Mountain town in Chiapas, Mexico
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Cool highland town for backpackers, Spanish students and slow stays, with Maya villages and canyons nearby. Cold nights, road blockades and a long trip from any airport are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$988–1,540Comfortable, one person · MX$18,000–28,000Details
- Value for money70/100Better value than 69% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Apr, 25°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$16–38Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundColectivo vanVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in some restaurants, hotels and shops; markets, colectivos, tours and Maya villages are cash only.Details
Where to stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro and Andador Real de Guadalupe | First stays: hostels, cafés, walkable to everything |
| Barrio de Guadalupe and Barrio de Mexicanos | Quieter streets, local food and longer rentals |
| Barrio de la Merced and Real de Guadalupe north | Bars, live music and social hostels |
Apps that work in San Cristóbal de las Casas
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps. Use hotel-called or street taxis with fixed town fares; confirm the price before getting in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mostly cash Cards work in some restaurants, hotels and shops; markets, colectivos, tours and Maya villages are cash only. Withdraw before day trips.
- 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.