Maria Fernanda y Nicolo

Q+A

Currency

In Mexico the local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). One USD is equivalent to around $ 20 MXN. You can easily exchange your currency at the airport, banks, or exchange offices. If you have a multi-currency card your best option could be withdrawing directly at an ATM. ATMs are widely available.

Almost all businesses accept credit and debit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or markets.

Language

The official language of Mexico is Spanish, not Mexican. While Spanish is widely spoken across the country, many people in tourist areas also understand basic English.

Learning a few common Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and interactions. Simple greetings like "Hola" (Hello) , "Cuánto es?" (How much it is), or"Gracias" (Thank you).

In Mérida, you may also hear Yucatec Maya spoken by some people, especially in rural areas.

Safety

We know safety is a priority, and many of you enjoy watching “Narcos”. Mérida is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Mexico, known for its low crime rates and friendly atmosphere offering a welcoming and secure environment for both tourists and locals. Mérida is a city with a very low crime rate, especially in comparison to other cities in Mexico. Violent crime is rare, and the city has a strong sense of community and family, which contributes to its overall safety.

Though violent crime is rare, like in many tourist destinations, petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching can occur in busy tourist areas or markets, so stay alert.

Uber

Uber works in Mérida, as well you can arrange private transportation or request the hotel to order a taxi from an official site. Avoid stopping taxis in the street.

Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a Mexican tradition honoring deceased loved ones, believing their spirits return to visit. The holiday blends indigenous beliefs and Spanish influences, with families creating altars (ofrendas) decorated with photos, candles, marigolds, and favorite foods of the deceased.

The celebration is joyful, not somber, with parades, music, and dancing; is a festive celebration of life, reflecting a unique view of death as part of the ongoing cycle of life.

In Mérida the celebration in named Hanal Pixan (pronounced ha-nawl peesh-awn) translates to “food for the souls” in the Maya language. Mérida will host a “Festival de las Ánimas” (Souls Festivity) from the 26th of October till the 2nd of November.

Weather

Expect sunshine, warm vibes, and maybe a cloud or two trying to crash the party. Mérida in late October is usually hot and humid with daytime temperatures between 29–32°C (85–90°F) and nighttime cooling down to a comfy 21–24°C (70–75°F). It’s hot during the day, breezy and pleasant at night. Pack your sunscreen, swimsuit, breathable outfits, and dancing shoes. Bonus: occasional breezes may appear just to show off your outfit.

Visa

To make your travel planning a breeze, here’s a quick guide to Mexico’s entry requirements:

No Visa Needed (Lucky You!)

You can enter Mexico as a tourist for up to 180 days without a visa if:

You are a citizen of one of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, European Union countries, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Jamaica, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.
You hold a permanent resident permit from one of the following countries: Canada, Japan, a Schengen Area country, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
You hold a valid multiple-entry visa from one of the following countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, any Schengen Area country, or Japan.

Visa Needed

If you're not in any of the categories listed above, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa before your trip. Please check with your nearest Mexican consulate well in advance. Let us know if you need us to send you an invitation letter.