Currency
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you will almost always get a worse rate than using pesos. ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist destinations; use bank ATMs rather than standalone machines in convenience stores to minimize skimming risk. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities, but carry cash for markets, street food, small towns, and tips.
Prices are generally very reasonable compared to Western Europe or the US. Budget travelers can get by on USD 30–50 a day. Mid-range travel runs USD 80–150. High-end options rival international prices.
Language
Spanish is spoken everywhere. In major tourist areas, English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Away from those areas, English becomes rare. Learning a few dozen Spanish phrases makes a significant difference — Mexicans genuinely appreciate the effort.
Health and Water
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Mexico. Drink bottled or purified water; reputable restaurants and hotels use purified water for cooking and ice. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere.
Food hygiene standards vary. Street food is generally safe if it's freshly cooked and the stall is busy — a line of locals is a good sign. Avoid pre-cut fruit from street carts in smaller towns. Stomach upsets (often called "Montezuma's revenge") affect many first-time visitors; carry oral rehydration salts and an anti-diarrheal.
Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Private hospitals in major cities are good; rural areas have limited facilities.
Safety
Mexico's safety situation is uneven. Major tourist corridors — Mexico City's tourist neighborhoods, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, the Yucatan Peninsula, Puerto Vallarta, Baja California — are generally safe for tourists. Several northern states (Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Guerrero, parts of Colima) have serious security issues. Check your government's current travel advisory before planning any trip, particularly outside well-traveled routes.
Petty theft and pickpocketing are the most common risks in cities. Keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes, and don't flash expensive cameras or phones in crowded markets. Use Uber or app-based taxis rather than flagging cabs off the street, particularly at night.
Communications
Mobile coverage is good in cities and major routes; it drops off in rural and mountainous areas. Mexican SIM cards from Telcel or AT&T Mexico are cheap and easy to buy at airports and phone shops. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Electricity
Mexico uses 127V, 60Hz, with US-style Type A (two flat pins) sockets. European and Australian travelers need an adapter; most modern devices work fine on the voltage.
Tipping
Tipping is expected. In restaurants, 10–15% is standard; 15–20% in upscale places. Tip hotel housekeeping, taxi drivers rounding up the fare, and anyone who assists you at a gas station or parking lot. In markets, tipping is not expected.