Organize your stay Mexico
Money Mexico
Cash. Mexico's currency is the peso. This is represented by the $ symbol (MXN bank code). Please note: the $ symbol is the same as that used for the US dollar. In this guide, to avoid confusion, we use $ for the peso and US$ for the US dollar. Currency in circulation comes in the form of banknotes (20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 pesos) and coins (10, 20, 50 centavos and 1, 2, 5, 10 pesos). 500 and 1,000 peso bills are generally not accepted in smaller shops, restaurants and cabs, as they often won't be able to give you your full change. Please note that the Bank of Mexico occasionally modifies its banknotes, and it's best not to trust the colors of the latter, so as not to mistake the 200 bill for the 20 and so on. You should also be aware that counterfeit currency does exist in Mexico, and that you can sometimes end up with counterfeit bills. To detect them, simply run your fingernail over them to recognize a less convincing texture, or look through them to discern the same symbol in another area of the bill. Finally, it is possible to pay with US dollars in most tourist establishments and resorts in the busiest regions, as well as in major cities close to the US border.
Exchange rates. The exchange rate in November 2023: €1 = $18.72; $100 = €5.34. 1 US$ = $17.18; $100 = $5.82 US$. It's easier to change dollars than euros, but you can still change euros without any problem in major cities and tourist centers, at banks or casas de cambio.
Bank cards. Although cash is king in Mexico, it's still perfectly possible to pay bills for restaurants, stores, hotels or car rentals with credit or debit cards from major issuers such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. However, smaller merchants, cafés, restaurants and bus stations are often unable to accept this payment, as they simply don't have a terminal. It's a good idea to ask the vendors if you can pay with your card before you eat anything.
Cash dispensers. To withdraw cash, the easiest way is to go to the ATMs(cajeros) of the major banks (Banamex, Bancomer, HSBC, Scotiabank, Banorte and Santander). You'll pay an average withdrawal fee of around 2 euros for each transaction. The daily withdrawal limit varies between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on the bank. When the ATM asks you if you wish to accept its exchange rate, press the "refuse" option, and your transaction will be carried out at your bank's much better rate. Check with your bank to find out how to apply for a no-fee or low-commission bank card abroad.
Casas de Cambio. Currency exchange offices(casas de cambio) can be found in all the country's major cities and tourist areas, and are open practically every day, unlike banks, which are only open during the often early morning hours of Monday to Friday. Their exchange rates are generally similar to those of banks. At Mexico City airport, if you're not too tired, you can go to the departures area and get a much better conversion rate than in the arrivals area. Banks also offer this service, but you'll have to expect a longer wait.
Taxes and refunds. The value-added tax(impuesto al valor agregado) is 16%. This is the country's main indirect tax. Then there's the tax on accommodation, which varies from 2% to 3% depending on the state, and is generally included in the price of the hotel room. You can also obtain a refund for purchases made during your visit to Mexico through a tax refund program. Value-added tax (IVA) will be refunded up to 65% for foreign tourists who travel by air or sea and spend a minimum of 1,200 pesos in Mexico. For more information, visit www.taxfree.com.mx.
Budget & Tips Mexico
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.
Passport and visas Mexico
All travellers to Mexico must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and a return ticket is generally required. Europeans and Canadians do not need a visa for tourist travel, but every adult entering Mexico will be issued a tourist card, the FFM(Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This document, which must be stamped with the date of entry, should be kept handy throughout your stay. It will be required in the event of an inspection and when leaving the country. The FFM allows you to stay in Mexico for a maximum of 180 days, but migration officers sometimes indicate a shorter stay (usually 90 days) on the card. If you wish to stay between 90 and 180 days, don't hesitate to ask the migration officer. When entering Mexico by land, make sure that customs officials stamp your passport, as well as the FFM form. In some places, you can enter Mexico without showing your passport, which can be detrimental when you leave... To stay longer than 180 days as a tourist, you can simply leave the country and re-enter, via Belize or Guatemala for example. Alternatively, you can apply to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (www.gob.mx/inm) for an extension of your stay.
Please note: some flights from Europe may transit via the USA; in this case, even for a simple transit, you must fill in the ESTA electronic form on the official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov (and only this one!) and pay a fee of US$21. This must be done at least 72 hours before departure.
Driver's license Mexico
A French driver's license is sufficient to drive and rent a car in Mexico. The legal driving age is 18, but you must be at least 21 to rent a car.
Health Mexico
The main health problem you're likely to face is traveler's diarrhea, or Montezuma's revenge (after the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II). To avoid catching turista, it's imperative to follow a few basic rules of hygiene: don't drink tap water, avoid ice cubes and drinks cut with water. If you decide to order food in markets or on the street, be aware that food is rarely refrigerated and that vegetables and raw vegetables may have been washed in dirty water. Make sure dishes are well cooked, especially meat. Problems of this kind are uncommon in more formal establishments.
Mosquitoes can also carry certain exotic diseases, notably dengue fever and, more rarely, malaria, Zika and Chikungunya. Prevention remains the best way to guard against these, by using a mosquito repellent and wearing covering clothing in particularly high-risk areas.
In theevent of high fever or illness, consult a doctor without delay. You should also contact the French consulate (tel. +52 55 9171 9700), which will be happy to help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors in your area. In the event of a serious problem, he or she will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. For a list of emergency services and facilities meeting international standards, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr.
Mandatory vaccination Mexico
No vaccinations are required for travelers from France and Europe; however, in addition to the universal vaccines that must be up to date (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B and whooping cough), it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, yellow fever and typhoid, especially for extended stays or in remote areas.
Security Mexico
Mexico is a generally safe country for tourists, despite a high level of violence linked to drug trafficking. The Mexican territory has long been under the control of drug cartels, themselves closely linked to institutional players. Mexican drug cartels control major drug-growing areas, notably in the state of Guerrero and the area known as the Triangulo de Oro, on the border between the states of Chihuahua, Durango and Sinaloa. Nevertheless, visitors generally do not experience this violence. Tourist areas are safe, and there's no reason to set foot in cartel-controlled zones. In addition to the Triangulo de Oro, border regions with the United States should be avoided (with the exception of Baja California, which is a tourist destination), and care should be taken in the states of Veracruz and Michoacán when moving away from areas frequented by tourists. Elsewhere, it's important to remain vigilant and observe the basic rules of caution.
For the latest local safety information, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs. Bear in mind, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Mexico
Mexico spans three time zones. For the area between Mexico City and Yucatán, the time difference with France is seven hours less. Southern Baja California, Sonora, Nayarit and Sinaloa are eight hours behind. Northern Baja California has the same time difference with France as California (minus nine hours). As Mexico has adopted daylight saving time to align itself with the New York Stock Exchange, the time difference is the same in summer as in winter. The only exceptions: the state of Quintana Roo (Riviera Maya) keeps the same time all year round, as do the states of Baja California and Sonora.
Spoken languages Mexico
Spanish is spoken by 99% of Mexicans. There are also 68 indigenous languages, including Mayan on the Yucatán peninsula, which has many dialects. In the tourism sector, more and more Mexicans speak English and some French.
Communication Mexico
Telephone and Internet coverage is generally good in major cities and tourist resorts. The vast majority of hotels offer free wifi, although it is not always very efficient. In the cities, more and more cafés and restaurants also have a wifi network on which it is possible to connect by asking for the password. Note that many hotels are also easily reachable via Facebook. WhatsApp is also a must: Mexicans use this mobile application much more than the traditional telephone network. WhatsApp is sometimes the best way to contact a hotel or a service provider to book an activity.
Electricity and measurements Mexico
Local electrical outlets supply 110 volts, 60 cycles, the North American type. You'll need an adapter, as the plugs are of a different gauge and type from those found in Europe. Adapters are readily (and cheaply) available from local supermarkets and electricians. Power cuts can occur during heavy rains, but rarely last more than a few hours. As for weights and measures, Mexico uses the metric and kilogram systems.
Luggage Mexico
Generally speaking, we recommend that you don't pack too much, as this will make getting around easier and leave you with a few kilos for souvenirs. Most hotels offer a fast laundry service. Because of the heat and humidity, bring light, loose-fitting clothing that dries easily, including long-sleeved T-shirts or shirts (to protect against mosquitoes), and an anti-UV T-shirt for snorkeling. If you've forgotten your swimsuit or flip-flops, you'll be spoilt for choice in the local stores. But don't forget your favorite woollen garment and a chèche, which come in handy on buses with freezing air-conditioning.
A few accessories are always useful: headlamp, Swiss Army knife, lighter, padlock, power adapter, Quies® plugs, hat and sunglasses, light umbrella (for both rain and sun), light hiking hammock, waterproof bag for camera or smartphone, spare SD card and USB key to store your photos as you go along, binoculars... Don't forget mask and snorkel, or buy them locally to avoid having to rent them every time.
For your first-aid kit, take along some solutions for intestinal problems and heartburn (such as Imodium, ideal for long bus journeys, or Spasfon Lyoc, for example; the Mexicans use Pepto Bismo syrup, sold over the counter, which also works very well). Biodegradable sunscreen and natural mosquito repellents (often more effective than those sold in Europe) are also available in major cities and tourist resorts. Don't forget to take a tube of Biafine for sunburn.
