Is it safe to use ATMs?

Only use ATMs located inside bank branches, not the ones in convenience stores or on the street, to avoid card cloning risks.

Do I need to carry cash?

Yes. While cities accept cards, small towns, buses, and markets are strictly cash-only. Keep 500-1000 pesos in small denominations at all times.

Haggle at artisan markets, but never at food stalls or grocery stores. A polite '¿Es lo menos?' (Is that the lowest price?) usually works.

Cómo ahorrar dinero viajando de mochila por México

Prioritize local markets for meals, utilize long-distance bus lines like ADO or ETN instead of domestic flights, and stick to hostels in smaller towns. Budget between $35 and $50 USD per day to cover food, transport, and dorm-style accommodation comfortably.

Eat at 'Mercados'. Avoid restaurants on main plazas. Head to the local municipal market where you can get a 'comida corrida' (soup, main, drink) for 80-120 pesos ($4-6 USD).
Use first-class bus lines. Book bus tickets online at least 48 hours in advance through the ADO or ETN websites. You will often find 'promo' rates that are 30-50% cheaper than buying at the station.
Master the 'Colectivo'. In cities and between small towns, use shared vans (colectivos) instead of taxis. They cost 10-20 pesos for a ride versus 100+ pesos for a private cab.
Drink filtered water. Don't buy bottled water daily. Carry a reusable bottle and refill it at 'garrafón' stations or hostels that provide free filtered water. This saves you roughly $2-3 USD per day.

Is it safe to use ATMs?: Only use ATMs located inside bank branches, not the ones in convenience stores or on the street, to avoid card cloning risks.
Do I need to carry cash?: Yes. While cities accept cards, small towns, buses, and markets are strictly cash-only. Keep 500-1000 pesos in small denominations at all times.
Should I haggle?: Haggle at artisan markets, but never at food stalls or grocery stores. A polite '¿Es lo menos?' (Is that the lowest price?) usually works.