Travel Summary Current as of 22 May 2012 on going

Travel Summary Current as of 22 May 2012 (and On Going).

Authorities in Mexico have raised the alert level for the Popocatépetl volcano which lies about 65 km southeast of Mexico City, due to increasing activity. It is now at the fifth step on a seven-level warning scale. The volcano continues to have elevated levels of seismicity, and produces frequent steam and ash emissions rising about 1 km above the crater.  No one has been evacuated yet, but the alert level has been raised as a precaution.
    An earthquake, reported to be 5.7 on the Richter scale, was felt on Friday 13 April in Mexico City. The epicentre is reported as being 9km Southwest of Pinotepa Nacional, in the state of Oaxaca. There are no reports of any damage or casualties.
    
    Most visits to Mexico are trouble-free but crime and kidnappings can be a problem, particularly in urban areas. See Safety and Security - General and Safety and Security - Crime.

    We advise against all but essential travel to Ciudad Juarez, where there is a high level of drug-related violence and criminal activity.  There has been an increase in violent incidents in the northern states of Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, including in and around Monterrey and the border areas of Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and in Tampico. We advise against all but essential land crossings between the US and Mexico in Ciudad Juarez following an alert issued by the US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez on 15 July 2011. See Safety and Security – General, Safety and Security – Crime, Safety and Security - State-specific Information  (Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas) and Safety and Security – Road Travel.

    There has been a significant rise in bus hijackings, car-jackings, abductions, robberies and illegal roadblocks in the Monterrey metropolitan area and on highways leading from Monterrey to the US border areas across the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. You should exercise extreme caution when travelling on the highways between Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa, as there have been reports of disappearances. See Safety and Security – General, Safety and Security - Crime, Safety and Security - State-specific Information (Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas), and Safety and Security - Road Travel.

    There have been a number of violent car-jackings and robberies along the Pacific Highway. You should exercise particular caution along this route, travel in convoy where possible, and avoid travel at night. See Safety and Security - General, Safety and Security - Crime, Safety and Security - State-specific Information (Sinaloa), and Safety and Security - Road Travel.

    The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.  See Natural Disasters - Hurricanes.

    295,831 British Nationals visited Mexico in 2010 (Source: Instituto Nacional de Migración). See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.

    There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.

    You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and security
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Safety and Security - General

Millions of foreign visitors, including approximately 300,000 British nationals, safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border with the US every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million foreign residents who live in Mexico.

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However, crime and violence are serious problems in Mexico. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation does pose risks for British nationals as well. See Safety and Security - State-specific Information for further details about the security situation in individual states.

The Mexican government makes efforts to protect foreign visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta have historically not seen the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the northern border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes.

You are advised to travel only during daylight hours throughout Mexico, to avoid isolated roads, and to use toll roads (“cuotas”) whenever possible. You should keep your car doors locked at all times and the windows shut, especially at traffic lights. You should seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track, stay abreast of media coverage of events in the areas to or through which you intend to travel, and ensure that trusted contacts are aware of your travel plans. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times and be aware of the risks of travelling to certain areas in Mexico. Security considerations should always be factored into your travel plans. While British nationals are unlikely to be specifically targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Street crime in Mexico is a serious problem throughout all of the major cities, including in the tourist resort areas. 62 cases of lost or stolen passports were reported to the Embassy in 2010. Dress down and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Be particularly alert on public transport, at airports, bus stations and tourist sites. Passengers have been robbed and/or assaulted by unlicensed taxi drivers, particularly in Mexico City. At airports, use only authorised prepaid airport taxi services. In Mexico City, use better regulated “sitio” taxis from authorised cab ranks. The majority of crimes involving taxis in Mexico City occur in Ixtapalapa.

During March 2012 there were a number of muggings in the Parque Nacional de las Cumbres del Ajusco in the south of Mexico City. These appeared to be coordinated and targeted assaults, with the presence of weapons. One report suggested that the assault was carried out by masked men dressed as police. We recommend that you exercise extreme caution in this area.

Theft on buses is also common; only use them during daylight hours and then only first-class buses if possible. There have been reports of bus hijackings and robberies on toll roads ("cuotas") but buses on toll roads have a lower rate of incidents than buses (second and third class) that travel the less secure free ("libre") roads. Most first-class bus companies perform security checks when passengers board buses but armed robberies and even kidnappings of entire bus loads of passengers have been reported, particularly in the border states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. You should stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings when travelling by bus.

Women travelling on their own should be particularly alert. There have been incidents of rapes on urban buses ("micros") on routes in the south of Mexico City. Most attacks have occurred early in the morning or late at night. A number of serious sexual offences have also occurred in tourist areas in Cancun. Care should be taken even in areas close to hotels, especially after dark.  See our Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad page.
The vast majority of British businesses have not been prevented from operating in Mexico by the security situation although many Mexican and foreign businesses choose to hire private security. Business travellers should keep a close watch on their briefcases and luggage even at apparently secure locations such as the lobby of their hotel.
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Pick-pocketing is common on the Mexico City Metro. Exercise caution when withdrawing money from ATMs or exchanging money at a Bureau de Change; it is safer to use ATMs only during daylight hours and inside shops or malls. Avoid ATMs when they are being refilled, as there has been an increase in the number of armed robberies during these transactions. You are advised to limit the amount of cash or credit/debit cards you carry with you, given the risk of theft and/or “express kidnapping” (where victims are required to withdraw money from a cash point in order to obtain their release).

Be wary of strangers approaching you in person or contacting you by telephone, requesting personal information or financial help. They may be part of a scam operation. In particular, be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest you for no apparent reason. There have been instances of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by persons who may or may not be police officers. When in doubt, ask for identification and if possible note the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number.

Foreign visitors and residents may be targeted by scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can pose great financial loss to victims. If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to Mexico make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it.

Exercise caution when accepting food, drinks or rides from strangers. Do not leave your food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Cases of travellers being robbed or assaulted after being drugged have been reported.

Safety and Security - Kidnapping

Short-term opportunistic kidnapping - called "express kidnapping" - can be a problem in Mexico, particularly in urban areas. Victims are required to withdraw funds from credit or debit cards at a cash point to obtain their release.  Where victims have friends or relatives living locally, a ransom may be demanded from them.

Longer-term kidnapping for financial gain also occurs, and there have been allegations of complicity by police officers. Where practical, you should be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in locations where you may be overheard by third parties.

Safety and Security - Serious Violence

Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over the past year. In 2010, there were 15,273 victims of drug-related violence in Mexico compared with 9,614 in 2009. A detailed state-by-state breakdown of homicide figures can be found in an official database on the Mexican Presidency website http://www.presidencia.gob.mx/?DNA=119 (in Spanish only).

Drug-related violence is concentrated in specific areas in Mexico and some regions are almost completely spared. According to the Mexican authorities, at least 89% of the fatalities are suspected gang members killed in turf wars between the different organisations that compete for control of trafficking routes into the US. Drug-related violence is a particular problem in the states of Baja California (Norte). Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Sonora and , Tamaulipas. There has been an increase over the past 12 months in the number of crimes, murders, firefights and roadblocks linked to drug turf wars, including in areas away from the US border. The security situation is fluid and armed clashes between security forces and drug groups are commonplace in certain areas, and can occur at any time without warning.
Drug-related violence, however, is concentrated in specific areas in Mexico and some regions are almost completely spared. According to official figures, approximately 70% of the homicides committed since December 2006 have taken place in only 85 of the 2,438 municipalities around Mexico. At least 89% of the fatalities are suspected gang members killed in turf wars between the different organisations that compete for control of trafficking routes into the US.
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Sporadic outbursts of politically motivated violence also occur from time to time in certain areas of the country, particularly in the southern states of Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca.

Safety and Security - State- specific Information

The following state-specific information has been compiled based on those states which, according to official Mexican sources, reported the highest numbers of drug-related killings in 2010. In addition, significant events in other states have also been highlighted. The omission of a particular state in the guidance which follows does not, however, mean that the state in question is immune to drug-related violence.

Baja California (Norte)

There were 540 drug-related killings in Baja California (Norte) in 2010. Public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centres and other public venues as well as large firefights have occurred in Tijuana.

Chiapas

Sporadic outbursts of politically-motivated violence occur in Chiapas. Due to local land disputes, you may encounter unofficial roadblocks, including on main roads, manned by local groups, who are generally seeking money for an unofficial local toll.

Chihuahua

There were 4,427 drug-related killings in the state of Chihuahua in 2010. Because of the continued high levels of violence in Ciudad Juarez, we advise against all but essential travel to Ciudad Juarez.

Foreign visitors and residents have been among the victims of violent, drug related incidents in this region.

On 15th July 2011 the US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez issued the following alert to US citizens:

"Information has come to light that suggests a cartel may be targeting the US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez or US ports of entry. In the past, cartels have been willing to utilise car bombs in attacks. We ask American citizens to remain vigilant".

We therefore advise against all but essential Mexican-US border crossings in Ciudad Juarez at this time.

Coahuila

There were 384 drug-related killings in Coahuila in 2010. The area known as “La Laguna” in the state of Coahuila, which includes the city of Torreon, has experienced increases in violence. Torreon has seen a number of violent attacks, many of which were carried out in bars and restaurants.

Durango

There were 834 drug-related killings in the state of Durango in 2010. The cities of Durango and Gomez Palacio have experienced sharp increases in violence, including in popular restaurants and bars.

Guerrero (including Acapulco)

There were 1,137 drug-related killings in Guerrero in 2010. There continues to be a high level of drug-related murders and violent acts in Acapulco and the state of Guerrero more generally. Sporadic outbursts of politically motivated violence also occur from time to time in Guerrero.
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Local authorities in the state of Guerrero reported that two Mexican tourists were killed in a gun attack at a restaurant on the main oceanfront avenue in the tourist zone in Acapulco on 18 July 2011. Two other people were wounded. State police say an undetermined number of attackers fired guns into a restaurant on the city’s main Miguel Aleman boulevard. The shooting came one day after a gunman standing near the shoreline avenue fired at swimmers in the Bay of Acapulco.

On 12 December 2011, a student protest turned violent near the town of Chilpancingo resulting in the death of two students. The incident happened on the motorway that connects Mexico City to Acapulco, blocking the normal flow of traffic.

Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara)

There were 593 drug-related killings in Jalisco in 2010. Guadalajara - Mexico's second largest city - has seen a sharp rise in drug-related violence over the past twelve months, including isolated incidents of grenade attacks. In early February 2011, a series of road blockades were set up in various sections of the Guadalajara metropolitan area, including the main highway between Guadalajara and the international airport.

Michoacán

There were 520 drug-related killings in Michoacán in 2010. There are high levels of organised crime in Michaocán, particularly in remote rural areas and major cities such as Morelia.

Nayarit

There were 377 drug-related killings in the state of Nayarit in 2010. The number of drug-related murders in Nayarit has increased dramatically over the past year.

Nuevo Leon (including Monterrey)

There were 620 drug-related killings in the state of Nuevo Leon in 2010. There have been incidents where drug trafficking organizations have set up vehicle “checkpoints” and roadblocks leading to an increase in car-jackings in Monterrey and other major cities in the state, including on the main road to Monterrey airport.

There has been a significant rise in bus hijackings, car-jackings, abductions, robberies and illegal roadblocks in the Monterrey metropolitan area and on highways leading from Monterrey to the US border across the state of Nuevo Leon. You should exercise extreme caution when travelling on the highways between Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa, as there have been reports of disappearances. On 25 August 2011 at least 52 people died in a fire in Monterrey, following a daylight arson attack on a casino by an armed criminal group.

On 8 July 2011 at least 17 people were killed and several injured when a gunman opened fire in a bar in the city centre of Monterrey.

On 15 June 2011 Monterrey registered 32 killings in one day linked to organized crime in 12 separate incidents in five districts of the City, including the San Pedro district. The victims included two of the Nuevo Leon State Governor's security team. There have also been some grenade attacks in and around the city.

On 17 January 2011, six people were killed - including two bystanders - during a shootout between rival gang members in front of a convenience store in Monterrey.

Oaxaca
Sporadic outbursts of politically motivated violence occur from time to time in Oaxaca. The Mexican Authorities caution against travel to the area around the town of San Juan Copala.
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San Luis Potosi

On 15 February 2011, two US immigration and customs agents were shot - one fatally - in an attack on their car near the city of San Luis Potosi. US officials state that the agents were driving along Highway 57 between Mexico City and Monterrey.

Sinaloa

There were 1,815 drug-related killings in Sinaloa in 2010. There have been several incidents of vehicles on Highway 15 in Sinaloa being stopped at checkpoints and money being extorted. The Head of Public Security for Sinaloa State has advised Mexican citizens to travel in convoy on the Pacific Highway where possible. We advise British citizens to exercise particular caution along this route, to travel in convoy where possible, and to avoid travelling at night. 

Sonora

There were 495 drug-related killings in Sonora in 2010. The border crossings at Nogales and Agua Prieta in Sonora are known drug routes into the US, and should be treated with extreme caution.

Tamaulipas

There were 1,209 drug-related killings in Tamaulipas in 2010. There has been a significant rise in bus hijackings, car-jackings, abductions, robberies and illegal roadblocks on highways leading from Monterrey to the US border across the state of Tamaulipas. You should exercise extreme caution when travelling on the highways between Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa, as there have been reports of disappearances. There have been violent incidents and gun battles in and around the cities of Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Matamoros and Tampico.

In April 2011, mass graves containing at least 177 bodies were found in the municipality of San Fernando, near the US border. Most of the victims are thought to have been abducted from long-distance buses travelling north to the US border. The bodies of 72 Central and South American migrants were found in the same area in 2010.

Veracruz

There were 179 drug-related killings in the state of Veracruz in 2010. In recent months, Veracruz state has seen an upsurge in violence blamed on a struggle between rival drug cartels for control of drug smuggling routes.

In late September 2011 in the city of Veracruz, 35 bodies were dumped on a highway beside a major tourist destination and the following day, 14 more bodies were found in the city. The local authorities said the victims belonged to rival drug cartels. The Federal Government has sent reinforcements to the state in response.

Safety and Security - Road Travel

While violent incidents have occurred at all hours of the day and night on both modern toll ("cuotas") highways and on secondary roads, they have occurred most frequently at night and on isolated roads. Incidents of car-jackings and bus hijackings have increased significantly, particularly in the northern border areas. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times. To reduce risk, you are strongly urged to travel only during daylight hours throughout Mexico, to avoid isolated roads, and to use toll roads whenever possible. You should keep your car doors locked at all times and the windows shut, especially at traffic lights. Due to instances of violent car-jackings and robberies along the Pacific Highway, you should travel in convoy where possible. You should also be aware that motorists in Mexico travelling in large camper vans or sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have been targeted by organised crime groups. See Safety and Security – General.

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The Mexican style of driving and standards are very different from the UK. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly, and beware of potholes, slow moving vehicles, vehicles changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many local drivers do not have any form of car insurance.

Incidents of car-jackings and bus hijackings have increased significantly, particularly in the border areas.  Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If surveillance is detected or suspected, call the local police, then proceed to a police station, fire station, or other public safe haven.

In order to reduce air pollution, Mexico City and some other regions of the country have introduced restrictions on driving such as forbidding cars from entering certain areas on particular days, based on their number plates. This applies equally to permanent, temporary and foreign plates. These regulations are strictly enforced and offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle.

There is an additional driving restriction in Mexico City, where vehicles without plates from the State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) or the Federal District (DF) are not permitted to enter Mexico City from Monday to Friday, 05:00 to 11:00.  For more information (only in Spanish) visit http://www.sma.df.gob.mx/.

Due to local land disputes, you may encounter unofficial roadblocks, including on main roads, manned by local groups, who are generally seeking money for an unofficial local toll.

UK and International Driving licences are valid in Mexico.

Safety and Security - Sea Travel

If you visit Mexican beach resorts, you should be aware that sports and aquatic equipment may not meet UK safety standards and may not be covered with any accident insurance. This applies particularly to scuba diving, parasailing and using jet-skis. Check that your own travel insurance covers these activities if you decide to rent equipment or take classes.

Shark attacks are relatively rare in Mexico. However, caution should be taken in coastal areas, particularly when surfing.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Mexico Country Profile

Mexico is an established multiparty democracy and outbreaks of political violence are rare. Political demonstrations, however, can occur across the country. These can be tense, confrontational and could potentially turn violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in. You should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media.

The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participation in activities such as demonstrations may result in detention and/or deportation.

Tourists are not permitted to undertake voluntary (including Human Rights) work, or activity, or any form of paid employment. If you wish to carry out this type of work it is essential that you obtain the correct visa. Your nearest Mexican Embassy can provide further information.
Local laws and customs

The police sometimes ask foreigners to show some form of identification. You may wish to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and important documents and leave the originals in a safe place.

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Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe.  Convictions carry very long sentences – up to 25 years.

Although civil unions between same sex partners are now legal in Mexico City and the state of Coahuila, homosexuality in Mexico is generally tolerated, rather than accepted.  Public displays of affection between same sex couples may be frowned upon. See our Your trip page.
Entry requirements

Entry Requirements - Visas

If you are visiting Mexico as a tourist you do not need a visa, but you do need a tourist card which can be obtained by completing an immigration form available at border crossings or onboard flights to Mexico. Alternatively they can be obtained from Mexican Consulates prior to travel. 

Tourists are not permitted to undertake voluntary (including Human Rights) work, or activity, or any form of paid employment. If you wish to carry out this type of work it is essential that you obtain the correct visa. Your nearest Mexican Embassy can provide further information.

Certain adventure or eco-tourism activities (e.g. caving, potholing, entomology) may also require visas, especially if they involve any scientific or technological research. Be aware that the Mexican authorities may define scientific or technological research activities far more broadly than other countries. If in any doubt, check carefully with the Mexican Embassy in London well in advance of your visit and request written confirmation if necessary.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Mexico. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Mexico.

Entry  Requirements - Travelling with children

It is no longer a requirement that minors travelling alone or with only one parent need to have a notarised letter from their parents. Minors only need a valid passport to fulfil the general migration requirements applied to their nationality.

Entry Requirements - Travelling to Mexico via the US

British nationals travelling to Mexico via the USA, including those only transiting the USA, should seek information about entry requirements for passengers in transit from the US Embassy in London. If you do not have the correct authorisation you will be refused travel to or transit through the US.

Further information can be found on the FCO’s US Travel Advice .

Entry Requirements - Working in Mexico

Tourists are not permitted to undertake voluntary work or any form of paid employment. If you intend to work in Mexico you should obtain the proper visa before travelling.

Entry Requirements - Imports

You should not bring meat or dairy products to Mexico. The importation of these products from the EU is prohibited.

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Entry Requirements - Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Mexico.

Health

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

In January 2012, 573 cases of A(H1N1) influenza cases were reported nationwide, resulting in 10 deaths. Mexico is currently passing through its colder winter season when infection rates and deaths are expected to peak. For further information on H1N1, please see the NaTHNaC website.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Hygiene standards vary in Mexico. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from persistent diarrhoea during a visit to Mexico seek immediate medical attention. Exercise caution before purchasing food and unbottled drinks from street vendors.

On arrival in Mexico City and other high altitude areas, you may feel a lack of energy, shortness of breath or headaches. Allow for a short period of adjustment when making your travel plans.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 220,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mexico were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 060 or 065 or 068 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.


Natural disasters

Natural Disasters - Hurricanes

The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center, and check with local authorities or your tour operator for any changes to your onward travel plans. See our Tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

Natural Disasters - Earthquakes

Most of Mexico is subject to earthquakes, and tremors occur regularly particularly in the state of Oaxaca. The Ministry of Civil Protection has published advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake has struck (in Spanish only).

An earthquake of 7.8 magnitude was felt on 20 March 2012 in Mexico City. The epicentre was close to the town of Ometepec in the southern state of Guerrero. Eleven people were reported as injured. There were no reports of casualties or major damage in Mexico City.

Natural Disasters - Volcanoes

The Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes are both active and they are closed to the public. There are danger zones around both, the size of which can change depending on the current level of activity. Updated information on their current status can be found for Colima (reports available in Spanish) and for Popocatepetl (reports in English).

General

General - Insurance
You should take out travel and medical insurance when you visit Mexico. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Be aware that not all hospitals will agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and you should be prepared to pay for treatment yourself up front and then seek a refund. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

295,831 British nationals visited Mexico in 2010 (Source: Instituto Nacional de Migración). 89 British nationals required consular assistance in Mexico in the period April 2010 - March 2011 for the following types of incident: 12 deaths; 23 hospitalisations; and 19 arrests, for a variety of offences.

General - Language

English is not widely spoken outside the main cities. Basic Spanish phrases are essential.

General - Safety in hotels

Building specifications are different in Mexico. In some hotels, balcony balustrades may not be at the same height as you would find in the UK or elsewhere in Europe and there is a risk of falling.

General - Purchasing property

Before buying property in Mexico, you should seek advice from a reputable and professionally qualified lawyer.

General - Money

American Dollar travellers' cheques and notes are more easily exchanged throughout Mexico than sterling equivalents. But UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted, including by ATMs.  It is not possible to exchange American dollars in cash at hotel receptions – this can only be done at banks and Bureaux de Change. See the Crime section of this travel advice for more details about using ATMs and Bureaux de Change.