Mexico fact sheet

Getting to Mexico

There are daily, direct flights to Mexico City and Cancun from all major European cities. Airlines include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Swiss, and Aeromexico, among others. From the USA, Canada, and South America, there are daily, direct flights to several Mexican cities, including Mexico City, Cancun, Los Cabos, Merida, and many more.

Immigration

Nationals of the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and most European countries do not need a visa for Mexico. A tourist card has to be filled out, supplied by the airline on board the flight.

Health

No vaccinations are required. Please check with your local health board for recommendations.

Currency

The Mexican Peso (MXN). Current exchange: 1 USD = 19 MXN

Money exchange

Foreign currency and traveller cheques can be easily changed in 'casas de cambio' (currency exchange agencies) or banks.

Local time

GMT -6: Most of Mexico

GMT -7: Baja California Sur and some states in the Northwest

GMT -8: Baja California Norte

Daylight Saving: Start: First Sunday in April. End: Last Sunday in October.

Climate

Mexico's terrain is magnificently varied and so is the weather, but there are roughly two seasons. The dry season lasts from November to April and promises perfect sunshine. In the wet season from May to October it's still nice and warm, but there are tropical downpours, which make everything lush and green.

Location

Mexico is located in the southwestern part of mainland North America, bordered by the United States to the north, and Belize and Guatemala to the southeast.

Language

Spanish is the official language. Also, more than 50 regional Amerindian languages are spoken.

Population

115 million. Approx. 60% Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian descent), 30% Amerindian (including Nahua, Maya, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, Tarascos, etc.), and 10% White.

Capital

Mexico City (population 22 million).

Religion

Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%.

Government

Federal Republic. Democratically elected president, limited to a single six-year term. Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, took office in October 2024.

Voltage

Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles AC. Flat two-pin plugs are used.

Dress code

Casual clothing is the norm in most places.

Food & Drink

Sampling Mexican cuisine is a pleasure that shouldn't be missed! Its textures, flavours and colours are unique. If you have a taste for adventure, jump right into it. Or stick to a few simple and traditional dishes that are always excellent and not too spicy. Mexico produces excellent beer and of course very good tequila. Imported wines and spirits are readily available. Try the delicious aguas , juices made with hibiscus flowers, tamarind or rice. We recommend to always stick to bottled water.

Animal watching

Mexico offers wonderful opportunities to see animals in the wild during certain months, including the Monarch butterfly migration near Mexico City (November to March), swimming with gentle whale sharks around Isla Holbox (May to September), or spotting whales in Baja California (January to April).