You don’t need to sound like a telenovela star to survive Mexico, but knowing a few local phrases will take you far. Locals love it when you try (bonus points if you roll your R’s like you’re revving a tiny engine). Here are 10 handy phrases that’ll make your trip smoother, sassier and significantly more charming.
1. Hola
👋 Oh-lah
Hello. Simple, sweet and essential. Use it liberally and often, like sunscreen in Cancún.
2. ¿Cuánto cuesta?
💰 Kwan-toh kwes-tah
How much does it cost? Useful when buying souvenirs, tacos or that slightly questionable hammock.
3. Una cerveza, por favor
🍺 Oo-nah sehr-veh-sah, por fah-vor
One beer, please. If you only learn one phrase, let it be this.
4. ¿Dónde está el baño?
🚽 Don-deh ess-tah el bah-nyo
Where’s the bathroom? Crucial after that third michelada or suspicious street tamale.
5. No, gracias
🙅♂️ Noh, grah-syahs
No, thank you. A polite yet firm way to say “I don’t need another sombrero.”
6. La cuenta, por favor
📄 Lah kwen-tah, por fah-vor
The bill, please. Say this when you’re ready to pay, not when you’ve just ordered your second margarita.
7. ¿Habla inglés?
🗣️ Ah-blah een-glehs?
Do you speak English? Ask kindly and don’t assume they do. You’re in their country, remember?
8. Perdón / Disculpe
😅 Pehr-don / Dees-kool-peh
Excuse me or sorry. Whether you’ve bumped someone, stepped on a foot or accidentally entered the wrong bathroom — this one’s your safety net.
9. Estoy perdido/a
🧭 Ess-toy pehr-dee-doh (male) / pehr-dee-dah (female)
I’m lost. Happens to the best of us, especially in towns with no street signs and three streets named “Benito Juárez”.
10. ¡Qué rico!
😋 Keh ree-koh
How delicious! Use it for tacos, tamales, tortas and everything else that made you audibly moan with joy.
Pack these phrases in your brain like you would pack extra underwear — you’ll definitely use them and you’ll feel better for it. ¡Buena suerte!
If you’re looking for Mexican Spanish travel phrase books, I have included a link to Amazon* to help you find a few great options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful phrases include greetings, polite expressions, asking for directions, ordering food and basic shopping terms in Spanish.
English is commonly spoken in major tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases is very helpful for smoother communication.
Basic Spanish phrases are generally easy to learn and can greatly improve travel experiences in Mexico.
Discover more Mexico travel tips:
- Using these essential Mexico travel hacks can help you plan efficiently and enjoy a smoother trip across the country.
- Following these important things you shouldn’t do as a tourist in Mexico helps you avoid cultural misunderstandings and travel more respectfully.
- Discovering the top adventure activities in Cancún is a great way to enjoy beaches, water sports, nightlife and coastal excursions.
*This article contains affiliate link. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
