What budget to travel Mexico? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Mexico?

Most sites charge an entrance fee of between $50 and $100, sometimes more than double that for the most popular tourist spots. Some sites offer preferential rates to Mexicans or residents of their state. Students, teachers, children and the elderly (65 and over) often benefit from reduced rates, whatever their country of origin, on presentation of an identity and/or professional card.

The exceptional variety of landscapes found in Mexico has allowed the development of adventure and discovery tourism. Sports and ecotourism activities, mainly aimed at tourists, are generally more expensive than the rest. Mountaineering, sport fishing, scuba diving, rafting, whale watching, multi-day excursions, etc. the cost of these activities, including guiding and equipment, is often between US$50 and US$100 per person (sometimes much more). Fortunately, Mexico's landscapes also lend themselves very well to solo discovery with little or no equipment: snorkeling (remember to bring your own mask to save money), mountain biking, wildlife observation in nature reserves, and hiking

Mercados are always a good place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts at affordable prices. Of course, you'll find a lot of trinkets, but for the same quality, you'll be able to get away with less than you would in a tourist souvenir store. Credit cards are rarely accepted in the markets, so bring cash.

Discotheques sometimes have an entrance fee, but this is rarely applied to women. The most popular clubs for tourists, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula, charge a high price: from US$ 10 to US$ 30 per entry, which usually includes one or more drinks. Drinks are relatively cheap in bars and nightclubs (except, once again, for the tourist establishments that adapt to the standard of living of their clientele and charge exorbitant prices). If you attend a show (play, concert, art performance...), it should not cost you more than a few hundred pesos, unless it is an international event.

What budget to eat Mexico?

Mexico is a wonderful place to treat yourself without breaking the bank. A meal in a nice restaurant in town will rarely cost you more than $250 per person. In the fondas, small restaurants serving inexpensive traditional cuisine, you can easily get away with less than $100 for a full meal. As for the street food stalls, the smell of which makes us salivate all day long, you'll easily find enough to satisfy a small hunger for less than $50. Of course, Mexico also boasts a number of excellent restaurants serving refined cuisine that can be accompanied by fine glasses of wine. In such establishments, dishes can cost $300 or more, which is still quite affordable.

Like food, drinks are cheap in Mexico, although prices are higher in tourist areas. For a beer, expect to pay between $20 and $50 (local and craft beers are the most expensive). For a fresh fruit juice: around $30. For a coffee: $20 for a black coffee, $50 for a cappuccino. For a cocktail: around $170. In bars, beach clubs and cafés where the waiter comes to your table, it is advisable to leave a small tip of $20 per drink (or 10% of the bill).

What is the budget for accommodation Mexico?

Accommodation is available on any budget in Mexico. The key is whether you prefer a private pool or a shared bathroom (on the landing)... Those on a smaller budget can opt for camping or a rudimentary beach hut. Hotels are classified from 1 to 5 stars, followed by Grand Tourism, Special Category and Boutique Hotel for luxury hotels. However, no organization controls the classification of establishments and, very often, the services of a 3-star hotel in Mexico are inferior to those of an establishment of the same category in France.

Credit cards are generally accepted, except in certain remote regions or seaside towns with a cash culture (this is the case, for example, in Puerto Escondido, in the state of Oaxaca, but things are gradually changing and credit cards are beginning to be accepted there). Please note that the use of a credit card sometimes entails additional charges of around 5%. Here are a few indications of the types of accommodation in Mexico and the rates charged:

Haciendas remain the most typical luxury accommodation in Mexico. The rooms, often few in number, nestle in an atmosphere steeped in history, especially when the furniture is original. Room rates often exceed US$150.

Economy-class hotels are often located in the city center or near tourist attractions. Comfort is basic, but sufficient for a few nights. Rooms range from US$20 to US$40. A room with a double bed is often cheaper than one with two single beds.

Motels, a North American heritage, are found on the roadsides on the outskirts of towns. It's best to bring cash, as they rarely accept credit cards. Room rates range from US$30 to US$60 per night. Beware, however, that many motels are veritable brothels, where discretion is de rigueur (cars hidden in a cubicle behind a curtain and direct access to the room). You can bring your partner, official or otherwise, and rooms can be rented by the hour. Keep your eyes peeled for clues that can't be mistaken!

Bed and breakfast. Sleeping in a local's home is not part of the country's habits and customs. The few establishments of this type are often run by foreigners. However, the accommodation offered by some country villages is very similar, in that it is built and maintained by the local community. In these cases, meals are concocted by the villagers themselves, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Youth hostels. Known as hostels or hostals, these offer single rooms or dormitories (mixed or all-female), usually with shared bathroom facilities. Dormitory beds cost between US$10 and US$20. Guests generally have access to communal areas: kitchen, living room with TV and sometimes a landscaped garden. Comfort and cleanliness vary from one establishment to another. For many, hostels are also an opportunity to meet new people and party. Nights are short and noisy, especially in dormitories.

Camping takes place on beaches or in natural areas. For safety reasons, it's best to avoid unauthorized camping and stick to official campsites. A tent pitch costs between US$5 and US$15. In seaside towns, it is generally possible to ask a hotel for permission to camp on its beach or in its garden, for a few pesos. You can also rent a hammock and sleep under the stars. In any case, beware of bugs: spiders, scorpions, mosquitoes and ants. Always check your sleeping bag before going to bed to make sure no one has taken up residence there... The same goes for your shoes in the early hours of the morning. It's the kind of thing you'll regret forgetting to do!

Travel budget Mexico and cost of living

Mexico is a relatively inexpensive country. The standard of living in Mexico is generally low, with great inequalities: the difference between those who have money and those who don't is striking. Mexico is a wealthy country, with the vast majority of the population very poor. The middle class is in the minority, and the Western traveller is often regarded by Mexicans as a rich person. Indeed, the average vacation budget of foreigners is often higher than the monthly (or even annual) salary of a large majority of Mexicans.

Budget. It's easy to find decent shared rooms in youth hostels for a small fee (around €10 per person). Higher-quality hotels also offer rooms at very attractive rates (between €40 and €60 for two people), although Mexico D.F. and the trendy seaside resorts belie this somewhat. Travelling outside school vacations and on weekdays can save you a lot of money on accommodation.

Meals are no different. It's very easy to eat locally for less than €5. Finally, the biggest part of the budget will most certainly be spent on transport. In fact, with the emergence of low-cost airlines, on certain long-distance journeys it is now just as attractive to fly as to take the bus. As for renting a car, you'll need to set aside the same budget as for a European destination, even if petrol is cheaper in Mexico.

Tipping. In Mexico, it's customary to leave a tip for services received, whether in restaurants, hotels, hairdressers or with a service provider (tour guide, for example). The propina can amount to 10-20% of the bill.