Mexico may be better known for its tacos, tequilas and tamales. However, just as fresh and local are the foods from the outdoor mercaditos.
What is a mercadito? At these markets, you can expect to find anything and everything from clothing, sweets, cables for your phone, to fruits, herbs and handmade guacamole.
Mexico City, the country’s capital, host an array of markets throughout the week. Sunday mornings are particularly special, with many families working together, others coming from church, and gringos like myself, pouring to the streets with pesos in hand to do their compras, or, shopping.
Want to find the freshest of fresh fruits you can find in this concrete jungle? Then, skip the grocery stores, and head to the markets. Here are 7 tips to help you shop like a local while exploring the mercaditos in Mexico City:
7 Tips To Shop the Local Mercaditos of Mexico:
- Bring Pesos: There are no credit cards accepted here, and any U.S. dollar or foreign currency typically isn’t accepted, nor will warrant you the correct change. There are ATMs on the streets you can use; however, expect to pay a pretty penny in bank fees. Plan ahead before arriving, getting some pesos back on your home turf.
- BYOB (bring your own bags): Plastic waste is a global issue, and there’s no shortage of plastic bags being used in these markets. Why? They’re cheap, easy and disposable. Bring a reusable bag that folds up to keep always in your carry-on and bring with you anywhere you travel. The locals and the planet thank you.
- Pass on Samples: Unless it has a peel like a banana, pass. The outside skins of the fruits and veggies aren’t washed (promise you) and if you have a sensitive stomach like myself (gringos!), one trial bite can cause you three days of travelers’ diarrhea. Wash what you buy thoroughly once you’re back at the apartment or hotel, then enjoy (safely)!
- Don’t haggle or bargain: While it is a market, it’s not the price is right. Not all prices are marked; however, it’s good manners not to argue with the pricing. Nod kindly and accept. If it’s really more than you wanted to pay, simply say with honesty and kindness, “Disculpe, pero, no gracias,” and move on.
- Leave your “best” at home: The big rings, your fancy watch, the designer handbag, and all of your traveler cash — just leave it back at the hotel or apartment and go basic. While the markets are safe, being “local” isn’t about showing off your high-end goods. Plus, you can be up-charged for your produce if it appears you have it. And, in that case, definitely don’t bargain (see #4).
- Go deep beyond the perimeters: It can be easy to shop what’s just on the outside stands. However, the further in you’re willing to explore, the better prices, and even better discoveries you may find. Plus, travel is all about discovery, so why play safe with just skirting what’s on the outside?
- Talk with the merchants: A mercadito goes way beyond your typical grocery store. Here, you can talk to, converse and ask their expertise for what you’re looking for. Want a papaya today? They won’t sell you something that isn’t ripe for now. Craving an aguacate to have with your breakfast mañana? Get ready for the best avocado toast you’ve ever had on both sides of the border. They know their product, and what they’re doing. Ask, and trust! Now that you’ve got the basic buying tips down, it’s time to get you prepared with the language that will help you along the way. Just in case, Spanish isn’t your first, second, or any one of your languages.
Phrases to Get you Started - ¿Cuánto cuesta este? How much is this?
- Para hoy/mañana. For today/tomorrow.
- ¿Cómo se llama esta fruta/verdura? What do you call this fruit/vegetable?
- Tengo una bolsa, ¡gracias! I have a bag, thanks!
- Me gustaría un poco mas/menos. I would like a bit more/less.
- Disculpe, pero, no gracia. Sorry, but no thanks.
- Muchas gracias, ¡buen fin! Thank you so much, have a great weekend! A basic rule of thumb when it comes to shopping in any foreign country: being kind and a smile go a long way. Traveling has that magical ability to bring us all closer together in a single human race called kindness.
For more information on Sara, you can find her at
www.LiveFreeWarrior.com
