Money and payments
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards (with Maestro or MasterCard/Visa affiliation) are widely accepted in Mexico.
Tipping
Tipping in Mexico is similar to the United States.
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Americas · North AmericaOutline guideCountry in North America
Photo: Flickr user schlaeger, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mexico (Spanish: México) is known for its cuisine, art, archaeology, history, pyramids, music, museums, haciendas, 9,600 km (6,000 mi) of shoreline, superb architecture, weather from snow-capped mountains in the Sierras to rainy jungles in the southeast and desert in the northwest, many golf courses and excellent fishing. Along with Chile, Colombia, and Peru, this once-poor nation is one of the Pacific Pumas, seeing significant economic growth and improved infrastructure during the 21st century.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Mexico.
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards (with Maestro or MasterCard/Visa affiliation) are widely accepted in Mexico.
Tipping
Tipping in Mexico is similar to the United States.
Spanish
Spanish is the de facto national language. Spanish is used by virtually the whole population and all public communications (signs, documents, media, etc.) are conducted in the language.
If you're going to be in Mexico for an extended period of time, it might be cheaper to use Mexican carriers, either by buying a SIM card or a cheap throwaway phone.
Mobile networks
In most of the small towns that are less industrialized, only the poorest Mexicans will drink tap water.
Some parts of Mexico are known for travelers' diarrhea, often called "Montezuma's Revenge" (Venganza de Moctezuma).
Mexicans have a somewhat relaxed sense of time so it's vital to be patient. Arriving half an hour late is common and should not be taken in a negative light.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Capital of the republic, one of the three largest cities in the world, and a sophisticated urban hub with a 700-year history. In Mexico City, you will find everything from parks, Aztec ruins, colonial architecture, museums, to nightlife and shopping.
One of the world's most popular and famous beaches, known for its clear Caribbean waters, its lively party atmosphere, and its wealth of recreational facilities. During the U.S. college Spring Break (mid-Feb to the end of March) it is noted for drinking, sunburns, and debauchery.
A traditional city, capital of Jalisco state, and the home of mariachi music and tequila. Guadalajara is blessed with perpetual spring weather and its colonial downtown is graceful and sophisticated.
Lively Pacific coast town, Mazatlán is a shipping port, a transportation hub with ferries to Baja California, and a beach resort destination with miles of sandy shore. It is a popular U.S. college Spring Break destination due to its variety of affordable lodging options.
A large modern city that is the commercial and industrial hub of Northern Mexico. Monterrey enjoys a dry, mountainous setting and is known for its high-quality educational and transportation infrastructure.
Located 110 km (68 mi) southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is one of the largest and oldest cities in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated here more than anywhere else in the country.
A colonial city in central Mexico that was once an important silver producer, but today, relies on manufacturing for its economic base.
In central Mexico west of Cuernavaca, this steep mountain town was once a major silver producer, and now has a strong place in the trade of decorative silver, from cheap fittings to the most elegant jewelry and elaborate castings.
An exotic destination for travelers looking for a unique remote adventure! An awesome mountain rail ride -- one of the greatest in the world -- takes you upwards over 2,440 m (8000 feet) on the CHEPE, the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway. Hiking, horseback riding, birding, and Tarahumara Indians. Copper Canyon, the Sierra Madre and the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico. This area is designed for adventurous individuals who will tolerate some rough travel to get to their points of interest (although the famous train ride isn't demanding at all). Copper Canyon, a magnificent remote wilderness is not likely ever to become a mass market destination.
Protected natural areas in the highlands of the state of Michoacán. Millions of butterflies come to the area between November and March of each year, although numbers have declined sharply. This is a .
From docks on the Rio Grijalva (the only major river within Mexico) near Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Chiapas state, tour launches take you into this steep-walled National Park. You'll likely see vast flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl, as well as crocodiles.
Mexico has 67 national parks; these include protected natural areas and national monuments and historical sites
Majestic Mayan city, declared a in 1988 and was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
A reconstructed Mayan site, famous for its unique decorated stucco and stone-carved temples that you can climb.
In the state of Veracruz near the town of Papantla. A .
In the state of Oaxaca, a Zapotec site dating from about 500 BC. A .
Mayan city in the state of Chiapas, Palenque famous for its elaborate paintings. Also well known for having the largest tract of rainforest in Mexico located in the same area.
An enormous pre-Columbian site with several large pyramids near Mexico City. A .
Mayan coastal city with spectacular Caribbean vistas. Dates from late Mayan period.
Impressive Mayan city-state in the Puuc Region, declared a in 1996.
Places in Mexico on the World Heritage List.
Xochicalco
Listed 1999
Revillagigedo Islands
Listed 2016
Temple of Kukulcan
Listed 1988
Sian Ka'an
Listed 1987
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Listed 2008
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
Listed 2010
Hospicio Cabañas
Listed 1997
Monasteries on the slopes of Popocatépetl
Listed 1994
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The vast western peninsula, stretching 1,200 km from Tijuana on the US border to Cabo in the south. A land of deserts and undiscovered beaches. One of the largest whale migrations takes place here every year from December to April. Also includes the far-off-shore Guadalupe Island.
The expansive deserts and mountains of the border states; mostly ignored by tourists. Culturally and physically a world away from the tropical south. Includes the bustling industrial city of Monterrey, Mexico's 3rd-largest and most affluent city, and Copper Canyon, the country's only railroad passing through gorges and indigenous villages.
Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas
The former colonial heartland, this is one of Mexico's most historic regions filled with well-preserved colonial towns that grew rich from silver mining. Includes San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato amongst other lesser known towns.
Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro
Mexico City, always the political, cultural and economic center of the country with a sophisticated urban core and a huge urban sprawl surrounding it. Also includes the awesome ruins of Teotihuacan, the historic city of Puebla and Veracruz, one of the country's most overlooked regions.
Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico State, Morelos, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Veracruz
Tropical beaches on Mexico's southern coast; Jalisco the birthplace of mariachi and Tequila; Guadalajara, the nation's second largest city; and the Oaxacan highlands, famous for their distinct cuisine.
Jungle and impressive Mayan archaeological sites, along with the Caribbean and Gulf coast with well-known resorts like Tulum and Cancun. The colonial city of Merida and the jungle ruins of Palenque. Geographically isolated from the rest of the country, part of Central America (the dividing line being the Isthmus of Tehuantepec), it is culturally closer to Guatemala and Belize than the rest of Mexico, where Mayan culture is very much alive.
Public transport and paid services in Mexico.
By bus
Long-distance buses are an ideal way to experience Mexico.
By train
Intercity trains are slowly making a comeback in Mexico, after a 25-year hiatus.
By car
Due to a government scheme in the early 1990s to create infrastructure, the best roads are toll roads. Toll roads can be relatively costly but are much faster and better maintained.
By plane
Major airlines hubs for all or several of the airlines are in Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport, Mexico City-Santa Lucia Airport (NLU), Guadalajara, Cancún International Airport, and Monterrey.
By taxi
Ride-hailing is available in Mexico and the following are the most anticipated providers. There may be destinations where the service is not available due to differences with local cab groups.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Mexico.
Finding apps for Mexico…
Other ways to travel:By carpoolingBy thumb
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Guadalajara · International · GDL
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Mexico City
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 18° | 21° | 23° | 25° | 25° | 23° | 21° | 20° | 19° | 19° | 19° | 18° |
| Avg. low | 3° | 4° | 6° | 8° | 9° | 10° | 9° | 9° | 9° | 7° | 5° | 4° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 9 | 12 | 15 | 22 | 55 | 135 | 154 | 153 | 148 | 64 | 19 | 6 |
| Humidity | 61% | 55% | 50% | 48% | 55% | 69% | 77% | 79% | 82% | 78% | 71% | 64% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$60
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$160
Per person, per day
Luxury
$425
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $90 | $250 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $35 | $80 |
| Local transport | $5 | $15 | $35 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $60 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Mexico due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico, a large country in which conditions can vary widely from state to state and even within a state. U.S. government employees may not travel to certain high-risk areas, which may be within states that include low-risk areas. Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling. Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas. If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed. Check the maps of restricted areas. U.S. government employee travel restrictions (U.S. citizens are strongly advised to follow): May not travel between cities after dark. Must rely on dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify and may not wave down taxis on the street. Should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. May not drive between Mexican border cities and the interior of Mexico, with limited exceptions.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel State of Baja California FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, except: airside transit through Tijuana airport the Cross Border Xpress bridge from the airport linking terminals across the Mexican-US border the federal toll road 1D and Via Rápida through Tijuana to the border FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tecate in Baja California, including roads between Tijuana and Tecate. There is another state called Baja California Sur that is unaffected by these warnings. State of Chihuahua FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Chihuahua, except: the city of Chihuahua the border crossing in Ciudad Juárez (accessed by federal toll road 45) federal toll road 45D connecting the cities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Chihuahua and towns immediately on this route including Creel the road from Creel via San Juanito to San Pedro state highway 16 from San Pedro to Chihuahua State of Sinaloa FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Sinaloa, except: the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán road 32 that runs between El Fuerte and Los Mochis the 15D federal toll road that runs the length of the state the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Los Mochis, El Fuerte and the towns immediately on this route State of Tamaulipas FCDO advises against all but…
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