When traveling in México you must remember that you are now in a completely different culture and you are the outsider.  Adjust your attitude and go with the flow. Do not expect things to happen at the same pace as they do back home. The Mañana syndrome is very much alive and actively practiced in most parts of México. Remember...Mañana does not necessarily mean tomorrow, it usually just means - not today.

Try to learn, at least a little Spanish, it will be appreciated. You will be surprised at the difference a small phrase or greeting in Spanish can make when talking with the locals. We have a small Spanish primer that you can print and take with you, click here.
 

Many of México's larger cities and tourist favorites are located at relatively high altitudes.  Be sure to make adjustments in your lifestyle to compensate for the altitude.  The altitude of México City is over 7000 feet and Zacatecas is over 8000 feet.

Also, remember that alcohol is is more potent at higher altitudes and the UV rays are also stronger, use sun block, at higher altitudes, even in winter.  Always drink a lot of bottled water!
 

México's banks can be a painful thorn in the travel plans of anyone.  They act as though they are doing you a favor by being there and they are usually overcrowded and understaffed.  The lines can be unbearable for a normal person.  A vacationer should not have to waste an hour or more of their time just to change some money to spend.  There may be exceptions (never seen one) but I recommend staying away from banks altogether.  Also, Spanish is the only language spoken in most banks.

Your hotel will usually be able to change money for you at a rate that is pretty close to the official rate. There are usually private money exchange businesses (Casa de Cambio) that are easily accessible to most travelers.  The exchange rate will vary, just as it does in banks.  The frustration level is also much lower than it is in the banks, and the difference in the amount of pesos you will receive is very small unless you are changing a large sum of money. Travelers checks are easily exchanged, but be sure to have a passport and one other photo ID ready, or you may not be able to get your money. 

If you are going to use your credit card, there are ATM machines readily available, most dispense only pesos.  As you would at home, use ATMs in busy locations (malls or crowed shopping areas), for safety.  I always travel with a lot of $20.00 bills as they are easy for most store owners to change. If you must use your credit card, and you want to get dollars, you will probably have to endure the immense pleasure that only a Mexican bank can offer  - Have Fun!
 

Also see Taxis, below.

México's long distance bus system is an amazing network of routes that can take you anywhere in the country, from almost any city.  Most bus lines have three classes of service, Executive Class (Clase or Servicio Ejecutivo), First Class (Primero Clase) and Second Class (Secundo Clase)...you should consider only the first two, if at all possible.  Some routes only offer one class, usually the better of the three.  Keep in mind travel by bus is not so inexpensive these days, you may want to consider going by plane, just for the convenience and the time saved.  We cannot list fares for any of México's transportation companies but we have listed telephone numbers for the major airlines and a few links to some of the major bus companies on other pages. 

City bus systems in Mexico are cheap and usually go pretty much everywhere in most major cities.  They can get very crowded, especially when the locals are going to, or coming home from, work.  It can be somewhat difficult to learn the routes, especially if you don't read Spanish.  You can usually pick up free bus-route maps and schedules at the local tourism office.   Many routes that cover a small area will be apparent, but be careful.  Stay alert to where you want to go and if you notice a bus getting more than a few blocks away from your general route...get off.  A taxi then becomes a more sensible alternative.  Always  Keep a tight grip on your carry-on items.  We do not advise anyone use the bus systems in México City after dark.
 

Office hours in Mexico are normally 9 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM until  6 or 7 PM.  In many places, especially the smaller cities, a siesta break or  lunch break is observed from 2 PM to 4 PM. In the larger cities many businesses stay open until 9 PM or even later.

Banking hours vary from 8 AM until 6 PM, although many banks close at 4 PM.  It is best to check with the local banks.  Most banks in México have ATM machines that will give you pesos by using your credit card or debit card.  If you want dollars or any other foreign currency you will have to go inside the bank (heaven forbid) or use a currency exchange (Casa de Cambio).
 

México has it's share of crime, just as the U.S. or any other country.  In most parts of México you will probably feel every bit as safe as you do at home, perhaps even safer.  The press likes to sensationalize much of the crime in México. 

México City has a little more that it's fair share of crime, but much of the crime (not all) is completely away from tourist areas. Many of the high crime areas are areas that most tourists will never be near.  There is an increasing amount of crime involving taxis and buses (see below).  It is best to use only radio taxis or taxis that your hotel provides.  If you are out at night be extra careful, have your restaurant or night club call a cab for you and get the license number of the cab that they called. Do not wear fancy jewelry or flash large sums of money, especially at night.  Don't walk alone, don't use the subway or buses at night.  Use common sense and you should be OK. 

Note: Similar warnings are in place for most large cities in the United States and most other countries in the world.  Do not be afraid to travel to México City because of these warnings, just remember to use caution and common sense.
   

Do not drive in Mexico City, if at all possible!

Driving most anywhere in México, can be a pleasant experience.  With a few precautions, your experience should be mostly safe and enjoyable. It is no more difficult than driving in the U.S., despite what you may have heard.  Most Mexican drivers are very polite out on the open road and in the smaller cities.  In the major cities traffic jams can be a very real problem.  If you must drive in the major cities, try to avoid driving during rush hour.  Driving in México City is not recommended, even though millions of people do it daily.

There are a few things to remember when driving in México:  Watch out for topes (speed bumps), even on the major highways, in every town of any size.  They usually begin just as you enter a town and there can be many before you exit the town.  Always make sure you have the proper insurance coverage!! 

Defensive driving tactics will be required, as traffic laws are seldom obeyed, or enforced.  Expect red lights to be run and turns to be made, in any direction, from any lane.  Watch out for older cars driving very slow, even on major highways, turn signals seldom used or they are always on, cars with no lights while driving at night, cars with no brake lights.
 

If you are planning to drive your own car into México there are a few things you should know before you leave.

If you are driving to a border area or the Baja peninsula, no special permits are required.  Note: If you are driving to Guerrero Negro, or below, there is the slight possibility that Mexican officials will note on your tourist visa that you are driving a car.  This can be a problem if you try to fly out of the country.

If you are driving to mainland México there is a temporary import permit that is required to drive your car into México.  The state of Sonora offers a "Sonora Only" permit that requires slightly less of the documentation listed below.  The permits are issued at special inspection stations, once you get away from the border area.

Here are some of the things required to get the permit: Valid proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), a valid tourist card or visa, a valid vehicle registration certificate or title that certifies who legally owns the vehicle  (whoever is named as owner must be present), if your vehicle is financed or leased you will need a letter of authorization from the lender giving you permission to drive the vehicle into México, if the vehicle is leased or rented, you must have the lease or rental contract with the driver's name on the contract, a valid drivers license (non-Mexican).  Always have originals available and also a few (3) copies.  You will also need a credit card, (American Express, MasterCard or Visa), in the name of the driver of the vehicle. (In lieu of a credit card, you can also make a cash deposit).  

This information is for reference only and some requirements may have changed.  Contact the nearest Mexican consulate for up-to-date requirements and the costs involved,  Check our "Miscellaneous Information" page for the telephone number of the nearest Mexican consulate.
 

Try to learn, at least a little Spanish, it will be appreciated. You will be surprised at the difference a small phrase or greeting in Spanish can make when talking with the locals. We have a small Spanish primer that you can print and take with you, click here.
 

Parking on the streets in the larger cities is often nearly impossible, always difficult, except on weekends.  If you must drive, and park, try to use private parking areas.  They offer some degree of security and are usually very reasonable. Never leave any valuables in plain site, if you must leave something in your car, put it in the trunk before you enter the parking facility. 

If you are ticketed for parking illegally, you will have to pay a fine and it is highly possible your car will be towed.  This can get rather expensive.  In some areas the police will take your license plates, to make sure you will pay your fine.  This can become very time consuming, especially if the police do not immediately return to the police station.
 

Taxis in México are generally very reasonable and the drivers can be very helpful.  This is true in almost all parts of the country, except some of the more popular resort areas. In resort areas always check the price to your destination before getting into the cab.

Be aware that there are increasing instances of taxi crime, especially in México City.  It is not a good idea to hail cabs from the street in the larger cities, especially at  night.  Use only registered hotel cabs or call a radio cab.  If you are dining out, have the restaurant hail a cab from their  preferred "sitio" or have them call a radio cab for you.  Always get the number of the cab (or license number) they are sending and wait for that particular cab.  Always check the number you were given against the number on the cab.

In many instances you may find that renting a cab for the day (or half day) is the most economical way to travel.  This is especially true in many of the large cities, if you are going to be making numerous trips. This relieves you of any of the parking hassles, you will not get lost and this method also gives you a fairly decent measure of security.  It is not a good idea to just hail a cab from the street and try arrange this yourself, have your hotel or a travel agent arrange the taxi for you.
   

BEWARE!!!! of the phones plastered all over most tourist related cities, usually on the front of a business. They are marked "TO CALL LONG DISTANCE TO THE USA & CANADA, SIMPLY DIAL 0"   The writing is in black and USA is in blue letters with CANADA in red letters.  They also have pictures of credit cards on the signs.   The phones are put there by a private phone company and are VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE.  You will probably faint when you see your phone bill or credit card bill.  
 

Most of México is on central time.  Baja California Sur is on mountain time and Baja California is on pacific time. Some of the northwestern section of the country also observes mountain time. Nayarit, parts of Sinaloa and all of Chihuahua and Sonora observe Mountain time.  Quintana Roo is the only Mexican state that observes eastern time.
 

If you are driving you will still need an FMT which you will have to get at a Mexican Immigration office near the border.  You are allowed to pass to the major border cities in México, for less than 72 hours, without obtaining a FMT.   Contact the nearest Mexican consulate for up-to-date requirements and any costs involved,  Check our "Miscellaneous Information" page for the  telephone number of the nearest Mexican consulate.
 

Do not walk alone after dark, especially in deserted areas of the city.  Know the shortest route to your destination and stick to it.  Leave your valuables in the hotel security box if your are walking at night.

Be careful when walking, the sidewalks (and streets) can be very uneven.  Cracks holes, steps, old signs that have been partially cut and many other things, protrude out of, and on to the sidewalk which can make walking very difficult.  Low hanging signs can also be a problem.  Watch out!  Stubbed toes seem to be one of the injuries most often suffered by tourists.
 

Don't drink the water unless you are absolutely sure it is purified.  Most all of the larger hotels and restaurants have purified water systems.  Be careful - ASK - Never assume!  If there is the slightest doubt, don't take a chance. Bottled water is cheap insurance!  Why ruin an otherwise perfect vacation or business trip?  It is never pleasant to be sick, especially in a foreign country.