Mexico Destinations

• Location: Mexico is located in the southern portion of North America, bordered to the north by the U.S. and to the south by Guatemala and Belize. Mexico’s western coast is on the Pacific Ocean, while its east coast borders the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN or MX$)
• Language: Spanish, although English is commonly spoken at resorts and in tourist areas. Additionally, there are many indigenous languages spoken throughout Mexico.
• Visas: For tourism stays up to 90 days, most travelers do not need a visa. This includes the U.S., Canada, U.K., and many other countries. Find more information here.

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Mexico is famous for its popular beach destinations as well as its ancient history sites and vibrant cities. Don’t miss including them in your bucket list.

Mexico Currency Conversions

The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN or MX$). The conversion rate is around 20 MXN to 1 USD. Coins come in in denominations of 20 and 50 centavos (100 centavos makes up 1 peso), and 1 peso, 2 peso, 5 peso, 10 peso, and 20 peso. Bills are issued in denominations of 20 peso, 50 peso, 100 peso, 200 peso, and 500 peso. (Need a currency app for your travels? My favorite is xe.)

Is the Water in Mexico Drinkable?

As a general rule, avoid drinking tap water in Mexico. Most tourist restaurants use ice made with filtered water, and hotels generally have water dispensers to fill your personal water bottle. (I travel with this bottle that rolls up and has a caribiner clip, or you can buy one with a built-in filter.) Outside of major tourist zones, stick to bottled beverages and be careful of ordering any uncooked food items like salads.

Electricity & Outlets

The electrical system in Mexico is 110 volts AC (60 cycles), the same as in the United States and Canada. For Mexico there are two associated plug types, North American plugs types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Travelers from Europe should bring an adapter.

Entry & Visa

To enter, travelers need a passport valid for at least 6 months after their departure date. Nationals of many countries can enter for tourism without a visa for up to 180 days. You can also begin registration for a Mexican Tourist Card online (Forma Migratoria Múltiple or FMM). Upon entry, retain this card with your passport and present it when you leave the country, or risk delays and a fine. (I keep a paperclip in my passport cover to secure cards like this!)

Transportation

The easiest way to get around Mexico is by public transportation. Flights between cities are relatively inexpensive, and Mexico’s ADO bus system easily connects towns in each region. You can reserve ADO tickets online and pay at the station or an OXXO convenience store, or pre-book online with the app Busbud. In the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s common to get around locally in colectivos, shared minibuses or vans. In the beach towns of Oaxaca state, you’ll find colectivos as well as pasajeros, trucks with bench seating in the back and a canvas cover.

Taxis and Uber

In Mexico, taxis are generally not metered; you simply agree on a price with the driver before you get in. Taxi drivers often do not speak English, so a basic level of Spanish or a card with your hotel’s address are helpful. It is not recommended to hail taxis on the street at night. Uber is available in Mexico City, Merida, San Miguel de Allende, and a few other cities. In small towns, taxis might operate on a shared basis, and the driver will stop to pick up other passengers.

Driving In Mexico

Many travelers rent a car in Mexico. In destinations like the Yucatan Peninsula, the Oaxaca Coast, and Baja California, having a vehicle makes it possible to either maximize your trip or explore at a more leisurely pace. I rent with Hertz or use Discovercars.com to compare prices across multiple car companies and book.

Are Tips Expected in Mexico?

Known as la propina, tipping in Mexico is customary and appreciated in return for good service. Always tip in Mexican pesos. In restaurants, 10-15% of the total bill is expected. In hotels, leave $20MXN to $100MXN (the equivalent of $1-5 USD, depending on hotel class) per day for maid service; I always tip daily for the best service, and because staff schedules rotate. It’s also common to tip 10 pesos for porters, taxi drivers, and gas station attendants.

For resort staff and valet parking attendants, 10-20 pesos is a common tip (hang on to your 20 peso bills!). Other situations when you might tip a few pesos: informal “car watchers” at public lots, washroom attendants who hand you toilet paper and keep the facility clean. Tips go directly to local workers; please don’t neglect this relatively small amount but meaningful gesture in your travel budget.

Cash & ATMs

I recommend withdrawing money from ATMs or exchange bureaus during daylight hours. It’s best to use ATMs inside banks, airports, shops, or malls rather than on the street. In small towns, its common for ATMs to be out of order or run out of money. Be sure to use an ATM or exchange desk at the airport if you are headed outside of tourist areas.

Look for ATMs that are affiliated with national banks, such as Santander, Banamex, Banorte, or Scotiabank. If you have an account with Bank of America, you can avoid the $5 international ATM withdrawal fee and pay only the transaction fee at Scotiabank ATMs.

Pro tip: check the foreign conversion fee that your bank charges; it’s usually better than what ATMs charge, so you can decline the ATM’s offer to convert the fee for you, if given that option.

I love boutique hotels and unique stays, and always find lots to choose from in Mexico!  Accommodations in Mexico include everything from inexpensive hostels and vacation rentals to mid-range hotels, boho-chic boutique stays, and luxury resorts. To give you an idea of what to budget and expect:

Backpacking

In many areas, shared dorm rooms in hostels can be found in the range of 200-400 MX$ ($10-20 US) per person, per night. Private rooms will be around the same or a little more. These hostels generally offer free Wi-Fi, central locations, lounge areas with games, a shared kitchen, and sometimes even a swimming pool, bar, and yoga.

Budget Hotels

Inexpensive hotels are available in most tourist areas for 400-1,000 MX$ per night ($20-50 US). These will be simple rooms with basic amenities, and might not include AC or hot water (which never bothers me in a cabana right on the beach!). Budget hotels generally don’t offer TVs, and WiFi might be only in the lobby. Often breakfast is included included, though, or there is access to a shared kitchen.

Mid-Range Hotels

For mid-range hotels, expect to pay around 1,000-2,000 MX$ per night ($50-100 US). Hotels of this class offer private rooms with free Wi-Fi, a casual hotel restaurant and bar, and outdoor pool.  Rooms often have an electronic safe, television, and small balcony or patio.

Boutique & Luxury Hotels

Expect to pay 1600 MX$ and up per night for boutique hotels ($80 US) to get a stylish room, pool, onsite restaurant, and a great breakfast included. For five-star hotels, upscale resorts, and restored haciendas, pay around 5,000-20,000 MX$ per night ($250 to $1000 US) for luxury accommodations. All-inclusive resorts will fall into this range as well. Amenities can include suites with balconies and private hot tubs, spa services, a gym, 24-hour room service, multiple fine dining restaurants, and separate adults-only and family swimming pools.

Recommended Booking Sites

I always book my trips with Booking.com, because I can manage the reservation and changes (like adding an extra night!) via the app. For vacation rentals, I generally use VRBO for the best deals and inventory.

Scott’s Cheap Flights often shares deals to cities in Mexico from the U.S. Sign up for their free email alerts here or grab one of their paid premium subscriptions.

What’s the Thing About Toilet Paper?

In most Mexico hotels, businesses, and even upscale resorts, the septic system isn’t made to handle toilet paper. Instead, place it in the small trash can next to the toilet. I also always travel with tissue packs in my purse.

Mexico is a large country, with varied climates and weather depending on the region. In general, the climate in Mexico is tropical with a rainy and dry season; the rainy months are typically June – October. Hurricane season on both coasts runs from June through November, although they are less common on the Pacific Coast than the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.

Temperature differences from season to season are relatively small. Mountainous regions and any area above sea level are cooler, such as Mexico City which has pleasant summers and mild winters.

Resort and tourist areas of Mexico can become very crowded during holidays, when both locals and tourists flock to beaches and sights. It’s best to avoid the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as well as Semana Santa (Holy Week), which leads up to Easter. I like to visit in October – November and February – March, when it’s off-peak season.

Mexico has many varied landscapes and climates to consider when packing for your trip. These basics will be helpful for most destinations.

• A backpack or bag with sturdy wheels like a rolling duffel for an easier time navigating uneven pavement and sandy surfaces.

• A scarf or shawl: this can shade you from the sun and even keep you warm on a chilly evening. This scarf is made from UPF fabric for sun protection.

• A water bottle like these collapsible travel water bottles or one with a built-in filter.

• Breathable fabrics and loose clothing: most Mexico destinations will be warm, so I recommend lightweight fabrics to keep you cool.

• Suitable footwear: be sure to bring at least one pair of lightweight, durable and comfortable shoes. Colonial cobblestone streets are quite uneven,and paths to cenotes can be slippery. I always pack a pair of hiking sandals.

• Safety gear: If traveling to big cities, I recommend bringing a backpack or crossbody bag with safety features. The brand Travelon makes a lot of great options. A beach safe can help keep your phone, keys, and wallet secure.

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