Here are some things to help you prepare for your holiday in Zihuatanejo. Mexico uses the same outlets as we do in the States and Canada, so no need for an outlet converter. Power is reliable, so you can probably leave your portable charge block at home, too. I’ve included links to some of the items below.

• Your ATM Card and a good credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. ATM’s are the best way to get cash, and grocery stores and more expensive / nicer restaurants will accept credit cards. We use the Chase Sapphire Reserve. If you’re interested this card, click here to learn more or apply. You can earn up to 80,000 points as a new cardholder, worth $1,200 in travel. Every couple years we earn a free flight with this card. We also have airport lounge access, free Global Entry, and more. Plus there aren’t foreign transaction fees.
• If you want a great no annual fee credit card, then the American Express Hilton Honors is the way to go. No foreign exchange fees, no annual fee, and 80,000 points for signing up, good for between one and eight free nights in Hilton properties throughout the world. Click Here to Apply.
• Can Cooler: We purchased a YETI can cooler for $25 and it was possibly the best investment we ever made. Now we use our Zihua can cooler on a daily basis to keep our beer cold to the last drop. It is stainless steel, vacuum insulated and sweat proof! Some vendors and stores sell these for 200 pesos, or we can deliver them locally to you at the same price (email me at utsportsguy@yahoo.com).
• Collapsible Water Bottle: If you drink a lot of water, bring one of these and help save the environment. Especially in a place like Mexico which is still a little behind with the recycling.
• Hand Sanitizer: Not all Mexican bathrooms meet the standards of your home country. And this was on my packing list before sanitizer became more sought after than gold
• Microfiber Quick-Dry Travel Towel: These are really great – we use our for day trips when we don’t want to pack a big beach towel.
• Packing Cubes: We almost always pack carry-on only, so we’ve quickly fallen in love with packing cubes. If you pack with a giant checked suitcase then these may not be for you. If you pack light, then these are pretty great for organizing your stuff.
• Reusable bags: Zihua is plastic bag-free, so if you plan on buying groceries, it’s BYOBag
• Glasses / Sunglasses, Extra Contact Lens
• Camera, Cell Phone, Phone Charger
• Tylenol (we’ve all had a couple too many Mexican margaritas). The aspirin is not the same brands and names, so bring what’s familiar.
• Portable speaker for the pool: Please ask your pool neighbors first before playing any music
• Copy of your passport: Leave the passport in the casa safe
• Immodium AD: You’ll be fine. But still, better be safe than sorry
• Flashlight: A phone flashlight generally works good enough. You never know when you want to hang out on the beach at 1am
• Mosquito Repellant: If you are coming between July and October, you need a good DEET-Free repellant. This one is the best.
• Pocket Rain Poncho: If you are coming between July and October, then you should at least have this in your bag along with the above repellant. They don’t occupy any space in your bag. And, although the rainy season is short, if you’re caught in a downpour in September you won’t regret paying a buck and packing this
• Flight essentials: sleep mask, ear plugs, neck cushion, motion sickness pills (may also come in handy if you do a Catamaran sunset cruise or go fishing)
• Other handy items: notepad, pens, frisbee, snorkel gear, pool goggles, kindle or books, watch, GoPro, portable cooler, and anything else to make your stay more enjoyable
• If you don’t have travel insurance, I would recommend Safety Wing. I use them for Global Impact Homes, my nonprofit corporation’s international volunteer trips. https://safetywing.com/a/24747291
• If you want a Bear Naked Bungalows t-shirt or tank top, they can be purchased on Amazon here: T-shirts and Tank Tops

Remember, that many things can be purchased in Zihua. Here is a list of things that you can easily buy in Zihua if you choose to do so, or forget to pack, or want to support the local economy: sunscreen, wet wipes, contact lens solution, batteries, gum, candy, hats, deodorant, ear buds, bottle opener, bug spray, shampoo, laundry detergent, and fingernail clippers.

We include some things you would normally pack or are sometimes required to buy on arrival: playing cards, bottle opener, hand soap, dish soap and sponge, pool towels and bathroom towels, binoculars, toilet paper, paper towels

Don’t forget to keep a hard copy of your flight itinerary and the address of your final destination in Mexico on you. If your bank or cell phone company requires you informing them when you leave the country, make that call as well.