Mexico Travel FAQ

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 cards. Dollars are widely accepted in areas like Cancun, 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. 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.

We recommend bringing plenty of comfortable, breathable clothes for hot jungle days and time at the beach. Good walking shoes, insect repellant and sun protection are also a must. Both for the beach and for the cenotes, make sure to bring a bathing suit or two – as sometimes we will visit cenotes on consecutive days. A towel and a bag to carry wet clothes are also a good idea.

Please also check itinerary-specific requirements.

The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Mexico. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. Don’t forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well.

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 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 more small 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.