Clothes
- T-shirts × 4–6 (quick-dry beats cotton in the Yucatán)
- Shorts × 2 + light trousers × 1
- Light fleece or hoodie (Mexico City is at 2,240m — evenings are cool)
- Light rain jacket (May–October)
- Swimwear × 2
- Walking shoes + flip-flops
- One smart-casual outfit if you want into nicer Mexico City restaurants
Gadgets
- Phone + universal charger
- Power bank (10,000mAh+)
- eSIM bought before you fly (see our eSIM guide)
- Underwater phone case for cenotes
- Reusable water bottle with built-in filter (LifeStraw, Grayl)
🔌 Plugs: Mexico uses US-style plugs (Type A and B). UK and EU travelers need an adapter.
Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Printed proof of return flight
- Travel insurance policy details
- Photocopies of passport stored separately
- Credit card + backup debit card
Health & toiletries
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen (much more expensive in Mexico)
- DEET insect repellent for the Yucatán
- Imodium and electrolyte sachets — you will need them at least once
- Personal prescription medication (bring documentation)
What to leave at home
- Money belts — pickpockets target tourists wearing them
- Heavy hiking boots — light trainers are fine for ruins
- More than $200 cash — use ATMs
- Hair dryers (every hotel has one)