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Renting a car is the best way to see Mexico: you get to see many places off the beaten track and travel at your own pace. Sounds awesome, right?
👉 But before you rent a car in Mexico, there are a few things you should know.
First, stay away from low bait-and-switch offers that advertise prices as low as $5-10 per day. Many times, this too-good-to-be-true price is only a shield for an exorbitant rate that involves car insurance and fees.
To avoid mistakes and save money, read my complete guide to renting a car in Mexico 🚗
A contract attached to a car rental agreement specifies what your rate is going to cover. If you have questions, ask your car rental company to make sure you understand what you are paying for.
Whether you want to explore the Yucatan Peninsula , Baja California or take a road trip through Chiapas , rent a car with Discover Cars that has affordable rates and good inventory in many destinations in Mexico.
I rented my cars from Discover Cars several times, and always loved their service and affordable rates.
Haggling isn’t a thing in Mexico, but you can still try it, depending on the situation. For example, you could try to lower a price a bit while getting a taxi or buying a souvenir from a street vendor.
👉 When taking a taxi in Mexico, always negotiate a price upfront. Most taxi drivers in Mexico are willing to haggle at least a little bit, so if a rate seems high, ask to lower it before agreeing on the final price .
Spending your entire vacation is one of the worst mistakes in Mexico.
The country has some of the most amazing deals on all-inclusive hotels in places like Cancun , Cabo San Lucas , and Puerto Vallarta . While these places have great buffets, and relaxing spas, you don’t have to spend all your money to stay there.
Mid-range and even budget hotels in Mexico can be great stays, so always check your options. My favorite websites for finding great bargains on hotels in Mexico are Hotels.com and Agoda.com.
Depending on the time of your visit to Mexico, prices on hotels can fluctuate greatly.
For example, coastal areas like Baja California , Nayarit and the Rivera Maya have the highest prices on hotels and tours from December through April, when the weather is dry and sunny, and many visitors from colder climates seek warm getaways.
If possible, plan your trip during the shoulder season from November through early December and from April through late May to get good deals.
Colectivos are small shared vans that are a great if you are looking to save some cash. ADO buses can get you around Mexico, as they have routes in many regions of the country, but colectivos are mostly local and can get you from one town to another for a relatively small price (20 to 50 Mexican Pesos).
Colectivos are common in Yucatan, but you can also find them in other places like Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Not all ATM’s in Mexico are the same when it comes to commissions. Some banks like HSBC can charge high fees upward of 70 Mexican Pesos per transaction.
Santander and Banko Azteca ATM’s have lower fees (just over 30 Pesos per transaction), and they are easy to find around airports, bus stations, and other major areas.
One of my main Mexico tips is to always have Mexican Pesos in your wallet.
While some businesses accept credit cards (or tarjetas in Spanish) in tourist zones, you should always carry Mexican Pesos with you.
This is especially true if you plan to take a road trip or stop in one of Mexico’s small towns where credit cards might be accepted only in select stores and restaurants.
Street vendors and local artisans in Mexican mercados (or markets) accept only cash.
You are going to traverse rural areas with limited options for food and services while traveling around Mexico, and it’s essential to have at least some cash in your pocket.
I’ve taken many road trips around Mexico, some of which took over 10 hours, and most of the time the only way to pay for food, bathrooms and everything else on the road was with cash.
When visiting popular destinations in Mexico, try to eat where locals eat.
Popular areas have many restaurants, but prices there are often geared toward tourists and tend to be much higher than in restaurants frequented by locals. Eating in local restaurants is the best way to experience the Mexican gastronomy, and you will avoid paying high prices of popular tourist spots.
Mexico tips: culture.
Getting outside of your comfort zone is one of my main tips for visiting the country.
It could be very tempting to spend your entire vacation in the comfort zone of Cancun or Cabo San Lucas all-inclusive resorts , but I don’t recommend doing it for one simple reason:
You will miss out on Mexico’s cultural landmarks.
Mexico is full of historical sites, wonderful cities, and Mayan ruins where you can learn the country’s pre-colonial history, interact with locals, and taste regional Mexican dishes.
While you can explore Mexico by public transportation or take, renting a car will give you the most freedom and flexibility. One of my top picks is DiscoverCars , that has flexible terms and ho hidden fees.
When you travel around Mexico, visit at least one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, or Magic Towns designated by the Mexican government because of their heritage and significance to the country’s culture.
When you visit these places, expect fewer businesses catering exclusively to tourists and more local flair which makes for an awesome cultural trip.
There are over 130 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico, and if you want to visit them, check my list of the best Pueblos Magicos.
Most people think about Mexico, they picture sun-drenched beaches and all-day margaritas.
But Mexico is so much more than that!
One destination that was overlooked in the past, but has become particularly popular is Mexico City.
The Mexican capital has emerged as one of the hottest destinations in Latin America with an incredible food scene, world-class museums and historic landmarks. Visiting Mexico City is one of my top tips for Mexico travel, if you want to learn the history of the country and better understand its culture.
I suggest no less than 5 days in Mexico City because there is too much to do here and you can take many day trips to see historic and natural landmarks within 1-2 hours from Mexico City.
Artisan markets in Mexico are part of the cultural experience 😊
Here you can buy everything from colorful textiles, handmade jewelry and clothing to home goods and so much more!
GOOD TO KNOW: Most popular destinations in the country like Mexico City, Oaxaca or San Cristobal De Las Casas have at least artisan market, but even resort towns like Playa del Carmen , Tulum or Puerto Vallarta have designated areas for artisans where you can buy handcraft goods and souvenirs.
Buying artisan goods is an excellent way to support local economy and make sure that your money goes to the people who live and work in the area.
Besides the famous staples such as tacos , burritos , and guacamole , Mexico boasts delicious regional cuisines in states like Oaxaca, Puebla and Yucatan that you shouldn’t miss.
Skipping local cuisine is one of the worst mistakes in Mexico, especially if you are staying in a big resort where everything is catered to you.
From tacos to churros and marquesitas (crispy crepes filled with chocolates or fruits) to delicious corn, Mexico has tons of delicious street food (la comida callejera in Spanish). Go ahead and treat your taste buds to some regional delicacies!
This might not be one of the most obvious Mexico travel tips but it’s important because you will get to try something delicious and support local vendors.
As someone who didn’t grow up eating spicy dishes, I have to warn you that food in Mexico can be super spicy.
One time I ordered a vegan pizza that had a flaming hot sauce on top of it, and it was the hottest pizza I’ve ever tried in my life! 🔥
When you go to a Mexican restaurant, always ask about how spicy your food will be. Your server will most likely bring three types of salsa ranging from mild, medium mild and very spicy. If you like hot food, trying them might be fun, but if you are like me, make sure to ask for non-spicy options.
Most people who work in Mexico’s tourism industry speak at least the basic level of English, but …
Speaking at least some Spanish can go a long way!
The further you get from the tourist zone, the less English you should expect. What’s great about visiting these places is that you can see the real Mexico!
When it comes to Mexico travel, many people are concerned about safety, but speaking the language makes you feel a lot safer as you can communicate and properly assess a situation. 😉
Grab a couple of textbooks and get your Spanish game on!
Mexico is a heaven for history buffs with thousands of ancient ruins, some which date 2,500-3,000 years back.
Before the arrival of Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century, Mexico was populated by Mayan people, among other indigenous groups, and the Mayan heritage is deeply entrenched into the country’s identity.
If you don’t have a car rental , the best way to explore Mayan ruins is by taking guided tours. Get Your Guide offers daily trips to some of the best archaeological areas in Mexico.
While you probably heard about the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of The World, Mexico has many less famous Mayan ruins like Coba that are just as impressive and important.
If you visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, don’t forget to take a dip in one of cenotes, water-filled caverns.
While some of the cenotes are above the ground, others are underground with many stalactites and stalagmites. Many of Mexico’s cenotes have options for snorkeling, and some even offer diving, like Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum.
Check my complete guide to some of the best cenotes near Tulum – some of the best cenotes in Mexico!
Swimming in Mexico’s cenotes is a unique experience that you will not get anywhere else in the world.
GOOD TO KNOW : Most cenotes in Mexico have entrance fees that have to be paid in cash. Many of them also offer lockers and snorkeling equipment for a small fee.
Most Mexican people are friendly and willing to help, especially when they see that you are a foreigner visiting their country.
They might be pitching tours or trying to sell you souvenirs, but besides this pushy attitude, they are nice and will answer any question you have.
Make sure to show good manners though.
While Mexican people are relaxed and informal, manners and politeness play a big role in the Mexican culture.
For example, strangers will address to you as usted (a polite form of you in Spanish), and staff will always greet you in stores and restaurants. You will often hear “Provecho” when you are dining out in restaurants, and you should do the same.
To make things easier, I put together a list of the most common phrases in Spanish . Please let me know if you have questions or want to know any other Mexico travel tips related to the language 😉
Don’t go to Central Mexico cities rocking your jean shorts and a crop top. This applies to both men and women. Sorry guys, I’m not sure what men fashion is like these days, but I hope you get the point.
Central Mexico is just one example.
Inland cities in Mexico like Puebla have a more conservative way of dressing, and you should bring some jeans, medium-length dresses and other clothes that to cover your legs and shoulders to avoid strange looks and unwanted attention.
The letter M stands for “mujeres” which is women in Spanish. The letter C stands for “caballeros” which means gentlemen in Spanish. This might not be obvious right away, but bathrooms in public places like restaurants and museums are generally well marked.
The general rule in Mexico is that you don’t throw any paper in a toilet. This is because the drainage systems in many parts of Mexico are very old and could quickly break down if they become clogged.
Many hotels have clear signs about it, but it might not be the case everywhere you go, so keep it in mind.
Mexican people like to use the word “ahorita,” which means right now. But when someone tells you “ahorita” it doesn’t mean that something will happen this very second, or in the next couple of minutes.
“Ahorita” could mean as little as a couple of minutes to a few hours, depending on the context. To avoid frustration, don’t expect that you will get something instantly when someone tells you “ahorita.”
If you are coming to Mexico from a Western country, be aware that that things rarely start on time. Mexican concept of time is more similar to Latin American countries than the United States or Western Europe.
If your tour is running 10 to 15 minutes late, or your appointment is late, this is nothing unusual. Don’t get upset or try to complain, simply accept it and go with the flow.
You shouldn’t leave your home and get on a road without comprehensive travel insurance.
Nobody goes on a trip expecting bad things to happen, but you never know what might occur on your next adventure.
World Nomads Insurance covers hospital visits, accidents, lost and damaged luggage as well as personal belongings, among other things. Those travelers who plan to stay in Mexico for an extended period of time, should consider Safety Wing , one of the best insurance options for long term travel.
If you are going on a road trip in Mexico, be prepared to drive through check points.
The government of Mexico takes many measures to keep the country safe, especially around tourist corridors, so it’s not uncommon to drive through military check points.
It might be intimidating, but unless you manage to draw some suspicion, you will be most likely asked to show your passport. Be polite, answer questions and be ready to open your vehicle for an inspection.
Is mexico safe to visit.
This is one of most common question that I get when I try to give someone one of my tips for Mexico. Taking into account the amount of bad press, the question isn’t surprising.
Mexico gets a lot of bad rep because of its problems with cartel violence.
Popular areas of Mexico are a lifeline of the country’s economy and are protected. That being said, crime does occur even in popular areas, and you should always be aware of your surroundings, no matter what part of Mexico you visit.
Check the situation in the place you plan to visit. Educate yourself on recent events and decide if visiting it is safe. If you are traveling to Mexico from the United States, check the U.S. Embassy Advisory for the most up-to-date information.
👉 Your travel safety is your responsibility.
As a rule, if something looks to be too good to be true, it probably is. Always follow your instincts and don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something!
Some of the most common Mexican scams are fake guides at entrances of major tourist areas trying to convince you that the only way tom visit is with a guided tour.
Another common scam in Mexico are unregistered taxis that are sometimes operated by professional criminals. Instead of hailing a cab, get a ride through Uber or other ride sharing app.
Finally, stay away from overly enthusiastic sales agents at airports and other areas frequented by tourists. They typically to sell you a time share with free breakfast, transportation and other cool “perks” that often come at super high prices.
Since carrying cash is one of my main Mexico travel tips, let’s also talk about ATM’s.
Although tourist scams in Mexico are not that common, one place where you can sometimes encounter them are ATM’s (or cajeros electronicos in Spanish).
Use ONLY ATMs associated with major banks like Santander , Scotia Bank or Banco Azteca to avoid trouble.
Avoid ATM’s that can be sometimes found in walls of random buildings. Criminals target these types of ATM’s by placing skimming devices trying to steal financial information from the debit and credit cards.
Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. This is a universal rule that you should always keep in mind while traveling the country.
Always buy bottled water when you travel around Mexico. Some hotels in Mexico offer free water in their lobbies, so don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle.
Exploring Mexico by car is a lot of fun, and you can have one of the best experiences of your life visiting different regions of the country. But before you get on the road, here’s what you need to know:
Depending on the region of Mexico, it’s a good idea to limit driving to day time. Some parts of the country are less safe than others, and you should check the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
To stay safe on the road, consider taking major highways in Mexico that in most cases have tolls. These highways are more expensive than secondary roads, but they are safer to travel on.
Avoid wearing jewelry and clothing that might suggest you have money.
Dress modestly and keep things simple, even when you are visiting popular destinations in Mexico. A pair of shorts and a basic t-shirt is a perfect outfit if you plan to spend a day adventuring and visiting historic landmarks. A fanny pack that you could wear on your waist in the front is also a good idea.
Carrying all your money in your bag is one of the worst mistakes in Mexico!
If you plan to explore all day long, leave your wallet in a safe in your hotel. Take enough cash and one credit card. In case you lose your bag, you will still have your wallet with other credit and debit cards.
While cleanliness standards are high in popular parts of Mexico that are frequented by international visitors, it’s not always the case in less developed, rural areas that see few tourists. Carrying sanitizer and wet wipes is a good idea while traveling in Mexico.
Mexico might be famous for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, but it is not all warm and balmy.
For example, the Pacific Coast of Mexico has a dry climate and Central and Northern Mexico have mountainous and desert areas which can get cold. If you are in the mountains, you might even see some snow.
Mexico City has a climate which is more in line with other cities in the Northern Hemisphere, so don’t forget to bring your jacket, especially in fall and winter.
In short, if you plan to hop around the country, one of my top Mexico travel tips is to bring more than just beachy clothes.
If you plan a fun getaway to Mexico’s Caribbean, be aware of the sargassum season that starts in late April when tons of seaweed gets washed ashore, affecting swimming conditions.
The issue of sargassum received a lot of attention in recent years especially in places like Tulum where many beaches were covered in this pesky seaweed.
Look up the Sargasso Monitoring Network of Cancun, that publishes frequent reports on conditions of Mexico’s Caribbean.
PRO TIP: Check this article to get the most detailed and up-to-date information on how to get from Cancun to Tulum and save money on transportation.
If you plan a trip to Mexico, don’t forget to stay connected while traveling around the country.📱
You can easily get a wi-fi connection in places like restaurants and hotels, but once you start getting away, your connection could disappear very quickly.
To avoid this situation, get a Telcel SIM cars in one of Telcel stores, (the largest carrier in Mexico).
VPN is a great way to protect your data while staying online. Remember that your data could be at risk every time you connect to a wi-fi in a public place. It only takes one wrong person to have your digital data stolen!
To protect your digital data while traveling in Mexico and other countries, Use Nord VPN, a trusted leader in customers’ data protection.
Most people in Mexico are paid twice a month, on the 15th and on the 30th, which means lines can be reeeeally long at ATMs on these days, especially during afternoons when everyone gets off work.
As a rule, avoid these days if you need to get some cash from your ATM.
One of the most obvious Mexico travel tips that is often overlooked is…
Don’t forget to book your flight early!
To find cheap flights to Mexico, visit Cheap Air, a website that offers incredible bargains on international flights. And the best thing, it does all the work for you!
Using the Cheap Air could help you save a ton of money during the high season (late November through April) and Spring Break when many North American tourists come to Mexico. And don’t forget about Christmas and New Year’s, the busiest time in the coastal areas of Mexico.
Not many people want to buy a tour.
Tours can be expensive, and you don’t have the same freedom as you do when you rent a car. But some places in Mexico are great for taking a guided tour to learn the history and culture of the region.
Guided tours are great for the ancient Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza , Uxmal , and Ek Balam as well as incredible waterfalls and Mayan ruins in the state of Chiapas.
You can also do a guided tour of cenotes , water-filled caverns that in the Yucatán Peninsula. This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of time and want to make the most out of your trip.
WhatsApp is used widely in Mexico for personal and professional communication.
If you travel to Mexico, you will find it very handy. Many tour agencies, car rental companies and even taxi drivers in Mexico communicate with their customers via WhatsApp.
It’s convenient and helps you to confirm everything and ask questions on the spot instead of having to wait for an email.
Geographically, Mexico is part of North America, but culturally, it’s a Latin American country. While smaller, more rural places in Mexico are more tranquillo (calm), bigger cities can be loud.
Let’s say you book a hotel in Playa Del Carmen on La Quinta Avenida. Don’t expect things to quiet down at 9 p.m.
If you stay in the center of action, be prepared for a lot of hustle and bustle outside your hotel well into the night and bring your ear plugs unless you can sleep with the noise.
Mexico has several big days that are important to know to better plan your trip. Mexican people take pride in these holidays and spend with their friends and family to celebrate these special dates. Some businesses might also be closed during these days.
In the United States, many people know Cinco de Mayo as one of the most popular Mexican holidays.
While Mexico observes this day with re-inactions of the Battle of Puebla, and other festivities marking the historic date, it’s not a federal holiday and offices, schools and businesses remain open.
Mexico has pretty straightforward entry requirements.
While citizens of the United States and many European countries don’t need a visa to enter the country, it’s not the case for everybody. Residents of other countries for example, are required to get an e-visa before arriving in Mexico. Check your visa requirements before planning a trip to Mexico.
You can travel around Mexico by bus very inexpensively, and there are several bus companies that serve different parts of the country.
If you have traveled to Yucatan, you might be familiar with ADO, a bus company that serves the region.
ADO buses are very clean, modern and very affordable, of all things! You can easily travel by bus between different cities in Mexico, while paying as little as $10 USD (This is what I paid for some of travels around Yucatan).
ADO also has an app, which is great for those travelers who don’t speak Spanish, as staff in ticket offices sometimes speak very little English, and might not be able to be able to help you, if you have a questions.
Mexico is a vast country with many regional and geographical differences.
While you might have seen the Mexican culture in movies and images produced by the Western pop-culture, you shouldn’t come here expecting to see familiar stereotypes on every corner.
For example, the north of the country near the U.S. border is drastically different from southern states like Oaxaca and Chiapas . Baja California, a peninsula that separates Mexico’s Pacific from the Sea of Cortez is different from the country’s mainland.
Mexico is a huge and driving distances can be really long, depending on your itinerary.
For example, you begin your trip in Yucatán and plan to travel north, make sure to allocate extra time for your time on the road whether you are traveling by car or by bus. One of my top Mexico travel tips is to allocate enough time for your trip.
Taking domestic flights in Mexico will you save a lot of time!
AeroMexico is the most expensive and reputable carrier; Volarís is another popular (and slightly less pricey) option, and VivaAerobus is the budget airline that has the least stellar reputation because of its nickel-and-dime practices.
The company charges you extra for checking in your luggage, paying for tickets with a credit card and everything in between.
To put it short, taking a flight in Mexico will cost you more money than taking a bus, but it will save you hours that you could spend exploring a new destination.
Not leaving a gratuity is one of the worst mistakes in Mexico!
In Mexico, you are expected to leave from 10 to 20 percent of your total bill as a tip. Waiters and waitresses in Mexico make low hourly wages, so your gratuity goes a long way.
✅ Check my complete guide to tipping in Mexico to find out how much you should tip your tour guide.
Unless the service was absolutely horrible, you should leave about 15 percent of your total bill.
Also, you might notice that service here is generally slower compared to the U.S. and Europe.
Mexican people take their time, so don’t expect your server to check on you constantly and ask if you are doing OK. And when the time comes to pay your bill, it might take a bit longer.
You too, should enjoy your meal and take things a bit slower!
Museums in Mexico are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Also, Mexican nationals and permanent residents don’t pay for museums on Sundays which is why they are normally busy on these days. Plan your visit to Mexican museums either on Tuesday of Friday when they are less crowded.
Here are a couple of important museums in Mexico:
Planning a trip can be hectic, especially if you have never been to Mexico. I hope my tips help you plan your trip and make it easier, safer and answer most of your questions.
Remember that while you can’t prepare for everything, you can always bring a good attitude and positive mindset on your trip.
If you want to visit multiple locations in Mexico check some of my tips on how to get ready for your trip:
This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get about Mexico travel! Thanks to news headlines, some think that Mexico is a crime-ridden, poor country where tourists get mugged and kidnapped.
But this is completely wrong!
Some parts of Mexico have been affected by cartel violence and are NOT recommended for foreign visitors.
But not all of the country is dangerous.
Wherever you travel, always use common sense and keep a low profile, to avoid attention. Leave your flashy clothes and jewelry at home and remember that if something seems to be good to be true, it probably is!
Mexico is a big country full of contrasts, diverse landscapes and wonderful cultural and historic sites. It can take months to explore. If you plan to stay on the road for a few months, I recommend getting Safety Wing , one of the most popular options for long-term travelers.
If you are traveling to Mexico from the United States, Canada or Europe, you don’t need a visa for Mexico. All you need to do is fill out a form that you will need to keep and turn in when you leave the country. It’s important to keep it safe, because if you lose it, you will need to pay a fine.
Visa requirements for Mexico have recently changed and if you plan on staying in the country for an extended period of time, you may have to answer some questions about how you plan to support yourself while staying in the country.
👉 iVisa is a great resource for helping you to navigate the process and get your Mexico visa, if you want to stay here for an extended period of time.
Driving in Mexico is one of the hot-button topics thanks to the headlines in the American news. The safety of driving in Mexico depends largely on where you are. Some states are less safe than others. For example the Yucatan Peninsula is considered safe for driving, while some states in central and northern Mexico are much less so.
To stay safe while driving in Mexico, use major highways which have tolls and limit your driving to day time.
Check my complete guide on renting a car in Mexico to learn my tips for driving in Mexico .
No, you can’t. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Mexico, and you should bring a refillable water bottle on your trip or buy bottled water.
Planning a trip soon? Here's what you need to know.
Editor's note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.
While the idea of jetting off to Mexico for a week has even the best of us dreaming of our next getaway, there a few things to be aware of while planning a trip while the country is still grappling with COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned Americans against traveling to Mexico last month and the State Department has classified the country under a Level 3 warning , advising Americans to "reconsider travel," but that hasn't stopped travelers in search of beaches, Mayan ruins , and tequila .
In fact, those searching for a 2021 vacation consistently targeted Mexico with Cancun and a grouping of Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum coming in as the top two most-wished-for beach spots, according to an Expedia travel forecast .
To visit safely in this time, here's everything you need to know about traveling to Mexico.
The short answer is yes, Mexico is one of the countries allowing American tourists to plan a vacation. And while U.S. citizens can't drive into the country for nonessential travel, they can fly there. Over the summer and fall, airlines like United Airlines and Southwest started adding flights to popular spots, including Cancun , San Jose del Cabo , Puerto Vallarta , and Mexico City .
The country's many resorts have also adjusted to COVID-19 , adopting health guidelines from offering plenty of sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and masks to taking advantage of the naturally outdoor lifestyle (hello romantic dinner on the beach).
In total, Mexico has reported more than 1.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus, including more than 141,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University , which tracks cases worldwide.
Cases in Mexico are currently on an upward trajectory on a seven-day rolling average. As of Jan. 18, the country reported 15,410 cases on a seven day rolling average, a 64% increase over two weeks, according to The New York Times .
Anyone arriving at an airport in Mexico should expect to be subject to health screenings like temperature checks, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico. Passengers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may also be subject to additional health screenings and/or quarantine.
Mexico has created a color-coded stoplight system to categorize states based on their COVID-19 situation. The list, which is based on new cases, hospitalizations, hospital occupancy rates, and percentage of positive cases, is continually updated, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico .
Only essential activities are allowed in states that are considered "red," which currently includes Mexico City. In those states, hotels are limited to 25 percent occupancy for people who are there for critical activities.
In states that are designated "orange," hotels and restaurants are allowed to operate at 50% capacity. This currently includes popular spots like Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, and Jalisco.
If a state is designated "yellow," public spaces can open, and in states under the "green" category, all social and economic activities are permitted.
All international travelers returning to the U.S., including those coming from Mexico, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within 72 hours of their departure. The test, which the CDC says can be a nucleic acid amplification test or rapid antigen test, must be presented to the airline before boarding a flight to America.
Children under 2 years old are exempt.
States in Mexico have been increasingly offering COVID-19 tests both at airports and hotels. Those traveling to Cabo San Lucas will be able to get a COVID-19 test on-site of their hotel or timeshare. Travelers heading out of Mérida International Airport in Yucatan and Guanajuato International Airport in Guanajuato will also be able to get tested at the airport.
Passengers who have recently recovered from COVID-19 and are no longer contagious can present documentation of their positive test results and a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official that states they have been cleared for travel in lieu of a negative test.
Travelers who have been vaccinated are not exempt from the testing requirement.
Mexico has several approved laboratories for viral testing and many local hospitals, clinics, and laboratories offer private testing for travel purposes, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico.
Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .
Roaming Around the World
Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales
February 28, 2023 By John Widmer 1 Comment
Mexico is such a spectacular travel destination. Visitors to Mexico are regularly wowed by its warm culture, delicious cuisine, fascinating archeological sites, beautiful beaches, and charming traditions.
Yet before packing your bags to enjoy the country’s splendors, there are lots of Mexico travel tips and cultural advice for visitors to be aware of when traveling to Mexico. We regularly see many of the same questions about traveling to Mexico within travel forums, nomad groups, and expat chats. So after spending a good part of the past decade traveling across and temporarily living in over half of Mexico’s 32 states, we wanted to publish this in-depth roundup of the best Mexico travel tips to help visitors travel throughout the country.
These Mexico travel tips aim to help prepare for a trip to Mexico by arming travelers with local knowledge, cultural etiquette, and money-saving tips.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler to Mexico, looking to delve deeper into the country, or even considering Mexico as a place to live as an expat or digital nomad, this article is for you. It’s our hope these Mexico travel tips provide many resources for smooth travels, staying safe, and having fun within this beautiful country!
🌮 Eating & Drinking Mexico Travel Tips 🚽 Bathroom Tips When Traveling Mexico 🇲🇽 Mexico Cultural & Etiquette Tips ✈️ Tips for Traveling into + Getting around Mexico ☠️ Is Mexico Safe? Safety Tips in Mexico 💵 Money-Saving Mexico Travel Tips 💡 Practicalities and More Mexico Travel Tips
In our opinion, Mexican food is one of the best cuisines in the world. So be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy it throughout your Mexico travels. But new visitors can take some modest precautions to lessen the risk of getting sick when exploring Mexico’s cuisine.
Also, it’s recommended that travelers to Mexico come with an open mind about the cuisine you’ll find. Understand that Mexican cuisine can be misunderstood and misrepresented when prepared elsewhere around the world. For example, Tex-Mex cuisine can be delicious, but it’s sometimes incorrectly labeled as Mexican cuisine, which can be vastly different. Many first-time visitors to Mexico are surprised by the array of fantastic local dishes that await them.
It is best to strictly avoid drinking tap water in Mexico . There is a risk that water from the faucet contains contaminants, like bacteria, that can cause illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea. So do not drink tap water in Mexico.
That said, if you’re served a glass of water at a restaurant in Mexico, it’s likely fine to drink . Restaurants only offer purified water. Often patrons will purchase a bottle of water, typically ordered as “agua natural,” in which you’ll receive a bottle of water.
Sometimes complimentary water may be served at restaurants in Mexico too. If so, this water is typically purified water (from a big 5-gallon jug known as a garrafón ), not from a faucet. This is completely fine to drink.
So don’t hesitate to drink water at restaurants in Mexico. This Mexico travel tip also extends to water-based drinks, such as limondas and aguas frescas . These water-based beverages are made from purified water in Mexico, so it’s all good. Even street vendors use purified water in their beverages. So drink up and stay hydrated!
It’s typically fine to consume ice in Mexico.
There is long-standing advice warning visitors to forgo drinks with ice in Mexico. This is out of an abundance of caution from fear that the ice is made with tap water. But this Mexico travel tip to avoid ice tends to be outdated. In 2024, ice served in Mexico’s restaurants and bars is nearly always made from purified water and is safe for consumption.
Even street vendors selling horchatas and aguas frescas typically make their beverages with purified ice. You can easily tell because of the ice’s manufactured, often tubular, shape. If ever in doubt and want to be extra safe, you can always forgo ice. But doing so is likely unnecessary.
Visitors to Mexico generally should not be afraid of drinks with ice. So have that frozen margarita and enjoy it!
It can also be helpful to know that much of Mexico’s local cuisine is regional and can even be hyper-local . For example, Yucatan cuisine (e.g., cochinita pibil ) is very different than Oaxacan cuisine (e.g., moles ). The city of Puebla takes pride in its cemitas (sandwiches), while in Guadalajara it’s the torta ahogada sandwiches that reign supreme. The Veracruz-style fish (with tomato, capers, and olives) found along the Gulf is a much different presentation compared to the Baja-style fish tacos found on the Pacific side of the country. Speaking of tacos, there are so many regional taco varieties in Mexico that there’s even an entire Netflix series to be devoted to it.
Doing a bit of research about the local dishes specific to the state or city you’re visiting can ultimately reward your taste buds.
Here are just a few regional specialties in Mexico to get you started:
There are also many famous dishes you can try throughout much of Mexico. Although hailing from Puebla, mole poblano is considered the national dish of Mexico. If visiting during the first half of September leading up to Mexico’s Independence Day, it’s traditional to eat chiles en nogada , often considered a national dish. Of course, there are always tacos , considered by many to also be a national dish of Mexico and can be a delicious idea throughout the entire country!
Our advice: make a plan to eat local . Arrive hungry. Enjoy all of Mexico’s delicious cuisine!
Yes, it can be. But follow the recommended hygiene tips.
Whether or not to eat street food in Mexico is a question that always seems to come up and is frequently debated. Ultimately, the answer can come down to personal preference and risk tolerance. Eating street food in Mexico does carry some minimal risk. But it’s a risk that can easily be mitigated.
The CDC suggests that “Street vendors…may not be held to the same hygiene standards as restaurants, so eat food from street vendors with caution.”
Travelers to Mexico can experience an upset stomach when eating street food. Visitors freshly arriving to Mexico on a quick trip may want to proceed with caution as a safeguard to thwart the unfortunate possibility of traveler’s diarrhea. Avoiding street food can be an overcautious yet safe approach to help stay well. But in doing so, you’ll also miss out on lots of yummy food.
While it is possible to get sick from street food in Mexico, the same can be said for restaurants, whether in Mexico or elsewhere. The key to mitigating risk when eating street food in Mexico is ensuring good hygiene is being used by each vendor.
If you choose to partake in the many stalls set up along the streets, here are our best Mexico street food tips to follow :
On a personal note, we regularly (often daily) eat all the delicious street food we can devour in Mexico. During the many years we’ve traveled/lived in Mexico, we did get food illness once. But it was from a restaurant, not street food.
Upon getting situated at a restaurant in Mexico, crispy tortilla chips and delicious salsas are sometimes brought to the table, complimentary. North of the border, we’re accustomed to dipping into the salsa directly with a chip. But in Mexico, it’s more customary to instead spoon the salsa onto your chip and other food items.
Also, realize that salsas come in varying levels of spiciness. So try a little dab to test it out before piling a heaping spoonful onto your chip, potentially setting your mouth on fire.
Lastly, know that the color of the salsa is not necessarily a good indicator of how spicy the salsa may be. Regardless of whether it’s red or green, all salsas can be made mild or hot depending on the amount and type of chili used.
Eating times in Mexico may be different compared to your home country. Mealtimes are much later in Mexico! A big lunch after 2:00 pm and a light dinner after 8:00 pm is standard across much of Mexico.
For visitors to Mexico who are accustomed to eating lunch around Noon, then dinner around 6 pm, you’ll find restaurants may be empty or closed altogether during those times. To adjust to Mexico’s eating times, you may need to alter your eating times a few hours later.
But don’t worry. These traditionally later mealtimes aren’t as pronounced in Mexico’s resort areas catering to tourists. In Mexico’s tourist destinations, mealtimes often accommodate the home preferences of the international crowd. So you may not even notice the later eating hours in places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Yet elsewhere throughout Mexico, you’ll find restaurants opening later and people dining later.
Here’s what to expect for Mexico mealtimes :
It is customary and expected to tip restaurant servers in Mexico. But tipping etiquette in Mexico may be different than where you’re from. In Mexico, expect to tip 10%-15%+ in restaurants .
In no-frills joints and taquerias , a 10% tip can suffice, adjusting upwards based on the service and/or your generosity.
In proper restaurants and/or for great service, a tip of 15% or more is a nice gesture that will be appreciated by deserving wait staff.
It’s not common for restaurants in Mexico to add a tip or a service fee to your receipt. But this practice has been known to occur on occasion. This practice is more common in Mexico’s touristic hotspots and when dining in large groups.
Occasionally, restaurants may add in a suggested tip or service fee and will include this in the total. If a restaurant does this, usually it’s in the amount of 15% of the total bill.
In these instances where you see a line item such as servicio (service) or propina (tip), then don’t feel obligated to tip further.
Some diners become aggravated when a suggested tip is on the bill. If so, just know that you can adjust this suggested tip upward or downward if you wish. Personally, whenever we’ve seen a tip already on the bill, we just leave it on to make the tipping process easier, as we tend to tip 15% anyways.
So just be cautious to check if a suggested tip is listed and included in the total. That way you don’t unknowingly tip double.
Note: do not confuse an added tip with the IVA. The IVA is a mandatory value-added tax that’s usually already included in menu prices. Occasionally, the IVA is listed as a separate line item on Mexico’s restaurant receipts. This is a legit charge and is NOT a tip. You still tip after the IVA.
In popular tourist areas in Mexico, servers in restaurants may speak some English and may have English menus available. But everywhere else, expect to receive a Spanish menu and waiters speaking español.
Don’t be intimidated. Many visitors with very limited knowledge of Spanish can still achieve communication success in a restaurant by making a little effort, maintaining a polite smile, and knowing a few key phrases.
Here are some tips and phrases to help non-Spanish-speakers in restaurants:
First interaction – drink orders : When a server first approaches your table, it’s probable that he/she is coming to ask for your drink order. Most likely they’ll ask something like ¿Gustan algo de tomar? (Would you like something to drink?).
The verbiage may be different or in rapid-fire Spanish, which you may not understand. So be ready with a response, such as Corona, margarita, Coca-Cola, agua pura, limonada, etc. Drink orders are pretty straightforward.
Ordering the meal : The next interaction will likely be the server asking for your food order. A common phrase that servers use is ¿Qué vas a querer? (What will you want?)
Hopefully, you’ve had enough time to translate the menu enough to pick out something yummy. You’ll simply need to pronounce it. If in doubt or if the server appears to be confused by your (mis)pronunciation, don’t be embarrassed to point to the line item on the menu for clarity. This will help both you and the server to ensure what you want to order is what you actually order.
When your meal arrives: ¡Buen provecho! This is a phrase regularly used in Mexico that means “enjoy your meal.” The server may say this upon delivering your order. People dining within close proximity to you or at communal tables might also say this to you. Respond with gracias . Also, know that it is courteous for you to say buen provecho whenever coming near someone’s personal space while they’re eating.
La cuenta, por favor! This is the most simplistic phrase to ask for the check. And you do need to ask. We’ll cover this more in a subsequent Mexico travel tip.
This travel tip should help non-Spanish speakers to decode a Mexican menu. When deciphering a restaurant menu in Mexico, try using Google Image search rather than Google Translate .
While Google Translate is otherwise fantastic for day-to-day translations in Mexico, it often cannot translate menu items well in Mexico. Instead, searching for the menu item in Google Images will give you a visual depiction of what the menu item is.
For example, one of my favorite foods in the state of Jalisco is “tortas ahogadas.” If you were to use an app to translate it, that would tell you it’s a “drowned cake.” That doesn’t tell you much and isn’t an accurate description.
But if you searched Google Images for “tortas ahogadas,” you’d easily see that it’s actually a sandwich filled with meat (pork) and covered in a sauce. This is not a cake at all!
There are seemingly funny words for many menu items throughout Mexico that will leave diners confused. Heck, burrito literally translates to “little donkey.”
Meanwhile, other food words don’t translate at all. For instance, a taco is a taco. Pozole translates to pozole. There is no translation for most Mexican food items. So if you don’t know what those foods are, translations won’t help you. But searching for photos will!
In your home country, you may be accustomed to servers constantly checking up on you. Throughout restaurants in Mexico, if you need something, the responsibility can often fall on the diner to let the server know. And it’s perfectly okay to politely wave over a server.
Need another drink? Some salsa? More limes? Run out of warm tortillas? Don’t hesitate to get your server’s attention with eye contact and/or a polite hand gesture to call them over.
You may need to put that last Mexico travel tip to use by flagging over the server to ask for the bill.
If you’re from the US, you’re probably accustomed to the bill being brought to the table automatically at the end of any meal. A server in the US will often signal this by asking “Can I get you anything else?” Upon saying “no,” the check comes out. But this exchange does not occur in Mexico.
In Mexico, there is not a culture of flipping tables. Instead, you’re meant to relax and enjoy your dining experience. You leave the restaurant whenever you’re ready. A server in Mexico may feel rude to even make the subtle suggestion that you should depart. So they’ll often just let you be until you request the check.
Even if you’ve completed your meal, the server has cleared the table entirely, and the server has asked if you’d like anything else; don’t expect to get the bill automatically. In most cases, you must specifically ask for the check.
To initiate this transaction, say la cuenta, por favor . That means, “the bill, please.”
Alcohol is typically sold in stores throughout all hours and days across most of Mexico. But there are some notable exceptions to this.
There are a few states in Mexico that do restrict the sales of alcohol to certain hours. Most notable is the state of Quintana Roo (includes: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, etc.). Hours of alcohol sales in Quintana Roo’s stores are from 9:00 am – Midnight, Monday to Saturday. Booze sales are cut off at 5:00 pm in Quintana Roo on Sundays. The state of Yucatan similarly limits retail alcohol sales on Sundays, prohibiting it after 5:00 pm.
So plan accordingly if you want to enjoy some cervezas back at your Mérida hotel on a Sunday evening. Otherwise, you can still buy alcohol in restaurants and bars.
Additionally, Mexican states and municipalities can enact ley seca (dry law) during specific periods of time. For example, many Mexican states forbid the sale of alcohol around elections. Ley seca has also been enacted during particularly troubling times during the pandemic. If booze is banned in Mexico, there’s usually a reason for it.
Drinking alcohol in public (open container) is technically illegal in Mexico.
That said, drinking alcohol in public is usually tolerated throughout the country, particularly so in tourist areas. It’s not uncommon to see vendors selling to-go drinks in various locales throughout Mexico.
If you’re planning to purchase some bottles of tequila or mescal while in Mexico to bring home with you, do know quantities may be restricted by your home country.
🇺🇸 If you’re from the US , those traveling back to the States are generally allowed to bring back 1 bottle (up to 33.8 fl. oz.) of alcohol per person duty-free. You can find the official policy here on the US Customs and Border Protection website . Americans can bring back more than 1 bottle, but you’ll need to claim them. In doing so, you may be required to pay the appropriate import tax on every bottle in excess of 1 liter per person.
🇨🇦 Canadians can similarly carry back one bottle per person . Canada allows for up to 1.14 liters of alcohol, exempt from the special duty rate. 🇬🇧 Brits can bring back up to 4 bottles of spirits per person before having to pay excess duty.
So be sure to check your official government policy before you load up on dozens of bottles to fly home with
Those who are traveling to Mexico for a lengthy visit may find themselves venturing out to procure groceries to cook themselves. There are a number of tips that grocery shoppers and home chefs may want to be aware of when cooking for the first time in Mexico:
It’s a safe move not to eat fresh produce in Mexico without first properly washing it. There is concern that raw vegetables or fruit may contain bacteria or a virus, picked up in the soil or during transportation. There’s a further contaminant risk in tap water, so simply rinsing produce with faucet water may not be enough.
Restaurants in Mexico usually take disinfecting precautions before serving fresh produce, although it’s never a guarantee. So visitors who are very risk-averse or have sensitive stomachs could consider avoiding salads and raw produce while dining out in Mexico.
Meanwhile, those in Mexico who plan to cook at home should take measures to disinfect raw produce before consuming it.
Thankfully there is a product widely sold in the produce section of Mexican supermarkets. The most popular brands we regularly see are Microdyn and BacDyn. These formulas claim to be effective against microorganisms such as salmonella, cholera, and streptococcus.
The directions on these solutions instruct mixing it with a specific ratio of water, then soaking fresh produce for a number of minutes. Cooking vegetables can also be effective in killing harmful bacteria..
There are a few nuances to beware of when the need to use the bathroom arises. A key phrase that many visitors to Mexico already know is: ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?) That’s certainly helpful!
Yet any newcomers to Mexico should take a minute to familiarize themselves with the following Mexico travel tips to avoid potential embarrassment in the bathroom.
“M” on a bathroom door is the women’s room in Mexico.
That “M” may signify “Men” where you’re from. But in Mexico, the “M” stands for Mujeres , or “Women”.
In Mexico, men do NOT use bathrooms marked with an M. Instead, men should look for an “H” for Hombres or occasionally a “C” for Caballeros .
Meanwhile, women can look for bathroom doors marked with M for Mujeres or D for Damas .
Another common acronym mistranslation in the bathroom is with water temperature. A mistake we occasionally hear is visitors turning the shower nob away from the “C” and wondering why the temperature is not getting hot.
That’s because “C” stands for Caliente , which means “hot.” To get hot water, turn the dial to “C.” To get cold water, turn the dial to “F” for Frio , which means “cold.”
Mexico’s plumbing systems can’t always accommodate toilet paper being flushed.
For visitors staying in a resort or higher-end hotel, it’s likely fine to flush your toilet paper there. But almost everywhere else in Mexico, it’s common practice to toss your used toilet paper in the basket next to the toilet.
Dispose of your toilet paper in the toilet-side bin when using bathrooms within local restaurants, local homes, and in public restroom facilities. If not, you run the risk of creating a plumbing problem.
If there’s a little basket next to a toilet, this is a clear signal you should use it to dispose of toilet paper. Don’t flush. If in doubt, just throw it out. Doing so will help to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation.
Public restrooms in Mexico are typically not free. There is a modest charge, usually ranging from $2-$5 pesos ($0.10-$0.25 USD). In touristic and high-traffic areas, bathroom fees can reach up to $10 pesos (~$0.50 USD).
Upon paying the restroom attendant, expect to receive a small wad of toilet paper and access to the toilets. When exiting, there should also be running water and soap available at the sinks.
Some bathrooms are cleaner than others. Most public restrooms are passable.
This is a contested question that travelers and expats in Mexico like to debate. Really, the answer depends on each specific locale and your personal tolerance for risk.
In many places throughout Mexico, bacteria or contaminants have been found in tap water after being carried through a series of pipes. But can that water still be suitable for brushing your teeth?
Since you’re not ingesting the tap water, it could be okay. However, it’s still possible to ingest a small amount accidentally. So it’s a safe bet for short-term travelers in Mexico to use purified water to brush their teeth . The CDC generally advises brushing teeth with bottled water in Mexico. In hotels, bottled water is often provided to guests to brush their teeth. Use it.
That said, if you accidentally use tap water to brush your teeth, don’t worry. Many locals and expats brush their teeth with faucet water in many locations throughout Mexico without issue. (Personally, we must admit that we do too.)
But why risk it? Place a bottle of water next to the faucet to help remind you to use it when brushing your teeth in Mexico.
There are cultural differences in Mexico compared to other countries that visitors should be aware of.
Visitors can find some English spoken throughout touristic hotspots in Mexico. Meanwhile, there is some English spoken throughout Mexico’s bigger communities but that’s never a guarantee. Elsewhere in Mexico, English is seldom spoken by the local population.
If you don’t speak Spanish, it is possible to get by, limitedly. Yet it is our firm opinion that visitors will have a far more fulfilling experience in Mexico by trying to speak some Spanish . We cannot state this Mexico travel tip enough. It’s muy importante! Having some basic knowledge of Spanish will greatly enhance your experience.
Even Mexicans who do speak English still appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak Spanish. We highly recommend learning some Spanish language or brushing up on the basics before any trip to Mexico. Knowing even a tiny amount of Spanish can really go a long way to enhance a visit to Mexico.
Here are just a few very basic words and phrases everyone traveling to Mexico should know :
Ready to learn more?
If nothing else, be sure to learn the etiquette of basic greetings in Mexico. Throughout many Latin American countries, it can be a nice gesture to say buenos días , buenas tardes , or buenas noches . But in Mexico, these greetings are much more than a simple pleasantry .
This courteous exchange is practiced widely throughout Mexico. We always encourage visitors to follow along. When greeting people with a friendly buenos días and a smile, we often notice an immediate change in the other person’s demeanor. It’s sometimes like a switch is flipped or an invisible barrier has been broken. People become at ease and smiles appear on their faces.
It’s polite to greet people when entering a local store or when approaching the cash register. Before asking someone for a price, directions, or any question, try greeting them first. If walking down a quiet street and passing an abuela (grandmother) sitting outside of her home, definitely give her a warm greeting. Use greetings whenever getting on a local bus or taxi.
Of course, it would be weird to greet every single person you cross paths with when walking down a busy street. Yet whenever in doubt, just use a greeting! Use greetings often and generously while traveling in Mexico. Smile too!
Greet people with these phrases, depending on the time of day :
This sign we spotted at a cafe in Guanajuato , Mexico, seems to be a humorous attempt to help train patrons on the courtesies of using greetings.
A coffee: $40 pesos A coffee please: $30 pesos Good day, a coffee please: $20 pesos
“ Mucho gusto ” is a key phrase to say whenever meeting people in Mexico. But depending on whether meeting a man or a woman, there’s further cultural etiquette to follow.
For men meeting men, a handshake has always been customary . Yet in post-pandemic Mexico, fist bumps began to grow in favor.
For women meeting men in Mexico , a single kiss could be appropriate. More on that next.
In Mexico, when greeting women, it can be customary to give a kiss on the cheek .
But know that this can be reserved for friends. It would be unusual to kiss a complete stranger you just met, a tour guide, or a housekeeper. So don’t. But a kiss would be appropriate in instances of meeting friends of friends, and other social introductions. Even the female doctor we go to in Mexico greets us with a kiss.
In Mexico, a kiss greeting is a quick peck on the right cheek and it’s a single kiss . Do not do a double kiss on each cheek. This is Mexico, not Europe.
Yet in post-pandemic Mexico, kissing has given the way that handshakes have in many parts of the world. As conditions continue to ease, kissing as a greeting is slowly coming back.
If unsure if a kiss is appropriate, just let the other person lead and roll with it. This Mexico travel tip simply lets you know what to do if a new Mexican friend does come in for a kiss.
Mexico’s beach towns can be casual in dress . But people in Mexico’s interior cities tend to dress more modestly and conservatively. In a city or town away from the coast, it may be uncommon to see someone walking around in shorts, a t-shirt, or flip-flops, even when it’s hot outside.
When walking around Mexico’s interior cities, shorts can be a rarity. They are typically worn while exercising or by children, foreigners, and to some extent, young adults. Look around. If you are visiting a place in Mexico where shorts are uncommon, you may want to consider following suit to avoid standing out. Mexico loves jeans. So jeans are always an easy choice to assimilate with the local crowd in Mexico.
But really, Mexicans typically aren’t too concerned about how foreigners are dressed. There’s no law that says you can’t wear shorts in Mexico. It can simply be a nice gesture to make some effort toward cultural assimilation. When friends come to visit us in Mexico’s central interior, we suggest leaving shorts at home. If heading to a beach town, shorts and skirts are just fine.
Definitely cover up when entering Mexico’s many historic churches, whether on the coast or not. This is a matter of respect. Ensure knees and shoulders are covered when entering any religious site.
Otherwise, wear what makes you feel comfortable in Mexico. Definitely be sure to dress for the weather.
Light, airy clothes are highly recommended along the coast and lowlands, particularly so during the late Spring and Summer months that are most hot. Still, consider long sleeves and pants in warm destinations to protect from mosquitos.
Yet it can get quite chilly, particularly at night, in Mexico’s interior cities. Many newbies to Mexico can be surprised to find the need for a good jacket to keep warm. Check the weather for your destination. (More info on weather and the best time to visit in a subsequent Mexico Travel tip.)
Mexico is a tipping culture. But American and Canadian visitors should realize that tipping customs are different, south of the border.
Perhaps the most notable difference that visitors to Mexico may not know is that it’s customary to tip grocery baggers when at supermarkets in Mexico. So be sure to carry some small change with you to the grocery store to show these unpaid baggers some generosity.
Here is a list of tipping guidelines to be aware of when visiting Mexico in 2024:
Always try to tip in pesos. In touristic areas, you may be able to tip in dollars or euros. If that’s all you have, it’s better than not tipping. But tipping in a currency other than Mexican pesos creates more work for the person since they’ll have the chore of exchanging that money, which also takes a cut.
Mexico can be a relaxed culture and not everything will be on time. Go with the flow!
When to Arrive Late : Punctuality may not always be heeded for social visits or even some events, such as local fiestas. We typically wait to arrive at least a half-hour after posted start times for any local festival in Mexico. Even upon doing so, we’ve been among the earliest guests, watching vendors still get set up. So don’t feel a need to be prompt to any fiestas you’re invited to.
When to Be on Time : In nearly all other occurrences, prompt timing is observed In Mexico. If you have a dinner reservation, a scheduled tour, or a bus to catch – these instances should happen promptly on time. Don’t be late.
If in doubt, plan to be on time.
Sometimes visitors expect to bargain throughout Mexico’s local markets and stores. In actuality, when shopping in Mexico, bargaining is not the norm . Most often, the price is the price.
In resort-laden places that are obviously selling touristic souvenirs, it may be okay to haggle their inflated prices.
But at local markets, craft stores, and art studios, do not try to bargain down the set prices. It may be offensive to the artist or vendor.
Visitors coming to Mexico should arrive armed with their passports and be informed of local Mexican regulations. Travelers need to understand the importance of the FMM card issued to them upon arrival and realize their desired length of stay may not be guaranteed. Having some knowledge of what to expect when entering Mexico can ease travel headaches.
Once in the country, there are lots of options to get around Mexico, ranging from budget domestic flights, luxury buses, Ubers, and even a Tequila Train !
The following Mexico travel tips should help get into and around this big country, the 13th largest in the world.
When flying into Mexico in the past, visitors would always receive an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) card during the flight. It looks like this:
FMM is a legal requirement to enter Mexico and establishes the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico. In the past, visitors have been issued a card that’s processed upon going through immigration at your arrival airport in Mexico.
It has always been very important for visitors to keep their FMM in a safe place while traveling in Mexico because it is required when exiting the country. But FMM cards are now being phased out by instead issuing a stamp directly in your passport with the number of days allowed. Most airports in Mexico are no longer issuing physical FMM cards. So if you do not receive an FMM card upon flying into Mexico in 2024, don’t worry !
But if you are still issued a paper FMM, be sure to keep it safe and with your passport. You may still need it upon exiting.
Also, understand that even though the physical FMM cards are being phased out, the rules behind FMM (pertaining to your time allowed in Mexico) have not changed.
If booking a round-trip ticket to Mexico, you’re covered. This Mexico travel tip does not apply to you.
Yet some travelers and expats want to come to Mexico with open-ended plans. Since Mexico typically allows many nationalities a visa-free stay of up to 180 days, those who have the luxury of time (e.g., retirees, digital nomads, and long-term travelers) may want to travel to Mexico with an unspecified departure date during that six-month period.
But if flying to Mexico one-way, you must have proof of departure plans within that 180-day period. Sometimes authorities don’t ask for it. Increasingly, they have been. Airlines often ask for this documentation too since they must foot the bill to fly you home if Mexico denies you entry for this reason.
It’s best to secure departure plans before you travel to Mexico and have this info printed out. Authorities are simply trying to ensure visitors are not planning to illegally stay in Mexico. Without proof of onward travel, you could be denied entry.
But what if you’re traveling long-term to Mexico and are unsure of your exact departure date? Thankfully there are ways to get around this. For example, one method used is to book a refundable return ticket before flying to Mexico. Then cancel it, or reschedule, after you land.
Most airlines flying to Mexico allow free cancelation within 24 hours of booking . So before heading to the airport, it’s possible to purchase a one-way flight out of Mexico. This allows travelers to show official proof of departing Mexico. Upon landing in Mexico and clearing immigration, visitors can cancel that flight for a full refund. Of course, anyone using a tactic like this will still need to eventually book their departure within the following six months, to avoid illegally overstaying. Such tactics simply allow some added flexibility for those unsure of their departure plans.
Passing through immigration in Mexico is easy and straightforward. But there are some things you should know, particularly if not accustomed to international travel.
Tip: Bring a pen on the plane with you, so you can fill out the form while on the plane. Pens are almost never provided by the airlines flying to Mexico. Obviously, you’ll need your passport too.
Immigration forms are available in English, so no translations are necessary. If a flight attendant gives you a Spanish form, ask for one in English. The immigration form requests basic information that you should already know (e.g., name, birthdate, length of stay, etc.)
But you should also come prepared with your accommodation’s name and its address . Be sure to have that info accessible (offline or printed out), so you can fill it out on the plane.
Upon arrival to Mexico, the immigration procedure is often swift. The immigration officer may ask a few simple questions, such as “What’s the reason for your visit?” or “How long are you staying?”
Then you’ll proceed to collect your luggage and go through customs. You’ll be asked to press a button . This button will produce either a green or red light on a traffic signal. It is said to be random. If you get the green light, you breeze through. If you get a red light, you’ll be subject to a more thorough customs inspection.
Then head out of the airport and get ready to enjoy Mexico!
If visiting Mexico on vacation for a few weeks or less, this doesn’t apply. You’ll be fine. Skip to the next Mexico travel tip.
Yet long-term travelers desiring a lengthy stay in Mexico should arrive prepared to increase their chances of being allowed the maximum 6-month stay. In the past, Mexican immigration authorities have typically been generous to visitors in automatically granting the maximum length of stay (180 days). Yet during the past year or so now, immigration authorities have been cracking down on this practice, at their discretion. Visitors do not have the automatic right to a 180-day stay. Some tourists expecting a lengthy stay have been disappointed by being granted a few weeks or even less.
Here are some tactics that may help you to secure a lengthy or 180-day stay in Mexico :
Realize that this may not be necessary, as many visitors are still breezing through immigration with a 180-day stay granted. But for those planning a longer visit to Mexico, it’s always best to be prepared in order to avoid disappointment in being granted a shorter stay than desired. Realize that even with thorough documentation, immigration authorities can still restrict your stay. But having corroborating paperwork should increase your chances.
Meanwhile, visitors who are regularly having lengthy stays in Mexico should consider seeking Mexican residency visas .
By land area, Mexico is the 13 th largest country in the world ! There’s a lot of ground to cover here!
There are many great ways to travel across Mexico. How you choose to get around the country can be a matter of personal preference, distance, budget, and existing infrastructure.
Whether by planes, trains, or automobiles, the infographic below provides a quick primer on the possibilities of traveling around Mexico:
Mexico has over sixty commercial airports throughout the country, offering prospective passengers an array of options to fly into. For those who have more money than time, it’s logical to seek a flight to your destination city in Mexico.
But those traveling to Mexico on a budget can save a significant sum of money by flying into one of Mexico’s large international airports and then planning subsequent travel from there.
CUN (Cancun) and MEX (Mexico City) tend to have the most attractive fares from locations outside of Mexico. Once in Cancun or Mexico City, you can regularly find domestic flights for around $50 USD, or less, to your ultimate destination in Mexico. It’s an extra hassle to do this, but it can save several hundred dollars!
For example, one-way flights from our home airport (MIA) to Oaxaca usually cost around $600-$800 USD roundtrip and require a transfer. Instead, we fly into Mexico City and then book a separate domestic flight to Oaxaca. Doing it this way, we spend $200 roundtrip to MEX and then about $70 to Oaxaca and back. As two people, this routine saves us roughly a thousand dollars in airfare each time flying from the US to satellite destinations in Mexico. So it’s well worth looking into!
We find these savings regularly hold true whether going to Oaxaca, Queretaro , Puerto Vallarta, Merida , San Miguel de Allende, San Cristobal de las Casas , and other popular regional destinations.
But these significant cost savings do come with come at the expense of significant hassle and risk. Using two different airlines, you’ll need to collect luggage at the connecting airport and then check in to the domestic flight. If the first flight is delayed, you run the risk of missing the domestic flight, which you’d need to rebook at your own expense. So use caution if using this method and plan lengthy layovers or even stopovers. Weigh out the risk-vs-reward for yourself before implementing this money-saving strategy.
Mexico has a fantastic network of buses that are great when needing to travel between cities within relatively close proximity. Yet when bus travel times exceed 10 hours or so, it can often be more logical and even more economical to use one of the many domestic flights instead.
As mentioned, fares on Mexico’s domestic airlines are usually quite inexpensive, making travel throughout Mexico very affordable.
The two most popular low-cost carriers in Mexico are Volaris and VivaAerobus .
Personally, we find Volaris to be perfectly acceptable, and particularly so for the price. As for VivaAerobus, we tend to hear more complaints about them. That said, we’ve found VivaAerobus to be fine for a short flight and a cheap ticket on a budget airline. Your mileage may vary.
Don’t just consider domestic flights in Mexico. The first-class bus system in Mexico is excellent!
There are premium passenger buses connecting nearly all the major cities and towns throughout Mexico. And we find the level of service on Mexico’s buses is far better than most long-distance bus services around the globe.
On Mexico’s first-class buses, expect big comfy reclining faux-leather seats, complimentary snacks & drinks, and individual seat-back TVs. Traveling by bus in Mexico can be a very nice travel experience! Sit back and watch the Mexican countryside go by.
By Mexican standards, prices on these premium buses might seem a bit steep. But on a global standard, it’s a great value. Expect to pay somewhere in the realm of $750 pesos ($30 USD) for a 5 or 6-hour premium bus trip in Mexico.
There are more economical buses too. Those can be fine for short jaunts. But unless you’re traveling throughout Mexico on a tight budget, we find it’s worth it to splurge for the premium buses whenever available. The premium buses aren’t only nicer, they make minimal stops (if at all) and use toll roads, so you’ll arrive at your destination much faster.
Three of the more popular bus companies to consider using are:
Visitors to Mexico can’t purchase Mexican bus tickets online . You must have a local Mexican credit card to do so. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy your bus tickets at a bus terminal or travel agency when in Mexico. This can be inconvenient, seats may sell out, and you can miss online-only promotional bus fares. Thankfully, there is a workaround allowing visitors to purchase bus tickets using their mobile devices.
If you want to purchase your bus ticket online, here’s the trick – simply use the app! The official phone apps for bus companies do accept foreign credit cards even though the websites do not.
This works with the Primera Plus app and the ADO app. Upon the last try, we did not have success with the ETN app.
Ubers are found throughout most major cities in Mexico. At last count, Uber is operating in 83 Mexican cities. Check Uber for up-to-date listings.
Ubers in Mexico tend to be reliable, safe, and very affordable. Since the prices are fixed through the app and the ride is tracked, this greatly lowers the risk of getting ripped off or being taken for a ride around town. Plus, if you don’t speak any Spanish, the app makes it super easy to simply input your address without the need to give verbal directions.
Non-Spanish-speakers should be aware that Uber drivers in Mexico may still have some questions for you. Perhaps they’ll ask if the radio station is okay or if you want air conditioning. Sometimes the driver asks if he should follow the route on the app or if you have a preferred direction. (We default to the app for simplicity).
There’s no need to download a separate app to use Uber in Mexico. Use the same app you use at home. Just ensure you’re able to access data in Mexico to use it (more on that later).
Sometimes Uber wait times may be long, depending on the location. Occasionally an Uber will cancel on you, resulting in having to wait again. While not often, these annoyances have happened more in Mexico than in other countries where we’ve used Uber in. Despite that, Ubers have been an overwhelmingly positive experience. You can also consider an alternative to Uber in Mexico, Didi . Or use a taxi.
Taxis are sometimes good options if Ubers aren’t available. But taxis can be a hassle for non-Spanish-speaking visitors. Many taxis throughout Mexico do not use the meter. So you must agree on a price before the ride begins. In highly touristic areas such as Cancun, some taxis may try to inflate prices or other devious tactics to rip you off. Dishonest taxi practices are far less common elsewhere in Mexico, but can still occur.
Personally, we’ve found most taxis to be pleasant and trustworthy. Of course, it all comes down to each individual taxi driver. Still, we prefer Uber when possible for its simplicity and safety (trackable/accountable).
It can be difficult to catch an Uber from the airport upon first arriving. Regulations may prevent Uber pick-up at some airport locations, although this is improving. But you still may encounter a delay in being picked up or confusion on the exact meeting point at the unfamiliar airport you’ve just arrived at.
Instead, using a taxi from airports in Mexico can be the easiest and fastest way to get moving. In most airports in Mexico, ticketing systems make it all easier and help keep taxis honest. Upon exiting the airport terminal, most airports have official taxi and shuttle kiosks. You purchase a ticket there, based on your destination.
You’re then directed to a corresponding taxi rank, where a driver will quickly whisk you away. Simply hand the taxi driver the ticket you purchased and off you go. The driver will still need to know the location and/or address. Non-Spanish speakers should either have this printed out or be prepared to show the address on their phones. Your taxi driver will appreciate that.
If you’re a confident driver, the freedom of having a car in Mexico can be a fun and efficient way to get around some regions. We find the Yucatan peninsula to be particularly conducive to driving in Mexico for those wanting to tour many different places. For example, the Puuc Route makes for an attractive drive, connecting a series of Mayan ruins in the Yucatan countryside!
In other regions in Mexico and big cities, rental cars can be hectic. Traffic, parking, and unfamiliar driving customs are just a few hassles that may be encountered. We often find Ubers and/or public transportation to be more convenient within Mexico’s cities compared to the burden of having a rental car. Weigh your options and your personal preferences.
Car rentals in Mexico can be a good experience and sometimes come at bargain prices. We’ve successfully rented cars from Cancun and Merida for as little as $5/day. Understand that those rates don’t include the required insurance though.
If you do want to drive in Mexico, it’s pretty straightforward. You don’t need an international driver’s license . Your home license should work just fine.
Whether renting a car or driving in from the US, here are some practical Mexico driving tips to follow:
Police in Mexico have been known to pull over tourists for an infraction (real or made-up) and ask for a mordida . That’s a bribe and it’s illegal in Mexico . It can be scary for travelers to be put in this position and you should know in advance what to do.
If a police officer is ticketing you and suggests payment onsite, here’s what you can do. First, determine whether you may have done anything wrong. If you legitimately didn’t commit the road offense you’re accused of, you can ask to go down to the police station to discuss it with a police chief. This will frequently get you out of it altogether and the officer may just send you on your way.
If you do go down to the station, you can plead your case. Worst case scenario, you’ll have to pay a small fine for the minor traffic infringement you’re accused of. If you were speeding, ran a light, or other a minor infraction, then the police certainly have the right to ticket you. But they may instead suggest paying the officer right there. That’s a bribe.
Proceeding with the bribe may be convenient and seem like an attractive way out of this uncomfortable situation. But doing so is further illegal and also helps to encourage this practice. So it is recommended to go the official route to pay for the ticket. Each state has different procedures for paying traffic fines and you can find more info here (in Spanish).
Sometimes when insisting on paying the ticket, the police may even just let you go since the bribe failed and they may not want to deal with the ticketing procedures. Not paying the bribe helps to discourage mordidas .
Gas stations in Mexico offer full service. This means that you do not have the option to get out of the car and pump the gas yourself. An attendant does this for you.
When you arrive at the gas pump, check to ensure the gas meter starts at zero. Upon paying, have small change on hand to tip the gas attendant. $10-$20 pesos is acceptable. If he performs extra services, such as washing your windows, err on the higher side.
You can find accommodation throughout Mexico catering to all budgets. There are many cheap & cheerful hostels to serve backpackers, plenty of luxury beach resorts catering to vacationers, and many mid-range hotels in between.
Hostels in Mexico can be great for solo travelers and those who simply enjoy the hostel vibe. Most hostels throughout Mexico tend to maintain generally good standards, can be socially active, and also offer activities. Expect to pay $5-$30 USD for a bed in a shared room. Popular coastal locations may be even higher.
To find a hostel in Mexico, search Hostelworld.com , We’ve found them to have the largest selection of hostels and prices for Mexico.
Budget and mid-range hotels can be a great option for value-oriented travelers in Mexico. We can often find nice 3-star hotels somewhere in the vicinity of $25-$50 USD per night in most locations throughout Mexico, although many 3-star hotels will be higher. 3-star hotel prices in popular coastal regions and desirable Mexico City locations will likely exceed $50/night, but plenty of options should still exist under $100. Elsewhere throughout Mexico, there are some incredible hotel bargains to be found.
We tend to find the best Mexico hotel deals on :
Booking.com tends to have the greatest selection and often has some of the best Mexico hotel deals too. But it’s worth also checking Hotels.com . In Mexico, we’ve found hotels.com tends to have less properties listed throughout Mexico, compared to Booking. But we regularly find better Mexico hotel deals listed on Hotels.com. It can be worth searching both when looking for hotel deals in Mexico.
Luxury accommodation can be found in most major cities and are in abundance throughout Mexico’s prime beach areas. Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts can be a relaxing, indulgent, and wonderful experience. But you must also realize that all-inclusive resorts can isolate visitors from the many charms found outside the resort’s walls.
Resort prices in Mexico usually cost slightly less than comparable properties in the US and Caribbean destinations, but still cost well into the hundreds per night. Better deals on luxury hotels in Mexico can be found in the off-season and away from the coast.
Rental Units like Airbnb and VBRO can be a good choice for accommodation in Mexico, particularly so for long-term stays and/or for larger groups.
To score an awesome place you’ll enjoy, practice these travel tips before booking a home rental in Mexico :
Is mexico safe for travel.
Short answer : Yes, it can be. Yet traveling anywhere can include some risks and precautions to heed.
Long answer :
Safety is relative and safety in Mexico is a very subjective topic. Mexico often receives a bad reputation for crime and safety concerns. But this reputation is often overblown.
Prospective visitors to Mexico must understand that movies, tv shows, news, and other media often paint a dangerous depiction of Mexico that is unrealistic and/or showcases a tiny slice of Mexico that most visitors never encounter. In reality, Mexico is widely a very friendly country rather than a crime-ridden place to be afraid of.
Understand that millions of people visit Mexico each year and the vast majority experience no safety issues . Anecdotally, we personally have always felt safe traveling in Mexico. Most first-time visitors agree that Mexico is far safer than their preconceived notions and that the level of safety can feel about the same as in the US.
That said, it would also be naive to portray Mexico as a crime-free paradise. Although not particularly widespread, crime can and does occur in Mexico. Beware that petty theft, such as phone snatch-and-grabs or pickpocketing, does happen on occasion. Such occurrences can be even more common in some of Mexico’s larger cities and busy touristic areas. It can always be a good idea to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, but without being overly paranoid.
Also, Mexico’s increasing homicide rate cannot be ignored. But those stats should be put into context for visitors. Most homicides in Mexico are targeted, very rarely directed at or even involving tourists. Of course, every once in a while there has been a horrifying headline that splashes across the news cycles. Potential visitors must realize such incidents are infrequent, which is exactly why it makes the news. It’s uncommon, shocking, and newsworthy.
Mexico’s tourism industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy, and the government has a strong interest in ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors.
During eight years of living/traveling within over half the states throughout Mexico, we’ve never experienced or even witnessed any petty crimes. That said, we’ve known people who have fallen victim to crime. It can happen in Mexico, just as crime can occur all around the world.
Some tips to stay safe from crime in Mexico:
Simply take the same modest precautions that are widely advised when traveling anywhere. Using common-sense tactics can go a long way to staying safe in Mexico.
It’s always a good idea to review up-to-date travel warnings and guidance from your home country, before your trip to Mexico. Below are official links to travel warnings put out by the countries that most commonly visit this website:
Here’s a real safety travel hazard in Mexico – walking! When roaming around a busy street in Mexico, there tends to be a lot going on. It’s easy to become preoccupied and walk right into a hazard.
In Mexico, you’ll encounter uneven sidewalks, busy traffic, oncoming pedestrians, tripping hazards, a random hole in the ground, and so much more. Pay attention!
It’s so easy to become distracted by admiring a mural, a bustling market, an interesting passerby, an enticing street food vendor, or any number of sights you may not be accustomed to seeing. In these instances, simply step aside and soak it all in.
Also, step aside if using your phone, checking a map, or chatting with a friend. All too often have we seen distracted walkers in Mexico take a spill and run into people while roaming the city streets. The level of distraction can intensify after a few tequilas, so be careful out there!
A friend living in Mexico once told us, that you must choose to either “talk, gawk, or walk.” This sage advice with a rhyme can help to be mindful when exploring Mexico on foot.
Mexico is one of the most seismically active regions of the world. In recent times, there is an average of about one strong (or higher) earthquake occurring each year in Mexico. From 2010 to 2019, there were a total of 10 earthquakes in Mexico above 6.0 magnitude on the Richter scale.
But only portions of Mexico lie in areas of high seismic activity. Mexico’s southern Pacific Coast states (e.g., Oaxaca, Guerrero, Chiapas) have been very active in recent times. Mexico City has experienced some notable earthquakes too. Meanwhile, the Yucatan and much of northern Mexico rarely experience a tremor.
If you’re traveling to an earthquake zone in Mexico, it can be a good idea to familiarize yourself with earthquake safety . Know where your hotel’s emergency exits are. Be sure to have an understanding of how to react if an earthquake unexpectedly strikes.
This SkyAlert app ( for Android , for iPhones ) gives us some peace of mind. It’s an earthquake app, specifically for use in Mexico, that sends out instant notifications when earthquakes are detected. It may give you a few extra seconds to react before the shaking begins.
The country of Mexico sits in a region that is prone to occasional tropical storms and hurricanes. Visitors should be aware that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and Mexico’s Pacific hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30, with the peak season of hurricanes being most active running from August through October.
Don’t necessarily avoid traveling to Mexico’s coastline during hurricane season. There are often no storms brewing during this time. Just be aware hurricanes can and do occur during the late summer and early fall time frame.
If traveling to Mexico during these more active months, it’s wise to keep an eye on any tropical developments. Hurricanes tend to form in advance to give a limited warning of a potential threat within a few days of arrival. Check the National Hurricane Center in the days before traveling to Mexico for warnings of any impending storms. If there is a potential hurricane threatening the area of Mexico you’re planning to travel to, it would be wise to consider canceling or postponing the trip.
Also, because Mexico is such a large country with much coastline, the threat of hurricanes tends to be localized. Understand the locality of any looming storm. For example, if there’s a hurricane barreling towards Puerto Vallarta in the Pacific, it will not have any effects on Cancun and the Caribbean coast. Again, Mexico is a very large country.
Mosquitos are more than an annoyance in Mexico. They can carry diseases, such as dengue fever. It’s a safe idea to take precautions to avoid getting bit in the first place. In areas of Mexico where mosquitos are common, be sure to apply mosquito repellent and/or wear long-sleeve shirts and pants.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness found in Mexico. According to Mayo Clinic , “Mild dengue fever causes a high fever and flu-like symptoms. The severe form can cause serious bleeding, shock, and death.”
During the past few years, Mexico has shown an increase in dengue cases. In 2023, there were over 54,406 confirmed dengue cases in Mexico and a total of nearly 277,963 probable cases, a sharp uptick from 2022 (12,671 confirmed, 59,918 probable). Source: Department of Health Report .
Dengue fever cases tend to be most prevalent in Mexico during the latter half of the year, usually peaking around October. So visitors may want to take extra precautions during these more active months. But those in areas of Mexico with mosquitos can be susceptible to dengue at any time.
The Mexican government updates a weekly dengue report (in Spanish) regarding the prevalence and locations of dengue cases. So you may want to take a glance at the report to see up-to-date dengue conditions for your Mexico travel destination(s).
In 2024, zika and chikungunya are almost non-existent in Mexico. During 2023, Mexico only saw 29 zika cases and 2 chikungunya cases. To see if the situation has changed since the time of publishing, you can check Mexico’s government’s up-to-date report for zika and the chikungunya report (both in Spanish).
Malaria isn’t much of a concern in Mexico since most of the country is not a malaria zone. The CDC currently recommends prophylaxis (such as antimalarials) only for the state of Chiapas and a southern portion of the state of Chihuahua. See CDC for up-to-date malaria info and advisory .
Be sure to pack some good mosquito repellent . We like this Picaridin Insect Repellent that has proven very effective for us yet is DEET-free, non-greasy, fragrance-free, long-lasting, and has very good prices on Amazon . To go all-natural, we also sometimes use Repel’s Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent.
Pandemic conditions in Mexico evolved, as they have throughout much of the world. While several government-imposed restrictions did exist in Mexico from 2020 to 2022, those restrictions in Mexico have since eased.
Visit coronavirus.gob.mx (and translate to English) for complete information about Mexico’s current recommendations, guidelines, and more.
Wearing masks is no longer required throughout Mexico. That said, some Mexicans still choose to wear masks.
When flying into or entering the country, Mexico currently does not require proof of vaccination, negative Covid test results , or quarantine requirements.
If you become ill while in Mexico with something not-too-serious, such as a stomach bug or common cold, knowing this travel tip will help get you on the mend. Many of the popular pharmacy chains across Mexico have a doctor on site who can help diagnose your symptoms and write a prescription for any medications or antibiotics that may help you to feel better.
We’ve used these pharmacy doctors many times throughout Mexico and have found these visits to be super quick, easy, comprehensive, and inexpensive. There’s no appointment necessary for walk-in visits. Often these consultations are free (no cost), simply paying for the prescription medication and an optional tip jar on the doctor’s desk to thank them for their complimentary service.
On other occasions, there’s been a very minimal charge (e.g., $30 pesos, ~US$1.50) for a visit. Usually, you can find these doctors through a separate door/entrance attached to the pharmacy building.
Of course, if you have a more serious ailment, you may want to seek appropriate treatment. But the doctors found in pharmacies can be a helpful and easy way to be seen and treated quickly.
While Mexico can be generally safe, you never know what may occur. Possibilities include earthquakes, canceled flights, hurricanes (June-Nov), car accidents, lost baggage, your phone falling in the water, your camera getting lost or stolen, rental car damage, etc. Or you could just get sick while on vacation.
The most serious possibility would be a medical emergency or major accident, in which you’d need extensive hospitalization and/or medical evacuation back to your home country. Your medical insurance back home almost certainly would not cover such a catastrophic event in a foreign country. This is why travel insurance coverage can be so important when traveling to Mexico, or anywhere.
Travel insurance will have you covered so that you don’t incur the high cost of these unfortunate possibilities. We never roam around Mexico without travel insurance. The type of travel insurance you use may depend on the type of trip, expenses, and the amount of coverage you seek. We have personally used all three of these travel insurances during different trips to Mexico. Get quotes for your trip, review the coverage, and see what may work best for you:
Those unaware of payment nuances in Mexico can squander travel funds on unnecessary fees and charges. It pays to know how to get low conversion rates from your home currency to the Mexican peso.
The following Mexico travel tips will help to maximize your pesos and reveal other financial practicalities throughout the county.
The local currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Prices you encounter should always be listed in Mexican pesos. Most businesses in Mexico only accept payment in pesos.
When in highly touristic areas of Mexico, some establishments may accept USD but will often inflate prices. Take caution when shopping at places with prices listed in US dollars. These shops are clearly geared towards international tourists and priced accordingly.
The conversion rate for the Mexican peso is constantly changing. Check xe.com for the current rate for your currency.
For those visiting Mexico from the US, there’s a simple math trick that will allow you to easily convert Mexican pesos (MXN) to US dollars (USD) in your head. To get a rough estimate of the cost in USD: drop a digit and divide by two .
For example, let’s say you see a price listed at $200 pesos.
Removing the last digit (0) brings you to $20, then divide by two = $10 USD.
So $200 pesos is roughly $10 USD. It’s not exact, as today’s rate shows that $200 pesos is $10.88 USD. But it’s close enough to be able to do the rough math in your head without having to break out your phone to calculate the cost of something.
Common credit cards (e.g., Visa, Master Card) are widely accepted in Mexico at places like hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and chain stores.
But smaller stores and street vendors typically only accept cash. So it can always be a good idea to carry some pesos on you.
Small shops and street vendors typically only take cash, in pesos. Yet most larger shops, hotels, and restaurants in Mexico will accept common credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard). If using credit cards in Mexico, ensure your bank/credit card has a 0% international fee . Many do. If your card does not, you may want to consider getting a new credit card before your trip.
Occasionally when using credit cards in Mexico, the credit card reader will recognize it’s a foreign card and offer to perform the currency conversion in your home currency (e.g., US Dollar). With most credit cards, it’s best NOT to accept this. When accepting the rate from your home currency, the exchange rate tends to be inflated. Instead, choose to pay in pesos, allowing your credit card to perform the conversion. If your credit card has a 0% international conversion fee, selecting pesos will be in your best financial interest.
To get pesos in Mexico, the main two options are:
Typically, ATMs will give the best exchange rates when changing your home currency to pesos. But this depends on the ATM and also any fees or international rates that your home bank may charge. More on that next.
If not using ATMs, you can find currency exchanges , known as “casas de cambios.” They’re located when exiting Mexico’s airports, in large cities, and in touristic areas. Mexico’s currency exchanges usually have no flat fee. Instead, they perform the conversion at an inflated rate. That said, we’ve noticed that currency exchanges in Mexico do tend to offer better rates and lower fees compared to those in the US. So if you’re going to exchange cash, it could prove best to wait to do it in Mexico.
If planning to exchange money in Mexico, realize that it can also be uncomfortable and risky to carry large sums of cash around. Hence, ATMs can be a preferable way to periodically get pesos, one transaction at a time.
ATMs are widely found throughout Mexico at banks, convenience stores, and elsewhere. Usually, ATMs can prove to be the most inexpensive option for converting your money to pesos, but you need to know a few tips when using these cash machines!
ATMs in Mexico usually charge a fee, which could range from $20 pesos (US$1) on the low end to $100+ pesos (~US$5+) on the high end. If you’re making ATM withdrawals often, it could prove economical to shop around to find a low-fee ATM .
Use ATMs at banks in Mexico. ATMs located at banks tend to give a fair exchange rate that’s very close to the actual rate that day. ATMs at stores and elsewhere tend to carry higher fees and/or exchange rates.
Also, understand that your home bank may charge international fees. Before departing on your trip to Mexico, inquire about what international fees or conversion rates your bank charges. If your bank’s fees are high and you’re on a long trip to Mexico, consider opening a checking account with a bank that has no international fees at ATMs . We use a Charles Schwab checking account, which carries no ATM fees, no int’l fees, and even refunds any fees the ATM charges.
To further save on Mexico ATM fees, accept the transaction fee but decline the conversion rate . Mexico ATMs will always ask you to accept the transaction fee. You must accept this transaction fee to continue.
Yet some ATMs in Mexico will also ask you to accept the conversion rate. This is a poor rate. You can, and should, decline the conversion rate. This allows your home bank to make the conversion, which should be a much more favorable rate.
Just to reiterate, accept the transaction fee, and decline the conversion rate !
As of 2020, Mexico has a new $1,000-peso note (approximately US$50). This $1,000-peso note is the largest bill you’ll encounter. If you happen to get one, you’ll likely have an extremely difficult time breaking it into smaller change. More common is a $500-peso bill, worth about US$25. This too can be difficult to break. Many vendors in Mexico don’t have change for a $500-peso note.
If making a larger purchase (hundreds of pesos), be sure to use large bills to break them.
Use these big bills whenever you can to get smaller denominations. Chain convenience stores (such as Oxxo and 7-11) tend to be better stocked with change, so can be opportune places to break a large bill even with smaller purchases.
Otherwise, visitors to Mexico can repeatedly find themselves in situations where they’d like a drink ($10 pesos) or to use a public restroom ($5 pesos), with only a $500-peso note to pay for it. It won’t be accepted.
Don’t use your small change unless you need to or have accumulated an abundance of it. You’ll want to try to hoard as much small change as possible for the small purchases you’ll undoubtedly be making throughout Mexico.
“How do I use my phone in Mexico?” “Should I avoid traveling to Mexico during the rainy season?” “What should I pack for a trip to Mexico?” These are practical questions that come up often that we’re happy to answer. The following Mexico travel tips should prove helpful in preparing for your trip!
Do you need a power adapter in Mexico?
Mexico uses type-A (two-prong) and type-B (three-prong) outlets. This is the same as is used throughout the US and Canada. The standard voltage is 127 V. So if you are charging devices in Mexico brought from elsewhere in North America, you’ll be fine – no adapters are needed.
That said, it’s very common throughout Mexico to only encounter the two-pronged variety (type-A) outlets. So those with three-prong plugs may run into issues. Some visitors simply remove the third prong, known as the ground prong. Although effective, electricians warn removing the third prong can pose a safety hazard . Consider a 3-Prong to 2-Prong Adapter Converter .
If you’re traveling to Mexico from Europe, Asia, Australia, etc., be sure to pack a travel adapter so you can charge your electronics.
Having data on your mobile phone in Mexico can prove extremely helpful. It will allow you to get directions, translate important info, find a good restaurant, discover things to do, connect with other people, or post on social media to show your friends how awesome Mexico is.
But you need data . There are many different options to have mobile phone connectivity in Mexico. Here are three common ways to get data on your phone in Mexico:
Contact your carrier before your trip to weigh your options. Some unlimited plans may already cover usage in Mexico, so you may have nothing to worry about. But other phone plans may hit you with exorbitant roaming fees.
Be sure to understand your Mexico coverage and any associated roaming costs of your phone plan. Before you depart for Mexico, consider adjusting your plan to best meet your needs while in Mexico. Some carriers offer packages you can add that provide coverage in Mexico. Once you have a roaming plan in place in Mexico, ensure the network settings on your mobile device has roaming switched to the on position.
If your phone is eSIM compatible , then the quickest, easiest, and least expensive way to get data in Mexico is to get an eSIM plan online. Airalo is a trusted eSIM provider to travelers to Mexico and their plans start for as little as $8 (1 GB). It’s an easy setup process that you can do before you depart for Mexico to arrive connected.
If you don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone, you can still change your physical SIM card to one that has an inexpensive month-to-month plan that allows free roaming in Mexico, just so long as you have an unlocked phone (no contract).
This will allow you to have access to data from the moment your plane touches down, with no need to deal with exchanging SIM cards once in Mexico. You can keep your US number. We have used each of these US-based no-contract plans in Mexico and have been pleased:
Once you have a plan that works in Mexico, ensure your network settings have roaming switched on. Also, do note that these plans are not intended to be used in Mexico indefinitely. So carriers will terminate your service if they notice you are using the SIM card outside of the US for an extended period of time (e.g., several months).
If you have an unlocked phone, taking a longer trip, want an MX number, and cheap rates, then getting a local SIM card in Mexico is your best option.
After arriving, buy a local Mexican SIM card with a no-contract plan. Upon arrival in Mexico, you can buy a SIM card at local convenience stores, such as Oxxo. The phone carrier Telcel is the most common option throughout Mexico.
We regularly use TelCel and have been satisfied. They have no-contract monthly plans ranging from $200-$500 pesos (US$10-$25) depending on your data needs.
Setting up a Telcel SIM card is not a seamless process. But it’s moderately easy if you have some understanding of how your phone works and know a little Spanish. If you happen to purchase from a particularly friendly store clerk, they may even help you set up your SIM card.
Here are some apps that may prove helpful while in Mexico. Prepare for your trip and download before you go:
When planning activities and things to do in Mexico, beware of Mondays. Most museums are closed on Mondays throughout Mexico. Be sure to use the other six days of the week to delve into Mexico’s art, culture, and history.
Additionally, some archeological sites and other attractions use Monday as a day off. A few restaurants may also close on Mondays. Research open time in advance so that you can plan accordingly.
From local glassware to tequila to pottery to sombreros to piñatas, there are lots of fun Mexican souvenirs you may want to buy and bring back with you.
Be sure to leave some room in your luggage to take back mementos from your trip to Mexico!
There are several important holidays in Mexico to be aware of. If your trip to Mexico coincides with a holiday, understand that some businesses may be closed, and services could be limited.
You may also want to do some research on local festivities happening in the Mexico destination you’re visiting. Día de Indepencia (Independence Day) and Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) can be particularly festive throughout Mexico!
Here are Mexico’s official national holidays occurring each year:
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not a national holiday in Mexico . Rather, May 5 th is celebrated locally in Puebla to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla.
And for more about Día de Muertos , be sure to check out our guide for the 10 Best Things to Do for Day of the Dead in Mexico City .
The best time to visit Mexico is greatly dependent on the location you’re visiting and what you want to get out of a visit.
Winter & Spring : High season in Mexico’s coastal areas spans from December to April. This is also Mexico’s dry season. Rain is infrequent and temperatures are pleasantly mild. Yet this beautiful weather brings an influx of visitors and higher prices. Snowbirds linger to escape the harsh winters of their home climates. Spring break can be a particularly popular time as families and college students descend into Mexico.
Summer : May is the hottest time of year for many locations in Mexico. To avoid the intense heat at this time, consider visiting Mexico’s highlands. Although it can still get quite warm in the afternoons, nights and mornings remain cool. Thankfully the rains in June-November offer some reprieve to hot temperatures in the lowlands even if the humidity increases. Summer is the rainy season for much of Mexico. Just know that the “rainy season” doesn’t mean it’s raining all day every day throughout Mexico. Plenty of sun comes through too during this time. Meanwhile, tourist crowds and prices can vary over the summer, depending on the location.
Fall can be a nice time to visit Mexico. It’s low season throughout most of Mexico (exception: during Día de Muertos ). Fall is also a good time to avoid tourist crowds as temperatures begin to transition milder again. But do be aware that early fall lies within the peak of hurricane season. Personally, we tout late Fall (November and into early December) as an ideal time to visit Mexico . Everything is lush and green. Chances of rain decrease significantly and temperatures cool. Tourist crowds and prices are both low in many parts of Mexico during this time.
To get an idea of the typical weather of the Mexico destinations you’re considering, search weatherspark to see average temperatures, precipitation, and more.
You likely already know the travel essentials you require such as your personal preferences for clothes , toiletries , and a camera . Here are some items specifically for Mexico to consider adding to your luggage:
For a more complete packing list, be sure to check out our Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist for more packing tips and 100+ recommended items to take with you to Mexico.
Mexico has such a complex history. Those who are even moderately interested in history and/or anyone spending any significant amount of time traveling across various locations should absolutely consider learning more about Mexico’s fascinating history. It will greatly enhance a visit, providing a better understanding of Mexico’s culture.
It can be very worthwhile to spend just a few hours learning more details about Mexico’s history before arriving in the country. This should also include a refresher on the history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations, such as the Aztecs, Olmecs, and Mayans. Doing so will lend to a far better appreciation of the intricacies and wonders of Mexico’s many ancient sites.
History of Mexico is a fantastic primer on Mexico’s history, spanning from its ancient empires to the birth of modern-day Mexico, to the Mexican Revolution and so much more. It’s all packed into an easily digestible 85 pages. ( Order the paperback on Amazon or listen to the audiobook for free with a 30-day trial of Audible .)
Hopefully, these Mexico travel tips have helped plan a getaway. We realize there’s a lot packed into this lengthy post. So if you skipped around, consider bookmarking this page and coming back to reference it again.
Also, for suggestions of where to travel and things to do, be sure to check out our entire Mexico archive.
Also, do you have your own favorite Mexican travel tip? Feel free to post it in the comments section below! Or if you have any questions about traveling to Mexico that weren’t answered, please ask! We’d love to help you if we can.
Lastly, enjoy Mexico. ¡Buen viaje amigos!
December 29, 2022 at 4:31 PM
I salute your guide… so informative and friendly written at the same time (i laughed many times with your expressions!). Thank you very much for covering all those topics, BUT… what about us smokers? Is it allowed to smoke out publicly? How about on the beach, with a cold frape sorry… a beer (the Greek woke up in me) in hand? Given there is an ashtray of course, so i don’t have to sadly “burry” each finished smoke in the sand 🙂
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This list of Mexico travel tips is mostly for first-time visitors traveling to Mexico, but it can help anyone achieve a safe and worry-free journey.
Mexico is huge. Even though my itinerary allowed me to explore just a tiny percentage of it, I had a blast and feel I had a balanced mix of cities, culture, beaches, and history.
I did quite an extensive research to plan my trip but it was during the trip itself that I learned a lot. This list compiles exactly that. All the things I wish I had known before visiting Mexico .
Mexico has an awful reputation on media, from drug cartel violence to missing women in the metro. Not to say these things don’t exist.
However, most of these things happen in areas that you’re unlikely to visit. This is true even inside the cities. In Mexico City , the central areas are safe and most of the crime is concentrated in the suburbs. If you follow these safety tips in CDMX , you’ll be fine.
Mexico is in general very safe, with very welcoming people.
Remember roughly 40 MILLIONS of people visit Mexico every year and violence against tourists is rare. The main crime travelers may encounter is petty theft. Be aware of your belongings at all times, particularly in crowded places.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) on Mar 3, 2019 at 1:07pm PST
I had never heard of cenotes before coming to Mexico and I learned that is so easy to become obsessed with them. Cenotes are cave-like sinkholes or natural swimming holes that can be found all across the Yucatán peninsula.
Some look like underground caves. Others are more like an underground swimming pool. Others are just like a giant open-air pit. They’re very diverse so try to visit at least two or three of them.
The Mayas believed these were sacred portals to the underworld; while this may not be necessarily true, they feel indeed magical.
There are over 6,000 different cenotes in Yucatán , here are some of the most beautiful.
In some places, especially the touristy hotspots like Playa Del Carmen , it’s technically possible to pay in U.S. Dollars (USD).
However, you’ll get a much better deal paying in pesos because places can choose the exchange rate. When you get to Mexico, take money out of an ATM (never use exchange bureaus!) and make sure you always have pesos with you throughout your trip.
If possible, use Revolut to pay even less fees.
This is one of the key travel tips in Mexico, guys.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with planning some days at the beach in Riviera Maya – they are well-deserved after touring the country! – but settling for the typical resort all-inclusive vacation in Mexico is almost offensive to the rest of the country.
Personally, the idea of booking a trip to stay at a megaresort in Cancún with some seldom guided tours to explore where locals live is my idea of Mexican vacation hell. All you’ll be seeing is other tourists.
Mexico is a HUGE country with plenty of other destinations you can explore . I skipped Cancún and Playa del Carmen all together for my itinerary and added more authentic colonial towns like Valladolid or Mérida to understand better its amazing sub-cultures.
In case you haven’t noticed, Mexico is an absolute beast of the country. Spreading out for an area of almost 2 million km² (!) is has more than 130 million people. More than 20 million of them in Mexico City’s metropolitan area, which is also the largest city in the Western Hemisphere.
Getting from point A to point B always takes longer than you expect. Plan accordingly and don’t hop city to city in the least amount of time possible. A key Mexico travel tip (that is universal): slow travel is your friend.
Because the country is so big, weather changes considerably from region to region.
In general, the best time to visit Mexico is between December and April. But while may experience some chilly nights in Mexico City as it corresponds to the peak winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Bring your jacket!
That said, in December and January while is perfect beach weather in Riviera Maya , in places like Tulum or Playa del Carmen . The hurricane season has passed and despite being the “coolest months”, temperatures can still reach averages of 28 degrees Celsius in some places.
Forget any diets when coming to Mexico because let’s face it, Mexican food is FREAKING DELICIOUS. Not always the healthiest, not always respecting the 5-a-day rule, but you’ve got time to recover after your trip.
And there’s much more than just tacos , nachos , and guacamole (which is actually not that common!). Each region in Mexico boasts a different sub-culture and that is represented through food as well. In Yucatán for instance, you’ll find a whole new version of Mexican food with origin in the Mayas and that includes chaya , sopa de lima and the popular conchinita pibil .
I suggest indulging as much as you can in the local food and if possible, take a cooking class to properly experience this unique cuisine.
If you have a drone and are anything like me, you dream of taking some aerial shots of the eye-catchy Tulum beaches, cenotes or ancient ruins in the forest.
First of all, flying over archaeological sites like Uxmal or Chichen Itza is strictly forbidden.
And it gets worse. A recent law explicitly says that 1) you have to be a Mexican citizen to fly a drone in Mexico 2) it has to be registered. Legally, they’re able to confiscate your drone when you enter or leave the country.
Whether they enforce this or not, is questionable, but I didn’t want to risk it.
OK, so let’s talk bathrooms.
The first thing to know is that the door with an “M” IS FOR WOMEN. M is for mujeres ! Even after living in Barcelona for years, I may or may not entered the women bathroom by mistake more than once.
After you have done your business, you’ll likely find a basket next to the toilet. This means the place is not connected to the public sewage so flushing your toilet paper can cause clogs. Deposit your used toilet paper in the basket.
If you’re planning to spend some time at the pristine Mexican beaches, there are two main things to consider.
Firstly, watch out for the hurricane season . Between June and November, hurricanes and tropical storms can impact the weather on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf Coast, and even the Pacific coast.
If you decide on taking a vacation during hurricane season – great travel deals to be made, as crowds are fewer – consider purchasing a travel insurance policy . Be fast. Usually, as soon as a storm is named, providers consider it a “foreseeable event” and will not cover in some (or all the) situations.
The other thing to consider are seaweed (aka sargassum or sargasso ). No one wants to arrive at a soft white sand beach and find out it’s entirely covered in a brown-ish stinky seaweed. I learned about this the hard way!
Sargassum season usually runs from April to August, but in recent years there have been reports of “waves” of seaweed arriving off-season. I visited in March and many beaches in Tulum were covered in seaweed! The scale of the sargasso is so big that most hotels and even the government don’t have the means to clean the beaches on a daily basis.
The Sargasso Monitoring Network of Cancún publishes daily reports of the situation on the beaches of the Caribbean coast, based on satellite and drone images, and even photographs of citizens.
If you want to keep your beach time sargasso-free, stay in a place which has staff constantly monitoring and managing the situation in front of the hotel. This is usually the case with high-end hotels and resorts .
Traveling independently through Mexico is easier than you think. While internal flights are affordable, they’re not sustainable and you can use the trip to see a bit more of the countryside.
ADO Buses are surprisingly modern and comfortable and there’s plenty of routes every day connecting all major and minor towns throughout the country.
Oh, they’re ridiculously cheap too. My trip from Valladolid to Tulum costed 110 pesos (less than $6 USD at the time). You can buy tickets online (only some foreign credit cards accepted) or at the nearest terminal de autobuses (bus terminal).
Mexico City is the elephant in the room when it comes to Mexico. People are so formatted to fly directly to Cancún or Acapulco that they overlook this massive, vibrant, culturally interesting metropolis that offers a ton of things to do and see.
Adding it to your trip to Mexico will make it much more diverse and truly feel like a complete overview of this beautiful country. I suggest at least three full days .
Not trying the street food is missing out on a huge cultural part of any country.
In that department, Mexico is a respectable competitor to Vietnam , where I tasted the best street food ever.
Pay attention to how they wash the utensils, if the meat is well cooked and if the food has been sitting in the sun for too long. If you’re unsure, start with small snacks before moving to full meals.
The best tip though is to head for the stalls where locals queue up the most. Or just ask a local for recommendations!
Frankly, I rarely trust car rental companies, because they’re full of scams and tricks to make you pay more.
In Mexico, it’s common to see car rental companies advertising rentals as cheap as $1 a day. I myself believed them for a brief moment when looking to rent a car in Mérida . But after emailing the company in advance – that you should definitely do too! – I was then quoted the final price: roughly $200!
When reading it up online, it’s common for agents to force you to take crazy expensive insurance when you pick up the car. Mexico requires drivers to prove they have insurance if there is a serious accident.
Common sense applies here. If a deal is too good to be true, it’s probably because it’s not.
If there’s a country that will please any history buffs, it’s Mexico. Before the conquistadores arrive at the country in the 16th century – a devastating yet fascinating tale by itself – the country was Mayan and Aztec territory.
This incredible rich history still shows through its culture and food, which is particularly evident in the Yucatán region. Throughout the country, there are various imponent archaeological sites and ruins worth to visit. The most popular by far is Chichen Itza , but many say it’s overrated, overpriced, and overcrowded compared to other options.
If you book a trip to Cancun or Playa del Carmen and hope to see the rest of the country booking guided tours, you’re set to see nothing but other tourists the entire time. Where is the fun in that?
Quite frankly, you’re much better off going off the beaten path. Explore the local, beautiful, authentic Mexico. Give yourself a chance to immerse in the local culture, with no deadlines or time restrictions. Your travel experience will greatly increase.
Personally, I don’t book tours unless it’s mandatory or it’s a cooking class. In Mexico, I used a 100% independent itinerary .
Mexico are used to have English-speaking tourists, but especially in smaller towns, it’s always good to master some Spanish words and expressions. It will both help connect with locals – only a small percentage of them speak fluent English – but you’re guaranteed to get a smile in return.
Honestly, the landscapes are beautiful, the history is fascinating, the food is delicious, but the Mexican people are a whole another level.
No matter what magnates with an orange face and crappy hair tell you, Mexicans are lively, friendly happy, with a constant smile on their faces that is contagious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make some joyful comments, and join the party whenever there’s one. They’ll win you over. A bit of Spanish can be helpful though.
It’s generally a good idea to avoid tap water in Mexico. This obviously includes ice cubes in drinks and juices. If anything, in restaurants ask for agua del filtro .
Bring a bottle of water and reuse it when you find a agua filtrada (filtered water) or just bring a water purifier that filters the waer form the tap. Win for you, win for the environment.
More and more, I feel getting access to Internet abroad is important. Not to check your like count on Instagram or Facetime your friends, but to know where you are and research what’s around you.
While WiFi is available in malls, restaurants, and hotels, it’s a good idea to get a SIM card.
If you have a phone with eSIM capability – e.g. the new iPhones – you can purchase a virtual SIM card from Airalo (use BRUN03584 code for $3 credit!) and get immediately connected.
Otherwise, just head to a local OXXO store and ask for a physical TelCel SIM card. You can also get them in official Telcel stores. To save some money, you can use only one card and share the internet through a mobile WiFi router.
Put any SIM card in the world inside and it will share the data across all your devices via WiFi (up to 10!). The battery lasts 12 hours of working. Can’t recommend it enough!
Do you have more Mexico travel tips? What other things we should know? Let me know about your experience.
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Article was very helpful! Thank you
I noticed a few mistakes, But hey! everyone make mistakes, right?? I’m starting to make my own guides and tips too. Its not easy! Good job!
It’s “cost” not “costed”. Other than that, great article on my birthplace.
YOU ARE SO DUMB!!!!!
And you are being unnecessarily rude.
Okay. Glad you put out of your system.
Great guide. Especially agree with tips #5 and #6 – just because the country is depicted as a hot paradise, is not always the case!! Also rainfall and storms can be an issue in coastal areas, especially around the summer months.
Mexico is a bit deceiving in terms of weather, it’s definitely not clear and sunny all the time!
Love your article…please share more of your travels abroad. Will follow you!
Thank you Cheryl, will do! 🙂
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A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.
By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai
Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.
A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .
Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.
An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.
On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.
Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.
The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.
“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.
Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.
The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .
Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.
As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.
But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.
A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.
The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.
The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.
The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.
Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .
The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.
Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.
Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.
The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.
Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.
In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.
Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)
The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.
Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.
As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.
He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”
Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .
Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai
Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..
Italy : Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.
Southern California : Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.
Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .
Romania : Timisoara may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.
India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.
52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .
Travel to Mexico is a right of passage for America. We know Mexico for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and rich culture.
But in today’s world, there are a lot of questions we need to ask before traveling.
What are the covid requirements? is it safe to travel ? Where should I go?
Don’t worry we’ve got you covered!
Here is everything you need to know before you travel to Mexico .
Traveling to Mexico can be a great experience for those who are looking to relax on the beach. Explore new cultures, and learn more about history. There are many things to see and do in Mexico. Making it a great destination for travelers of all interests. And the cheap price tag has made Mexico a Digital Nomad hotspot.
Those who enjoy spending time outdoors can explore the country’s many parks and hiking trails, while those who prefer to stay indoors can visit the many museums and historical sites. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be something for you to enjoy in Mexico.
Planning on traveling to Mexico? Be sure to research all the different areas that you could visit. There is a lot of variety within the country, so it is important to choose a destination that will fit your needs. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the beach. Or exploring new cultures, Mexico has something for everyone.
The rules and restrictions for traveling to Mexico right now depend on your country of origin. If you are coming from the United States , Canada, or Europe, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test. Taken within 72 hours of your arrival in Mexico. You will also be required to fill out a health declaration form upon arrival.
Once in Mexico, you will need to follow all local health and safety guidelines. Which may include wearing a face mask and maintaining social distance. If you are coming from another country, please check with the Mexican embassy. Or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information on travel requirements and restrictions.
Right now, the answer to this question is no. The Mexican government has made no announcements regarding vaccine requirements for travel, and it is unlikely that they will do so soon. However, it is important to keep in mind that things can change quickly concerning the coronavirus. And its variants, so it is always best to stay up to date on the latest information. For now, though, there are no vaccine requirements for travel to Mexico.
And if you cannot prove you are vaccinated you are required to isolate yourself for at least 5 days.
The water in Mexico is NOT safe to drink. There are some areas where the water is not as clean as it could be. The government is working to improve the water quality in these areas, but it is still advisable to use bottled water or purify your water if you are unsure about the quality. If you are planning to travel to Mexico in 2022, check with your hotel or resort about the safety of their drinking water. Many hotels and resorts have private wells or treatment facilities, so the water could be safe to drink.
Mexico is home to many World Heritage Sites as designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are places of great cultural or natural importance. And have been deemed worthy of conservation and protection for future generations.
Some of Mexico’s most famous World Heritage Sites include, but are not limited to. The ancient city of Teotihuacan, the beautiful Colonial Streetscapes of Morelia and Guanajuato. Also, the stunning Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque. Others include the magnificent Mayan site of Chichen Itza (The most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country) .
The picturesque mountain town of San Cristobal de las Casas, and the historic center of Oaxaca City . Each of these World Heritage Sites offers something special that helps to paint a picture of Mexico’s rich history and culture. They are all worth a visit if you ever have the chance!
The U.S. Department of State (Aka State Department ) has issued a green-level travel advisory for Mexico . Urging American citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the country. Meaning it is relatively sage. But The advisory cites “increased crime and violence” as the reason for the warning. And urges travelers to avoid certain areas of Mexico if possible. Americans have been increasingly targeted by criminals in Mexico in recent years. With many cases of robbery and some cases of kidnapping reported.
I believe Mexico is safe to travel to. ( Safer than some places like Jamaica ). But you should always research the areas where you are going. And know what places to avoid when you are traveling in Mexico. Because you will need increased caution in some areas. But you will be fine if you stick to the tourist areas.
No. It is safe overall: kidnapping is not common in Mexico. It is one of the safest countries in the world for this crime. Let’s just look at the numbers. In 2021, there were 625 reported cases of kidnapping in Mexico. Which might seem like a lot. But compare it to the US, which averages around 840,000, and you see why I say kidnapping is not common when you travel to Mexico.
There are some reasons this is the case. But chief among them is the fact that the Mexican government takes kidnappings seriously. And has implemented several policies and procedures to prevent them from happening. You are safe in the tourist areas.
The climate in Mexico is tropical. The average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. Mexico has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season is from May to October and the dry season is from November to April. Mexico is a country that experiences a lot of natural disasters. Some of these include hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Hurricane season in Mexico is from June to November. Flooding often occurs during the rainy season.
Earthquakes can happen of the year but are most common between July and August or December and January. Despite all of this, Mexico is still a popular tourist destination. People come from all over the world to visit its beaches, ruins, and cities. Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta , and Acapulco are some of the most popular destinations.
A Mexican Tourist Card, also known as an FM-T, is a document that allows foreign nationals to enter and travel within Mexico for tourism. The card must be obtained before arrival in Mexico and is valid for a maximum stay of 180 days. Foreign nationals who intend to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days. Or who wish to engage in activities other than tourism (such as studying or working). Must get the appropriate visa from a Mexican consulate before arrival. Mexican Tourist Cards are available from Mexican consulates abroad.
Or from airlines and travel agencies that offer flights to Mexico. They can also be obtained upon arrival at certain airports in Mexico, though this option is more expensive. Applicants must submit proof of nationality. Such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers, as well as proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Mexico. After completing the application process, foreigners will receive a tourist card, which must be presented upon entry into Mexico.
The Mexican Tourist Card is not the same as a visa and does not allow its holder to work or study while in the country. We should also note that the tourist card is only valid for one entry into Mexico. If tourists leave the country and attempt to re-enter on the same card, they will be required to apply for a new one.
Los Cabos is a town at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Almost as far as you can get from camping in Big Sur .. We know it for its beaches, scuba diving sites, and luxurious resorts. Visitors to Los Cabos can enjoy golfing, fishing, whale watching, and other outdoor activities. There are many things to do in Los Cabos. Golfers can enjoy world-class courses designed by Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Visitors can also go deep-sea fishing or charter a yacht for the day.
Whale watching is another popular activity in Los Cabos. Humpback whales visit the area from December to April and several companies offer tours . For those looking for a more relaxed vacation, there are plenty of beaches to choose from in Los Cabos. Many of the resorts offer beach club memberships, like Seattle Beaches . Which gives visitors access to private beaches with waiter service and other amenities. There are also public beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing – similar to some of the best Riviera Beaches .
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. We know it for its stunning beaches, lush vegetation, and friendly locals. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Puerto Vallarta. From exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife to taking part in water sports, just like in the Hawaii’s Northshore , such as swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Puerto Vallarta!
Puerto Vallarta offers a wide array of activities for visitors to enjoy. One popular activity is exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife. Puerto Vallarta is home to numerous bars and clubs, where visitors can dance the night away. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Another popular activity in Puerto Vallarta is taking part in water sports.
The city’s beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at parasailing or jet skiing! Whatever your interests may be, there’s sure to be something for you to do in Puerto Vallarta. Finally, no trip to Puerto Vallarta would be complete without experiencing its culture and history.
The city is home to many museums and art galleries, as well as historic landmarks, similar to the historic sites in Rome , such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Puente Río Cuale. Whether you’re interested in learning about the local culture. Or simply want to take in some of the sights, Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone.
Some of the best places to visit in northern Mexico are the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, the Copper Canyon , and the deserts of Chihuahua. Sierra Madre Oriental is a beautiful mountain range that offers great hiking and camping opportunities. The Copper Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in North America and is worth a visit.
The desert region of Chihuahua is home to some of the unique plants and animals in Mexico and is worth a visit.
The Yucatan Peninsula is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy soaking up the sun. And exploring ancient ruins. The peninsula is home to many Mayan archaeological sites, as well as stunning beaches and turquoise waters.
Visitors can also find plenty of activities to keep them busy, from zip-lining through the jungle to swimming in underground cenotes. There are several ways to reach the Yucatan Peninsula , but flying into Cancun is by far the most popular option. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to their destination.
Once on the peninsula, there are plenty of options for transportation, including car rental, public buses, and even bicycles. No matter how you choose to get around, there is plenty to see and do on the Yucatan Peninsula .
Puerto Morelos is a small town on the Caribbean coast of Mexico (and a way to get to some of the best islands in the Caribbean) . It is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and friendly atmosphere.
There are several things to do in Puerto Morelos , including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and snorkeling. The town is also home to many restaurants and bars, as well as shops selling souvenirs and local arts and crafts. Visitors to Puerto Morelos can find accommodation to suit all budgets, from basic hostels to luxurious resorts.
The Riviera Maya is a beautiful stretch of coastline along the Caribbean Sea in southeastern Mexico, and not far from some of the best Haiti Foods . It’s known for its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical jungle. Visitors to the Riviera Maya can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing.
There are also many ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations to explore in the area. The Riviera Maya has something to offer everyone who visits. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax on the beach or an adventurous vacation spot, this region of Mexico is sure to please. Be sure to add it to your list of must-see travel destinations!
One of the best things about Quintana Roo Mexico is that there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, you will find it here. The region is home to some of the best beaches in the world, as well as ancient ruins and exciting nightlife.
If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for you. With its soft white sand and clear blue waters, it is no wonder that this is one of the most popular beaches in Mexico. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops lining the beach, so you can enjoy a meal or do some shopping in between soaking up the sun.
If you are looking for an adventure, then a visit to Chichen Itza is a must. This ancient Mayan ruin is one of the 7 Wonders of the World Modern and is worth a visit. You can explore the temples and pyramids on your own or take a guided tour to learn more about this fascinating civilization. After exploring Chichen Itza, be sure to check out nearby Cancun for some fun in the sun.
No matter what type of vacation you are looking for, Quintana Roo has something to offer. So come and see why this region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico!
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico is the ancient ruins of chichén itzá . This ancient city was once the capital of the Maya civilization. And today it is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the country. Visitors to chichén itzá can explore the ruins of temples, palaces, and other buildings, as well as see many examples of Maya art and architecture.
The major attraction at chichén itzá is El Castillo, a massive stone pyramid that served as a temple for the Maya god Kukulcan. El Castillo is about 30 meters tall, and visitors can climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Other notable features at chichén itzá include.
The Great Ball Court, where Maya nobles played a game similar to tennis; The Temple of Warriors. A vast complex containing many statues of Maya soldiers. And The Observatory was an astronomical site used by Maya priests to track the movements of the stars and planets. A visit to chichén itzá is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in history or archaeology. With its abundant attractions and stunning setting, chichén itzá is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.
Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful place to visit, with its stunning beaches and crystal clear water. It’s no wonder that this popular tourist destination is so popular with travelers from all over the world. If you’re thinking of visiting Cabo San Lucas, there are a few things you should know before you go.
First, the weather in Cabo is warm year-round, so there’s never a bad time to visit. Second, Cabo is a very safe place to travel, so you can feel confident about exploring without worrying. Lastly, Cabo is an extremely welcoming place for tourists, so ask locals for tips on where to go and what to see. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Cabo San Lucas has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, be sure to add Mexico City to your list of destinations. The capital city is full of history, culture, and delicious food. Start your trip by exploring some of the city’s most famous landmarks , such as the Zocalo (main square), the Palacio Nacional, and the Templo Mayor. Armed with the best explorer quotes ..
Then, check out one of the many museums or art galleries. And no visit to Mexico City would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. stomachs will be happy here: there are endless options for great food, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Finally, don’t forget to shop!
You can find everything from handcrafted goods to designer brands in Mexico City’s many markets and shops. So whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to indulge in a little retail therapy, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for in this vibrant city.
Mexico is home to some of the most popular resort destinations in the world. From the beautiful beaches of Cancun vs Tulum. To the bustling city of Mexico City, there is something for everyone in this diverse country. Many visitors come to Mexico for its stunning beaches and sunny weather.
The east coast of Mexico, where Cancun is located, is especially popular among tourists looking to relax and soak up some rays. Besides its beach resorts, Mexico also offers a variety of cultural attractions.
The ancient ruins of the Maya and Aztec civilizations are a must-see for any history buff. And the lively city of Mexico City is full of interesting museums, art galleries, and restaurants, it might be why the best quotes about Mexico are amazing,.
If you’re planning on traveling to Canada or Mexico, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of beforehand. First, you’ll need a valid passport. Make sure you leave enough time to get your passport. (You can see how long it takes to get a passport here).
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a passport at any local post office. Once you have your passport, check the expiration date and ensure that it won’t expire while you’re gone. Next, you’ll need to get a visa if you plan on staying in either country for over 90 days. Visas can be got from the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting.
The process and requirements for obtaining a visa vary from country to country, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time. Finally, if you’re driving to either Canada or Mexico, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license. And purchase car insurance (If you are driving) that will cover you while you’re in the country. You should also be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle when crossing the border.
Yes, buy travel insurance when traveling to Mexico. There are several reasons why this is important. First, travel insurance will protect you if something goes wrong while you are away from home. If you get sick or injured, travel insurance will help to cover the cost of your medical care.
If your luggage is lost or stolen, travel insurance can help to reimburse you for the cost of replacing it. Second, travel insurance can give you peace of mind while you are traveling.
Knowing that they protect you in case of an emergency can help you to relax and enjoy your trip. Finally, travel insurance is usually very affordable.
For a relatively small amount of money, you can purchase a policy that will give you a great deal of protection while you are away from home. I use Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Yes, you can get a Mexico Tourist Card at the airport. The card is available at most major airports in Mexico, and it is valid for up to 180 days. The card costs about $30, and it allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 90 days.
Cross the continent in 15 days from perth to sydney , las grutas tolantongo mexico | the best guide on the internet, the best museums to see in the united states, how long does it take to get passport, 1 thought on “travel to mexico | everything you need to know”.
I had to read this blog word by word for i, my Mexican friend invited me and the Mexico i had in mind is the one we see in movies. But, this blog has articulated all the would be issues on my Mexican visit. Thanks guys for the good work.
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Posted on Last updated: February 7, 2024
Traveling to Mexico soon? Here are all the tips for traveling to Mexico that will be vital to know in order to make the most of your trip and have a great, hassle-free time.
Mexico is a massive country full of more different landscapes than most people know about. You may think of beaches and margaritas, but there’s so much more to Mexico than that. It’s got a beautiful culture, delicious cuisine, wonderful sights, and some cultural intricacies that are important to know about before you go.
I have been visiting Mexico since I was young (as I am from California) and have lived there and traveled through quite a lot of it as well. During this time, I have gotten to know some of the most important things to know before traveling to Mexico that ensures a good, safe experience (sometimes the hard way). Take notes on the top tips for Mexico below!
All the photos in this post are my own 🙂
Before getting to the main tips, I have a lot more content about Mexico. If you are traveling to any of the areas below (mostly Qintana Roo) these articles can provide some valuable tips for your trip!
To travel to Mexico safely, it is important to be vigilant and aware of safety tips for Mexico as a whole and also specific to your destination, as safety can differ a lot in different states.
My main tip is to always be vigilant in Mexico and use your common sense. Sure, Mexico is safer than a lot of people think, but that doesn’t mean that the unexpected can’t happen (I can personally attest to that). Don’t take any chances in Mexico and always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, don’t do it.
Make sure to look up your specific destination in Mexico and any travel tips for it, as each one can be different and some parts of Mexico are more corrupt than others and some are super safe without many problems at all.
One place I can definitely comment on the safety of is Quintana Roo/Tulum. I lived in Tulum for 6 months and experienced more corruption there than anywhere in my life out of 75 countries, but not everyone had the same experience. As I mentioned before, erring on the side of caution is essential here. Read more about safety in Tulum here.
Mexico has an award system for towns of particularly significant cultural, historical, architectural, or simply mystical character, and this award is called being named a ‘Pueblo Magico.” There are over 120 pueblos magicos, which directly translates to magic towns.
Each Pueblo Magico is called one for a different reason, but they all truly are magical! Try to visit at least one Pueblo Magico during your trip to immerse yourself in some authentic Mexican charm. Here is a list of Pueblos Magicos.
One of the most obvious Mexico travel tips is to know some basic Spanish before you go, or keep learning as you travel! Many people speak English in Mexico, but many people don’t speak a single word… even in some turisty areas.
Knowing basic Spanish here will get you a long way and make things so much easier. So before your trip, learn a little Spanish and at least learn how to ask for a beer and the bathroom!
People tend to think of Mexico as synonymous with beaches, bikinis, sunshine, and heat. But as I keep mentioning, Mexico is HUGE and has a MASSIVE variety of climates, elevations, and temperatures.
Mexico has some incredible mountainous regions, and Mexico City is actually at quite a high elevation so tends to be cooler. This should be obvious, but check the weather before you go as it might not be as scorching as you expect.
One of the best tips for traveling to Mexico is to pay with pesos instead of dollars, and to always have cash on you. There are a few reasons for this.
The currency is obviously pesos in Mexico, but in many touristy places will accept or even encourage payment in dollars. This is only because they assume you are stupid (or are not doing the math) and are giving you a terrible exchange rate. Paying in the local currency of pesos can save you money.
Secondly, it’s important to try and keep the smallest change possible on you at all times. This is because many taxi drivers, market vendors, etc will not have change and will end up overcharging you if you don’t have smaller notes. So keep in mind to break bills when you can and use bank ATM’s when you see them.
Continuing from money tips for traveling to Mexico, there are some important things to know before using Mexican ATM’s.
First of all, make sure to only use BANK ATM’s. Don’t use any tiny street ATM’s if you can help it as these almost always charge too much to use. Try and use an ATM attached to an actual bank if you can as these will have much fairer exchange rates and fees.
Next, to avoid lines, keep in mind that pay day in most of Mexico is the end of the month (last/first day of the month) and the 15th. ATM’s might have long lines on these days which could hold you back if you were not prepared for it.
I know it’s tempting to remain at all-inclusive resort the whole time in Mexico, and those definitely have their time and place. I mean, who doesn’t love unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment? But one of my biggest Mexico travel tips is to make sure to travel beyond just the beach resorts, as this country has so much more to offer!
Head outside the beach resort to try some street food, wander through a local market, try a culinary tour in the Riviera Nayarit , visit the downtown areas or pop into a local bar playing mariachi. These things are what the authentic Mexico travel experience is about.
To have the best experience traveling in Mexico, it’s important to have cell phone data at all times! This is of course to post pics and stories of the great time you are having, but also for safety reasons.
There are a few ways to make sure to have data in Mexico. The most obvious is to grab a local sim card when you arrive (they have phone stores at the airports and in all towns) to connect to the local networks. Most people prefer Telcel. Secondly, you can ensure that your phone company provides international data or pay for a special package that includes Mexico for the duration of your trip.
You must respect local customs when in Mexico, and one of those customs is tipping. Yes, it’s true, tipping is customary in Mexico but just not as much as the USA. It is standard to tip at least 10% on top of any bill at a restaurant or bar in most of Mexico.
Despite being mostly safe, it’s very important in Mexico to protect yourself against the possibility of anything bad happening. One of the most important tips for traveling to Mexico is having travel insurance. Travel insurance saved our butts during some ordeals in Tulum, and it’s always better to have peace of mind.
We use Heymondo travel insurance and have used them for years. They insure for a lot of outdoor activities and even have adventure sports add-ons and equipment coverage. You can read more about Heymondo in our review here.
Tap water in Mexico is generally not safe to drink, so to be safe don’t drink it anywhere. Get used to not drinking from the tap or shower during your trip here. Brushing your teeth with the tap water is usually okay but I never do it just in case.
You may be happy to learn that most ice in Mexico is made from purified water, and that most greens are washed with good water too. It’s actually quite outdated Mexico advice to refrain from ice in drinks or veggies as they may be washed with tap water.
Locals and visitors alike do not want to get sick from the tap water, so all restaurants will have safe ice and greens, and many street vendors will also. If you are worried, just ask, or check the share of the ice to see if it may have come from a supermarket bag of purified ice.
It’s important to factor into your plans/itinerary that many museums are closed on Mondays all over Mexico and especially in Mexico City. This is the day that museums and many attractions and even parks close for maintenance and other things like simply time off for workers. Museums will be open most weekends.
Many say that Mexico isn’t known for haggling, but I would partially disagree. I have haggled my absolute life away at more Mexican markets and street vendor areas than I can count, and this is completely normal to do as most of these will start by trying to overcharge you.
Haggling isn not normal per se in most aspects of Mexican life such as street food and shops, but at markets when buying souvenirs and trinkets, it’s fair game.
One of the biggest safety tips for Mexico to be extra vigilant is to make sure not to flaunt any of your expensive jewelry, cameras, clothing, or other items while walking on the street.
This is not to say that you will be robbed or mugged if you do, but if you don;t flauny anything, it greatly reduces the chances of anything bad happening to you. So to err on the side of caution, just don’t do it.
I know this is hard for cameras when you are trying to take photos of your trip, but my main tip for carrying a camera is to also wear a scarf you can put over the camera or a big bagon the same shoulder.
One of the most hilarious Mexico travel tips is to know what letter will be on the toilet before you go, to avoid any uncomfortable or awkward situations!
Womens bathrooms have ‘M’ or ‘D’ on the door which means mujeres or damas. Men’s toilets have ‘H’ or ‘C’ which means hombres or caballeros. You can see how easy it would be to confuse this if you are coming from an English speaking country… and how many Men would walk through the ‘M’ door not thinking that it means Mujer.
In most of Mexico it is not customary to flush toilet paper down the toilet, which can be hard to remember if coming from any country where you do. There will aways be a big trash can to place used toilet paper so they don;t clog up toilet systems that were not built to withstand toilet paper like they are in the US. To avoid more awkward bathroom situations, make sure to throw your toilet paper in the bin.
Another Toilet tip for Mexico is to keep change on you because many bus station or public toilets will cost money. As I said above, try and always have small change on you if at all possible.
VPN ‘s are a good idea to use while traveling in any country, Mexico included. To keep your info safe no matter if you are working from a cafe in Sayulita or an airbnb in Puerto Escondido, you wont have to worry.
When you enter Mexico, they give you a slip of paper. This slip is called the FMM , and while it would be super easy to toss it in the bin once you arrive safely, DO NOT DO THIS! Mexico is one of the only countries where you must exit with the same form you entered on. Losing this form can create problems, so keep it with your passport or somewhere else safe.
At the end of 2022 it was announced that there are new plans to eliminate this form with changes to the entry procedures, which would be awesome. But depending on when you enter Mexico, if they give you a paper, just don’t lose it.
You can save tons of money in Mexico by taking busses and public transport.
ADO is a long-distance bus line that runs routes between main points of interest in Mexico. Most main cities and towns have a bus station, and ADO busses cover literally the entire country. You can book some online or head to the bus station to ask about your routes, from hopping to the next town in a state to crossing the entire country.
For more local transport, you might want to look into learning how to use collectivos . Collectivos are white minubusses that serve as public transport ALL OVER Mexico. They are very informal and nearly always packed, but they only cost a couple of pesos. They run in routes with a number like normal busses (although they may detour from time to time).
Once you arrive at your destination in Mexico, ask someone or try and figure out the different collectivos running in the area and see if you can jump on to get where you are going. This would be an important situation to know some spanish, but it could save you won’t on taxis especially in places like Tulum.
If you can’t get there on a collective or ADO bus (or if the ride is 12+ hours) Mexico does have some reputable airlines. As I have said many times, this country is SO much bigger than many imagine; in fact, it’s the 14th largest country in the world.
It may seem natural to plan a trip to some of Mexicos hotspots such as Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Cancun, and Oaxaca, in one trip, but the reality is that all of these places are 12+ hours apart. Check Skyscanner for domestic flights to save lots of driving (and potential roadblock) time.
Sadly car rental scams do happen all over Mexico and a lot in the Yucatan area. Most of the scams involve being obligated to pay for extra ‘insurance’ that doubles, triples, or quadruples the quoted cost. They have also gotten creative in Tulum where they will tow your car from the beach area (in conjunction with the rental company) and charge you LOTS to get it back.
Read some tips and rental scam details here to ensure that nothing like this happens to you!
For the third time, Mexico is SO MUCH MORE than Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. Those resort-y places are nice, of course, but consider visiting some of Mexico’s incredible mountains, grottos, jungles, ancient historic sites, and even deserts. The country covers a lot of ground, and within it are lots of landscapes to see and foods to try.
Did you know that there are seven regions of Mexican cuisine ? That’s right, it’s not all tacos and quesadillas but different regions have different gastronomic delights for you to try.
My next Mexico travel tip is to try street food, and the very next tip after that is to choose your street food wisely.
Street food is an integral part of Mexican culture and how locals eat all over the country. But one of the things to know before going to Mexico is how to choose street food wisely. Generally the best Mexican street food spots are:
Some places in Mexico have uber, and others do not. When looking to get around, first try and take uber or any other taxi app if it is available (and this is true all over the world). Uber/taxi apps sets a fair price for you BEFORE you ride so you have no hidden costs or stresses.
Taxi drivers around Mexico will definitely try to overcharge you if they can. The best way to combat this is to agree on a fair fare before you sit down. Look up online what a normal fare would be, or you can always compare the fare to what the uber app suggests if it is available.
Mexico is not one of those countries like Japan or Germany that are meticulously on time. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If you have ever heard of the term ‘island time,’ Mexico is something like that. Things happen when they happen, and that’s all you need to know.
This is a country that requires a lot of patience to travel through. Food won’t always be fast, busses won’t always be on time, and sometimes tours will take a little longer than expected. But if you know this before your trip, it can;t stress you out. It’s Mexico time.
The best way to have a more authentic experience when traveling in Mexico or anywhere in the world is to connect with locals. And in Mexico, locals are generally very friendly and open and happy to have a chat, especially if you practice your spanish.
Chatting with locals can truly give you a different perspective on your destination that you cannot get in a big resort or cruise ship. It’s always more fulfilling to understand more about how life really is in your destination through a local’s point of view and making new friendships.
Mexico has a very varied landscape, but a LOT of it is prone to mosquitos. If you will be near any jungles or many beaches, these little buzzing bloodsuckers might become your worst enemy. Make sure to have mosquito repellant just in case, and to have it on you at all times especially at sunrise and sunset.
There are many natural mosquito repellants that use lemongrass oil, or you can opt for a high deet product like OFF to be extra sure the mozzies will be warded off. But for any times you forgot repellant, you will NOT regret having a bite relief stick . These have saves me from an itchy death a few times.
I know I said Mexico isn’t always hot, but oftentimes, it is. If you are traveling to one of Mexico’s warmer destiantions or beaches, make sure to plan ahead and pack for it as the sun can be scorching.
Don’t leave home without sun protection in every form possible. Bring a high spf sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, cover-ups, and anything else to protect your body from the sun… when you aren’t sunbathing, that is!
Something that is important to note is that, in general, Mexican people dress more conservatively. Keep this in mind when walking through cities/towns and local villages that may not be used to scantily clad tourists rampaging through their town.
If you are planning to be in any local areas (and even touristy areas to be more respectful of the culture), bring something to cover up a bit more.
Mexico is a fabulous digital nomad destination in that pretty much all main hubs have fantastic wifi. So one of the things to know before going to Mexico is that you most likely will not have to worry about finding good wifi, because it will be available in most hotels, cafes, apartments, and restaurants.
Depending on where you are coming from, you may not need an adaptor in Mexico. Mexico has the same plugs as the USA – type A and B – which means two parallel prongs with or without a third grounding prong.
Make sure to grab a travel adaptor – one of my biggest travel essentials – beforehand if coming from Europe, Australia, or other destinations.
If you are heading to Mexico and plan to do a bit of partying, something that you will definitely want to know before traveling to Mexico is that in many states alcohol sales stop after a certain hour . Alcohol can be sold in many states 24 hours a day, but sales stop between 12 and 6am in states like Quintana Roo.
That’s it for my Tips for Traveling to Mexico! Let me know how your trip went in the comments, if any of these tips helped you, and if I should include any more!
More Mexico:
Mexico is a dream destination for many! It has beaches and cenotes, it has culture, it has famous monuments and others not so much, it has tasty, diverse and creative food… It has everything we need for a fabulous trip and then some! It is no coincidence that it is one of the world’s best and biggest tourist destinations!
There are few countries where we spent more time than Mexico… We traveled by plane, boat, bus, and colectivos . We know a good part of the country, but Mexico is so extensive and so diverse that it’s challenging to truly know the whole country.
Even so, there are some general characteristics and travel tips that are valid for the entire country. Thus, we are going to present the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Mexico, looking at the people, the tourism, the best travel destinations, the best ways to travel, food, costs, and much more…
Page Contents
#1 Located in North America, Mexico is a huge country (the 13th largest in the world) with enormous geographic diversity. Despite this, Mexico borders only 3 countries, the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south.
#2 Mexico is a federated state with 31 states (plus the federal district of Mexico City). Some of the best-known and most popular among travelers are Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Baja California, and Jalisco.
#3 As we mentioned, it is an incredibly diverse country with deserts, volcanoes, plains, tropical forests, and paradisiacal beaches.
However, one of the most striking characteristics of Mexico is that its central zone reaches very high altitudes. The top of the largest volcanoes greatly exceeds 5,000 meters in altitude, and the metropolitan area of Mexico City is at around 2400 meters .
The highest point in Mexico is Orizaba Peak, at 5,700 meters above sea level.
#4 With nearly 130 million inhabitants, Mexico is the 10th most populous country in the world and the first whose official language is Spanish. Its capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest in the world.
#5 The Mexican population is very diverse but also difficult to quantify. There are large percentages of indigenous, white, and mestizo populations, however, the percentages vary greatly depending on the criteria used.
There are also small percentages of black Mexicans and Asian Mexicans. But if we look at the absolute numbers, we notice it is a lot of people.
#6 Between about 12 and 23 million people in Mexico are (or consider themselves) indigenous. Thus, Mexico has the largest indigenous population in the Americas.
The indigenous population is widely distributed throughout the country and includes the Nahua (Aztecas), the Mayas, the Zapotecs, and the Mixtecs, among others.
#7 Despite all this diversity, practically everyone speaks Spanish.
Thus, it is very useful to speak Spanish or at least a little bit. It helps communication a lot, and people like foreigners who speak (try) their language. With some training, it is pretty easy for us, as we are native Portuguese speakers.
In tourism-related services, there are quite a few people who speak English, but don’t assume that everyone speaks or should do so.
#8 We found contact with Mexicans extremely pleasant. They are naturally super friendly and are always very curious to know where we are from due to our weird broken, but understandable, Spanish. It sounds like Spanish to them; they understand more or less what we say, but it’s definitely not real Spanish.
Apart from a few exceptions in very touristy areas, the sellers are also not too insistent, which makes the whole experience of traveling much more pleasant.
#9 As mentioned above, Mexico is huge and very diverse. You could write an article (or several) just about the climate in Mexico. The differences between the north and south are enormous, and then there is the issue of altitude.
The west coast and the highlands of the north center are generally arid, but as you go south, it gets increasingly rainy. As for the southern part of Mexico, the climate is already tropical. That is very rainy and high temperatures all year round.
In virtually the whole country, the rainy season is in the summer, and the hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the worst months being September and October, as they are also the hottest.
It is important to note that the altitude is vital for the central zones of Mexico. Due to the altitude, cities such as Puebla and Mexico City have mild climates throughout most of the year.
#10 The best time to travel to Mexico completely depends on where in Mexico you are going.
If you plan to go to the south, and the beaches, the ideal is to go between February and May. This avoids hurricanes and higher temperatures. Note that in summer the temperatures and humidity are sometimes too high to totally enjoy the place.
If you are planning a trip around Christmas and New Year, note that it will probably be better to go to the west coast and Baja California, as in Yucatan and Quintana Roo the weather is still not ideal.
#11 Safety is one of the most talked about topics when thinking about traveling in Mexico. And although there are some reasons for this as there are globally high levels of crime (kidnapping, extortion, and robbery on public roads as well as on public transport), the reality is not as bad as is often presumed.
It is essential to know which regions and states are the most problematic and avoid them. The worst zones in Mexico are potentially very dangerous and should be avoided. You can see here the information updated by the American government.
#12 In practice, you should always pay attention while traveling in public transportation, stations, and other busy places – like everywhere else in the world. Walking at night should also be done with caution.
Overall, our experience in Mexico was extremely pleasant. Initially, we felt some tension because some reports we read were disturbing but as we got to know the countries we became more and more relaxed.
Otherwise, we had a perfectly normal life, walked everywhere, and used public transport almost daily. We never felt in danger or in a more tense situation.
#13 The territory where we find Mexico today has a rich history, with several civilizations that left immense ruins, ancient cities, pyramids, temples, and, of course, unique and fascinating cultures.
Some of the most famous are the Aztecs, Mayans, Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Teotihuacans. It is important to note that these cultures did not all emerge simultaneously, nor occupied the entire territory, but they were replacing each other, appearing and disappearing in different regions.
If you like this theme, we strongly advise visiting the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City. Take at least half a day (or a full day if you like museums) because it’s a whole world to explore!
#14 The arrival of the Spaniards in America marked a new phase in the history of Mexico. First, the conquest and then the colonization of Mexico. In 1521 Hernan Cortés conquered Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City) and then the rest of the territory.
This phase is marked by the enslavement of indigenous peoples but also by the development of Mexican culture and the formation of the basis for what Mexico is today. The Spanish colony was called the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
Good to know: In addition to territories in America, New Spain also included the Philippines. Therefore, Mexico and the Philippines have a strong relationship and influence.
#15 The Viceroyalty fell in 1821 with the independence of Mexico. The 19th century was very agitated in Mexico, with several wars, coups, and regime changes.
Currently, Mexico is a politically stable country with regular and democratic elections.
#16 One of the best-known things about Mexico is, without a doubt, the drug cartel situation. It is constantly portrayed in movies and series and regularly appears in the news. This is not the article to discuss this issue, nor are we the right people to do so.
However, we have to mention that in everyday life in Mexico, and especially for those who are in Mexico on a trip, this is not an issue. Apart from sometimes seeing impressive police devices, nothing else reminds us of this serious social crisis in the country.
#17 Tourism is one of the essential sectors of the Mexican economy. Before Covid, Mexico received 100 million tourists a year, corresponding to revenues of around USD 25B, or 2% of GDP.
Thus, Mexico is one of the most touristic countries in the world. In 2020, already with the pandemic underway, it received more than 50 million visitors, i.e., the 3rd in the world.
#18 As you would expect, most visitors to Mexico are Americans and Canadians. There are also quite a few Europeans, but no other single nationality stands out.
Most tourism in Mexico is resort tourism. Thus, many of the tourists who visit Mexico go to resorts and stay in resorts, taking some tours nearby.
#19 Interestingly, in our experience in Mexico, we saw many Europeans traveling, much more than Americans and Canadians.
Our explanation for this is that because we travel as backpackers, we end up seeing more backpackers, and we don’t go to the resorts or more luxurious places that Americans frequent.
#20 Mexicans travel a lot within their own country. In virtually all the tours we did, and in almost all the cities, we met Mexicans who were traveling and wanted to know the culture, history, and landmarks of Mexico .
This left us surprised but also very satisfied. It’s good to know that there is already a middle class in Mexico with enough purchasing power to travel and enjoy getting to know their country and everything it offers.
#21 In Mexico, there are 35 UNESCO heritage sites, of which 27 are cultural heritage, 9 are natural heritage, and 4 are mixed. These are spread across the country, but mainly in the center and south.
For obvious reasons, we won’t list here all the UNESCO sites in Mexico, but some of the best-known include several historical centers (Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca), many pre-Columbian ruins (Monte Alban, Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan), and some wonders (Sian Kaan, Pacific Islands, Butterfly Reserve).
You can see the complete list here.
#22 Alongside the many UNESCO heritage sites, the Mexican government created the Pueblos Mágicos project to make known many of Mexico’s natural, cultural, and historical wonders.
Created in 2001, the project currently has 132 magical pueblos spread across the country. Although this is primarily a marketing initiative, seeing their list and the reasons they were nominated is also an excellent way to look for interesting activities and destinations for our trip.
#23 Mexico is huge and has an almost endless number of tourist attractions. It would be impossible to include all the destinations in Mexico in this guide, but we think it is very important to talk a little about the best destinations, the most popular regions, and also some famous landmarks .
#24 The beaches and year-round high temperatures are the main reasons tourists choose Mexico as a vacation destination. In our opinion, the best beaches in Mexico are on the Caribbean coast in the state of Quintana Roo. Some of our favorite beaches include:
#25 The Pacific coast also has a lot of beach areas, but these are much more known as surfing beaches than diving/swimming beaches.
The water is warm all year round, but normally the sands are quite small or non-existent. We were especially disappointed with the city beaches in Puerto Vallarta as they were not at all pleasant. However, there are some stunning and pleasant beaches in this area, such as:
The beaches of Los Cabos in Baja California are also very well known and famous, but we didn’t have the opportunity to go there, so we can’t recommend any.
#26 Still regarding the beaches in Mexico, it is essential to note that many beaches do not have public access. Or at least it’s complex. Most beaches in the hotel zones are practically private beaches, and only hotel guests have access.
Thus, the experience that each person has varies significantly with the resort they choose, and not just with the region/city. It is also quite frustrating for those who are not in resorts, as they have limited access to beaches.
This happens in practically all the most famous areas of Mexico, like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. However, note that all the beaches described above are public and relatively easy to access.
#27 Cenotes are another of the most popular attractions in Mexico, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula. A cenote is an underground chamber that permanently contains fresh water.
There are cenotes of many different types, shapes, and sizes. The most common ones are cave-shaped, semi-open, and open. The cave-shaped ones are newer, while the open ones are older.
The cenotes also have very different dimensions, from very small to many tens of meters. Many cenotes have crystal-clear water and are great for swimming and even scuba diving.
Cenotes are spread all over the peninsula, and it’s complicated to say which ones are the best. It is possible to visit cenotes from virtually any city in the region, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Merida, and Valladolid.
Note that the cenotes are virtually all private, and we must pay a ticket to enter. Prices vary greatly, from 50 Pesos to 300 or 400 per person.
#28 The ruins of pre-Columbian civilizations are another of Mexico’s biggest attractions. There is an almost endless number of ruins in Mexico from several different civilizations. Some are very well known, others not so much, but the diversity is immense.
As we mentioned, there were many civilizations besides the famous Mayans and Aztecs, and almost all of them left ruins, pyramids, and times scattered throughout the country. Some of the most famous and popular are:
#29 Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world. With more than 20M inhabitants, its metropolitan area has more than twice the population of Portugal or Greece . Naturally, it is a city with incredible action and life.
The experience of spending a few days in Mexico City and exploring its many neighborhoods, historic areas, and parks is unique in Mexico. In our opinion, anyone who doesn’t visit Mexico City will never really get to know Mexico. Some of the places not to be missed in Mexico are:
#30 Just south of Mexico City is the city of Puebla , one of our favorite cities in Mexico. It’s a big city, but the historic center is walkable, and with a spring climate all year round, it’s really perfect for discovering its corners that way.
Puebla is also famous in Mexico for its delicious food with some dishes unique to Mexico, such as mole poblano, Arabic tacos, and above all, chile en nogada . But beyond the typical dishes, it is above all a city where you can eat well practically everywhere.
#31 Oaxaca is another top destination in Mexico. It is a city with many and varied points of interest, from its colonial architecture, colorful houses, and typical Mexican food to events throughout the year.
Among the events, we have to highlight the dia de los muertos. Dia de los muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico, but it is especially important in Oaxaca, which is why every year, thousands of Mexicans and foreigners flock to Oaxaca the week of November 2nd to celebrate and honor the dead.
In addition to the attractions in the city, Oaxaca is also the base for two of the most spectacular monuments in Mexico, the ruins of Monte Alban (our favorite ruins in Mexico) and Hierve el Agua (a petrified waterfall that only exists in 2 places in the world).
#32 The state of Chiapas in southern Mexico is one of the poorest in the country, but it is also one of the most captivating. It is a mountainous state with immense natural wonders, cultural attractions, and impressive monuments.
If you want to visit a breathtaking region of Mexico outside the usual and popular beaches of the Yutacan, we advise you to include Chiapas in your itinerary. Some of the places not to be missed are:
#33 In addition to all the destinations and activities above, Mexico has dozens of beautiful cities with colonial buildings, colorful houses, and streets full of charm. Some of them are well-known, while others are a little less.
Two cities we haven’t even mentioned yet were considered among the best destinations in the world in 2022, San Miguel de Allende and Mérida. Still, there are many others, such as Querétaro, Guanajuato, Valladolid, and San Luis de Potosi, among others.
San Miguel de Allende is located in the state of Guanajuato, north of Mexico City, and is a real-life fairy tale. It is extremely popular with American expats and Instagrammers due to its beauty, safety, and activities.
Mérida is the capital of the state of Yucatán and is considered the safest city in Mexico. It was one of the first places we visited, and we liked it so much that we decided to stay for a few more days.
In addition to the brightly colored houses, colonial architecture, and imposing buildings, Mérida is also perfectly located to visit many attractions such as ruins, beaches, cenotes, and natural parks.
#34 Based on pre-Columbian food but with a huge culinary influence, Mexican food is one of the best-known and most popular in the world.
The creativity and diversity of dishes that exist in Mexico is fascinating and unforgettable. Especially when we note that the essential ingredients of traditional Mexican cuisine are relatively few: corn, beans, and chiles.
It’s very difficult to find a Mexican dish that doesn’t have one, or two, and usually even these three ingredients. Other widely used indigenous ingredients include cacao, coffee, avocado, tomato, pumpkin, and vanilla.
#35 One of the surprising characteristics (there are exceptions, of course) of food in Mexico is that it uses little salt and, in addition to chiles (and there are many diverse ones), is relatively unseasoned. It is often the sauces that give the food its flavor and spiciness.
However, be careful because sauces are usually very hot (really!). Interestingly, when they are not spicy hot, they are often sweetened.
We strongly advise you always to confirm that the sauce you will use, or order is spicy. If they say just a bit, it’s too spicy for us. If they say yes, we learn not to risk it…
#36 Some of the best Mexican food dishes include:
Note that in addition to being globally creative and delicious, Mexican food is also regional. There are lots of regional dishes that are practically only consumed in one city or state.
#37 In addition to traditional and regional food, street food is also extremely popular. Mexicans and tourists alike love to eat on the street, whether for taste, convenience, or price.
Every city has several food vendors, usually close to parks, the Zócalo, and public transport. In Mexico City, the quantity and diversity are overwhelming.
Some of the best-known street foods in Mexico include:
#38 In addition to the many typical dishes of Mexican cuisine, there is also a massive variety of drinks. Some are extremely well known, others not so much.
Mexico’s two most popular alcoholic beverages are tequila and mezcal. Both are made from Agave, but tequila can only be made from a specific species of Agave, while mezcal is made from several species.
Tequila is extremely popular outside Mexico, namely in the USA, while mezcal is much more prevalent in Mexico, particularly in Oaxaca, where it originates.
In addition to these drinks, in Mexico, we can also find many traditional drinks, such as:
#39 The official currency of Mexico is the Peso, and the exchange rate is around 1 USD for 18-20 Pesos (2023). It’s a variable exchange rate, so confirm the exchange rate before you travel. A substantial variation in the exchange rate can cause a significant increase or decrease in travel expenses.
Some places accept USD (euros are more difficult, but they may also work out). However, we strongly advise against doing so. The exchange will always be highly unfavorable.
#40 We suggest that you always carry cash (pesos) as many stores do not accept cards or charge an extra fee for using the card. If the store accepts cards with no additional fee, we suggest you use them to reduce the number of withdrawals you need to make.
It is not difficult to find ATMs (cajeros) in most tourist places or big cities; however, ATMs always charge a withdrawal fee. So always raise the maximum amount possible to minimize these costs.
#41 This is always one of the most challenging questions to answer, as it depends significantly on the type of tourist you are and the activities you are looking for.
That said, we will share our general expenses with you, knowing that we are backpackers and that we had a long trip (more than two months), staying several days at each destination, which reduces our daily expenses a little.
So, traveling as a couple, we spend an average of around 90 Euros per couple, or 45 per person per day. Here we include all our expenses except for travel insurance (as it is annual) and travel in and out of the country.
In general, we consider Mexico a relatively cheap country to travel to, but much more expensive than Southeast Asia. We also think it would be a little cheaper, particularly regarding transport and activities.
Tours and entrance fees to some monuments and museums are more expensive than we expected. Street food is exceptionally cheap, restaurant food not so much. It is not expensive, they are simply average prices in Portugal, for example. Accommodations are pretty cheap, whether they are local accommodations or hostels. Resorts are obviously very expensive.
#42 Tips, or propinas as the Mexicans call them, are not mandatory but are part of the country’s culture, probably due to the strong influence of Americans in tourism.
The restaurant tips can either be included as a “service” or be requested afterward. If you pay with a card, it is usual to be asked if you want to add the amount to the payment or if you want to leave it in cash. 10% is an average tip amount.
In addition to restaurants, tipping guides are also customary, especially when they provide good service.
#43 On our trips around Mexico, we used public transport exclusively, mainly buses, both short-distance colectivos and long-distance buses.
Both colectivos and urban transport are quite cheap and often excellent options to save some money. We found them completely safe in the cities where we used them, and we never had any problems.
On the other hand, long-distance transport is not that cheap, with many trips costing 50-75 Euros per person. Yes, the distances are long, but the prices are not lower than in Europe. Sometimes they are even more expensive.
#44 Because bus trips are so long and expensive, it sometimes pays to fly. Mainly because there are several low-cost airlines in Mexico (Volaris and Viva Aerobus), and virtually all major cities in Mexico have an airport.
When planning your itinerary, we advise you to check available flights to the areas you want to visit. If the distances are long, it’s probably worth flying.
For example, we flew from Mérida to Toluca (near Mexico City) or from Puerto Vallarta to Querétaro. It was cheaper and much faster.
These low-cost companies usually have very cheap flights but charge high amounts for luggage. Include all expenses in the calculations you make.
#45 Since our trips were always quite long, we chose not to rent a car and always used public transport. Besides being our favorite way to travel, it’s less stressful. Sure, it takes away some flexibility, but it’s also much cheaper.
As we don’t drive or rent a car, we can’t give first-person tips, but from what we’ve seen, driving in Mexico isn’t particularly complicated. Mexicans are sometimes impatient, but if you have experience driving abroad, you shouldn’t have any significant problems.
We advise against renting a car if you plan to stay in cities, especially in Mexico City. Then the car is useless, and the best thing is to use the metro and Uber. They are easy, safe, and cheap.
#46 Renting a car can be a great idea for anyone planning to travel around the Yutacan and Quintana Roo states. The roads are quite good and the distances, although relatively long, are easy to reach by car.
On the other hand, if you have little time, it is an excellent way to visit several destinations faster and at a much lower cost than with organized tours.
Do i need an adapter for mexico.
47 The electricity inputs in Mexico are type A and B with voltage 120V and frequency 60Hz. These are the US, Japan, and China electricity outlets. Therefore, if you come from Portugal, Europe, or Brazil, you will need an adapter.
If you need an adapter, we recommend this universal adapter.
#48 We advise buying a prepaid data SIM card when you arrive in Mexico. They are cheap, easy to carry, and have a reasonable network. In cities, it works very well, but in remote areas, there will probably be more problems with the connection. But there is nothing you can do about it, the country is enormous.
We buy the Telcel card as they are reputed to have the best network. It also has excellent tourist rates for 7, 18, and 30 days. We were pretty satisfied.
Accommodations usually have WIFI in public areas and rooms, but we always advise you to confirm before booking. Finally, we advise against relying exclusively on public WIFI as they often do not work.
#49 As Portuguese, we did not need an entry visa for trips of less than 180 days; however, a passport valid for more than six months beyond the end of the trip is required.
At the entrance, they can also ask for your departure ticket, information about your stay, and even proof of means of subsistence for your stay in Mexico. Although the limit is 180 days, the agent can grant a shorter visa. You can see detailed information here .
#50 Our recommended travel guide for Mexico is Lonely Planet Mexico 17.
Alternatively, if you are thinking of traveling around Guatemala , Belize, and Yucatan, we highly recommend this guide which includes all 3 regions.
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Travel advisory august 22, 2023, see state summaries.
Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.
Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.
U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mexico.
Do Not Travel To:
Reconsider Travel To:
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
If you decide to travel to Mexico:
Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.
Baja California state – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:
There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as Tijuana , Ensenada , and Rosarito .
Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.
Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.
Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.
Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:
U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including Copper Canyon .
Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution
Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:
There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.
Colima state – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions:
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state.
Durango state – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime.
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.
There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.
Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel
Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state. Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in: San Miguel de Allende , Guanajuato City , and surrounding areas.
Guerrero state – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due to crime.
Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.
Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in Acapulco , Zihuatanejo , and Ixtapa .
Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.
Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in: Guadalajara Metropolitan Area , Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) , Chapala , and Ajijic .
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.
Michoacan state – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan.
Morelos state – Reconsider Travel
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.
Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution
Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.
Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.
Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution
Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.
U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in: Oaxaca City , Monte Alban , Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco .
Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.
Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.
Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution
Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.
While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders. Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.
San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution
Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.
Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel
Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.
Sonora state – Reconsider Travel
Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora. Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.
U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .
Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.
Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel
Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.
Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.
U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.
Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.
Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution
Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.
Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in: Chichen Itza , Merida , Uxmal , and Valladolid .
Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel
Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
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Oct 20, 2023 • 8 min read
From dealing with altitude to tipping well, we share local tips on what you should know before traveling to Mexico City © Tais Policanti / Getty Images
With a population of over 21 million people, Mexico City is a densely packed metropolis with Indigenous origins dating back to the 1300s, when it was called Tenochtitlan.
This beautiful yet chaotic city is my hometown. After a lifetime spent here, CDMX (as it's often referred to) still surprises me with its sense of community and how locals – known as chilangos – own and enjoy public spaces such as parks and plazas. People-watching is a thing here, and just going out for the sake of walking around and having a late-night snack is a form of social entertainment.
In recent years, Mexico City has become a sought-after destination for travelers seeking to indulge in Mexico's rich culinary heritage, admire the city's stunning architecture, or stroll around the central and most picturesque neighborhoods such as Roma, Polanco, Juárez and Condesa.
Yet, throughout my years as a travel writer and fixer in Mexico , I still hear questions that reflect particular misconceptions about the city. So, here are some answers to help you plan your trip to Mexico City and feel more confident and at ease before boarding the plane.
Mexico City is privileged in the weather department since it enjoys a consistent temperature averaging the low 20°Cs most of the year . Summer is considered the rainy season. It will likely rain during the evening from late June until mid-October, either a massive 20-minute downpour or just a sprinkle here and there, but rest assured: it will rain.
Pack a light, waterproof jacket, but skip the umbrella. If you get caught in the rain, street vendors sell umbrellas for 60 pesos on average. Pack comfortable shoes since you might do lots of walking as you explore the city . Bring a button-down shirt or a summery or casual dress if visiting high-end restaurants. Chilangos tend to be dressier and chic when going out.
The Mexico City dining and bar scene is lively and includes some of the best restaurants in North America, and the world. You should book lunch or dinner reservations in advance if you have Pujol or Quintonil on your list of places to eat.
If traveling to Mexico City with friends or family, it's also worth booking lunch and dinner reservations in advance because it will be harder for sought-after restaurants and bars to accommodate walk-ins of large parties.
Buy tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Luis Barragan House with plenty of time, and plan the itinerary of your trip around the reservations that are harder to get.
February to early May and September to December are usually the busiest months to visit Mexico City, so plan around that if you prefer to avoid crowds.
Plan a four- to five-day trip to have enough time to explore the city's most popular neighborhoods and attractions. If you wish to visit Teotihuacan – an archaeological site located 39km northeast of Mexico City – or Xochimilco's Cuemanco ecological area in the southern part of the city, set aside an entire morning for each activity since it can take around 1.5 hours to reach each destination coming from the central areas of the city.
The National Museum of Archaeology and the Chapultepec Castle deserve at least four or five hours of your time. Allow a full day to walk around Centro Histórico (Mexico City's downtown area), visiting sites such as Bellas Artes , the Diego Rivera murals , Catedral Metropolitana and Templo Mayor .
Give yourself some time to experience Mexico City's pace of life. It can be hectic but quiet enough to enjoy a coffee or a cocktail and unwind.
Mexico City is a predominantly working-class city, and there is a lot of economic disparity in the service and hospitality industry. Consider a 15% tip as the standard and even 20% based on the full tab at restaurants, bars and coffee shops or the amount paid for booking experiences and services.
Service staff at restaurants and bars will ask if you wish to add a tip before swiping your card. On the other hand, if you decide to take a tour or hire a city guide, tip with cash, preferably in pesos.
Tipping an Uber driver is not common, but if you hire a personal chauffeur throughout your trip, tipping will be expected. If you visit a supermarket and someone assists you in packing your groceries, tip 10 to 15 pesos.
Several international travelers and remote workers have been called out on social media for posting: "Mexico City is so cheap!". If you earn USD, Euros or GBP, you will find that your income or travel budget goes further in Mexico City than, for example, New York, San Francisco, or London.
However, Mexico City is not cheap for Mexicans, and the cost of living has risen considerably for locals in the last five years, especially in housing costs due to short-term rentals and Airbnb. Chilangos are generally welcoming and hospitable, but comments from tourists about the lower relative costs in the city are unlikely to be appreciated.
Unfortunately, strict veganism or vegetarianism, gluten intolerance, severe allergies or other religious or cultural-related food restrictions will be hard to accommodate in most places, especially when visiting street food stands.
Taco stands or quesadilla vendors might cook vegetarian dishes with lard or near animal proteins; some mole and salsas could have peanuts or other nuts. Most local markets have sections where traditional butchery is on full display. If you're a meat-eater, be open to the idea and exercise a degree of flexibility. You might end up trying delicious Mexican food.
When visiting a taco stand, locals might warn you about the spiciness of the salsas, and it might be a bit more spicy than what you are used to. In Spanish, picante means spicy.
Mexican eateries – fondas – cook mostly from scratch and always have a vegetarian dish on the daily menu. Corn tortillas are everywhere in Mexico City, so you will be good to go if your restriction is gluten.
Nowadays, most restaurants are mindful of food restrictions and allergies and might make suggestions based on their current menu. But expect them to keep a dish the same, accommodating your request in the best way possible.
A good rule of thumb is that you can brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. Depending on the city borough, the quality and sanitation of the tap water might change.
Consequently, Mexico City residents drink only filtered or bottled water. Since 2014, Mexico City restaurants have been required by local authorities to serve filtered water to consumers at no extra cost.
Any ice used to prepare drinks, aguas frescas (fruity beverages) and cocktails is made with filtered water. Coffee shops and juice stands prepare beverages with filtered water as well.
The answer to this question really depends on where you are coming from. Strolling around central neighborhoods like Roma, Polanco, Coyoacán or Condesa is way safer than walking, for example, in certain areas of cities such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, Phoenix, LA, Washington DC or Chicago. In recent years, Mexico City's government has increased security patrols in most areas, and overall, the city is safe.
As in any major city, be aware of your surroundings and always be mindful of your belongings. Watch out for petty crime and pickpocketing in tourist areas. If you end up in a crowded place like a soccer stadium, a concert or a music festival, keep your valuables close to you. Leave any flashy jewelry or watches at the hotel.
If taking public transportation like the Metro (as the subway system is called) or buses, be aware of pickpockets. Stay away from regular taxis and opt for Uber instead.
There are, for sure, neighborhoods in Mexico City where even residents advise caution, so always refer to local intel if you are planning to explore the outer areas of the city. If an area feels edgy and unsafe, staying away is best.
Drinking in the streets of Mexico City is illegal. Mexico City is not Tulum , Cancún or Los Cabos. If you get caught by the police drinking alcohol in the streets, you may face a fine or jail time.
In 2009, the Mexican government adopted legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal and immediate use. However, it's best to avoid consuming any type of drugs in Mexico to avoid the legal gray matter.
Mexico City sits in a valley in the high Mexican central plateau with an elevation of 2240m. You might notice you are more tired than usual after a day or two of arrival. Drink enough water and stay hydrated at all times. You might also experience that alcohol hits you faster here, and it is all because of the high elevation.
Luckily, you can find bottles of electrolytes in every OXXO or 7-11 store. Locals call them electrolitos , and once you recognize the bottles, you will catch them everywhere. Electrolitos come in different flavors: coco, lime, strawberry etc, and are great for curing a hangover.
Mexico City experiences earthquakes occasionally, and the city and its residents are prepared to handle the situation. Mexico has a sophisticated seismic alarm system that gives up to a 60-second warning before an earthquake hits the city.
If you hear the alarm, stay calm, don't run, and follow the locals' lead to a safe place to see the earthquake through. Hotels, restaurants, government buildings, apartment buildings, offices and schools follow a safety protocol.
Mexico City schedules earthquake drills once a year to reinforce first responders' safety measures and allow residents to practice earthquake safety protocols. If you happen to be in Mexico City during an earthquake, staying calm is the most crucial step to staying safe.
Destination Practicalities
Mar 16, 2024 • 5 min read
No two trips to Mexico City are ever the same, thanks to the capital's scale and packed events calendar. Here's our guide to the best time to visit CDMX.
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Last updated: March 20, 2024 12:57 ET
Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, mexico - exercise a high degree of caution.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.
This advisory excludes the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.
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Hurricane Otis struck Guerrero State on October 25, 2023. The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable after the storm. Damage to transportation and communications networks have left many towns and cities isolated, increasing the risk of criminal and gang activity.
Certain areas are particularly affected by banditry and violence, including:
You should avoid all travel to Guerrero State. If you are in Guerrero despite the advisory, you should take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, including:
Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.
Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.
In some parts of the country, military, navy and federal police forces have been deployed to combat organized crime and improve security conditions. They maintain a visible presence by:
If you plan on travelling to Mexico:
If you’re the victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.
There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.
Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.
Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.
Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican authorities continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.
You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the United States, in the following cities:
If crossing an international land border:
Armed robbery occurs. Foreigners have been targets of robberies that sometimes involve assault.
Robbers will follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money at airports, currency exchange bureaus ( casas de cambio ) or ATMs.
Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. In some cases, hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from pursuing the incident with police.
Are you a victim of sexual violence? – Government of Canada and British Embassy Mexico City
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Mexico. When using debit or credit cards:
Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay. Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff.
Overseas fraud
Legitimate police officers have extorted money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences such as :
They have requested immediate cash payment in exchange for their release. Travellers driving rental cars have been targeted.
If this occurs:
Extortion, including virtual kidnappings, is the third most common crime in Mexico. Criminals use a variety of tactics to gather information about potential victims for extortion purposes, including using social media sites or eavesdropping on conversations
In a virtual kidnapping, criminals contact the victim’s hotel room landline and threaten the victim to stay in their room. The criminals then instruct the victim to provide information needed for the caller to use to contact family and friends, to demand the immediate payment of ransom for their release.
Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. Kidnapping, including virtual and express kidnapping, is a serious security risk throughout Mexico.
Kidnappers target all classes. Canadian citizens and contractors working for Canadian businesses have been kidnapped, mostly in areas that are not under the control of police and security forces.
If you're kidnapped:
Express kidnappings occur in large urban areas. This is a method of kidnapping where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom.
Thieves most commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. They force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico.
Tourists staying in rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Whether you're staying in private or commercial accommodations, make sure you lock windows and doors securely.
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
Some incidents of assault, rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts and on public buses.
Advice for women travellers
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Some bars, restaurants and resorts have served counterfeit alcohol. Some travellers have reported getting sick or blacking out after drinking alcohol.
Alcohol, drugs and travel
Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico can be considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries.
Demonstrations take place regularly throughout the country. Protests and roadblocks are common in:
Such incidents may last a long time, leading to shortages of fresh food, medicine and gasoline.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.
Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.
Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.
Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. Many operators don’t conduct regular safety checks on their sporting and aquatic equipment.
Also, Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles, such as watercraft, have demanded compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.
If you undertake water sports, such as diving:
If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.
Water safety abroad
Outdoor activities, such as white water rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, bungee, zip lining, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, etc and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer.
Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards.
If you intend to practice adventure tourism:
Road conditions and road safety.
Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.
Road conditions can be dangerous due to:
Toll highways are typically safer and better maintained than secondary highways.
Mexican driving styles are very different from those in Canada. Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws, and police don’t strictly enforce these laws. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and may be aggressive or reckless. Drinking and driving laws are not strictly enforced. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways.
Illegal roadblocks and demonstrations are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways. Criminals especially target sport utility vehicles and full-size pickup trucks for theft and carjacking.
The military searches for drugs and firearms at military checkpoints throughout the country.
Remain vigilant in airports, at bus stations, on buses and on the metro.
The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. There are metro cars dedicated to women and children during rush hours. They are located at the front of the trains.
The Metrobus in Mexico City, which has dedicated lanes and stops, is relatively safe. There are sections dedicated to women and children at the front of the buses.
The “colectivos” and “pesero” mini-buses that stop when hailed are frequently targeted for robbery.
When travelling to other cities, use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation. These buses only travel on toll roads, which lower the risks of targeted roadblocks and robberies, and follow a speed limit.
Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur, especially in Quintana Roo. They may result in:
Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured.
In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have both the logo of their company and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.
When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport (inside or outside the terminal) and ask to see the driver’s official identification. You can also use a ridesharing app to arrange for a pickup at certain airports. Not all airports in Mexico allow ridesharing service pickups.
If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.
Mi Taxi – CDMX app (in Spanish)
Plan carefully if you plan to take a cruise departing from or stopping in Mexico.
Advice for cruise travellers
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Bay of Campeche. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Information about foreign domestic airlines
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Mexican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Mexico.
Different entry rules may apply.
Official travel
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Tourist visa: not required Business visa: required Work visa: required Student visa: required
To enter Mexico, you must present a valid passport and a duly completed tourist card (Multiple Immigration Form). Carry documents to prove the purpose of trip, such as hotel or tour booking confirmations, as immigration officers may request them.
You must obtain a tourist card to enter the country unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone.
If you don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival, you may face:
It is highly recommended to keep your digital tourist card, or tourist card if entered by land, with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped on an immigration check point.
If you are stopped at an immigration check point and you are unable to prove your legal stay, you may be fined, detained or expelled from the country.
If entering Mexico by land, you must stop at the immigration office located at the border to obtain a tourist card, even if not explicitly directed by Mexican officials. Immigration officials will write down on your tourist card the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico.
You may complete the tourist card form online before your arrival. However, you must print the form and present it to the migration official at the port of entry.
Multiple Immigration Form - Government of Mexico
If entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.
Depending on your airport of entry:
Once in the country, whether you entered via a E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You have 60 days to download it.
If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement at the immigration office of any international airport before boarding.
Make sure to plan sufficient time at the airport to obtain a new card in time for your flight.
Portal access for digital tourist card - Government of Mexico
An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and note it on your tourist card. The maximum length granted for a tourism-related trip is 180 days; the maximum number of days is not granted by default.
If you're seeking the maximum number of days, you may be required to:
You won’t be able to request an extension or change the condition of your stay from inside the country.
Canadians travelling to the northern border zone (within 21 kilometres of the U.S. border) for work don’t require a visa for stays of 72 hours or less.
If you require a business or work visa, you should take care of the process yourself. If a prospective employer is processing your visa for you:
You may not be able to undertake volunteer, religious/missionary, research or certain forms of eco-tourism activities while visiting as a tourist. Contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican consulate for information the type of visa required for these activities.
Most visitors to Mexico must pay a tourism tax.
This fee is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico. There is a bank representative at every port of entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.
You don't have to pay this tax if:
If entering and leaving Mexico as a dual citizen, you must identify yourself as a Mexican citizen. You must carry valid passports for both countries.
Laws about dual citizenship
Canadians with a criminal record or a warrant for arrest may be refused entry and returned to Canada or to a third country on the next available flight.
Learn more about travelling with children .
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Country Entry Requirement*
Recommendation
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.
Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin. • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area. • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.
In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.
Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.
Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.
Cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella have been reported among Canadian travellers returning from Mexico. These strains of Salmonella do not respond to some of the recommended antibiotics if treatment is needed.
Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).
Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.
Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.
Zika virus is a risk in this country.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
During your trip:
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.
For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.
Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics, but it’s generally expensive. Most private facilities won’t agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require payment with a credit card in advance or a bank transfer/direct deposit.
Mental health services are extremely limited in Mexico, particularly outside of Mexico City. Services and treatment standards may differ substantially from those in Canada.
Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Travel health and safety
Medical tourism is common in Mexico. Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.
Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, especially on:
You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in their coverage offered abroad.
If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Mexico.
Medication cannot be sent to Mexico from Canada via courier services.
Many types of medication—both over-the-counter and prescription—are readily available with little oversight. Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico. If you need to purchase medication while in Mexico, make sure to get it from a reputable location.
Federal Commission for protection against sanitary risk (in Spanish)
In Mexico City, you may experience health problems caused by high altitude or by air pollution, which is at its peak during the winter months.
Consult your doctor before booking your trip if you have lung, heart or respiratory problems.
If you plan to retire or spend long periods of time in Mexico, or travel there for medical procedures, you should:
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
You must abide by local laws.
Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences.
Foreign nationals are often held in pre-trial detention and there can be lengthy delays before a trial.
Many petty crimes (such as public urination, failure to pay a bill or disorderly behaviour) can result in a 72-hour detention by police. Paying a fine can secure an early release from detention.
Detention conditions are below the standards of Canadian prisons.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.
Drugs, alcohol and travel
Smoking is prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. This includes but is not limited to:
You may be fined if you’re caught smoking in public.
It’s illegal to bring electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and solutions into Mexico.
You could have these items confiscated by customs officials if you have them in your possession. You could also be fined or detained.
It is strictly prohibited to sell or distribute these devices and solutions in Mexico.
The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws concerning possession, importation and trafficking of firearms.
Anyone entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition without prior written authorization from Mexican authorities is subject to imprisonment.
It is also illegal to enter the country with certain types of knives.
Mexico has very strict rules regarding the importation of foreign vehicles and boats.
You must enter Mexico with the proper import permit and insurance, since it cannot be obtained once you are in Mexico. You may face a fine and have your vehicle seized if you enter Mexico without the proper permit.
You must present a paper document of your vehicle registration to obtain a vehicle importation permit from the Mexican authorities. If you present a digital document of your vehicle registration, your vehicle may be refused entry into Mexico.
If you are older than 18, you are allowed to bring into Mexico up to:
If you bring more alcohol and cigarettes into Mexico than allowed, even if you declare your imported items, you will be subject to a high import fee. You will still be subject to a significant fee if you decide to relinquish your imported items
It’s illegal to possess archaeological artefacts or to export such items from Mexico.
It’s illegal for foreigners to conduct political activity in Mexico, including participating in demonstrations.
Mexican law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Mexican society, particularly in rural areas.
2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are disproportionately targeted for violence and can face discrimination.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mexico.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mexico, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .
Travellers with dual citizenship
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Mexico.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mexico, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Mexican court.
If you are in this situation:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.
There are no clear procedures or regulations about surrogacy in Mexico.
If you're considering surrogacy, seek advice from legal professionals knowledgeable in Canadian and Mexican laws and citizenship procedures.
The names on your identity documents must be identical to those on your birth certificate to obtain official Mexican documents, such as marriage certificates, immigration documents or passports.
Middle names are often left off Canadian identity documents. This has caused significant difficulties for many Canadians. If you plan on residing in Mexico or dealing with the Mexican Civil Registry, obtain a Canadian passport that will meet Mexican requirements.
You should carry photo identification.
Authorities can ask you to show identification and a proof of your legal status in Mexico. They can demand to see your tourist card at any time. You must carry the original at all times. You must carry the original at all times, and should also carry a photocopy of the identification page of your passport.
If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Mexico, seek legal advice in Canada and in Mexico. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.
Mexican real estate agents are not licensed or regulated.
Problems with timeshare arrangements occur.
Timeshare representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages.
It's illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract. You're legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within 5 working days. Contracts must be cancelled in writing directly with the timeshare company.
Before purchasing a timeshare:
If you suspect a fraud in the real estate procedures, contact the Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer immediately.
Rental agreements between two individuals in Mexico are considered a private matter and are not regulated by the government.
If you encounter difficulties with a rental agreement, you must obtain the services of a Mexican lawyer.
You should carry an international driving permit.
International Driving Permit
Mexican liability insurance is mandatory. Canadian automobile insurance is not valid in Mexico.
You can obtain insurance at the Mexican border. You should obtain full coverage, including coverage for legal assistance.
Automobile insurance is much more expensive in Mexico than in Canada. Many local drivers don’t have any form of car insurance.
If you’re involved in an accident, and you don’t have Mexican liability insurance, you could be prevented from leaving the country until all parties agree that adequate financial satisfaction has been received. If you’re found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, or if you don’t have a valid driver’s licence, your insurance will be considered invalid.
If you’re involved in a traffic accident, you may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. You could be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and all fines are paid. You must report any accident you’re involved in to the police.
The Hoy No Circula (No Driving Today) program restricts some cars from driving in Mexico City and in some municipalities of the State of Mexico, from Monday to Saturday, from 5 am to 10 pm.
You will face driving restrictions depending on:
Hoy No Circula program is strictly enforced. You may face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of your vehicle if you don’t comply. Consult the Hoy No Circula calendar before driving.
Electric and hybrid cars are exempted from these restrictions. Gas-fueled cars of a 2008 model or later may obtain a tourist pass valid for selected drive days.
You must be either a temporary or a permanent resident if you wish to buy a car in Mexico.
It’s illegal to sell your imported vehicle in Mexico. If you do, your vehicle may be seized and you may be subject to a fine and deportation.
The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
In some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD.
There is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on your immigration status. The rule doesn’t apply to Canadian dollars but some financial institutions, hotels and currency exchange bureaus don’t make the distinction.
When carrying more than US$10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, cash, cheques, money orders or any other monetary instrument, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000. Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.
Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco on October 25, 2023, causing significant damage to infrastructure. Avoid all travel to Guerrero state.
There are significant disruptions to the following essential services in Acapulco:
Latest advisories – U.S. National Hurricane centre
Mexico is subject to various natural disasters, such as:
In the event of a natural disaster:
Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.
These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.
If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:
Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.
Mexico is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions can occur.
A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.
Forest fires may occur. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.
In case of a significant fire, stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments.
In case of an emergency, dial 911.
The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You can download the App on your mobile device.
In case of an emergency, you can also dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.
Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Estado de Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Morelos, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luís Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas.
Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo north of the municipality of Solidaridad, including Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Holbox
Baja California, Sonora
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services .
take normal security precautions.
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tecate in Baja California (including roads between Tijuana and Tecate)
Note: FCDO does not advise against all travel or all but essential travel to any part of the state of Baja California Sur.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 40km of the Guatemalan border between the Pacific Coast up to and including the border crossing at Gracias a Dio
FCDO advises against all but essential travel on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo (just outside San Cristobal de las Casas) and Palenque.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Chihuahua, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Colima, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas southwest of road 45D.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Guerrero, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south and southwest of Lake Chapala to the border with the state of Colima.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities of:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Michoacán, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Sinaloa, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Zacatecas.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these areas .
On 27 February, ash fall from Popocatépetl caused flight disruption, including cancellations at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. If you are travelling, you should check your flight status direct with your airline.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
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Everything you need to know about passport validity — and which destinations demand what.
H aving a valid passport is essential for international travel, but countries have different rules around when a passport expires — and it’s not necessarily the date shown on your document. Following Brexit , for example, UK passport holders now need to have a passport that’s less than ten years old when they enter an EU member state, with an expiry date that’s at least three months after the day they leave.
For some destinations, a valid passport isn’t the only requirement — you may also need to have full blank pages for visa and entry and exit stamps. Here’s everything you need to know, including the entry requirements for some of the most popular destinations for British travellers.
Main photo: wherever you’re going, check the passport requirements (Alamy)
• Spain : passport must be less than ten years old when you enter the country and valid for at least three months after the day you leave
• Greece : less than ten years old when you enter the country and valid for at least three months after the day you leave
• France : less than ten years old when you enter the country and valid for at least three months after the day you leave
• Italy : less than ten years old when you enter the country and valid for at least three months after the day you leave
• US : passport must be valid for duration of stay, no additional validity required
• Argentina : passport must be valid for duration of stay
• Australia : valid for duration of stay
• Barbados : valid for duration of stay
• Bermuda : valid for duration of stay
• Canada : valid for duration of stay
• Chile : valid for duration of stay
• Cuba : valid for two months after departure
• Japan : valid for duration of stay
• Jamaica : valid for duration of stay
• Mexico : valid for duration of stay.
• Morocco : valid for duration of stay but three additional months is advisable
• Seychelles : valid for duration of stay
• St Lucia : valid for duration of stay
• Tunisia: valid for duration of stay
• EU countries ( Austria , Belgium , Bulgaria, Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia, Finland , France , Germany, Greece , Hungary , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta , Netherlands , Poland , Portugal , Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia , Spain and Sweden ): passport must be valid from day after departure and less than ten years old
• Iceland : passport must be valid from day after departure and less than ten years old
• New Zealand : from arrival
• Norway : from day after departure and less than ten years old
• Switzerland : from day after departure and less than ten years old
• Anguilla : passport must be valid for six months from arrival
• Antigua and Barbuda: from arrival
• Bahamas : from departure
• Belize : from arrival
• Brazil : from arrival
• Bolivia: from arrival
• China : from arrival
• Colombia : from arrival
• Dominican Republic : from arrival
• Indonesia : from arrival
• Israel : from arrival
• Egypt : from arrival
• Grenada : from arrival
• Jordan : from arrival
• Malaysia : from arrival
• Maldives : from arrival
• Peru : from arrival
• Qatar : from arrival
• Singapore : from arrival
• Sri Lanka : from arrival
• Taiwan: from arrival
• Thailand : from arrival
• UAE : from arrival
• Vietnam : from arrival
• Online applications made from within the UK cost £82.50 for adults and £53.50 for children
• Postal applications cost £93 for adults and £64 for children
Some countries require full blank pages for visas on arrival as well as entry and exit stamps. In some cases, these blank pages need to be consecutive. Double check with the embassy before you travel.
• India : passport must be valid 180 days from visa application and arrival, and contain two blank pages
• Kenya : valid six months from arrival, plus two blank pages
• Mauritius : valid for duration of stay, plus a blank page
• Namibia : valid six months from arrival, plus a blank page
• Rwanda: valid six months from arrival, plus a blank page
• Turkey : valid six months from arrival, plus a blank page
• South Africa : valid for six months from arrival and 30 days on departure, plus two blank pages
The Foreign Office has a full list of entry requirements for different countries, including passport validity. It assumes you are travelling on a full, standard British passport. If you have a passport issued from a British Overseas Territory, the entry requirements may be different for some destinations. You should also double check details with the embassy of the country you’re visiting.
The UK government requires visitors from other countries to have a passport (or other valid ID if from EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) that is valid for the duration of their stay. No additional validity is required.
You can apply for a new passport online via the government’s website. It costs £82.50 for a standard adult passport (valid 10 years), or £53.50 for a child under 16 (valid five years), and you’ll need a credit or debit card for this. Alternatively you can apply for one through the post; the forms for postal applications are available through the Post Office and it costs £93 for an adult or £64 for a child.
You’ll need to send in certain documents which usually include a birth certificate if it’s your first passport, or your previous passport if you’re renewing. The requirements vary according to your circumstances but the application form will tell you what you need.
• Most powerful passports in the world
Inspired to take a holiday but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Jet2 Holidays and Tui , as well as the best tours from our trusted travel partners.
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released operational statistics today for February 2024. CBP monthly reporting can be viewed on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage .
“CBP continues to work with our foreign and domestic partners to enhance enforcement efforts: aggressively targeting unscrupulous human smugglers, and swiftly applying consequences against those who cross the border illegally and have no legal basis to remain in the United States,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “Despite the challenges we are facing along the southwest border, as well as the positive trends of increasing levels of trade and travel, CBP continues to surge enforcement to stop dangerous drugs from entering the country; our agents and officers interdicted 294% more methamphetamine, 164% more heroin, and 140% more cocaine in February than January. It is essential that we provide our personnel with the resources they need to continue to expand this critical work.”
CBP continues to work closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to quickly process individuals encountered at the border and remove those who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, utilizing consequences strengthened by the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. Since May 12, 2023 and through February 29, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 593,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the southwest border, including more than 93,000 individual family members. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2012. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border since January 2021 have been removed, returned, or expelled.
Below are key operational statistics for CBP’s primary mission areas in February 2024. View all CBP statistics online.
Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration
CBP continues to expeditiously process and remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the country. We are working together with our domestic and foreign partners to jointly disrupt migration across the region, offering lawful pathways and taking action against ruthless smugglers who continue to spread falsehoods and show disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants. We are also working alongside U.S. government partners to target transnational criminal organizations and smugglers who take advantage of and profit from migrants and taking new measures to stop individuals from exploiting traditional travel methods for migration.
In February 2024, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 140,644 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border.
CBP’s total encounters along the southwest border in February 2024 were 189,922 . Total encounters include U.S. Border Patrol encounters between ports of entry, as well as individuals who presented themselves at ports of entry (including those with CBP One™ appointments, detailed further below).
CBP continually analyzes and responds to changes in migration patterns, particularly irregular migration outside of lawful pathways and border crossings. We work with our federal and international partners to combat human smuggling. The fact remains: the United States continues to enforce immigration law, and our borders are not open for those without a legal basis to enter the country. Migrants attempting to enter without authorization are subject to removal under Title 8 authorities.
The U.S. Border Patrol has undertaken significant efforts in recent years to expand capacity to aid and rescue individuals in distress. To prevent the loss of life, CBP initiated a Missing Migrant Program in 2017 that locates noncitizens reported missing, rescues individuals in distress, and reunifies decedents’ remains with their families in the border region. In February, the U.S. Border Patrol conducted 434 rescues, totaling 2,048 rescues in FY 2024 . This was the highest monthly rescues total since October.
View more migration statistics and rescues statistics .
CBP One™ App
The CBP One™ mobile application remains a key component of DHS’s efforts to incentivize noncitizens to use lawful, safe, humane, and orderly pathways. Generally, noncitizens who cross between the ports of entry or who present themselves at a port of entry without making a CBP One™ appointment are subject to the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. This rule presumes asylum ineligibility for those who fail to use lawful processes, with certain exceptions. DHS encourages migrants to utilize such pathways, rather than having migrants take the dangerous journey to cross unlawfully between the ports of entry, which also carries consequences under Title 8.
The CBP One™ app allows noncitizens throughout central or northern Mexico who lack documents sufficient for admission to the United States to schedule an appointment and remain in place until presenting at a preferred port of entry for their appointment, reducing migrants’ need to crowd into immediate border areas. Use of the CBP One™ app to schedule appointments at ports of entry has increased CBP’s capacity to process migrants more efficiently and orderly while cutting out unscrupulous smugglers who endanger and profit from vulnerable migrants.
In February, CBP processed more than 42,100 individuals through appointments at ports of entry utilizing advanced information submitted in CBP One™. CBP One™ appointments accounted for 86% of noncitizens processed at ports of entry, demonstrating that noncitizens will follow an orderly process when one is available. Since the appointment scheduling function in CBP One™ was introduced in January 2023 through the end of February 2024, more than 501,000 individuals have successfully scheduled appointments to present at ports of entry using CBP One™ instead of risking their lives in the hands of smugglers. The top nationalities who have been processed are Haitian, Mexican, and Venezuelan.
A percentage of daily available appointments are allocated to the earliest registered CBP One™ profiles, so noncitizens who have been trying to obtain appointments for the longest time will be prioritized. CBP is continually monitoring and evaluating the application to ensure its functionality and guard against bad actors.
CHNV Parole Processes
On January 5, 2023, DHS announced processes providing certain Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans who have a supporter in the United States, undergo and clear robust security vetting, and meet other eligibility criteria, to come to the United States in a safe, orderly, and lawful way. These processes were built on the success of the process for Venezuelans; they are publicly available online, and DHS has been providing regular updates on their use to the public. This is part of the Administration’s strategy to combine expanded lawful pathways with stronger consequences to reduce irregular migration and have kept hundreds of thousands of people from migrating irregularly.
In a decision March 8, 2024, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas dismissed a lawsuit to stop the use of processes described above for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. The decision allows the United States to continue granting advance travel authorization to up to 30,000 noncitizens each month to seek parole on a case-by-case basis.
Through the end of February 2024, over 386,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole under the parole processes. Specifically, 81,000 Cubans, 156,000 Haitians, 71,000 Nicaraguans, and 97,000 Venezuelans were vetted and authorized for travel; and 79,000 Cubans, 151,000 Haitians, 64,000 Nicaraguans, and 91,000 Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole.
Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
As the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs before they enter our communities. CBP’s combination of interdiction and intelligence capabilities, complemented by its border search authorities, scientific services, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and canine detection teams, places it at the forefront of the U.S. government’s efforts to combat illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
CBP continues to conduct operations, including Operation Apollo, which target the smuggling of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. These operations leverage intelligence and investigative information to target drug traffickers’ supply chains and interdict items required in the production of illicit fentanyl, including precursor chemicals, pill presses and parts, movement of finished product, and illicit proceeds.
Nationwide in February, seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana (combined, by weight) increased 118% from January. This included a 294% increase in methamphetamine seizures, a 164% increase in heroin seizures, and a 140% increase in cocaine seizures.
To date in FY 2024 through February, CBP has seized 8,447 pounds of fentanyl. CBP has stopped more fentanyl in the last two years than in the previous five years combined, and we continue to optimize our intelligence and field operations to stop these deadly substances from reaching American communities.
Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found on the Drug Seizure Statistics webpage .
Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel
As international travel continues to increase, CBP is leveraging technology to streamline efficiency and increase security at air and land ports of entry. Travelers are encouraged to utilize CBP’s mobile apps to enhance their travel experience, including the Global Entry Mobile Application and Mobile Passport Control , as well as new Global Entry Touchless Portals at nearly all international airports across the United States, which protect passenger privacy and expedite arrival processing by eliminating paper receipts.
Travelers arriving by air into the United States increased 16% from February 2023 to February 2024, passenger vehicles processed at ports of entry increased by 5.8% , commercial truck traffic increased by 6.2% , and pedestrians arriving by land at ports of entry increased 8.8% over the same period.
CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible and to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. In February 2024, CBP processed more than 2.6 million entry summaries valued at more than $255 billion , identifying estimated duties of nearly $6.5 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. In February, trade via the ocean environment accounted for 40.8% of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.
View more travel statistics , and trade statistics .
Protecting Consumers, Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains, and Promoting Economic Security
CBP continues to lead U.S. government efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. In February, CBP stopped 540 shipments valued at more than $306 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor.
Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers.
Consumers are encouraged to be alert to the dangers of counterfeit goods especially when shopping online as they support criminal activity, hurt American businesses, and often have materials or ingredients that can pose serious health and safety risks. Every year CBP seizes millions of counterfeit products worth billions of dollars had they been genuine. In February, CBP seized 1,645 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $345 million. More information about CBP’s intellectual property rights enforcement is available at https://www.cbp.gov/trade .
CBP is on the frontline of textiles and trade agreements enforcement, combating textile imports that are not compliant with U.S. trade laws. Protecting the domestic textile industry and American consumers is vital to U.S. national security, health care, and economic priorities. Toward this end, CBP is intensifying its targeting and enforcement efforts to increase and expedite the prosecution of illegal customs practices. CBP’s efforts include de minimis compliance, forced labor enforcement, cargo compliance, regulatory audits, and public awareness.
View more UFLPA enforcement statistics , and intellectual property rights enforcement statistics.
Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System
Through targeting, detection, and interception, CBP agriculture specialists work to prevent threats from entering the United States.
CBP issued 6,622 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States in February 2024. CBP conducted 92,528 positive passenger inspections and issued 8 58 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.
View more agricultural enforcement statistics .
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.
Wondering what the legal drinking age in mexico is no worries, i’ve got ya covered.
As a travel advisor who has traveled to Mexico multiple times, both on cruises and not, I understand how important it is for travelers to know the legal drinking age in Mexico. After all, you don’t want your vacation ruined by accidentally breaking the law!
That’s why I’m here to help give you expert insight into this topic so that you can make informed decisions when planning your trip.
With my experience of traveling to Mexico many times over the years and booking clients there as well, I have come to trust what I know about their laws.
So let me share with you some essential information regarding the legal drinking age in Mexico!
The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old.
Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver’s license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.
Be prepared to have your ID at most resorts, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, even though most are not strict in their practice of checking.
Just be aware that some establishments may not serve people under the age of 18.
The drinking age in Cancun is the same as in the rest of the country, which is 18.
While Cancun is a famous spring break destination for college students across the United States, you should still be 18 to purchase or consume alcohol in Cancun.
Even if it isn’t enforced heavily, you never know when it will be enforced, and breaking the law in a foreign country is a surefire way to ruin your spring break plans.
The legal drinking age in Cozumel is also 18. Like Cancun, the drinking age law is usually not heavily enforced, but it’s still important to be aware of the laws before you visit and make sure that your group adheres to them.
Remember, breaking the law in a foreign country can have serious consequences, so it’s best to be on the safe side and only drink if you’re over 18 years old!
Drinking age in cabo mexico.
The drinking age in Cabo San Lucas , Mexico is 18. This law is strictly enforced and visitors who are not of legal age will be prevented from purchasing and consuming alcohol.
It’s also important to note that you must always have your ID with you when going out for drinks or buying alcohol from a store in Cabo San Lucas.
The legal drinking age in Mexico Resorts is 18. You will typically find that resorts are more strict in enforcing the rules than beach bars or other locations around Mexico.
All-inclusive resorts in Mexico will check your ID when you arrive and give you a colored wristband to wear during your stay to signify if you are of proper drinking age or not.
The laws on cruises are different than the laws on land. For US-based cruises, you must be 21 to purchase or consume alcohol . This is true even if your cruise has a port in Mexico.
While on board your cruise ship, even if it is docked in Mexico or the Bahamas , you will need to abide by the laws of the ship and be over 21 to drink alcohol.
However, if you are 18 or over, you can debark from the ship, and enjoy a cocktail in ports such as Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Costa Maya , Progresso, and Cozumel .
Just remember, you can not bring any alcohol back with you on board.
Some countries have lower drinking ages when a minor is accompanied by a parent, however, Mexico does not have this.
In Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18 regardless of whether or not a minor is accompanied by an adult. So even if you are traveling with your parents, you must be 18 to drink legally in Mexico.
Ehhh… sometimes yes, sometimes no. This makes it tempting to break the rules. I always tell my kids, it’s best to just go with what is legal and right even if others are “getting away with it”.
While it’s true, that in some areas, the laws aren’t enforced as strictly, you really won’t know that until it’s too late.
It’s best practice to wait until you are 18 before heading to Mexico to drink!
No, you cannot .
The law in Mexico is that alcohol can only be consumed in areas where it has been legally sold and consumption is allowed.
This means it must be done at a bar or restaurant with a liquor license or inside your own home.
So while it’s perfectly fine to have a drink while out to dinner, you can’t just wander around with a beer in your hand. That’s illegal and could land you in quite a bit of trouble!
You are also not legally allowed to drink in parks, beaches, or other public areas.
If you are looking to drink under the age of 18, there are a few countries that do allow it.
Safety tips for drinking in mexico.
🥃 Always Drink Responsibly.
🍹 Refrain From Buying Drinks from Unlicensed Establishments.
🧉Avoid Drinking Tap Water, but drink water frequently to avoid dehydration.
🍻Know Your Alcohol Limits and Pay Attention to What You Consume.
🍸Stick to well-lit areas, and don’t leave the company of your travel companions.
Bottom Line on Mexico’s Drinking Age:
The bottom line is that the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. To buy or consume alcohol, you must show your photo ID with proof of your age. This law is enforced differently depending on where you are, but it’s still important to be aware of the law and to follow it.
Now that you know the legal drinking age in Mexico, you can make sure to enjoy your trip responsibly and stay safe! Have fun out there!
Everything you need to know about Disney Plus password sharing
In late 2023, Disney Plus announced that it would be following in the footsteps of Netflix and limiting password sharing on user accounts ( alongside Hulu in the US , which is also owned by Disney) in Canada, in the US and in the UK – and in February 2024 it began emailing subscribers to give them advance notice of the change.
The short version is that if you plan to share your Disney Plus account with people who don't live under the same roof, you shouldn't – and from the summer of 2024, you won't be able to.
Here's what the Disney Plus user agreement now says after its January 2024 update:
Unless otherwise permitted by your Service Tier, you may not share your subscription outside of your household. “Household” means the collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside therein. Additional Usage rules may apple for certain Service Tiers.
At the moment, there is no tier that permits subscription sharing. But we think that'll change in the next few months.
Disney Plus brought in the new rules for new customers in Canada in late 2023 and has since extended them to US and UK customers too. The new rules apply to existing subscribers from March 14, 2024. Actual enforcement of the new rules is expected to begin in the summer of 2024.
The service is expected to use location information, device identification and other data, such as IP address ranges, to identify when someone is using your account from a different location. If the system decides that you're sharing someone else's account, you'll be invited to sign up for your own subscription.
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If you don't sign up and Disney Plus reckons you're sharing something you shouldn't, it says it may "limit or terminate access to the service and/or take any other steps as permitted by this agreement" for the account's users and owner. That could mean legal action, although we can't imagine Disney Plus is going to chase ordinary people through the courts. Account restrictions or closure are much more likely.
At the moment, the answer to that question is: It isn't charging at all, because it hasn't added that feature yet.
Unlike Netflix , which enables subscribers to pay extra to add one or two additional members to their subscription, Disney Plus has not yet added a similar option to its service. That means for the time being your subscription is limited to the people you share a roof with and can't be extended to include anybody else.
Disney has said that it will be adding the option to share with additional people, for example kids who've gone off to uni, but we don't yet know when it's coming or how much it will cost. Summer 2024 is likely. Hopefully it will cost less than Netflix's option, which is $7.99 / £4.99 per person per month.
What that means in practical terms is that for the time being at least, additional members need to sign up for their own Disney Plus subscriptions. In the US, that means the cheapest option is the ad-supported tier, Disney Plus Basic, which is $7.99 per month in the US.
The UK equivalent is Disney Plus Standard With Ads, which is £4.99 a month but limits you to 1080p video quality. If you want 4K and HDR you need Premium, which is £10.99 a month.
The new rules apply to all existing subscribers irrespective of whether they signed up directly or via a third party.
We don't know yet. But again, looking at Netflix can give us some clues: Netflix doesn't want to stop you streaming when you're away for your holidays, and will enable you to ask for a seven-day access code that'll enable you to tune in when you're away from home.
According to the Disney Plus help centre for the US and in other parts of the world too (the same language is also in the UK version), a household "means the collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the people who live there". So there's definitely room there for letting you use your "collection of devices" elsewhere.
Probably not: using a Virtual Private Network is against the Disney Plus terms of service, and the service does block known IP addresses associated with some VPN networks. If you're considering trying one of the best VPNs be aware that it's a potentially risky move, and what works today may well be blocked tomorrow.
If you're planning to leave Disney Plus when password-sharing restrictions are brought in, then here are the best Disney Plus movies you need to watch before you unsubscribe. Be sure to also check out all new Disney Plus movies .
Writer, broadcaster, musician and kitchen gadget obsessive Carrie Marshall ( Twitter ) has been writing about tech since 1998, contributing sage advice and odd opinions to all kinds of magazines and websites as well as writing more than a dozen books. Her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man , is on sale now. She is the singer in Glaswegian rock band HAVR .
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Here's a travel tip for Mexico: rental cars aren't really $1 a day! If you try finding rental cars in Mexico online, you'll likely be tempted with some crazy cheap rental car prices online (it's not uncommon to see rental cars listed online for as low as $1/day). Don't believe this Mexico travel scam for a second!
6. Embrace long distance bus travel. Unless you need a car, take long distance buses to explore Mexico. Countless bus companies crisscross the country, providing reliable and efficient transport. Always opt for primera clase (first class) service, which is only slightly more expensive than segunda clase (second class), but much faster and vastly more comfortable with cushy reclining seats ...
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
6. Using Credit Cards and ATMs in Mexico. Navigating the use of credit cards and ATMs in Mexico is easier than you might think, especially in cities. All major grocery stores, convenience stores, and small businesses accept cards. For larger purchases, using a card can minimize the amount of cash you need to carry.
Here's what to know about travel safety in Mexico: Travel warnings There are 32 states in Mexico, and the US State Department has "do not travel" advisories in place for six, including ...
Early in your travel planning, you should make sure you have all the necessary documents to travel to Mexico. Passports can take a few months to process so make sure you apply far enough in advance. You probably won't need to apply in advance for a visa: when you enter the country you will be given a tourist card. Passports and Travel Documents.
After reading this post, you'll know the most important do's and don'ts for traveling in Mexico.Many of which the guidebooks forget to mention. If you like these tips, you won't want to miss this roundup of must-have Amazon travel essentials for Mexico!. From important safety tips and advice for dealing with money to how NOT to get sick while enjoying street food, this post has ...
The route from Cancún to Mexico City by bus takes 27 hours and costs around 1,800 MXN but a flight starts around 470 MXN and only takes two hours. A one-way fare from Mexico City to Guadalajara is about 525 MXN. Even a four-hour flight from coast to coast from Cancún to Puerto Vallarta is just 1,200 MXN one-way.
For example, you begin your trip in Yucatán and plan to travel north, make sure to allocate extra time for your time on the road whether you are traveling by car or by bus. One of my top Mexico travel tips is to allocate enough time for your trip. 51. Take domestic flights within Mexico to save time.
All international travelers returning to the U.S., including those coming from Mexico, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within 72 hours of their departure. The ...
Most People Eat Four "Meals" A Day. A key Mexico travel tip is to understand meal time. In Mexico, there are four major meal times; Desayuno (breakfast), comida (lunch), merienda (tea time/ snack), and cena (dinner). Not everyone eats all four meals daily, but they are often referenced when making plans with friends.
The basics. Mexico is open to travelers. You do not need to provide a negative result of a Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination to enter. You might be subject to a health screening before ...
There is a modest charge, usually ranging from $2-$5 pesos ($0.10-$0.25 USD). In touristic and high-traffic areas, bathroom fees can reach up to $10 pesos (~$0.50 USD). Upon paying the restroom attendant, expect to receive a small wad of toilet paper and access to the toilets.
Indulge on the unique Mexican food. Leave your drone at home. Know the Mexican bathrooms. Plan for the best beach weather. Get around by ADO bus. Give a chance to Mexico City. Go for the street food. Be careful when renting a car. Explore the ancient ruins.
A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government. 478. The border bridge between Brownsville ...
The average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. Mexico has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season is from May to October and the dry season is from November to April. Mexico is a country that experiences a lot of natural disasters. Some of these include hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.
Toilet Tips for Traveling to Mexico: Womens Bathrooms have M/D and Men have H/C. One of the most hilarious Mexico travel tips is to know what letter will be on the toilet before you go, to avoid any uncomfortable or awkward situations! Womens bathrooms have 'M' or 'D' on the door which means mujeres or damas.
5. Explore the surrounding countryside. You can usually find plenty of things to do in the hotel zone and downtown Cancún but try to squeeze in at least one trip to see a different side of the Yucatán Peninsula. Seven to 10 days should give you ample time to tour Cancún and beyond.
Money and costs of traveling in Mexico. #39 The official currency of Mexico is the Peso, and the exchange rate is around 1 USD for 18-20 Pesos (2023). It's a variable exchange rate, so confirm the exchange rate before you travel. A substantial variation in the exchange rate can cause a significant increase or decrease in travel expenses.
Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico.The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to ...
11. There's a chance of earthquakes. Mexico City experiences earthquakes occasionally, and the city and its residents are prepared to handle the situation. Mexico has a sophisticated seismic alarm system that gives up to a 60-second warning before an earthquake hits the city. If you hear the alarm, stay calm, don't run, and follow the locals ...
Petty theft. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe. Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Travel insurance. If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency ...
This is the real-talk portion of your guide to Mexico City. First, a note about the city's name. In 2015, city think-ocrats initiated a global rebranding for Mexico's capital.
Details: Canadians can visit Mexico as a tourist for up to 180 days, or six months, without needing a visa. An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico.
Millions of U.S. travelers flock to the picture-perfect beaches of Mexico every year. And Tulum is attracting record numbers of travelers right now. But on the beaches of Tulum, you will see more ...
Here's everything you need to know, including the entry requirements for some of the most popular destinations for British travellers. Main photo: wherever you're going, check the passport ...
Canada and Mexico Travel; Know Before You Go; Naturalization Resources; ... as well as the positive trends of increasing levels of trade and travel, CBP continues to surge enforcement to stop dangerous drugs from entering the country; our agents and officers interdicted 294% more methamphetamine, 164% more heroin, and 140% more cocaine in ...
As a travel advisor who has traveled to Mexico multiple times, both on cruises and not, I understand how important it is for travelers to know the legal drinking age in Mexico. After all, you don ...
Disney has said that it will be adding the option to share with additional people, for example kids who've gone off to uni, but we don't yet know when it's coming or how much it will cost. Summer ...