  • Offline city maps downloaded on your phone.

Purchase Locally

  • Lucha Libre masks or traditional clothing as souvenirs.
  • Area coffee or artisanal crafts from markets.
  • Traditional Mexican sweets or snacks.

Smart Packing Pro Tip

Always roll clothes tightly to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization inside your luggage.

For delicate items like electronics, consider using soft clothing as padding in your bag.