💱 Currency
• The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Cash is widely used, especially for markets, taxis, and tips.
🗣️ Language
• The official language is Spanish. English is common in tourist areas, but limited in rural regions.
🕒 Time Zone & DST
• Mexico spans multiple time zones; Central Standard Time (CST) covers most destinations. Some states observe Daylight Saving Time.
🔌 Plugs
• Uses Type A and B plugs(same us U.S.A.), 120V supply. Bring a surge-protected adapter if your devices use different plugs.
💰 Tipping Culture
• Restaurants sometimes add a 10–15% service charge; if not, tip 10–15% for good service. Round up fares for taxis.
🏧 ATM Access
• ATMs are easy to find in cities and resorts. Use machines inside banks for safety; fees vary. ATM conversion usually gives worse rates so decline conversion option when possible.
🚨 Emergency Information
• Police: 911, Ambulance: 911, Fire: 911 (nationwide emergency number).
🔗 Embassy Info
• List of Embassies
🛂 Visa Requirements
• Do I need a Visa?
💉 Vaccine Requirements
• Vaccine Information
✈️ Major Airports
• Popular entry points include Mexico City (MEX), Cancún (CUN), Guadalajara (GDL), and Los Cabos (SJD).
🍽️ Food to Try
• Aguachile (lime-cilantro kick), tacos al pastor, cochinita pibil, burritos, and ceviche are usually safe bets. Riviera Maya flavors differ from Baja—ask your server for the house specialty if unsure.
📍 Must-See Spot
• The Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá—massive, awe-inspiring, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But try to visit any local ruins if possible.
🏞️ Our Favorite Location
• The Riviera Maya, especially Playa del Carmen—crystal-blue water, excellent food, and a clean, walkable city vibe.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
• November to April for sunny skies, low humidity, and less sargassum on beaches.
🚌 Transportation Tip
• ADO buses are cheap, comfortable, and safe. Taxis can be pricey—agree on the fare before riding.
🚰 Water Safety Info
• Tap water isn’t safe to drink—stick to sealed bottled water or purified water stations.
📶 Wi-Fi & Connectivity
• Free Wi-Fi in most hotels/cafes. Local SIMs from Telcel or AT&T work well—download offline Google Maps.
🚻 Bathroom Availability
• Public bathrooms often charge a small fee and provide limited toilet paper—carry coins and tissues.
🤝 Cultural Custom Tip
• Greetings matter—say buenos días, buenas tardes, or buenas noches when entering shops or meeting someone. Be polite. Por favor, gracias, perdón, etc. are good to use. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in showing respect.
🤯 Fun Fact
• Mexico has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the Americas.
We’ve spent nearly a year in Mexico with our daughter, and it’s safe to say it’s become more than just a vacation spot for us. The Mexico I knew growing up is not the Mexico we live in now—today it’s cleaner, feels safer, and offers conveniences that make daily life surprisingly easy for travelers. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and even Costco feel familiar if you’re coming from the US, but step outside and you’re immersed in a completely different culture.
On the Caribbean side, Playa del Carmen’s turquoise beaches and Cancun’s resort energy, along with Tulum’s yoga-and-coconut-water pace are much different than the Pacific side. Both sides have their charm, but after a month on the Riviera Maya, we decided to make it our home base. Just keep an eye on sargassum season—it can turn a postcard beach into something a little less Instagram-worthy.
Costs have crept up thanks to the expat boom, but Mexico still beats US vacation prices by a mile.
What we love most? The blend of ancient history, colorful markets, and lazy afternoons where the biggest choice is ocean or cenote. But Mexico’s beauty isn’t just for us—it’s home to millions who rely on its natural treasures. Be the kind of tourist locals actually want back: use reef-safe sunscreen, skip the plastic bottles, don’t trample through protected areas, and leave every spot cleaner than you found it. This country has come a long way in preserving its environment, but it still needs travelers who care enough to help keep it that way. That’s how you make sure Mexico stays just as magical for your next visit—and for everyone else’s too.
