Mercados / Local Markets:

Exploring local Mercados is an essential part of experiencing Mexico's food and shopping scene. Mercados are the backbone of any community. Large indoor markets, such as the Mercado de San Juan in Mexico City, the Mercado 20 de Noviembre in Oaxaca or the largest in Latin America Mercado San Juan de Dios in Guadalajara, immerse visitors in a lively atmosphere filled with fresh produce, traditional spices, and the savory aroma of local foods. Mercados offer an authentic glimpse into the daily life and eating habits of Mexicans, making them a must-visit.

Beyond an inexpensive meal, you can a full range of food and home supply vs. using a supermarket. Prices will be less and the food items more locally sourced. Beyond food, most every type of necessity is available. Some mercados are specialty markets such as seafood, flowers, clothes, hand-crafts, and more. Most Mercados are open every day, with weekends being the busiest. Pesos are needed and preferably small bills, as change is in short supply. It’s a true local’s experience you must search out! The GEM map: Google Maps - Web-based map features most of the large Mercados throughout the country. How to use the map. Mercados are also a great place to find locally made gifts.

Specialty Tourist Markets:

Unique specialty product markets exist in most all coastal tourist towns. These are open air markets, where handmade and organic products are sold. Inquire locally or look for details on the city icon on the GEM map.

Tianguis:

Tianguis (tea ahn gees) are traditional pre-Spanish open air markets. Ask locals when and where is market day. Typically, Saturday or Sunday, but sometimes the whole weekend. Local producers and vendors bring in their goods and set up in open spaces. Tianguis are often setup next to traditional Mercados. I find many unique local food and home made items. You will not forget this lively experience.

Central de Abastos:

Central de Abastos are larger scale locals wholesale markets. You will find a central mercado and a central de abastos in most cities. The general public can shop and these are the supply hubs of Mexico, where anything and everything is for sale.

Super Mercado:

In addition to the traditional markets, Mexico boasts modern supermarkets that provide convenience and a wide array of international and local products. Chains such as Soriana, Walmart, El Comer/Mega, Costco, La Bodega and Chedraui can be found in every city. Supermarkets are perfect for travelers looking to stock up on essentials any time of the week. Cash or credit card is accepted. Your food bagger works on tips only, so please be generous.

Mini Supers / Tiendas / Abbarotes:

These are locally owned convenience stores stocking a wide variety of items. Please support them!!!

Convenience Stores / OXXO / 7-11:

OXXO convenience stores are a country-wide brand and found everywhere. They are standardized with what they sell, but you can often find what you need. They offer Telcel SIM recharges, alcohol, snacks galore, changing $ and so on. 7-11 offers the same services.

Street & Beach Vendors:

• At the coast and in the city centers, you will encounter many street vendors.

• If someone is offering you something and you are not interested: no, no gracias or finger no-wave all work. I learned this phrase years ago and it works well from a humanity perspective: No gracias, buena suerte = No thank you and I wish good luck on your next sale.

• Be aware of prices. Bargaining guides: Smart Gringo - Where The Sidewalk Ends - Sand in My Suitcase 

Specialized Food Shops:

For those seeking specific ingredients or gourmet items, Mexico's cities and resort areas feature specialized food shops. Whether it's a fine wine shop in Mexico City, a boutique cheese shop in Querétaro, a traditional molino (mill) for fresh masa in Oaxaca, or a spice market in Puebla, these specialized shops offer a deeper dive into Mexico's diverse culinary traditions. Mexico City’s Mercado de San Juan is a combo of Mercado and Specialty Food store and a must visit.

Gifts, clothes, and supply stores:

You will find most anything you need country wide. Mexican store owners love to stock up with an abundance of supply.

Cleaning fruits and vegetables:

Anything that can not be peeled needs to be disinfected with Microdyn. Other techniques are effective too.

PROFECO:

PROFECO is where you report any sort of scam or shortage. It’s the consumer protection agency. Even the mention you will contact PROFECO will often change a wrong to a right. Take a picture and mention PROFECO. Mexico City Office - Wiki

Vacation gifts heading back home:

• Food items need to go in your check-in luggage. Mexican TSA security agents are very strict with rules. Consult what is allow to be brought to your home country: USA - Canada

• Shipping from Mexico is very expensive, so ideally you carry gifts home. If you do need to ship in / out of Mexico, DHL is considered to have the most reliable inbound and outbound global shipping services. When shipping to Mexico, only ship to hold at DHL office for customer pickup.

• Most art galleries will have crated shipping services to your home airport. Discuss for costs.