Trip prep: United States → Mexico City
A complete checklist for traveling from United States to Mexico City, Mexico. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Visa-free for up to 180 days.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
- Register with STEP: step.state.gov — gets you embassy alerts.
2 Money
- Tipping in Mexico: Tip 10-15% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 911 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Healthcare in major cities (CDMX, Cancun) is excellent and cheap. Always negotiate taxi prices BEFORE getting in. Use Uber/Didi for safety.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Plug fits but voltage differs (120V → 127V). Most modern electronics are dual-voltage; check power bricks.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for Mexico — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
22°C / 6°C
mild · dry
May
27°C / 12°C
warm · moderate rain
September
23°C / 12°C
mild · very wet
- Light layers — t-shirts + 1 light jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
6 Once you're in Mexico City
- Public transit: Mexico City Metro + Metrobus + Suburbano — single fare 5 pesos (Metro flat fare), day pass none. Mexico City Metro is the world's 2nd cheapest. Avoid rush hour (it gets brutally packed). Women + children only cars at the front of each train.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Roma Norte / Condesa — Tree-lined + Art Deco + cool cafes + hip restaurants. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Teotihuacán pyramids, Puebla, Taxco. Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: ATM 'helpful' scammers, taxi 'broken meter,' counterfeit pesos, fake police 'fines' — never hand over cash, ask for a ticket and pay at a station.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for Mexico in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation