Mexico: Basic Travel Guide

Mexico

📍 Destination

Mexico is a welcoming country with a rich cultural heritage, paradisiacal beaches, and world-renowned cuisine. The Riviera Maya region, including destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, is ideal for those seeking sun, turquoise seas, Mayan ruins, natural parks, and dream resorts.

—

ℹ️ General Information

• Official name: United Mexican States

• Capital: Mexico City

• Official language: Spanish

• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)

• Exchange locations: Airports, exchange houses, banks, and some hotels

• Main religion: Catholicism

• Time difference:

  • From USA East Coast (EST): Mexico City is generally GMT -6 (Central Time)

  • From UK (BST/GMT): Mexico City is GMT -6 or -7 depending on UK daylight savings

—

📄 Required Documentation

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry

• Visa exemption for tourist stays up to 180 days for US and UK citizens

• Mandatory online entry form (FMM) required for all visitors: (LINK FMM)

• Recommended travel insurance with medical coverage

📲 Useful apps: Maps.me (offline maps), ADO (buses), Moovit (local transport), Xcaret App (theme parks)

—

📅 Best Time to Visit

• Climate: Humid tropical with dry season (Nov to April) and rainy season (May to Oct)

• High season: December to April (drier weather and milder temperatures)

• Hurricane season: August to October

🎯 Tip: For good weather and fewer crowds, travel in November or March —

🕐 Operating Hours

• Public services: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

• Banks: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Shops: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (some malls and supermarkets open later)

—

✈️ How to Get There

• Flights from USA: Direct flights from many cities (Miami, Dallas, Houston, NYC) to Cancún ( 3 - 5 hours)

• Flights from UK: Flights mostly with one stopover (Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt), 11 - 13 hours total

• Airlines serving the route: American Airlines, British Airways, Aeroméxico, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Air France

• Main airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN)

🚖 Airport transfers: Taxis, private shuttles, and shared vans available (approx $20–50 USD or equivalent), negotiate price based on distance and service

—

💊 Medication

• No mandatory vaccines for US or UK travelers

• Bring usual medications with prescriptions

• Pharmacies accessible in tourist areas

• Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit

—

💰 Currency and Costs

• Exchange rate: approx 1 USD ≈ 18–20 MXN; 1 GBP ≈ 22–25 MXN (varies)

• Credit cards widely accepted in tourist areas

• Recommended to carry some cash for markets and taxis

• Usual tipping: 10–15% in restaurants and services

🎯 Tip: Cash preferred in local markets and taxis —

🧳 What to Pack

• Light, comfortable clothing

• Swimwear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Comfortable shoes for archaeological sites

• Universal adapter for Type A/B plugs (110V)

—

🏨 Where to Stay

• Cancún Hotel Zone: All-inclusive beachfront resorts

• Playa del Carmen: Central, lively, good for excursions

• Tulum: Bohemian vibe, beaches, ruins, boutique hotels

🎯 Tip: All-inclusive hotels are perfect for rest; Playa del Carmen good for exploring the region —

🚕 Transportation and Accessibility

• Taxis available; negotiate price or use fixed fares

• Shared vans ("colectivos") connect Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum at low cost

• ADO buses: comfortable and punctual for intercity travel

• Car rentals available, good for freedom but avoid night driving on rural roads

🎯 Tip: Avoid driving at night on secondary roads —

⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 110V

• Plugs: Type A/B (US style) — adapter required for UK travelers

—

📞 Communication

• Country code: +52

• Local SIM cards available at airport and convenience stores (Telcel, AT&T)

• Wi-Fi available in most hotels and cafes

• Good mobile internet coverage in tourist zones

• Internet domain: .mx

🎯 Tip: Avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link)

—

🏖️ Major Holidays

• February 5 – Constitution Day

• March 21 – Benito Juárez’s Birthday

• May 1 – Labor Day

• September 16 – Independence Day

• November 2 – Day of the Dead

• December 25 – Christmas

—

🍽️ Local Cuisine

• Tacos al pastor

• Ceviche

• Cochinita pibil (Yucatán specialty)

• Guacamole and nachos

• Aguas frescas and Margaritas

• Tequila and Mezcal

🎯 Tip: Avoid tap water; drink bottled water only —

🇲🇽 Local Customs

• Mexicans are warm and welcoming

• Religion and traditions highly respected

• Music, dance, and food are part of everyday life

🎯 Tip: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases —

🕵️‍♂️ Safety

• Tourist areas like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are generally safe

• Avoid flaunting valuables

• Use hotel safes for documents and money

• Be cautious in isolated areas and at night

—

🚑 Emergency Services

• Police: 911

• Ambulance/Fire: 911

• U.S. Embassy (Mexico City): +52 55 5080 2000

• UK British Embassy (Mexico City): +52 55 5080 2000 (switchboard)

—

🔗 Useful Links

• Official Mexico Tourism: https://visitmexico.com/en/

• UK Foreign Office travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico

• Mexico Entry Form (FMM): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html

• US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov