Mexico - Q & A
What is the best time of year to go to Mexico?
Mexico is one of the few places that has all year round tourism. The peak seasons are Christmas and New Year, Easter and July and August. The rainy season is from May to October, so avoid this period if you want guaranteed sunshine. The summer months are the hottest along the coast, however if you go inland the temperature is much more favourable. If you prefer a temperate climate then choose the winter months for your visit. The evenings may be cooler, but daytime temperatures are very comfortable. Price wise, peak seasons and school holidays will inevitably be more expensive.
How long is the flight to Mexico?
From the UK it takes approximately 11 – 12 hrs
Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?
No? When travelling from the UK to Mexico, you don’t need a visa; however you will be given a Mexican Visitors Permit (known as aForma Migratoria Mutiple, or FMM) to fill in. For more information on this check with your tour operator.
Can I drink the tap water?
It is not advisable to drink the tap water or eat anything that may have been washed in tap water such as salads, also be wary of ice cubes and drinks that may contain water especially in smaller establishments. Drink bottled water where ever possible. Main hotels and restaurants use purified water. Commercially made bottled and canned drinks both soft and alcoholic are perfectly safe.
Socket Adapters
The electricity supply in Mexico is 120v, so any electrical equipment which operates at 240v needs to be dual voltage. Electrical equipment such as digital cameras and laptops that operate on 12v through its own unique adaptor will cope with dual voltage; however always check the equipments instructions to be sure. If you need a socket adaptor to take with you, you will need one with two flat prongs.
Do I have to leave a tip.
It is common practice and almost expected that you tip waiters, bellboys, taxi drivers, in fact just about anybody who lends you a helping hand. So it’s useful to always carry some change with you and some $2 dollar bills.
Staying safe in Mexico
There are certain precautions we all take on a day to day basis, yet when we go on holiday we can become complacent and have a ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude. To ensure you don’t become a victim of crime on holiday follow these simple tips.
Use the hotel safe for looking after your money, passport and other valuables. Don’t carry too much money on you when you go out. If you have to use a cash machine be vigilant and avoid using them at night.
Never leave your drink unattended and don’t accept food or drinks from strangers.
Be wary of anyone who approaches you in the street with surveys or insists that you must go somewhere with them and never give out your personal information as this could be used to steal your identity.
Only use authorised taxi ranks (Sitio) and never hail a taxi down in the street.
If you don’t want to draw attention to yourself, dress down and avoid wearing too much gold jewellery or designer gear.
To ensure that you significantly reduce the risk of potential problems, holidays should be booked with reputable and established holiday companies such as Thomson Holidays and Alpha Rooms.
