Updated September 11, 2023
If you’re thinking about traveling to Mexico City, there’s never been a better time. Travelers rejoice: here are your Mexico City travel questions, answered. Anything else you want to know?
A: If traveling from the US, the EU, or many other countries, you don’t need a visa for Mexico if you’re staying in the country for less than 180 days.
A: You probably already have your necessary vaccines for Mexico City. The CDC simply recommends making sure your Typhus and Hepatitis A vaccines are up to date before traveling.
A: There’s never a bad time to go to Mexico City! With an average temperature of 59°, the climate is good for year-round travel. That said, for the most affordable flights and the best weather, traveling between March and May is a good idea. The weather is less rainy in these months than in the summer, and flight prices haven’t hit the highs that come later in the year. So basically, the best time to visit Mexico City is... always.
A: Depending on how long you’re spending in Mexico City, don’t worry about packing anything special. Prepare for rain and wet weather during the summer months, and remember to bring or buy your own bottled water. However, with an average temperature of 59°, you might want a sweater or rain jacket. For more info on weather and packing, check out this Mexico City travel guide or ask a local directly.
A: American appliances and plugs work in Mexico City. If you are traveling from out of North America, you will need a converter.
A: The tap water in Mexico City is not safe to drink; plan on using bottled and purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth. The city as a whole is facing a major water crisis as a result of climate change, but bottled water is easily accessible across Mexico City.
A: While certain parts of Mexico are known to be dangerous, Mexico City itself is safe. In July of 2018, Mexico City issued a “Level 2” warning from the State Department—this is the same warning level given to France and Germany.
A: There is a risk of Zika in Mexico City, so pregnant women and couples trying to become pregnant should talk to a physician before arranging travel. That said, given Mexico City's elevation, the risk is minimal (mosquitos can't live above a certain altitude).
A: Mexico City is quite large, and nearly every neighborhood has its merits. Many travelers choose to stay in Paseo de La Reforma—one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city—or Roma Norte, a beautiful, historic, and residential neighborhood. For more information, check out this 2024 guide to the 10 best neighborhoods in Mexico City.
A: The metro in Mexico City is cheap, convenient, and easy to use. Buses are also available but often take longer than the subway. Taxis and are also recommended, but traffic in Mexico City can be very intense, and the driving customs in Mexico City are very different from the United States. However, you can use your own American driver's license if you are in Mexico.
A: Mexico uses the peso (Mex$). The exchange rate is roughly Mex$19.25 to $1 USD. However, you can use US dollars in certain traveler-heavy locations in Mexico City. Just remember: these prices are often much higher than if you use pesos. Also, note that most ATM cards work in Mexico, and carrying cash is important as many restaurants, bars and shopping locations do not accept cards.
A: While knowing a number of key phrases in Spanish is smart, it isn’t necessary to speak Spanish in order to get around Mexico City. Many of the people who live and work in the city speak English, but speaking Spanish definitely helps.
Spanish English
Mi nombre es… My name is…
Donde está el baño? Where is the bathroom?
Me puede ayudar? Can you help me?
No hablo español! I don’t speak Spanish.
Habla Inglés? Do you speak English?
A: Generally, you should tip about 10% at a restaurant. This is often added to the bill by the restaurant itself (look for the charge). On drinks, it’s typical to tip about 15% on the bill, or about 20 pesos per drink. For more info, see our guide to tipping in Mexico City.
A: Friendliness is common in Mexico City, with an emphasis on casual conversation and politeness. Learn as much about Mexican culture as you can prior to visiting in order to understand the customs and environment of the city, especially if you aren’t able to speak the language. We'd also recommend chatting to a Mexico City local for more insider info you can't get anywhere else.
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