Group trips to Mexico

Find out the entry requirements for Mexico, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Mexico – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Mexico has four time zones, and it can vary depending on where you are in the country. 
Here's a quick breakdown:

• Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancun are usually on Central Standard Time (CST), which is 6 hours behind the UK and 1 hour ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in the USA. So, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 6am there, and if it is 12pm in New York, it will be 11am there.
• Tijuana is on Pacific Standard Time (PST), 8 hours behind the UK and on the same time as Los Angeles. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 4am there, and if it is 12pm in Los Angeles, it will be 12pm there.
• The state of Sonora does not observe daylight saving time and remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST).
• Baja California Sur and some parts of Nayarit are on Mountain Time (MT), usually 7 hours behind the UK. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 5am there, and if it is 12pm in Denver, it will be 12pm there.

Mexico uses the Mexican Peso (MXN) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can fluctuate, but as a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is approximately 24 MXN
• 1 USD is about 18 MXN
• 1 EUR is around 21 MXN

You can exchange currency at banks, official currency exchange offices, and some hotels. It's a good idea to have some pesos on hand when you arrive for immediate expenses.

In Mexico, you can pay using credit and debit cards, which are widely accepted in most places, especially in cities and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most common, but some places accept American Express too. However, it's a good idea to carry cash for small vendors, markets, and more remote areas where card payments might not be possible. 

ATMs are available for cash withdrawals, just be mindful of transaction fees. Always notify your bank before traveling to avoid any card issues.

Tipping in Mexico is customary and appreciated. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 10 to 15 percent of the bill. For hotel staff like bellboys or housekeeping, a small tip of 20 to 50 pesos is typical. 

If you take a taxi, tipping isn't mandatory, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Keep some cash handy, as smaller establishments may not accept card tips. Always check your bill since some places might include a service charge.

In Mexico, it's a good idea to buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for reliable internet. Major providers like Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T offer plans with good coverage. 

Wi-Fi is widely available in cities, hotels, cafes, and many public spaces, but connections can be slow or unreliable in rural areas. If you're planning to explore outside urban areas, a local SIM card will be very useful for staying connected.

In Mexico, the official language is Spanish. While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few Spanish phrases can be really helpful. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello - Hola
• Thank you - Gracias
• Please - Por favor
• How much is it? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the bathroom? - ¿Dónde está el baño?

Having these phrases in your pocket can make your experience more enjoyable!

In Mexico, the plugs are of type A and B, similar to those used in the USA. The voltage is 127V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If you are coming from a country that uses different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any hassle. This way, you'll stay connected and your gadgets will keep running smoothly during your trip.

In Mexico, the main religion is Roman Catholicism. Catholic traditions and customs are very prominent, and you might notice many beautiful churches and religious festivals throughout the country. A significant religious holiday in Mexico is Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe on December 12, celebrated with processions and masses. Another key celebration is Semana Santa, or Holy Week, leading up to Easter, which includes various religious events and activities.

Mexico offers a diverse climate, so your backpack should be ready for various conditions. 
Here's a helpful packing list for Mexico:

• Clothing:
  - Light layers for warm weather
  - A sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
  - Swimwear for beaches or pools
  - A hat for sun protection
• Shoes:
  - Comfortable walking shoes
  - Sandals for the beach
  - Dressier shoes if planning to visit nice restaurants
• Accessories and Technology:
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera or smartphone
  - Power bank
  - Universal adapter if needed
• Toiletries and Medication:
  - Sunscreen
  - Insect repellent
  - Basic first aid kit
  - Common travel medication like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, and motion sickness pills

Prepare for both urban and rural adventures, and you'll be ready to explore all Mexico has to offer.

Mexico's weather varies greatly depending on the region and time of year. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Coastal Areas (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta): Typically warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) year-round. The dry season is from November to April, making it a great time to visit.
• Central Highlands (Mexico City, Guadalajara): Mild climate with temperatures between 12°C and 24°C (54°F to 75°F). The rainy season is from May to October, so plan accordingly.
• Northern Deserts: Hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) and cooler winters averaging 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

The best time to visit Mexico overall is during the dry season, from November to April, for pleasant weather conditions.