What should I know before visiting Mexico City?

Direct answer

Mexico City is a vibrant, high-altitude megacity with world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, excellent food, and heavy traffic. Prepare for altitude, plan transit time, use common-sense safety measures, and respect local customs to get the most from your trip.

Visa & entry requirements

• Many nationalities (including US, Canada, EU) can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism; check the Mexican embassy website for your country.
• You will generally receive a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist card on arrival or online—keep it until departure.
• Passport should be valid for the length of stay; some airlines require at least 6 months validity—verify before travel.
• If you need a visa, apply at a Mexican consulate well in advance and bring proof of return travel and sufficient funds.

Best time to visit

• Ideal months: March–May and September–November — pleasant weather, fewer rainy days, and cultural events.
• High season: Christmas–New Year and Easter (Semana Santa) — expect higher prices and crowds.
• Rainy season: June–September — afternoons often have heavy showers, but mornings are usually clear.
• Temperature: mild year-round; nights can be cool, and afternoons are warm. Altitude (about 2,250 m / 7,382 ft) can make temperatures feel cooler and sun stronger.

Safety tips

• Use registered taxis, ride-hailing apps (Uber/Didi/Beat), or hotel-arranged transport—avoid hailing random street cabs.
• Keep valuables discreet; avoid flashing expensive items in crowded areas.
• Use ATMs in banks or malls; cover the keypad and shield your PIN.
• Stay in well-trafficked areas at night; neighborhoods like Polanco, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacán, and Centro Histórico are generally tourist-friendly.
• Be aware of petty theft in markets, buses, and metro stations—use a zippered bag and consider a money belt.
• Carry a copy/photo of your passport and the electronic FMM; keep originals secure.

Local customs & etiquette

• Greet with a handshake or light cheek kiss among acquaintances; be polite and use titles (Señor/Señora).
• Tipping: customary in restaurants (10–15% if service not included), for hotel staff and guides.
• Avoid controversial topics like politics and narcotraffic unless you know the person well.
• Learn a few Spanish phrases—locals appreciate the effort.

Currency & costs

• Currency: Mexican peso (MXN). Cash is common for markets and small vendors; cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops.
• ATMs widely available; choose bank ATMs when possible.
• Credit/debit cards often require chip+PIN or chip+signature—notify your bank before travel.

Transportation

• Metro: extensive and very cheap; can be crowded and pickpocket-prone—avoid rush hours if possible.
• Metrobús & RTP buses: useful along major corridors; use prepaid cards (Metrocard/Movilidad devices).
• Ecobici: bike-share in certain neighborhoods (useful for short trips in Condesa/Roma/Polanco).
• Taxis & ride-hailing: prefer apps (Uber, Didi, Beat) for safety and fixed fares.
• Driving: not recommended for newcomers due to heavy traffic and complex rules; parking can be scarce and theft is possible.
• Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX) is centrally located; allow extra time for traffic. For airport transfer, choose authorized taxis or ride-hailing.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Altitude & health: expect mild shortness of breath or fatigue on arrival; stay hydrated, avoid heavy exertion first 24–48 hours, and limit alcohol.
• Food & water: street food is excellent—eat where there are queues and high turnover. Avoid tap water; drink bottled or filtered water.
• Museums & attractions: Museo Nacional de Antropología, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Frida Kahlo Museum (book tickets in advance), Teotihuacán (day trip), Xochimilco trajineras.
• Timing: traffic can double trip times—schedule conservatively for appointments and tours.
• Markets: visit Mercado de la Merced, La Lagunilla, or Mercado de Coyoacán for local food and crafts; practice polite bargaining for non-fixed-price goods.
• Cash small bills: keep small bills/coins for markets, tips, and transit.
• Safety apps & contacts: save emergency numbers and your country’s embassy details; consider sharing itinerary with someone back home.

Practical packing & final advice

• Pack layers for variable temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle with a filter if desired.
• Bring a power adapter (Type A/B; 127V, 60Hz) if needed.
• Learn basic Spanish phrases and carry an offline map/app.

Enjoy Mexico City’s food, culture, and neighborhoods—plan logistics around traffic and altitude, use common-sense safety practices, and you’ll have a rich, rewarding trip.