Mexico FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Mexico?

Mexico is a multi-faceted destination where landscapes shift from jungles to volcanoes and from pristine coastlines to vast canyons, and where modern art, music and gastronomy sit alongside storied cultural traditions and living indigenous communities.

Whether Mexico is on your dream destination list or you are returning to explore it further, the FAQs below answer the most common queries around travelling from the UK to Mexico.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico from the UK?

A: British citizens do not need to apply for a visa before visiting as a tourist.

UK visitors arriving in Mexico must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Mexico. The Mexican Embassy recommends passports be valid for at least 180 days, though this isn’t a specific entry requirement.

On arrival, your passport will likely be stamped (or logged digitally) with a date showing the latest you can stay in Mexico as a tourist, which tends to be 180 days after arrival.

Citizens of other countries may need to apply for a tourist visa before travel.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Mexico?

A: There are no specific vaccinations mandated for entry into Mexico. Travellers are always encouraged to be up to date with the UK’s routine vaccination courses.

Depending on your vaccination history, a GP or travel health professional may recommend you receive up-to-date vaccines against Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid.

TravelHealthPro, a resource developed by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, is a great resource for specific vaccination recommendations. You can visit their specific guidance for travel to Mexico here. If you are still unsure, we recommend contacting your GP or a travel health professional.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Mexico?

A: Due to their elevated locations, the climate around Mexico City, Oaxaca and San Cristóbal is mild, with relatively consistent temperatures year-round. A mix of warm and cooler weather clothing is advisable for visiting these destinations.

Descending into the tropical climate of the Chiapas lowlands (for Palenque), the Yucatan (for Mérida) and Cancún and the Riviera Maya, humidity is high year-round, and temperatures sometimes exceed 30°C. There is an average of 12 daylight hours, and high-factor sun protection is essential.

Waterproofs are advised year-round, although the wettest months are from June to October. Insect repellent is recommended for visiting the jungle around Palenque, Mérida and the Caribbean Coast.

Closed, comfortable shoes such as trainers or lightweight walking shoes are suitable for day excursions. Be sure to bring beachwear for your time on the coast.

Electricity in Mexico is 110V, and plugs are of the flat two-pin type. Having a photocopy of your passport with you at all times is recommended.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

You can bring whichever luggage you feel most comfortable with: suitcases, soft bags and rucksacks are fine.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Mexico, and which part will I be visiting?

A: Mexico is the southernmost nation of North America, bordered by the United States to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, Belize, and Guatemala to the east.

On Llama Travel’s core tour of Mexico, the 13-day ‘A Passage Through Mexico’, six destinations across Mexico are included:

Mexico City, the nation’s capital, is a fascinating blend of ancient, colonial-era, and modern constructions and cultures. It sits atop a plateau in the Valley of Mexico at the country’s centre.

San Cristóbal de las Casas sits in a hilly highland valley in Mexico’s southeastern corner. It was founded in 1528 as a military fort, and is now celebrated for the indigenous religious custom and tradition prevalent in nearby villages, which sit seamlessly along the westernised, modern life of some city residents.

Palenque, a Mayan archaeological site buried deep in the jungle, is in the eastern state of Chiapas. The site illustrates the artistic and architectural creativity of the Mayan civilisation: sculptures and stuccos are elegant and intricately decorated. One of the highlights of Palenque is the Temple of the Inscriptions, which houses the second-longest known glyphic Maya text, recording around 180 years of history.

Campeche sits on the picturesque Gulf of Mexico coastline on the eastern side of Mexico. The city is immersed in history and culture, quickly becoming a vital port city in the Spanish colonial trade era after being founded by conquistadors in 1540.

Mérida, which sits on the northwestern corner of the Yucatán Peninsula, is distinguished for the warmth of its hospitality and its relaxed vibe. It is one of the oldest Mexican cities, and has become a popular tourist city with several museums and parks.

Cancún, one of the most thriving beachfront destinations in all of North America, sits on the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico. While hotels weren’t actually built in Cancún until the 1970s, it is now a thriving sun-kissed destination with international hotel, shopping and restaurant brands.

Optional extensions to our core ‘A Passage Through Mexico Tour’ can include stays in the Riviera Maya, a coastal region south of Cancún, which offers a more intimate feel, or Oaxaca, a colourful city south of Mexico City.

Q: What is the population of Mexico?

A: The population of Mexico is around 135 million.

Q: What is the capital city of Mexico?

A: Mexico City is Mexico’s political, cultural and financial centre, and is North America’s most populated city with an estimated 22 million people in the city’s greater metropolitan area.

Q: What is the time difference?

A: Four time zones are used across Mexico. Almost all of the nation’s centre and south (the areas on Llama Travel tours of Mexico) are 6 hours behind the UK year-round.

An additional time zone for the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancún and the Riviera Maya are located, was introduced in 2015. From the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April, Quintana Roo is 1 hour ahead of central Mexico and 5 hours behind the UK.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Mexico?

A: Direct flights are available to both Cancún and Mexico City from airports in London. Flights to Mexico City generally take between 11 and 12 hours direct from London. A flight to Cancún tends to take between 8.5 and 10 hours from London.

On Llama Travel tours, most guests fly into Mexico City and out from Cancún.

If you are unable to fly from London or flight availability requires you to take an indirect flight, depending on layover duration, the flight can take between 14 and 18 hours in total.

Q: What language is spoken in Mexico?

A: The primary language in Mexico is Spanish: the country is home to the biggest population of Spanish speakers anywhere in the world.

Llama Travel’s guides in Mexico are always fluent in English, and most hotel staff in tourist areas will be proficient in English.

Q: What is the currency in Mexico?

A: The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso. Items are priced in the local currency. Travellers should not take UK Sterling, which is not widely accepted. US dollars are not widely accepted, although you may be able to spend these in certain places, such as in Cancún and on the Riviera Maya coast. Mexican Pesos are usually stocked in UK currency exchanges.

Q: What’s the weather like in Mexico?

A: The weather in Mexico varies dramatically depending on where you are visiting.

Generally speaking, Mexico has a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October.

On the Caribbean Coast & Yucatán Peninsula (for Cancún and the Riviera Maya), the weather is tropical and warm year-round. Hurricane activity peaks in August and September, but the season officially extends from June to November.

In the Central Highlands (for Mexico City and Oaxaca), the altitude means that, year-round, the climate is generally mild. In winter, evenings can get quite chilly.

Q: What should I know about local customs and etiquette in Mexico?

A: In Mexico, small signs of politeness and respect go a long way. Locals may appreciate a greeting ("Buenos días" for good morning, "Buenas tardes" for good afternoon, or "Buenas noches" for good evening). “Por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) are essential.

If visiting active religious sites or traditional villages, the dress code may be more modest than in places like Mexico City. In churches and cathedrals, we recommend covering shoulders.

Q: Do people speak English in Mexico?

A: In popular tourist destinations, many locals and most hospitality workers (especially those in hotels and restaurants) will be proficient in English. In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, expect fluency from many other visitors and staff.

As with most countries, picking up a bit of the local language goes a long way. Consider learning some basic phrases in Spanish.

Q: What is the tipping culture in Mexico?

A: If you receive good service in Mexico, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. If you want to tip guides, the equivalent of US$2-3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1 per person per day is usual for drivers or transfer staff. A tip of US$2-3 is usual for luggage porters in hotels, and US$2-3 is also the guideline for maid service in hotels (per room per night).

Tipping 10-15% of the total bill is normal in restaurants across Mexico, including during breakfast service in hotels. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip when leaving the restaurant/breakfast room to ensure that they get it.

Health and Safety

Q: Is Mexico safe to travel to?

A: Mexico is relatively safe to visit, and most people experience no problems during their stay. Mexico’s reputation for drug-related or violent crime is overblown, especially in tourist areas where local economies rely on international visitors and local & federal governments ensure a strong police presence and low crime rate.

However, as is the case anywhere in the world, crime can be a problem. Tourists are often seen as being wealthy, and can therefore appear attractive targets to criminals. To minimise the risk to yourself, use common sense. Do not walk around with obvious signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive-looking jewellery or with cameras around your neck. Keep passports and valuables in your hotel safe. When in restaurants, always keep bags (especially if they contain valuables) close to your person and out of sight. Do not walk down empty streets, especially after dark. By taking sensible precautions, you should have a completely trouble-free holiday.

Please use the safe in your hotel room to store your valuables, if this is available. If there is no safe in your room, there will usually be a safe in reception where you can store valuables.

Making sure that you stay safe during your holiday is very important. We bear this in mind when selecting hotels, but please understand that standards of health and safety in Latin America are often not as high as they are in the UK.

Hurricane season in the Caribbean is from early June to late November, with mid-August to late October being the peak. If you are caught in a hurricane, please follow the instructions of hotel staff, your guide or the local authorities.

Q: What happens if I get ill while in Mexico?

A: If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary.

Private hospitals across Mexico often offer a world-class standard of care, but this will come at a cost: we require all of our guests to have comprehensive travel insurance to potentially cover the cost of healthcare or emergency repatriation in the worst-case scenario, in our booking conditions.

We recommend packing adequate supplies of prescription medication, as the availability of medication will vary across the country.

Q: Is it safe to explore Mexico City?

A: Yes, it is generally safe to explore Mexico City as a tourist, provided you exercise the same common sense, situational awareness, or ‘street smarts’ you would use in any other major global city.

Certain areas, like Tepito or Doctores, have higher crime rates, and it is recommended to avoid these, especially at nighttime. These are outside the major tourist areas, and it is unlikely you would visit these on holiday.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?

A: Yes. Travel insurance protects travellers from the cost of illness, accidents, or emergency repatriation: all unpredictable and largely unpreventable events. Travelling without insurance will put you at great expense in any of those cases. Guests on our holidays agree to having adequate travel insurance coverage as part of our booking conditions.

TravelHealthPro, the up-to-date travel advice resource run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, also recommends travellers have adequate travel health insurance before travelling. You can read their full guidance on travelling to Mexico here.

If booking a package or ‘Flight-Plus’ holiday (flights with at least one other component, like accommodation or car hire) with an operator in the UK, your booking should be ATOL protected, which covers you financially if your airline, tour operator, or travel agent goes bust. Travel insurance can further protect you against trip cancellations and a whole raft of other potential risks or incidents.

Connectivity and Communication

Q: What are the options for mobile data and SIM cards in Mexico?

A: A physical SIM card is a good option if you want a set amount of texts, call minutes and mobile data, or prefer a pay-as-you-go plan. Local providers Telcel, Movistar and AT&T Mexico all offer prepaid SIM cards or pay-as-you-go options, which you can find in local convenience shops and supermarkets. You may need your passport to verify your identity when setting this up.

An eSIM is a good option to enable you to get online as soon as you land, without the need to buy and install a physical SIM card. Airalo, Holafly and Saily all offer Mexico-specific plans for calls, texts and international roaming. These don’t require a physical SIM card purchase but do require your phone to be eSIM compatible, so check this before purchasing one.

Q: How do I call Mexico from the UK?

A: To phone Mexico from the UK, dial the international dialling code for Mexico (+52) and then the Mexican telephone number

Q: How do I call the UK from Mexico?

A: To phone the UK from Mexico, dial the international dialling code for the UK (+44) and then the UK telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Mexico?

A: On Llama Travel’s small group tours of Mexico, transport between cities and to/from excursions is pre-arranged at no additional expense. Most transport will be on air-conditioned minibuses, with some sightseeing excursions and guided tours a combination of walking and public transport in major cities like Mexico City.

Taxis in Mexico are generally reasonably priced and safe, and are often the best way to get around most major cities. To guarantee security and an appropriate rate, we recommend asking your hotel receptionist to call for a taxi whenever possible, but ridesharing apps like Uber and Didi are also available and tend to be affordable in most major cities. In Mexico City, taxis hailed in the street have a meter, but when taking a taxi from your hotel, the rate may already be fixed. Outside of Mexico City, taxis work with fixed rates and not meters, so agree on the price before starting the journey. Our reps or hotel staff can advise you of the approximate cost of any taxi journey.

Mexico City has a good underground Metro network, which is inexpensive and useful for short journeys during the day to sights in the central part of the city. Some knowledge of Spanish is useful for purchasing tickets. We would recommend taking a taxi when travelling after dark. Ask the receptionist in your hotel to call a taxi, rather than hailing one on the street, whenever possible.

Mexico has one of the best inter-regional bus networks in the world. ‘Primera Clase’ or ‘Ejecutivo’ buses (‘First Class’ or ‘Executive’) are air-conditioned with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets and bathrooms on board, and can be surprisingly affordable.

Food and Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Mexico?

A: Mexican food is renowned all over the world. It is vibrant, hearty, and centres around corn, beans and seasoned meats (especially beef and pork). Savoury classics include tacos, tamales, and enchiladas. Despite the common misconception that Mexican food is incredibly spicy, most of the heat comes from the salsas, which are often served on the side, alongside the mild tomato, onion and coriander salsa known as ‘pico de gallo’. Churros and tres leches are popular dessert options.

Despite the almost global presence of Mexican restaurants, many food lovers believe that true Mexican food, cooked and served by locals in Mexico, remains the tastiest.

International chains have a strong presence in Cancún and, to a lesser extent, in Playa del Carmen. Expect familiar brand names and a wider variety of global cuisine in these two destinations.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Mexico?

A: No. Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. Bottled water is widely available at most convenience shops and supermarkets. It is recommended that you use bottled water to brush your teeth.

Most ice in resorts and established restaurants is made with purified water. At smaller street food stalls or remote, rustic restaurants, it is safer to avoid the ice.

Q: Is alcohol available in Mexico?

A: Yes. Alcohol is widely available in most bars, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and off-license-style shops across Mexico. The legal drinking age is 18.

Q: What drinks are available in Mexico?

A: Mexico is famous for several traditional alcoholic beverages of its own, most of which are widely available. Tequila (a spirit made from the blue agave plant), Mezcal (a Oaxaca-crafted spirit made with various types of agave plants) and micheladas (a beer-based cocktail) all originate in Mexico—as do beer brands Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis, which are all commonplace.

There are several wine-producing regions across Mexico; in restaurants and bars, you will likely find domestic and imported wines. Supermarkets across the country offer a wide variety of wines.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Mexico?

A: Most of the highlights of a holiday to Mexico revolve around the country’s vibrant cities and storied history.

Mexico City’s historic centre is considered a highlight by many visitors. Around 1500 of its buildings have been declared of historical importance, and there are many museums and several parks to explore. It is an ideal place to try Mexican-style fast food, and those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the bakeries and cafes found here. The restaurants of internationally acclaimed chefs can be found in the upmarket Polanco district.

The city of Oaxaca is the place to discover the subtleties and more unusual flavours of Mexican gastronomy, whilst the rugged hills of Oaxaca State are home to numerous long-surviving native communities and cultures, offering a fascinating glimpse into both modern and traditional ways of living in Mexico.

Walking through the colourful streets of San Cristóbal de las Casas, in a highland valley surrounded by hills, you are sure to pass churches, crosses, a monastery and other signs of Catholicism. But the intriguing aspect of this city, founded in 1528 by Diego de Mazariegos as a military fort, is the survival of indigenous religious beliefs, customs and traditions which thrive in the surrounding villages and co-exist alongside the westernised lifestyle practised by city residents and visitors.

Palenque is a fascinating Maya archaeological site with a distinctive style which sets it apart from all other Maya remains. The site illustrates the artistic and architectural creativity of the Maya; sculptures and stuccos are elegant and intricately decorated. One of the highlights of Palenque is the Temple of the Inscriptions, which houses the second-longest known glyphic Maya text, recording around 180 years of history.

Campeche, located on the western coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, is a city immersed in history and culture. The city was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadors, and quickly became a vital port city. The wealth flowing through Campeche made it a frequent target for pirates, which led to the construction of extensive fortifications. These fortifications, including city walls and numerous bastions, have been remarkably well-preserved.

Mérida is distinguished among Mexican cities for the warmth and hospitality of its people and its peaceful, relaxed spirit. Located in the Yucatán peninsula, just a few hours from the beach hot-spots of the Riviera Maya, Mérida has a completely different feel and is proud of its prominent cultural heritage grounded in Latin music, dance and Maya ancestry.

Q: How many days do I need to explore Mexico City?

A: Three days in Mexico City allows a comprehensive look into the city’s centuries of history and various diverse neighbourhoods.

Q: Where is Chichén Itzá? Is it worth visiting?

A: Chichén Itzá is in the heart of the Yucatán peninsula, midway between the city of Mérida and the eastern Caribbean Coast.

The temples at Chichén Itzá are larger than those at other Yucatán archaeological sites, as the city was conquered around 900AD by the Toltecs, a culture known for demonstrating their might and power through imposing structures. The principal remains at Chichén Itzá include the Temple of the Warriors, the Grand Ball Court, the Nunnery and the Observatory, each of which features carvings of Maya, Aztec and Toltec gods and cosmology. As the only nearby water sources are underground sinkholes, or cenotes, many temples have depictions of the Maya rain deity Chaac.

Many visitors agree with the site’s status as one of the New Wonders of the World, which was confirmed in 2007.

Q: How long do I need to visit Chichén Itzá?

A: The site can be fully explored in around two and a half hours.

Q: What is Palenque? Should I visit?

A: Palenque is a Maya archaeological site buried deep in the jungle of Chiapas, a state in eastern Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. The site, comprised of intricate structures, statues, and stuccos, was at the height of its power somewhere between 500 AD and 700 AD.

The well-preserved site is made even more mystic and atmospheric by the jungle setting and wildlife that inhabit it, including howler monkeys and a variety of bird species.

A comprehensive tour of Palenque’s most iconic structures takes around 4 hours. Guests on our Mexico holidays often report great satisfaction with the experience, often appreciating the site’s exquisite architectural detail.

Q: Where are the Pyramids of Teotihuacán? Should I visit them?

A: The Pyramids of Teotihuacán are located around 40 kilometres northeast of Mexico City.

The site is home to some of the most significant and best-preserved Mesoamerican pyramids, and was believed to be the largest city in all of the Americas during its heyday between 1 AD and 500 AD. The Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon are recognised as two of the most significant architectural sites in all of Central America, and predate the Aztec Empire by a number of centuries.

Although modern excavations have uncovered only a proportion of the original site, the sheer enormity of Teotihuacán’s temple pyramids, its artistic carvings in stone and its physical layout based on cosmic harmony make it a mesmerising place to witness.

Still have questions about travelling to Mexico?

Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Mexico holidays to start planning your trip.