Mexican Spanish Travel Phrasebook & Restaurant Allergy Show-Cards

I have celiac disease. I cannot eat gluten (wheat flour tortillas, bread, barley, or shared fryers). Are your tortillas made from 100% pure corn (maíz)?

Soy celíaco/a. No puedo comer gluten (tortillas de harina de trigo, pan, cebada ni freidoras compartidas). ¿Sus tortillas son de maíz cien por ciento puro?

/soy seh-lee-ah-koh · noh pweh-doh koh-mer gloo-ten · ¿soos tor-tee-yahs sohn deh mah-ees syen por syen-toh poo-roh?/

💡 Mexico is a paradise for celiacs because traditional tacos, tlayudas, sopes, and enchiladas use 100% nixtamalized corn (maíz), but always verify that tortillas don't have wheat flour mixed in and avoid mole thickened with bread/galletas.

I have a severe peanut, tree nut, and sesame allergy (anaphylaxis risk). Does this mole, salsa, or dish contain peanuts (cacahuate), almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds (pepita), or sesame (ajonjolí)?

Tengo una alergia grave al cacahuate, a las nueces y al ajonjolí (riesgo de anafilaxia). ¿Este mole, salsa o platillo lleva cacahuate, almendra, nuez, pepita o ajonjolí?

/ten-goh oo-nah ah-ler-hyah grah-beh ahl kah-kah-wah-teh, ah lahs nweh-ses ee ahl ah-hohn-hoh-lee/

💡 CRITICAL in Mexico: Traditional Mole Poblano, Mole Negro, Pipián, and Salsa Macha almost always contain peanuts (cacahuate), sesame seeds (ajonjolí), almonds, or pumpkin seeds (pepitas)!

I do not eat pork, bacon (tocino), chorizo, or pork lard (manteca de cerdo). Are the beans and tamales cooked with vegetable oil instead of lard?

No como carne de cerdo, tocino, chorizo ni manteca de cerdo. ¿Los frijoles, tamales o sopes están preparados con aceite vegetal y sin manteca?

/noh koh-moh kar-neh deh ser-doh, toh-see-noh, choh-ree-soh nee mahn-teh-kah deh ser-doh/

💡 Traditional refried beans (frijoles refritos), tamale dough (masa para tamales), and carnitas are often cooked with pork lard (manteca de cerdo); ask for 'frijoles de la olla' (whole pot beans cooked in water).

I am vegetarian. I do not eat meat, beef (res), pork (cerdo), chicken (pollo), fish, or chicken broth (caldo de pollo) in the rice or soup.

Soy vegetariano/a. No como carne de res, cerdo, pollo, pescado, mariscos ni caldo de pollo en el arroz o en la sopa.

/soy beh-heh-tah-ryah-noh · noh koh-moh kar-neh deh rehs, ser-doh, poh-yoh, pes-kah-doh nee kahl-doh deh poh-yoh/

💡 Mexican red rice (arroz rojo) and tortilla soup (sopa de tortilla) are frequently simmered in chicken broth (caldo de pollo). Great vegetarian choices include tacos de flor de calabaza (squash blossom), hongos (mushrooms), nopales (cactus), and rajas con crema.

I am strictly vegan (100% plant-based). Please serve this without cheese (sin queso), without sour cream (sin crema), without egg, and without lard (sin manteca).

Soy estrictamente vegano/a (100% vegetal). Por favor, sírvalo sin queso, sin crema, sin huevo, sin mayonesa y sin manteca de cerdo.

/soy es-treek-tah-men-teh beh-gah-noh · por fah-bor, seer-bah-loh seen keh-soh, seen kreh-mah, seen weh-boh ee seen mahn-teh-kah/

💡 Note that sopes, tlacoyos, and enchiladas are automatically topped with grated queso fresco and crema unless you say 'sin queso y sin crema, por favor'.

I have a severe dairy and lactose allergy. I cannot eat milk (leche), cheese (queso), cream (crema), or butter (mantequilla).

Tengo alergia severa a los lácteos y a la lactosa. No puedo consumir leche, queso, crema ni mantequilla.

/ten-goh ah-ler-hyah seh-beh-rah ah lohs lahk-teh-ohs · noh pweh-doh kohn-soo-meer leh-cheh, keh-soh, kreh-mah nee mahn-teh-kee-yah/

💡 Street tacos (al pastor, suadero, asada, carnitas, cochinita pibil) are naturally dairy-free unless you order a 'gringa' or 'volcán' (which come with melted Oaxaca cheese).

I have a severe shellfish and seafood allergy (shrimp/camarón, crab/jaiba, octopus/pulpo, oysters, or seafood broth).

Tengo una alergia grave a los mariscos y crustáceos (camarón, jaiba, cangrejo, langosta, pulpo, ostiones o caldo de camarón).

/ten-goh oo-nah ah-ler-hyah grah-beh ah lohs mah-rees-kohs · kah-mah-rohn, hai-bah, pool-poh/

💡 Important at coastal marisquerías in Sinaloa, Baja, Veracruz, and Puerto Vallarta, where shrimp broth (caldo de camarón) is often served as a starter.

I cannot eat spicy chili peppers. Is this dish mild (no pica), and can you put the salsa on the side, please?

No puedo comer picante. ¿Este platillo no pica? ¿Me puede poner la salsa aparte, por favor?

/noh pweh-doh koh-mer pee-kahn-teh · ¿es-teh plah-tee-yoh noh pee-kah? ¿sahl-sah ah-par-teh, por fah-bor?/

💡 Be careful: when a Mexican server says 'casi no pica' (it's barely spicy), it may still be medium-hot! Always ask for 'la salsa aparte' (salsa on the side).

Is the ice and agua fresca made with purified bottled water (agua purificada de garrafón)?

¿El hielo y las aguas frescas están hechos con agua purificada de garrafón?

/¿el yeh-loh ee lahs ah-gwahs fres-kahs es-tahn eh-chohs kohn ah-gwah poo-ree-fee-kah-dah?/

💡 Reputable restaurants, fondas, and hotels across Mexico use commercial cylindrical ice and 20-liter purified water jugs (garrafones) for aguas frescas.

Are the vegetables, lettuce, and cilantro washed and disinfected in purified water?

¿Las verduras, la lechuga y el cilantro están lavados y desinfectados?

/¿lahs ber-doo-rahs, lah leh-choo-gah ee el see-lahn-troh es-tahn lah-bah-dohs ee des-een-fek-tah-dohs?/

💡 Mexican kitchens routinely disinfect raw leafy greens and cilantro with antimicrobial drops (such as Microdyn or Bacdyn).

I have a severe egg allergy. Does this batter (capeado), sauce, or bread contain egg (huevo)?

Tengo alergia grave al huevo. ¿Este platillo, capeado o aderezo contiene huevo o mayonesa?

/ten-goh ah-ler-hyah grah-beh ahl weh-boh · ¿kohn-tyeh-neh weh-boh oh mah-yoh-neh-sah?/

💡 Note that Chiles Rellenos and Chiles en Nogada are traditionally coated in whipped egg-white batter ('capeados'), and elote/esquites come with mayonnaise unless you ask 'sin mayonesa'.

I am diabetic. Can I have my agua fresca, horchata, or coffee without sugar (sin azúcar)?

Soy diabético/a. ¿Tienen agua del día o café de olla sin azúcar añadida?

/soy dyah-beh-tee-koh · ¿tyeh-nen ah-gwah del dee-ah oh kah-feh seen ah-soo-kar?/

💡 Traditional Café de Olla is brewed already sweetened with piloncillo (raw cane sugar) and cinnamon; order a 'Café Americano' if you need zero sugar.

I am allergic to cilantro (coriander) or raw onion. Can I have my tacos without cilantro and onion?

No puedo comer cilantro ni cebolla cruda. ¿Me da mis tacos sin cilantro y sin cebolla (naturales), por favor?

/¿meh dah mees tah-kohs seen see-lahn-troh ee seen seh-boh-yah, por fah-bor?/

💡 At a taquería, 'con todo' means topped with chopped onion, cilantro, and pineapple (on pastor); say 'sin cilantro' or 'naturales' if you want plain meat and tortilla.

Do you have lactose-free milk (leche deslactosada) or oat/almond milk for coffee?

¿Tienen leche deslactosada, leche de avena o leche de almendra para el café?

/¿tyeh-nen leh-cheh des-lahk-toh-sah-dah, leh-cheh deh ah-beh-nah oh deh ahl-men-drah?/

💡 'Leche deslactosada' (lactose-free cow's milk) is universal across every café, fonda, and OXXO in Mexico.

Enjoy your meal! (Polite phrase said when walking past other diners' tables)

¡Buen provecho! / ¡Provecho!

/bwen proh-beh-choh / proh-beh-choh/

💡 The golden rule of Mexican dining etiquette: say '¡Provecho!' with a smile whenever you enter or leave a restaurant or fonda and pass tables where people are eating.

Can I have three tacos al pastor with everything (onion, cilantro, and pineapple), please?

Me da tres tacos al pastor con todo (con piña, cilantro y cebolla), por favor.

/meh dah trehs tah-kohs ahl pahs-tor kohn toh-doh, por fah-bor/

💡 In Mexico, use '¿Me da...?' (Can you give me...?) or '¿Me regala...?' rather than 'Quiero' when ordering politely at taquerías and markets.

Which salsa is the mildest, and which one is the spiciest?

¿Cuál es la salsa que menos pica y cuál es la más picosa?

/¿kwahl es lah sahl-sah keh meh-nohs pee-kah ee kwahl es lah mahs pee-koh-sah?/

💡 Never guess by color! Creamy green avocado salsa may be mild or packed with raw serrano chilies, while orange habanero or dark salsa macha is fiery.

Do you have a weekday three-course lunch special (Comida Corrida / Menú del Día)?

¿Tienen comida corrida (o menú del día) hoy?

/¿tyeh-nen koh-mee-dah koh-ree-dah oy?/

💡 Served 13:30–16:00 at neighborhood fondas and cocinas económicas for $90–$160 MXN (~$4.60–$8.20 USD), including soup, rice/pasta, main dish, tortillas, and agua fresca.

Could you bring us a bottle of still purified water and a pitcher of hibiscus / horchata agua fresca?

¿Nos trae una botella de agua natural embotellada y una jarra de agua de jamaica (o de horchata), por favor?

/¿nohs trah-eh oo-nah boh-teh-yah deh ah-gwah nah-too-rahl ee ah-gwah deh hah-mai-kah?/

💡 In Mexico, 'agua natural' means uncarbonated bottled water (vs. 'agua mineral / con gas' for sparkling water).

Are the tortillas handmade to order?

¿Las tortillas son hechas a mano (recién salidas del comal)?

/¿lahs tor-tee-yahs sohn eh-chahs ah mah-noh?/

💡 Nothing beats warm blue or white heirloom corn tortillas pressed by hand and cooked on a clay or iron comal.

Waiter, could we have the check, please? Can you bring the card terminal to the table?

Joven / Señorita, ¿la cuenta, por favor? ¿Me trae la terminal para pagar con tarjeta?

/hoh-ben / seh-nyoh-ree-tah, ¿lah kwen-tah, por fah-bor? ¿meh trah-eh lah ter-mee-nahl?/

💡 Mexican servers will never bring the bill until you ask for 'la cuenta, por favor'. Always ask for the wireless card reader ('la terminal') to come to your table.

Please add a 15% (or 10%) tip on the card terminal, and charge it in Mexican Pesos ($ MXN).

Con el quince por ciento (o diez por ciento) de propina, por favor, y cobrado en pesos mexicanos.

/kohn el keen-seh por syen-toh deh proh-pee-nah, por fah-bor, en peh-sohs meh-hee-kah-nohs/

💡 You must tell the server the tip percentage BEFORE they finalize the amount on the card terminal.

I'd like to try an artisanal mezcal (Espadín or Tobalá) served neat for sipping, please.

Me gustaría probar un mezcal artesanal (Espadín o Tobalá) derecho para degustar, por favor.

/meh goos-tah-ree-ah proh-bar oon mes-kahl ar-teh-sah-nahl deh-reh-choh/

💡 In Oaxaca and CDMX, fine artisanal mezcal is sipped slowly ('a besitos' — with little kisses) from a shallow clay copita or veladora glass, never downed as a shot.

Do I pay at the cashier counter (la caja) first, or do I pay at the end?

¿Pago primero en la caja o al final de comer?

/¿pah-goh pree-meh-roh en lah kah-hah oh ahl fee-nahl?/

💡 At street taquerías, you either pay the cashier ('la caja') for a ticket first or tell the cashier how many tacos you ate at the end—so the taquero handling food never touches coins.

Can I have an order of red or green chilaquiles topped with a fried egg and chicken, please?

¿Me da unos chilaquiles verdes (o rojos) con huevo estrellado y pollo, por favor?

/¿meh dah oo-nohs chee-lah-kee-les ber-des kohn weh-boh es-treh-yah-doh ee poh-yoh?/

💡 Mexico's beloved breakfast dish: crisp corn totopos simmered in tomatillo or guajillo salsa with crema, queso fresco, onion, and egg.

Is a service charge (propina / servicio) already included on this bill?

¿La propina (o el cargo por servicio) ya viene incluida en la cuenta?

/¿lah proh-pee-nah yah byeh-neh een-kloo-ee-dah en lah kwen-tah?/

💡 By Mexican federal consumer law (PROFECO), restaurants cannot force a mandatory tip, though tourist spots in Cancún/Tulum/Los Cabos sometimes print a 'propina sugerida'—always check before tipping twice.

One international Tourist Class ticket on the Tren Maya to Mérida / Chichén Itzá / Tulum, please.

Un boleto de clase Turista Internacional en el Tren Maya para Mérida / Chichén Itzá / Tulum, por favor.

/oon boh-leh-toh deh klah-seh too-rees-tah en el tren mah-yah pah-rah meh-ree-dah/

💡 In Mexico, a ticket is always 'un boleto' (never 'billete', which means a paper banknote). Have your physical passport ready when buying or boarding Tren Maya.

One ADO Platino (or ADO GL) bus ticket to Oaxaca / Puebla / Playa del Carmen, please.

Un boleto de autobús ADO Platino (o ADO GL) para Oaxaca / Puebla / Playa del Carmen, por favor.

/oon boh-leh-toh deh ah-oo-toh-boos ah-deh-oh plah-tee-noh pah-rah wah-hah-kah/

💡 ADO Platino and ETN VIP offer lie-flat 3-across leather seats, individual screens, Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms.

Which gate / platform (andén) does the bus or train leave from?

¿De qué andén (o sala de espera) sale el autobús / el tren?

/¿deh keh ahn-den sah-leh el ah-oo-toh-boos?/

💡 At major Mexican terminals (like CDMX TAPO or Norte), ADO Platino and ETN have dedicated air-conditioned waiting lounges ('Salas VIP').

Where can I buy and load an Integrated Mobility Card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada) for the CDMX Metro and Metrobús?

¿Dónde puedo comprar y recargar una Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada para el Metro y el Metrobús?

/¿dohn-deh pweh-doh kohm-prar ee reh-kar-gar oo-nah tar-heh-tah deh moh-bee-lee-dahd een-teh-grah-dah?/

💡 The card costs $15 MXN at any Metro/Metrobús TVM machine ($5 MXN per Metro ride, $6 MXN per Metrobús ride, $7 MXN per Cablebús ride).

Where is the official prepaid Authorized Taxi booth (Sitio de Taxi Autorizado) inside the airport?

¿Dónde está el módulo oficial de Taxi Autorizado (prepago) dentro de la terminal?

/¿dohn-deh es-tah el moh-doo-loh oh-fee-syahl deh tahk-see ah-oo-toh-ree-sah-doh?/

💡 At Mexican airports, buy a fixed-zone voucher at the official indoor 'Taxi Autorizado' booth or use Uber/DiDi where permitted.

Here is my baggage claim stub (contraseña de equipaje) for my suitcase under the bus.

Aquí tiene mi contraseña (talón) de equipaje para recoger mi maleta.

/ah-kee tyeh-neh mee kohn-trah-seh-nyah deh eh-kee-pah-heh/

💡 Never lose the paper sticker stub stapled to your ADO/ETN ticket—the baggage handler checks it before handing over your suitcase.

Where is the left-luggage storage counter (Guardamaletas) in this bus terminal?

¿Dónde está el servicio de Guardamaletas en esta terminal?

/¿dohn-deh es-tah el гwar-dah-mah-leh-tahs en es-tah ter-mee-nahl?/

💡 Major ADO, TAPO, and ETN terminals have staffed 'Guardamaletas' baggage rooms ($20–$35 MXN per hour per bag).

Does this colectivo van stop at the entrance to the cenote / archaeological zone?

Disculpe, ¿este colectivo me deja en la entrada del cenote / de la zona arqueológica?

/dees-kool-peh, ¿es-teh koh-lek-tee-boh meh deh-hah en lah en-trah-dah del seh-noh-teh?/

💡 Tell the driver where you are getting off when you board so they pull over along the highway ('¡Bajan en el cenote, por favor!').

Pardon? / How can I help you? (The polite Mexican way to say 'What?' instead of '¿Qué?')

¿Mande? / ¿Mande usted?

/¿mahn-deh? / ¿mahn-deh oos-tehd?/

💡 In Mexico, saying a blunt '¿Qué?' when you didn't hear someone is considered abrupt—locals universally say '¿Mande?' (Pardon?).

Excuse me (asking permission to walk past someone in a narrow aisle or metro car).

Con permiso. (Response: ¡Pase usted! / ¡Adelante!)

/kohn per-mee-soh/

💡 Use 'Con permiso' when squeezing past someone, 'Disculpe' to get a waiter's or stranger's attention, and 'Perdón' if you accidentally bump into someone.

How cool! / That's awesome! (Friendly, polite everyday Mexican expression)

¡Qué padre! / ¡Está padrísimo!

/¡keh pah-dreh! / ¡es-tah pah-dree-see-moh!/

💡 '¡Qué padre!' (or '¡Qué chido!') is the quintessential Mexican compliment for an amazing view, delicious taco, or piece of folk art.

Right on! / Let's do it! / Sounds great! / Wow!

¡Órale! / ¡Sale y vale!

/¡oh-rah-leh! / ¡sah-leh ee bah-leh!/

💡 '¡Órale!' is Mexico's most versatile word: depending on tone, it means 'Sounds great!', 'Let's go!', or 'Whoa, impressive!'.

You're welcome / It's a pleasure to serve you.

De nada · Para servirle · No hay de qué.

/deh nah-dah · pah-rah ser-beer-leh/

💡 Mexican hospitality is famously warm and courteous; you will hear 'Para servirle' (At your service) every day.

Could you speak a little more slowly, please? I am learning Mexican Spanish.

¿Podría hablar un poquito más despacio, por favor? Estoy aprendiendo español.

/¿poh-dree-ah ah-blar oon poh-kee-toh mahs des-pah-syoh, por fah-bor?/

💡 Mexicans use affectionate diminutives ('un poquito', 'ahorita', 'un cafecito') to soften requests and sound warm.

Two general admission tickets for the INAH archaeological zone (Chichén Itzá / Teotihuacán / Monte Albán), please.

Dos boletos de entrada general para la zona arqueológica del INAH, por favor.

/dohs boh-leh-tohs deh en-trah-dah heh-neh-rahl pah-rah lah soh-nah ar-keh-oh-loh-hee-kah/

💡 At Yucatán and Quintana Roo sites (Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Uxmal, Cobá), you pay two separate tickets at adjacent windows: the federal INAH fee + the stateCULTUR/Q.Roo fee.

Does the cenote entry ticket include a life jacket (chaleco salvavidas) and locker?

¿La entrada al cenote incluye el chaleco salvavidas y el casillero (locker)?

/¿lah en-trah-dah ahl seh-noh-teh een-kloo-yeh el chah-leh-koh sahl-bah-bee-dahs?/

💡 Most cenotes require showering before entry (zero sunscreen!) and wearing a life jacket ($30–$50 MXN if not included).

How much does this handmade textile / barro negro piece cost in Mexican Pesos?

Disculpe, ¿qué precio tiene esta pieza artesanal en pesos mexicanos?

/dees-kool-peh, ¿keh preh-syoh tyeh-neh es-tah pyeh-sah en peh-sohs meh-hee-kah-nohs?/

💡 Remember that the single '$' symbol in Mexico always means Mexican Pesos ($ MXN), unless a tourist shop explicitly writes 'USD'.

Do you have change for a $500 Peso bill, or only smaller bills?

Disculpe, ¿tiene cambio de un billete de quinientos pesos, o le pago con cambio chico?

/¿tyeh-neh kahm-byoh deh oon bee-yeh-teh deh kee-nyen-tohs peh-sohs?/

💡 Small market stalls, colectivos, and taquerías rarely have change for $500 or $1,000 MXN bills—break large bills at OXXO or supermarkets.

Where is the public restroom (los baños / el sanitario)? Here is a $5 / $10 Peso coin.

Disculpe, ¿dónde están los baños (o el sanitario)? Aquí tiene cinco / diez pesos.

/dees-kool-peh, ¿dohn-deh es-tahn lohs bah-nyohs?/

💡 Keep $5 and $10 MXN coins handy for attended restrooms at markets, bus terminals, and plazas.

I'd like to buy a Telcel Amigo prepaid SIM card (or eSIM) with data, please.

Quisiera comprar un chip prepago Telcel Amigo (o una eSIM) con paquete de datos, por favor.

/kee-syeh-rah kohm-prar oon cheep preh-pah-goh tel-sel ah-mee-goh kohn dah-tohs/

💡 In Mexico, a SIM card is called 'un chip'. Telcel has the strongest nationwide 4G/5G coverage across highways, pueblos, and Yucatán.

Please help me! It is a medical emergency — please call 911 for an ambulance.

¡Ayúdeme, por favor! Es una emergencia médica — llame al 911 (nueve-uno-uno) para pedir una ambulancia.

/ah-yoo-deh-meh por fah-bor · es oo-nah eh-mer-hen-syah meh-dee-kah · yah-meh ahl nweh-beh oo-noh oo-noh/

💡 911 is the nationwide toll-free emergency number across all 32 states of Mexico (Police, Red Cross / Cruz Roja Ambulance, and Fire). You can also dial 078 for Ángeles Verdes highway & tourist assistance.

I feel dizzy from the high altitude (2,240m in CDMX) and dehydration. Do you have oral rehydration salts (suero oral / Electrolit)?

Me siento mareado/a por la altura y la deshidratación. ¿Tiene suero oral (o Electrolit) y algo para el mal de altura?

/meh syen-toh mah-reh-ah-doh por lah ahl-too-rah · ¿tyeh-neh sweh-roh oh-rahl?/

💡 'Electrolit' bottles and 'Suero Oral' packets are sold at every pharmacy and OXXO in Mexico and work wonders for high-altitude fatigue or heat.

I have traveler's stomach upset. Do you have oral rehydration salts, bismuth subsalicylate, or loperamide?

Tengo malestar estomacal del viajero. ¿Me recomienda suero oral, subsalicilato de bismuto (Pepto-Bismol) o loperamida?

/ten-goh mah-les-tar es-toh-mah-kahl · ¿sweh-roh oh-rahl oh loh-peh-rah-mee-dah?/

💡 Major Mexican pharmacy chains (Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Guadalajara, Farmacia San Pablo) also have licensed adjoining walk-in doctors ('Consultorio Médico') for $50–$100 MXN.

I am having a severe allergic reaction. I need a hospital emergency room (Urgencias) immediately.

Estoy teniendo una reacción alérgica grave. Necesito ir a Urgencias de un hospital inmediatamente.

/es-toy teh-nyen-doh oo-nah reh-ahk-syohn ah-ler-hee-kah grah-beh · oor-hen-syahs/

💡 In Mexico City, Hospital ABC (Observatorio / Santa Fe) and Hospital Español have 24/7 bilingual emergency departments; in Cancún/Playa, Hospiten and Costamed serve international travelers.

I lost my passport. Where is the nearest tourist police station or embassy/consulate?

Perdí mi pasaporte. ¿Dónde está la Policía Turística o el consulado más cercano?

/per-dee mee pah-sah-por-teh · ¿dohn-deh es-tah lah poh-lee-see-ah too-rees-tee-kah?/

💡 Keep a photo of your passport bio page and digital FMM entry stamp saved in your phone and email.

Can I have two suadero tacos and one campechano taco with everything?

¿Me da dos de suadero y uno campechano con todo, por favor?

/meh dah dohs deh swah-deh-roh ee oo-noh kahm-peh-chah-noh kohn toh-doh/

💡 Suadero (confit brisket) and Campechano (beef + longaniza sausage + cracklings) are iconic late-night CDMX street tacos.

Can I have one gringa (al pastor pork with melted Oaxaca cheese in a flour tortilla)?

¿Me da una gringa al pastor bien doradita, por favor?

/meh dah oo-nah green-gah ahl pahs-tor byen doh-rah-dee-tah/

💡 Ask for it 'bien doradita' so the cheese gets crispy on the griddle.

Could you bring us some more fresh key limes (limones) and warm tortillas?

¿Nos regala más limones y unas tortillas calientitas, por favor?

/nohs reh-gah-lah mahs lee-moh-nes ee oo-nahs tor-tee-yahs kah-lyen-tee-tahs/

💡 Key limes and extra tortillas are normally complimentary at Mexican fondas and taquerías.

What is today's agua fresca flavor (hibiscus, horchata, tamarind, cucumber-lime)?

¿De qué sabor es el agua del día hoy (jamaica, horchata, tamarindo o pepino con limón)?

/¿deh keh sah-bor es el ah-gwah del dee-ah oy?/

💡 Every fonda blends fresh fruit aguas del día each morning with purified water.

Can I have a cup of Café de Olla (cinnamon-piloncillo pot coffee) and a sweet concha pastry?

¿Me da un café de olla y una concha de vainilla (o de chocolate), por favor?

/meh dah oon kah-feh deh oh-yah ee oo-nah kohn-chah/

💡 Conchas (sugar-shell brioche rolls) are Mexico's favorite pan dulce.

I would like a michelada (or chelada with lime and salted rim) with a dark lager, please.

¿Me prepara una chelada (con puro limón y sal) con cerveza oscura, por favor?

/meh preh-pah-rah oo-nah cheh-lah-dah kohn ser-beh-sah ohs-koo-rah/

💡 In Mexico, a 'chelada' is beer + lime juice + salt over ice, while a 'michelada / cubana' adds tomato/Clamato and savory sauces.

Can I have a Oaxacan tlayuda with tasajo beef and quesillo string cheese?

¿Me da una tlayuda sencilla con tasajo y quesillo, por favor?

/meh dah oo-nah tlah-yoo-dah kohn tah-sah-hoh ee keh-see-yoh/

💡 In Oaxaca, Oaxaca string cheese is always called 'quesillo'.

Can I have three cochinita pibil tacos with pickled red onion and habanero on the side?

¿Me da tres tacos de cochinita pibil con cebollita morada y el chile habanero aparte?

/meh dah trehs tah-kohs deh koh-chee-nee-tah pee-beel/

💡 In Mérida and Campeche, cochinita pibil is strictly a morning meal (07:00–13:00).

Can I have a bowl of birria de res with consomé broth on the side for dipping?

¿Me da una orden de quesabirrias con su consomé aparte, por favor?

/meh dah oo-nah or-den deh keh-sah-beer-yahs kohn soo kohn-soh-meh/

💡 Born in Jalisco and Tijuana, quesabirrias are dipped directly into hot spiced consomé.

Can I have a cup of street corn (esquites) with lime, chili powder that isn't spicy (del que no pica), and cheese?

¿Me da un vaso de esquites con limón, quesito y chilito del que no pica, por favor?

/meh dah oon bah-soh deh es-kee-tes kohn chil-ee-toh del keh noh pee-kah/

💡 Street vendors always have two chili shakers: 'del que pica' (hot) and 'del que no pica' (tangy mild).

Do you have a table on the outdoor courtyard / rooftop terrace (la terraza)?

¿Tienen una mesa disponible en el patio o en la terraza?

/¿tyeh-nen oo-nah meh-sah en el pah-tyoh oh en lah teh-rah-sah?/

💡 Colonial cities like Oaxaca, San Miguel, Puebla, and Mérida are famous for leafy interior courtyards and rooftop terrazas.

Can we split the bill separately, or is it better on one card?

¿Podemos pagar con cuentas separadas o en una sola exhibición?

/¿poh-deh-mohs pah-gar kohn kwen-tahs seh-pah-rah-dahs?/

💡 Tell the server at the start of the meal ('¿Nos puede llevar cuentas separadas?') if you want separate checks.

Does this Tren Maya ticket include the shuttle bus from the station to the pyramid / downtown?

¿Dónde sale el autobús de conexión de la estación del Tren Maya hacia la zona arqueológica / el centro?

/¿dohn-deh sah-leh el ah-oo-toh-boos deh koh-nek-syohn del tren mah-yah?/

💡 Tren Maya stations (Cancún, Mérida Teya, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Palenque) have dedicated electric IE-TRAM or shuttle buses at the station forecourt.

Which CDMX bus terminal does the bus to Teotihuacán / Oaxaca leave from (Terminal del Norte or TAPO)?

¿Este autobús sale de la Central del Norte o de la terminal TAPO (San Lázaro)?

/¿es-teh ah-oo-toh-boos sah-leh deh lah sen-trahl del nor-teh oh deh lah tah-poh?/

💡 Remember: Teotihuacán, San Miguel, Guanajuato & Querétaro leave from Terminal del Norte; Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz & Chiapas leave from TAPO.

Two round-trip bus tickets to the Teotihuacán Pyramids (Autobuses Teotihuacanos, Gate 8), please.

Dos boletos sencillos (o redondos) para las Pirámides de Teotihuacán en la Sala 8, por favor.

/dohs boh-leh-tohs pah-rah lahs pee-rah-mee-des deh teh-oh-tee-wah-kahn/

💡 Wait at Puerta 2 at 16:00–17:00 for the return bus to CDMX Terminal del Norte.

Is this the women-and-children-only section of the CDMX Metro / Metrobús?

Disculpe, ¿este vagón es exclusivo para mujeres y niños menores de 12 años?

/¿es-teh bah-gohn es eks-kloo-see-boh pah-rah moo-heh-res ee nee-nyohs?/

💡 The first 2–3 cars of every CDMX Metro train and front section of Metrobús are reserved 24/7 for women and children.

One round-trip Ultramar ferry ticket to Isla Mujeres / Cozumel, please.

Un boleto redondo de ferry (barco) para Isla Mujeres / Cozumel, por favor.

/oon boh-leh-toh reh-dohn-doh deh feh-ree pah-rah ees-lah moo-heh-res/

💡 'Boleto sencillo' = one-way ticket; 'Boleto redondo' = round-trip ticket.

Where do the R-1 / R-2 city buses stop for the Cancún Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera)?

¿Dónde pasa el camión R-1 o R-2 que va hacia la Zona Hotelera?

/¿dohn-deh pah-sah el kah-myohn eh-reh oo-noh ah lah soh-nah oh-teh-leh-rah?/

💡 In Mexico, a local city bus is called 'un camión' ($12 MXN cash in Cancún).

Can I pay the highway toll (caseta de cobro) in cash Pesos?

¿Aceptan efectivo en pesos en esta caseta de cuota?

/¿ah-sep-tahn eh-fek-tee-boh en es-tah kah-seh-tah deh kwoh-tah?/

💡 Always keep $300–$600 MXN in cash bills when driving toll highways ('autopistas de cuota') in Yucatán or Baja.

Please fill the tank with Regular unleaded (Magna / Verde) and check that the pump starts at zero.

Lleno de Magna (verde), por favor, ¿vemos que marque ceros la bomba?

/yeh-noh deh mahg-nah, por fah-bor, ¿beh-mohs keh mar-keh seh-rohs?/

💡 All Mexican gas stations (PEMEX, Mobil, BP, Shell) are full-service: watch the attendant reset the pump to $0.00 before pumping and tip $10–$20 MXN if they clean your windshield.

Good morning! / Good afternoon! / Good evening!

¡Buenos días! / ¡Buenas tardes! / ¡Buenas noches!

/bweh-nohs dee-ahs / bweh-nahs tar-des / bweh-nahs noh-ches/

💡 Switch from 'Buenos días' to 'Buenas tardes' at 12:00 noon sharp, and to 'Buenas noches' after sunset (~19:00).

No way! / Are you serious?! (Polite everyday surprise)

¡No manches! / ¿En serio?

/¡noh mahn-ches! / ¿en seh-ryoh?/

💡 '¡No manches!' is the family-friendly, polite version of Mexican amazement ('No way!').

Right now / In a little while (Understanding Mexican 'Ahorita')

Ahorita vengo / Ahorita sale.

/ah-oh-ree-tah ben-goh / ah-oh-ree-tah sah-leh/

💡 'Ahorita' literally means 'right this second', but in Mexico it can mean anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 minutes!

No problem at all! / Don't worry about it!

¡No pasa nada! / ¡No te preocupes! / ¡Ni modo!

/¡noh pah-sah nah-dah! / ¡noh teh preh-oh-koo-pes!/

💡 '¡No pasa nada!' is a warm, reassuring phrase you will hear constantly across Mexico.

Do you have change (cash / coins), or can I pay by card?

¿Tiene cambio (efectivo / morralla) o acepta tarjeta?

/¿tyeh-neh kahm-byoh oh ah-sep-tah tar-heh-tah?/

💡 'Morralla' or 'cambio suelto' means small coins ($1, $2, $5, $10 MXN).

Where is the nearest OXXO convenience store or BBVA / Banorte bank ATM?

¿Dónde queda el OXXO o el cajero automático de banco más cercano?

/¿dohn-deh keh-dah el ohk-soh oh el kah-heh-roh ah-oo-toh-mah-tee-koh?/

💡 Pronounced 'OHK-soh'—there are 22,000+ OXXO stores across Mexico for water, snacks, and breaking bills.

Everything was delicious! Compliments to the cook!

¡Todo estuvo riquísimo (delicioso)! ¡Muchas gracias!

/¡toh-doh es-too-boh ree-kee-see-moh! ¡moo-chahs grah-syahs!/

💡 '¡Estuvo riquísimo!' or '¡Qué rico!' always brings a huge smile at fondas and markets.

May I take a photo of your market stall / craftwork?

Disculpe, ¿puedo tomar una foto de su puesto / de su artesanía?

/dees-kool-peh, ¿pweh-doh toh-mar oo-nah foh-toh deh soo pwes-toh?/

💡 Always ask politely before photographing artisans or market stalls.

Cheers! (When clinking glasses of mezcal, tequila, or beer)

¡Salud! (Para todo mal, mezcal; y para todo bien, ¡también!)

/¡sah-lood! pah-rah toh-doh mahl, mes-kahl; ee pah-rah toh-doh byen, tahm-byen/

💡 Oaxaca's famous proverb: 'For everything bad, mezcal; and for everything good, mezcal too!'.

Have a wonderful day / Safe travels!

¡Que le vaya muy bien! / ¡Buen viaje!

/¡keh leh bah-yah mwee byen! / ¡bwen byah-heh!/

💡 A warm farewell when leaving a shop, taxi, or hotel.

I have a hotel reservation under the name...

Buenas tardes, tengo una reservación a nombre de...

/ten-goh oo-nah reh-ser-bah-syohn ah nohm-breh deh.../

💡 In Mexico, 'a reservation' is 'una reservación' (rather than 'una reserva').

Could you store our suitcases until our afternoon bus / flight?

¿Nos podrían guardar las maletas hasta la tarde, por favor?

/¿nohs poh-dree-ahn gwar-dar lahs mah-leh-tahs ahs-tah lah tar-deh?/

💡 Mexican boutique hotels and posadas are always happy to hold bags free of charge on checkout day.

Does the room have air conditioning, a ceiling fan, or extra blankets for the cool highland night?

¿La habitación tiene aire acondicionado, ventilador o una cobija extra para la noche?

/¿lah ah-bee-tah-syohn tyeh-neh ai-reh ah-kohn-dee-syoh-nah-doh oh oo-nah koh-bee-hah?/

💡 In 2,200m San Cristóbal, CDMX, or Puebla, a warm blanket ('una cobija') is essential in winter.

Where is the purified drinking water dispenser (el garrafón) to refill my bottle?

¿Dónde tienen el garrafón o filtro de agua purificada para rellenar mi termo?

/¿dohn-deh tyeh-nen el gah-rah-fohn deh ah-gwah poo-ree-fee-kah-dah?/

💡 Refilling an insulated metal bottle ('termo') is eco-friendly and required inside INAH pyramid zones.

Are you an official SECTUR-certified bilingual guide for this archaeological zone?

Buenas tardes, ¿usted es guía oficial certificado por SECTUR (credencial NOM-08)?

/¿oos-tehd es gee-ah oh-fee-syahl ser-tee-fee-kah-doh por sek-toor?/

💡 Official guides at Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacán, Monte Albán, and Palenque wear a laminated federal SECTUR photo badge.

Where do I pay the Quintana Roo State Tax / CULTUR ticket in addition to the federal INAH ticket?

¿Dónde está la taquilla estatal (CULTUR / Quintana Roo) además de la taquilla del INAH?

/¿dohn-deh es-tah lah tah-kee-yah es-tah-tahl ah-deh-mahs del ee-nah?/

💡 At Chichén Itzá and Tulum, the federal INAH window ($100 MXN) and state ticket window ($548 MXN at Chichén) are side by side.

Can I pay the Quintana Roo Visitax online at the official government portal?

¿Ya pagué el Visitax de Quintana Roo en línea; aquí tengo mi código QR oficial?

/yah pah-geh el bee-see-tahks en lee-neh-ah; ah-kee ten-goh mee koh-dee-goh koo-eh-reh/

💡 Pay the $283 MXN Visitax only at visitax.gob.mx and keep the QR code saved on your phone for Cancún/Tulum departure.

Who is the artisan who wove this Zapotec rug / carved this alebrije?

¿Quién es el maestro o la maestra artesana que elaboró esta pieza?

/¿kyen es el mah-es-troh ar-teh-sah-noh keh eh-lah-boh-roh es-tah pyeh-sah?/

💡 In Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Michoacán, family workshops sign their pieces and love explaining the natural cochineal and indigo dyes.

Could you wrap this ceramic Talavera / barro negro piece carefully for my airplane carry-on?

¿Me lo podría envolver muy bien para llevarlo en el avión como equipaje de mano?

/¿meh loh poh-dree-ah en-bohl-ber mwee byen pah-rah el ah-byohn?/

💡 Puebla Talavera and Oaxaca barro negro workshops pack ceramics in bubble wrap and sturdy boxes for flights.

Where is the shower station to rinse off before entering the cenote?

¿Dónde están las regaderas para enjuagarme antes de entrar al cenote?

/¿dohn-deh es-tahn lahs reh-gah-deh-rahs ahn-tes deh en-trar ahl seh-noh-teh?/

💡 In Mexico, a shower is 'una regadera' (rather than 'ducha').

Does this pharmacy have an adjacent walk-in doctor's office (Consultorio Médico)?

¿Esta farmacia cuenta con consultorio médico anexo para una consulta rápida?

/¿es-tah far-mah-syah kwen-tah kohn kohn-sool-toh-ryoh meh-dee-koh?/

💡 Walk-in medical consultations at Farmacias del Ahorro, Guadalajara, or San Pablo cost just $50–$100 MXN (~$3–$5 USD).

Do you have soothing gel for sunburn or insect bites?

¿Tiene gel de sábila (aloe vera) para quemaduras de sol o pomada para piquetes de mosco?

/¿tyeh-neh hel deh sah-bee-lah oh poh-mah-dah pah-rah pee-keh-tes deh mohs-koh?/

💡 In Mexico, aloe vera is called 'sábila' and a mosquito bite is 'un piquete de mosco'.

I got stung by a jellyfish / stepped on a sea urchin. Where is the beach lifeguard?

Me picó una aguamala (medusa) / un erizo de mar. ¿Dónde está el guardavidas?

/meh pee-koh oo-nah ah-gwah-mah-lah · ¿dohn-deh es-tah el gwar-dah-bee-dahs?/

💡 Vinegar or hot water helps neutralize jellyfish ('aguamala') stings.

Please call the Ángeles Verdes highway assistance patrol (078).

Nuestro auto se descompuso en la carretera — ¿podemos llamar al 078 de los Ángeles Verdes?

/nwes-troh ah-oo-toh seh des-kohm-poo-soh · yah-mar ahl seh-roh syeh-teh oh-choh/

💡 Dialing 078 connects you to SECTUR's bilingual Green Angels highway mechanics.

I need an English-speaking doctor or tourist hospital in this city.

Necesito un médico que hable inglés o un hospital privado con área internacional.

/neh-seh-see-toh oon meh-dee-koh keh ah-bleh een-gles/

💡 Your travel medical insurance 24/7 hotline can also arrange direct billing at Mexican private hospitals.

My phone was lost or stolen. Can I borrow a phone to lock my bank cards?

Me robaron o perdí mi celular. ¿Me permite hacer una llamada para bloquear mis tarjetas?

/per-dee mee seh-loo-lar · ¿meh per-mee-teh ah-ser oo-nah yah-mah-dah?/

💡 In Mexico, a mobile phone is always 'el celular'.

Does this dish contain epazote or hoja santa herbs?

¿Este platillo lleva epazote u hoja santa?

/¿es-teh plah-tee-yoh yeh-bah eh-pah-soh-teh oo oh-hah sahn-tah?/

💡 Epazote (used in black beans and quesadillas) and Hoja Santa (used in Oaxaca moles and tamales) are distinctive aromatic Mexican herbs.

Does this dish contain cactus paddles (nopales) or mushrooms (hongos / huitlacoche)?

¿Este guisado lleva nopales, champiñones o huitlacoche?

/¿es-teh gee-sah-doh yeh-bah noh-pah-les oh wee-tlah-koh-cheh?/

💡 Huitlacoche (corn truffle) and flor de calabaza (squash blossom) are prized central Mexican delicacies.

I am pregnant. Is this fresh cheese (queso fresco / quesillo) made from pasteurized milk?

Estoy embarazada. ¿Este queso fresco o quesillo está hecho con leche pasteurizada?

/es-toy em-bah-rah-sah-dah · ¿es-tah eh-choh kohn leh-cheh pahs-teh-oo-ree-sah-dah?/

💡 Commercial cheeses and melted cheeses (quesadilla, gringa, queso fundido) are safe; avoid unpasteurized raw market queso fresco during pregnancy.

Can I have my ceviche or aguachile fully cooked (shrimp cocktail / pescado empanizado) instead of raw?

Prefiero no comer pescado o camarón crudo en limón; ¿tienen camarones al mojo de ajo o pescado a la plancha?

/preh-fyeh-roh noh koh-mer kah-mah-rohn kroo-doh · ¿tyeh-nen ah lah plahn-chah?/

💡 Aguachile is lime-cured raw shrimp; if you prefer heat-cooked seafood, order 'al mojo de ajo' (garlic-sautéed) or 'a la plancha' (grilled).

Does this horchata contain cow's milk (leche entera / evaporada) or only rice, water, and cinnamon?

¿Esta agua de horchata lleva leche de vaca (o leche condensada/evaporada), o es solo de arroz con agua?

/¿es-tah ah-gwah deh or-chah-tah yeh-bah leh-cheh deh bah-kah?/

💡 Many Mexican fondas enrich rice horchata with evaporated or condensed cow's milk (leche Carnation / La Lechera)—always ask if you are dairy-free!

Does this dish contain pork cracklings (chicharrón) or chorizo mixed into the beans or potatoes?

¿Los frijoles o las papas llevan chorizo o chicharrón mezclado?

/¿lohs free-hoh-les oh lahs pah-pahs yeh-bahn choh-ree-soh oh chee-chah-rohn?/

💡 'Papas con chorizo' and 'frijoles charros' (beans simmered with bacon, chorizo, and pork rind) contain pork even when ordered as a side dish.