Mexico Travel Language Guide: 10 Spanish Phrases

By Jairo Pérez

Reading time: 0 minute

May 29, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Hola and Adiós – Basic Greetings

2. Dónde está...? – Asking for Directions

3. Por Favor and Gracias – Be Polite

4. Cuánto cuesta? – Asking About Prices

5. No hablo español – If You Don’t Speak Spanish

6. Me puede ayudar? – Asking for Help

7. Estoy perdido / perdida – When You’re Lost

8. La cuenta, por favor – At a Restaurant

9. Lo siento – Apologizing Politely

10. Qué recomienda? – Ask Locals for Advice

Why These Phrases Matter

Final Travel Language Tips for Mexico

Conclusion: Survive and Thrive with Spanish in Mexico

Introduction

Traveling to Mexico is exciting. There are many new things to see, taste, and do. If you don’t speak Spanish, communication can be tough. That’s why learning some basic Spanish for your trip is helpful.

This guide teaches you 10 key phrases. These phrases will help you get around, ask for help, and enjoy your visit. Think of it as your travel language guide for Mexico. It’s perfect for beginners who want to feel confident while exploring.

Whether you're planning your first trip or going back for more adventure, these essential Spanish phrases for travel are all you need. This Spanish travel survival guide is simple, clear, and packed with tips to help you connect with locals and feel comfortable. Let's dive in!

1. Hola and Adiós – Basic Greetings

In Mexico, greetings are very important. People often say "hello" or "goodbye" with a smile, even to strangers. Saying “Hola” (hello) or “Adiós” (goodbye) is a small gesture, but it shows respect.

Extra tips:

Say "Buenos días" for good morning.
Say "Buenas tardes" in the afternoon.
Use "Buenas noches" in the evening or at night.

Using greetings is a simple way to start conversations and show politeness. It’s a great first step in learning basic Spanish for your Mexico trip.

2. ¿Dónde está...? – Asking for Directions

Whether you’re looking for a bathroom, your hotel, or a good taco spot, you’ll need to know how to ask where something is. That’s where this phrase helps:

¿Dónde está...? = Where is...?

Examples:

“¿Dónde está el baño?” (Where is the bathroom?)
“¿Dónde está la playa?” (Where is the beach?)

Language tip: Learn directional words like:

Izquierda (left)
Derecha (right)
Todo recto (straight ahead)

These are all useful for survival Spanish for Mexico travelers!

3. Por Favor and Gracias – Be Polite

Saying "Please" and "Thank you" goes a long way in Mexico. These words show respect and kindness, and they’re easy to remember:

Por favor: Please
Gracias: Thank you
Muchas gracias: Thank you very much
Mil gracias: A thousand thanks

Use them every day. Whether you’re asking for food, directions, or help, being polite is always the best idea.

4. ¿Cuánto cuesta? – Asking About Prices

Shopping is a big part of visiting Mexico. From markets to stores, you’ll want to ask how much something costs. Use this phrase:

¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost?

You can also try:

“¿Me puede dar un mejor precio?” (Can you give me a better price?) This is common in markets where haggling is usual.

Understanding prices is key for language survival in Mexico and might save you money too!

5. No hablo español – If You Don’t Speak Spanish

If someone speaks too fast or uses words you don’t know, it’s okay to admit it. Say:

No hablo español: I don’t speak Spanish

You can also ask:

¿Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?

These phrases are helpful when you feel stuck. Don’t worry many Mexicans are patient and will appreciate your effort. It’s all part of learning Spanish for traveling in Mexico.

6. ¿Me puede ayudar? – Asking for Help

Need help finding something or understanding directions? Ask:

¿Me puede ayudar?: Can you help me?

It’s polite and respectful. For example:

“¿Me puede ayudar a encontrar mi hotel?” (Can you help me find my hotel?)

This is an important part of your travel Spanish Mexico guide and great for moments when you feel unsure.

7. Estoy perdido / perdida – When You’re Lost

Getting lost can happen to anyone. If you need help finding your way, say:

Estoy perdido (I’m lost – male speaker)
Estoy perdida (I’m lost – female speaker)

You can also ask:

¿Puede mostrarme en el mapa?: Can you show me on the map?

These phrases are key to your Spanish in Mexico survival kit.

8. La cuenta, por favor – At a Restaurant

Eating in Mexico is amazing from tacos and tamales to sweet churros. But how do you ask for the bill after eating?

Say:

La cuenta, por favor: The bill, please

To order food, try:

Quisiera...: I would like...

Example: “Quisiera un taco de pescado, por favor.” (I’d like a fish taco, please.)

Use this Mexico Spanish basics phrase every time you enjoy local food.

9. Lo siento – Apologizing Politely

Mistakes happen. Maybe you bump into someone or make an error when ordering food. Be kind and say:

Lo siento: I’m sorry

Other useful words:

Perdón: Pardon me
Disculpe: Excuse me (more formal)

Apologizing kindly helps keep things positive and shows respect for the culture. It’s a must in any Spanish travel survival guide.

10. ¿Qué recomienda? – Ask Locals for Advice

Want to find the best tacos, coolest beach, or hidden gems? Ask a local:

¿Qué recomienda?: What do you recommend?

Use it at a restaurant, market, or while sightseeing. Examples:

“¿Qué recomienda de este menú?” (What do you recommend from the menu?)
“¿Qué lugares recomienda visitar?” (What places do you recommend visiting?)

Locals know the best spots this is a great way to go beyond tourist areas and enjoy a more authentic trip.

Why These Phrases Matter

These phrases are more than just words they help you connect. With just a little travel Spanish, your trip to Mexico becomes more comfortable and exciting. You’ll be able to:

Ask for directions
Order delicious food
Shop with confidence
Make new friends
Show kindness and respect

Using this Spanish language guide for traveling in Mexico makes your experience richer, safer, and more fun.

Final Travel Language Tips for Mexico

Learn a few numbers in Spanish to handle money and prices.
Practice your pronunciation before your trip apps can help.
Download a Spanish translator app for backup.
Always smile and be polite people respond well to kindness.
Remember: Effort matters more than perfection!

Conclusion: Survive and Thrive with Spanish in Mexico

Traveling is about more than sightseeing it’s about connecting. With these 10 key Spanish phrases for Mexico, you can enjoy your trip. You'll explore freely and connect with locals in a fun and respectful way.

This Spanish for traveling in Mexico guide helps you survive the basics and thrive in every conversation. You’ll also want to learn some Mexican Spanish slang and etiquette to really connect with the locals. Asking for directions, shopping at a market, or simply saying “Hola” all lead to new experiences.

So grab your bag, pack this Mexico travel language guide, and get ready for a journey full of adventure, learning, and great memories. ¡Buen viaje! (Have a good trip!)

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.