Got an invite to a destination wedding in Mexico? Lucky you!
As experts in destination weddings across Mexico and the Caribbean, we know how exciting (and maybe a little overwhelming) it can be to plan your trip.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything from visa and insurance to what to pack and how to make the most of your stay.
Ready? Let’s dive right in!
- Visa Requirements for Entering Mexico
- Customs Procedures
- Travel Insurance and Health Considerations
- Transportation Options in Mexico
- Currency Exchange and Payment Methods
- Packing Tips
- Cultural Etiquette and Customs
- Vaccination and Health Guidelines
- Phone Service and Wi-Fi
- What to Do if You Lose Your Passport
- Local Time Zones
- Activities Beyond the Wedding
The good news is that Mexican visa requirements are generally straightforward for most nationalities.
Hassle-free entry:
If you’re from:
- The U.S.
- Canada
- the European Union
- Argentina
- Australia
- Japan, or any other country mentioned here, you’re in luck!
You don’t need to stress about applying for a visa!
You can enter Mexico for up to 180 days as a tourist with just a valid passport.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates to avoid any issues at the border.
For guests from other countries, it’s essential to check Mexico’s visa requirements in advance.
Some nationalities might need to apply for a tourist visa, which can be done at a Mexican consulate.
It’s also worth noting that if you already have a valid U.S., Schengen, United Kingdom, Canadian, or Japanese multiple-entry visa, you can use that to enter Mexico without applying for a separate Mexican visa.
Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM)
Don’t forget to fill out the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), which is a tourist card you’ll receive on your flight or at the border.
Keep it safe because you’ll need to return it when you leave!
But, if you are flying in and out of the following airports, you don’t have to fill out the FMM anymore:
- Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
- Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
- Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Word of advice – double-check all these details before your trip as the rules and procedures can change.
The customs process is pretty straightforward when entering Mexico for a destination wedding.
Few things you need to know:
- Personal items like clothing, toiletries, and beauty products are fine to bring.
- Medications for personal use are fine as long as you also carry your prescription or a letter from your GP that states the amount of the medicine required, its duration, and its daily dose.
- Duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco are available – up to 3 liters of alcohol (wine, beer, or spirits) and up to 10 cigarette packs, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco if you are over 18 years of age.
- Bringing gifts for the couple? Make sure they’re within the duty-free limit of $500. Anything beyond that may be subject to taxes.
- Only 1 device is allowed. Please note that Cancun Airport is enforcing a rule that allows only one portable computer (like a laptop or tablet) per traveler. If you bring more, you could be taxed up to 19% of the device’s value. So, it’s best to stick to one device to avoid any extra charges or issues at customs.
As you go through customs, you might encounter Mexico’s red-light, green-light system depending on the airport.
It’s a bit like a game of chance! After passing customs, before exiting the baggage claim area, you’ll press a button: green means you’re good to go, red means security will be inspecting your bags!
Don’t worry if you get red – it’s routine, and as long as you’re not carrying anything prohibited, you’ll be through in no time.
Having said that, we’ve seen a few international terminals now scan your luggage.
So, depending on your airport of arrival, you might not even have to go through the red-light, green-light system.
This is a bit of a no-brainer.
You’ll want to make sure you’re protected when traveling to Mexico.
- it’s cheap
- it’ll reduce your stress
- save your behiney if something goes awry.
What if you get seriously sick? Get food poisoning? Get into a car accident or get injured? You don’t want to get stuck with a chunky medical bill!
So, when traveling to Mexico for a destination wedding, get travel insurance.
Whether it’s covering medical emergencies, missed flights, or lost luggage, having travel insurance helps you deal with unexpected instances.
Plus, Mexico may not always accept your home country’s health insurance, so this extra step can save you from hefty medical bills.
Don’t forget to check the policy coverage. Make sure it covers things like emergency medical evacuation for any activities you plan to do, like scuba diving, surfing, or zip-lining.
And if you need more detailed advice on travel insurance, feel free to check this out 👉Travel Insurance Explained: Costs, Coverage & Do You Need It?
You’ll need to get to the resort and back to the airport, at a minimum!
In Mexico, there are several local transport options to get around easily. The difference is costs and convenience.
1. Private Transportation Companies
The most popular option to get from the airport to your resort. The airport transportation companies or “airport transfers” offer a shuttle service directly from the airport to your resort.
It’s hassle-free, available at all major airports, and safe as long as you choose a reputable company. (read Google reviews)
2. Taxis
Widely available in most cities, taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through hotels. Just ensure you use official taxis or those from taxi stands (called “sitios”) for safety.
3. Uber and Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber operates in many major cities, including Mexico City, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta.
Like at home, it’s usually a safe and convenient option with upfront pricing. Ubers are NOT safe to use in Cancun and some other cities in Mexico. There have been serious conflicts between Uber drivers and local taxi drivers.
4. Colectivos (Shared Vans)
These minivans or buses run set routes, typically used by locals. They’re an affordable way to travel between towns or resorts but may not always have clear schedules.
5. ADO Buses
ADO busses are comfortable, long-distance buses that connect cities and tourist destinations.
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5. Renting a Car
Renting a car is also a great option if you’re an adventurous driver planning to explore beyond the wedding festivities. Just make sure to book in advance.
If the wedding couple booked through us, Paradise Weddings, our team can assist in booking rooms and arrange transport.
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
And while many places in tourist areas do accept U.S. dollars, it’s best to have some pesos on hand for small purchases, tips, or local shops that may not take foreign currency.
You can easily exchange money at the airport, banks, or currency exchange offices, but, in our experience, ATMs often give the best rates.
Also, most resorts, restaurants, and larger stores accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. Just be sure to notify your bank in advance if you’re using your debit or credit card to avoid any hiccups while abroad.
Pro tip – carry small bills because many places don’t break larger ones easily.
Warning – Don’t just pull money out of any ATM on the street. Choose one in your resort or inside a bank to avoid theft!
Our certified wedding specialists shared these packing tips with me to pass on to you! Please take notes!
Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool in the tropical weather.
- Flowy dresses, linen shirts, comfortable sandals for casual events and sightseeing.
- Multiple swimsuits will come in handy!
- Resort chic attire for the wedding – check our complete guide to destination wedding outfits for more details.
Weather Protection:
- Sunblock, sunglasses, and hats for sun protection.
- Insect repellent.
- Umbrella or rain jacket if you’re traveling during the rainy season (May to October).
Essential Items:
- Travel documents: passport, visa (if needed), any medical forms/prescriptions, and vaccination cards.
- Mexico uses Type A and Type B plugs (same as the U.S.). Pack a power adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
- Small day bag for excursions and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Keep photocopies and/or photos of your passport, travel insurance, and wedding invite.
Here are some useful cultural tips for tourists visiting Mexico:
- Greetings: A handshake or a hug is typical when meeting someone, and close acquaintances might give a single cheek kiss.
- Tipping: Tipping is expected in most service settings – 10-15% at restaurants is the norm. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides too expect tips.
- Dress Code: Dressing respectfully, especially in churches, at ancient Mayan temples, or in more formal settings, goes a long way.
- Respect for Traditions: If you’re attending local events or festivals, participate respectfully. Mexican culture values traditions, and showing interest in them is always appreciated.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion, and be mindful of the rich heritage and history of the country.
- Language: Even though English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Spanish phrases is always a good idea.
Although vaccinations aren’t required for entry into Mexico, we recommend speaking with your primary healthcare provider before traveling.
Staying connected during your trip to Mexico is super easy!
Many cell phone plans come with international services in Mexico so check with your provider or plan details to be sure you have coverage.
If you have an AT&T unlimited plan or any Verizon unlimited plan, your phone will operate just like it does in the United States, and you won’t have to pay any extra roaming charges or fees.
And if you don’t, that’s ok. You can either purchase a local SIM card from providers like Telcel or Movistar for affordable data and call plans, or check with your carrier about international roaming options.
Most resorts and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, perfect for messaging and calling via apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime.
And you can take advantage of Wi-Fi at cafes and restaurants. Just remember to stay secure.
In the unfortunate event that you lose your passport, here’s what you should do:
- Head to the nearest embassy or consulate of your country for assistance.
- Bring any identification you have, like a driver’s license, and any copies of your lost passport, as this will help speed up the process.
- You’ll need to fill out a passport application and provide a passport photo, which can often be taken nearby.
- Depending on your situation, you might be issued a temporary passport to help you continue your travels.
- It’s also a good idea to have emergency contacts saved on your phone, including the contact information for your country’s embassy.
- Finally, report the loss to the local authorities. This can help prevent identity theft.
Mexico’s Time Zones:
Mexico operates on 4 standard time zones that align with those in the contiguous United States.
Eastern Standard Time or (Zona Sureste) is Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum and the entire coast.
Central Standard Time or (Zona Centro) is most of the country, including Mexico City and much of Chihuahua.
Mountain Standard Time or (Zona Pacífico) is followed by the western regions such as Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora.
There are smaller time zones at the extremes:
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- Baja California (bordering California) is on Pacific Standard Time (Zona Noroeste).
- Quintana Roo, the easternmost state, observes Eastern Standard Time (Zona Sureste).
Tips for Adjusting to the Time Difference:
- If you’re arriving from a significantly different time zone, start adapting your schedule a few days before your trip.
- Try going to bed and waking up an hour earlier or later, based on your current time zone, to ease into the change.
- Once you arrive in Mexico, spend some time outdoors in natural light to help reset your internal clock and reduce feelings of jet lag.
- Note that Mexico eliminated Daylight Saving Time (DST) in most areas as of October 30, 2022.
While attending a destination wedding in Mexico, you have plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the country.
Here are some fun activities we recommend:
Sightseeing
Discover the rich history of Mexico by visiting ancient ruins, like the Mayan pyramids at Tulum or Chichén Itzá.
Beach Days
Relax on Mexico’s beautiful beaches!
Whether you prefer the lively shores of Cancun or Playa del Carmen, or the peace of Akumal or Puerto Vallarta, there’s a beach for everyone.
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or try out water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Local Cuisine
Don’t miss out on sampling authentic Mexican food and booze!
We highly recommend joining a local food tour to taste delicious street tacos, tamales, fresh chilaquiles, or traditional mole.
Cooking and mixology classes are also a fantastic way to dive into Mexican flavors.
Adventure Activities
For the thrill-seekers, Mexico is packed with adventure!
From zip-lining through jungles to cenote diving, surfing, desert ATV rides, and hiking in stunning national parks, there are countless ways to get your adrenaline pumping.
We’re here for you!
Whether you need to find a resort for your stay, or need advice on a dress code, we can help.
Our certified team at ParadiseWeddings.com has planned over 1000 weddings, so you can trust us – we know our stuff!
Call us today at 877-737-0177 or contact us here for a free consultation.
Can’t wait to hear from you!
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