Myths and Misconceptions about Mexico

If you've never visited Mexico, you may have some preconceptions about what you're likely to find here. Perhaps you think that the geography — apart from the beaches — is an arid landscape with a uniformly hot climate. Or you may think that you should only drink tequila as a shot — doused with lime and salt.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions about this vast country and its rich culture. Read on — and the next time someone starts talking about how you shouldn't drink the water in Mexico, you can set them straight!

Mexico is a desert, and it's hot everywhere

Not true: Mexico's geography includes pine forests, and occasional snowfalls hit some of the country's higher elevations. Most of the beach resorts in this book, however, do enjoy sultry climates, but bringing along a sweater or light jacket for cool evenings, especially during winter months, is always wise.

Mexico is the land of sombreros and siestas

The common image of a Mexican napping under his sombrero exists in some minds, but this stereotype is mostly made of myth. Today, Mexico is a mix of contemporary business professionals and traditional agrarian populations. The afternoon break — between 2 and 4 p.m. — is still a wonderful tradition, but rather than being a time for siesta, it's the time when families come together for the day's main meal.

Mexico has no drinking or drug laws

Because of the welcoming and casual nature of Mexico, many visitors believe that the sale of alcoholic beverages — or illegal drugs — is unregulated. This belief simply isn't true. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, and technically, you're not allowed to drink openly in public. However, if you're not acting intoxicated, you can generally enjoy a beer or even a cocktail while you stroll around town. As with most things in Mexico, it's not what you do but how you do it. Although you can drink on public beaches, you can't be inebriated in public.

With regard to drugs, let's get straight to the point: They're illegal, and carrying even a small amount of marijuana can earn you a very unpleasant trip to jail. Remember that Mexican law states that you're guilty until proven innocent.

If in trouble, pay a mordida

Although the idea of paying a mordida, or "bite," may have been rooted in truth for a long time, in Mexico's new political era, an active campaign is underway to keep dishonesty to a minimum and to clean house of corrupt public servants. Many old-school traffic cops still take a bribe when offered; however, officers belonging to the new generation of federal policemen are tested for honesty, and the penalties for corrupt behavior are severe — as are the penalties for those civilians inducing corruption by offering bribes to police officers. Don't offer a "tip" to ease your way out of trouble; the best course of action is to just act politely and find out what the problem is.

All Mexican food is spicy

Not all Mexican food is spicy — although Mexican food does include some of the most intriguingly flavored foods you may ever enjoy. Although spicy sauces may likely be in the vicinity of the food you're served, the truth is that many delicious Mexican dishes don't include chile peppers among their ingredients.

Don't drink the water

In the past, visitors often returned home from Mexico with stomach illnesses, but this type of vacation souvenir is a rarity today. Massive investments in an improved infrastructure and a general increase in standards of cleanliness and hygiene have practically wiped out the problem. However, play it safe and drink bottled water. Ice served in tourist establishments is purified.

Tequila is best with a pinch of salt and lime

Tequila is a drink to be appreciated and sipped — not slammed down in a shot, its flavor masked by salt and lime. If you need to do that, you're drinking the wrong tequila.

Going anywhere in your swimsuit is okay

Although you may be at a seaside resort, keep in mind that it's also a home and place of business for many Mexicans. Wearing swim trunks or a pareo skirt wrapped around your bikini is okay while you're on your way to the beach, but put on a shirt or a sundress when you plan to explore the town. You can still go casual, but Mexicans frown upon tourists who can't tell the difference between beach and town attire — especially true when it comes to going into any church wearing inappropriate clothing.

Mexicans who don't speak English are hard of hearing

Some travelers seem to believe that a native Spanish-speaker will somehow get over his or her inability to understand English if the English-speaking individual talks really loudly into the Spanish-speaker's face. The truth is that many Mexicans understand at least some English, especially in popular tourist areas. Try this: Instead of panicking and starting to yell in order to get your point across, ask nicely for help, and an English-speaking local will come to assist you.