Introduction to Mexico

Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world thanks to its mix of Caribbean-style beaches, ancient Mayan and Aztec sites, colorful colonial towns, and a food scene that travelers keep returning for. From the megacity of Mexico City to the cenotes of the Yucatán and the Pacific surf towns, the country offers an experience for every type of traveler. Its location just south of the U.S. makes it a popular short-haul escape, but it is also a serious long-term travel destination, with good bus networks, regional flights, and plenty of affordable accommodation. Modern Mexico is a blend of Indigenous heritage and Spanish influence, and this shows up in festivals, food, music, and everyday life. If you are planning a first trip to Mexico, this practical guide will answer the questions most travelers have right now: visas, money, safety, SIM cards, and how much to budget.

Visa & Entry Requirements

U.S., Canadian, EU, U.K., and Australian citizens visiting Mexico for tourism can usually enter visa-free for up to 180 days. Immigration officers may grant a shorter stay depending on your plans, proof of onward travel, and accommodation. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

Onward/return ticket: It is recommended to have proof of onward or return travel and a hotel/host booking, as Mexican immigration can ask for it.

Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM): Mexico previously used a paper FMM form for tourists. Many airports now handle this electronically, but some land borders may still issue it. Keep whatever document you receive, as you may need to show it upon exit.

Work & long stays: If you plan to work, volunteer, or stay longer than the allowed tourist period, arrange the correct visa in advance with a Mexican consulate.

Customs: Mexico has rules on bringing in alcohol, tobacco, and cash. Declare amounts over USD 10,000 or equivalent.

Currency & Budget

Currency: The local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN).

Exchange rate: 1 USD is often roughly equivalent to a low double-digit amount of pesos, but rates fluctuate, so check your bank or a trusted currency app before you travel.

Average daily budget

• Backpacker: 45–65 USD per day – staying in hostels or simple guesthouses, eating at local markets and street stalls, using ADO/Occidente buses, minimal nightlife.
• Midrange: 80–150 USD per day – boutique hotels or Airbnbs in popular areas, a mix of local and tourist restaurants, site entrance fees, a few taxis/Ubers.
• Luxury: 180–350+ USD per day – high-end hotels in Mexico City, Tulum, or the Riviera Maya, private tours to ruins, high-end dining, domestic flights between regions.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Mexico. In restaurants, 10–15% is standard if service is not included.

Credit card acceptance: Cards (Visa, Mastercard, some Amex) are widely accepted in cities, resorts, supermarkets, and midrange to upscale restaurants. Smaller businesses, street food, colectivos, and rural areas are mostly cash-only. Always keep some pesos.

ATMs & cash: ATMs are common in cities, airports, and larger towns. To reduce fees, withdraw from ATMs attached to major banks (BBVA, Santander, Banorte, CitiBanamex, HSBC). Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist zones when possible, as they may have high fees or lower withdrawal limits.

Best way to get pesos: Withdraw from a bank ATM in Mexico using a debit card with low foreign transaction fees. Decline the ATM’s conversion if offered. Exchanging USD/EUR in Mexico is possible at casas de cambio in tourist areas, but rates vary.

Language & Communication

Official language: Spanish is the official and dominant language across Mexico.

Indigenous languages: Nahuatl, Maya, Mixtec, Zapotec, and others are spoken regionally.

English: English is spoken in major tourist zones (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta), resorts, and by younger people in large cities. In smaller towns, having some Spanish will make travel easier.

Useful travel phrases: Learn basic phrases like “buenos días”, “gracias”, “¿cuánto cuesta?”, “¿dónde está…?”, and “sin hielo” if you prefer drinks without ice.

SIM cards: Getting mobile data in Mexico is straightforward. The most common tourist-friendly providers are:

• Telcel: Best nationwide coverage, including many rural areas and beach towns. Good choice for road trips.
• AT&T México: Good urban coverage and competitive plans.
• Movistar: Often cheaper, solid in cities, but coverage can be patchier in rural zones.

Where to buy: You can buy a SIM card at airports, official phone shops, OXXO convenience stores, and supermarkets. Bring your passport. Setup is quick, and you can recharge (recargar) at OXXO across the country.

eSIM: Many travelers now use eSIMs for Mexico to get data on arrival. This can be cheaper than buying at the airport and avoids language barriers.

Wi-Fi: Available at most hotels, Airbnbs, cafés, and co-working spaces, especially in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, and beach areas aimed at digital nomads.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Mexico uses the same system as the United States.

• Plug type: Type A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins + grounding pin).
• Voltage: 127 V.
• Frequency: 60 Hz.

Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and most Latin American countries will not need a converter. Travelers from the U.K., EU, and Australia/NZ will need a plug adapter and, depending on the device, a voltage converter. Many hotels in tourist areas also have USB ports, but do not rely on this.

Safety

Mexico is a very popular destination and most trips are trouble-free, especially to established tourist areas such as Cancún, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mérida, Oaxaca City, and the historic center of Mexico City. However, travelers should stay aware of local conditions, avoid high-risk areas, and follow smart urban travel habits.

• Petty crime: The most common issue for tourists is pickpocketing or bag snatching in busy areas, buses, and markets. Use a money belt or crossbody bag and keep phones out of back pockets.
• ATMs: Use bank ATMs during the day and check for card skimmers.
• Taxis/transport: In big cities, use official taxis, app taxis (like Uber, DiDi, or Cabify where available), or your hotel to arrange transport, especially at night.
• Nightlife areas: Do not leave drinks unattended. Stay with your group.
• Natural risks: On the coasts, pay attention to beach flags for currents. From June to November, parts of Mexico can be affected by hurricanes along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
• Water & food: Most travelers stick to bottled or filtered water. Street food is excellent, but choose busy stalls with high turnover.

Before traveling, check the latest guidance from your government’s travel advisory page. Conditions can vary widely by state.