Saily eSIM for Mexico
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5,548 mi away
£1 MX$23.17
Today
7:36 pm
-6h from you
Travel warning
Several states and popular tourist areas, including parts of coastal regions, have high levels of violent crime, and you could easily get caught in the crossfire between criminal gangs.
Weather & climate
Weather in Mexico
Mexico
21°
Thunderstorm with slight hail
Wed
14°
21°
Thu
13°
22°
Fri
13°
22°
Sat
13°
22°
Sun
12°
21°
Mon
13°
21°
Tue
14°
22°
SPF level in Mexico
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Mexico
What British travellers need to know
You do not need a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist and will receive a passport stamp specifying your allowed stay duration.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, though the Mexican Embassy recommends at least 180 days validity.
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and proof of your accommodation, such as a hotel booking, at border control.
British nationals entering Mexico by land must fill in an immigration form online before travel.
When leaving Mexico, you must show your passport with the entry stamp indicating your permitted stay duration.
Good to know:
If you are travelling with a child, you may need to show evidence of your relationship with them and the reason for your travel.
There are strict rules about goods you can bring into and take out of Mexico, so you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety in Mexico
Tips when travelling
Mexico is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take care withdrawing money from ATMs and try to use them inside shops or malls during daylight hours.
Pickpocketing and theft are common, especially on public transport, so limit the cash you carry and watch your luggage.
Be wary of criminals or police officers trying to fine or arrest you for no reason, and do not hand over money or your passport on the spot.
Do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants as they may be spiked, leading to robbery or assault.
Even in tourist areas, be very cautious after dark, stay in well-lit streets, and follow advice from local authorities on personal safety.
Bonus tips:
Avoid attending or participating in traditional spiritual cleansing ceremonies involving hallucinogenic drugs as they carry serious health risks and have been linked to assaults and robberies.
Be aware that balcony railings in some hotels are low and there is a risk of falling.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Mexico
A UK driving license is valid for tourist visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Mexico drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Mexico
It's crucial to get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before you travel to Mexico. Make sure your policy covers all activities you plan to do. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in Mexico.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice regarding Mexico. Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Drink only bottled or purified water, and be cautious with street food. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present in Mexico, so take precautions against mosquito bites.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist destinations, but less so in smaller towns and rural areas. Always have some cash on hand, especially when traveling outside urban centers.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Mexico
Tipping is customary in Mexico for various services. While not legally required, it's a significant part of service industry workers' income. Locals generally tip, and tourists are expected to do the same.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill. Higher for exceptional service.
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill. Bartenders often receive a higher tip for special cocktails.
Taxi
10-15% of the fare. Rounding up is also common for shorter trips.
Hotel Porter
10-20 MXN per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 MXN per night, left daily.
Tour Guide
10-20% of the tour cost, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Mexico. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
5 GB for 300 MXN (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Mexico
Voltage
127V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed can vary significantly.
Average speed
25 Mbps
While WiFi is widely available, the speed and reliability can be inconsistent. Purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan is a good option for reliable internet access, particularly if you plan to travel outside major cities.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Mexico
Country code
+52
To call a Mexico City number (55 xxxx xxxx) from the UK, you would dial 00 52 55 xxxx xxxx.
The country code for Mexico is 52. When calling Mexico from abroad, you must first dial your country's exit code, then 52, and finally the local number. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas but can be limited in more remote regions.
Language in Mexico
Spanish(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Mexico City
Rio Lerma 71, Col. Cuauhtémoc, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, 06500, Ciudad de México
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
4 days ago
Travel disruption
- Protests are now blocking vehicle access to Oaxaca airport.
- Check your flight status and allow more time to get to and from Oaxaca airport.
Regional risks
- Oaxaca airport added as a specific disruption point.
Warnings and insurance
12 days ago
Travel disruption
- Protests at Mexico City International Airport are now expected on 11 June (changed from 10 June).
Warnings and insurance
13 days ago
Travel disruption
Warnings and insurance
19 days ago
Travel disruption
- A note about potential protests at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) on 03 June has been removed.
Government services
- The link for 'World Cup page' is no longer clickable (now just plain text).
Warnings and insurance
20 days ago
Travel disruption
- Protests expected at Mexico City International Airport on 3 June could disrupt access; allow extra time for journeys.
Airports in Mexico
Beaches in Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Some areas of Mexico have high levels of crime and violence. Check the latest travel advice from the UK government before you travel and avoid areas known to be dangerous. Be vigilant, especially in tourist areas, and take precautions against petty theft.
British citizens generally do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism purposes for stays of up to 180 days. However, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and may need to provide proof of onward travel.
The best time to visit Mexico is generally during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, you can expect sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. The rainy season is from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall typically in September and October.
The dress code in Mexico is generally casual, especially in tourist areas. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, particularly during the warmer months. When visiting religious sites, it's respectful to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. In upscale restaurants or events, smart casual attire is appropriate.
Street food in Mexico can be delicious and affordable, but it's important to be cautious to avoid getting sick. Look for vendors with clean-looking stalls and a high turnover of customers. Ensure the food is freshly cooked and piping hot. Only drink bottled water.
Common scams in Mexico include taxi scams (overcharging or taking longer routes), ATM skimming, and distractions followed by theft. Always use reputable taxi services, be aware of your surroundings, and protect your PIN when using ATMs. It's also advisable to negotiate prices before accepting services.
Mexicans are generally warm, friendly, and respectful. Politeness and courtesy are highly valued. It's customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek (one kiss, usually on the right cheek). Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, and for other services.
Mexico has a well-developed transportation network, with options including domestic flights, buses, and rental cars. Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel between cities. Domestic flights are convenient for covering longer distances. If renting a car, be aware of local driving conditions and ensure you have adequate insurance.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.