£1 MX$23.41
Today
12:27 pm
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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
27°
Overcast
Thu
13°
27°
Fri
13°
28°
Sat
12°
29°
Sun
13°
23°
Mon
13°
23°
Tue
14°
23°
Wed
14°
23°
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 for a tourist visit to Mexico, but you will get a passport stamp specifying your permitted length of stay.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, and it is recommended to have at least 180 days' validity to cover the maximum tourist stay.
British nationals entering Mexico by land must complete an immigration form online before travel.
At border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation like a hotel booking, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
You must pay an entry tax to visit Quintana Roo, which can be paid online before or during your stay, and you must show proof of payment before leaving the airport.
Good to know:
You can use e-gates at some major international airports if you are a tourist aged 18 or over, but you must collect and keep the printed e-gate ticket to show when leaving the country.
If you are staying in someone's home, you may need a letter of invitation from your host detailing both your and their full names, contact details, address in Mexico, and the reason for your visit.
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.
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.
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
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
UK Embassy
British Embassy Mexico City
Rio Lerma 71, Col. Cuauhtémoc, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, 06500, Ciudad de México
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
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.