Practical Tips & Local Information

Practical advice and local knowledge to help you prepare for your visit or move to Mexico.

Business Hours and Public Holidays in Mexico

Business Hours

Shops: Shopping hours in big towns and cities start at around 10 or 11 a.m., and continue through to between 8 and 10 p.m. Shops in cities and big towns are open seven days a week; smaller places may close on Sundays, except tourist spots at high season. Christmas and Easter public holidays are observed; on other public holidays you’ll find most places open in cities and bigger towns and tourist spots. Smaller towns will have more limited opening hours, and in hotter, non-tourist regions, stores may close between 2 and 4 p.m.; check locally.

Banks: Bank branches in Mexico are now generally open from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. in many cities and big towns, and some even open Saturday mornings. HSBC, for example, now opens from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week in large towns and cities. For more information about managing your money in Mexico, connect to the Money in Mexico section here on Mexperience.

Office Hours: Commercial Office hours tend to run in line with those of the US: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lunch breaks usually last an hour, but business lunches can go on much longer. Connect to the Business Section here on Mexperience for full details about business practices in Mexico.

Churches: Some churches remain open all the time; others are locked if there is no service going on, especially those hosting valuable art or artifacts. If you visit a church, be mindful of those inside who may be taking part in a church service.

Museums: Museums tend to have specific opening hours, and those outside of the major tourist areas usually close for a day in the week (often, but not always, on Mondays), so it’s best to check opening times beforehand if you plan to visit a specific museum.  A quick look online will reveal opening times.

Archaeology Parks: Archaeology parks are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all except those in the most frequented tourist areas (e.g. Chichen Itza in Yucatan) are closed on Mondays.

Public Holidays in Mexico

Mexico celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year. You can learn more about the dates, holidays and events surrounding them on our guide to Public Holidays in Mexico.

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Video and Photography in Mexico

Printing Digital Photos in Mexico

If you would like to print your digital photos while in Mexico, you can visit the photo department inside major supermarkets (e.g. Wal-Mart). There are also independent photography shops—especially common in small towns where there are no major shops—where you can edit/print your digital photos, purchase additional memory chips for your digital camera, buy batteries and accessories and purchase a new camera or video equipment (note that photographic equipment is more expensive in Mexico than it is in the USA).  Film and videotape for non digital cameras are becoming obsolescent, but may still be available in some specialist photographic stores in larger towns and cities.

Video and Photography Etiquette in Mexico

Museums: Some museums and all major archaeology parks will make a small charge if want to take a handheld video recorder into the museum or site with you; some make a charge for cameras, although this is rare. Some will not allow flash photography, especially on ancient stonework and murals as it affects the longevity of the work. You’ll see notices written in Spanish and English that will advise you at each location.

Tripods: The use of tripods at all archaeological sites and some museums requires a permit. If you want to use a tripod you will need to apply for special permission from INAH (the government department that manages archaeological sites and some museums) and there will be a significant fee and plenty of paperwork involved. If you are outside Mexico, contact your local Mexican Consulate for information and details. Sites and museums which don’t allow tripods offer a “package hold” facility for people carrying tripods, where they can be left until you leave the site or museum. Use of tripods elsewhere (public spaces, beaches, towns, etc.) is permitted.

Etiquette: Be mindful of people you photograph and, if possible, ask their permission first – especially in small provincial communities and in the State of Chiapas, and particularly in and around San Cristobal de las Casas. A small few places (mostly small rural towns and villages) have restrictions on photography, and signs will be posted to advise you in such cases.

Military and Navy Installations: It’s best not to photograph the army or any military installations to avoid any misunderstandings.

Churches: Taking pictures inside a church when there is a service going on is considered disrespectful, so you should refrain from doing it. Taking pictures inside a church at other times is acceptable in Mexico.

Filming Professionally in Mexico

If you are planning to travel to Mexico to film or take photographs professionally (including research, cultural, artistic and educational programs), you will need to apply for a temporary filming permit. Contact your local Mexican Consulate for details.

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Drinking Alcohol in Mexico

Legal Drinking Age in Mexico

The legal minimum drinking age in Mexico is 18 years; three years before the USA’s legal drinking age, which is why a lot of older American teenagers ‘fly south’ to Mexico for a weekend or longer.

Although it has been rare in the past, requests for proof of age or identification when asking for an alcoholic beverage in Mexico are on the rise. Local authorities are also beginning to make spot-checks on establishments which sell alcohol, with officers approaching drinkers at the bars who look under age and asking for identification. However, Mexico is nowhere near as strict as the USA, where anyone who looks underage is immediately asked for identification before being served.

The Effect of Altitude

Many places in the interior of Mexico are situated at altitude (for example, Mexico City, Guadalajara and most colonial cities) and at high altitudes, alcohol will have more effect on you than if you were drinking at, or close to, sea level. See Blog: Breathing Easy at High Altitudes

Alcohol Licensing Laws in Mexico

Most Mexican states allow stores, restaurants, and bars to sell alcohol 24 hours a day. However, some state restrictions do apply; for example in the northern state of Sonora, that borders the U.S. state of Arizona, establishments cannot sell alcohol between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Mon-Sat, and on Sundays, they cannot sell alcohol from 3 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following Monday.

Drinking on the Street in Mexico

Technically, it is illegal to drink on the street in Mexico, but some people do, especially in tourist areas. If you want to drink a cold beer while walking down a street on a hot day, go ahead; but don’t be stupid and get drunk on the street: it will call attention to yourself, and you may end up having to deal with the police who, in such a circumstance may apply the letter of the law to your behavior.

Drinking and Driving in Mexico

Drinking and driving is a serious crime in Mexico. If you drink, take a cab: taxis are very affordable in Mexico, there is absolutely no need to take your car if you are drinking.

Drinking and driving is still more common in Mexico than it is in places like the USA and Canada and so, if you’re driving at night, or if you are a pedestrian near a tourist area with lots of bars, be extra vigilant of cars and traffic, especially in the early hours of the morning, when drunk drivers may be about.

Mexico has been stepping up its campaign against drunk-drivers in recent years, with structured programs where rolling road-blocks are set-up in areas where there are many bars and restaurants and on occasions when people are known to drink more (e.g. public holidays and Christmas).  New laws have enacted stiff penalties (including the prospect of prison sentences) for offenders. In Mexico City, for example, the police are now regularly setting up roadside breath tests on routes leading to and from popular night spots across the capital.

See Blog: Getting Consular Assistance in Mexico

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Newspapers and Magazines in Mexico

English Language Media

The only English daily print newspaper in Mexico is “The News”, which was re-launched in 2007 after an absence of several years, the result of its parent Mexican paper Novedades being closed. “The News” is widely available in Mexico City and is also distributed to tourist destinations and other cities across the country; especially cities with significant expat populations, e.g. San Miguel de Allende, Chapala/Ajijic.

Some magazine kiosks at Mexican airports and a few specialized stores in the capital and some other larger cities sell U.S., British or European print newspapers, some of which can be a day or two old.

English-language ‘global’ news magazines such as Time, Newsweek, People, etc. are available in their U.S. editions in cities and large towns across Mexico. The British based magazine ‘Economist’ is now available at larger news stands in the big cities and at Mexican airports.

Newspapers and magazines can be bought on street corner stalls. Many supermarkets are now beginning to stock newspapers and magazines too; but not all of them.  Sanborns Stores stock a very generous selection of magazines, some of which are in English.

Spanish Language Newspapers and Magazines in Mexico

Mexico has a wide selection of Spanish language newspapers from all sides of the political spectrum.  Click on the names in green to view the online versions; all are currently subscription-free except Reforma.

El Universal – One of Mexico’s biggest daily papers, news online does not require subscription, in Spanish

Milenio – A popular daily newspaper with a strong online following.

El Economista – Financial/Business Press, in Spanish

El Financiero – Financial/Business Press, in Spanish

Reforma – Mexico’s biggest daily, in Spanish (subscription required)

Latin Trade – Online version in English of the popular magazine that is dedicated to trade in Latin America

Magazines in Mexico

Popular Spanish language magazines include:

Proceso – A weekly publication with informed commentary and opinion about Mexican and Latin American politics

Mexico Desconocido – A travel magazine with lots of photos, dedicated to highlighting travel and tourism in Mexico

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Traveling to Mexico with Children

Take your family to Mexico with confidence. Read the comprehensive guide about Traveling to Mexico with Children for detailed information about making the most of your family time in Mexico.

Lone Parents and Minors Traveling to Mexico

The rules for minors (people under the age of 18) and lone parents* traveling with their children to Mexico have changed. See the Link to the guide above for full details.

*Lone parents includes single parents, and parents who are traveling with their children and without their spouse or partner.

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Tipping and Bargaining in Mexico

See Blog: Mexico’s Tipping Culture

See Also: Social Etiquette in Mexico

Tipping in Mexico

Tipping is common in the United States: it is almost second-nature and practiced frequently at most service establishments. In many European countries, it is not so common or customary to tip people for services.

Most people working in Mexico’s tourism and service sectors rely on your tips to supplement their basic pay and they give good service to prove that it makes a significant difference to them.

When you are traveling in Mexico, always keep some loose change in your pocket because you never know when you’re going to need some of it for a tip.

Some hotels and tours indicate that “all tips are included in the price”; if this is the case, fair enough, and there is no need to tip further. You may still wish to leave a small tip for the maids at the rooms you stay in, or offer the tour guide a small tip at the end of the program.

Although tips are frequent in Mexico, the amounts are relatively small, and they really can make a difference to the person whom you are tipping.

If you did not get poor service, you should consider tipping in these situations:

Restaurants – 10% – 15% is normal, depending on the class of establishment and level of service you received. At diners and similar places 10% is sufficient; at higher-end restaurants and bistros, 15% is expected for good service.

Hotels – Bellboys should be paid around US$1 per bag; Concierge around US$2 equivalent if they do something for you (e.g. book a table at a local restaurant); more if they undertake some particular research (e.g. found you a local tour operator, car rental agency, or chauffeur). If you don’t speak Spanish, remember that they will also be acting as translators for you and you should take this into account with your tip.

Hotel Chamber Maids – The unsung heroines (they are invariably women) of the hotel industry: chamber maids.   They will often travel a considerable distance to reach your hotel and spend the day cleaning and keeping guest rooms in good order, so that when you get back to your room, it’s waiting for you clean, fresh, and tidy.  It’s appropriate to leave a small tip and leave it each day because work schedules change, and the maid who cleaned your room initially may not be on duty the day you check-out.  The amount of the tip should vary depending upon the category of hotel: a sum in Mexican pesos, left in cash on the side table (next to the maid’s greeting card if one is present), equivalent to between US$1 (for economy hotels) and US$5 (for luxury hotels) per day is suggested and will be sincerely appreciated.

All-Inclusive Hotels: A small few packages stipulate that ‘tips are included’ and in this case no further tipping is required.  However in most cases, guides, porters, the concierge, table staff, and the chamber maids (see above) will appreciate a tip—even if, for example, the price of your meals (or just breakfast) is included in the room rate. For local guides, a reasonable tip commensurate with the amount of time and knowledge they shared with you is appropriate.  One US dollar (equivalent in Mexican pesos) per bag for porters; a dollar or two left on the table after each meal or round of drinks at the bar; and a tip for the chamber maids (see above) will be very much valued.

Gasoline Service Stations – If you rent a car and buy fuel, 3-5% of the cost of the fuel is normal, with 5-10% of the cost of the fuel if the attendant provides additional services (water, oil, tire pressure, etc). It’s usual to leave a few pesos tip within a rounded amount; for example, if you are filling up with $200 pesos of fuel, then you may tell the attendant that you want $190 or $195 pesos of fuel; you hand over the $200 peso bill and the attendant keeps the change. Read related guide to Driving in Mexico. You’ll need to ask for the additional services if you want them.

Car Valets – If you drive to a bar or restaurant and have your car parked by the establishment’s valet service, you should tip the attendant around US$1 equivalent in pesos when you leave, unless the valet has a pre-advertised rate (probably higher than this) in which case, pay that rate and no more.

Porters – When you arrive at a bus station, airport or hotel there will usually be a group of porters nearby waiting to take your bags. US$1 per bag in pesos equivalent is sufficient; perhaps a little more if the bags are over-sized, particularly heavy or if the attendant offers some additional value, for example, some local advice or directions.

Home deliveries – When you have goods or services delivered to your home, it’s customary to tip the service providers.  Examples include: gas deliveries, water bottle deliveries, supermarket deliveries, postal and courier services (e.g. Amazon, Mercado Libre). $10-$20 pesos is sufficient.

Bus Station Baggage Handlers/Caddies: If you placed baggage in the hold on a long bus journey, you might consider tipping the baggage handler with a coin ($5-$10 pesos is sufficient) when he checks your reclaim voucher and hauls the bag from the baggage compartment.  Although most people have baggage with wheels these days, sometimes if you have several bags you might call upon the help of a caddie: most (but not all) stations have a team of caddies using wheeled dollies to carry baggage from the bus-stop platforms to the taxi cab ranks. There is no set fee, although around $1 US dollar per bag, equivalent in Mexican pesos, and a bit more if the bags are over-sized, is sufficient.

Bus Station Taxi Rank Attendants – If you carried your own bags to the official taxi booth at the bus station, you may find that there is an assistant waiting nearby there who will offer to carry your bags once you have purchased your taxi ticket. You don’t have to allow this person to help you, but if you do, you may find it more efficient getting the next taxi from the rank. See Traveling by Bus in Mexico for more details. $10 pesos is sufficient. See Traveling by Bus in Mexico.

Taxis – If you take a cab from the street, it’s appreciated if you round up the meter charge to nearest $5 or $10 pesos depending on the comfort and speed of your journey; however, taxis hired from taxi ranks at hotels or official taxi ranks should be paid the advertised rate (or the rate you agree in advance) and no more. Also read the guide about Traveling by Taxi in Mexico which includes a link to current taxi prices in Mexico.

Bars and Cantinas – Tables at these are often attended (you don’t need to go to the bar to order food or drink) – and a tip of 10% of the value of your spending that evening is normal.

Supermarket Bag Packers: Students and retired folks work at supermarkets across the country to pack bags at the supermarket checkout counters. For students, the money they earn contributes to the funding of their education; for retired folks, the money they earn supplements their pension.  These people are not salaried and work entirely on tips.

Car Park Attendants – Some car parks will have an “attendant”; a man or woman dressed up in a security-type uniform, who may direct you to a free spot, and see you reverse out when you return. These attendants are often older men who also keep an eye on things while you’re away. $3-$5 pesos is sufficient; a little more if they help you load your shopping bags into your car.

Spas – For personal services at Resort Spas, 10-15% of the value of the service (e.g. a Massage) is normal. If you’re staying at a Destination Spa, you can tip good service personally, 5-10% of the service’s ‘stand alone’ value is fine; or you can add a tip to your final bill, to cover everyone—even the ‘behind the scenes’ people: 10-15% of the bill is sufficient. For more information about Spas, read our guides to Spas in Mexico.

Toilets / Restrooms – Some public toilets now make a small charge for entry, and you’ll find these are usually reasonably clean and tidy. If one of these is not available, go to a restaurant, bar (even if you’re not eating or drinking at it) or department store if there’s one nearby. You may well find an attendant there who is looking after the place, making sure it’s clean tidy; some may hand you a paper towel to dry your hands. Near the wash-basins, you may see a small wooden box, sometimes with a piece of cloth inside (and usually a coin or three on it). $5 pesos tip, double that if it’s an upscale establishment, is sufficient.

Stop-Light Entertainers – In Mexico City particularly (but not exclusively) you may find that one or more informal entertainers begin to perform a short skit. The ‘performance’ may include juggling, eating fire, miming, etc. After the performance is over, the people walk between the stationary cars in search of a small tip. Tipping is at your discretion.

Stop-Light Windscreen Wash – Some people will “wash” your vehicle’s windscreen, sometimes whether you want their service or not! Tipping is at your discretion.

Angeles Verdes – Meaning “Green Angels”, these are trucks that are painted green and travel along Mexico’s interstate highways helping people who have broken down. Their help is free, but they will charge you for parts and fuel if your car needs it. Be sure to tip the attendant; the amount is discretionary and should relate to how much help they were in a particular circumstance (e.g. more at night) and on how much work they have done for you. Read more about Traveling by Road in Mexico with Mexperience.

Bargaining in Mexico

People who visit Mexico rate shopping at the local markets as one of the most rewarding travel experiences they encounter.

Mexican traders enjoy bargaining, but beware: if they feel you are trying to devalue their goods too much, they will become upset and may even refuse to trade with you.

Bargaining is a common activity in Mexico, especially at markets and artifact stores and handicraft workshops.

As a rule, you should refuse the first price you’re offered, but be realistic with your subsequent offers, and don’t become too aggressive with your position.

Speaking Spanish – If you speak Spanish (even broken Spanish) you stand a much better chance of getting a better a deal on your purchases. This another good reason to Learn Spanish in preparation for your next visit to Mexico.

Markets and Street Traders – Mexican market traders are usually polite people who enjoy a good trade negotiation but, equally, they may become offended if you are too obstinate and will simply cease bargaining with you completely. Keep in mind that the people selling arts, crafts, and artifacts are generally humble artisans making a simple living and often supporting a family. Some may also be the creators of the wares they are offering for sale, so any deep devaluation of their work might be taken personally, too.

Department Stores, Malls – Department stores and shops in retail centers and shopping malls will not bargain with you.

Taxis – Some taxis are not metered (especially in small provincial towns) so negotiate your price before you get in. Also read the guide about Traveling by Taxi in Mexico which includes a link to current taxi prices in Mexico.

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LGBT in Mexico

Tolerance of sexual diversity is improving in Mexico’s three big cities and some cosmopolitan provincial towns, although Mexican society’s typically conservative social attitudes means that tolerance in Mexico of people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender remains measurably lower than in places like the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In certain Mexican indigenous cultures — for example, the Zapotecs and Mayas — sexual diversity has been widely tolerated for some time.

The legal rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in Mexico have been evolving in recent years, in line with international movements towards decriminalizing and respecting people’s sexual orientation. Same-sex relationships in Mexico were decriminalized in 1871, although individuals who were caught were prosecuted under lewd-behavior laws throughout much of the 20th Century.

In recent years, significant legal advances have been made in favor of sexual diversity. A significant amendment to the Federal Constitution in 2011 now prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and, in 2015, Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled to change the legal definition of marriage to encompass same-sex couples. As a result, an increasing number of States and Municipalities will now perform same-sex marriages, including Mexico City, Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta), and Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum) and Guerrero (Acapulco).

Places in Mexico known to be gay-friendly and with active/growing LGBT communities are: Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Mexico City, Acapulco, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Puebla.

See Also: Getting Married in Mexico

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Drinking Water

When you’re traveling in Mexico, you must take extra care when drinking water, or fresh beverages that may have tap water added to them. Also check the ice—ask if it was made with tap water especially in more rustic establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if they have been rinsed with tap water; so again, the rule is: if in doubt, ask first! All main hotels and good restaurants use purified water throughout.

All commercially produced beverages, including bottled and tinned water, fizzy drinks, wine, beer, spirits, etc will be perfectly safe for you to drink.

To make tap water safe, boil it for at least a few minutes; perhaps longer in locations situated at higher altitudes as the water boils at lower temperatures there. Water purification tablets and drops are available, but these generally have an adverse affect on the water’s taste. Another option is sterilizing pens that use ultra-violet light to purify, but don’t change the taste of the water.

See Blog: Drinking Water in Mexico

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Electricity

Mexico’s electricity system is the same as that of the USA: 120 V; 60 Hz. Any electrical equipment you carry with you that operates at the higher (240v) rate will need to be dual-voltage (e.g. hair driers). A lot of electrical equipment (like video cameras, digital cameras, laptops) that operate on low voltages via a product-specific adapter will happily cope with dual voltage—check the adapter and the device instructions to be sure.

Electricity Sockets in Mexico: You might need a socket adapter.  Plugs in Mexico are the same as in the US; two flat prongs; and some have a third, circular prong for earth, and small adapters can be sought locally for these too if the plug you want to connect into doesn’t have the third (earth) prong socket.  If you are coming to Mexico from a country that uses a different socket type, e.g. the UK or Europe, you will need to bring electricity socket adapters with you.  People visiting from the U.S.A. do not need to bring socket adapters as the plug fittings in Mexico are identical to those in the U.S.A.

Blog Article: When the lights go out

See Also: House Maintenance in Mexico

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Embassy and Consulate Information

What can your consulate in Mexico do for you?

Foreign consulates in Mexico can usually help with administrative tasks like replacing a lost or stolen passport, provide you with a list of lawyers if you get into legal trouble, (and let your family back home know you’re in trouble), liaise with Mexico’s foreign office to make sure that you are being properly treated if you’ve been arrested and, in exceptional circumstances, provide you with a publicly funded loan to pay for repatriation home if you become completely stuck (you will need to pay the loan back).

Foreign consulates and embassies cannot get you out of trouble. When you are in Mexico, you are bound by its laws and customs and subject to its legal penalties if you fall shy of the law, intentionally or otherwise.

See Blog: Obtaining Consular Assistance

Directory of Consulates & Embassies:

Directory of Foreign Consulates in Mexico

Directory of Mexican Consulates Abroad

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Time Zones in Mexico and Clock Changes

Time Zones in Mexico

Mexico had three time zones, until February 1, 2015, when the country created a fourth time zone in the state of Quintana Roo (home to the country’s most popular vacation resort towns).

From north-east to south-east the four time zones are:

Clock / Time Changes in Mexico

In 1996, Mexico decided to change its clocks in the fall and spring of each year. Before this time, clocks were never changed in Mexico.

Although Mexico’s Central Time zone moves its clocks, other time zones or States in Mexico don’t—or move them at different times.  Also, the dates on which Mexican clock-time changes may not be synchronized with those of the USA & Canada and Europe, so check this year’s clock-time change date schedules in the spring and the fall for precise date information about when clock-time will be altered.

See Blog: When Night Doesn’t Fall

Mexico’s State of Sonora does not observe DST Protocol

An exception to the clock change is Mexico’s northern state of Sonora, which borders the US State of Arizona, which is one of the few US states which do not move its clocks at any time of year to allow for DST; because of this, Sonora does not moves its clocks, either.

Mexico’s State of Quintana Roo not observing DST 2015-2019

The state of Quintana Roo, which includes popular cities including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal will not be observing DST between 2015-2019. As with the state of Sonora, it will not move its clocks in these years.

Baja California Peninsula Clock-time Changes

Note that the state of Baja California Sur usually makes clock-time changes on the same dates as the Mexican mainland; however the state of Baja California (northern peninsula) may synchronize its clock-time changes on the same date as California in the USA.

Jet Lag

Travelers arriving in Mexico from the east (e.g. from Europe) do not generally experience severe jet lag as they have gained time traveling west. Returning from Mexico and traveling east (e.g. to Europe) can be tiring, as time is lost traveling east.

Read this Related Article in the travel health guide here on Mexperience for tips and advice about how to minimize the impact of Jet Lag when you travel to and from Mexico.

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