Highlights

Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is a feast for the senses—rich in flavour, colour and tradition. From street tacos and tamales to mole (sauce) and fresh ceviche, every dish tells a story of culture and heritage. 

Mexico City

Dive into Mexico City’s rich history and buzzing street life—where ancient ruins meet modern street art, and every neighbourhood offers a new flavour, rhythm and story to explore.

Teotihuacan

The ancient metropolis was once one of the world’s largest cities, flourishing between 100 BC and 550 AD. Its origins are mysterious, predating the Aztecs, who revered it as a sacred place. 

Chichén Itzá

Mexico’s most iconic Mayan archaeological site is in the Yucatán Peninsula and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It shows the Mayans’ advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics.  

Palenque

Nestled in the lush jungles of Chiapas, Palenque is one of the most atmospheric Mayan ruins in Mexico. Palenque is intimate and surrounded by dense rainforest, giving it mysterious qualities.

Merida

The capital of Yucatán state blends historic elegance with enduring Mayan heritage. Known as the “White City” for its limestone buildings, Mérida has a strong indigenous identity and Spanish colonial past. 

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Mexico: +52 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Mexico Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Mexico (New Zealand) 

Emergency Services, Ambulance, Fire and Police: 911 

Australian Embassy, Mexico City 

Ruben Dario #55 

Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco 

Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec 

11580 CDMX Mexico 

 Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 

Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au 

  

Australian Consulate, Cancún 

EDIFICIO GRUPO VIVO 

Calle Luciernaga esquina con Avenida Politécnico 

Región 501, Manzana 13, Lote 7 

Cancún, Quintana Roo 

C.P. 77535, México 

Email: aushonconcun@gmail.com (for routine appointments) 

Phone: +52 9982 061775 (for emergency appointments. Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) 

 

New Zealand Embassy Mexico City, Mexico 

Jaime Balmes No 8, 4th Floor, Los Morales, Polanco, Mexico D.F. 11510 

Telephone: +52 55 5283 9460 

Email: nzmexico@mfat.govt.nz  

Customs

Mexicans are strict about greeting each other with Hola or Buenas Dias, even if you are a stranger. Expect frequent firm handshakes with eye contact and a smile. Respect for elders is important in Mexican culture. Use formal titles like Señor or Señora unless invited to use first names. Mexicans tend to stand closer during conversations than in other cultures—this is normal. 

In restaurants, wait to be shown to your table. Mexicans love to dine together as a group. Food is a source of pride so try some local specialties and show you love it. Social events may start later than scheduled but be punctual for business or tours. Spanish is the official language. Learning a few basic phrases shows respect.

Electricity

Electrical Plug: Type A and B 

Voltage: 127 volts, 60 Hz 

The electricity system is similar to that of the United States and Canada. Bring a surge protector as a power surge can happen, especially in rural areas. 

Health

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor.  

 

Parts of Mexico are at high altitudes. Air pollution can also contribute to existing respiratory health issues, particularly over winter (December to February) so please discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to travelling.  

 
Malaria and Zika virus are prevalent in Mexico. Mexico has insect-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Take the following steps to avoid insect bites: 

  • cover exposed skin and wear light-coloured clothing 
  • use insect repellents and treat your clothing with repellent 
  • ensure your accommodation is insect-proof 
  • consider taking anti-malarial medication 

For more information visit:  

Mexico Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Mexico (New Zealand) 

How to Get There & Getting Around

International travellers generally arrive via one of the major international airports including Mexico City (MEX), Cancún (CUN), Guadalajara (GDL), Monterrey (MTY), and Los Cabos (SJD). 

Public transportation is available in major cities and Mexico City has an extensive metro system and bus network. These are affordable options for getting around. Use authorised taxi stands or ask your hotel concierge to hail a taxi for you. Rideshare apps such as Uber, Didi, and Cabify are often safer and cheaper than street taxis. 

Given Mexico’s size, domestic flights are the best way to cover long distances between cities. 

Learning basic Spanish phrases will be very helpful, even though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Holidays & Festivals

  • Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Late October–early November - A deeply spiritual and cultural event honouring deceased loved ones. 
  • Semana Santa (Holy Week): March or April is the time of one of the most important religious observances. 
  • Guelaguetza Festival: July - A spectacular indigenous cultural festival featuring traditional dances, music, and costumes from across Oaxaca. 
  • Independence Day: September 16 - Mexico’s biggest national celebration.

Language

Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. 

Money, Tipping & Shopping

Mexican Peso (MXN) is currency in Mexico. Cash is king and while cards are accepted in cities and tourist areas, small towns and markets prefer cash. ATMs are widely available.  

Tipping is expected and appreciated for various services, including restaurants, bars, hotels, taxis and tour guides. It’s helpful to carry small bills and change to make tipping simple. A 10% tip is ideal in restaurants and for tour guides, while rounding up is good for bar service, taxis, rideshares, etc. Tip porters around 20–50 MXN per bag. 

Markets and artisan shops are the ideal places to shop for handmade crafts, textiles, pottery, and jewellery. Bargaining is common and expected in markets but always done with respect. Popular souvenirs include talavera pottery, handwoven textiles and hammocks, silver jewellery, Mayan or Aztec replicas, Mexican vanilla and spices and tequila or mezcal. Always check your customs rules before making your purchases.  

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

 

If entering Mexico by air, consider downloading your tourist card (FMMd) by scanning the QR code at the airport or by visiting the FMMd website. 

 

Australian passport holders: A visa is not required if travelling for tourism purposes and staying for a maximum of 180 days. If you have an ordinary passport with a chip, you can use the e-gates at the airports in Mexico City (AICM), San Jose del Cabo and Cancun. You'll receive a receipt and have 60 days to download your e-tourist card. The requirements to use e-gates are: 

  • have a valid ordinary passport with a chip 
  • be aged 18+ 
  • entering Mexico exclusively for tourism purposes 
  • not traveling with minors 

 

New Zealand passport holders: A visa is not required if travelling for tourism purposes and staying for a maximum of 180 days.  

 

For more information visit:  

Mexico Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Mexico (New Zealand) 

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