What I love about Mexico is the multitude of tiny mom and pop stores (tiendas) located on every corner and popping out of every crevice. They are usually open from 8 am until 10 pm, even on major holidays. So if you run out of milk, eggs, coffee or other basic product, no problem. There’s no need to get in a car and drive to a supermarket. Help is around the corner…literally.
Just remember to have plenty of coins or small bills, otherwise you may find yourself forced to buying much more than you need, or walking from store to store until you find one that has enough money to give you change. Also, tiendas tend to have the shelves filled mostly with junk foods and sweets, so they are not likely to fulfill all your grocery needs.
In any case, don’t get too comfortable, and don’t even try to figure out the Mexican way of doing business. As soon you get used to a particular brand, the store will switch to another. As soon as you find a store carrying your favorite product, they will discontinue it. When you have a shopping emergency, all the stores will likely be out of whatever you need. And when you finally give up, go to the local supermarket, and fill your shopping cart to the brim…you may learn that the supply of plastic bags did not arrive that day.
So, next time you go shopping, keep a spare plastic bag in your pocket, and keep smiling.
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