mexico travel card cost

Mexican Tourist Cards and How to Get One

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Who Needs a Mexico Tourist Card?

How to get a tourist card in person, how to apply online, length of validity, what to do if you lose your card, how to extend your tourist card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mexico tourist cards ( Forma Migratoria Multiple, also known as FMT) are a government form declaring that the stated purpose of a visit to Mexico is tourism. Although more than one kind of Mexico visa exists, a Mexico tourist card essentially says the holder has the intention of vacationing in Mexico for no more than 180 days. The form requires minimal information including name, nationality, date of birth, the purpose for visiting, flight details, and the address of the place you'll be staying in Mexico. and address of stay in Mexico.

Travelers can think of it as a visa on arrival, as it functions in the same way, even though it's not technically a visa. Foreign nationals who will be working in Mexico are required to obtain a work visa from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

Be sure to hold on to your tourist card and keep it in a safe place, as you will need to hand it in when you are departing the country.

In the past, travelers who were remaining within the United States border zone for up to 72 hours did not need a tourist card. However, now the tourist card is required for most non-Mexican visitors to the country, including infants, who will remain for fewer than 180 days.

Exceptions are granted, however, to travelers staying in Mexico for fewer than 24 hours. As of August 2022, Cancun International Airport has done away with tourist cards and customs forms for most foreign visitors, including U.S. passport holders. The 180-day rule still applies, however; travelers will instead receive a stamp upon arrival, ensuring that they stay no longer than what's allowed.

If flying into Mexico, passengers will be given a tourist card and instructions for filling it out onboard their plane—the cost of a tourist card (about $25) is included in the fare, so travelers won't need to pay upon arrival. The card is stamped at customs/immigration in the Mexico airport, showing the visitor is in the country legally. Should your flight attendant not hand you a tourist card, you can pick one up at an immigration desk at a Mexico airport.

If you're driving , taking the bus , or walking into Mexico, the tourist card is given at the border inspection station/immigration office after showing your ID or passport proving your U.S. citizenship. Visitors need to go to a bank and pay the card fee, and it will be stamped to show the payment was made. The next step is returning to a border immigration office to have the card stamped again—proof the holder is visiting the country legally.

Tourists can also get a tourist card at a Mexico consular office or Mexico government tourism office in a U.S. city before heading to Mexico.

To ensure a smooth customs process, you may find it easier to complete your immigration online via the Mexico Tourist Card website . You can apply for one within 30 days of your trip; unlike tourist cards that you can get in person, these are free.

Once you've filled out the application, you will receive your card—which consists of an entry form and exit form—via e-mail. You will need to print both; upon arrival in Mexico, you will present them to an immigration official, who will stamp your exit form and write in the number of days that you are allowed to stay in the country. The official will keep the entry form, but you will need to hold onto the exit form for the duration of your trip.

The tourist card is valid for a maximum of 180 days or six months; however, the time actually given is at the discretion of the immigration official. Often, only 30, 60, or 90 days are granted. If you wish to stay in Mexico for longer than the time allotted on your tourist card, you will either need to leave and re-enter the country, extend your card, or apply for a tourist or work visa.

If you lose your Mexico tourist card, or it gets stolen, you will have to pay to replace it, which should be done as soon as possible. Go to the nearest immigration office in the country, or try the immigration office at the nearest airport, to pay a fine (reports vary from $40-$80) and receive a new card. It shouldn't take more than a few hours in total. Bring all relevant documentation, including travel tickets, receipts, and your passport should the officials request proof of length of stay.

Technically, it is possible to be deported from a country without a passport stamp or the proper visa and documents, but reports are rare that this step is taken for travelers who have misplaced their tourist cards. The majority typically pay a fine and are reissued a new card without issue.

If wish to travel around Mexico for a bit longer, and the immigration official cleared you for a stay of fewer than 180 days, you can apply for an extension at the National Institute of Immigration Office ; be sure to bring your passport and proof of income to your appointment. For those planning to stay longer than 180 days, you will need to apply for a tourist visa.

If you are a foreign citizen and are traveling to Mexico for pleasure or short-term business, you will need a tourist card. Exceptions are made to those arriving in Mexico by way of Cancun International Airport.

You can get a Mexican tourist card online, at a Mexico airport (or at a Mexico port of call if arriving by sea), or at your home country's Mexico embassy.

It depends on where you get yours. If you're flying, your airline may provide you with a tourist card, which is included in the cost of your ticket. You can also get a card for free online. If you're applying at an immigration office, however, it will cost you about $25.

U.S. Department of State. "Mexico International Travel Information." Accessed January 12, 2023.

iVisa. "How to Obtain a Mexico Tourist Card Online Quick and Easy." November 24, 2022.

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The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: January 19, 2024

Categories Mexico , Visas and Borders

Home » Mexico » The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card

Mexico offers visa-free entry to those who hold passports from countries on its no visa required list. Instead of a Mexican visa, visitors must obtain an FMM tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This document allows you to stay in Mexico for the purpose of tourism or business for up to 180 days. The FMM currently costs 685 pesos or $38. If you’re staying for less than 7 days, it’s free. To get an FMM, you need a valid passport or passport card. This guide explains everything you need to know about the FMM for Mexico. I’ll explain what the FMM tourist card is, how to apply, the travel documents you’ll need, where it is issued, costs, eligibility, validity, and more.

I’ve also made this YouTube video that outlines the main points of the article.

The FMM Tourist Permit for Mexico Explained

Quick Info About the FMM Tourist Card

Cost- $687 pesos (about $38). Free for stays of 7 days or less
Validity- Up to 180 days. The number of days you’re granted will be written on the form.
Issued on arrival at the point of entry or online . The Mexico FMM is available at land borders, international airports, and most seaports.
Eligibility- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, European Schengen Area Countries, Japan, South Korea, and more. If your country is on this list , you’re eligible.
How to apply- Fill out the form with basic travel info. You will receive the form at the port of entry.
Required documents- A valid passport or passport card
Issued by INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), a Mexican government agency

Important note

The Mexican government is currently phasing out the paper version of the FMM permit. It is being replaced with a passport stamp. Currently, some ports of entry still use the paper form. Some have transitioned to the stamp. The rules are all still the same. The eligibility, validity, and cost haven’t changed. If you’re given a paper form on arrival, fill it out as normal. If you don’t receive a paper form, the Mexican authorities will stamp your passport instead. I’ll update this article as additional information about this change comes out.

Table of Contents

What is the FMM Visitor’s Permit?
Eligibility and Who Needs an FMM
Required Documents
FMM Validity
How to Get an FMM

What is an FMM Tourist Permit?

The FMM Tourist Permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a travel document that allows those who are eligible to enter Mexico without a visa.

The FMM Visitor’s Permit allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. During that time, you can participate in tourism activities, do business, transit through the country, study, volunteer, or live anywhere in Mexico.

You are not allowed to be employed, work, or earn money in Mexico while visiting on an FMM permit. If you plan to work and earn money in Mexico, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa and work permit.

The FMM is issued by the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), a Mexican government agency. You can obtain an FMM permit on arrival at the port of entry. All you need is a valid passport. Mexico also offers online FMM applications as well. You simply fill out the application form, print it out, and bring it with you to get stamped by immigration authorities when you arrive.

The FMM is also referred to as the Mexico tourist card. It is also sometimes called a Mexico tourist visa, even though it is not technically a visa.

Who is Eligible for an FMM Tourist Permit and Who Needs a Visa?

FMM tourist permits are available for visitors from countries on this list. If the country that issued your passport is on that list, you don’t require a visa to visit Mexico. The list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Schengen area countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, most Latin American and Caribbean countries as well as many others. If your country is on the list, you only need an FMM permit to visit Mexico. You do not need a Mexican tourist visa.

In addition, to be eligible for an FMM you must be visiting Mexico only for purposes of tourism, business, volunteering, or studying. Your trip must last 180 days or less. If you plan to visit for another purpose or for a longer duration, you’ll need to apply for a Mexico visa in advance.

Regardless of your citizenship or residency, you are also eligible for an FMM tourist permit if you hold a valid permanent residency visa or a multi-entry visitor visa for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, or a European Schengen Area country.

You are not eligible for an FMM if you are a citizen of one of these countries. If the country that issued your passport is on this list and you do not have a valid visa to one of the above-listed countries, you need to arrange a visa in advance to enter Mexico.

You can apply for a visa at your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. For more info on the application process, check out this Mexican government website.

If you plan to travel to Mexico for longer than 180 days or if you plan to work, study, invest, or get married in Mexico, you need to arrange a visa in advance, regardless of your citizenship. The most common type of visa for these types of trips is a temporary residency permit. There are several classes of temporary residency permits available for different types of trips. For example, some allow you to work and earn money while others don’t. For more info, check out my guide here.

If you already hold a temporary or permanent residency visa for Mexico, you do not need an FMM permit. You can present your residency visa at the port of entry instead.

Who Needs an FMM Tourist Permit?

Everyone entering Mexico for the purposes of tourism, business, studying, or volunteering needs an FMM tourist permit. Only temporary resident visa holders, permanent residency visa holders, and Mexican citizens can enter Mexico without an FMM permit.

Children under 2 years of age do not need to pay for an FMM. They will need a valid passport.

Before October 2015, there was an unofficial ‘free zone’ near the Mexican border where an FMM was not required if you were staying for 72 hours or less. This was never part of Mexico’s official immigration law but it was widely accepted.

Now, all foreign nationals entering Mexico needs an FMM unless they have a valid Mexican residency visa. Even if you’re only crossing the border to spend the day in Tijuana and staying near the border, you still need to stop and get an FMM.

Ideally, you should carry your passport and FMM permit with you when you’re out and about so you can present them if you’re stopped by the police or at a security checkpoint. Checkpoints are set throughout the country where you must present your FMM and passport to prove that you’re in the country legally.

While walking around cities I don’t like to carry my passport. I always worry about it getting lost or stolen. While in transit, I always keep my passport handy just in case.

What Documents Do I Need to Get an FMM Tourist Permit?

A valid passport. If you’re crossing the border by land or sea, you can use a passport book or passport card. If you’re flying in, you need a passport book. It must be valid when you enter and must remain valid for as long as you plan to stay in Mexico. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for a stamp. For more info, check out my guide: Do I Need a Passport to go to Mexico?
A completed FMM form. You get the form at the port of entry. If you’re flying to Mexico, a flight attendant may hand you the form during the flight. If you’re applying for your permit online, you fill the form out online. You’ll receive an acceptance email that you must print and bring with you to get stamped at the Mexican border.
594 Pesos (about $30) in cash. You pay this at the border upon entry or exit depending on where you enter. It’s best to bring pesos. Dollars may be accepted.

What Information is Required to fill out the FMM Form?

The FMM form requires basic travel information including:

Date of birth
Residency and nationality
Passport number
Purpose of your trip- tourism or business
Entry date and date that you plan to leave Mexico
How you’re entering- by air, sea, or land
Your destination in Mexico
The name and address of the place that you plan to stay in Mexico
Your signature

If you enter by air, you may get a slightly different form that asks for the flight number and airline that you arrived on.

How Much Does the FMM Tourist Permit Cost

If you’re staying in Mexico for less than 7 days, the FMM tourist permit is free.

If you’re staying in Mexico between 7 and 180 days, there is a 594 peso (about $30) fee for the FMM tourist permit.

You pay this fee in cash at a Banjercito bank window at the border. At some borders, you pay the immigration official who checks your passport directly.

How to Pay for the FMM Tourist Permit

Most borders accept payment in pesos or US dollars. You’ll get a more favorable rate if you pay in pesos. Some borders only accept pesos. It’s best to carry pesos just in case.

If you arrange your FMM permit online, you can pay the fee with a credit card or debit card. They accept Visa and Mastercard.

Some smaller land border crossings don’t have the facilities to accept the FMM fee. In this case, you will pay when you exit Mexico. You can also pay the fee at immigration offices that are located in cities and towns throughout Mexico as well as in all international airports.

After you pay your FMM fee, the banker gives you a receipt. You bring the receipt to the immigration official. They stamp the receipt, tear the FMM form in half, and hand your half back. You must keep the receipt as proof that you paid. If you lose it, you will have to pay the fee again when you exit Mexico because there is no proof that you have paid.

When you arrive by air or cruise ship, the FMM fee is often included in the price of your ticket. Check with your airline or cruise line before you travel so you don’t pay twice. Usually, the FMM will be listed in the ‘fees and taxes’ section of your ticket.

If you find that you’ve already paid for an FMM, carry a copy of your ticket with you for proof. When the Mexican authorities try to charge you again when you exit, you can show them that you have already paid. If you can’t prove that you’ve paid, you’ll be charged again.

How Long Can You Stay with an FMM Visitor’s Permit?

The FMM Visitor’s Permit is valid for up to 180 days (about 6 months) from the date that you entered Mexico. The number of days you get is up to the immigration agent issuing you the permit.

Sometimes the Mexican immigration authorities will ask you how many days you plan to stay in Mexico and then grant you that many days on your FMM. For example, if you indicate that you plan to stay in Mexico for 2 weeks, you may only be granted 2 weeks on your FMM. This means you can only stay in Mexico for 2 weeks. I recommend you always request 180 days. That way, you can stay longer if your plans change.

Your passport cannot expire before you plan to exit Mexico. For example, your passport must have at least 180 days of validity if you want an FMM that is valid for 180 days. Mexico does not require that your passport have 6 months of validity to enter, like most other countries. If your passport has 1 month of validity but you want to travel to Mexico for 1 week, you can.

When you pass through immigration, the official who checks your passport and FMM form will write the number of days you can stay on the visitor’s permit. It’s up to you to calculate the correct exit date so you don’t accidentally overstay. For example, if you enter Mexico on January 1, and are granted 180 days, you must exit Mexico by June 30. It’s important to remember that 180 days isn’t exactly 6 months because some months are longer than others. You must leave before the permit’s expiration date or you will be fined.

There are several cases where Mexican officials may grant you fewer than 180 days. For example, when entering Mexico on a cruise ship you often only get 21 days. When transiting through Mexico, you may only get 30 days. If you indicate on the FMM application that you only plan to stay for 2 weeks, the immigration official might only grant you two weeks. If you want the full 180 days, you can always ask. Usually, you’ll get it.

Caution: Do not tamper with the FMM form. I have read stories of travelers changing the date on their FMM to give themselves more days. Don’t do this. Your FMM form has a serial number that is recorded when you enter Mexico. The number of days you are granted is stored. You could get in trouble if you’re caught tampering with your FMM.

How to Apply for an FMM Tourist Permit?

You get the FMM Visitor’s Permit at the port of entry. This could be a land border, airport, or seaport. The process varies slightly depending on where and how you enter Mexico. In this section, I’ll outline the process of obtaining an FMM at each type of port of entry. I’ll also outline how to get the FMM online.

Entering by Land: Driving or Walking into Mexico

When driving across the border, you will need to park your car and go into the immigration and customs office (INM and Aduana) to get your FMM tourist permit.

While driving across the border, look for a sign pointing you to the ‘something to declare’ area. There will be parking available here. The immigration office is generally nearby. If you don’t see this area, you can ask around for immigration (inmigración in Spanish.) Alternatively, you can just drive across the border into Mexico, find a place to park near the border, and walk to the immigration building.

If you’re walking into Mexico, you can proceed directly to the immigration desk. There is no exit procedure for the U.S. There will be signs pointing you toward immigration and a path to follow. If you’re unsure, just walk toward Mexico and follow the crowd.

Once you find the immigration desk, you will be handed an FMM form to fill out. The forms are available in the immigration building. Be sure to bring a pen with you.

At some borders, an immigration officer may fill the FMM form out for you. In this case, they will ask you a few questions about your trip and copy your personal information from your passport.

After filling out the FMM form, hand it to the immigration official along with your passport. They will look over the form and run your passport through their computer.

The immigration official may ask you a few additional questions about your trip such as, how long are you going to stay in Mexico? Where are you staying? Do you have accommodation booked? What is your final destination in Mexico? What is the purpose of your trip? Where are you going? etc.

At most land borders, you pay your FMM fee when you enter the country if you’re staying longer than 7 days. After an immigration officer inspects your completed FMM form and your passport, you will take the FMM form to a Banjercito bank window near the immigration desk and pay the fee. The cashier will hand you a receipt. Next, you take your receipt back to the immigration official along with your passport. They will stamp your receipt and FMM form and the receipt. After that, you can proceed to customs and into Mexico.

Some small land border crossings do not have payment facilities. If you enter through one of these borders, you will pay your FMM fee when you exit Mexico. You can also pay the fee at an immigration office in Mexico or at all international airports.

Be sure to keep your FMM receipt. When you exit Mexico, you’ll have to prove that you’ve already paid for the FMM permit. If you can’t prove it, you will be charged again.

If you’re driving to Mexico, you’ll need to buy temporary car insurance. I recommend Baja Bound Mexican Insurance . They offer reasonable prices and friendly service. Click the link to get a free quote in just a couple of minutes.

Arriving in Mexico by Air

On most flights, a flight attendant will hand out FMM forms to everyone who needs one. You should fill it out before you land so you’re ready to go through immigration when you arrive. If you don’t get an FMM form on the plane, you can get one at immigration when you land. They will be sitting around on a table or someone will be standing around handing them out.

Once you land, follow the signs to immigration. You’ll present your passport and completed FMM form to an immigration official and they will stamp you into Mexico.

Mexican airports do not collect FMM fees from inbound passengers. This is because pretty much every airline includes the FMM fee in the price of the ticket. If you’re flying into Mexico, chances are you’ve already paid for an FMM.

Make sure you keep a copy of your ticket with proof that you have paid the FMM fee. This will usually be outlined in the ‘taxes and fees’ section of your ticket. If you can’t prove you’ve already paid, you will be charged a second time when you exit Mexico.

Tip: Once you get your FMM, place it in your passport. If you’re traveling long-term and you’re afraid you’ll lose it, consider stapling it or taping it to a page in your passport. You can do the same with your receipt.

Entering Mexico by Sea

If you’re entering Mexico on a cruise ship or your own boat, you can get an FMM at the first port of call. You’ll simply fill out the FMM form at the port and pay the fee. The process is basically the same as arriving overland.

If you’re arriving on your own boat, you should double-check to make sure the port where you plan to enter Mexico offers FMMs. You won’t have to worry about this if you’re arriving on a cruise ship. Cruise ships only dock at major ports.

If you’re bringing your own boat to Mexico, you also need to get a temporary vehicle importation permit (TIP) for the boat. You need to arrange this before you enter Mexican waters. You can’t get this document in Mexico.

If you’re entering Mexican waters but don’t plan to go to land, you’ll need a nautical Sportfishing FMM visitor’s permit. This document is also required if you plan to go fishing in Mexican waters. The process is a bit different from obtaining a normal FMM. You can get your nautical FMM online. For more info, check out this guide from Discover Baja.

Applying for an FMM Online

Mexico offers the option to apply for an FMM tourist permit online. This involves filling out a simple online application form and paying the fee with your Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Upon acceptance, you’ll receive an email with your FMM form. You’ll need to print this out and get it stamped at the border when you pass through immigration. You must enter Mexico within 30 days of getting your permit online.

For most travelers, it’s still better to get the FMM on arrival at the border. The reason is that you still need to stop at the border to get your immigration documents stamped, even if you applied online. You can’t just drive through. There is really no benefit to arranging your FMM permit in advance. You might save a couple of minutes waiting in line at the bank window.

The only time applying for an FMM online makes sense is if you’re also applying for a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) online. In this case, you’ll need to get your FMM online before applying for the TIP. For more info, check out my guide to the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit.

You can apply for an FMM online here.

When you apply for your FMM online, you receive an email with your approved FMM document within a few minutes. You’ll need to print this document out and bring it with you to immigration to get it stamped and validated.

When applying online, you must use your FMM within 30 days. Otherwise, it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FMM

Can i make multiple entries on an fmm tourist permit.

No. The FMM is a single entry permit. When you fly out of Mexico, you must surrender your FMM at immigration before boarding the plane. At this point, it is invalidated. You’ll have to buy a new one when you return to Mexico. When you re-enter, you’ll fill out a new FMM form and pay for another permit.

When you exit Mexico at the southern border to Guatemala or Belize or any northern border outside of Baja California, you will also have to surrender your FMM when you pass through immigration. At this time, it will be invalidated and you will have to get a new one when you return.

There is one exception where you can use your FMM for multiple entries. You can enter and exit the state of Baja California Norte overland as many times as you like until your FMM permit expires. This is great for people who want to take short trips over the border. The FMM used to be a single-entry permit. In 2015, the INM changed the rules to allow this one exception.

Can I Stay in Mexico for More than 180 Days with an FMM

No. If you plan to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days, you should apply for a Temporary Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa. You must apply for these visas at a Mexican consulate or embassy before your trip. You can’t obtain them in Mexico.

Alternatively, you could leave Mexico before your FMM expires then return and buy a new one for another 180 days. This is often called a border run. To do this, you can travel overland to the US, Guatemala, or Belize and then cross back into Mexico. You could also fly to your home country or a third country, then return to Mexico.

How Long do I Have to Leave Mexico Before Returning for a New FMM?

There is no rule stating how long you must remain outside of Mexico before returning and paying for a new FMM permit. In most cases, you can exit and then re-enter immediately after if you want. It really depends on the immigration official. Most don’t care and allow you to cross right back over.

Some expats have lived in Mexico on an FMM tourist permit for years. They simply make visa runs to the border to get a new permit every 6 months.

With computerized entry and exit and facial recognition technology, it is possible for Mexico to track how much time you spend in the country on an FMM permit. If you exit and re-enter too many times, they could deny you entry at some point if an immigration official decides that you’re spending too much time in Mexico on an FMM.

Recently, Mexico has begun cracking down on people living in the country on FMM permits. They are issuing permits with fewer than 180 days. Some visitors are only getting 10-30 days upon entry. To get 180 days, you may have to provide some supporting documents such as proof that you’ve paid for long-term accommodation.

If you plan to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days or retire or live in Mexico, it’s best to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you are staying in the country legally. You don’t have to worry about being denied entry.

Keep in mind that there is a financial requirement to get a Temporary Resident Visa. You’ll need to prove that you have enough income or assets to support yourself while in Mexico. Currently, you need to show that you have an income of about $2400-$2700 per month or around $45,000 in a savings or investment account.

What Happens if You Overstay an FMM Visitor Permit?

You need to leave Mexico before your FMM visitor’s permit expires (usually 180 days). If you don’t, you will be fined for overstaying. The fine depends on how long you overstayed. Mexico charges on a per-day basis. The maximum fine is around $350 (7000 pesos). As far as I know, the fine is the only punishment. Mexico won’t bar you from re-entering if you overstay.

You can pay the fine at an immigration office or at an international airport. If you’re flying out of Mexico, you should take care of this fine a couple of days before your flight so you don’t risk missing it. Otherwise, you’ll want to show up for your flight a few hours early. The process could take some time.

If you overstayed your FMM by a couple of days, it’s usually not a big deal. You’ll simply pay a small fine and leave. If you overstayed by months, you’ll probably have to answer some questions.

What if you Lose Your FMM Permit?

If you lose your FMM Visitors permit while in Mexico, you need to visit a local immigration office and apply for a replacement before you can leave the country. The process involves filling out some forms and paying a replacement fee.

I don’t know exactly how much the current fee is. I have read reports ranging from $30 and $60 (around 500-1200 pesos). You can find immigration offices in many towns and cities across Mexico as well as in international airports.

If you go to the border without your FMM card, chances are you will be allowed to exit without it but you will have to pay a fee (or bribe.) I have heard that the charge is around $100 (2000 pesos).

If you go to the airport to catch a flight without your FMM, you’ll be sent to the immigration office in the airport to get a replacement. Be sure to leave yourself extra time if you have to do this so you don’t miss your flight.

If you’re planning to exit Mexico overland from the state of Baja California Norte, you’re in luck. You don’t need to bother getting a replacement because Mexico does not check passports when you exit and cross into the United States. You proceed straight to U.S. immigration. When you go to U.S. immigration, they do not look at the FMM.

What if You Kept Your Visitor’s Permit When You Left Mexico?

At some border crossings, there is nowhere to turn in your old FMM permit when you exit. For example, when crossing from Baja California to the U.S., there is no passport control when you exit Mexico. You just drive or walk straight to U.S. immigration. This means you keep your FMM document.

Legally, this is fine. As of 2015, you do not need to turn in your FMM when exiting Baja California overland according to the INM. You can re-use it for multiple entries until it expires then discard it. There is still a note on the back of the FMM that says that you must return the document.

The problem with this situation is that you won’t get an exit stamp to prove that you left Mexico. When you go to re-enter on your next trip, the immigration official checking your passport could question you as to why you don’t have an exit stamp. They could assume you overstayed on your previous visit. I have heard of people being fined in this situation but I have not been able to confirm whether or not this is actually true.

Unfortunately, there really is no solution to this problem. There is no official procedure as to how to go about returning your FMM if you exit Mexico overland at a border where you don’t pass through immigration to exit.

If you’re questioned, you’ll have to explain that you exited at the northern border where FMM forms are not collected and passports are not stamped upon exit. When you enter Baja, nobody will question you. When you fly to Mexico or enter at another part of the country, you could be questioned.

If you kept your FMM when exiting Mexico and have no plans to return before it expires, you can throw it away. If you plan to return to Mexico and enter through one of the Baja California crossings, you can use it again when you re-enter.

For those who are really worried about keeping their FMM and not getting stamped out, you can contact your nearest Mexican consulate, embassy, or INM office to ask them what to do. They may tell you to mail it somewhere. The process is unclear.

What if I Entered Mexico Without Getting an FMM?

It is possible to enter Mexico without going through immigration and getting an FMM. At the U.S. Mexico border, you can drive right across without stopping. Nobody will flag you down unless you look suspicious. You may feel tempted to drive through to avoid paying the FMM fee. There are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t do this.

If you’re caught in Mexico without a valid FMM, most likely you will be temporarily detained and then told to go back to the border to get one. If you made it hundreds of miles from the border, this would be a major hassle. The officer that catches you could also try to solicit a bribe or issue you a fine. If you’re trying to exit Mexico without an FMM, you may have to pay the immigration official a fee/bribe of around $100.

If you are driving your car in Mexico without an FMM, your insurance probably isn’t valid because you technically entered the country illegally. Check your policy. If you’re pulled over, the police could impound your car if they wanted to. It is also important to note that there are regular checkpoints throughout Mexico. At these checkpoints, the officers will ask to see your passport and FMM to make sure you’re in the country legally.

You also will not be able to board a flight in Mexico because an FMM is required. Even for domestic flights. If you were involved in a serious accident or experienced a medical emergency and you need to be evacuated by air to another city, you may experience a delay if you don’t have an FMM.

Of course, it is also the law. You need an FMM to legally be in Mexico as a tourist. It’s always best not to break the law in a foreign country. For these reasons, you should always take the time to get an FMM when visiting Mexico, even if you’re only crossing the border for the day.

Can I renew or extend an FMM?

No. FMM tourist permits can not be extended or renewed in Mexico. You must leave the country before your permit expires or you will be fined based on the number of days that you overstayed.

The only way to extend your stay is to leave the country and then re-enter and get a new FMM. This is officially called ‘leave to remain’. Alternatively, you could leave the country and apply for a temporary residency visa. Either way, you have to leave Mexico before the visitor’s permit expires. It is non-renewable.

Can I Exchange an FMM for a Residency Visa?

No. You must apply for a temporary residency visa or permanent residency visa outside of Mexico at a Mexican embassy or consulate.

There are a couple of exceptions to this. It is possible to exchange your FMM permit for a temporary residency visa in a small number of situations. In order to do this, you must meet a specific set of criteria.

You must be the spouse, child, or parent of a Mexican national or permanent residency visa holder. You must also meet the other requirements for obtaining a temporary residency visa. In addition, you may be able to apply for residency within Mexico if you are seeking political asylum.

Do I Have to Stop at the Border or Can I Get an FMM in Mexico?

Yes, you have to stop at the border to get a Mexican tourist card. You cannot get an FMM anywhere but an official port of entry (land border, seaport, or international airport). If you applied for your FMM online, you still have to stop at the border to get it stamped and validated.

In the past, you could drive across the border and travel into Mexico and get an FMM at an immigration office. This was easier and faster because you didn’t have to deal with stopping at a busy border crossing. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible.

Most border crossings are open 24/7/365 so there is no excuse for not stopping. Check the hours of the border before you plan to arrive just to be sure. At busy border crossings, you can also check the average wait time before you go. You can check border wait times on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website here.

Final Thoughts

The FMM permit makes it easy for U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, and citizens of many other countries to visit Mexico without arranging a visa in advance. If you’re eligible, you can get your FMM on arrival at the border or airport in just a few minutes. All you need is a valid passport and enough cash to pay the permit fee. The only complication is that the process varies slightly depending on where and how you enter Mexico. Hopefully, this guide clears things up and makes planning your trip to Mexico a bit easier and smoother.

Have you visited Mexico on an FMM visitor’s permit lately? Share your tips and experience in the comments below!

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Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM)

Mexican tourist cards (fmm) 2024.

Updated March 29, 2024

Tourist Card (FMM) Facts:

The FMM is a document issued by Mexico's INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración)
Casually called a tourist card or tourist "visa" although it is not officially a visa
Issued to U.S., Canadian and other nationalities for vacation or visitor purposes
Easily obtained at an INM office at the border or online. (If you get an FMM online, it is still required to stop at an INM office at the border for the official entry stamp. If applicable, you will also need to have a copy of your payment receipt.).
Requires a valid passport or passport card
The stamped FMM is valid for land travel throughout Mexico
Cost: $717.00 Pesos (appx U.S. $43) per person; FREE if the trip is 7 days or less and you cross by land
May be issued for up to 180 days

Traveling through San Ysidro/El Chaparral? See where to get a tourist card at the El Chaparral border crossing (San Ysidro/Tijuana).

Visit the online FMM application or read more on how to get an FMM online now.

FAQs about Tourist Cards (FMM):

What is the general procedure to get a tourist card (fmm).

Fill out a tourist card (FMM) form at the immigration office (INM) and walk to the nearby bank and pay for the tourist card
Or fill out the online tourist card (FMM) application and pay online with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Your online tourist card (FMM) will be ready to print within minutes. After printing your FMM form, it must be stamped by INM within 30 days to be valid
Whether buying the tourist card at an INM office or online, visit the INM office to get your tourist card (FMM) stamped/validated

When I drive across the border, will I be stopped to get an FMM?

What is a tourist card (fmm), what type of documentation do i need to obtain a tourist card (fmm), what information is asked on the tourist card (fmm) form.

Nationality
Date of birth
Passport number
Purpose of trip
How you are entering Mexico: air, sea, land

When is a tourist card (FMM) free?

How much does a tourist card (fmm) cost, is it possible to enter and exit baja multiple times with the same tourist card (fmm), what if i lose my tourist card (fmm), does the tourist card (fmm) have to be returned to inm, how do i obtain a tourist card (fmm).

Keep in mind that if you obtain your tourist card before crossing the border, you will still have to stop at the Mexican immigration office at the border to document your entry date and to have your tourist card stamped by immigration officials. Tourist cards are no longer available at Mexican Consulates.

Who may obtain a tourist card (FMM)?

For citizens of other countries view the INM's list of Countries and Regions That Require and Do Not Require a Visa To Travel to Mexico - but DO require an FMM.

Visit INM's website in Spanish for the most updated information: Countries That Require a Visa and Countries That Do Not Require a Visa.

When is a tourist card (FMM) required?

Previously it was believed there was a tourist zone/72 hour exemption, but this was never actually part of Mexican immigration law according to federal delegate Rudolfo Figueroa from INM (Mexican Immigration).

It is important to note that in Baja, even though you may take your vehicle to the end of the peninsula without a vehicle permit (see vehicle importation regulations ) you are required to have a tourist card (FMM) in order to travel anywhere in the state.

Used them for the first time - twice in the past 10 days. LOVED how easy it was to customize my own ... n policy right at my desk, print up the document and head south! So easy! The price was very fair, as well. Luckily, I didn't have to launch a claim (knock on wood), so I can't comment on their actual policy servicing, but getting insurance online for my trip to Baja was awesomely easy.

Went down to TJ June 11 2020 No problems going into TJ but the way back was a ordeal 6 hours in ... ne to get back into the USA but no issues with COVID or anything1/2 the people had masks on half did not. Thankfully I have not had occasion to need to file a claim in my many trips to TJ or Hermosillo. Never had a issue buying or getting a fair price from Baja Bound I also enjoy the newsletters they send from time to time.

Fast and easy every time. Saves your Vehicle information to make it easy for future purchases.

Forma Migratoria Múltiple

Multiple Immigration Form (FMM)

General conditions.

The FMM applicant shall hold a valid and current passport or card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte) in accordance with the international law regulations; in case the country of citizenship requires it, the passport must have a valid unexpired visa.

The applicant is aware that the card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte) can only be used in the border crossings by land and for visiting the border zone; it might not be used to travel to the territory of the Mexican Republic or used for international air trips.

The applicant shall complete the information needed in the request of the FMM, as appears in his/her passport.

The applicant accepts under oath, that the information and documents provided are true; therefore, the applicant acknowledges herein that if any false information is provided, he/she could be subject to penalties in accordance with the applicable legal regulation.

Conditions of the Forma Migratoria Múltiple obtained by electronic means

The Forma Migratoria Múltiple can be obtained by electronic means through the Institute website, the foreigners, who enter to the country by land, can obtain it through the facilities aimed for the international transit of persons.

The applicant agrees that the status condition of stay that he/she shall obtain, by means of the information provided, only be as visitor without permission to work.

The applicant acknowledges herein that the FMM has a maximum validity of 180 calendar days and shall be valid for one entry only.

The applicant acknowledges herein that the validity term of the FMM shall start upon the migratory stamp is fixed, provided with, he/she should comply with the requirements to enter Mexico.

The applicant shall print and bring the FMM to the facility aimed for the international transit of persons where he/she wishes to enter through.

The applicant acknowledges herein that the fees paid to obtain the condition of stay, is not a guarantee to enter Mexico.

The applicant shall produce a valid and current passport or card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte), as well as the FMM shall be produced at the time his/her enter is requested.

I have read and agree to the terms and conditions above.

Aviso de Privacidad Simplificado Registro para los procesos de Internación y Salidas del Territorio Nacional Mexicano

El Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) a través de las Direcciones Generales de Control y Verificación Migratoria, Administración, así como Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones, respectivamente es el responsable de los datos personales que sean recabados como parte de su registro en los procesos de internación y salidas del territorio nacional mexicano, con la finalidad de revisar se cumplan con los requisitos establecidos en la Ley de Migración y ordenamientos aplicables, comprobando la veracidad y congruencia de lo manifestado para su paso a territorio nacional con la documentación de los mismos, ejerciendo la facultad de autorizar o no el ingreso a la República Mexicana y la obtención de un tiempo y/o condición de estancia a su favor; documentar el flujo de entradas y salidas al país de los nacionales y extranjeros; generar el control migratorio por los lugares destinados al tránsito internacional de personas por tierra, mar y aire; hacer más ágil la internación a México; generar estadísticas; realizar el cobro de derechos que por los servicios migratorios se deriven y garantizar el tránsito y la estancia de los extranjeros en el mismo, así como la preservación de la soberanía y de la seguridad de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Los datos personales que nos proporcione, serán protegidos conforme a lo dispuesto por la Ley General de Protección de Datos Personales en Posesión de Sujetos Obligados, y demás normatividad que resulte aplicable.

El aviso de privacidad integral lo podrá consultar en la página institucional, dentro del apartado de Protección de Datos Personales, o bien, en la siguiente liga: http://www.inm.gob.mx/static/transparencia/pdf/avisos/Aviso_de_Privacidad_Internacion_y_Salidas.pdf .

Important: To generate your request disable pop-up blocker browser and check to have installed Acrobat Reader. It is essential that has an email account.

Error in input data! Please check the information captured.

Check the information registered

Entry Information

Personal information, identification document, place of residence, trip information, father, mother or guardian information, notification.

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Multiple Immigration Form saved correctly.

¡important.

For your application, you need to make payment. Said payment must be made in the Portal de Servicios del Instituto Nacional de Migración (https://www.inm.gob.mx/spublic/portal/inmex.html). It is important to keep the following information to be able to reference your payment:

Immigration Form:

Document number:

Surname(s):

Nationality:

For more information, we suggest you carefully read the material available in the section on “Ayuda del Portal”.

Note: In order to generate the payment in the INM service portal, it is necessary to have an active account and the passport that you will register in your application.

UponArriving

Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) Ultimate Guide

If you’ve ever travelled to Mexico then you know that in order to get access into the country you will have to fill out and submit a “Mexico tourist card.”

The problem is not every airline will issue you one of these cards while you are on the plane and so in many cases you will have to wait until you arrive at the airport to fill it out.

Some Mexican airports, especially the popular ones such as Cancun, can receive an overwhelming amount of tourists hopping off flights which means that you will be trying to beat the crowds while filling out your Mexico tourist card.

That can be quite a stressful experience but luckily you can avoid some of that stress by taking care of your immigration card ahead of time.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about filling out this form including how to do it and also give you some other tips.

Table of Contents

What is a Mexico tourist card?

The Mexico tourist card aka Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) is an immigration form that must be filled out prior to your entry in Mexico.

It’s a form that you will submit to immigration once you arrive at the airport and is required for every person including children.

It is recommended to fill out the form and register online in order to make it more convenient for yourself when you are making your way through immigration at the airport.

Update: this form is no longer needed for US tourist visits to Cancun.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Are you eligible for a Mexico tourist card?

The first question that you need to answer is are you actually eligible for a Mexico tourist card?

If the following situations apply to you then the answer is yes.

You are a foreign citizen traveling to Mexico
You have a valid passport
You will travel to Mexico in less than 30 days
You will not stay in Mexico more than 180 days
You are traveling to Mexico for pleasure, vacation, or recreational purposes
You are NOT going to Mexico to seek employment

So if you are a standard American heading to Mexico for a nice week long vacation then you will fall into the category of being eligible for a Mexico tourist card.

I think the most important factor to consider is that you need to be traveling in less than 30 days in order to fill out the form and register.

Related: How to Easily Get to Tulum Mexico (for Cheap)

How to get a Mexico tourist card

You can now fill out your immigration form online via a very convenient and straightforward process.

Here is what you will need to fill out your form completely:

Contact information

Flight information.

Address or name of the hotel you were staying at

Email address

This will be basic information like your name and address.

For the form, you will need to provide your passport number along with dates such as the issue date and expiration date.

When filling out your passport details, Make sure that you have at least six months of valid time on your passport when visiting Mexico, regardless of how long you plan to stay in the country.

If your passport expires in under six months, you will have to fill out a manual form once you arrive at the airport. Also, according to some reports it’s possible that you may be denied entry into the country.

To be 100% on the safe side I would advise for your passport to have at least six months of eligibility left.

You will need to provide your flight number and airline.

This can be found on your boarding pass or when you check your itinerary via the airline’s website or app.

Look for a number that has two letters in front of it and then numbers following after that.

For example, if you were flying on United Airlines flight 125 your flight number would look like “UA125.”

When you input your details, typically you will input the airline separate from the number.

So using that UA125 example above, You would input your details as follows.

Airline: United Airlines
Number: 125

Hotel information

Many people often arrive at the airport with no idea about the address of the hotel and some people don’t even know the name of the hotel.

By filling out this form ahead of time you can avoid any confusion at the airport.

While it is not necessarily required to input the full address of your hotel and you could simply include the name, since you are filling this out ahead of time you might as well input all of the relevant information regarding the address.

It’s also always a great idea to have the address of your hotel saved somewhere in your phone or on a piece of paper just in case you need to reference that while traveling.

Your tourist card will be emailed to you so make sure that you have a working email address.

Tip: Sometimes there will be issues with the email system so it is recommended that you download and print the tourist card as soon as you have that option.

Finally, you will need to print off your tourist card. Make sure that your printer is working well so that you can avoid any issues with legibility.

Filling out the tourist cards

You can find a link to register for the Mexico tourist card here.

The first part of the process is filling out some basic information which I will break down below.

The form that you will be filling out will look like this:

Country of citizenship

This will be the country of your passport.

Port of entry

You will be able to select from a drop-down menu of different airports.

You should be able to find your airport on the menu if it is one of the major airports but if you are flying into a smaller city then you may have to just select “other.”

Here are the airports you will find:

Acapulco International Airport
Cancun International Airport
Cozumel International Airport
Guadalajara International Airport
Huatulco International Airport
Los Cabos International Airport
Manzanillo International Airport
Mazatlan International Airport
Merida International Airport
Mexico City International Airport
Puerto Vallarta International Airport
Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa Airport

Note that some airports may refuse to accept your online tourist card and might require you to submit a manual card. This might be more common at smaller airports.

Arrival and departure dates

You will need to select your arrival and departure dates which are the dates that you will actually be entering and leaving the country.

The dates should line up with your airline’s itinerary if you are flying.

Name or address of hotel

As stated above, supply your name or preferably the address of your hotel. You can likely just copy and paste the address from something like Google Maps.

Contact name

Simply input your name.

Total number of people traveling to Mexico

You will need to select the total number of individuals traveling to Mexico including yourself. This number should include all children and also infants.

Main contact email

Make sure you input a valid email address.

Simply enter in your postal or ZIP Code.

Things to consider

After you submit your details, there will be a confirmation page that goes over some of the key points of consideration.

Here is a summary of these points:

Every individual must fill out an individual tourist card
The cards are free for all passengers traveling by air with a major commercial airline
You can only apply for a tourist card within 30 days of your arrival to Mexico
Your passport must be valid for 180 days to apply for a card online otherwise she will have to fill it out manually when you arrive
The information on your application must exactly match the information on your passport
The flight information that you will input is only for your arrival flight
Sometimes there are issues with the email systems so you should download and print your card when given the option
After you download the first card you finish you will have the option to begin a new application
You can print your tourist card in color or black-and-white
You will print out two pages and do not cut or alter the forms in any way
On rare occasions, an immigration officer may not accept a tourist card and may require you to fill out a manual form.

In addition to the points above, be sure to retain the portion of the card that the immigration officer returns to you.

In many cases, you will need to show this stub when you depart the country. If you lose this then you might be delayed at the airport when departing and you might even get fined.

Finally, you will have to fill out a customs form when you arrive regardless of if you have already filled out your tourist card.

Related: Cabo vs Cancun: Which is Better for You?

Registration form

After you input your preliminary details you can then proceed to the next stage of registration. You will need to input some of the same details you already did but this is the final step to register.

You will begin by selecting the type of travel you are doing which could be air or land.

After you select your type of travel (let’s say you selected air) you will then need to input more details.

Tip: if you will be making multiple land crossings into Mexico you should consider applying for SENTRI ).

Once again, you will need to fill out the point of entry, which is the airport you are arriving to, your travel dates, airline name, and flight number.

You will then need to input your personal information which would include your name surname (which is your last name), gender, date of birth, nationality, and country of birth.

Then you will need to fill in the details regarding your identification document which in most cases will likely be your passport.

Select the type of document that you have and then enter in your document number which would be your passport number, country of issue which will be the US for a lot of readers, date of issue, and expiration date.

Keep in mind that the format for your dates is date, month, year.

Then we need to input your place of residence which would be the US and your current home address.

Next you will select the reason of your trip.

Then select the state and address that you will be staying at which would be the hotel.

Finally, provide your email address and submit the verification code.

Once you have finished processing your form, you can download and print it out and bring it along with you on your flight. It should also arrive in your email inbox.

Coronavirus update

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, you may encounter additional requirements when entering the country. For example, you may be required to complete a health questionnaire.

In addition to contact and trouble information, it will ask you questions such as “have you been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus?”

It will also inquire about potential symptoms such as temperatures, coughing, headaches, and difficulty breathing.

Global Entry

If you would like to expedite your entry back into the US when traveling from an international destination, you should highly consider getting Global Entry.

It will allow you to bypass the main immigration line which can often be very long and you can also get expedited entry through customs as well.

If you have the right credit card, you can get it for free and it will be good for five years.

Obtaining a Mexico tourist card is a great idea because it will make your travels much more convenient when arriving at the airport.

It is easy to fill out the form and register and so I would strongly recommend anybody traveling to Mexico to go ahead and complete the registration online.

You might also be interested in the following article:

Is Cabo, Mexico Safe?

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as you claim….or at least not in my case. I’m planning on flying into the Queretaro International Airport…but that isn’t offered in the Point of Entry drop down box….yes, I initially put in Other, but then it proceeds to the next page and again asks for Point of Entry where “Other” is not offered, nor is Queretaro International Airport. I see that Ing. Fernando Espinoza Gutiérrez Airport is offered as a selection, but as per Wikipedia…

“Ing. Fernando Espinoza Gutiérrez Airport (IATA: formerly QRO, ICAO: formerly MMQT) was located in Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico. This airport was inaugurated in 1955.[2] Due to the construction of the new Querétaro International Airport in 2004, the airport is no longer used. The buildings and land that formed the airport are now government buildings, and were donated to the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro.”

…so what’s a guy to do??? So frustrating and this is only my first step on this journey…it’s not looking promising!!

I would like to be FULLY ready and prepared when we travel to Cancun next week. How do I know which forms/webistes are true and safe to submit. Is there a place I can print out a blank hard copy of a form and fill it out manually? Is it safe to submit it online? In the past, we have always been given the forms on the plane and had them filled out when we landed. We have had 3 trips canceled because of COVID so I know things have changed. Now facing possible cancellation again next week. Thank you in advance for any help to make our trip go smoothly. Also, this was a very good and informative webiste. Thank you!!!

Thanks, not all sights (even the government one) mentions “within 30 days” I was trying to fill out the application but it wouldn’t accept my arrival date. I’m just trying to get as much done as I can now to alleviate anxiety later… but I’ll wait a few more days to apply!

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6 Best Travel Cards for Mexico

Getting an international travel card before you travel to Mexico can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in Mexican Peso. You'll be able to easily top up your card in USD before you leave the US, to convert seamlessly to MXN for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from the US heading to Mexico, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

6 best travel money cards for Mexico:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for Mexico with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from the US:

Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to Mexico.

Wise travel card

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in Mexico. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in USD easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to Mexico or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

In either case you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in MXN, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.

Wise features

Wise travel card pros and cons.

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
Spend seamlessly in MXN when you travel
Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
Manage your account and card from your phone
9 USD delivery fee for your first card
ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
Physical cards may take 14 - 21 days to arrive

How to apply for a Wise card

Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise travel card in the US:

Open the Wise app or desktop site

Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account

Upload your ID document to complete the verification step

Tap the Cards tab to order your card

Pay the one time 9 USD fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 14 - 21 days

Revolut travel card

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in Mexico, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

Revolut features

Revolut travel card pros and cons.

Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

How to apply for a Revolut card

Set up your Revolut account before you leave the US and order your travel card. Here’s how:

Download and open the Revolut app

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card

Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type

Chime travel card

Use your Chime account and card to spend in Mexico with no foreign transaction fee. You’ll just need to load a balance in USD and then the money is converted to MXN instantly with the Visa rate whenever you spend or make a withdrawal. There’s a fee to make an ATM withdrawal out of network, which sits at 2.5 USD, but there are very few other costs to worry about. Plus you can get lots of extra services from Chime if you need them, such as ways to save.

Chime features

Chime travel card pros and cons.

No Chime foreign transaction fees
No ongoing charges for your account
Lots of extra products and services if you need them
Easy ways to manage your money online and in app
Virtual cards available
You'll need to inform Chime you're traveling to use your card abroad
Low ATM limits
Cards take 7 - 10 days to arrive by mail

How to apply for a Chime card

Here’s how to apply for a Chime account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Chime website or download the app

Click Get started and add your personal details

Add a balance

Your card will be delivered in the mail and you can use your virtual card instantly

Monzo travel card

Monzo cards can be ordered easily in the US and used for spending in Mexico and globally. Monzo accounts are designed for holding USD only - but you can spend in MXN and pretty much any other currency easily, with no foreign transaction fee. Your funds are just converted using the network exchange rate whenever you pay or make a withdrawal.

Monzo doesn’t usually apply ATM fees, but it’s worth knowing that the operator of the specific ATM you pick may have their own costs you’ll need to check out.

Monzo features

Monzo travel card pros and cons.

Good selection of services available
No foreign transaction fee to pay
No Monzo ATM fee to pay
Manage your card from your phone conveniently
Deposits are FDIC protected
You can't hold a foreign currency balance
ATM operators might apply their own fees

How to apply for a Monzo card

Here’s how to apply for a Monzo account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Monzo website or download the app

Click Get Sign up and add your personal details

Check and confirm your mailing address and your card will be delivered in the mail

Netspend travel card

Netspend has a selection of prepaid debit cards you can use for spending securely in Mexico. While these cards don’t usually let you hold a balance in MXN, they’re popular with travelers as they’re not linked to your regular checking account. That increases security overseas - plus, Netspend offers virtual cards you can use to hide your physical card details from retailers if you want to.

The options with Netspend vary a lot depending on the card you pick. Usually you can top up digitally or in cash in USD and then spend overseas with a fixed foreign transaction fee applying every time you spend in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to view the terms and conditions of your specific card - including the fees - online, by entering the code you’ll find when your card is sent to you.

Netspend features

Netspend travel card pros and cons.

Large selection of different card options depending on your needs
Some cards have no overseas ATM fees
Prepaid card which is secure to use overseas
Manage your account in app
Change from one card plan to another if you need to
You may pay a monthly fee for your card
Some cards have foreign transaction fees for all overseas use, which can be around 4%
Selection of fees apply depending on the card you pick

How to apply for a Netspend card

Here’s how to apply for a Netspend account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Netspend website

Click Apply now

Complete the details, following the onscreen prompts

Get verified

Your card will arrive by mail - add a balance and activate it to get started

PayPal travel card

PayPal has a debit card you can link to your PayPal balance account, to spend in Mexico as well as locally, in person and online. One advantage of PayPal is that there are lots of easy ways to add money in USD - but bear in mind that when you spend in MXN you’ll likely pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%. ATM fees apply when you make out of network withdrawals, too, which can push up the costs depending on how you use your card.

PayPal travel cards aren’t connected to your checking account which makes them a handy and secure way to spend, particularly if you already have a PayPal balance account.

PayPal features

Paypal travel card pros and cons.

Globally accepted card
Easy ways to top up your PayPal balance including cash and check
Popular and reliable provider
Use your card for spending online easily as well
2.5 USD fee for out of network ATM withdrawals
2.5% fee when you spend in a foreign currency
Other charges may apply depending on how you fund and use your account

How to apply for a PayPal card

Here’s how to apply for a PayPal account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the PayPal website or download the app

Click Get Sign up or log into your existing account

Add your personal details to create an account, or tap Request a card if you already have a PayPal account

Follow the prompts to order your card

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. Your travel money card isn't linked to your United States Dollar everyday account, so even if you were unlucky and had your card stolen, your primary bank account remains secure.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

Travel debit cards
Travel prepaid cards
Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to Mexico or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app or on the web.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to Mexico. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
Travel cards are secure as they're not linked to your everyday USD account - and because you can make ATM withdrawals when you need to, you can also avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for Mexico

We've picked out 6 great travel cards available in the US - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for Mexico include:

What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in MXN can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What makes a good travel card for Mexico

The best travel debit card for Mexico really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it’s the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you’re paying when you spend in MXN.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It’s also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for Mexico. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

When you head off to Mexico you can expect to find you’ll be able to use your card - but not always. Some merchants still prefer cash payments - so choosing a card which is easy to pay with, but which also has simple and low cost ways to make ATM withdrawals should mean you’re covered no matter what happens

Ways to pay in Mexico

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In Mexico card payments are common in most situations. You’ll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go. It’s still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.

Which countries use MXN?

You’ll find that MXN can only be used in Mexico. If you don’t travel to Mexico frequently it’s worth thinking carefully about how much to exchange so you’re not left with extra foreign currency after your trip. Or pick a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut which lets you leave your money in USD and convert at the point of payment with no penalty.

What should you be aware of when travelling to Mexico

You’re sure to have a great time in Mexico - but whenever you’re travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you’re been to Mexico before it’s worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don’t have any hassle on the border

2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change USD to MXN before you travel to Mexico if you’d like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in USD and either exchange to MXN in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach Mexico to make an ATM withdrawal in MXN if you can.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave the US so you have peace of mind. It’s also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don’t offer fair prices or adequate services.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for Mexico

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to Mexico will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

FAQ - best travel cards for Mexico

When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like the Wise and Revolut card options - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.

Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.

There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise, Revolut and Monzo.

Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.

Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.

Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others like Wise and Revolut, let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in Mexico.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their USD / MXN rate to calculate how much Mexican Peso you would receive when exchanging / spending $4,000 USD. The card provider offering the most MXN is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 15:54:21 GMT on 19 February 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

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Mexico Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Mexico Visa Needed

(for stays of up to 180 days)

Tourist Card (FMM) Needed

(if traveling by land)

Mexico has a number of entry requirements that citizens of the United States must meet when visiting the country.

US citizens planning to travel to Mexico should first check if they require a visa to cross the border, according to the Mexican visa policy.

What U.S. Citizens Need to Travel to Mexico

American citizens must have a few essential documents to travel to Mexico. These include:

US passport
FMM tourist card (for land travel)
Mexican visa (if applicable)

A visa for Mexico may not be required for US passport holders. This depends on the period of stay and your reason for traveling.

U.S. passport requirements for Mexico

Your US passport must meet certain criteria when traveling to Mexico. It must not expire for at least 6 months after the date of arrival.

If your passport is due to expire sooner than this, renew it before getting the FMM and traveling to Mexico.

Do U.S. citizens need a Tourist Card for Mexico?

Americans must register for a Mexico tourist card to visit the country for the following reasons:

The tourist card required by visitors from the US is called the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) .

The FMM is not a visa. It’s an entry requirement for all foreign visitors, including Americans . It’s mandatory if you plan to travel more than 20 kilometers into Mexican territory and stay more than 72 hours.

A Mexican tourist card for United States citizens is a single-entry document. It becomes invalid once you leave Mexico. You need to get a new FMM for every trip to the country.

Do U.S. citizens need a Mexican visa?

Tourists and business travelers from the United States can stay up to 180 days visa-free in Mexico. Americans can also transit in Mexico for up to 30 days without a visa.

The same is true for non-US nationals who hold a valid US visa or Green Card . These documents must be brought as proof to gain visa-free entry to Mexico.

Citizens of the United States who plan to work, study, or engage in other non-tourist or business activities need a visa for Mexico .

Americans also need a visa to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days.

How Can U.S. Citizens Apply for a Mexico Tourist Card?

US citizens can now complete the tourist card form online. This saves time and the inconvenience of dealing with paperwork during their journey or at border control.

The streamlined electronic form greatly expedites the process of entering Mexico .

Mexico's Immigration Policy for U.S. Nationals

Citizens of the United States of America must comply with Mexico’s immigration policy when traveling to the country.

US nationals must :

Have the correct documentation
Comply with customs and border regulations
Leave Mexico within the time permitted (180 days for visa-free visitors)

Americans must not :

Bring any unauthorized or illegal items into Mexico
Overstay the terms of their visa or visa exemption

Do Americans need vaccinations for Mexico?

Mexico’s travel rules for US passport holders do not include any mandatory vaccinations .

However, the US CDC highly recommends being immunized against the following before traveling to Mexico:

Hepatitis A and B

Malaria is present in certain areas of Mexico. US nationals are advised to bring anti-malaria medication if staying in these regions.

What Do U.S. Citizens Need to Leave Mexico?

When leaving Mexico , you’re required to present the tourist card alongside your passport.

Therefore, it’s important to keep the slip of paper safe during the entirety of the stay in the country.

The validity of the FMM document for Americans begins from the moment it is stamped at the Mexican border . If the FMM is lost or stolen before arriving at immigration control in Mexico, you can obtain another form online.

If a validated Mexico FMM for US citizens is lost or stolen within Mexico, you should report the theft to local police. You must then include the subsequent police report in the application for a replacement tourist card. You can do this at an Instituto Nacional de Migración office within Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico

The US Embassy in Mexico is located in Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City. The embassy provides a variety of services to American citizens in Mexico.

These include emergency assistance in cases of:

Loss of passport
Arrest of a US Citizen
Death of a US Citizen
International Parental Child Abduction

The embassy can provide emergency financial assistance and support to US citizens who are victims of crime. It is also authorized to issue certifications of US citizenship for eligible individuals born abroad to American parents, among other services.

Register with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico

It is now possible for US citizens and nationals to register with the nearest embassy or consulate when traveling in Mexico.

By registering with a US embassy in Mexico, travelers can:

Make informed travel plans based on information received from the embassy, such as safety and security advice.
Be contactable in the case of emergency: the US embassy will get in touch in circumstances such as a natural disaster or family emergency.
Help family and friends to get in contact in an emergency.

US passport holders can enrol when registering for the tourist card on this website . Simply select the Embassy Registration option on the payment page.

Mexican Routes

Free Mexico Travel Guide and Travel Information

What is a Mexican Tourist Card and where to get it?

by admin · Published April 12, 2021 · Updated March 24, 2024

The Tourist Card, also called FMM (“Forma Migratoria Múltiple”), is a crucial document, a tourist permit required by all foreign travelers coming to Mexico as tourists who do not intend to engage in any paid work.

Tourist cards may be valid for up to 180 days and allow the holder to remain in Mexico as a tourist for the allotted time. Keep the card in a safe place, as you will need to hand it in when you are departing the country.

Foreign visitors who plan to work in Mexico are required to obtain a work visa from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

US Border Zone: The so-called border zone covered an area approximately 20 km from the US border in Mexico, and also included most of Baja California and the Sonora “free zone”.

Get your Mexico Tourist Card online

You can fill in the form and you’ll receive the card via email. Print off the card and remember that the Tourist Card must be stamped by an immigration official when you enter Mexico, otherwise, it is not valid.

Mexico Tourist Card is a travel document granted by the Mexican Government to foreign travelers who want to travel and stay in Mexico for tourism purposes.

You can apply for a tourist card online on the website of Mexico’s National Immigration Institute: https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html

You can get two types of Mexico Tourist Cards from Natvisa:

Tourist Card – Air is delivered through email and is valid for 6 months.
Tourist Card – Land will be also delivered via email and valid for 6 months.

Print this card, save it, and when you arrive in Mexico, present it to the immigration officer at the airport, who will stamp it and write down the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country as a tourist.

The maximum is 180 days or six months, but the time given is at the discretion of the immigration official (often only 30 to 60 days are granted initially), for longer stays, the tourist card would need to be extended.

Leaving Mexico: Upon leaving the country you must surrender your tourist card to immigration officials. If you do not have your tourist card, or if your tourist card is expired, you may be fined when leaving Mexico.

If you lose your Tourist Card: If your tourist card is lost or stolen, you will need to pay a fee to get a replacement tourist card at an immigration office, or you may be fined when you’re leaving the country.

If you want to stay longer you will have to leave and re-enter the country or apply for a different type of visa.

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Mexico Tourist Card Multiple Immigration Form - FMM

3 easy steps to apply for mexico tourist card/fmm:, what is fmm (forma migratoria múltiple) or tourist card.

FMM/Tourist card for Mexico is a travel document issued by the government to all tourists or foreigners wishing to come to Mexico.

Visitors must fill out an official entry immigration form (FMM) prior to their arrival. The Tourist Card is valid per person, regardless of age or length of stay in Mexico. The Mexican Immigration Authority keeps the information you submit on the Tourist Card as an official record of your visit to Mexico, allowing you to enjoy your stay and exit the country safely and easily.

Tourist Card Mexico Requirements

You are a foreign national visiting Mexico
You have a valid passport
You will set off for Mexico within 30 days
Your stay in Mexico will not exceed 180 days
The purpose of your visit to Mexico is pleasure, entertainment, and/or vacation
You’re not heading to Mexico to look for work

You DO NOT need a visa for Mexico if you are a citizen of the Schengen Region, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, or if you have a valid visa or permanent residency permit for any of these countries. When visiting Mexico, however, you will still require a FMM document. See the list below of countries whose nationals require the FMM document for Mexico:

List of countries

South America

What do you need for an online FMM/Tourist card

Applicant’s contact information
Your passport information. Keep in mind that your passport should be applicable for at least six months from the date you enter Mexico
Your address or Hotel name in Mexico
Arrival and departure flight details
Your email address for receiving the Tourist Card
A printer to print the Tourist Card

How to apply for a FMM document

The online registration process is very efficient and straightforward. All you need for the online registration process is your passport, flights information, the address or name of the hotel where you will be staying, and a printer to print your Official Entry Tourist Card.

For your FMM to be valid, you will be attended by a federal immigration agent who will stamp your printed electronic FMM and authorize your entry into the national territory at the point of admission you chose . From that moment, you have 180 days to transit and visit Mexico. The page of entry (the first page from FMM) will be taken from a federal immigration agent.
Remember that you must keep the part that corresponds to the exit registration (the second page from FMM) in which the immigration entry stamp is recorded since it is evidence of your regular stay in the country and will be required when leaving Mexico.

Mexico’s Visitor Tax: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

Welcome to Visitax Gob Mx, your number one source for information about Mexico’s visitor tax . As a tourist visiting Mexico, you may be required to pay an additional tax that goes towards the development of local infrastructure and services. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the necessary information and guidance to make sure you comply with this regulation. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on Mexico’s visitor tax!

Are you planning to visit Mexico soon? If so, it is important to know about the Mexico Visitor Tax or Visitax tourist tax . This tax is levied on all tourists entering Mexico and covers various services provided to visitors during their stay in the country such as tourist infrastructure, public services, and cultural promotion. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Mexico Visitor Tax.

What is the Mexico Visitor Tax?

Mexico Visitor Tax, also known as Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun , is a tax levied by the Mexican government on all tourists who enter the country by air or sea. This tax is included in the ticket price of your airline or cruise and is paid by your travel operator. The tax is calculated based on the length of your stay in Mexico and the destination you are visiting.

How much is the Mexico Visitor Tax?

The Visitax Gob Mx tax rate varies depending on the destination and length of stay. For example, if you are staying in Cancun for less than 24 hours, then you do not have to pay the tax. However, for stays longer than 24 hours, the tax is $32.00 USD per person. This tax must be paid at the airport upon arrival in Mexico or through your travel operator.

How is the Mexico Visitor Tax used?

The funds raised from the Mexico Visitor Tax are used to improve the tourist infrastructure, public services, and cultural promotion in Mexico. These funds are also used to maintain the natural beauty of Mexico’s many beaches, parks, and other tourist attractions.

Why is the Mexico Visitor Tax important?

The Mexico Visitor Tax helps to ensure that tourists have a safe and enjoyable stay in Mexico. The funds raised from this tax are used to provide better infrastructure, public services, and cultural promotion, which make for a more hospitable and welcoming environment for tourists.

In conclusion, if you are planning your next vacation to Mexico, it is important to know about the Mexico Visitor Tax. This tax is a small contribution that goes a long way in maintaining and improving the tourist infrastructure, public services, and cultural promotion in Mexico. So, the next time you visit Mexico, make sure you budget for this important tax.

Understanding Mexico Visitor Tax: A Guide to Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun

Understanding Mexico Visitor Tax: A Guide to Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun is an informative article that provides detailed information about the Visitax tourist tax in Cancun. The article explains the purpose of the tax, how it works, and who is required to pay it. It also outlines the different ways visitors can pay the tax and what they need to do if they want to claim a refund. The article is an essential read for anyone traveling to Cancun who wants to avoid any confusion or issues related to the Visitax tourist tax. Overall, this guide is a valuable resource for all visitors to Cancun who want to ensure that they are fully prepared for their trip and have a stress-free experience.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the visitax tourist tax cancun and how does it affect travelers to mexico.

Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun is a new tax implemented by the Mexican government for travelers visiting Cancun and other tourist destinations in the Quintana Roo region. The tax was introduced on April 1, 2021, and applies to both foreign and domestic visitors aged 15 and over.

The tax amount is (approximately $39 USD) per person and can be paid online or at kiosks located at airports, hotels, bus stations, and other tourist spots. Travelers can also pay the tax in advance through the Visitax website.

This tax does not affect travelers who are staying at an all-inclusive resort or those who are only transiting through Cancun’s airport without leaving the transit area.

It’s important for travelers to be aware of this tax and factor it into their travel budget when planning a trip to Cancun or other parts of Quintana Roo. Failure to pay the tax could result in a fine or delay at the airport.

Can the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun be paid online or must it be paid in person upon arrival?

The Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun can be paid online or in person upon arrival. However, it is recommended to pay the tax online before traveling to Cancun in order to save time and avoid long lines at the airport. The tax can be paid on the Visitax website using a credit card, and a digital receipt will be provided that can be presented at the airport. It’s important to note that the tax is mandatory for all visitors over the age of 18 entering the state of Quintana Roo, which includes popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Are there any exemptions or discounts available for certain groups, such as children or senior citizens, when it comes to the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun?

As of now, there are no exemptions or discounts available for any specific groups when it comes to the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun. Every person who arrives in Cancun will have to pay the tax regardless of age or other factors. The current rate is $10 USD or its equivalent in pesos per person and must be paid before departure from Cancun.

Will the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun be applied to all forms of travel to Mexico, including air and sea travel?

Yes , the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun will be applied to all forms of travel to Mexico, including air and sea travel. It is a tax that applies to all foreign tourists visiting the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, and other popular destinations in the area. The tax will be collected upon arrival, either by airlines or at immigration checkpoints.

How will the revenue collected from the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun be used to benefit tourism in Cancun and Mexico as a whole?

The revenue collected from the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun will be used to benefit tourism in Cancun and Mexico as a whole in several ways. Firstly, it will be used to fund projects aimed at improving the infrastructure and services in tourist areas, such as the construction of new transportation systems and the enhancement of public spaces. Secondly, the revenue will go towards the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage sites, including museums and historical landmarks. Additionally, the funds will be used to support the development of sustainable tourism, which aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. Finally, the revenue collected from Visitax will also contribute to Mexico’s general budget, which can be allocated to a wide range of public services, including education and healthcare, benefiting both tourists and locals alike.

What are the penalties for not paying the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun, and how can travelers avoid these penalties?

The penalties for not paying the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun can range from fines to being denied boarding on flights leaving Cancun. Travelers who do not pay the tax could face a fine of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos (about $150 USD) per person, plus interest charges. In addition, airlines may refuse to allow passengers who have not paid the tax to board their flights.

To avoid these penalties, travelers should be sure to pay the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun before they arrive in Cancun. The easiest way to pay is online through the Visitax website. The tax is currently (about $39 USD) per person and can be paid using a credit or debit card. Once paid, travelers will receive a receipt that they can present at the airport as proof of payment. It’s important to note that the tax only needs to be paid once per visit, regardless of how long you stay in Cancun.

Are there any plans to increase the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun in the future, and if so, what factors will be considered in determining the new rate?

As of now, there are no published plans to increase the Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun in the near future. However, the government of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, has stated that any future increases in the tax rate will be based on factors such as inflation and the need for additional revenue to fund tourism-related infrastructure and services. It’s important to note that the Visitax tourist tax is subject to change at any time by the government, so travelers should always be aware of the current rate when planning their trip to Cancun or other destinations in the area.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Visitax Tourist Tax in Cancun, Mexico has become an important topic for travelers and tourism authorities. As a creator of content , it is essential to inform tourists about this new tax and its impact on their travel budget. Although this tax is a way to generate revenue for local infrastructure and tourism promotion, visitors must be aware of the additional cost and plan their vacations accordingly. Overall, the Visitax Tourist Tax in Cancun serves as a reminder that responsible tourism includes respecting and contributing to the local economy.

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This guide explains what you need to know about entry requirements when you are visiting Mexico for leisure, for business, or to take up residency here.

Mexico entry requirements for tourists and short term visitors

Mexico visitors permit, fmm.

Passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. They may, instead, use a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM ( Forma Migratoria Multiple ).

For the countries that don’t need a visa , a Mexico Visitor’s Permit (FMM) is issued in place of a visa. Learn more about Mexico’s visitor permit, the FMM .

How long is your Mexico visitor permit valid?

When you enter Mexico as tourist or business visitor, the immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a number of days stay in Mexico and write this on your visitor permit. This will be a maximum of 180 days; but it may be less than 180 days.

Check to see how many days you are granted to determine your exit date.

Learn more about the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.

Visitor permits cannot be extended or renewed

The Visitor Permit (FMM) will always expire after the number of days written on the permit: it cannot be extended beyond the number of days the immigration official grants when you arrive in Mexico, even if this is less than the maximum allowance of 180 days; and cannot be renewed. You must leave the country before it expires.

Your Mexico Visitor Permit, FMM

Do I Need A Visa to Visit Mexico

Entry to Mexico: Essential Information for All Travelers

Regardless of whether you come to Mexico for leisure, for business or to take up residency here, take note of the following:

Required documentation

For a summary of the documentation required to enter Mexico, see Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico

Minors traveling to Mexico alone

Minors traveling to Mexico alone, or unaccompanied by at least one parent or their legal guardian: Read Traveling with Minors to Mexico .

Passport validity

The maximum period of time that a visitor/tourist may stay in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit (FMM, see above) is six months.

Therefore we recommend that your passport, regardless of country of origin, should be valid for a minimum period of six months, however long you intend to stay to avoid any potential problems at the port of entry.

Immigration authorities at the port of entry may allow or deny entry of any person into Mexico. If you have a passport that is valid for less than six months and you intend to stay in Mexico for a short period of time —perhaps a vacation— the Immigration Officer might allow you entry, especially if you can show a return air ticket.

Notwithstanding this, we recommend that you and your family members hold passports valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Mexico.

For holders of U.S. Passport Cards

U.S. passport cards are less expensive than passport books and can be used by U.S. citizens who cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea. These look like a driver’s license, and are more robust and less bulky than a passport book. You can learn more about Passport Cards on this page of the US State Department web site. If you are a holder of a U.S. Passport Card, please note that this is NOT valid for air travel to Mexico . Passport Cards can only be used to cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea ports. A passport is required for air travel to and from the the United States.

Traveling to Mexico via the United States:

In January 2009 the United States government introduced new rules for travelers entering the country using the Visa Waiver Program (US State Dept). See Also: Travel to Mexico via the USA

Arriving to Mexico by cruise ship

If you are traveling on a cruise ship that visits Mexico, you will be asked to complete a Visitors Permit/FMM (see information above) at your first Mexican port-of-call. This permit will be valid for a maximum of 21 days. Ask your cruise company for details.

Traveling in transit through Mexico

As of February 2004 foreigners passing through one of Mexico’s international airports to a third country no longer require a visa or any migratory documentation, provided that they remain at the airport and depart Mexico within 24 hours of arrival. See Also: Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

Entry requirements for business visits to Mexico

Mexico welcomes business visitors and makes the immigration procedure for short visits straightforward by means of a special section on the Visitor’s Permit described above.

Business visits to Mexico

If you are traveling on business, or representing a company to conduct business in Mexico, and you hold a passport from a country on Mexico’s “ no visa required list ” you do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. You can, instead, use a visitor’s permit —the same entry permit and procedures used by tourists to enter Mexico (see section above for full details).

If the country you hold a passport for does not appear on the no-visa list , you should check with your nearest local Mexican Consulate for details of visa requirements before you travel to Mexico.

Longer-term business visits to Mexico

If you plan to work or live in Mexico longer periods ( more than 180 days ), you will need to apply for a business visit visa.

This visa enables the visitor to live, work and do business in Mexico, provided that certain criteria are satisfied. You can get more detailed information about long-term living and working permits on Mexperience by connecting to the Immigration Page that contains lots of information and advice about living and working in Mexico. See also: Working in Mexico

Entry requirements for residency in Mexico

People wishing to travel to Mexico to live, work, or retire must meet certain criteria to do so. Mexperience has comprehensive sections of information dedicated to these topics of interest:

Residency visas and immigration

Our guide to Mexico Visas and Immigration page gives an overview of the requirements for temporary and permanent residency in Mexico. Also see the regularly-updated Mexico Immigration FAQs page for the most-commonly asked questions about immigration to Mexico.

Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

The entry procedure will vary depending on where you arrive in Mexico and whether you arrive as a visitor or as resident. See also: Procedures for Entering and Leaving Mexico

Mexican Customs procedures and allowances

Like all countries, Mexico has policies on what can be brought in to the country without paying duties or taxes.

Your customs allowances when entering Mexico

Allowances are subject to change without notice, but listed below are the principal items followed by some tips about entry to Mexico.

Personal Luggage: including new and used goods for personal use to include clothes, footwear, personal hygiene and beauty items which, according to the form: ‘reasonably respond to the duration of the trip and that due to its quantities may not be used for commercial purposes’;
Two photographic or video cameras and twelve rolls of film or videotapes;
Two mobile phones or pagers;
One used or new laptop; one used or new printer; one projector;
Two used or new items of sports gear;
One CD player or portable music player; one DVD player;
One musical instrument;
Three surfboards; four fishing rods; a pair of skis;
Ten packs of cigarettes (200 cigarettes total), twenty-five cigars OR 200 grams of tobacco (over 18s only);
Vaping imports banned: The commercial import of vaping products was banned in February 2020; however, small quantities for personal use by visitors to the country should not be confiscated (vaping itself is not illegal in Mexico); bringing an ‘excess’ deemed reasonable for personal use may cause your entire supply to be confiscated.
Three liters of liquor AND six liters of wine (if the person is aged over 18 years);
There is a US$300 tax exemption on items you import (in addition to those already listed above) when you enter the country by means or air or maritime transport; the exemption is reduced to US$50 if you travel in by land, except at Easter, Summer Holidays and Christmas time, when the land exemption limit is increased to US$300.

Please Note: Refer to the Mexican Customs web site for full details about customs allowances as these limits are subject to change with little or no notice .

MEXICAN CUSTOMS: TIPS & ADVICE FOR TRAVELERS

Bringing prescription drugs to Mexico: You are allowed to bring prescription drugs into Mexico provided that you have the accompanying documentation which proves a medical need. If you or a member of your family are taking prescription drugs, be sure to take the prescription/doctor’s note with you, which includes the patient’s name and the name of the medication(s) to prove medical need of the drugs you are carrying in case your luggage gets inspected.

Don’t bring firearms or ammunition! A foreign firearms license is not valid in Mexico ; if you own a gun, don’t take it to Mexico with you and don’t bring any ammunition with you either. The only exception is a firearm and ammunition used for hunting purposes; but you will need to apply for a special permit – contact your local Mexican Consulate . Being in possession of lethal knives, firearms of all types, and even a single round of ammunition is a Federal crime in Mexico: caught in possession of a firearm can land you in very serious trouble—even if you have a license for it that was issued in your home country. See Also: Mexico’s Strict Gun Laws

Type and quantity of items : Don’t bring anything that obviously looks like you’re planning to resell goods; for example, several laptop computers. These items will get heavily taxed or confiscated. Items for personal use will be allowed, new or used, but only in quantities that are commensurate with the definition of ‘personal use.’ If you are carrying large quantities of anything, or if the Customs Inspector believes you are trying to commercialize any of the goods you are carrying, then you may be interviewed further.

Drug smuggling: Every year, foreign nationals are arrested and convicted for drug smuggling in Mexico. Don’t attempt to smuggle any narcotics – not even small amounts of ‘soft’ drugs, e.g. cannabis/marijuana. You may be required to present documentary evidence for any powerful prescription drugs you need to carry on your person (i.e. doctor’s prescription, see note above about prescription drugs.) Narcotic offenses (use of, import, export, dealing) are likely to land you in a Mexican prison for many years. Don’t expect your consulate to bail you out because it won’t be able to. 20-25 year prison sentences for drug and serious firearm-related offenses are not uncommon in Mexico.

What you may take home from Mexico

Customs allowances into your home country will depend on where you live.

If you are planning to do a lot of shopping in Mexico, you should check at the information desk at (air)port of departure in your home country for the latest duty-free allowances.

Most goods classed as art and craft work are free of import taxes and you can bring as many home as many as you like, provided the quantities would be considered ‘for personal enjoyment’. Check with your local port/customs authorities for details.

The following items are are typical of duty-free allowances in many countries:

200 Cigarettes;
50 Cigars or 250g of Tobacco;
2 liters of wine;
1 or 2 liters of liquor (depending on country);
60cl of perfume;
In addition to the above: a US dollar or euro amount of goods, ranging from about US$300-$500, depending upon the country. If you go over the monetary limit, duty and tax is usually payable on the whole amount not just the sum above the limit;
Exact rates and amounts vary by country/trading block. Check with the information desk at your home country’s port of departure for the latest details on allowances

Leaving Mexico and Consular Contacts

Leaving mexico.

There are some procedures to follow when you depart Mexico, whether you are a visitor, or resident here:

If you are in Mexico as a tourist/visitor: When you leave Mexico, you will need to show your visitor permit you were issued with when you arrived. See also: Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM

If you are resident in Mexico be sure to the immigration desk at the airport or land border to show your residency card and get passport stamped before you leave the country . See also: Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico

Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Foreign nationals may be able to get assistance from their country’s consulate. Read our article about seeking consular assistance in Mexico for further details.

Directory of Mexican Consulates Abroad

Directory of Foreign Consulates in Mexico

Mexico in your inbox

Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.

Visa for Mexico

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Mexico?

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FAQs: Mexico’s Visitor Visas and Visitor Permit, the FMM

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Time Limits on Mexico Visitor Visas and Residency Permits

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Documents Required for Travel and Entry to Mexico

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Mexican Consulates

Directory and details of Mexican Consulates situated around the world

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Crossing the U.S.-Mexico Border by Land

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, and has the same length of validity as the passport book.

The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.

The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book.

You can apply for either the book or card, or both documents.

Steps to Apply for a Card

Applying for the first time: Apply in Person page .
Applying for your child: Children Under 16 page .
Renewing as an adult: Renew by Mail page .
Change your name or correct an error on the document.

We use the same forms for both passport books and cards. The first step on our forms is to select if you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i apply for the passport card and passport book using the same application.

Yes. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using the same application. When completing your form, let us know if you would like to apply for one or both documents.

If you're renewing both your passport book and passport card, you must provide both documents. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card using Form DS-82.

Can I get a passport card if I already have a passport book?

Yes. If you already have a passport book and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card by mail as a "renewal" even if it is your first passport card.

You can do the same and apply for your first passport book by mail as a "renewal" if you already have a passport card.

May I use a passport card to fly?

You cannot use the passport card to fly to or from a foreign country.

The Transportation Security Administration accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights in the United States.

The passport card is for U.S. citizens who live in northern and southern border communities and cross the border by land.

Use the passport book for international air travel.

Can I use my passport card at Ready Lanes?

Yes. You can save time at the U.S.-Mexico border by using Ready Lanes that read the U.S. passport card’s Radio Frequency Identification technology. Find a complete list of documents accepted at Ready Lanes.

I don't have any citizenship evidence or photo ID to apply. How can I get these documents?

Go to our Citizenship Evidence page and Photo ID page for examples of documents we accept.

Don't have a birth certificate?

If you were born in the United States, contact the county, city, or state where you were born and ask for a certified copy of your birth certificate. A certified copy has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

If you were born outside the United States, follow the tips on the Citizenship Evidence page.

Don't have a driver's license?

We accept other types of government-issued, primary photo ID. We will accept secondary photo ID if you do not have a primary ID.

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How much does a Mexico tourist card cost?

Traveling to Mexico means that you most likely need to obtain some kind of travel document that allows you to cross the border. If you are eligible, you can apply for a Mexico tourist card .

What you need to know is that the tourist card is free if you travel by air. You will receive an application form in the plane, or you can fill one out when you get to Mexico. However, if you do not want to stand in line when you arrive in Mexico, you have the option to apply for one before your departure. The process is entirely online but it is going to cost you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the mexico visa fees.

A visa for Mexico cost 48 USD when submitted to the embassy of Mexico.

What is a Forma Migratoria Múltiple?

As you may well know, when you travel abroad, you need some documents to cross the border. The documents are not always the same. Sometimes it is just the passport, at times you are required to obtain a visa, and sometimes all you need is a tourist card. The Forma Migratoria Múltiple is a Mexican tourist card. It's a special fee that certain citizens who want to travel to Mexico must pay.

What are the documents that I need to apply?

To get this FMM you do not need a huge amount of paperwork. All you require is:

Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Airplane ticket (Air Arrival - including the Flight number).
Email address , where documents can be sent safely.
Trip information , such as the state and address where you&#039;ll be staying in Mexico.
Credit/Debit card for the payment.

Click here if you want to begin processing your eVisa.

How can I get a FMM?

The process could not be simpler. iVisa.com puts at your disposal everything you need to do. First of all, you need to gather some documents, which we already mentioned before. Once you have all of those, you can get onto the next step, which is the application.

Filling in the application should take you about 5 to 10 minutes. You need to write in your basic information like name, gender, date of arrival, etc. Then you need to choose the tourist card type and processing time . According to your selection, the prices will be established.

The difference between a land tourist card and an air tourist card is the visa cost . If you travel by plane, there is no visa cost, which means you have to spend USD $42.00 less than if you travel by land. However, the rest of the fees remain, as we already explained to you before.

I am planning to go to Mexico by car, can I use the same Tourist card?

No, you can't. There are two different types of Mexican Tourist Card: By air and by land .

The FMM by plane or air is only available if you travel this way. But in case you enter the country by car (land), then you have to apply for an FMM by land .

Is it safe to get my Forma Migratoria Múltiple with iVisa.com?

You can trust our services if you want to travel to Mexico. Don't worry about any risk of getting your information leaked, since we proved maximum security, especially with our professional team that always works to keep your personal data completely safe.

You can check what thousands of customers say about our services here .

How much does Mexico Cost?

Mexico will average about 60 USD per day depending on your destination and tourist activities. Meals can cost an average of 12 USD and 8 USD for transportation. Be sure to check your destination for up-to-date prices and information.

Is there more information about this eVisa?

You can find more information about the FMM through its page here , or you can easily contact one of our customer service agents if you prefer something more personalized.

Mexican passport renewal: Everything you must know

Mexico Tourist Visa for Citizens of El Salvador: Apply for the Mexican Visa Now

Mexico Tourist Visa for Brazilian Citizens: Apply for the Mexican Visa Now

iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/finlandia/index.php/traveling/visas

Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Mexico in 2024

Traveling to Mexico soon and preparing for your trip? Don't get stuck with high roaming charges or slow overseas data roaming packages which limit the internet speed. Get yourself a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim card for Mexico, it is cheap and you get the best 4G/5G network connection, fastest data speed and big data bundle packages for much less than overseas data roaming plans.

This is a complete guide for buying a sim card for traveling to Mexico with where to buy a sim card, the best 4G/5G network in Mexico, up to date prices as per March 2024, the best e-sim cards for Mexico, information about international sim cards and everything else you need to know.

The first thing I do when arriving in a new country is either buying a local prepaid sim card or getting an e-sim card. Staying connected makes traveling so much easier and more fun.

As part of my journey to travel to every country in the world I wrote already more than 200 sim card guides including countries like: USA , Canada , Guatemala , El Salvador , Honduras , Costa Rica , Panama , Europe , London , Amsterdam , Frankfurt , Paris , Colombia , Paraguay , Chile , Argentina , Brazil , Peru and many more.

At Cancun Airport you can buy a prepaid sim card for Mexico, but these sim card deals are pretty much tourist traps. The easiest place to make money of unknowing tourists is when they just landed. So I recommend to buy a sim card for Mexico from an authorized sim card shop or on the internet. Read more about it in my guide for buying a sim card in Playa del Carmen .

Flying to Mexico City then check out my guide for buying a prepaid sim card at Mexico City Airport .

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!

Why buying a sim card in Mexico

Being connected to the internet makes life simply much easier and that counts also for traveling in Mexico. With a working data connection you can easily order a taxi through a taxi app, find a nearby restaurant with good reviews or get direction from Google Maps. Also in case of an emergency or checking your banking apps, pretty much everything requires a data connection.

Staying connected when traveling to Mexico is easy. Prepaid sim cards are cheap and you can buy them in all popular tourist destinations in Mexico and e-sim cards for Mexico are widely available on the internet.

For those traveling from the USA and Canada there is NO NEED buying a sim card in Mexico as your USA or Canada sim card should have FREE DATA ROAMING in Mexico, but double check it with your provider at home.

When swapping sim cards and changing phone numbers does not have your preference you can look into getting a portable WiFi device. Personally, I am not the biggest fan, but I admit they are a good way to get WiFi on the road . Check the link for my HONEST review about using a pocket WiFi.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Telcel sim card for Mexico. Telcel has by far the best 4G/5G network coverage in Mexico and for around $10 USD you get unlimited social media apps, calling minutes and 6 GB data for surfing the internet.

Local prepaid sim cards are cheaper than e-sim cards but you can only buy them on arrival in Mexico and they only offer physical prepaid sim cards, no e-sims for tourists. If you want to arrive prepared then check out the following.

Traveltomtom recommends buying an e-sim card for Mexico on the internet. There are several e-sim providers but Airalo offers a Mexico e-sim card with 10 GB data which is now on sale for just $24.50 USD.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Playa del Carmen/Cancun via either: SimOptions , Nomad or Airalo .

Best e-sim cards for Mexico

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Mexico is an e-sim cards. Simply because you don't need to visit a sim card shop anymore and no need to swap physical prepaid sim cards.

You order an e-sim card for Mexico on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Mexico e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Mexico it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Mexico.

For more info about using e-sim cards in Mexico check out my complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Mexico in 2024 .

Airalo is a reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used them in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the Airalo e-sim card plans for Mexico in 2024:

1 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD
2 GB data for 15 days = $15 USD
3 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $24.5 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Mexico from Airalo .

Airalo always has ongoing e-sim card promotion deals so worth checking. For example at the moment they give 50% on the 10 GB e-sim card plan for Mexico.

The above Chorro Fon e-sim cards are data-only e-sims and valid only in Mexico. They operate on the 4G/LTE network of Movistar, AT&T and Telcel.

international e sim cards for mexico 2023

SimOptions is another reliable e-sim card provider. They sell several international e-sim cards valid in multiple countries. Check out the following 2 international e-sim cards from AIS and Orange.

6 GB data for 15 days = $39.90 USD
10 GB data for 14 days = $39.90 USD

Click here to order any of the above SimOptions e-sim cards for Mexico .

The SimOptions e-sim card plans for Mexico are more expensive compared Airalo and therefore it is not Traveltomtom's first pick.

A third e-sim supplier for Mexico e-sim cards is Nomad.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Mexico:

1 GB data for 7 days = $7 USD
3 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $29 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Mexico from Nomad .

You can also still buy a physical sim card for Mexico. For example: 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD. Click here to order this Mexico sim card online or see all the offers and info.

Over the last years I made uncountable trips to Mexico. Check out my Yucatan Peninsula itinerary with places like: Isla Holbox , Valladolid , Rio Lagartos , Mahahual Costa Maya , Cozumel and many more.

My biggest trip to Mexico was when I rented a car from Mexico City and traveled more than 4,000 kilometer through the country and visited almost 20 different states in Mexico.

Find all those travel tips in my blog about the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico in 2024 .

Where to buy a prepaid Mexico sim card?

When you travel to Mexico you will find out that buying a prepaid sim card in Mexico is fairly easy. You just have to locate the nearest shop to your hotel or buy a sim card at the airport on arrival.

International Airport

The easiest way to buy a sim card for tourists in Mexico would be at the international airport on arrival. Unfortunately in Mexico they do not have many facilities in place at the airports. You won't find many sim card shops at the airport in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta for example.

Sadly, because it would be a great place to buy a sim card as a tourist. In Mexico City Airport there are some convenient stores that sell prepaid sim cards but it is not the ideal place obviously to buy a tourist sim card.

Traveltomtom also wrote a specific guide for buying a prepaid sim card at Mexico City Airport in 2024 or click here for my guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Playa del Carmen in 2024 .

Official mobile internet stores

All the mobile internet providers in Mexico: Telcel, Movistar and AT&T have stores in the bigger shopping malls anywhere around Mexico. You will also find them in the popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

In the official stores of the mobile internet providers you obviously get the best service and the staff will help you set everything up. Traveltomtom always advices to double check if everything is working before leaving the sim card shop.

How to find them just use Google Maps to locate the nearest one to your hotel or ask the hotel staff where to buy a prepaid sim card.

Convenient stores

As I mentioned before in Mexico you can buy tourist sim cards in convenient stores. Prepaid sim cards don't need to be registered and therefore you can simply buy a sim card. Convenient stores that sell prepaid sim cards for tourists are: Oxxo, 7-Eleven, Extra and Circle K.

Don't expect much service here as the staff is busy enough to sell other stuff, but if they have a free moment they will help you setting things up. If buying a sim card in a convenient store you need to buy a the sim card first, then add credit and then activate a data package. It is like a do-it-yourself kind of thing.

Last but not least you can buy a sim card for traveling in Mexico on the internet as well. Traveltomtom definitely recommends using e-sim cards for traveling to Mexico. If you are interested to learn more about e-sims then check out my complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Mexico in 2024 .

If your phone is not e-sim compatible you can buy a physical prepaid sim card on the internet , a so-called international sim card. These sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Mexico. It is plug and play and as soon as the plane lands you have data on your phone without having to pay for roaming costs.

Registration process

Buying a prepaid sim card in Mexico is the easiest thing ever as you do NOT even need your passport or ID. A prepaid tourist sim card in Mexico is not registered on your name or passport.

You can buy a prepaid sim card from anywhere and it works like plug and play. Meaning that as soon as you put the sim card in your phone you are instantly connected to data. The tourist sim cards are pre-registrated.

Be aware! Using a Mexican sim card only works if your phone is UNLOCKED!

If you are not sure about this contact your provider in your home country before your trip to Mexico! This also counts for using international sim cards and e-sim cards in your phone.

Traveling onwards through Central America? I traveled for more than 6 months in all of the Central American countries, an amazing adventure. That is why on Traveltomtom you will also find sim card guides from: Guatemala , Honduras , El Salvador , Costa Rica and Panama .

Mobile internet providers Mexico

There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Mexico: Telcel, AT&T and Movistar. AT&T is the market leader followed by Movistar. AT&T took over Unefon and Nextel and now all operate under the name of AT&T Mexico.

All mobile internet operators sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. The prepaid sim card plans are a little different per provider but in general come down to the same. The big difference between the mobile internet providers in Mexico is the 4G/5G mobile data network coverage.

None of the mobile internet operators in Mexico provide e-sim cards for tourists. You can only buy a physical prepaid sim card in Mexico. If you want an e-sim you will have to order an e-sim card for Mexico on the internet .

Prices prepaid sim cards Mexico in 2024

In most countries around the world when buying a sim card the prices are the same in every sim card shop. Not in Mexico! They will charge you something different depending where you buy a tourist sim card.

All the Mexico prepaid sim cards have the following things in common:

The following social media apps are free (unlimited use) in Mexico: Snapchat, Facebook, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Twitter. Youtube and TikTok are NOT unlimited most of the time!
The available surfing data can be used in: Canada, USA and of course in Mexico.
Available calling and texting credit can be used in: Canada, USA and in Mexico.

This counts for all AT&T, Movistar and Telcel prepaid sim cards you buy in a store in Mexico.

At the time of research in March 2024 $1 USD = $16.8 MXN and $100 MXN = $5.95 USD.

Telcel sim card Mexico

Telcel is the biggest mobile internet provider company in Mexico and claims to have to best network, we will see that later when comparing the 4G/5G coverage maps of Mexico.

As per March 2024 the above prepaid sim card packages are still valid. However, on the Telcel website it says you get double data at the moment as part of a promotion. This promotion is already ongoing for more than two years.

Meaning for 500 pesos ($30 USD) you will get 12 GB data + free social media apps.

Buying a Telcel prepaid sim card will cost you an additional 80 pesos ($4.6 USD) at some stores. Most shops charge this additional fee as an activation fee. Strange but true, at some Telcel shops this 80 pesos sim card includes 50 pesos credit, in some Telcel shops it doesn’t.

Telcel Mexico sim cards are sold all over: Oxxo, 7Eleven and any random phone shops. You will find the Telcel sign everywhere. For more info check the Telcel website .

Telcel does not support e-sim cards for tourists, they only provide physical prepaid sim cards.

AT&T sim card Mexico

You can give it a try, but in official AT&T shops in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mexico City they were only able to offer me the following prepaid sim cards:

0.5 GB data + unlimited social media/texting/calling for 5 days = $50 MXN ($3 USD)
1.5 GB data + 0.75 GB data for TikTok and YouTube + unlimited social media/texting/calling for 14 days = $100 MXN ($6 USD)
4.6 GB data + 1.15 GB data for TikTok and YouTube + unlimited social media/texting/calling for 25 days = $150 MXN ($9 USD)
6 GB data + 1.5 GB data for TikTok and YouTube + unlimited social media/texting/calling for 30 days = $200 MXN ($11.5 USD)

These are the AT&T prepaid sim card offers for tourists, have a look on the AT&T Mexico website for more info. AT&T does not support e-sim cards for tourists, they only provide physical prepaid sim cards.

Movistar sim card Mexico

movistar mexico prepaid sim card plans 2024

Some Movistar shops will try to charge you 60 pesos ($3 USD) for the sim card registration, some shops do not. These are the latest Movistar sim card deals for Mexico:

0.5 GB + free social media/calling/texting for 7 days = $50 MXN ($3 USD)
2 GB + free social media/calling/texting for 12 days = $80 MXN ($4.5 USD)
2 GB + free social media/calling/texting for 15 days = $100 MXN ($6 USD)
3.5 GB + free social media/calling/texting for 26 days = $150 MXN ($9 USD)

Latest updates for a Movistar prepaid sim card in Mexico is that you can also find a sim card for tourists for 200 pesos, including 9 GB data and unlimited social media apps valid for 28 days. But this prepaid sim card deal is randomly offered at stores around the country, sometimes yes, sometimes no! For more info check the Movistar Mexico website.

Movistar does not support e-sim cards for tourists, they only provide physical prepaid sim cards.

Best 4G/5G network coverage Mexico in 2024

As you can see from the above comparison of Mexico prepaid sim cards the data plans and prices are kind of similar. Prices are a great indication but to determine the best prepaid sim card in Mexico we have to also consider the 4G/5G network coverage.

You don’t want to lose signal as soon as you you leave the city and start visiting the best places to see in Mexico , so let's have a look at the Mexico 4G/5G coverage maps .

Is there 5G in Mexico?

Yes, 5G has finally arrived in Mexico but don't expect too much yet. Telcel is pretty much still the only provider that offers 5G in Mexico. Although Movistar and AT&T also offer 5G, you can only find it in the 3 biggest cities. There is still a very long road to go for Mexico to cover the country with a 5G signal.

The Mexican government launched an initiative to get more people connected and came up with Altan Redes, a joint network that is accessible regardless which mobile internet provider you are using. It is however, still pretty new.

From the below 4G/5G coverage maps we can clearly see that it pretty much only benefits Movistar and AT&T users. The Telcel network is the strongest and best mobile data network in Mexico, without a doubt.

4G/5G Network coverage map Altan Redes

altan redes 4g 5g network coverage map mexico 2024

4G/5G Network coverage map AT&T Mexico

att 4g 5g network coverage map mexico 2024

4G/5G Network coverage map Movistar Mexico

movistar 4g 5g network coverage map mexico 2024

4G/5G Network coverage map Telcel Mexico

telcel 4g 5g network coverage map mexico 2024

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Mexico in 2024.

From the above Mexico network coverage maps we can clearly see that the Telcel network is by far the best in Mexico in 2024 . If you for example go on a Yucatan road trip it is strongly adviced to get a sim card from Telcel or an e-sim card that operates on the Telcel network, like an Airalo e-sim card for Mexico .

If you are planning a city trip to the amazing Mexico City or just go surfing in Puerto Escondido or enjoying the beach in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta you are fine with any Mexico sim card.

All the mobile internet providers have good 4G/LTE network coverage in the main tourist destinations in Mexico . But are you traveling around in Mexico: TELCEL!

Best prepaid sim card Mexico in 2024

There are always ongoing prepaid sim card deals in Mexico, but to find out which shop has these offers for tourists you have to shop around.

However, depending on your kind of Mexico trip the network coverage is more important than the prices for prepaid sim cards. Movistar and AT&T Mexico have a much smaller 4G/5G network but prices are more or less the same as Telcel sim cards. Telcel has by far the best 4G/5G network in Mexico.

Therefore it is a simple conclusion that Telcel is the best Mexico prepaid sim card for tourists in 2024 and it is Traveltomtom's first recommendation when buying a prepaid sim card in Mexico.

That said, you can only buy a Telcel sim card in Mexico and not on the internet. If you want to arrive prepared in Mexico and your phone is e-sim compatible then simply order an e-sim card for Mexico. You are all set in just a couple clicks.

In my complete guide with a comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Mexico in 2024 you will find amazing Mexico e-sim card deals for tourists.

On all my Mexico trips in the past I have always bought a Telcel prepaid sim card on arrival, but on my trip to Mexico last year I got myself an Airalo e-sim card. I was also only staying for 10 days in Mexico so it was just easy, fast and convenient to get an e-sim.

On longer trips to Mexico when I would need more data I would buy a Telcel prepaid sim card again on arrival in Mexico.

It is also possible to buy a sim card at Mexico City Airport and lately a Traveltomtom team member got herself a Telcel prepaid sim card for $200 pesos ($11.5 USD) and got 3.2 GB data + unlimited social media apps, texting and calling.

Order a prepaid sim card for Mexico online

international prepaid sim cards for mexico

If your phone is not e-sim compatible and you still would like to order a sim card for Mexico on the internet then look into buying an international prepaid sim card. These physical prepaid sim cards are pre-activated and will be delivered to your home address. It is plug and play on arrival in Mexico.

If you like a lot of data this a great international prepaid sim card for you offered by SimOptions

10 GB data sim card valid for 14 days = $49.90

Hotspot available so you can share with friends/partner/kids! Click on the link above to see all the online sim card deals for Mexico or order one directly online.

A lot of North American sim cards can also be used in Mexico. Check my article about the best prepaid USA sim cards or best prepaid Canada sim cards to find out which ones have free data roaming in Mexico. However, they limited the data speed on international data-roaming plans.

Therefore Traveltomtom still recommends Americans and Canadians to get a Telcel sim card or an e-sim card for Mexico.

My experiences buying a Mexico sim card in Cancun

First of all I love the fact that Mexico sim cards come with unlimited use of social media. Most of the data I consume is through these apps. As a professional travel blogger I constantly want to be online updating my Instagram stories and my TikTok videos.

I always used to buy a Telcel sim card for my Mexico trips and I have always been very content with it. May be not always at super speed, but pretty fast at least.

When buying a sim card in Mexico I always go for a Telcel sim card because of its extensive network, far better than Movistar and AT&T.

For example when traveling to Mahahual in the South of Yucatan, there is only a Telcel phone signal available, the same for when traveling to Rio Lagartos to see Las Coloradas Pink Lake.

Here is one of my experiences buying a sim card in Mexico when I was traveling in Yucatan for 3 months.

Initially I purchased a package of 300 pesos ($17 USD) for getting me through my Yucatan itinerary . In total I traveled a little over 3 months in Yucatan and because of the ongoing Telcel promotion (not every Telcel shop offered me this) I got 7 GB and unlimited social media for 33 days. A pretty epic deal for using the best network in Mexico!

On my last trip to Mexico I got myself an Airalo e-sim card with 10 GB data for $24.50 USD just because it was convenient and I didn't have to buy a prepaid sim card in Mexico anymore.

I hope the above tips for buying a sim card in Mexico were helpful. If you have additional questions let me know, Im happy to help.

Looking for more Mexico travel tips? What about these amazing Yucatan tourist destinations? Travel to Holbox for its sunsets, visit Rio Lagartos for Las Coloradas Pink Lake, read more about scooter rental in Cozumel or for the most authentic travel experience in the Yucatan travel to Merida Mexico .

In total I visited more than 20 amazing tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula .

Go check it out if you need some travel inspiration or check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow my journey to visit every country in the world . As of March 2024 I have visited more than 155 out of 197 countries.

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If this article was helpful I would love it if you could share the link of this article somewhere on the internet. Every tweet on X, comment on Reddit, pin on Pinterest or share in a Facebook Group means a lot to me. Thank you very much.

Some links in this article about the best Mexico prepaid sim cards are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

playa del carmen
mexico city

Buying a Mexico Sim Card: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

A Mexico sim card is an essential purchase for your trip to Mexico. Not only will purchasing one help you to stay in touch with your family and friends back home, it will make planning your route and getting around Mexico much, much easier.

While having a local number can be useful in itself (you never know when you may need to call local friends, reserve a table at a restaurant, call your hotel etc), the main draw of purchasing a Mexican sim card is for its data.

Free wifi is not widely available in Mexico and while many hotels and resorts do have complimentary wifi available for guests, not all cafes, restaurants, and bars too. While traveling is a nice way to detach, if you don’t have a local sim card, it can be frustrating if you are dependent on finding a place with local wifi to be able to call an Uber, search bus/train/flight timetables, use Google Maps, check your emails, reserve a hotel, etc.

A Mexico sim card makes everything a lot easier. Fortunately, sim cards with call and data bundles are very affordable here and you can opt to buy either a physical sim or an E-sim depending on your needs and preferences.

This article has been written by a British Travel Writer living in Mexico (Me!) I have been living here for years so rest assured, you are in good hands here 😉 In this post, we will run through the different Mexico sim cards available, their costs, and any practical things you should know. It is updated periodically and all prices are current as of January 2024.

Table of Contents

Buying a Mexico Sim Card in 2024

Buying a Mexico sim card is easy and affordable. You can buy a sim card at a convenience store, phone shop, or airport in a matter of minutes and you don’t have to trail into a designated phone store with all of your ID and a bunch of paperwork in tow either like you do as a tourist in some countries.

In terms of actual Mexican phone companies, you have three main options to choose from. Namely, these are Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T.

Previously, there were two additional providers: Nextel and Unefon. They have since been acquired by AT&T.

Telcel is the largest and arguably the best. Their packages are comprehensive and affordable and their coverage far exceeds that of their competitors.

Separately, you can also consider purchasing an esim card for Mexico. Airalo and Holafly are two great companies that offer decently-priced Mexico E-sims.

An E-sim is a convenient choice because this is a digital sim that you can purchase online and activate digitally by either scanning a QR code or following some brief instructions to change your phone settings. It is good because it means that you don’t have to take your usual sim out of your phone and then worry about losing it during your trip etc.

Another option is to buy a portable wifi hub device which can be a good shout if you are working remotely.

As I mentioned, I have been living in Merida, Mexico for the last two years. I personally use Telcel as my phone provider in Mexico but let’s take a look at all the different choices available.

Current Mexico Sim Card Bundles in 2024

The current bundle options available for Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T are detailed below. These details are correct as of January 2024. Do keep in mind that rates and offers may change. Occasionally, providers will also offer promotional deals and introductory rates.

Mexico sim card rates for Telcel Unlimited Friend package

Telcel Mexico sim card rates

A Telcel sim card is 80 pesos ($4). You will have to pay this fee at all Oxxo, 7/11, and other convenience stores. Some Telcel stores may charge you for this, others may not. Similarly, some may or may not charge you an additional activation fee – welcome to Mexico!

The currently available offers for Telcel mobile bundles are detailed below. These packages are called ¨paquetes amigo sin limite¨ aka ¨unlimited friend packages¨.

100 pesos – 1.3GB and unlimited social media for 15 days
150 pesos – 2GB and unlimited social media for 26 days
200 pesos – 3GB and unlimited social media for 30 days
300 pesos – 4GB and unlimited social media for 30 days
500 pesos – 6GB and unlimited social media for 30 days

Data can be used in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. If you do not use all of your bundle by the end of the specified period, it cannot be carried over. The packages also come with unlimited messages and calls within the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The packages also come with unlimited messages and calls within the USA, Canada, and Mexico. If you purchase a plan costing more than 150 pesos, you can also enjoy 500 MB of free music (whether that is via Spotify or Apple Music).

At the time of writing (January 2024), Telcel is also offering a promotion where you can enjoy double data when you sign up for one of their sim cards. This promotion appears to have been going on for quite a while and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon. (So you can get even more data with Telcel compared to other providers!)

Movistar rates

50 pesos – 1GB of data, unlimited social media, calls, and texts for 14 days plus unlimited Whatsapp for 30 days
100 pesos – 4GB data, unlimited social media, calls, Whatsapp, and texts for 30 days
150 pesos – 5GB data, unlimited social media, calls, Whatsapp, and texts for 30 days

A Movistar sim card costs around 50-60MXN pesos in Mexico. However, some stores in Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya have waivered this for tourists so it depends on which store you go to. (Although 50 pesos is just $ 2.70 USD). It is a bit confusing because the sign-up rates for Movistar are very different from what you get when you recharge. (To entice you to use them from the beginning, of course!)

Recharge rates and offers for Movistar Mexico sim cards

The recharge prices and packages offered by Movistar Mexico are as per the below:

50 pesos – 500mb data, unlimited social media, calls, and texts for 7 days
80 pesos – 2GB data, unlimited social media, calls, and texts for 12 days
100 pesos – 2GB data, unlimited social media, calls, and texts for 15 days
150 pesos – 3.5GB data, unlimited social media, calls, and texts for 26 days

AT&T rates

100 pesos – 1.5GB, 1.5GB video, 1GB Spotify, and unlimited social media for 14 days
150 pesos – 2.3GB, 2.3GB video, 1.5GB Spotify, and unlimited social media for 25 days
200 pesos – 3GB, 3GB video, 2GB Spotify, and unlimited social media for 30 days

The packages also come with unlimited messages and calls within the USA, Canada, and Mexico. An AT&T sim card doesn’t have an additional cost for the physical sim, so the price that you pay includes both the data/call plan and the sim.

When you do and don’t need to purchase a Mexico sim card

If you are traveling to Mexico from Canada or the USA, it is worth checking your phone plan before purchasing a Mexico sim card. Some networks, like T-Mobile, do include Mexico within their coverage at no extra cost. If you are traveling to Mexico from elsewhere in the world, or you have an American/Canadian sim card that does not include Mexico in its standard plan, you may be able to purchase add-on packages so that you can use data in Mexico. However, this may work out more expensive than picking up a sim card in Mexico.

For instance, Verizon offers excellent coverage but the price of using Verizon data in Mexico is far more expensive than the price of purchasing a local plan.

If Mexico is not included in your phone plan, you should absolutely not allow data roaming on your phone when traveling here as the cost can be exorbitant. This is particularly true if you have a phone plan from outside the Americas (e.g. a British/European sim). You can get decent Mexico sim card packages for less than $10 a month. These typically include a set amount of minutes and texts, a certain amount of data, and often, unlimited social media and WhatsApp usage. So, even if your own country does include Mexico within its coverage plan, you might want to consider buying a Mexico sim card just in case, especially if you will be spending a relative amount of time in Mexico. You never know when a local number may come in handy.

Purchase a Mexico E-Sim

A Mexico e-sim is a good alternative to buying a physical sim if you don’t want the inconvenience of taking your sim card out of its holder or you are worried about losing it. The plans work out a bit more expensive than a physical sim but they are still reasonable.

I live in Mexico so I have always used Telcel, but on a recent trip around Europe, I bought E-sims in every country I visited (Montenegro, Albania, Austria, and the UK). Their data plans helped me stay connected so that I could easily use Google Maps and get around.

Not taking the sim card out of my phone was a big plus for me because all of my online banking is tied to my Mexican phone number. If I want to transfer money or pay a bill, I have to get a confirmation code sent to my SMS for security and it was simply too much of a risk for me to change my sim and potentially not be able to receive the SMS/access my money O_O

Airalo and Holafly are two of the biggest and most trustworthy E-Sim brands. I personally use Holafly as although they are a bit pricier, they offer unlimited data.

The packages they offer are as per the below. Note that all prices are in USD.

Airalo eSIM Mexico packages

Chorro Fon 1GB data package for 7 days: $8
Chorro Fon 2GB data package for 15 days: $15
Chorro Fon 3GB data package for 30 days: $21
Chorro Fon 5GB data package for 50 days: $32.50

Holafly eSIM Mexico packages

5 days of unlimited data for $19
7 days of unlimited data for $27
10 days of unlimited data for $34
15 days of unlimited data for $47
20 days of unlimited data for $54
30 days of unlimited data for $64
60 days of unlimited data for $84
90 days of unlimited data for $99

Do note that you need to check whether your phone is compatible with an E-sim or not before purchasing. Most iPhones and Android phones released in the last couple of years are compatible but it pays to double-check.

Once your purchase is complete, you will receive an email with a QR code and some straightforward instructions to follow to get your e-sim up and running.

Where to Buy a Mexico Sim Card in 2024

There are several places where you can pick up a Mexico sim card. You will find little kiosks selling them at various international airports on arrival in the country, you can purchase them from Oxxo convenience stores (the Mexican version of 7/11) or you can purchase them in any phone store.

Buying a Mexico sim card at Oxxo

The easiest way to pick up a Mexico sim card is to venture into an Oxxo store or a 7/11. You will be able to pick up a Telcel sim card here. Simply go to the counter and tell the server that you want to buy a Telcel sim card. This is easy to do even with minimal Spanish.

You can say ¨yo quiero una tarjeta sim de telcel por favor¨. (I want a Telcel sim card please). Or failing that, you can easily type out what you are trying to say on the Google Translate app on your phone :). Telcel has several different bundles available. Just point to the one that you want.

You will be given a packet containing your sim card that is pre-activated with the number of minutes, data, and messages that you selected. Your new Mexican phone number will be displayed on the side of the packet.

Buying a Mexico sim card at the airport

You will find vendors selling Mexico sim cards at little kiosks at virtually every major international airport. However, these usually charge a premium rate and work out more expensive than buying the sim from a convenience store or phone shop. They depend on unsuspecting tourists not knowing how to get a sim card and the going rate of things when they arrive in the county. It is better to purchase your sim card only from an authorized dealer. Most airports have complimentary wifi. Get to your hotel/accommodation and then head to the nearest Oxxo to buy a sim card.

You will find Oxxo stores on virtually every street corner in Mexico.

Buying a Mexico sim card at a phone store

Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T stores are everywhere in Mexico. To find one, you can simply Google the name of the store and the name of the city that you are in. The rates and process for purchasing a sim are the same as when heading into a convenience store. However, queues are often longer in phone stores, with customers purchasing phones and waiting in line to ask all manner of complex/tech questions.

So, it still works out easier to simply buy your sim card from a convenience store.

Recharging your Mexico sim card

You will get SMS notifications from your Mexico sim card provider to notify you when you are approaching the end of your current term, when you are out of data/ minutes, etc. When you need to recharge, you can do so either online or at an Oxxo store/phone store.

There are also several online websites like Ding or Recharge that allow you or others to send credit/bundles to your Mexico sim card. They can do so simply by entering your Mexican mobile number and specifying an amount/bundle to be charged to their card.

If you head into an Oxxo or a 7/11 store, you can ask the vendor to recargar (recharge) your package. You need to have your phone number on hand as they will input it into the screen.

The top-up is automatic and you will receive an SMS notification to advise you that your phone has been recharged. You may have to restart your phone for this to take effect.

Purchase a Mexico sim card online before your trip

If you prefer to have everything organized and in order, before you head to Mexico, you can buy a Mexico sim card online before your trip. However, keep in mind that doing so comes at a premium price and can cost you more than twice as much as a sim card purchased locally.

Additional Things to Know About Buying a Mexico Sim Card

Some other useful things that you want to consider before buying a Mexican sim card are detailed below.

A Mexico Sim Card Helps You to Stay Connected

Your phone needs to be unlocked

Your cell phone needs to be unlocked before you can use a Mexico sim card. If your phone is locked, it means it is contractually bound to the carrier that you purchased a contract.

Checking if your iPhone/Android phone is unlocked

Today, a lot of phones are unlocked from the get-go but it is worth checking. Depending on your provider, you may be able to reach out to your network before you depart for Mexico via live IM chat, email, or phone call. Failing that, there are a couple of ways you can check. If you have an iPhone, head to the settings section of your phone.

Then go to Cellular > Cellular Data. If you see Cellular Data Network, then your phone is probably unlocked.

If you have an Android phone, the process for checking if your phone is unlocked varies depending on the specific model. However, as standard, you may be able to go to the settings and then head to Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and tap Search Now.

This way, you can see if the names of other carriers come up. If multiple carrier names show up, your phone might be unlocked.

Finally, you can check if your phone is unlocked by inserting a sim card, perhaps when you arrive in Mexico, and trying to make a call. If the call goes through, your phone is likely unlocked.

If you arrive in Mexico and realize that your phone is in fact locked, you can head to phone stores and stalls in malls and easily find an unlocking service. As in any country, you will be able to find someone who unlocks your phone for a few pesos.

Coverage is limited in Mexico

Telcel is the Mexico sim card provider that gives the best coverage. If you opt to buy a sim card with either Movistar or AT&T, you may find that you find more instances of finding that you have no phone signal, especially when you leave touristy areas and major cities.

However, whatever Mexico sim card you opt to purchase, you are guaranteed to be met with occasions where you have no 3G/4G and no network coverage while traveling in Mexico. When driving along rural roads in the Yucatan to ruins like Edzna and Mayapan , you may find that you keep completely losing the signal.

In some more remote beach towns like El Cuyo , you might find that the signal wavers in and out. 5G was launched in 18 Mexican cities in February 2022 and the intention is for Mexico to become home to the biggest 5G network in Latin America. As of yet, this is still a work in progress and most places are limited to just 4G. 5G coverage is only found around major cities.

You don’t need to change your number for Whatsapp

A lot of people worry about how changing out their phone sim card will affect the messaging apps that they use like Whatsapp and Viber. When you change a sim card in your phone, your number on Whatsapp, etc will not be automatically changed to the new number.

Instead, when you change your sim and log into your Whatsapp, you will see a prompt asking what number you want to use. If you want to continue using your existing number, you can simply click to confirm that.

That physical sim card doesn’t have to be inside your phone for you to use the number if it has already been registered to the device.

Social media coverage includes select apps

All Mexico sim card providers offer unlimited social media use for the duration of the bundle. This may be two weeks, a month, or a different amount of time depending on the prepaid package that you selected. Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Tiktok are included in this. YouTube is not.

You will notice that some bundles also offer an additional extra Spotify data bundle. The specific social media apps included and amount of free usage offers varies depending on the specific plan and sim card provider.

Download offline maps and other useful apps

One reason why you may want to purchase a Mexico sim card may be so that you can easily navigate around Mexico using Google Maps or similar GPS apps.

Buying a Mexico sim card can make your life a lot easier during your trip, especially if you are renting a car and driving in Mexico .

While this is useful and worthwhile, you should also consider downloading essential apps and maps to use offline. For instance, Maps Me works offline. That way, you are covered if you are navigating your way through a rural area and you lose your phone signal.

Assess whether you need a roaming device

If you are going to be spending an extended period of time in Mexico, working remotely, or operating multiple devices, you may want to consider purchasing an international roaming device like a Skyroam. These small, light devices are easy to carry in your luggage and in your bag.

You can easily shove them in your backpack/handbag for the day and they are not heavy to lug around. Skyroam offers 24 hours of unlimited data in over 130 countries across the world.

You can connect up to 5 devices on one Skyroam and the hub has a battery life of up to 16 hours.

Final thoughts on purchasing a Mexico sim card

Ultimately, whether you choose to purchase a physical sim or digital sim cards, having a Mexican sim card will help you stay connected during your trip. As well as helping you keep in touch with people and aiding you in your trip planning and managing your itinerary, it is good to always have a way to reach people in case of an emergency.

A Mexico sim card is important for your safety as much as anything else.

Do you have any further questions about planning a trip to Mexico? I have been living in Merida in the Yucatan for the last two years and I am happy to help out with any questions or queries you may have.

Feel free to drop me a line and I will do my best to get back to you ASAP. Safe travels and enjoy Mexico!

Buen Viaje! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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14 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

46 travel credit cards evaluated
10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. O ur top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
Discover it® Miles – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.

Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
No bonus category for travel
Few benefits compared to other cards
Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

No annual or foreign transaction fees
Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
Few benefits compared to other travel cards
Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
Includes cell phone protection plan
No airline or hotel transfer partners
Doesn't include travel insurance
Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
Includes primary rental car insurance
Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
$95 annual fee
Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
High annual fee ($250)
Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
$100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

10,000 bonus miles every year
Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
High annual fee ($395)
Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
$300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
High annual fee ($550)
Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

$300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
High annual fee ($695)
Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
$200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year ($200 between January and June and $200 between July and December) for U.S. purchases with Dell.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

Free first checked bag for you and a companion
Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
$95 annual fee (after the first year)
No intro APR period
Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards offer benefits and rewards geared towards individuals who travel frequently or want to earn travel benefits.

They provide high rewards for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. You can then use these rewards (in the form of points or miles) to book travel reservations. Some cards also let you transfer your rewards to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

On top of the rewards, these cards often feature several travel-related perks, such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you’ll typically get bonus points in additional spending categories. For example, some cards may offer 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

How to use credit card points for travel

Travel credit cards have rewards programs through which you can earn points (or miles). Well-known point programs include Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards® and Citi ThankYou® Rewards.

To redeem your points, go to your travel card’s rewards program portal. The process may differ across credit card issuers, but you’ll usually be able to access it through your online account on the issuer’s website or app.

Points are usually worth one cent each. However, some issuers increase their value if you redeem them for travel. For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points are worth 1.25 cents when used to book flights through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Points may also be worth less than a cent, depending on how you redeem them. For example, some cards allow you to use your points at Amazon checkout. While this might sound convenient, this option may bring down the value of points to around 0.8 cents.

Some cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Typically, you can transfer rewards to these loyalty programs on a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 1,000 credit card points are worth 1,000 loyalty program points.

Difference between points and miles

You’ll earn points or miles depending on which travel credit card you have. For example, Chase travel credit cards earn points, while Capital One travel cards earn miles. Miles and points typically have similar value (around one cent each) and redemption options.

However, keep in mind that several cards that earn miles are tied to a specific airline — like the United℠ Explorer Card. In this case, you can only use your rewards for purchases with the issuing airline such as flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining and more.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

Do you travel often? A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you use their points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit.
Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
General travel card vs co-branded cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

How get the most out of your travel credit card

To get the most out of your travel credit card, you need to use it as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase, which you can then redeem for free or discounted flights, hotels and more.

Use your travel card to pay most of your purchases and bills and then pay your card off in full each month. This will help you earn points while avoiding interest charges and high credit card debt , which can impact your credit score.

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

What is the best travel credit card, what is the best credit card for international travel, how to travel for free with credit cards, what is the best credit card for travel miles, what is a welcome bonus on a credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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Mexico Tourist Card and How to Get One
Mexico Tourist Card 101 (and how to get one online)
Mexico Tourist Card 101 (and how to get one online)
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Get your Mexico Tourist Card online and save time at the airport!
Mexico Tourist Card Details in 2021

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COMMENTS

What Is a Mexican Tourist Card and How Do I Get One?
How to Get a Tourist Card in Person. If flying into Mexico, passengers will be given a tourist card and instructions for filling it out onboard their plane—the cost of a tourist card (about $25) is included in the fare, so travelers won't need to pay upon arrival. The card is stamped at customs/immigration in the Mexico airport, showing the ...
Mexico Tourist Card
Foreign citizens traveling to Mexico are issued an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) also known as Tourist Card. The online registration process is FREE, very convenient, straightforward, and to complete the process all you need is your passport and travel information. THE TOURIST CARD IS PER PERSON INCLUDING CHILDREN AND DIPLOMATIC PERSONNEL.
The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card
Mexico offers visa-free entry to those who hold passports from countries on its no visa required list. Instead of a Mexican visa, visitors must obtain an FMM tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This document allows you to stay in Mexico for the purpose of tourism or business for up to 180 days. The FMM currently costs 685 pesos or $38.
Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM) 2024
If applicable, you will also need to have a copy of your payment receipt.). Requires a valid passport or passport card. The stamped FMM is valid for land travel throughout Mexico. Cost: $717.00 Pesos (appx U.S. $43) per person; FREE if the trip is 7 days or less and you cross by land. May be issued for up to 180 days.
Instituto Nacional de Migración
The applicant acknowledges herein that the fees paid to obtain the condition of stay, is not a guarantee to enter Mexico. The applicant shall produce a valid and current passport or card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte), as well as the FMM shall be produced at the time his/her enter is requested. I have read and agree to the terms and conditions above.
Learn About Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM
For a summary of the documentation required to enter Mexico, see Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico. ... it's going to cost me approximately $2,000 as I no longer have a casa there. ... card while you're in Mexico. A tip is to fold it into your passport and use a paperclip to make sure it doesn't slip out.
Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) Ultimate Guide
The Mexico tourist card aka Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) is an immigration form that must be filled out prior to your entry in Mexico. It's a form that you will submit to immigration once you arrive at the airport and is required for every person including children. It is recommended to fill out the form and register online in order ...
How to Get a Mexico FMM Tourist Card • Off Path Travels
It varies depending on your method of entry, but to get an FMM tourist card for Mexico, you'll need the following: Passport (valid for the next 180 days) Completed immigration form (FMM) You may also be asked to show proof of tourist-related activities, such as hotel reservations, return flight, or tour itinerary.
Mexico Tourist Card For Americans
As long as their stay in Mexico does not exceed 180 days for business or tourism or 30 days for transit, they can travel in Mexico without a visa. Basic FMM and Birth Certificate Requirements Although these 180 and 30-day timeframes allow U.S. citizens to travel visa-free in Mexico, it is still required to obtain an FMM tourist card that can be ...
Mexico Tourist Visa
A Mexico Tourist Card can be issued for a maximum of 180 days but it is the immigration officers at the point of entry who decides the number of days you are given. They can give you an FMM for 30, 60, or 90 days as opposed to the full 180. You must leave the country before the Mexico Tourist Card expires.
6 Best Travel Cards for Mexico
Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates. How to choose the best travel card for Mexico. We've picked out 6 great travel cards available in the US - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task.
Mexico Entry Requirements for US Citizens
What U.S. Citizens Need to Travel to Mexico. American citizens must have a few essential documents to travel to Mexico. These include: US passport. FMM tourist card (for land travel) Mexican visa (if applicable) A visa for Mexico may not be required for US passport holders. This depends on the period of stay and your reason for traveling.
What is a Mexican Tourist Card and where to get it?
Mexico Tourist Card is a travel document granted by the Mexican Government to foreign travelers who want to travel and stay in Mexico for tourism purposes. You can get two types of Mexico Tourist Cards from Natvisa: Tourist Card - Air is delivered through email and is valid for 6 months. Tourist Card - Land will be also delivered via email ...
Demystifying the Mexico Immigration Card: Everything You Need to Know
The cost and validity of a Mexico immigration card, also known as a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), depend on the purpose and duration of your visit. For tourists or visitors staying in Mexico for up to 180 days, the cost is included in the cost of your airline ticket or can be paid upon arrival at the border or airport.
Travel money Mexico: How to pay & how much to bring
Up to 4.60% APY on savings. $0 account or overdraft fees. Get a $300 bonus with direct deposits of $5,000 or more. Travel rewards with no annual fee. Go to site Terms apply, see rates & fees. 20,000 miles (equal to $200 in travel) after spending $500 in the first 3 months. Earn unlimited 1.25x miles on all purchases.
Tourist Card Mexico
FMM/Tourist card for Mexico is a travel document issued by the government to all tourists or foreigners wishing to come to Mexico. Visitors must fill out an official entry immigration form (FMM) prior to their arrival. The Tourist Card is valid per person, regardless of age or length of stay in Mexico. The Mexican Immigration Authority keeps ...
The Ultimate Guide to Mexico's Tourist Fee: What You Need to Know
According to the article, the Visitax Tourist Tax is intended to help fund necessary improvements and services for tourists in the area. The Visitax Tourist Tax is a new fee that all tourists visiting Cancun will have to pay. The fee is $10 USD per person and will be collected upon arrival at the airport or port.
Mexico's Visitor Tax: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
Mexico Visitor Tax, also known as Visitax Tourist Tax Cancun, is a tax levied by the Mexican government on all tourists who enter the country by air or sea. This tax is included in the ticket price of your airline or cruise and is paid by your travel operator. The tax is calculated based on the length of your stay in Mexico and the destination ...
Mexico Entry Requirements—For Leisure, Business or Residency
Mexico entry requirements for tourists and short term visitors Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM. Passport holders from countries on Mexico's no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. They may, instead, use a visitor's permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple).For the countries that don't need a visa, a Mexico Visitor's Permit (FMM) is issued in ...
Get a Passport Card
The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries. The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book. You can apply for either the book or card, or both documents. Steps to Apply for a Card. Applying for the first time: Apply in Person page.
How much does a Mexico tourist card cost?
Then you need to choose the tourist card type and processing time. According to your selection, the prices will be established. The difference between a land tourist card and an air tourist card is the visa cost. If you travel by plane, there is no visa cost, which means you have to spend USD $42.00 less than if you travel by land. However, the ...
Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Mexico in 2024
Airalo is a reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used them in more than 50 countries around the world. Check out the Airalo e-sim card plans for Mexico in 2024: 1 GB data for 7 days = $8 USD. 2 GB data for 15 days = $15 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $32.5 USD.
Buying a Mexico Sim Card: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
150 pesos - 5GB data, unlimited social media, calls, Whatsapp, and texts for 30 days. A Movistar sim card costs around 50-60MXN pesos in Mexico. However, some stores in Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya have waivered this for tourists so it depends on which store you go to. (Although 50 pesos is just $ 2.70 USD).
14 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card - Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards; Bilt Mastercard® - Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent

Mexican Tourist Cards and How to Get One

Who Needs a Mexico Tourist Card?

The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card

Quick Info About the FMM Tourist Card

Important note

What is an FMM Tourist Permit?

Who is Eligible for an FMM Tourist Permit and Who Needs a Visa?

Who Needs an FMM Tourist Permit?

What Documents Do I Need to Get an FMM Tourist Permit?

What Information is Required to fill out the FMM Form?

How Much Does the FMM Tourist Permit Cost

How to Pay for the FMM Tourist Permit

How Long Can You Stay with an FMM Visitor’s Permit?

How to Apply for an FMM Tourist Permit?

Entering by Land: Driving or Walking into Mexico

Arriving in Mexico by Air

Entering Mexico by Sea

Applying for an FMM Online

Frequently Asked Questions About the FMM

Can I Stay in Mexico for More than 180 Days with an FMM

How Long do I Have to Leave Mexico Before Returning for a New FMM?

What Happens if You Overstay an FMM Visitor Permit?

What if you Lose Your FMM Permit?

What if You Kept Your Visitor’s Permit When You Left Mexico?

What if I Entered Mexico Without Getting an FMM?

Can I renew or extend an FMM?

Can I Exchange an FMM for a Residency Visa?

Do I Have to Stop at the Border or Can I Get an FMM in Mexico?

Final Thoughts

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Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM)

Tourist Card (FMM) Facts:

FAQs about Tourist Cards (FMM):

When I drive across the border, will I be stopped to get an FMM?

When is a tourist card (FMM) free?

Who may obtain a tourist card (FMM)?

When is a tourist card (FMM) required?

Multiple Immigration Form (FMM)

Conditions of the Forma Migratoria Múltiple obtained by electronic means

Entry Information

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Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) Ultimate Guide

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Are you eligible for a Mexico tourist card?

How to get a Mexico tourist card

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6 Best Travel Cards for Mexico

6 best travel money cards for Mexico:

Wise travel card

Wise features

How to apply for a Wise card

Revolut travel card

Revolut features

How to apply for a Revolut card

Chime travel card

Chime features

How to apply for a Chime card

Monzo travel card

Monzo features

How to apply for a Monzo card

Netspend travel card

Netspend features

How to apply for a Netspend card

PayPal travel card