Climate
Baja California has a tropical desert climate with very little rainfall. The temperatures are between 20°C (68°F) in January and 35°C (95°F) in September.
The Socorro Islands have a tropical climate with little rainfall. The temperatures are between 24°C (75°F) in January and 35°C (95°F) in August. Yucatan has a humid climate. The average air temperatures vary depending on the season between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F).
Language
The official language is Spanish. There are over 80 Indian languages. About 8% of the population speak only Indian languages. English is spoken in all larger cities.
Health
Tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B vaccinations are highly recommended. Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. Please consult with them to get up to date and personal health advice for your trip.
The standard of medical facilities provided by private hospitals in Mexico and other major cities is reasonable. Outside major cities, however, facilities can be very limited. Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care. Island resorts may lack comprehensive medical facilities.
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in some rural areas, including resorts in these areas. There is a high risk of transmission in some locations in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca; moderate risk in the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Tabasco; and low risk in Campeche, Durango, Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Veracruz and Yucatan. Dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases (including Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, typhoid, tuberculosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling.
In addition to difficulties caused by high altitude, visitors to Mexico City may experience health problems caused by air pollution, which is at its peak during the winter months. Visitors with heart, lung or respiratory problems are advised to consult their doctors before travelling.
Currency
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted. We recommend to also carry small amounts of USD cash in small notes for incidentals.
Electricity
110 volts, for the sockets a US adapter is needed.
Exit requirements
For international flights on departure the following charges are made, which must be paid in cash (as of Jul 10):
USD 18-29.00 (depending on the airports)
Drinking Water
We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw or undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
