Mexico offers stunning touristic beach towns like Cabo and Cancun, plus the authentic local experience and metropolitan scene in cities like Guadalajara and Puebla.
Regardless of where you explore, you’ll certainly need fully-charged devices for snapping photos, translating English to Spanish, and using the GPS to get around.
Use this guide to ensure your electronics are well-charged and ready for action! We’ll also cover what to pack for Mexico and some common FAQs.
Mexico is associated with 2 types of plugs, Type A and Type B. (Type A) has two vertically parallel, rectangular pins; (Type B) has the same flat pins with an additional round grounding pin. North American countries (U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Cuba, and most countries in South America), all use the same U.S.-style plugs.
Mexico operates on a supply voltage of 127V and 60Hz; The U.S. supply voltage is 120V and 60Hz (so they are in-range of each other for compatibility). The major difference is that Mexico is more susceptible to regular power outages and you may not have access to electricity in all regions. Due to this, we recommend bringing along a power bank so you can charge your devices without electricity.
Before plugging in your devices, check the quality of the power outlet. Since outlets can vary tremendously in Mexico and some are very old, avoid any sockets that appear loose, burnt, or unsafe.
If traveling from the U.S., most devices and appliances should work without an adapter in Mexico because they use the same power supply as America. Nonetheless, a frequent traveler should always carry a universal power adapter. With a compact and lightweight design, it will allow you to quickly charge multiple devices at the same time. It’s also adaptable to 100+ destinations worldwide and has a built-in fuse protector (plus a second backup) which could be a necessity as you connect to the unpredictable power grids of Mexico. Offering a lifetime replacement guarantee, this product is a must-have!
No, you should not require a voltage converter in Mexico (unless your device does not run on 127 volts or is not dual-voltage). Regardless of what system you use, most systems operate on dual-voltage these days, which means you can safely power your personal devices on either system. Always check your user guide and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pro tip: Check the label – If it states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz,’ it will be functional in any country worldwide. You will notice this code on common electronics like laptops, cell phone chargers, and universal adapters.
In addition to your US to Mexico power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Mexico packing list for more inspiration and ideas.
Locations like Mexico City are prone to petty theft and pickpocketing. Do not allow yourself to become the victim of preventable crimes while exploring these crowded areas. Use this handy neck wallet to store your phone, passport, credit cards, hotel key, and other valuables underneath your clothes where they cannot be seen.
This small portable charger is extremely powerful and has been a lifesaver to us on more than one occasion. Don’t leave yourself stranded in Mexico without access to the internet or your navigation systems. You may have long afternoons on distant excursions, riding in Ubers, etc., with zero time to repower your devices. Ensure you have a charge at all times and play it safe.
Another essential will be charging cables to connect with your cell phones, network adapters, and more. This product is top-rated for its durability and reputable brand name, as well as a lifetime warranty that covers all repairs and replacements. With this satisfaction guarantee, this could be the last charging cable you’ll ever need to buy!
Protect yourself from hackers and secure your private information while traveling. As you connect to unprotected networks in public cafes, coffee shops, hotels, and airports – You inevitably put yourself at risk for privacy breaches. We recommend using a VPN to inhibit outside access to your WiFi, regardless of your location. It will safeguard your passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data. NordVPN is our go-to for high-quality customer service and affordability.
This product is a serious game-changer! Make your life easier with these versatile packing cubes that organize your belongings into convenient cases. You can easily fold shirts into one, pants into another, and never struggle to find things in the abyss of your luggage ever again. They also include laundry bags to keep your dirty and clean clothes separate.
Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, La Bucerias, and many other resort-style destinations are filled with premier diving activities. Capture the beauty beneath the surface with this underwater camera that is well-rated for durability and affordability. This GoPro model is an absolute bargain considering it comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, smart stabilization for anti-shaking, 5X zoom, and 4K ultra HD quality.
Airline or cruise staff will not ‘baby your bags,’ and millions of cases are damaged or lost each year. Zippers aren’t meant to withstand any overpacking, and some bags are just poorly made. My friend learned this when his luggage burst open mid-transit, luckily I had these straps to tie everything together in a pinch!
These are multi-purposeful and other perks are to deter theft, easily find your bag at the arrivals terminal in a sea of similar black bags (since the bright colors are one-of-a-kind), tether bags together in busy areas, create a makeshift handle if anything breaks, and more. We love having them and recommend them to any global traveler.
Tap water in Mexico is generally not considered safe for drinking. While more than 90% of municipalities have access to clean water, fewer of them have sanitation coverage, leaving local reserves at risk for contamination. Do not risk getting sick with potentially harmful bacteria in the foreign water supply (even if the water is clean, your body is not familiar with the local bacteria and it can still upset your stomach). Always carry this filtered water bottle to purify on-the-go – it will remove bacteria, parasites, and microplastics.
This waterproof phone case is a necessity for any coastal visit. My phone fell to the bottom of the ocean and was STILL dry once we retrieved it! This brand comes equipped with a universal-fit, touchscreen that works underwater, and a Nano Liquid Screen Protector.
Considering that temperatures in Mexico can reach 95/97°F (approximately 35/36°C), a cooling towel is a must. The tropical weather of Central America is humid and warm, so you’ll want to beat the heat by packing this refreshing towel for all excursions. You simply wet the towel, wring out excess water, and it will instantly become 20-30 degrees colder than the air temperature. Place it on your neck to cool off and immediately relax your senses.
In most cases, you will not be covered by your American health insurance in Mexico. Your U.S. policies (like Medicare) don’t typically extend beyond the borders, and you could pay a fortune if you require medical care. For example, being medevaced off a boat or ship can cost $30K, and this is before you’ve even arrived at the hospital for treatment.
Protect yourself and your travel investment by putting your health first. We recommend Faye because their 100% digital platform makes the claims process easy. Reimbursements are quick and they offer 24/7 support so you’re never disconnected from help. It’s only 3-5% of your trip cost on average but will pay for itself if anything comes up.
Whether hiking up Chipinque National Park or trekking down a slippery cenote, you will be relieved to have these slip-on water shoes. These are incredibly lightweight and breathable, doubling as walking shoes with a durable base. They also come with a ‘water grain sole’ that provides exceptional traction on steep terrains. You will come to rely on these shoes for rocky beaches, tropical trails, swimming holes, and more!
Mexican law mandates biodegradable sunscreen, and areas like Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya will require sunscreen that is not harmful to their marine life. We recommend this reef-safe brand that is ocean-tested and offers UVA/UVB (broad-spectrum) protection. We also like that it’s paraben-free, petroleum-free, and safe for sensitive skin.
The country’s ambiance is perfectly paired with a margarita or piña colada on the beach. BUT! A hangover can steal precious time on your vacation and leave you with a throbbing headache. Take preventative measures with Cheers’ natural hangover cure. This herbal supplement reduces your GABA rebound, supplements lost vitamins, and supports liver health with Milk Thistle flower. Skip the hangxiety – Drink responsibly and on your own terms.
Vacationers and families flock to the shimmering turquoise waters and sun-filled days of Mexico’s summertime. But every season comes with its pros and cons.
The summers are hot and humid (June through September), but the trade-off will be more freedom for water activities like swimming, kayaking, boating, snorkeling, and diving. You will also pay more for peak season, which leads to less privacy. In July of 2021 alone, an estimated 3.4-million international visitors came to Mexico. This seasonal influx will inevitably create larger crowds, less availability, and higher hotel rates.
From September to May, you will enjoy lower prices due to less demand, cooler days, and lower humidity. Fall, Winter, and Spring months are still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors because Mexico’s temperature is moderate year-round (generally 50-90 degrees).
Some locals feel the best time to visit is January in the heart of dry season when the white sandy beaches are vacant and the ancient ruins are quiet. Although the climate is heavenly, keep in mind that higher rates may carry over during popular holidays (December: Christmas; January: New Year; March: Spring Break).
Ultimately, there is no wrong time to visit Mexico, only the time that best suits your needs.
Mexico has many diverse regions and climates (warm beaches, snowy mountains, volcanoes, steamy jungles, etc.), so the weather conditions completely depend on where you visit. The overall climate is tropical and rainy, with mild temperature fluctuations between seasons.
Summer will always be a fantastic time to visit Mexico, and the weather will remain around 90-95°F during the day, dropping to 60-70°F by night. It rains about 175 days per year in Mexico, but usually in small drizzles, and the average annual humidity is approximately 70%. The rainy season in Central America is generally May to October, sometimes extending through late Autumn.
Be sure to check the local forecast before you go. Visitors can take note of the Caribbean’s hurricane season, running from June to November; This may not be the safest time to plan a family trip.
Be sure to shop affordable excursions and book your tours in advance through Get Your Guide booking service.
Mexico has a well-developed network of airports, buses, metros, taxis, rental cars, and private hires that are reasonably affordable. However, bear in mind that Mexico is a little over 2,000 miles long from North to South, and certain forms of transportation will be more difficult than others (for example, if you’re taking a non-stop bus from Mexico City to Tijuana, it will be your cheapest option but it will also take 2-3 days).
Find the best option for you while keeping in mind that public transportation may be a bit overwhelming if you do not speak Spanish.
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