Country Information

  Airport taxes

  Security

• Mexico has areas that are safe for tourists, but crime levels vary greatly by region—research destinations carefully and avoid high-risk states.
• Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common in crowded places, markets, and public transport—stay alert.
• Violent crime, including armed robbery and carjacking, can occur, especially in certain regions—avoid travelling at night and stick to well-populated areas.
• Keep valuables in hotel safes and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items when out.
• Be cautious at ATMs and watch out for credit card skimming.
• Kidnapping and express kidnapping (forced ATM withdrawals) have been reported—use secure transport and avoid hailing taxis on the street; book through reputable companies or apps.
• Drug-related violence is a serious concern in some states—avoid any involvement and steer clear of areas known for cartel activity.
• Emergency number for police is 911.
• Road conditions vary; highways are generally good, but rural roads can be dangerous—avoid night driving.
• Protests and demonstrations can occur—avoid these as they may turn violent.
• Natural hazards include hurricanes (June–November) and earthquakes—monitor local alerts.

Note to LGBT travellers: Same-sex relations are legal, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited. Social attitudes are generally tolerant in major cities and tourist areas, but discretion is advised in rural regions.

Note to women travellers: Mexico poses some risks for women travellers, including harassment and occasional assaults. Avoid walking alone at night, use trusted transport, and exercise caution in bars or clubs.

  Health Precautions

Vaccinations

Compulsory:
None

Recommended:
• Routine vaccines (including MMR and diphtheria–tetanus–polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Influenza (seasonal)
• COVID‑19 (up to date)
• Rabies (consider for long stays or animal exposure)

Additional Health Considerations
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, any country with risk of yellow fever transmission, or any traveller coming from an infected area. South Africa is not a yellow fever risk country and travellers from South Africa do not require a yellow fever certificate.
• Malaria: Present in limited rural areas (mainly parts of Chiapas and southern regions); consider prophylaxis depending on itinerary and use mosquito‑bite precautions.
• Dengue: Widespread risk, especially in coastal and tropical regions; strict mosquito‑bite prevention is essential.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: Moderate to high risk; maintain strict food and water hygiene.
• Air quality: Pollution may affect sensitive travellers, particularly in major cities.
• Extreme weather: Hurricanes, tropical storms, and heatwaves can impact travel and healthcare access.
• Healthcare quality: Good in major cities; limited in rural areas. Upfront payment may be required.
• Medication availability: Generally good, but travellers should bring essential prescriptions.
• Medical evacuation: Recommended to have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.

  Currency

  Language

The official language is Spanish. There are a number of indigenous languages. Some English is spoken in tourist areas and in major cities, but might not be spoken in taxis. Spanish is used for business.
 

  Electricity

127 volts, 60Hz (not the same as SA). Plugs are 2-pin flat, but some have an extra prong for grounding (similar to North American plugs). 

  Telecoms/Internet

Long-distance calls are very expensive. Mobile phones can be purchased inexpensively and credit can be added by prepaid card. Of the major providers, Telcel has the most thorough coverage. Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies but they are pricey. Internet is available in all regions. Most mid- to upper-range hotels provide WiFi or access to connected computer terminals. There are also many inexpensive cyber-cafés in cities and towns throughout Mexico.
 

  Public Holidays

2026: New Year’s Day (01 Jan); Constitution Day (05 Feb); Constitution Day Holiday (06 Feb); Benito Juárez Day (18 Mar); Holy Thursday (28 Mar); Good Friday (29 Mar); Labour Day (01 May); Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo) (05 May); Independence Day (16 Sep); Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza) (12 Oct); All Souls’ Day (02 Nov); Revolution Day (18 Nov); Lady of Guadalupe Day (12 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec). 

  Customs

Visas:

• South Africans require a visa to enter Mexico.

Duty-free allowances:

• USD500 worth of goods
• 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of pipe tobacco
• 3 litres of liquor or 6 litres of wine
• A reasonable amount of perfume, eau-de-cologne and lotions for personal use
• A photo or movie or video camera. One additional camera for passengers residing outside Mexico
• 12 rolls of film or video cassettes

Prohibited goods:

• Uncanned food
• Pork or pork products
• Earth, plants, parts of them, flowers, fruits, seeds or materials of vegetable origin used as containers, packing or in the manufacture of handicrafts

Special notes:

• Only travellers aged over 18 years may bring in alcohol and tobacco.
• Canned food is permitted, provided it is not pork or pork products.
• Arms and ammunition regulations: Firearms and ammunition require import permit and declaration form. Airlines must inform (in writing) the customs authorities, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Wild flora and fauna regulations: The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES. For further details, refer to www.cites.org.
• Seeds and plants of varieties and species that are beneficial to the nation are allowed to be imported, after authorisation from the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Export regulations: Free export of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. It is prohibited to export archaeological relics.
• Pet regulations: An international health certificate and a copy are required for cats and dogs. The certificate must be issued or endorsed at most 15 days before departure. A rabies vaccination certificate and a copy are required for pets older than 3 months. Pets must be treated for external and internal parasites at most 6 months before departure.
• Baggage clearance regulations: All baggage in transit and connecting with a domestic flight must be cleared at the first port of entry. Passengers will have to claim their baggage and proceed through customs for inspection.
• Currency import/export regulations: Local currency (Mexican Peso-MXN) and foreign currencies – up to USD10 000 or equivalent in freely convertible currencies. Higher amounts must be declared on arrival. Exchange into local currency is only allowed at authorised banks.
• Global liquid ban regulations apply. See below.

NB! This is only a brief overview of Customs requirements. If you need additional information, please contact the Embassy of Mexico on (012) 460 1004.

GLOBAL LIQUID BAN REGULATIONS
Global security guidelines have been issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation implementing restrictions on liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols that passengers are allowed to carry in their hand luggage.

The following rules will apply throughout most airports world-wide:
Passengers may only carry small quantities (max. 100 ml per container) of liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in their hand baggage. The packaging of these products must also meet specific requirements.

The new rules apply for liquids such as water, drinks, cream, lotion, oil, perfume, spray, hair gel, bath gel, various types of foam, toothpaste, deodorant, lip gloss or any product of similar substance. Exceptions will be made for baby milk, special dietary foods and medication, for which prescriptions are required.

The following rules apply for liquids in hand baggage:
– Passengers are only allowed to carry liquids and gels in containers with a volume of 100 ml or less.
– These containers may only be carried in a transparent plastic bag.
– Each passenger may only carry one such transparent plastic bag.
– The volume of the transparent plastic bag may not exceed 1 litre.
– The transparent plastic bag must be re-sealable.
– You may bring a transparent plastic bag from home.

Liquids and gels that you purchase after passing through passport control or aboard the aircraft will be packed and sealed for you in the shop or on board, if necessary. The package seal will remain valid for 24 hours. If you have to catch a connecting flight, you will not be allowed to break the seal until you have reached your final destination.

Note: Please consult relevant airline for hand baggage rules regarding liquid ban.

Doing business

Office hours: Business hours vary, but are usually Monday to Friday 09:00-19:00/20:00. Lunch breaks last an hour, but business lunches may last longer.

Dress: Men should wear dark-coloured suits with a shirt and tie. Women should wear business suits or dresses with matching shoes.

Greeting: A handshake is the common greeting. Between men, the handshake may be accompanied by slight touches on the arms and/or elbows. Women may sometimes forego the handshake in favour of a light touch on the forearm.

Communication and etiquette: Mexicans tend to be indirect in their communication style. It is unusual for a Mexican to say ‘no’ in a direct or confrontational way as a bald refusal is considered rude. English is common in Mexico, but Spanish is the official language of doing business in the country. Learning a few Spanish words and phrases is appreciated. Titles are important and it is best to address people by their professional title or Mr, Mrs or Miss followed by their surname. Business cards should have one side printed in Spanish. The card should be handed to the recipient with the Spanish side facing them. Punctuality is important and meetings should be scheduled in advance. Meetings are usually preceded by 5-15 minutes of small talk. Wait for the host to begin the business discussion. If offered something to drink, do not refuse as it may be seen as an insult. Simple gifts can be brought to a first meeting, usually something from one’s company.
 

  Getting around

• Driving is on the right-hand side; road quality varies, with good highways and less reliable rural roads.
• International Driving Permits are recommended if your license is not in Spanish or English; most rental agencies accept foreign licenses.
• Public transport includes metro systems (in Mexico City), buses, minibuses (“colectivos”), and long-distance coaches; generally affordable and extensive.
• Domestic flights are frequent and connect major cities and tourist destinations; useful for long distances.
• Ferries operate between the mainland and islands like Cozumel and Isla Mujeres; services are regular and reliable.
• Taxis are widely available; metered in some cities, but fares should be confirmed in advance. Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, and Cabify are common.
• Car rentals are available in cities and airports; driving in urban areas can be congested.
• Biking is supported in some cities with bike lanes and rental schemes, especially in Mexico City.
• Walking is common in urban centres and tourist zones; safe in most areas during daylight.
• Intercity travel is well-served by comfortable long-distance buses with multiple classes of service.
• No specific customs or restrictions regarding women’s dress or behaviour; Mexico is generally safe, though caution is advised in certain regions.

  Accommodation

• All-inclusive packages are popular in large resorts such as Cancun. Such packages usually include all meals, non-motorised water sports and evening entertainment. Some resorts cater for families, while others do not allow children.
• Hotels are plentiful and range from budget to luxury. All hotels must display officially approved rates for low and high seasons. It is advisable to book in advance over Christmas and Easter. Many hotels, especially in resort areas, offer good discounts.
• B&Bs are becoming increasingly available in cities and towns. They range from family-run establishments to up-market inns with swimming pools. Breakfast is usually included in the room rate.

  Useful tips