Mexico's climate changes dramatically from place to place. You might spend the morning on a hot Caribbean beach, the afternoon climbing Mayan ruins in the jungle, and the evening in a highland city where you need a sweater. This Mexico packing list covers the essentials, clothing for every region, beach gear, and the tech you need to stay connected, so you can pack once and pack right.
Travel Essentials
- Passport and travel documents: Check that your passport is valid for your whole stay, and find out whether you need a visa or an electronic authorization. Keep digital and paper copies.
- Travel insurance: Make sure it covers medical care and any activities you have planned, such as diving.
- Payment methods: Cards are widely accepted in cities and resorts, but bring some Mexican pesos for markets, street food, small shops, and tips.
- A small first-aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relief, rehydration salts, and something for an upset stomach.
- Prescription medication: Bring enough for the whole trip, in its original packaging.
- Emergency contacts: Save them on your phone and on paper.
Clothing
What to pack depends on where you are going and when.
- Beach and coastal areas: Light, breathable clothes in cotton or linen, shorts, sundresses, and a cover-up.
- Mexico City and the highlands: Mexico City sits at about 2,240 meters, and central cities such as Puebla and San Miguel de Allende are also high. Days are warm, but mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack layers, long trousers, and a light sweater or jacket.
- Rainy season (June to October): A light waterproof jacket or poncho for short afternoon storms.
- Churches and religious sites: A scarf or light layer to cover your shoulders.
- A nice outfit: For restaurants, rooftop bars, or the resort's dress-code dinners.
Beachwear
- Two or three swimsuits, so one can dry while you wear another.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Many cenotes and marine parks only allow biodegradable, mineral sunscreen, and some ban sunscreen altogether.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- A quick-dry towel for cenotes and beach days away from your hotel.
- Snorkel and mask if you plan to snorkel a lot, although you can rent them almost everywhere.
- A waterproof phone pouch for boat trips and cenotes.
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets, museums, and ruins.
- Sandals or flip-flops for the beach and the pool.
- Water shoes for rocky beaches and cenotes.
- Hiking shoes if you are heading to the Copper Canyon, the jungles of Chiapas, or volcanoes such as Nevado de Toluca.
Health and Outdoor Gear
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are common on the coasts and in the jungle, especially in the rainy season.
- A reusable water bottle with a filter: Do not drink tap water, but many hotels have refill stations.
- A light daypack for day trips and excursions.
- Hand sanitizer and tissues: Some public restrooms lack soap or toilet paper.
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera.
Tech and Electronics
- Smartphone and charger: Mexico uses type A and B plugs at 127 V, the same as the United States and Canada. Visitors from most other countries need an adapter.
- A power bank for long day trips.
- A Mexico eSIM: An egoViet Mexico eSIM installs before you fly and connects as soon as you land, so you can use maps, ride-hailing apps, and translation tools without roaming fees. Check first that your phone is eSIM compatible.
- Offline maps and a translation app, downloaded before you go.
- A waterproof action camera for underwater photos in cenotes and reefs.
What Not to Pack
- Expensive jewelry: Leave valuables at home.
- Too many clothes: Laundry services are cheap and easy to find.
- Chemical sunscreen if you plan to swim in cenotes or marine parks, where it is often banned.
Ready to Go?
With your bags packed, plan your trip with our Mexico travel guide, find the best time to visit Cancun, and discover the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. For a general checklist, see our Europe packing list, which covers many of the same travel basics.
FAQs: Mexico Packing List
What should I wear in Mexico?
Light, breathable clothes are best on the coasts. In Mexico City and the highlands, wear layers, since mornings and evenings can be cool. Cover your shoulders when visiting churches.
Do I need a plug adapter for Mexico?
Mexico uses type A and B plugs at 127 V, the same as the United States and Canada. Travelers from Europe, the UK, Asia, and Australia need an adapter.
Can I wear sunscreen in cenotes?
Many cenotes ban sunscreen or only allow biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen. You may be asked to shower before swimming.
Do I need a jacket for Mexico City?
Yes. Because of the altitude, mornings and evenings can be cool, especially from November to February. A light jacket or sweater is enough.