Mexico Travel Tips
don't drink the tap water
〰️
don't drink the tap water 〰️
#1 Rule
If there is only 1 thing to remember. . . DON’T DRINK THE TAP WATER. Even locals avoid it, so it is safe in restaurants to assume they are serving you purified water and ice.
It is expected for your AirBnB/Hotel to provide you with unlimited purified water. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, many establishments in Troncones are eco-conscious and avoid single-use plastic.
Brush your teeth with purified water. Soak your fruit and veg in Microdyn.
Safety
As a tourist you are always more susceptible to being taken advantage of so apply the same precautions as you would traveling in the US.
Troncones is an exceptionally safe place and welcoming place for Gringos. Locals are typically kind and warm, smile when you pass them on the street, and generally seem pleased when you attempt to speak Spanish.
Expats started coming into the area in the late 80’s and have maintained a harmonious relationship, integrating into the communities and local government. Expats and locals actively collaborate to ensure Troncones small-town charm and safety is maintained.
There is a travel advisory for the state of Guerrero due to cartel activity in Acapulco, which is about 5 hours south. Zihuatenejo + Troncones has a lower Violent crime rate than most major cities in the US.
Tourism is an important part of their economy and local authorities prioritize tourist safety.
We feel incredibly safe in Troncones and have always experienced fairness and honesty, without any concerns of financial or physical exploitation.
Money
Credit cards are only accepted in a handful of Troncones businesses, so don’t depend only on plastic.
Troncones has no bank and the only ATMs are at Maria’s, located on the main road in from the highway. The withdrawal limit is 5,000 pesos (Approx $250). They do run out of money from time to time.
We recommend stocking up on cash from the major bank ATMs at the Mega Soriana grocery store in Zihuatenejo.
During the cash removal process you’ll come to a screen that prompts you to Reject or Approve the exchange rate offered by the ATM. We always reject the offered exchange rate at the ATM in favor of the rate that will be assessed from our own bank.
The currency exchange booth at the airport is a rip-off so we don’t exchange cash.
You can use dollars in Troncones, but you will get extortionate exchange rates (like around 70% of their actual value). We bring extra USD for emergencies.
TIPS: There is poverty in Troncones, as in all of Mexico. So be generous. While voluntary, the standard tip is the same as in the US: 15 to 20% If you got good service and a smile, do some good. That tip will go a long way in Troncones.
Cell Phone Service
Cell phone service can be spotty in Troncones, and it's most common to have 3G only. If you are buying a sim card Tencel has the best local service.
Most businesses use WhatsApp for texting.
Check your cell phone plan before departing to see if there are any fees associated with using your US cell phone plan abroad. Wifi is ubiquitous and available at restaurants and hotels.
Emergencies
There is a little clinic in town and the doctor’s name is Dr Gustavo. The landline, 103-0130 or cell + 52-1-755-557-1054
The is also a very good little pharmacy in town run by Benita, she is a certified nurse.
911 is also Mexico’s emergency number.