McAllenMcAllen, Texas

The questions people ask first about McAllen, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
• SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
• SafetyMcAllen is generally safe for tourists in the day; the real risks are summer heat, driving on the highways, and the border area…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$3–6
• Street or quick mealBreakfast tacos$2–5 each
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at a store$6–9$2–4
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshare$12–20
• Metro or bus rideMetro McAllen single ride$1–2
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum or nature-center entry$5–12
• Budget bedHostel or budget motel bed, a night, per personUS$35
• Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$130
• High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$220

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$140 · High US$260

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

MFE McAllen-Miller International (About 3 km (1.9 mi) south of downtown; served by American Eagle, United Express, Delta Connection, Allegiant and Volaris (check current routes).) · HRL Harlingen Valley International (About 45 min east on I-2/US 83; routes check — Southwest, Delta and Sun Country serve the Valley area, confirm which fly HRL.)MFE McAllen-Miller International (About 1.9 mi (3 km) south of downtown; served by American Eagle, United Express, Delta Connection, Allegiant and Volaris (check current routes).) · HRL Harlingen Valley International (About 45 min east on I-2/US 83; routes check — Southwest, Delta and Sun Country serve the Valley area, confirm which fly HRL.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$60–100 excl. bed

Mid

$100–180 excl. bed

High

$180+ excl. bed

• Summer heat and humidity: plan indoor or early-morning activity Jun–Sep.
• A car is close to essential; buses cover limited routes and stop in the evening.
• The border crossing to Reynosa is in nearby Hidalgo, not McAllen itself; check current US State Department travel guidance for Tamaulipas before crossing.
• Prices are shown before sales tax; tipping 18–22% is expected at sit-down restaurants.