Mexico offers something for everyone. The country’s enchanting Native American legends, overgrown green ruins, swaying pal, you on long sandy beaches, lively big cities, small dusty villages and an almost endless number of different kinds of chillis. And everything is accompanied by the people’s smiling kindness and the country’s colorful culture.
On this page you will find practical information and facts about Mexico.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING IN MEXICO
Climate and best travel time
The rainy season, which is also the warmest season, is between May and October, with the period from June to September being the rainiest. The lower coastal areas have generally seen more rain and higher temperatures than the higher lying areas on the mainland. There is a big difference between the different parts of Mexico. In the northern part of the country, there are large, dry desert areas, while the southeastern parts of the Caribbean coast and the Gulf of Mexico receive significantly more rain.
In general, you can definitely travel around Mexico during the rainy season as it usually only rains for a couple of hours in the late afternoon. The temperatures are higher this time of year and it is a good idea to look at what temperature is expected at the exact places you plan to go to. Visit thenailmythology.com for Mexico tropical beaches and culture.
The hurricane season is from June to November and most storms reach Mexico between August and October. Hurricanes and tropical storms have the greatest impact in the areas along the Pacific coast, the Caribbean coast and the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.
December to February are the coolest months. This time of year it can get chilly in the evenings and at night it gets really cold, especially inland and up in the mountains. It is always a good idea to bring a warm sweater and a pair of trousers. Out on the coast, however, it is warm and comfortable even during this time of year.
Our recommendations on when it is best to travel are based on how the climate has been during the previous year. The weather in Mexico can be very changeable and unpredictable and therefore our recommendations should only be seen as an indication.
Money
There are ATMs that accept Visa and MasterCard in most cities. Keep in mind that banks charge a fee of between 30-90 pesos each time you withdraw money. You can pay by card at many shops, hotels and restaurants, but you are often charged a fee. Be careful not to give away the card as it can sometimes happen that you are charged more times than intended.
The price level is still low in Mexico, although it has become more expensive in the big cities and along the Caribbean coast. Food and drink are cheap and a locally produced beer such as Sol, Negra, Modelo, Corona can to some extent be compared to a Singha or Chang in Thailand.
Visa
NOTE! The visa rules can change so we recommend that you check with the country’s embassy well in advance of travel. The information below is subject to change. At present, no visa is required for Swedish citizens. You can stay for 180 days and the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after returning home. You may need to show that you have the means to support yourself during your stay in the country.
Transport
Bus The
bus system in Mexico is very well functioning. There are several bus companies and the class on the buses varies between 3rd class to deluxe and 1st class buses. Deluxe and 1st class have air conditioning, plenty of legroom, toilets and TV. As in most countries in Latin America, the air conditioning is turned up high and the TV is at the highest level, so bring a sweater and earplugs. If you want to travel efficiently, it can be a good idea to take a night bus, so you save an overnight stay. It should also be noted that some large cities have several bus terminals.
Trains
There are only a few train routes in Mexico of which Chichahuha to Los Mochis is one of the most spectacular.
Flight
The distances in Mexico are very large so it can be very time saving to fly domestic flights between certain places.
Tips
In most countries, tips are part of the salaries of employees in the service industry. Therefore, it is good practice (and sometimes directly necessary) to give tips to, for example, cleaning staff, waiters, guides, drivers, etc. depending on the country you are visiting. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much is normally given in tips and to whom before you embark on your journey. Find information on tips in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks.
FACTS
CAPITAL: MEXICO CITY
LANGUAGE: SPANISH AND OVER 70 NATIVE LANGUAGES, INCLUDING MAYAN AND NAHUATL
WEATHER:TROPICAL
CURRENCY: MEXICAN PESOS
RELIGION: 83% CATHOLICS, 10% PROTESTANTS, 2% OTHER RELIGIONS AND 5% WITHOUT RELIGION
INFORMATION MEXICO
Mexico is like a sumptuous and delicious meal. The starter is Mexico City’s overwhelming charm and pulse. The inviting main course is Native American ruins and colorful colonial architecture while the soft, paradisiacal beaches are the dessert. All served by modern, smiling and cheerful people.
