Travel Information Mexico

Travel map of Mexico by tour operator OVERCROSS

1. General Information
2. Climate
3. Travel Information

1. General Information

Continent: North America & Central America
Geographical Location: Almost 90% of Mexico is assigned to the North American continent, the southern part already counts as the Central American land bridge 
Highest Elevation: Volcano Citlaltépetl at 5636 meters
Form of Government: Federal Republic
System of Government: Presidential Democracy
Languages: Spanish, in addition to Spanish, 62 indigenous languages are also recognized as official national languages.
Neighboring countries: U.S.A., Guatemala & Belize
Capital: Mexico City
Area: 1,972,550 km² (six times larger than Germany)
Population: 126,200,000 (January 2023)
Population density: 64 inhabitants per km² (11 cities with over a million people)
Religions: predominantly Catholic (77%)
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
Climate: Subtropical climate & desert climate
Time zone: There are 3 time zones in Mexico UTC-6 - UTC-8
Country code: +52
Country code: MX, MEX

2. Climate & Best Travel Time

Mexico is six times larger than Germany. Therefore, the best time to travel varies greatly depending on the destination. While Yucatan and also Baja California are largely spared from rain, you need to expect a rainy season in other parts of Mexico. Hurricane season in Mexico is from July to October.

Climate Table Mexico City

Climate table Yucatan, Cancun, Playa del Carmen

The water temperature in the Caribbean is between 24 - 27°C all year round 

Climate Table Baja California - La Paz

The water temperature of the Pacific Ocean is between 22 - 28°C all year round

3. Travel information

Mexican Embassies

In Germany:
Klingelhöferstraße 3, D-10785 Berlin
Tel. 030 26 9323-0
embamex.sre.gob.mx/alemania

​In Austria:
Operngasse 21/10, A-1040 Vienna
Tel. 01310733 

In Switzerland:
Welpoststraße 20-5, CH-3015 Bern
Tel. 031 357 4747

Embassies in Mexico

German Embassy:
Horacio 1506
Col. Los Morales, Sección Alameda
11530 Mexico, D.F.
Tel. 01555232200
Toll-free hotline within Mexico: 01 800 90392
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.mexiko-diplo.de

Republic of Austria:
Sierra Tarahumara Pte. 420,
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec
11000 Mexico D.F.
Tel. 0155 52510806

Swiss Embassy:
Torre Optima, piso 11, Paseo de las Palmas,
405, Col. Lamas de Chapultepec,
11050 Mexico D.F.
Tel. 0155 91784370

Flights to Mexico

With the Mexican airline
Aeroméxico, www.aeromexico.com
from/to Paris and Madrid

With European airlines
Air Berlin, www.airberlin.com
Air France, www.airfrance.com
British Airways, www.britishairways.com
Condor, www.condor.com
Iberia, www.iberia.de
KLM, www.klm.com
Lufthansa, www.lufthansa.com

Entry, Arrival and Departure
For entry, EU citizens only need a passport that is still valid for six months. A passport is also required for children. For entry into Mexico, you need the tourist card (called FMT). You will receive this free of charge on the airplane and at the border crossings into Mexico. The copy that remains with you must always be carried, otherwise you face a fine directly at the airport. The FMT is usually limited to three months. An extension is possible. The responsible authority for this is the Departamento de Tourismo, Av.Chapultepec 284, Mexico D.F., Tel 0155 5626200

Banks
Opening times: Mon to Fri 9 am to 4 pm,
some banks are also open Sat 9 am to 1 pm.
Exchange offices: (Casa de cambio) Mon to Sat 08:30 am - 6 pm, in tourist areas often until 8 pm

Shopping
Department stores and supermarkets in Mexico's larger cities are open Mon to Sun between 9 am and 10 pm. In rural areas there is a break at midday (approx. 2 to 4 pm). Souvenirs and handicrafts (weaving, masks, pottery, jewelry, and utensils made of silver, etc.) are best bought at the markets.

Electricity
110 volts at 60 Hz. An adapter for American flat plugs is required. 

Photography
Always ask people, especially members of indigenous minorities, for their consent. In museums, archaeological and historical sites, flash and tripod are usually prohibited. A fee is charged for video recordings. For your camera equipment, remember to bring sufficient storage capacity and chargers.

Health
The Federal Foreign Office in Germany provides information on preventive health measures online. (www.auswaertiges-amt.de)
Inquiries also at Citizen Service: Tel. 030 18172000 

Hospital
Centro Médico ABC (American British Cowdray Medical Center, English-speaking)
Sur 136 No. 116, 01120 Mexico D.F.
Tel. 0155 52308000
Emergencies: 0155 52308161
www.abchospital.com

Climate
Mexico is a diverse country that has subtropical and alpine climates as well as desert climate. Thus, a beach vacation is possible all year round on the coasts of the country. In the interior, due to the high altitude, there is a temperate climate all year round, which makes staying there very pleasant. 

Vaccinations
There are no international vaccination requirements for entry into Mexico. It is advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, tetanus and diphtheria. When traveling on your own, also against typhoid. Pay particular attention to hygiene while traveling. Ask a tropical medicine specialist about possible prophylactic measures before departure. There is a moderate malaria risk at the Gulf Coast and in the rainforest of Chiapas (below 600m). Also relatively common is the insect-borne dengue fever, which can also occur in tourist centers on the coasts. 

National language
The official national language is Spanish. There are also about 60 indigenous languages, the most important are Náhuatl and Maya. English is understood in tourist centers. Overcross also offers German-guided tours. 

Medical care 
Many medications are available over the counter in Mexican pharmacies. Most hotels can recommend English-speaking doctors. Taking out international health insurance is recommended. 

Best travel time
Mexico is a year-round travel destination
High season at Christmas, Easter and during the summer holidays