Mexico Travel Guide

Entry requirements

Many nationalities can visit Mexico without a visa. Some passports instead need a consular visa or Mexico's free electronic authorisation (SAE), which works only when arriving by air with a participating airline, is single-entry and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. A valid multiple-entry visa for the US, Canada, Japan, the UK or Schengen, or certain permanent residence permits, may provide a separate exemption; verify with Mexico's official representation before travelling.

Money and payments

The Mexican peso is used. Cards are widely accepted in big cities and hotels; cash matters at markets, on colectivos, in small eateries and in remote villages. Use ATMs inside bank branches; decline the terminal's home-currency or dollar conversion and choose pesos. If service isn't included at a restaurant, a 10–15 per cent tip is customary.

Languages

Spanish works throughout the country; Maya, Zapotec and other Indigenous languages live on regionally. English is common on the tourist coast; inland, you'll need to save addresses and bus terminals in Spanish.

Phones, internet and apps

For intercity buses, use only official operators and terminals; ADO is strong in the south-east. As the Tren Maya route and its connections are still developing in 2026, verify station–town transfers separately. Download offline maps, your accommodation address and emergency numbers.

Budget

Budget separately for archaeology transfers, cenotes, national park fees and baggage fees; don't apply coastal dollar prices to the whole country.

On a budget plan, think buses, rooms outside the centre, mercados and local eateries; mid-range brings boutique hotels, selected domestic flights and small-group tours; a comfortable plan features coastal resorts, private transfers and guided archaeology days. The Riviera Maya, Los Cabos and festival periods are noticeably more expensive than the national average.