Mexico is known for its culture, cuisine, beaches, ruins, and colorful cities. Find out what makes Mexico unforgettable, from its lively festivals to its ancient ruins and picturesque cities. Here’re some quick facts about Mexico:
Capital: Mexico City 
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) 
Language: Spanish 
Time zone: Multiple (varies by region) 
Power plugs: Type A & B, 127V / 60Hz 
Driving side: Right Useful local phrases:
Hello: Hola
Thank you: Gracias
I’m sorry: Lo siento
The food/drink is great: Está delicioso
Best time to visit Mexico
Wondering about the best time to visit Mexico? The country has varied climates depending on the region, but here’s a general overview:
Dry season
November – April
20–30°C
Warm and sunny
Wet season
May – October
22–32°C
Hot with tropical rain showers
So what’s the best time for visiting Mexico?
- November – April: best for beaches, cities, and outdoor activities
- May – October: best for fewer crowds and lower prices
How to get there and getting around?
Airport: Mexico has several major international airports, including Mexico City International Airport, Cancún International Airport, and Guadalajara International Airport. These are well connected to city centers by taxis, buses, and shuttle services. Domestic flights are useful for covering long distances. You can compare flights and find the cheapest deals via Skyscanner. If you don’t know yet when you are going to leave the country, buy an onward ticket and fake your return. This works fine.
Train / Bus options: In cities, public transport ranges from metros to colectivos (shared vans), depending on the region. Mexico has limited passenger train services, but long-distance buses are excellent. They are comfortable, affordable, and widely used to travel between cities and regions.
Car rental / taxis: Renting a car is a great option for exploring regions like the Yucatán Peninsula or Baja California. Roads are generally good, but toll roads (cuotas) are often the safest and fastest. Use DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices. Ride-hailing apps are widely used and often safer and more transparent than street taxis. Popular options include Uber, DiDi or Cabify.
Boat travel: Boat travel is common in coastal and island areas. Ferries connect places like Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Boat tours are also popular for exploring beaches, cenotes, and marine life.
Cycling or walking: Walking is one of the best ways to explore cities, especially centers. Cycling is popular in some cities like Mexico City and tourist areas such as Tulum. Bike lanes are improving, and bike-sharing programs are available in certain cities. However, road conditions and traffic can vary, so plan routes carefully. Consider booking a free bicycle or walking tour via Freetour or GuruWalk.
Destinations
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FAQ about Mexico
Is Mexico safe for (female) solo travelers?
Mexico can be safe for (female) solo travelers, especially in tourist-friendly areas. It’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.
Why is Mexico worth visiting?
Yes! Mexico offers a mix of culture, history, food, and nature.
Is Mexico cheap to visit?
Mexico can be very affordable, especially outside major tourist hotspots. Prices vary depending on the region and travel style. Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay the local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
Is tipping expected in Mexico?
Yes, tipping is customary. Around 10–15% in restaurants is standard.
Do I need a visa for visiting Mexico?
Many travelers do not need a visa for short stays, but always check official requirements before traveling. The official website to check visa regulations for Mexico is the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) portal: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/. It provides up-to-date information on visa types, requirements, and application procedures for foreign nationals.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Mexico?
Yes, I always recommend travel insurance. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Will my mobile phone work in Mexico?
Yes, coverage is generally good in cities and tourist areas in Mexico. The main mobile providers in Mexico are Telcel, Movistar Mexico, and AT&T Mexico, which operate the primary networks. Smaller MVNOs also exist, but these three dominate nationwide coverage. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to get. I recommend to skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and stay connected with an eSIM from providers like Holafly, Airalo or Saily. I’ve been using eSIMs on my trips and find them incredibly convenient and cost-effective.
Can I drink tap water in Mexico?
No, tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Do I need to speak the local language in Mexico?
Not necessarily, but Spanish is widely spoken, and knowing a few basic phrases can be very helpful.
