Mexico

Mexican Peso (MXN $)
~17–18 MXN = 1 USD. USD widely accepted in tourist areas but you'll get better rates paying in pesos.

Use ATMs at major banks (HSBC, Banamex, Santander) inside branches or malls. Avoid standalone airport ATMs — fees are high. Always use CANCEL on the fee prompt.

Restaurants: 10–15% standard (15–20% in tourist areas). Hotel housekeeping: $1–2 USD/night. Tour guides: $5–10 USD/day.

Widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. Some smaller places, markets, and taxis are cash-only. Always carry some pesos.

CST — UTC−6 winter / UTC−5 summer. Mexico observes DST (different dates than US).

EST — UTC−5 year-round (no DST). Same as US Eastern in winter, 1 hour behind in summer.

MST — UTC−7 winter / UTC−6 summer. Baja California follows US Pacific DST schedule.

Best: Nov–AprRainy: Jun–Sep Mild year-round at 2,250m (15–25°C). Rainy season brings afternoon downpours.

Best: Dec–AprHurricanes: Jun–Nov Hot and humid. Dry season is glorious.

Best: Oct–JunHumid: Jul–Sep Desert meets ocean — sunny almost year-round.

Spanish is universal. Indigenous languages (Nahuatl, Maya) spoken in rural areas and indigenous communities.

¿La cuenta, por favor? — The bill
¿Dónde está el baño? — Where's the bathroom?
Sin hielo, por favor — No ice (if concerned about water)

Widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas in Mexico City, Cancún, and Cabo. Less common in neighbourhood restaurants and markets.

US, Canadian, UK, EU, and most Western citizens enter visa-free for up to 180 days. No advance application needed.

The paper FMM tourist card has been eliminated. Entry is now recorded digitally at the port of entry.

Exercise Caution Tourist zones in Mexico City (Roma, Condesa, Polanco), Cancún hotel zone, and Los Cabos are well-patrolled and safe.

911 — National emergency line. Tourist assistance: 078 (SECTUR hotline, English speakers available).

Use app taxis (Uber, DiDi) — never hail from the street in Mexico City. Don't flash expensive items. Stay in known tourist areas at night.