Island in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Holbox
Car-free sand-street island north of the Yucatán, with whale sharks in summer, flamingos and bioluminescence, popular with solo travelers. Remote, pricey for Mexico, and short on healthcare, cash and reliable power.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,760–2,750Comfortable, one person · MX$32,000–50,000Details
- Value for money40/100Better value than 39% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; island water is brackish and unsafe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–66Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFerry from ChiquiláWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at hotels and some restaurants, but connections fail.Details
Where to stay in Holbox
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (around the plaza) | Walkable core: restaurants, hostels, bars, shops |
| Beachfront west | Quieter hotels and wide beach; short walk to Centro |
| East side / Punta Cocos | Quiet, remote, sunsets; golf cart or bike needed |
Apps that work in Holbox
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: No ride apps or cars; use golf-cart taxis, bikes or walk. Agree the fare first, and pay in cash.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mostly cash Cards work at hotels and some restaurants, but connections fail. Cash for taxis, tacos, tours and small shops; ATMs often empty.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.