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Traveling through Mexico offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences that captivate the heart and soul. Having spent several months crisscrossing this vibrant country, we have delved deep into its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and historical treasures. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Tulum and the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, each destination has imparted invaluable insights into the art of travel. Our extensive journey has equipped us with essential knowledge and tips that we are eager to share with you, ensuring your adventure in Mexico is as fulfilling and seamless as possible.
We've spent months traveling all through Mexico and I can honestly say I've never felt unsafe. Traveling to Mexico is generally safe, but it's important to stay informed and exercise caution, as you would when visiting any foreign country. Major tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mexico City have well-established infrastructures that cater to travelers, including accommodations, transportation, and activities.
We always advise checking travel warnings from the US State Department to stay in the know of any new threats when traveling. Basic safety precautions when traveling in Mexico include staying in well-populated areas, being mindful of your belongings, and avoid displaying valuable items and to use reputable transportation services.
As an American citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Mexico for tourism or business stays of up to 180 days. However, you will need a valid passport and a completed Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), also known as a tourist card, which is typically provided by airlines or can be obtained at the border. In the past we've filled out the physical FMM form when driving across the Mexico border, but when we fly into Mexico we fill out a brief information form in the Delta app or on the website before departure.
Keep in mind that this information applies to American travelers, citizens of other countries should verify specific entry requirements applicable to them. It's always best to check the latest information with Mexico's consulate or embassy in your country of residence well in advance of your trip so you can secure the proper permits if necessary.
Yes, a passport is required for US citizens to enter into Mexico. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. If you don't have a passport and need to apply for one before your trip to Mexico, make sure you apply at least a couple of months in advance, but even earlier if possible. Wait times for passport applications can be very unpredictable. Another idea is if you still want to travel somewhere that feels unique and different from the lower 48, checkout our blog post all about places US citizens can travel without a passport.
While Mexico does not require international tourist to have medical travel insurance to enter the country, we'd highly recommend having it anyway. Having travel medical insurance provides protection and peace of mind in case of any unexpected medical emergencies or accidents during your trip. It ensures that you have access to quality healthcare and covers expenses such as medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation if needed. Travel health insurance also helps safeguard your finances and ensures that you receive the necessary medical care while traveling in Mexico. We always use SafetyWing when traveling internationally (Mexico included!) and we've always loved the service and coverage they offer. You can create a free account with SafetyWing today. Already know when you'll be traveling to Mexico? You can go ahead and schedule your SafetyWing insurance to start the day your trip begins!
While we certainly haven't visited every spot in Mexico, we've visited a lot of Mexico and can confidently say that the cities below are wonderful starting points for first time Mexico visitors.
Bacalar is on of our favorite places in Mexico! Not only do you get an authentic taste of small-town Mexico, you can swim in some of the most beautiful water we've ever seen. Bacalar is quickly becoming a popular destination for international tourists. The Tren Maya will open its Bacalar stop soon (exact date TBD) which will greatly increase domestic and international tourism in the town. Bacalar already offers several hotel options, tours, and restaurants to keep visitors occupied.
La Paz is the quieter and more authentic city to visit instead of Cabo San Lucas. La Paz is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur and is located on an inlet off the Sea of Cortez on the eastern side of the Baja Peninsula. It is about a two hour drive to get to La Paz from the Cabo airport, but in our opinion, it's worth the extra couple of hours commuting each way. The town of La Paz is pleasant and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world nearby including the famous Balandra Beach.
I'm including these two towns together because they're relatively close together (just about two hours apart by bus or car). For first time visitors to Mexico we'd recommend tourists get to these towns by private shuttle or bus instead of renting a car and driving themselves. Most visitors will fly into Mexico City or León to visit Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende and private shuttles and buses are available from both towns. San Miguel de Allende is one of the most popular destinations among expats living in Mexico as well as tourists. While San Miguel is certainly more expensive than many places in Mexico, its easy for tourists to visit and it's very safe! Guanajuato is one of our favorite places in Mexico but it certainly doesn't see near as many international tourists as nearby San Miguel de Allende. If you do plan on visiting Guanajuato we'd recommend staying in and near the main historic centro area unless you book a tour to venture further out of town.
Oaxaca is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Mexico due to its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. The city offers a perfect blend of traditional and modern experiences, from exploring ancient ruins and colorful markets to delicious local cuisine and five star hotels. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Oaxaca provides a safe and immersive environment for travelers to dive into the diverse Mexican culture.
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world and while it has a bad reputation in the USA, there is a lot of good in this city that makes it worthy of a first time visitor to Mexico's attention. This was the first place I ever visited in Mexico and we spent about a month here exploring the city, eating tacos, and generally learning about Mexican culture. In our opinion, Mexico City is a great first place to visit in Mexico because it's easy to get to with direct flights from many American cities, there are plenty of high end and reputable hotels if amenities are something that would make you feel more comfortable traveling to a new place, and there is so much to do. Mexico City truly has so much to offer!
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Traveling in Mexico can be affordable, but costs can vary depending on your travel style and destination. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-$50 per day, which includes very modest accommodations in hostels or similar, local food, and public transportation. Mid-range travelers might spend between $50-$100 per day, enjoying more comfortable accommodations and dining options. For those seeking luxury, daily expenses can easily exceed $100 especially in high-end resorts and gourmet restaurants.
The most important thing to note is that in the more touristy towns (Cancún, Tulum, Cabo san Lucas, etc.), prices for hotels and food are going to be the same as any other Caribbean destination. They won't be as expensive as Hawaii, but you'll still be in line with most of the average US prices. Traveling to more off the beaten path will allow you to experiences a more authentic taste of Mexico and for a smaller price.
This really all can be summed up in two different categories: vacation and travel. If you're a vacationer in Mexico, you'll likely be looking to pay more for accommodations and allow yourself to splurge on finer foods. However, if you're travelers looking for culture rather than rest and relaxation you can get a very authentic experience for a fraction of the cost, the experience will likely exclude luxuries and comforts of home.
The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, it's advisable to use pesos for better exchange rates and to avoid confusion.
ATMs are widely available, and credit cards (mostly Visa and Mastercard) are commonly accepted. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, markets, and tips. Always notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards while abroad.
Compared to many other popular tourist destinations, Mexico remains relatively affordable in 2025. While prices have risen due to inflation and increased popularity, the overall cost of living and visiting is still lower than in the United States and Europe.
Travelers will find that food, transportation, and accommodations offer excellent value for money. With a bit of planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a great vacation in Mexico for less than you'd spend on a similar vacation in the USA.
Mexico spans several time zones, so it's important to know which one applies to your destination. The country's main time zones are:
Always check the local time zone for your specific destination to avoid any confusion with flights, tours, and activities. And be sure to keep in mind that Mexico does not observe daylight savings time like the USA does.
Yes, you can take your dog to Mexico, but there are specific requirements you must follow. Your pet will need to be up to date on all of his vaccines and internal and external parasite treatments. Upon arrival in Mexico you'll be required to fill out a form for your dog at the agricultural inspection office where they'll verify that your dog is in good health and that the vaccine record is up to date and valid.
Keep in mind that your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 15 days before travel. Additionally, to return with your dog to the USA you'll need make sure all of your dog's vaccines are still current. The CDC and USDA have also changed the rules in 2024 that now requires dogs to have a certain form for returning back to the USA that must be obtained before departing the USA. For all of the most updated information we encourage you to checkout the USDA and CDC websites as well as this blogpost we wrote to summarize traveling internationally with a dog.
Most major US and Canadian cell phone carriers offer coverage in Mexico, but you'll need to check with your provider before you travel. Many carriers offer international plans that include data, calling, and texting in Mexico at no additional cost, on the other hand some cell phone carriers charge astronomical fees for using your phone service abroad.
Alternatively, you can purchase an eSIM to have data on your phone while in Mexico. We always recommend Airlo. We've used them abroad for data in addition to our usual Google Fi international phone plans and we've had wonderful success with Airlo.
Use code CHRISANDSARA3 for $3 off your first eSIM and download Airalo today: https://try.airalo.com/chrisandsara
Packing for a Mexico vacation depends on the regions you'll be visiting and the activities you plan to do. Here are some essentials to consider:
Remember to pack any necessary medications and consider items like insect repellent and reusable water bottles. Planning your wardrobe and packing list in advance will ensure you're prepared for any situation.
This is the least common way visitors will enter Mexico, but personally we have driven to and through Mexico and never had any issues. We do have an entire blog post about driving across the USA-Mexico border if you're interested in visiting Mexico in your own auto or RV.
Flying to Mexico is the most common way tourists will enter the country. Most major USA based airlines fly directly to Mexico from multiple cities. The flight from the USA is quick and easy for American tourists. The only real thing to note is clearing customs entering Mexico and upon returning to the USA. If you've traveled internationally before you'll think nothing of the experience. For first time international travelers just be aware of items that you can and cannot bring back and forth between the countries (fresh produce, illegal drugs including mamajuana and CBD for Mexico) and have your passport ready to show the customs officer. If you're traveling with a pet you'll need to have their vaccine records ready to show upon entry.
While we have never personally arrived in Mexico by cruise ship, our understanding is that the process is simple. There is also a small loophole for Americans without passports being able to visit Mexico when on a cruise ship. If you are an American citizen traveling on a loop cruise route (starting and ending in the same US port) you do not have to have a passport. However, cruisers will still be required to show proof of citizenship in the form of a birth certificate and a government issued ID. Honestly, it's easier just to have a passport, but if you don't have one and still want to visit Mexico by cruise, know it's possible.
When it comes to getting around in Mexico, taxis are a convenient and widely available option. Whether you're exploring Mexico City or venturing into smaller towns, taxis provide a flexible way to navigate the local attractions. Just be sure to choose authorized taxis, look for official markings, and negotiate the fare upfront to ensure a smooth and reliable ride.
Uber is a popular and convenient transportation option in Mexico, providing a reliable and affordable alternative to traditional taxis. With the Uber app, you can easily request a ride and track your driver's location. This can be particularly useful when exploring Mexico's busy cities or getting to and from popular tourist destinations. Just like using Uber in other countries, make sure to check the driver's rating, verify the license plate, and confirm the fare in the app for a hassle-free ride.
Note: Uber is not available in some places in Mexico including picking up from the Tren Maya station in Cancún and in the city of Oaxaca de Juarez.
Tren Maya is a new railway in Mexico that aims to connect various historical and cultural sites across the Yucatan Peninsula. This railway system offers a unique travel experience that allows visitors to explore the region's rich heritage and natural wonders. Tren Maya is a comfortable, safe, and efficient way to travel the Yucatan Peninsula. We recently had the chance to take the train from Mérida to Cancún and had a great experience. You can checkout our entire Youtube video about Trem Maya here or read our entire blog article about the experience here.
We have yet to take Mexico's Ado buses, but we've heard great things about them! With multiple different levels of buses from everyday charter bus to "luxury" buses that hold ~20 people at a time, the Ado buses can be an affordable and comfortable way to travel around the entire country of Mexico. Keep in mind that traffic in Mexico can be really bad and Ado buses are not exempt from these holdups. We've heard of buses being delay 5+ hours which isn't uncommon (or so we've been told).
When it comes to traveling within Mexico, domestic flights can be a game-changer. With the country's large size and diverse landscapes, flying can save you time and make your journey more efficient. Several airlines offer domestic flights in Mexico, providing convenient connections between major cities and popular tourist destinations. AeroMexico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus are some of the well-known airlines that offer reliable and affordable options for domestic travel. These airlines operate a wide network of routes, making it easier to explore various regions of Mexico without spending hours behind the wheel.
Traveling to Mexico in 2025 offers an incredible blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. By addressing common questions and providing practical tips, our goal is to make your travel planning smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, lounging on Mexico's incredible beaches, or savoring delicious cuisine, Mexico promises unforgettable experiences.
