Monterrey

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

• Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
• SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
• TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
• SafetyMonterrey is a business city and the tourist core is calm, but it is not a place to wander far off the main streets at night.

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

• CoffeeM$40–80
• Street or quick mealTaco or gorditaM$20–45
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at an OXXOM$60–90M$25–40
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$250–500
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryM$60–150
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$350 (≈ US$19)
• Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$1,600 (≈ US$90)
• High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$3,200 (≈ US$180)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$900 (≈ US$50) · Mid MX$1,800 (≈ US$100) · High MX$4,000 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

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

Airports

MTY Monterrey International (General Mariano Escobedo) (About 30 min from downtown in Apodaca; terminals A, B and C, free inter-terminal shuttle. Check which terminal your flight uses.) · NTR Del Norte International (Private and cargo only; no scheduled commercial flights.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

M$700–1,200 excl. bed

Mid

M$1,200–2,500 excl. bed

High

M$2,500+ excl. bed

• Summer heat: June–September highs run 35 °C (95 °F)+ with afternoon rain; plan indoor or early starts.Summer heat: June–September highs run 95 °F (35 °C)+ with afternoon rain; plan indoor or early starts.
• Bus routes and timetables on Google Maps have been unreliable; cross-check with Moovit or ask at your hotel.
• The Urbani app may not accept foreign credit cards — carry a Me Muevo card as backup.
• Cross-border driving: use the Colombia Solidarity Bridge outside Nuevo Laredo if you drive from Texas, and buy Mexican auto insurance.
• Downtown is quiet at night outside Barrio Antiguo; use e-hailing after dark rather than walking long blocks.