I. Transportation
Short Distance
1. Uber – in major and mid-sized cities, Uber would be the most convenient mean of transportation.
2. Taxi – for your safety, you should always call a taxi company or have front desk call for you. You can stop taxi on the street but it is not recommended.
Long Distance
1. Bus – very convenient in Mexico. There are different bus companies but Primera Plus and ETN are comfortable.
2. Airplane – more costly than bus but there are several domestic flights available.
3. Rental Car – major rental car companies are available in Mexico.
Driving license: http://mexico.martinmichalik.eu/2011/11/13/drivers-license-or-international-driving-permit-in-mexico/
| ***If you are driving to Mexico City, be aware that there is restriction as to which cars can enter, based on the last digit of license plate. This is one of the government policy to reduce air polution. The license plate rule is as below: Monday: no driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6. Tuesday: no driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8. Wednesday: no driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4. Thursday: no driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2. Friday: no driving if license plate ends with 9, 0 or a letter. Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven. (Mexican law changes frequently so, be sure to check the latest rule before you travel.) |
II. Accommodation
Most franchised hotels are available in Mexico.
There are cheap motels but securities can be a big question.
We would recommend minimum Mexican franchised business hotels, such as City Express and Hotel One, even if you are low on budget.
If you are staying in older facilities, you may experience little supply of hot water when taking shower; water in Mexico contains high amount of calcium, which clogs water system over time. If you have trouble with the shower in your room, you can ask the front desk to change the room.
III. Food
Various kind of Mexican food is available in Mexico. You should try as much different dishes as possible. (Yellow and orange chili or habanero are spicier than red or green chilis!!!)
Various internationally franchised fast food are available across the country.
Not many international restaurant. There are several Mexican Chinese and Mexican Sushi but few are authentic.
Water – tap water is NOT drinkable. You can use tap water for brushing teeth.
IV. Safety
Various kind of Mexican food is available in Mexico. You should try as much different dishes as possible. (Yellow and orange chili or habanero are spicier than red or green chilis!!!)
Various internationally franchised fast food are available across the country.
Not many international restaurant. There are several Mexican Chinese and Mexican Sushi but few are authentic.
Water – tap water is NOT drinkable. You can use tap water for brushing teeth.
V. Climate
It depends on where you go in Mexico but general rule of thumb is Mexico has rain season and dry season. Rain season is between end of May and end of September. The rest months are dry seasons. Due to precipitation cycle, flowers blossom after rain season in October so, you would feel that spring has finally come in fall.
If you are traveling to the capital, Mexico City, and other central region, such as Queretaro, Guanajuato and Guadalajara, keep in mind that you are going to places that are altitude off 1,500 – 2,300m. The climate in such altitude is hot during the day and cold at night and in the morning. You should always carry both short sleeves and jacket.
You should always check the weather before you go.
VI. Power Plug & Voltage
Power Plug: 1) Type A
2) Type B
Voltage: 124V, 60 Hz
Reference: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
VII. Language
Mexico is a Spanish speaking country.
You can find some English speakers, many of who are willing to help foreigners when they see them.
Spanish uses European alphabets, unlike Chinese characters or Arabic letters, so if you are an English speaker, you can read and guess things written on paper or on the street. On top of that, it is said that 40% of Spanish is similar to English.
VIII. Currency
National Currency: Mexican Pesos
When you see “$” sign, they usually mean pesos but be sure to confirm with the seller.
(Many B2B transactions are made in US dollars.)
Quick currency conversion:
USD 1 = MXN 20 (actual varies from USD 1 = MXN 18 – 22)
General sense of the cost in the currency
1 can of coke: MXN 15
1 piece of taco: MXN 15
1 meal in McDonalds: MXN 100
1 meal in restaurant: MXN 150 – 450 / person
Tips (supermarket / street): MXN 1 – 5
Tips (restaurant): 10-15%
IX. Visa and Other Requirements
Check the visa requirement before you purchase your flight tickets:
https://discover.passportindex.org/
Also, do not forget to check the COVID vaccination requirements.