Mexico is easy to enjoy and easy to misunderstand. Most travel issues here don’t come from danger, but from not knowing how payments, transport, and local systems actually work.

This page covers practical travel fundamentals for Mexico — the things that matter before you arrive, not after something goes wrong.

What travelers misjudge in Mexico

Mexico feels familiar to many visitors, which creates false confidence. In reality:

  • card acceptance varies by city and business type
  • ATM fees and limits differ widely
  • safety depends more on location and behavior than on headlines
  • transport works differently city by city

Knowing these differences upfront prevents unnecessary problems.

Payments, cash, and ATMs

Mexico runs on a mixed system. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but cash is still essential for daily expenses.

ATMs are reliable, but fees, withdrawal limits, and bank networks matter more than travelers expect.

→ See: Cash vs card in Mexico
→ See: ATM fees and withdrawal limits in Mexico
→ See: Best travel credit cards for Mexico

Internet and mobile access

Mobile coverage in Mexico is solid, but tourists often overpay for connectivity or choose SIM options that don’t fit their travel plans.

Understanding the difference between local SIMs and eSIMs helps you stay connected without unnecessary cost.

→ See: Best SIM cards for tourists in Mexico
→ See: eSIM vs physical SIM in Mexico

Transport and getting around

Mexico doesn’t have a single “default” transport solution. What works in Mexico City may be useless in smaller cities or coastal areas.

Ride-hailing apps, local taxis, buses, and domestic flights all have different rules and safety considerations.

→ See: How transport works in Mexico
→ See: Best transport apps for Mexico

Entry rules and length of stay

Mexico’s entry system is simple on paper but often misunderstood in practice, especially regarding length of stay and entry stamps.

→ See: Mexico entry rules explained
→ See: How long can you stay in Mexico

Safety, risk, and common scams

Mexico’s safety profile depends heavily on where you go and how you move. Tourists rarely encounter serious issues, but scams and petty crime target predictable behaviors.

→ See: Common scams targeting tourists in Mexico
→ See: Is Mexico safe for tourists?

Useful apps for Mexico

Everyday travel in Mexico is easier with the right apps for transport, navigation, payments, and communication.

→ See: Must-have apps for traveling in Mexico

This page functions as a starting framework, not a destination guide. Each linked article explains one system in depth so travelers can plan before arrival.