Capital city, Mexico
Mexico City
Latin America's best city for food, art and nomad life: deep culture, cheap eating and a huge social scene. Altitude, air quality, traffic, earthquakes and uneven safety by neighborhood are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,920–3,020Comfortable, one person · MX$35,000–55,000Details
- Value for money24/100Better value than 23% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Apr, 28°CDetails
- Air quality22 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2016) · PollutedDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink garrafón or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$38–110Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in chains, restaurants and hotels; cash for taquerías, markets, tips and Metro tickets.Details
Where to stay in Mexico City
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Roma Norte | First-timers and nomads: cafés, restaurants, nightlife, walkable |
| Condesa | Parks, dog walkers, quieter streets, strong café culture |
| Juárez | Cheaper than Roma, central, lively LGBTQ+ and bar scene |
| Polanco | Upscale hotels, museums, safest feel, pricey |
| Coyoacán | Quiet, colonial, student feel; far from the center |
Apps that work in Mexico City
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Do not hail taxis in the street; use apps or hotel-called sitio taxis. At the airport use the official booth.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in chains, restaurants and hotels; cash for taquerías, markets, tips and Metro tickets.
- 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
Going to Mexico City solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Mexico City meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.