NEED TO KNOW
| ID | Description |
|---|---|
| Currency | Mexican peso (MXN$) |
| Language | Spanish, 68 other national languages |
| Visas | All tourists must have a tourist permit, available on arrival. Some nationalities also need visas. |
| Money | Mexico is largely a cash economy. ATMs and exchange offices are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in many midrange and top-end hotels, restaurants and stores. |
| Cell Phones | Many US and Canadian carriers offer Mexico roaming deals. Mexican SIM cards can be used in unlocked phones. |
| Time | Most of Mexico is on Hora del Centro (GMT/UTC minus six hours). Six northern and western states are on GMT/UTC minus seven or eight hours; one eastern state is on GMT/UTC minus five hours |
When to Go
High Season (Dec–Apr)
- The driest months across most of Mexico, bringing winter escapees from colder countries.
- Christmas and Easter are Mexican holiday times, with transportation and coastal accommodations very busy.
Shoulder Season (Jul & Aug)
- Hot almost everywhere and very wet on the Pacific coast.
- Vacation time for many Mexicans and foreigners. Accommodations prices go up in some popular areas.
Low Season (May & Jun, Sep–Nov)
- May and June see peak temperatures in many areas.
- September is the heart of the hurricane season, which doesn’t always bring hurricanes but does bring wind and heavy rains on the Gulf and Pacific coasts.
Getting Around
Bus Mexico’s efficient, comfortable and reasonably priced bus network is generally the best option for moving around the country. Services are frequent on main routes.
Air.- Over 60 cities are served by domestic flights, which are well worth considering for longer intercity trips. Fares vary widely depending on the airline and how far in advance you pay.
Car.- A convenient option giving maximum independence. Roads are serviceable, with speeds generally slower than north of the border or in Europe. Rental rates start around M$700 per day, including basic insurance.
Train.- Train travel is limited to one spectacularly scenic train route in northern Mexico.
Accommodations
Accommodations Types
B&Bs & Casas de Huéspedes – Usually small, comfortable, midrange or top-end guesthouses, often family-run, beautifully designed and offering friendly, personal attention.
Cabañas – Cabins or huts (of wood, brick, adobe or stone), often with a palm-thatched roof, and most often found at beach destinations. They range from basic with dirt floors, to the positively deluxe.
Campgrounds & Trailer Parks – Most organized campgrounds are actually trailer parks set up for RVs (recreational vehicles, campers) and trailers (caravans) that are also open to tent campers at lower rates.
Hammocks – Hammock space is available in many of the more low-key beach spots. A hammock can be a very comfortable and cheap place to sleep in hot areas (keep mosquito repellent handy).
Hostels – Budget accommodations, always with shared dorms, sometimes with private rooms. Cleanliness and security vary, but popular hostels are great places for meeting fellow travelers.
Posadas – Covering anything from basic budget hotels to tastefully designed, small, midrange places.