Welcome to Mexico 😊

Quick Facts About Mexico

Money and Finances

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 pesos, while notes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Mexico, especially in major cities and tourist areas, and accept major international debit and credit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted in Mexico, but it's always a good idea to check with individual merchants and establishments to ensure they accept your specific card. Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX are commonly accepted.

Internet and Phones

Mexico has a relatively good internet infrastructure, with an average download speed of 45Mbps and an average upload speed of 23Mbps. There are no significant government interferences in internet usage.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Mexico has several telco companies, including Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 300 MXN per month. There may be some sim compatibility issues depending on the type of phone being used.

Dialling to Mexico

To call Mexico from another country, dial the country code +52, followed by the area code and phone number. Within Mexico, the area code must be dialed before the phone number when making a call.

Transport Around Mexico

Air Travel

Mexico has several major airports, including Mexico City International Airport, Cancun International Airport, and Guadalajara International Airport. These airports are located in different parts of the country, providing easy access to top destinations.

Train Travel

Mexico's inter-city train network is limited, with only one passenger train operating, the Chihuahua-Pacifico train. A one-way ticket from Chihuahua to Los Mochis costs around $100 USD, and the journey takes 15 hours. However, the train ride offers stunning views of the Copper Canyon.

Metro / Local Trains

Mexico City has a subway system called the Metro, which is fast and efficient for getting around the city. The fare is inexpensive, costing around $0.30 USD per ride.

Buses

Mexico's bus network is extensive and reliable, with many companies offering a range of routes across the country. A one-way ticket from Mexico City to Cancun costs around $80 USD, and the journey takes around 24 hours. Luxury bus companies such as ADO and Primera Plus offer comfortable seating and amenities such as WiFi.

Rideshare

In Mexico, Uber and DiDi are popular rideshare companies. The average ride prices vary depending on the city and distance traveled. As an example, a 20-minute Uber ride from Mexico City's International Airport to the downtown area costs around $9 USD.

Driving by Car

Driving in Mexico can be challenging for visitors, as roads can be narrow and poorly maintained in some areas. The speed limit in urban areas is 40 km/h (25 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph) on highways. Mexico uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Mexico, tipping is usually expected in restaurants, with 10-15% of the total bill being a common amount. Locals often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek or a handshake and may use titles such as Señor or Señora when addressing someone they don't know well. When speaking with strangers, it's common to use formal language and avoid close physical proximity. Men may address each other as 'amigo' (friend) while women may address each other as 'amiga'.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Mexico has a mixed public-private health care system. The healthcare infrastructure is good in major cities, but can be limited in rural areas. Medical services can vary in quality and the costs can depend on the facility you visit. A visit to a doctor can cost anywhere from 400 to 1000 mexican pesos (MXN) ($20-$50 USD) without insurance.

COVID Situation

Mexico has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a high number of cases and deaths. The government implemented some lockdown measures and travel restrictions but they have been lifted by now. Currently, some regions are limiting capacity and implementing social distancing rules in public areas to control the spread of the virus.

Common Health Risks

Mexico has some common health risks such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika virus which are spread by mosquitos. Travelers are recommended to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Food and water-borne diseases are also common, so it is advised to drink only bottled water, avoid street food and wash hands regularly.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is legal in Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18. However, it is illegal to drink in public areas and offenders can be fined or detained by the authorities.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use including cannabis is illegal in Mexico. Possession, sale, and trafficking of drugs are punishable by imprisonment or fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Mexican law recognizes common-law marriages, couples living together for two or more years are considered married under the law. Pre-marital relationships are not regulated by law.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Mexico has made significant strides in LGBTQ rights in recent years. Same-sex relationships have been legalized, and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. However, discrimination and hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals still exist in some areas.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is legal in Mexico, but it is highly regulated. Only the military and police are allowed to carry high-caliber weapons. License is required for carrying and owning firearms, and possession of illegal firearms can result in imprisonment.

Regions in Mexico

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Mexico, browse through each to see what to visit.

69 Popular Travel Destinations in Mexico