Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
Depending on the area of Mexico to be visited, the US Department of State currently recommends US citizens follow a range of travel guidance from Exercise Normal Precautions to DO NOT TRAVEL. Violent crime such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances for specific destinations within the country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required if stay is less than 180 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
(011- 52-55) 5080-2000; US Embassy in Mexico City, Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, D.F.; ACSMexicoCity@state.gov; https://mx.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
52
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 065; Fire: 068; Police: 060
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from tropical to desert
Currency (Code)
Mexican pesos (MXN)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Spanish, indigenous languages
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 82.7%, Pentecostal 1.6%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Evangelical Churches 5%
Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October; note: Mexico has four time zones
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Mexico, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Cancún and Mayan Riviera; Puerto Vallarta; Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Corridor; Copper Canyon; Teotihuacan; Calakmul; Palenque; Mexico City's Historic Center (includes Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Museum of Anthropology); Chichén Itzá
Major Sports
Soccer, baseball, basketball, boxing
Cultural Practices
When greeting in social situations, women pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to tip 10-20% of the total bill in restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but giving them 10 pesos is appreciated, especially if they help with your luggage. Tip porters and bellhops 12-26 pesos per bag or more if you have a lot of luggage. Leave 13 pesos a night for housekeeping.
Souvenirs
Talavera tiles/pottery, wooden instruments, sombrero hats, ponchos, animal figurines, leather goods, woven hammocks, Lucha Libre masks, Huarache shoes, Day of the Dead Souvenirs, mole and other sauces
Traditional Cuisine
Tacos; Mole poblano — a thick dark red-brown sauce made with dried poblano peppers and chocolate; typically served with chicken or turkey; Chiles en nogada — poblano chile peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of shredded meat, spices, fruits, and spices) topped with nogada (a walnut-based cream sauce), pomegranate seeds, and parsley
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2022
