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Mexico Packing List
What to bring for a beach trip to Mexico, including the small things people leave at home.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Sand in My Curls says everyone remembers repellent but most forget itch relief, so patches earn a spot. It also says ATMs usually dispense 500-peso notes that many street vendors can't break, so carry a coin purse. Tap water is off the menu, which makes a filter bottle or purification tablets worth packing. Flight Centre puts the rainy season at May to October. This list assumes a beach trip with a few excursions, and leaves out visas, bookings and outfit-by-outfit clothing plans.
Why these items are on the list
- Filter water bottle. Tap water is unsafe to drink. Travel Lemming suggests a filtration bottle, such as a Grayl or LifeStraw.
- Water purification tablets. Travel Lemming calls tablets a cheaper alternative to its premium Grayl bottle.
- Coin purse for pesos. Sand in My Curls says many street vendors can't break large bills. Keep coins handy.
- Bite itch relief patches. Sand in My Curls says most people forget itch relief after remembering repellent.
- Insect repellent. Flight Centre says repellent is particularly helpful in remote areas or forest hikes.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. Travel Lemming says to choose reef-safe for reefs and cenotes, to avoid damaging their fragile ecosystems.
- Aloe or sunburn treatment. Flight Centre suggests aloe or another sunburn treatment, just in case.
- Electrolyte packets. Refuel after a day in the sun, or if your stomach rebels.
- Quick-dry microfiber towel. Sand in My Curls says it dries in minutes. It helps when your hotel provides only shower towels.
- Dry bag. For boats, cenotes and beach days. Keeps your phone dry.
- Waterproof phone case. For cenote or snorkeling photos, a cheap case works. A GoPro is the other option.
- Cooling towel. Wet it, wring it, wrap it around your neck on hot days.
- Portable door lock. Travel Lemming says Mexico is safer than the news suggests, but petty crime targets tourists in parts.
- Anti-theft crossbody day bag. Travel Lemming calls it an extra precaution for city days that deters pickpockets.
- Portable charger. Saves a rush back to the hotel when your phone dies.
- Wide-brimmed hat. The CDC prefers a wide brim for sun protection, along with sunglasses.
- Passport and photo ID. Keep both with your insurance papers and booking details.
- Travel insurance papers. Download your insurer's app too, so claim information is on your phone.
- Prescriptions and copies. Pack extras in case of delays, with copies that list generic names.
- Basic first aid kit. Bandages, alcohol wipes and salve cover small ailments.
- Pesos and a credit card. Carry Mexican pesos alongside a credit card, so you have both cash and card on hand.
- Rain jacket. Flight Centre puts the rainy season at May to October.
Tick items as they go into the bag, not as you think of them. On your phone it doubles as the repack list for the trip home.
When to use it
Use it before departure, early enough to order a filter bottle or itch patches.