3:33 pm
-6h from you
Weather in Mexico
Mexico
27°
Clear sky
Sun
18
27
Mon
17
26
Tue
17
26
Wed
17
27
Thu
17
27
SPF level in Mexico
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Mexico
Language in Mexico
Tipping in Mexico
Tipping is customary in Mexico for various services. While not mandatory, it is a significant part of service industry workers' income. A tip of 10-15% is generally appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or 5-10% for good service
Hotel Porter
10-20 MXN per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
25-50 MXN per night
Tour Guide
10-20% of the tour cost, depending on the quality of service
Safety & security in Mexico
Tips for British travellers
Mexico is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport, so keep your belongings secure.
Be wary of criminals posing as police officers who may try to fine or arrest you without reason.
Tainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts, so get advice from your tour operator or local authorities if concerned.
Sexual offences have been reported in tourist areas, so take care near hotels, especially after dark.
If driving, stay away from isolated roads, keep doors locked and windows closed, and use toll roads when possible.
Bonus tips:
Unlicensed taxi drivers have robbed and assaulted passengers, so use authorised taxis from ranks or ask your hotel to order one.
Crocodiles live in coastal areas like Cancun, so respect warning signs and avoid walking close to water.
Driving in Mexico
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Mexico drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Mexico
Voltage
127V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, and major stores, especially in tourist areas. However, smaller businesses, markets, and street vendors often prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Mexico
ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas. Banks often charge fees for withdrawals by foreign cardholders.
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs connected to major banks is generally safe. Be cautious about using ATMs in isolated locations or those not affiliated with a bank to avoid potential scams.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Mexico, as they can be significant. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 300 MXN (~£14)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in major cities and tourist destinations. However, the quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is a reliable alternative, especially in areas with limited WiFi coverage. Internet cafes can be found in some cities, but they are becoming less common.
Health & vaccinations
It's important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, in case of illness or injury. Make sure your policy covers the activities you plan to do. Note that the GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in Mexico.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the latest recommendations on vaccinations and preventive measures. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present in Mexico, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk. Food and water hygiene are important to avoid stomach upsets. Only drink bottled or purified water, and be cautious with street food.
Calling Mexico
Country code
+52
To call Mexico from the UK, dial 00 52 followed by the local number.
To call a Mexico City number (usually 8 digits), you'd dial 00 52 55 followed by the 8-digit number.
The country code for Mexico is 52. When calling Mexico from abroad, you must first dial your country's international access code (00 in the UK), followed by 52, then the area code and local number. Mobile numbers are typically 10 digits long.
UK Embassy in Mexico
British Embassy Mexico City
Rio Lerma 71, Col. Cuauhtémoc,, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, 06500, Ciudad de México
Airports in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Mexico
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.