Currency
The local currency is the Mexican Peso – at the time of going to press there are approximately 10.20 pesos to 1 USD. We recommend that you take Mexican Pesos and USD dollars in cash and USD travellers cheques. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and banks - a transaction charge will normally be made by your bank.
Visas
Travellers with British passports do not need a visa to enter Mexico (subject to change so please check with us at the time of booking). The Mexican tourist card (90 days permit) is a brief form that you must complete and get stamped by immigration upon arrival and keep until you depart. Please store this card in a safe place as it will be checked when you leave the country and there is a fine for not presenting it.
Please ensure that your passport has 6 months to run. If you are a foreign national living in the UK, please ensure that you have all the correct papers before leaving the UK. If your paperwork is not in order, you will be refused entry back into the UK and fined a minimum of £2,000 per person and we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.
Language
The predominant language in Mexico is Spanish. About 60 indigenous languages are spoken as a first language by more than seven million people, about 15% of these don’t speak Spanish. English is not widely spoken outside Mexico City. A basic grasp of Spanish will be appreciated by the locals but you can still enjoy the country without it. Some knowledge of Italian and French can also help.
Vaccinations/Health
Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, and Hepatitis ‘A’ vaccinations are advisable, as well as a course of anti-malaria tablets. Reduce mosquito bites by the use of a good skin repellent with ideally 50% Deet content. A yellow fever vaccine is only required if you are arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or South America.
We also recommend use of a sun block to protect your skin against the strong tropical sun. A total 100% sun block is advisable as the sun is very intensive. The heat and humidity of the tropics make you sweat profusely and can also make you feel lethargic - to avoid cramps and heat exhaustion it is important to maintain a high fluid intake and ensure your food is well salted. Please ensure you use bottled water rather than using tap water. You should always check with your doctor for the latest health requirements no later than four weeks before your departure. Upon arrival rest and acclimatise to the altitude. When climbing hills walk slowly. We strongly recommend that you drink extra fluids and eat light meals.
Food & Drink
Mexico’s interior specialise in a vast range of dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales and sandwiches called tortas. Traditional dishes include soups and stews (often with more than 30 ingredients). Along Mexico’s Gulf and Pacific coast there is an amazing variety of seafood dishes. Each region will have its own speciality such as Oaxaca where grasshoppers fried in chilli are popular! There has been a renaissance in wine-making in Mexico and the quality has improved dramatically in recent times. There is a reasonable choice of local beers. A cost of a typical 2 course meal per person (excluding wine and beer) ranges from £11 in Oaxaca to £17 in Playa del Carmen.
Hotel Gradings
There is no official class or star system for accommodation. The accommodation is generally comfortable and of a good standard - all rooms have private facilities. Wherever possible we have selected small character boutique hotels. Our prices are based on bed and breakfast. This will give you the flexibility to explore and enjoy the local restaurants. Breakfasts usually comprise of toast, eggs, cold meats, cheese, orange juice and coffee.
Getting around
Driving in Mexico can be unpredictable at times and the distances are vast. We have decided to not offer self-drive trips at the present time. Although in areas such as the Riviera Maya, it is possible to hire a car locally and explore the coast at leisure. Our holidays are based on internal flights and private transfers.
Weather/When to Go
Mexico can be visited all year round, although the coastal and low-lying regions in the south of the country are fairly hot and humid from May to September. This is also the period of the highest rainfall and highest temperatures almost across the whole country. The interior of the country has a more temperate climate than the coast. It is sometimes decidedly chilly in the central highlands from November to February. July and August are peak holiday months for both Mexicans and overseas tourists particularly from North America. Other peak holiday seasons are mid-December to early January and a week either side of Easter.
The rainy season is between May and October, with the heaviest rainfall in June, September and early October. During the rainy season, the days often start dry and bright with heavy tropical downpours in the afternoon. The hottest months are April and May when the fields turn a dusty brown before the onset of rain. Late September and October are hurricane season along the gulf and south/central Pacific coasts.
Military checkpoints
There are regular army checkpoints throughout the state of Chiapas – it is possible that you may be asked to present your passport and display the contents of your suitcase.
Photography
Indigenous villages are extremely close-knit and they can be suspicious of outsiders and sensitive about having their photo taken. Photography is often banned in churches. Please respect the local communities and if in any doubt please ask first.
Time
The majority of Mexico is 6 hours behind GMT – and 5 hours behind during the daylight savings period. Daylight savings time runs from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. Clocks go forward one hour in April and back one hour in October. Daylight savings time is ignored by a few remote rural regions!
Recommended Reading
Mexico guides published by Lonely Planet and National Geographic provide useful tips and a comprehensive insight into the country
