Common Questions - Mexico

Q: What documents do I need to enter the country?
A: A valid passport with the expiration date at least six months from the end date of travel. No visa is required of US citizens or citizens of Western European countries. It is a good idea to bring photocopies of your passport and other essential documents (airline tickets, prescriptions, credit card numbers, etc) stored in a separate location. Bring the telephone number or your credit card company.

A tourist card is issued to you by your airline or travel agent and should be completed prior to check-in. It will be validated by an Immigration officer upon arrival in México. Theses cards are good for 30 to 90 days and can be extended for up to 180 days. Make a copy of your tourist card as soon as possible.

Always double check about entry requirements with the Mexican Embassy as this information frequently changes: USA (202-728-1600) Canada (613-233-8988) or UK (071-235-6393) or log onto:

Embassy World

Q: Is Mexico safe?
A: Petty theft is a problem. Pickpockets are in abundance in crowded places especially on public buses, bus stops or train stations and crowded plazas. Don't carry all your valuables on your person. Leave them in a locked suitcase or in the safe at your hotel.

Take the same precautions you would in large, unfamiliar cities in the US. Women should not walk alone after dark, don't wear expensive jewelry, take care with handbags, etc. Use only official taxis or radio taxis if available.

For females, unsolicited comments from strangers (male) are part of the culture. Any response is considered a come-on.

For further information on safety in Mexico, you may want to call the US State Department's Travel Advisory hot-line (202-647-5225), or see the website:

US State Department Travel Advisory

Q: Do I need innoculations before going to Mexico?
A: No shots are required to enter the country but you should check with your local doctor. It's a good idea to be up to date on your tetanus, typhoid and polio immunizations also.

For complete information, call the CDC (Center for Disease Control) hotline at 404-332-4559 for recorded messages about disease prevention when traveling or log on the website at:

Center for Disease Control

Q: How do you choose the host families in Mexico?
A: CULTURE XPLORERS has a great relationship with a private language school in Oaxaca. Lucero, the owner/director, has been working for years with host families offering lodging to her language students. With her help, we select those families within her network (where at least one member speaks English) most interested in international exchange. These families are middle to upper middle class for their country, but homes will be simpler than what we are used to in the US.

Q: Will I be met at the airport upon arrival.
A: Yes, and dropped off at the airport for departure as well.

Q: What is the time difference between my city and Mexico?
A: One hour behind Eastern Standard Time or 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean time.

Q: I don't speak Spanish. Will I have trouble communicating with people?
A: Learning even simple words and phrases shows a great respect for the culture and is appreciated by the locals. However, our bilingual trip leader will be with you most of the time to assist (and even encourage) communication. Within the host family (for those that choose this option) there is at least one member who speaks some English.

Q: Is there tipping? How much?
A: Restaurants - service is sometimes included in the bill - check it. If
it is not included, a 10% to 15% tip is normal. Taxi drivers - you can round up to the nearest couple of pesos. Trip leaders - there is no obligation to tip. This is at the discretion of the group at the end of the trip. Hotels - The trip leader will tip the hotel's housekeeping staff.

Q: What about money for things not included in the trip costs?
A: We have estimated the costs of certain items that you should budget for which are not included in the trip price, such as international
airfares, airport departure taxes, some meals, etc.

Costs and Details

Q: Should I bring travelers checks, credit cards, US dollars?
A: ATM's that accept Cirrus or Plus system bank cards from US banks are common throughout the country. This is generally the most convenient way to take out money in local currency (the Mexican Peso). However, check with you individual bank to assure that your ATM card will work in machines in Mexico. And ask about any fees your bank may apply.

ATMs through MasterCard/Cirrus
ATMs through Visa/Plus

Q: What is the local currency in Mexico and its exchange rate with the US dollar?
A: The money used in Mexico is the Mexican 'peso' (plural is 'pesos').. As of early 2003, the exchange rate was roughly 10 pesos per 1 US dollar. To get the most current US dollar/Mexican peso exchange rates, use the link below.

Current Exchange Rates