A collection of Mexico Travel FAQs, as responded by our team to our partner’s travelers
It is always a good time to visit Mexico, there is always something going on! Our country is large and has a widely varying climate but, as a general rule, September through March offer a milder weather, although September and October may bring rainy days, and it is hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean. The busiest months for international visitors are typically the first couple of months of the year, while for domestic travelers the peak is during the school break in July. For more tips on what happens when and where, please see our 2025 Travel to Mexico Calendar.
The Mexican peso is the official currency of Mexico. It is recommended to use Mexican pesos in establishments and shops, since not all locations accept dollars as a means of payment. However, most service providers will accept credit and debit cards. Dollars are widely accepted in areas like Cancun, and other spots with larger volumes of tourists, though we recommend checking the exchange rate at each establishment in advance.
All travelers will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after they depart Mexico. Most travelers do not need a visa for Mexico. Visas are not currently required for citizens of the following countries: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Israel and many other countries; please see updated information on this website.
All travelers, on the other hand, must fill out an Immigration form, which can be done prior to travel on this page.
As of April 1, 2021, the state of Quintana Roo, in the south of the country, introduced a new tax for foreigners, called Visitax. Learn more about it and pay in advance here.
Electricity in Mexico is 110 volts, the same as the US. Visitors from outside of the US should bring an adapter. Plugs are either two flat prongs or two flat prongs with an additional round grounding pin.
Tips are not required on any of our tours. However, it is customary in Mexico to offer a small tip for great service. Tipping amounts vary widely, though some travelers report that ~$2-$10usd per day for your guide and ~$1-$3usd per day for your driver is common.
For hotels, tips for bell boys, maids and other staff are already included, although the $1-$3usd per service guideline applies well here, too, if you feel like rewarding good customer service.
Asa a general rule, we recommend bringing plenty of comfortable, breathable clothes for hot jungle days and time at the beach, and a bit dressier clothes for dining out in Mexico City. Good walking shoes, insect repellant and sun protection are also highly recommended for most itineraries. A backpack or larger purse is recommended for water bottles, souvenirs you may buy and, if visiting cenotes or waterfalls, a towel and swimsuit (along with a bag to carry wet clothes). If traveling during the first months of the year, we recommend bringing a light jacket for cooler evenings, and a raincoat for travel during the rainy season.
Please check with our team for itinerary-specific recommendations.
The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Mexico. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants, and in all convenience stores – Oxxo convenience stores are prevalent throughout the country.
Most travelers bring a small amount of local currency with them and withdraw from ATMs as they need it along the way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities. Travelers can withdraw local currency at fair exchange rates using an ATM. Traveler’s checks are fine, but they can be considerably more difficult to exchange and you will usually receive a poorer rate or be charged an additional fee.
Credit cards are accepted in most major cities and large shopping areas. In more remote areas there may be difficulties using credit cards, so you do not want to solely rely on them for financial transactions. It is best to have local currency on hand when traveling to smaller towns or remote areas.
Please check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different, and they can give you the most up-to-date information.
It is important to take into account that in all consumptions, purchases or contracting of services, the Value Added Tax (IVA) of 16% is already included.
Our services always include all relevant taxes, according to the activity/service in question: VAT, lodging, environmental, pier usage, to name a few, are always included.
As of April 1, 2021, the state of Quintana Roo, in the south of the country, introduced a new tax for foreigners. Learn more about it and pay in advance here.
To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine. Please see updated information on this website.
All Authentic Mexico Tours trips are planned with safety top of mind.
We have fortunately not had any safety concerns on our tours, but are also aware that crime can be an issue in some specific areas of Mexico. Travelers should follow the advice of hotel staff and our experienced tour leaders, as well as taking common sense precautions that would be taken in any other city. Most travelers who visit Mexico do so without any issues or incidents.
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