Mexico travel FAQ: 25 common questions answered

It depends on your passport. Many US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter for tourism without a visa, but the officer on arrival sets the allowed stay. Confirm your own nationality's rules with Mexico's immigration authority (INM) before booking.

October to April is best for most of the country: dry, cooler and clear. The Pacific coast is best November to April. May to October is hot and wet, with hurricane season peaking August to October on both coasts.

Costs vary by region and season, so get a 2026 estimate for your own dates rather than a single daily figure. Carry small peso notes for markets, taxis and tips, and use bank ATMs inside branches or malls to limit fees.

There is no single country-wide answer: conditions differ by state and city, and they change. Check your government's current advisory for the specific places on your route before you book, and again close to departure.

No. Drink bottled or filtered water outside resorts. Ice in restaurants is usually factory-made and fine. Brushing your teeth with tap water is a personal call; most travellers do it without problems.

Only in Baja and parts of Yucatán, where a car helps reach beaches and ruins. In Mexico City, Oaxaca and Mérida you do not need one; use app-based taxis, the metro or intercity buses.

Fly between regions on a first trip. Mexico City to Oaxaca or Mérida is a short flight. Buses are comfortable and cheap for shorter hops, but overnight buses cost you a night's sleep and a day of recovery.

10–15% in restaurants, and MXN 20–50 for porters and guides' helpers. Some bills add 'propina' already; check before adding more. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.

Layers, because highland nights are cool even in the dry season, plus a rain jacket for May to October. Bring sunscreen, repellent, a refillable water bottle and a universal adapter; plugs are US-style types A and B.

Mexico City sits at about 2,240 m, so some visitors feel short of breath or get headaches on day one. Take it easy, drink water, skip alcohol the first night, and see a doctor if symptoms get worse.

Yes, strongly recommended. Medical care is not free for visitors and a serious illness or injury can be expensive. Insurance also covers cancelled flights, lost bags and the odd stomach bug.

911 for police, fire and ambulance anywhere in the country. 078 is the tourist assistance line. Save both before you land.

Yes in cities, hotels and larger restaurants. Carry pesos for markets, small towns, taxis and cenote entries. ATMs are common; use bank machines inside branches or malls and withdraw larger amounts less often.

The Mexican peso (MXN), written with the $ sign. The rate is roughly 17–20 pesos per US dollar — check the current rate before you travel. Dollars are accepted in resorts but at poor rates.

Usually, if the stall is busy and the food is cooked to order and served hot. Skip salads, cut fruit and sauces that have been sitting out. Whole fruit you peel yourself is a safe bet.

Alcohol is widely available, but check the local drinking age and any dry-day rules for the state you are in, since these vary and change. Do not drink and drive; checkpoints and penalties are serious.

Requirements and recommendations depend on your itinerary and health, so check with a travel clinic a few weeks before you go. Routine shots should be up to date. This is general information, not medical advice.

Dengue is present in some areas, especially during and after the rainy season from May to October. Check current local advice, use repellent, cover up at dusk and choose rooms with screens or air conditioning.

Spanish is the main language, with 68 indigenous languages also recognised, including Nahuatl, Maya and Zapotec. English is common in resort areas and upscale hotels, less so elsewhere. A few Spanish phrases go a long way.

Types A and B, the same as the US, at 127 V 60 Hz. Travellers from the UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand need an adapter. Laptop chargers usually handle the voltage; check before plugging in.

Ten days to two weeks is a good first trip: four nights in Mexico City, then a flight to Oaxaca or the Yucatán for four to six nights. Shorter trips work if you stay in one region.

Most of the country is UTC−6 all year. Quintana Roo (Cancún, Tulum) is UTC−5, Pacific states are UTC−7, and Baja California is UTC−8 with US-style daylight saving. Check your phone against local clocks.

Yes. Buy a local SIM from a major carrier on arrival, or use an eSIM before you fly. Coverage is generally good in cities and tourist areas and patchier in mountains and remote ruins — check your provider's map.

Yes. The Riviera Maya, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta have resorts built for it, and colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende suit a quieter trip. Book November to April for dry weather.

Yes. Baja has whale watching, sea kayaking and diving; the Yucatán has cenotes and ruins; Oaxaca and Chiapas have hiking and rafting. Go November to April for the best conditions.