Mexico Travel Advice

See also: Travel Information • Travel Tips • Chichen Itza

Mexico Travel Advice
Travel information and advice on weather, natural disasters, crime, travel, health and safety:

Tourist Sites
Chichen Itza gets incredibly busy during vernal and autumnal equinox, so if you plan to visit on one of these days arrive early. When visiting at other times of the year it is also advisable to arrive early morning to avoid the large tour groups and make the most of the ruins without the crowds, sensible footwear is a must as there is often a fair amount of walking around, this especially applies to the vast archaeological site of Teotihuacan. The temperatures around many of the ruins such as Chichen Itza can often reach well into the 90's so take adequate sun protection and drinks.

Travel And Transport

Border Crossing
High levels of drug traffic and violence are frequent in the northern states and border crossings should be avoided in areas such as Ciudad Juarez.
Violent Car Crime
There have been several violent car jacking's and robberies in some northern areas such as around Monterrey, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon as well as along the Pacific Coast.
Travel
It is advisable to only travel during daylight hours, use main toll routes and keep doors locked and windows shut especially in rural areas and at traffic lights.
Taxis
Only use registered taxis especially at airports where reports of theft and mugging's has occurred by unlicensed drivers.
Driving Culture
Driving in Mexico requires vigilance and quick thinking as road users are prone to doing the unexpected such as stopping suddenly, unexpectedly changing lanes, ignoring traffic lights and traffic speeds, pulling out unexpectedly and slow moving vehicles are all some of the challenges you may encounter, so if you plan to drive be ready for anything and have plenty of car insurance.

Crime

Petty Crime
Petty crime such as pickpockets are common and visitors should be particularly vigilant when in crowded areas such as tourist sites, bus stations and markets. Be aware of your belongings at all times and try not to draw unnecessary attention by wearing expensive jewelry.
Safety
Avoid walking in unknown areas late at night or on your own and where possible take a taxi instead. Do not leave your drink unattended.
ATM machines
ATM machines are a common target for crime so use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Personnel Belongings
Ensure that all valuables and travel documents are kept secure, such as in a hotel safe and carry photocopies of your documents around with you instead. Only carry limited amounts of cash and cards with you when you go out each day.

Travel Insurance
Travel and medical insurance are a definite must have and it is essential to thoroughly check that your policy adequately covers you for the activities you plan to undertake such as scuba diving for example, so that you are fully aware of what you are and are not covered for.

If you plan to hire a car then you will also require Mexican Car Insurance as no other insurance is valid, also be aware that it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or use a phone whilst driving.

Adventure Travel
Only use an accredited company and ensure that you have the correct experience (and insurance) for the activity you plan to undertake.

Scuba Diving
During the months of April, May, September and October, plankton can cause poor visibility especially when diving. Ensure you have sufficient dive experience for the area or dive site you plan to visit such as the cenotes, some of which require cave diving experience, and only go with a reputable company.
Rip Currents
There are many areas, especially along the Pacific Coast which have strong currents unsuitable for swimming, check with a reputable source before entering the water.
Marine Life
Be aware that many beaches have a variety of marine life that is both beautiful and potentially hazardous to be aware of, such as several species of jelly fish, stingrays, starfish, sea urchin's, poisonous fish and sharks, if you do get stung then seek medical advice to determine the best course of treatment.
Wildlife
When exploring the many superb trails that are found throughout Mexico try to remain on the paths to help prevent disturbing the potentially dangerous wildlife which can include the likes of ants, snakes and scorpions. Take insect repellent and a mosquito net if you plan to stay anywhere off the beaten tourist route to minimise spider and insect bites and take an experienced guide with you when you go exploring or venturing off into the wilderness.

Health
Visit your personnel physician 6 to 8 weeks prior to travel and ensure that you have the necessary vaccinations and sufficient medication for your vacation, it is a good idea to carry a doctors letter detailing any prescription medication that you will be travelling with. Vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, B Typhoid, MMR, Diphtheria and Tetanus are often recommended, Malaria is only normally required for certain areas in Mexico's southern most regions and is usually not required for travellers visiting along the Pacific Coast and other beach resort areas.

Allow yourself time to acclimatize to higher altitudes and take into account the often sunny, hot and humid conditions by packing plenty of bottled water, hat and sun cream.

Travellers should avoid drinking the tap water and only use bottled or treated water. Also be careful with foods that may have been washed or prepared with tap water such as fruits and salads and refrain from having ice in drinks. Travellers diarrhoea can also occur so speak to your physician prior to travel with regards to taking with you anti diarrhoea medication in case of such an event, although if symptoms are particularly severe, contain blood or continue on for more than a 72 hour period then medical attention should be immediately sought.

Those with respiratory problems should be aware that air pollution can be a problem in Mexico City especially during December, January, February and March and the cities altitude will often require a short adjustment period.

Insect repellent is also highly recommended when travelling inland, where it is also a good idea to wear long sleeved clothing as well.

Natural Disasters

Earthquake
Earthquakes do occur throughout much of the country.
Volcano
The Popocatepetl volcano in Central Mexico has a level 5 warning due to increasing levels of activity.
Hurricane
Mexico is prone to hurricane's which can occur along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts between the months of May through to November.