Northern Central Highlands Mexico Travel Guide
For most nationalities, including United States, Canadian, United Kingdom, European Union (Schengen Area), Australia, and Japan, a visa is not for tourist stays up to 180 days. A valid passport is sufficient. Other nationalities may require a visa. Check the official Mexican Embassy or Consulate website in your country well in advance.
A valid passport is a must, at at least six months after you leave date. The FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), a tourist card, is often given by airlines or at land borders. Keep the stamped portion safe for your exit. Proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds are advisable, even though not always requested. No direct entry fee exists for air travelers as the FMM cost is typically included in airline tickets. Land entry might have a separate FMM fee.
Generally, no special permits are for standard tourist activities. Health-related entry requirements currently do not include proof of inoculation or negative tests for common diseases for regular sightseeing. Always confirm with your doctor for personalized health advice and routine vaccination updates.
For a certain type of visa application assistance, consider these assets: IVisa (consumer visa application service) or VisaHQ (direct visa and passport service website).
Keep your VISITOR permit card safe.
You must surrender the physical THE tourist card for mexico as you leave Mexico.
Losing the FMM can result in a fine and delays at the airport.
Check its expiry date.
Your passport's validity must be for at least six months beyond your planned departure.
An expired or soon-to-expire passport could cause denial of boarding or entry.
Confirm requirements for your nationality.
Begin the visa application process well in advance of your travel dates.
Visa applications may take several weeks or months to process.
The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol is $, often written as MXN$. Exchange rates fluctuate. ATMs generally offer the best rates; use ATMs inside banks or major shopping centers. Notify your bank of travel plans. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in larger venues; choose to pay in MXN. Cash is for street food, markets, small shops, and tipping. Always carry small denominations.
Tipping (propina) is customary. 10-15% is standard for restaurant service; 20% for exceptional service. Tipping for regular taxi rides is not customary, but rounding up is fine. MXN 20-50 per bag for bellhops. MXN 50-100 per person per hour for group tour guides. MXN 10-20 for gas station attendants. MXN 5-10 for supermarket baggers. MXN 10-20 for performers on the street.
Hostel dorm (200-400), street food/comedores (300-500), walking/local bus (50-100), free/inexpensive attractions (100-300).
Mid-range hotel (800-2,000), local/nicer restaurants (600-1,000), walking/taxi/Uber (100-300), paid attractions/tours (300-600).
High-end hotel (2,500+), fine dining (1,200+), private transfers (400+), exclusive tours/exclusive experiences (800+).
Hostel: 200-400, Budget Hotel: 500-1,000, Mid-Range: 1,000-2,500, Luxury: 2,500+.
Street Food: 30-100, Area Cafe: 80-150, Mid-Range: 250-600, Fine Dining: 800+.
Guanajuato is considered safe for tourists, especially in the historic city center. However, common sense and awareness are always advisable.
Traveler'indigestion is a common ailment. Only drink bottled or purified water. Don't drink tap water and ice unless confirmed safe. Eat hot, freshly cooked food from reputable places. Carry Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium and rehydration salts.
Guanajuato City has public hospitals for basic care. Private clinics and hospitals offer higher standards, often using English-staff who speak, but require immediate payment or direct billing via travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available for OTC and some prescription medications.
The cost of a trip varies widely by travel style, from budget to luxury. Guanajuato offers options for every budget, with numerous free attractions and affordable local food.
Guanajuato offers many ways to save money without sacrificing experience. The city's beauty is its own attraction; discovering on foot allows for admiration of architecture, plazas, and alleys. Views from El Pípila Monument are free if you walk up the hill. Local markets may allow some price negotiation, but this is less common in fixed-price shops.
Travel during the low or shoulder season for better deals on flights and accommodations. Carrying a Reusable water bottle saves money on Bottled water and lessens plastic waste.
Local Bus: MXN 7-10 for each ride. Short Taxi: MXN 50-100. Long Taxi: MXN 100-150. Ride-sharing (Uber/Didi): Comparable to taxis.
Local buses are a fraction of the cost of taxis or ride-shares.
Taxis and ride-sharing are more expensive for short distances.
Diego Rivera House Museum: MXN 30-50. Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum: MXN 50-70. Mummy Museum: MXN 90-100. El Pípila Funicular: MXN 30 (one way). Teatro Juárez: MXN 30 (lobby).
Many of Guanajuato's attractions, like its plazas and architecture, are free to explore on foot.
Museum entry fees are generally affordable, but cumulative costs add up.
Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency. ATMs have the best exchange rates. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in larger venues.
ATMs inside banks are secure and give good rates.
Always pay in MXN with credit cards to get your bank's rate.
| Category | Accommodation (per night, MXN) | Meals (per person, MXN) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostel Dorm: 200-400 | Street Food: 30-100 per item |
| Mid-Range | Hotel/Boutique: 1,000-2,500 | Local Dining spot/Set Lunch: 80-150 |
| Luxury | Hotel: 2,500+ | Fine Dining: 800+ |
A smooth trip starts with thorough pre-trip checks, covering all things from essential documents to health precautions.
Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations like Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid. Ensure routine shots are current.
Pack Anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, pain relievers, and any personal prescriptions in original containers.
Bring High SPF sunscreen, a Wide-brimmed hat, Sunglasses, and Insect repellent.
Guanajuato is generally safe for tourists. Keep your wits about you, especially in crowded areas.
Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur. Keep valuables secure in a Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet. Avoid displaying expensive items.
At night, keep to populated-lit main streets. Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services (Uber/Didi). Mexico is earthquake-prone; be aware of basic security measures ("Duck, Cover, Hold On").
Emergency number for Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911.
A valid passport is a must. Keep your physical FMM (tourist card) safe for leaving. Losing it may lead to fines.
Carry digital and printed copies of your policy, including emergency contacts. Insurance for medical emergencies and evacuation is strongly recommended.
Keep copies of flight itineraries, accommodation bookings, and a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy.
These assets are for health-related coverage and safety items:
For managing your budget and getting compensated for flight issues:
AirHelp helps passengers get payment for delayed or canceled flights.
Find Money belts for secure storage of cash and passport.
Look for RFID-blocking wallets for card security.
