Mexico Information

Lying between the US and Latin America, Mexico is a buzzing place with somewhat of a Wild West look and feel about it. It has stunning beaches, busy cities and friendly people and attracts crowds of medical tourists each year.

The best way in is to fly and there are dozens of airports spread throughout the country. Links with US cities are comprehensive, less so from Europe and Asia. Mexico City is the main gateway, followed by Cancun on the Gulf of Mexico.

US citizens don’t need visas for short stays in the border zone, which spans an area 30kms of the US border. Tourist cards are needed when crossing this point or for longer stays and they can be obtained at Mexican embassies and consulates as well as at airports and border crossings on arrival. Tourist cards (F-MTs) are valid for 180 days and are available to most nationalities.

The best time to visit Mexico is between October and May when temperatures are cool. After this time it heats up significantly, while the hurricane season comes in around July and August. Mexico uses the peso and US dollars are also accepted. Mexicans speak Spanish, yet English is understood in tourist areas.

Most visitors do not need vaccinations to enter Mexico but if you plan on traveling outside tourist areas, particularly in remote areas, you should check with your doctor as to the risk of malaria and dengue fever. Ensure food is well cooked from street side stalls and always drink bottled water.

Mexico has good health care options in the main cities and resorts. Many tourists come here for medical treatment due to the cheap cost and follow up with a holiday. The top hospitals in Mexico City, Cancun, and other high profile areas are on par with those in the US and Europe. Government hospitals and clinics in other areas tend to be on the poor side.

The main bugbear with traveling to Mexico is the crime problem. Street crime is a big deal, particularly in Mexico City (the capital). Visitors should refrain from wandering the streets alone at night. Avoiding taking buses and withdrawing money from an ATM at night, and not wearing expensive jewelry are all musts.