The Mexico Business Travel Guide provides business travellers with an assortment of useable tools and resources to assist them on business trips. The travel guide contains visa information, facts on the Mexico, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be of great sue to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Mexico has one of the largest economies in the world, it is a member of the G20; the economy offers a number of business opportunities. Major trading partners include neighbours and fellow members of NAFTA, the USA and Canada, Japan, South Korea and China. Mexico is a multicultural, multiracial country and home to a number of ethic groups.
The country has a variety of landscapes including beaches, mountains, deserts, lakes and a range of flora and fauna. Famous attractions include Chichen Itza, Tulum, Mexico City Cathedral, The National Palace, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Zócalo in Mexico City historic city centre, Los Cabos, Acapulco and Copper Canyon.
Mexico Guide
Quick Facts on Mexico
Mexico Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Mexico Map
Mexico Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Mexico
Country: Mexico
Capital: Mexico City
Currency: Peso (1 Peso = 100 Centavos)
Population: 116 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 1,958,200 sq km
Languages: Spanish
Time Zone: GMT +6 to +7
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October
Electricity: 127V 60Hz
Dialling Code: 52
GDP: USD 1.261 Trillion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Predominately Christian
Political System: Federal Republic
Internet Domain: .mx
Mexico Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Mexico. You can find further information on entry requirements for Mexico, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British High Commission in Mexico. The information is updated regularly making it a good resource for both business and leisure travellers when searching for the latest travel advice and information on Mexico. For more information please see: Mexico Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
In general there are no visa requirements for tourist visits from citizens of the UK, many European states, US and Canadian nationals. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Mexico Embassy UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is essentially as it is in Europe with suits in conservative dark colours. Greetings for initial business meetings usually consist of a handshake. Initial meetings tend to be formal and ensure punctuality is important for meetings although the hosts may arrive a little later. Agendas are not strictly followed and do not be flustered if the conversation veers away from the agenda.
Trust and integrity is important and it can take some time for this to be established. Status is deemed important and in meetings having a senior executive attend will help in establishing the business relationship.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Mexico for both business visitors and tourists each year go ahead without incident. In order to increase the chances of having an incident free trip it is always wise to be careful and vigilant of your surrounds and environment. Beware of pick pockets and ensure valuables are not on show and are put away. Do not show money in public and avoid using ATMs in the evenings if possible. To avoid bag snatching always ensure your luggage is with you and not left unattended. It is wise to get some local advice and stay away from known local trouble spots especially at night.
Travel Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
09.00/10.00 to 13.00/14.00 then 16.00 to 19.00 Monday to Friday
For Shops
11.00 to 22.00 Monday to Saturday (shops in larger centres and supermarkets often open from 08.00 until 21.00/22.00).
For Banks:
09.00 to 16.30 Monday to Friday (some banks open until 17.00 & up to 13.00 on Saturdays).
NOTE: Shops & supermarkets are often open on Sundays and some are open 24 hours. For Business Hours, they are guidelines only for Mexico City, they do vary across the country.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
February 2: Mexican Constitution Day
March 16: Benito Juarez's Birthday
April 2: Maundy Thursday (optional public holiday, often observed)
April 3: Good Friday (optional public holiday, often observed)
May 1: Labour Day
May 5: Battle of the Puebla Anniversary (optional public holiday, often observed)
September 16: Independence Day
October 12: Día de la Raza (optional public holiday, often observed)
November 2: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) (optional public holiday, often observed)
November 18: Mexican Revolution Day
December 12: Day of our Lady of Guadalupe (optional public holiday, often observed)
December 25: Christmas Day
Mexico Map
Mexico City Map, Mexico
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Mexico Weather & Climate
Mexico's location means it has the Gulf of Mexico to the east and the Pacific to the west; each coastline has its of weather characteristic. Mexico has two main climate zones, temperate and tropical zones and is a destination that can be visited throughout the year. Within the country there are variances, the north has cooler weather during the winter months with more constant temperatures prevalent in the south.
For visitors the hottest months in the capital Mexico City are in April and May, whilst the popular tourist resort of Cancun is at its hottest during June to August. Mexico has pronounced wet and dry seasons, the dry season is from November to May whilst the wet season is around June to October.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn for most of the year, a jumper or light jacket is useful especially in the evenings. If visiting the mountains layers and warmer clothing will be required. In places located at higher altitudes including Mexico City and Puebla, the temperature is likely to be a little cooler than places located at lower altitudes such as Guadalajara and Oaxaca. Visitors should be prepared for a range of weather including the hurricane season that is from June to November.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
