Alright folks, here is our round-up of the most common questions that we get about travelling in Mexico:
What are the best places to stay in Mexico?
Mexico is a massive country, and it can be overwhelming to find the best places to visit, let alone where to stay. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with this ULTIMATE guide covering the best places to stay in Mexico.
What is the best SIM card in Mexico?
We love eSIMs as they take the hassle out of purchasing a physical SIM card and reduce the risk of being scammed or left without internet when you arrive. Having tried several, we recommend Holafly as the top SIM provider in Mexico. This is because it’s reliable across the country, easy to use, has 24/7 support and your WhatsApp number.
If you’re still not convinced, however, there are several more great options you can choose from.
Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
Driving in Mexico can be done safely, although you should follow some extra precautions. Avoid driving at night, and stick to main roads, especially toll roads. Avoid heading down dirt roads in rural parts of the country unless you know the area well. These are the sorts of places where cartels operate.
Although cartels are still a pretty unlikely threat to tourists, corrupt police are a much more common issue, and they may find any excuse to extort bribes from drivers for the slightest “offence”. It’s best to rent a local vehicle, as a car with foreign plates is an easy target.
Don’t be scared off driving in Mexico. Just be aware that it does come with its challenges.
Which is the best car rental company in Mexico?
There are several great options here. You can easily find them by using Discover Cars.
They’re a search engine for rental cars that makes it easy to find high-quality companies offering rentals across the country. Just be sure to check the reviews before committing to anything.
What is the best tour in Mexico?
We might be a little biased… but our Baja Ocean Tours are easily the best tours available in Mexico. The Broke Backpackers tour company, Elsewheria, currently has two tours for you to choose from (or you can join both!)
- Baja Grey Whale Expedition: 7th – 13th February 2026
- Slow Living and Marine Retreat in Baja: 14th – 20th Feb 2026
Sail alongside humpbacks, marvel at grey whales, snorkel with whale sharks and sea lions and experience community-style living with other ocean lovers.
What should I know about Mexican customs and etiquette?
When you meet a Mexican who you don’t know, the polite way to greet them is with a handshake.
One thing to be aware of is that Mexico’s idea of timekeeping isn’t the same as Europe’s or the USA’s. It is not considered rude to turn up late, and being 30 minutes later than planned is normal. However, this does not usually apply to buses or planes, so make sure you get to your departure point on time!
When saying “you”, you should use the formal term “usted” rather than the informal “tú” unless talking to a friend or someone else you know well.
You should also refer to men as “señor”, older/married women as “señora” and younger unmarried women as “señorita”. Again, these rules apply to those who you don’t know so well.
Can I travel without speaking Spanish?
You can, especially in the more touristy spots such as Mexico City and the Yucatán Peninsula. However, your experience will be far greater if you speak at least some basic Spanish.
Duolingo is great for starting Spanish and learning basic sentences, which help you with directions, ordering in restaurants, checking into hotels and other important travel tasks.
What is the tipping culture in Mexico?
You are generally expected to tip 10-15% in restaurants. Housekeeping tips in hotels are welcomed but not expected. You should, however, tip porters in airports and hotels when they carry your bags. Anything from 20-50 pesos is reasonable.
Taxi drivers don’t generally expect tips, but it is polite to offer them if they offer extra services in addition to driving, such as carrying your bags.
Is tap water safe to drink in Mexico?
No. You should either drink bottled water or use a filter to consume tap water in Mexico. It’s okay for brushing your teeth, but you shouldn’t drink it.
Do I need a visa to enter Mexico?
If you’re reading this in English, then chances are you’re from a country where citizens don’t require a visa to visit Mexico for tourism purposes. Check out the Mexican government website to see if your country has visa-free access or not.
If you’re from one of the following countries, they have their own useful online travel advisories that explain the current entry requirements in detail.
What are the main entry points to Mexico?
The majority of tourists will fly in since Mexico is such a big country and it is pretty well connected with Europe and the Americas.
Mexico City and Cancún are by far the most popular entry points into the country. Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Mérida are also amongst the biggest airports in terms of traffic.
Can I cross borders by land from the USA, Guatemala or Belize?
Yes. There are nearly 50 border crossing points between Mexico and the USA. The majority connect with Texas, but there are also a few leading to California, Arizona and New Mexico.
There are 10 crossing points with Guatemala, and one with Belize at Subteniente López.
What is the best way to get from Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez) to the city centre?
The airport is pretty close to the city centre. Uber is the best way to get there when you balance cost (it’s pretty cheap in Mexico), time and safety.
The metro is the cheapest option, costing 5 Mexican pesos (literal pennies in GBP/USD/euros, etc.). Whilst not dangerous, there is a small pickpocketing risk.
Use Uber after dark, if you have a lot of luggage, or if you fancy the extra comfort or convenience after a long flight. Use the metro if you have more time, it’s still daylight, and you’re a true broke backpacker!
What is the best way to get from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (Mexico City AIFA) to the city centre?
There are several buses running for around 150 pesos. Some of these go straight to the city centre.
Uber is another option that works now.
Avoid traditional taxis as they charge high prices and can be dodgy at times.
What is the best way to get from Cancún International Airport to the Hotel Zone?
You can take a direct bus with ADO to the Hotel Zone for 140 pesos. This is the easiest way to get there.
Uber can be messy here, as there is often conflict between Uber drivers and local taxi drivers, with you possibly getting caught in the middle.
Taking Uber back to the airport when leaving is not a problem, but on the way in, you should take the bus.
What is the best way to get from Guadalajara International Airport to the centre?
The best budget-friendly option is to take the Chapala bus, which costs 12 pesos, takes 45 minutes and departs every 20 minutes from 6 am-9:20 pm.
Outside of these hours, your best bet is Uber.
What is the best way to get from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz) to the centre?
The best method here is the bus, which costs just 10 pesos and runs from 6 am-10 pm departing every 15 minutes.
Outside of these hours, use Uber instead, or wait until 6 am when the buses start up again.
Be wary of the “shark tank” at this airport, where salespeople try and lure you into timeshare agreements with the promise of freebies. At best, you’ll get roped into a presentation for 3-5 hours in exchange for a couple of margaritas or some tequila. It’s not worth it.
What is the best way to get from Las Cabos International Airport to Cabo San Lucas?
Again, the bus is the best option here. The Ruta del Desierto bus runs from outside Terminal 1 and costs 100 pesos for a 1-2 hour journey, depending on traffic.
They run from 4:30 am-11 pm.
Uber isn’t advisable because of the conflict between Uber drivers and taxi drivers here. If you’re prepared for a confrontation, you can do it, but to be honest, it’s better to just get the bus.
Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?
Travel insurance is very important to ensure you don’t end up in a world of trouble if things go wrong (and trust me, things do go wrong every once in a while when travelling the world). We recommend using SafetyWing for your travel insurance for Mexico.
However, you don’t “need” it in the sense that it’s a requirement to enter the country.
Is Mexico safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Many of the Broke Backpacker team have travelled across Mexico alone and had no issues. All you need to do to avoid trouble is be street smart. Don’t go out at night unless you know you’re in a place where it’s safe to do so, dress down and don’t flash your valuables. We’ve written an entire guide on travelling Mexico solo – check it out.
Are drug cartels a problem for tourists in Mexico?
No. Dangerous cartels are a big problem, but mostly for locals. They have no interest in tourists unless you interfere with their business (which is not going to happen by accident).
If you stick to main roads and touristy destinations, then you shouldn’t have any issues on this front.
Can I use Google Maps, or do I need offline maps?
Both are good options to have.
Google Maps works fine in Mexico with no issues. It is the best option to have whenever you are able to connect to the internet.
If you’re offline, however, which may be the case in rural areas, then maps.me is an excellent alternative. Unfortunately, you can no longer have more than 10 maps without paying. Also, be aware that you will need to download the maps when you have internet access before travelling to your destination.
Where can I exchange money or withdraw Mexican pesos?
To find a decent place to swap USD, euros or whatever currency you may have for Mexican pesos, go on Google Maps and type in “money exchange”. Several nearby options should show up, and you should look for one with good reviews in the local area.
Don’t exchange money at the airport, as rates are generally horrendous. And don’t just approach any random exchange spot you haven’t researched, as shady dealers who will scam you or provide counterfeit bills aren’t uncommon.
All ATMs in Mexico charge a fee. The cheapest are Inbursa (22 pesos) and BanBajío (23 pesos).
What are the best ruins to visit in Mexico?
The World Wonder Chichén Itzá is obviously one of them. It’s located near the most popular tourist spots (Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen), and you enjoy a combination of cool Mayan ruins, cenotes tucked into the surrounding trees, and awesome wildlife with several iguanas roaming around the site. It costs 648 pesos, which is a bit expensive, but worth it at least once.
Elsewhere, Palenque is another fun one. The ruins of Palenque are located beside a small touristy town of the same name. They’re surrounded by jungles full of monkeys and (admittedly very rare) jaguars, which adds a cool touch. They cost 200 pesos to visit – 105 for the national park, and 95 for the archaeological ruins.
Near Mexico City, you have the pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacán, which remains in the form of several pyramids. You can easily get there by bus from Autobuses del Norte in the capital, and the entry costs 80 pesos.
Where are the best cenotes to visit?
One of the coolest things to do in Mexico is visiting cenotes, and there are plenty of good ones across the Yucatán Peninsula. Cenote Xcanahaltun is awesome as it is located inside a cave with natural light coming in through the ceiling. Dos Ojos near Tulum can be visited on a tour where you can go snorkelling inside a cave.
Cenote Atik Tulum is a more expensive one (350 pesos), but worth it with a wall of skulls, cool statues and fountains that make it worth seeing. Cenote Azul in Bacalar is a fun one. It’s an older cenote where the cave has collapsed, leaving an open body of water, but you can go swimming here and enjoy the sunshine in one of Quintana Roo’s quieter destinations.
What’s the best time to visit Mexico?
December-April are the dry season months, making this a great time to visit, with little chance of rain ruining your experience. They are, however, in peak season, which does mean crowded beaches and lots of tourists. Many parties, too, though!
May is also a brilliant time to head to Mexico, as it is still pretty sunny, yet crowds and prices are lower as the rainy season (June-November) approaches.
November is also a great time to be here as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) comes around with all sorts of large parades and celebrations across the country.
Is it safe to camp or vanlife in Mexico?
In all honesty, Mexico is not the best country for camping. Campsites are uncommon, don’t often allow tents, and can be unsafe in some parts of the country.
Whilst the touristy spots around Yucatán are generally quite safe, camping in cartel territory is a big no-no. The golden triangle between Culiacán, Chihuahua and Durango is a pretty dangerous place, whilst camping in the likes of Sinaloa or Michoacán is very risky.
You can travel through parts of Mexico with your van, such as Baja California or Yucatán. But it’s not such a smart idea elsewhere in the country.
Are there hostels or budget stays in Mexico City, Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Cancún?
Many! The good news is that in the most popular places to visit, there are numerous cheap options to stay in. Booking.com has the widest range of options, whilst Hostelworld is the number one place to look for hostels. If you’d rather stay in a local’s place, many rooms or even apartments are up for grabs on Airbnb.
What is the best way to get around in Mexico?
Mexico is such a big country that flying is the most efficient (and safest) method of travelling through Mexico. However, we’re broke backpackers here, which means relying on the bus is your next best option. ADO is the main company you will end up using for long-distance buses in the country.
However, there are occasions where flying is cheaper than taking the bus. So keep an eye on Skyscanner to check prices.
How do I get from Mexico City to Cancún/Tulum/Playa del Carmen?
You can get flights for as little as US$40 one-way. Although bringing luggage can increase the costs here. Taking a bus isn’t practical as it will take over a day, including night driving, which can be risky, and won’t really save you money anyway.
How do I get from Mexico City to Oaxaca?
Getting from the capital to one of the best cities in the country is easily doable by bus. They cost just over US$30 and take around 7-8 hours. Most leave from Santa Martha Acatitla Station, but there are also a few from Norte Bus Station.
How do I get from Oaxaca to Cancún/Tulum/Playa del Carmen?
You can fly for as little as US$60, but if you book at short notice, then chances are it will cost a lot more.
I’m afraid your options here are either expensive (plane) or annoying (bus), as the bus journey will take over 30 hours. Since there are no direct buses, you will have to stop elsewhere along the way.
Palenque and San Cristóbal de las Casas are good options for breaking up your journey. You can spend a night or two there to make it more bearable. For Palenque, however, you would need to change in Villahermosa.
How do I get from Cancún to Isla Holbox?
You will need to take a bus from the main station in Cancún to Chiquila. This will cost around 330 pesos or US$18. From there, you require a ferry, which costs another 330 pesos and leaves every 30 minutes or so between 6 am and 9:30 pm. Whilst two companies operate here, both cost the same.
The journey takes around 3 hours in total (2.5 on the bus and 0.5 on the ferry).
How do I get from Cancún/Tulum/Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
You will need to make your way to Playa del Carmen if you aren’t there already and pay 280 pesos for a ferry across.
The earliest ferries start at 6:30 am and the latest leave at 10 pm. There are plenty throughout the day, so don’t worry about not having a ticket, as they rarely become full.
How do I get from Baja California to Cancún/Tulum/Playa del Carmen?
Fly. Unless you plan on visiting other parts of Mexico, there is no other good option. Well, no good option at all, really. Flights start from US$120 if you go from the Los Cabos International Airport. They are cheaper from Tijuana (starting from US$75).
The bus isn’t feasible as there’s no direct route, it will literally take days, you will pass through some dodgy parts of Mexico, and it won’t really save you any money with all the separate tickets you’d need.
What’s the best way to get to Chichén Itzá?
If coming from Europe or the USA/Canada, then your best option is to fly to either Mérida or Cancún and travel from there. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Mérida and 4 hours from Cancún.
If taking the bus, you have numerous options from pretty much any major destination nearby. Mérida, Valladolid, Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen… in fact, pretty much anywhere across the Yucatán Peninsula.
For an alternative option, you have the relatively new Maya Train, which connects pretty much the whole peninsula. Prices obviously vary depending on where you start your journey from, but the bus and the train are pretty similar.
Where can I find the bus schedule?
Use the ADO bus website to see when buses are running. ADO are the dominant bus company in Mexico, so you’ll be using them a lot to get around.
Are there ferries from the Caribbean to Mexico?
No. The Caribbean does not have any connections with Mexico.
Are there ferries from Florida to Mexico?
No. There used to be a ferry between Tampa and Cancún; however, it has been discontinued. The only ways to get between the USA and Mexico are via land or air.