Mexico

When visiting Mexico, you should take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as cases of the Zika virus and Chikungunya virus have been confirmed.

It is also recommended to avoid tap water and to only drink boiled or bottled water. Large cities, particularly Mexico City, tend to have high levels of air pollution, which can aggravate pre-existing heart, lung or respiratory conditions. Visitors with these conditions, as well as the elderly and young children, should avoid going out on days with high pollution levels. You can check pollution index levels online in real time.

Be sure to get appropriate health insurance to fit your personal and travel needs, and have funds available to cover any medical emergency.

Drug- and gang-related violence can occur throughout Mexico. It is recommended to avoid traveling alone, to inform family and friends of your whereabouts and if possible to choose toll roads and first-class busses over free highways and standard public transport.

Scams such as contacting tourists or their families by telephone to request money can occur. Be sure to check directly with family or friends before transferring money. Cases have also been reported of rental cars being pulled over by police and extorted for money. If this occurs, do not hand over money or your passport. Instead, ask for the officer’s identifying details and for a written copy of the fine, which should be payable at a later date.

Pickpocketing and muggings are a known problem. If withdrawing money, try to use ATMs inside shopping malls within daylight hours, and limit the amount of cash you carry. It is recommended to be cautious at all times and to avoid flashing valuables.

Entry requirements to Mexico depend on your nationality. Check the specific entry requirements here.

https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-no-requieren-visa-para-mexico/

Mexico has several climate zones, so weather varies depending on your location. In the south, the hottest months are in April and May, and on the Pacific Coast, summer is from July to September. The Yucatan is extremely hot from May to September, with highs over 35°C. In general across the country, December to February are cooler. Most regions south of the Tropic of Cancer have a rainy season from May or June to October.

Hurricane season is generally from July to October, with September and October being the most active months, although hurricane activity changes from year to year. It is recommended to monitor weather reports carefully.

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Mexico. Approximately 12% of the country speaks some English, but only 4% are fluent. English speakers tend to be concentrated in major cities and tourist resorts such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and parts of Mexico close to the US border. Outside of these areas, having a few Spanish phrases handy could be helpful.

Mexico has 2 main plug types; one with 2 rectangular pins and another with 2 rectangular pins and a semicircle pin. Electricity runs at 127V and 60Hz, so you may need to use a voltage converter.