Obesity Control Center

Tap water in Mexico is not safe for drinking, even in major cities like Tijuana, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. It is fine for showering and brushing teeth, but you should drink only bottled or purified water, which is inexpensive and available at every convenience store and hospital. Most private hospitals and recovery suites provide purified water to patients.

The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the local currency. Use ATMs from major banks like Citibanamex or HSBC (avoid airport exchange kiosks, which have poor rates), and always choose to be charged in MXN rather than USD when a card terminal asks. Credit cards are widely accepted at private hospitals, restaurants, and pharmacies, but carry small-denomination peso bills for taxis and tips. Tipping 15% at restaurants is standard, and tips should be left in pesos.

Telcel has the widest coverage and is the most popular carrier. You can buy a prepaid SIM at OXXO convenience stores for around 250 MXN (roughly $14 USD), which is cheaper than airport kiosks. Movistar offers budget plans starting at around 50 MXN for 1 GB with unlimited calls. If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase and activate one before departure to avoid any setup delays on arrival.

The US advisory applies to Mexico as a whole, but medical tourism hubs like Monterrey, Merida, Guadalajara, and the hospital zones of Tijuana are generally considered safe for visitors. These cities have modern infrastructure, international hospitals, and well-patrolled commercial districts. Use the same common-sense precautions you would in any large city: stay in well-lit areas, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber or DiDi, and avoid isolated roads at night.

Yes, Mexico has an extensive pharmacy network with chains like Farmacias del Ahorro and Farmacias Guadalajara found on nearly every major block. Many medications that require a prescription in the US are available over the counter, including common pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and stomach remedies, often at a fraction of US prices. Pharmacies in hospital districts frequently have staff who speak basic English, and your hospital coordinator can help with prescriptions if needed.