Essential Things to Know About Mexico Before You Go

Mexico is one of the easiest destinations to visit for U.S. travelers. But just because it’s easy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Like any country, there are a few things worth understanding before landing. Knowing what to expect helps you travel more confidently and avoid common mistakes. This guide breaks down a few things to know about Mexico before you go.

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Is Mexico Safe?

Let’s get this out of the way right away: yes, Mexico is safe for travelers who take basic precautions. The majority of cartel crime in Mexico does not affect tourists and millions of U.S. visitors – and others – enjoy worry-free vacations every year.

I’ve been traveling to Mexico for years – since I was 15 years old, in fact. I’ve visited over half of the Mexican states. I’ve traveled for pleasure, for work, by myself, with my husband, with my daughter and I’ve never felt unsafe or afraid in Mexico.

That being said – Mexico does have a crime problem and sometimes tourists get taken advantage or are affected by violence. To better protect yourself: keep-up on current events, stick to well-traveled areas and always be aware of your surroundings.

Don’t buy drugs, don’t drink too much and check the U.S. State Department for travel warnings. By following these common-sense tips, you can focus on exploring and having fun with everything Mexico has to offer. You’ll find more tips and details about safety in Mexico, in my full article Is Mexico Safe for Travel?

Mexico Entry Requirements & Documents

You’ll need a passport to visit Mexico but U.S. and Canadian citizens don’t need a visa for stays under 180 days. Maybe you remember in the past, the flight attendants handed out a FMM form (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) to fill out on the plane. That form was for a tourist card you held onto until departure.

You still need a tourist card to visit Mexico but the good news is now, that step is done electronically at the airport (in most cases). Instead of a giving you a piece of paper that was oh so easy to lose, the immigration officer simply stamps your passport and fills in the amount of days you are allowed to stay in the country.

While this is the new process at most large airports, as they work through the kinks, you might still encounter a small airport – or a border crossing like Tijuana when walking across – that still uses a paper FMM and you’ll have to keep the piece of paper until you leave.

Another thing about passports – while Mexico itself doesn’t require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your trip like some countries do, some airlines enforce this policy and could deny boarding. To avoid surprises, and cancelled plans, just renew your passport before it could become an issue.

Mexico Weather & When to Go

With seven climate zones, Mexico’s climate varies by region so it’s really important to check the forecast for the area you are visiting – Mexico City’s cool, high-altitude climate feels completely different from the tropical coasts. Mexico isn’t just a shorts and flip-flops kind of destination. Educate yourself about the area you are traveling to.

That being said most regions experience a dry season that runs from November through April, and a rainy season from May through October. And hurricane season occurs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.

Again, keep in mind that the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo, and the Caribbean coast, including Cancún and the Riviera Maya, can feel very different at the same time of year. Even in Baja, the weather on the western side of the peninsula may differ from the eastern. I spent May on the west side of Baja Sur and experienced cool mornings and needed a jacket at night.

As for crowds – peak tourism generally falls between December and April. Once again – you’ll want to look at busy time in the area you’ll be visiting since things like Spring Break and Dia de los Muertos affect some regions more than others.

Transportation & Getting Around

Mexico is a huge country, so the transportation options will vary by region but here’s a few general tips:

Flying Within Mexico

Domestic flights in Mexico are often inexpensive, especially between major cities and resort zones. Airlines like Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus are the big three. Aeroméxico can be compared to airlines like Delta – in fact they are Delta partners – and American Airlines.

Volaris and Viva Aerobus are lower cost carriers. Even so, in my opinion, Volaris is far superior to Spirit or Frontier in the States and offers far more amenities – and more room – without feeling like you are being nickeled and dimed to death.

Tickets can be booked online and both Volaris and Viva Aerobus have good apps that I highly recommend using especially if you’re traveling with only a carry-on. Doing this can save you so much time at crowded Mexican airports.

Airport Transfers

In nearly every major destination, pre-arranged transportation is the most convenient and stress-free option, though it’s usually more expensive. Taxis at airport terminals are heavily regulated, so they’re also a good, safe choice. Just be sure to avoid random solicitations in the arrivals hall – often called the “shark tank”.

Buses

Mexico’s excellent bus system. Buses like ADO and Primera Plus are clean, reliable, and comfortable – often with reserved seating, in seat entertainment and Wi-Fi. I’ve made several trips on Mexican buses and would not hesitate to do it again. It’s nice to let someone else do the driving for once.

Most airports also offer public buses and colectivos but these can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors. Routes may not be clearly marked, schedules can vary and luggage space is limited. If it’s your first trip to Mexico – or you’re arriving late at night – you’ll probably feel more comfortable with a pre-booked transfer or an airport taxi.

Rideshares

Apps like Uber, DiDi, and InDrive work in many cities. In some places – like Cancun – pick-up rules around airports can be messy – since Ubers are not allowed on federal property – but they work great for getting around town.

And this could all change. The governor of Jalisco state – where Puerto Vallarta is located – recently negotiated to allow Ubers to operate from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, or the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

I generally stick to Uber – since I get a monthly credit with my American Express Platinum card. Uber in Mexico has the same safety measures that you have in the states. You know the driver’s name, the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate and there’s a PIN that must be verified before leaving the pick-up spot.

Driving in Mexico

Renting a car and driving in Mexico is doable and a lot of fun especially if you’re exploring one region. Toll roads are well maintained and road trips can be a fun way to see smaller towns and places that don’t have good transportation options.

Be aware that U.S. auto insurance usually doesn’t cover Mexico. You’ll need Mexican liability insurance if driving your own car, which can be purchased online before your trip. More on that in my post Driving in Mexico article coming soon.

You should avoid driving after dark especially in rural areas – it’s not uncommon for cows to roam free. Also know that gas stations are not self-serve and have attendants so tips are appreciated. Another need to know about Mexico and driving is that speed bumps (“topes”) are everywhere.

Understanding Mexican Currency & Paying for Things

Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). The current exchange rate is 17.96 MXN to 1 USD and 13.03 MXN to 1 CAD. (Dec 2025) but keep in mind the rate can fluctuate daily.

While U.S. dollars are accepted in some tourist zones like Cancun and Playa del Carmen – you’ll even see signs saying this – pesos will always get you better prices, especially at local restaurants, markets, and taxis. Plus you won’t get change back in dollars and the exchange rate won’t be what you get at an ATM change house.

Best practices for exchanging money in Mexico:

• Use ATMs at banks (not random convenience store ATM’s) for the lowest fees.
• Avoid exchanging money at airports unless absolutely necessary – the rates are poor.
• Carry small bills; many places can’t break large ones.

Credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities in Mexico. However, Visa and Master Card are more commonly used than American Express and Discover. To make sure you can actually use your credit card in Mexico, you should notify your bank before travel so your card doesn’t get flagged.

Tipping in Mexico: What to Expect

Tipping is a normal part of daily life in Mexico but it can be tricky. Knowing a few basics helps will help you avoid awkward moments yet still show appreciation for good service. The amount you should tip also depends on who you ask. Generally, tourists from countries with more of a tipping culture usually tip more.

But, when I ask my Mexican friends what they suggest, the percentages are not on par with what’s suggested below. In fact, many Mexicans blame gringos for the higher tips now expected in many touristy areas. For years, one Mexican friend has told me to round up but that just feels wrong in my American tipping mind.

Anyway, here’s a simple guide for how to tip in Mexico gathered from the internet and AI. Feel free to adjust accordingly with what you see fit.

• Restaurants: 10–20% of the bill, depending on service
• Bars: 10–20% or 10–20 pesos per drink/$0.50–$1 USD per drink
• Hotel staff: 20–50 pesos/$1–$3 USD per day for housekeeping; 20–50/$1–$3 USD per day per bag for bell staff
• Airport porters: 20–50 pesos/$1–$3 UD per bag
• Grocery store baggers: 5–10 pesos/$0.25–$0.50 USD (many are volunteers)
• Parking attendants / gas station attendants: 5–20 pesos/$0.25–$1 USD depending on service
• Tour guides: 10–20% for private tours; 50–100 pesos/$2–$5 USD per person for group tours
• Taxi drivers: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated
• Rideshares (Uber/DiDi): 10–20 pesos/$0.50–$1 USD or a small percentage tip

Food & Health Safety in Mexico

Mexico’s food scene is incredible – tacos, churros and fresh juices are everywhere. When looking for places to eat, chose a spot where you see the locals eating and you’ll rarely go wrong. To avoid any unwanted surprises choose food stands with steady foot traffic. No one wants food that’s been sitting around.

Water in Mexico is much better now and most resorts and hotels use filtered, or purified water, for drinking and ice but to be extra careful, drink bottled water. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid lettuce, other washed vegetables and uncooked food.

Southerner Says: Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter for eco-friendly hydration on the go.

It’s also always a good idea to have medications like Imodium, Pepto Bizmo or electrolyte packets just in case. In fact, an emergency first-aid kit is super important for traveling. And don’t forget that sun exposure is no joke in Mexico – pack reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.

Travel Insurance & Healthcare

Mexico has excellent medical care and even though it can cost less in Mexico than in the United States a minor visit or emergency can be costly out-of-pocket so travel insurance is highly recommended. Providers like SafetyWing offer affordable coverage that includes flight delays, lost luggage and health emergencies.

For shorter stays and getaways, comparing different travel insurance policies on TravelInsurance.com is a smart way to shop around for the right kind of coverage needed for peace of mind and protection.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in some tourist destinations. Still, learning a few simple Spanish phrases goes a long way and locals always appreciate the effort. Here’s five super simple phrases to learn:

• Hola — hello
• Gracias — thank you
• Cuánto cuesta? — how much is it?
• La cuenta, por favor — check, please
• Dónde está…? — where is…?

Customs & Etiquette

Understanding a few cultural notes about Mexico can help things go much more smoothly: Mexican people are known for being warm and friendly, so offering a simple greeting is always a good start.

You’ll also notice that life moves at a slower, more relaxed pace, so embracing that rhythm will make your trip smoother. One small practical note: in some older buildings or rural areas, toilet paper goes in the trash rather than the toilet, and signs will usually tell you when that’s the case.

Staying Connected

Staying connected in Mexico is easy, but roaming charges can add up fast if you’re using your U.S. phone carrier. Instead, use an eSIM like Airalo or GigSky to access affordable local data without hunting for a SIM card after landing.

You’ll find reliable Wi-Fi in most hotels, resorts and cafés and WhatsApp – one of my my 5 Must-Have Apps for Mexico – is the go-to communication tool throughout Mexico. It’s used for everything – from messaging and calls to booking tours and restaurant reservations.

Final Things to Know About Mexico Before You Go

Mexico is warm, welcoming, and full of incredible landscapes and culture. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to travel confidently – and enjoy every moment. A few last things to make your trip smoother:

• Screenshot maps, reservations, and QR codes.
• Install your eSIM before you leave the U.S.
• Have small change for tolls, markets and restrooms.
• Give yourself extra time at airports around holidays.

And if planning feels overwhelming, I can help! As a travel agent and advisor, I work with travelers to create personalized itineraries and resort stays all over Mexico – from Baja’s beaches to the jungles of Quintana Roo.

Wherever the road – or the runway – takes you, Mexico is a destination you’ll fall in love with.

See you on the road!