Should I carry my passport with me in Mexico?

U.S. Embassy & Consulates. in Mexico
When traveling in Mexico, the law requires that foreign visitors carry a passport and entry permit.


Should I leave my passport in the hotel in Mexico?

Valuable documents: Keep your valuable travel documents (especially your passport) safe; passport theft is one the rise world-wide, including in Mexico. Store cash and other valuables in your hotel room's safe or at the hotel's safety deposit box.

Do you need to carry passport in Cancun?

Travelers staying in the State of Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen) should always carry their (original) passport and proof that they are staying in the country as tourists with them: inspections are frequent and those who cannot present the required documents may be subject to coercive measures.


Should you bring your passport on excursions?

Taking Your Passport

Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.

Should I carry my passport with me all the time?

The recommendation is to carry it with you at all times when ever you travel abroad. Yet also recommended to have 2 copies of all travel documents stored somewhere safe just in the odd case of theft or loss. The 2nd copy should be given to a trusted friend or family member on the home front.


Always carry your Passport while traveling here’s why!



Where should I keep my passport while traveling?

HIDE IT. When traveling, keeping your passport concealed is almost a no-brainer, but of course, we don't just mean just carrying it in your pocket and hoping it stays out of sight. Instead, look for a flat money belt, which can be worn around your waist and neck and concealed under your clothing.

Should I leave my passport in the hotel or take it with me?

It's generally inadvisable to carry your passport with you everywhere while you're traveling, as this increases the chances of losing it. Ideally, it's best to have passports locked away, either in a hotel room safe or in a suitcase with a secure travel lock.

Can I carry my passport through security?

Bring your ID

So, before heading to the airport, make sure you have a valid ID such as a driver's license if you're flying domestically. If you've lost it, you can also use your passport. You can still fly if you forget your ID – but prepared for extra screening and carve out ample time.


Should you carry your passport in your wallet?

Don't Store Your Passport or Passport Card in Your Wallet

A passport or passport card, like any government-issued photo ID, can be a weapon used against your finances if it falls into the wrong hands, ID-theft experts warn.

What are the passport rules for Mexico?

Driving to Mexico
  • U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).
  • Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.


Can I go to Cancun with just my ID?

By Air: All travelers to Cancun by air must hold valid passports. Unlike road travel, where you can use a passport card or a book, you must have a valid passport book. This regulation also applies to minors. When traveling with minors, ensure you have notarized consent forms from their parents or guardians.


What you need to know before going to Mexico?

8 Practical Tips to Know Before Travel to Mexico
  • Pick the Right Trip. Mexico is an exciting place that offers a lot of unique cultural experiences and gorgeous sights to behold. ...
  • Learn Some Basic Spanish. ...
  • Check the Weather. ...
  • Don't Stress About Safety. ...
  • Get Insured. ...
  • Don't Drink the Water in Mexico. ...
  • Pay with Pesos. ...
  • Use a VPN.


Is it better to use cash or card in Mexico?

Outside of a few purchases like transportation fare or local shops, a credit card will be your best bet for everyday purchases. A card that waives foreign transaction fees like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card can help you save on extraneous fees.

How do I not get ripped off in Mexico?

The best way to avoid getting ripped off while eating out is to eat at places which aren't chains or being promoted by touts; find the places the locals frequent. Double check that receipt when you ask for the bill for prices and items.


Where can I hide my passport in a hotel?

It is best that you leave it at the hotel`s safety deposit box rather than inside your room`s safe. If your hotel doesn`t have one, then you can keep it inside your hotel room. Look for a place in your hotel room where people wouldn`t think that it would be there, like under the TV or at the edge of the carpet.

Should you smile on your passport?

Can I smile in my passport photo? Yes, but make sure both your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.

Do you have to show your passport at security?

Re: When to Show Passport for International Flight? You do not need to show your passport to pass through security at CHS, but you may if you wish. TSA's only responsibility is to determine that whomever is presenting the boarding pass is the person whose name is printed thereon.


How do you carry important documents while traveling?

You want a copy of all your identification – one for each checked bag. Keep a hard copy of your documents in your carry-on and each checked bag of luggage with which you are traveling, in case any of them go missing during the trip. These copies can help you in multiple situations.

Should I get pesos before my trip?

It's recommended that you buy pesos before you land in Mexico, just in case you need the cash. According to this USA Today article, the most economical way to do this is to buy pesos from your bank in the U.S. Most banks will do this for free, especially if you're not withdrawing a significant amount of money.

What currency do Mexicans prefer as tips?

Dollars or pesos? In most tourist areas in Mexico, it is acceptable to tip in either pesos or dollars, though pesos are more practical for the person being tipped. If you do tip in dollars, be sure to only tip using notes and not coins as coins cannot be exchanged.


Should I get pesos at airport?

Key Takeaways. Currency exchange shops and kiosks in airports are not the best places to exchange money. For the best rates, try a local bank or a bank ATM to make your currency exchanges.

What not to do when going to Mexico?

What NOT to Do in Mexico
  1. Don't assume that Mexico is a dangerous hellhole.
  2. Don't spend your whole trip at the beach.
  3. Don't go to public toilets empty-handed.
  4. Don't drink Coronas the whole time.
  5. Don't use regular sunscreen.
  6. Don't only speak English.
  7. Don't feel pressure to visit ruins if they're not your thing.


What can I not bring to Mexico?

Items Not Allowed in Mexico:
  • Guns or ammunition. ...
  • Pepper spray.
  • Lethal knives and machetes (anything over 8” is not allowed)
  • Live predator fish.
  • Totoaba fish (fresh or frozen)
  • Turtle eggs.
  • Poppy seeds or flour of poppy seeds.
  • Marijuana, medicinal marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana seeds or spores, or marijuana extracts.


How much do you tip in Mexico 2022?

It's up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.

Can I use my ID to come back from Mexico?

In a nutshell, U.S. and Canadian citizens older than 16 years old have to show a passport, passport card or another accepted document to cross back into the U.S. Children under 16 may show an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, a Canadian ...