Mexico seems to have something for everyone. The first time I went there, I stayed for a month and a half and saw all kinds of different travelers and tourists. From solo travelers to couples, from luxury travelers to backpackers, digital nomads, and hiking enthusiasts
In the cities and pueblos, the music and colors surround everything. The food is world-known. The people are friendly and laid-back.
If only the mosquitoes could be wiped off the face of the planet, it would be a perfect destination.
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About
130 million
1,972,550 km2
61/km2
$2 trillion
Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Info & Stats
- Language: Spanish is the official language.
- Population: 131+ million (2019 est.)
- Timezone: [UTC -7, UTC -8]
- Ethnic Make-up: mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%
- Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%
- Political System: Federal republic
- Currency: Mexican Peso (abbreviated as $ which can be misleading at first)
- Credit Cards: Even in some highly touristic areas, such as the Riviera Mayam, cards are not always accepted.
- Electricity: Socket types A and B, 127 volt / 60 hertz
- Tipping Customs: 10-15% in restaurants, taxis, and hotels
- Haggling Culture: Common in markets and street vendors
Climate & Seasons
As in other regions of the tropics, the seasons are split more between the rainy and dry seasons than the four commonly known seasons.
Autumn and winter all the way to early spring (March and April) are the months that are favored by tourists, with temperatures remaining high and a drier climate.
Late spring, summer, and early autumn are the rain and hurricane seasons, although there can be weeks with clear skies. Prices everywhere are much lower in this period, and the occasional rain also brings out the colors and “washes” away the smog from bigger cities.
Entry Requirements
Most nationalities can enter Mexico without a visa although there are many that require a visa (see map below).
All entries require filling out the Forma Migratoria Múltiple, and there is a small fee (~400 MXN) for staying more than 7 days.
Click the map to see details on visa requirements for each country.
Safety
Safety: Depending on the region, safety can be a major issue. On the Riviera Maya, this is not a concern, although, as always when traveling, being aware of the surroundings and attentive is a must.
Natural risks: Mexico is quite safe in terms of natural disasters, with the biggest threats given by occasional minor earthquakes and hurricanes. Hurricanes are more frequent and manifest on a yearly basis during the rainy season.
Emergencies number: 911
See more safety info on the Global Safety Indices page