Five Quick Facts About Travelling In Mexico

1. Mexico is big! It is the 13th largest country in the world and has a very diverse terrain from huge mountain ranges to flat desert, Travel plans need to take into account the sheer size of the country. Fun fact The Unite Kingdom would fit 7 times into Mexico.
2. Mexico has a good transport system from getting around the country with a number bus companies serving all parts to all of the country. See Getting Around Tab for more information
3. English is spoken in the main tourist hubs, however if you are travelling in lesser known areas there maybe little to no English. It is a good idea (and polite) to learn a few basic works of the language and have access to a translate app.
4. Mexico is relatively cheap to travel in however you will pay premium prices in Mexico City and on the popular tourist coastal regions. ATM’s can be found in most larger towns and cities.
5. Tipping is customary and at time expected in Mexico. As a rough guide – 10% to 20% for service restaurants, cafes, tour guides etc, 30- 50 pesos for luggage and housekeeping in hotels and the same for taxi drivers if they assist with luggage.

Mexico is a great place to travel to at any time of the year. Here is a guide to the different seasons and times of year.

High Season (December – April)

• The dry season and popular with people from the colder northern climates.
  
• Night tempuratures can be cold in the mountainous inland regions.
  
• Great time of the year for hiking and outdoor activities.
  
• Book ahead for accommodation as places get booked out early.
  

Shoulder Season (July and August)

• Hot across Mexico and wet on the Pacific coast. Escape to the mountains to escape the worst of the heat.
  
• The Mexican holiday season is on and Mexicans flock to the Riverina Maya beaches causing hotel prices to rise.
• The beginning of the Hurricane season in Riverina Maya.
• Prices on the Pacific coast drop and this is a popular time for surfers.
  

Low Season (May & June, September – November))

• May and June are the hottest time in Mexico.
  
• September is the peak month of the Hurricane season, this does not always mean there will be hurricanes but there is heavy rain and strong winds on the coasts at this time of year. The upside of this means there will be good hotel deals to be found.
  
• Inland the weather is mild, with some showers. A great time to explore inland Mexico.
  

Mexican Currency

The currency in Mexico is the Pesos.

ATMs can be found in larger towns and cities. It is advisable to always carry a small amount of cash as not all eftpos machines accept foreign cards and not all establishments accept cards.

Mexico Visas

Foreign Nationals must obtain a visa to enter Mexico unless they are nationals one of the 68 countries that are visa exempt.

Visa Exempt Countries

Nationals holding passports of Visa free countries can enter Mexico without a visa and can stay for up to 180 days.

Electronic Visa

Nationals holding passports from countries requiring E-Visa can apply on line for this visa. E-Visa is a single entry valid for 30 days. When entering Mexico, visitors are authorised to stay for up to 180 days. This visa is not valid for sea or land entry.

Visa Required

Passports holders in this group need to apply for a visa via their embassy or consulate.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a guide only. Contact the Mexico consulate in your country for information.

Mexico has an excellent internal transport system with many options to get around the country.

Plane

A number of Airlines fly between most larger Mexican towns including ;

• Aeromexico
• Volaris
• VivoAerobus

Flights are relatively cheap if travelling with only carry on however prices increase dramatically if you have luggage to check.

Bus

The easiest and cheapest way to get around Mexico is by bus, with buses running to everywhere throughout the country. Buses in Mexico come in all shapes and sizes from collectivo’s (mini vans) to luxury buses. If travelling long haul it is really advisable to treat your self to the best bus on that route.

There are many bus companies in Mexico, the most popualar are;-

ADO

The largest bus company in Mexico covering Yucatán peninsula, Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche and Chiapas. Ado have 3 level of buses. Booking tickets online on the ADO website is very easy and tickets can be downloaded or added to the APP

ADO run three different types of bus – ADO regular, ADO GL – Great Luxury and the top of the range ADO Platinum.

Grupo Senda

Covering Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Estado de México, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Georgia (U.S.), North Carolina (U.S.) and Texas (U.S.)

Omnibus de Mexico

Covering Aguascalientes, Estado de Colima, Estado de México, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Querétaro

ANC Auto buses

Covering both sides of the Mexico – US border and throughout Mexico.

Grupo AERS

Covering Michoacán, Guerrero, Morelos

ETN and Turistar Lugo

The most luxurious bus line in Mexico covering Aguascalientes, Coahuila, Estado de Colima, Durango, Guerrero, Jalisco, Estado de México, Michoacán, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Querétaro and San Luis Potosí.