Mexico | North America

Mexico is a sovereign state in North America. Its economy is the second largest in Latin America, driven by manufacturing (automotive, electronics), petroleum, and tourism; the capital is Mexico City, while Monterrey and Guadalajara are the primary industrial and technological hubs.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 11, 2026, Mexico maintains a high-access policy for major Western nations:

Visa-Free: Citizens of the US, UK, and EU are granted visa-free entry for tourism or business stays of up to 180 days.

FMM (Digital): The paper-based Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) has been largely replaced by digital processing (stamps or QR codes) at major international airports.

Customs: Regulations regarding electronics are strictly enforced. Travelers are permitted only one laptop and one tablet/portable computing device tax-free; additional devices may incur a 19% duty on their estimated value.

Requirements: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in the service sectors of Mexico City, the Mayan Riviera (Cancún/Tulum), and Los Cabos, but proficiency is low in non-tourist urban areas and rural states.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).

DiMo (Dinero Móvil): As of 2026, the DiMo system (leveraging the SPEI interbank network) has become the standard for instant mobile payments, allowing transfers via phone numbers without requiring QR scans.

Cash Dependence: Despite digital growth, Mexico remains a cash-intensive economy. Approximately 40-44% of consumer transactions still rely on physical currency, which is mandatory for street food, local markets, and rural transport.

Cards: Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are standard in shopping malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants.

Tax Reform 2026: New provisions effective January 1, 2026, mandate stricter VAT and income tax withholding for digital B2B and intermediary platforms.

National Transport Grid

Tren Maya: The 1,554 km passenger rail network across the Yucatán Peninsula is fully operational as of 2026. A dedicated Maya Train Freight Service is scheduled for inauguration in late 2026, linking regional industry to the Port of Progreso.

Interoceanic Corridor: The rail link between the Pacific (Salina Cruz) and Atlantic (Coatzacoalcos) is active, serving as a strategic alternative to the Panama Canal.

Urban Transit: Mexico City’s Metro and Cablebús (gondola) systems are critical for high-density transit.

Aviation: AICM (Mexico City) and AIFA (Felipe Ángeles) serve as the capital's dual-hub system. Cancún (CUN) remains the busiest international tourism gateway.

Digital Infrastructure

5G Status: 5G standalone (SA) is commercially available in major metros (CDMX, Monterrey, Guadalajara). As of January 2026, the government is preparing a new spectrum auction to address the high annual fees that have slowed rural deployment.

Broadband: Fiber-optic penetration is high in mid-to-high income urban neighborhoods. Starlink is the primary provider for high-speed access in Baja California and remote mountainous regions.

Network Sunsets: 2G and 3G networks are being phased out in 2026 to optimize spectrum for 4G/5G expansion.

Climate & Seasonality

Dry Season (Nov–May): Ideal for travel; warm and sunny.

Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Tropical showers, primarily in the afternoon. Hurricane risk is highest for the Caribbean and Pacific coasts between August and October.

Temperature: Varies by elevation; Mexico City ($2,240m$) is mild/cool, while coastal regions remain hot ($30°C+$) year-round.

Health & Safety

As of January 2026, international travel advisories recommend Exercise a High Degree of Caution.

Safety: Avoid the states of Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Colima, Michoacán, and Guerrero (except resort zones) due to high levels of organized crime, kidnapping, and violent conflict.

Road Safety: Use toll roads (cuotas) for inter-city travel; avoid driving at night.

Health: Tap water is not potable; bottled or purified water is required. High-altitude sickness is common in Mexico City.

Emergency: All services 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Central Highlands: Hub: Mexico City (Culture/Business) and Querétaro.

Yucatán Peninsula: Hub: Cancún (Resorts) and Mérida (History/Safety).

Baja California: Hub: Tijuana (Manufacturing/Border) and Los Cabos (Luxury tourism).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 18 MXN ($1.05 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 40 MXN ($2.30 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 480 MXN ($28.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Mexico is home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Local folklore features the Llorona and Alebrijes (mythical spirit guides). Historically, it was the center of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations before Spanish conquest. Geologically, the Chicxulub Crater in the Yucatán marks the impact site of the asteroid that caused the dinosaur extinction. In 2026, Mexico will co-host the FIFA World Cup, with matches scheduled in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.