With the global increase in inflation, everyone checks their pocket before planning tours. If you are conscious about the budget of your trip to Mexico, then you are in the right place. Even though Mexico is the center of attention in tourism, it does not burden your wallets much. However, the trip cost depends upon your plans. Still, Mexico offers affordable stays.
Meals and transportation costs are reasonable, and accommodations are cost-effective. The Yucatan province is more expensive than the other parts of Mexico. Below are the details and tips for how to budget your trip to Mexico:
Ways to Budget Your Trip to Mexico
Here are the steps to budget your trip to Mexico!
1- Creating a budget for your trip to Mexico
Budget and planning are the most valuable things you can do to prepare for your trip to Mexico. It will help you manage your money and make your travel more affordable. Creating a daily budget will help you stay on track and avoid overspending. A budget calculator can be a valuable tool to help you plan your expenditures and save money for your trip. Invest in exchange rates and use apps like XE Currency to help you determine them.
Travel budget tools like TrailWallet can also help you track your expenses for accommodation, entertainment, and transportation as you go. Remember to bring emergency cash and backup payment methods like credit and debit cards, and inform your bank(s) before traveling to avoid any issues with your transactions.
2- Affordable accommodation options in Mexico
Accommodation is a crucial factor to consider when budgeting for your trip to Mexico. Luckily, there are various options available for budget-conscious travelers. One option is to volunteer through Worldpackers, which offers a variety of opportunities ranging from working in a hostel to helping out in eco-villages. Accommodation and at least one meal per day are usually included. You can also try Couchsurfing, a platform where locals offer travelers a place to stay for free.
In addition, the website/app is easy to use and allows you to filter your preferences for a private room or a couch. Hostels are another affordable option; you can either book in advance or walk into random hostels for a more spontaneous experience. Lastly, you can find cheap private rooms through Airbnb or hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a companion.
3- Cost-effective transportation methods in Mexico
Transportation is a key factor when planning a trip to Mexico on a budget. One way to save money is to find a cheap one-way flight to Mexico using websites like Skyscanner.com. You can find good deals under 500 euros from Madrid with airlines like KLM and AeroMexico.
Once you arrive, traveling by land is recommended as it’s relatively cheap. The bus is one of Mexico’s safest and cheapest ways to travel. ADO is the main bus line in Mexico, and you can find comfortable and spacious seats with pit stops during long trips. The cost of a 7-hour bus ride could range from USD 15 to 30.
Additionally, carpooling services like Blablacar are available in Mexico, which is faster than the bus and allows you to meet locals. Although it may not be the most reliable mode of transportation, you can still find cheap rides. For instance, you can travel from Mexico City to Cuernavaca for under USD 4.
4- Budget-friendly food options in Mexico
Regarding food, there are plenty of options to help you stay on a budget while traveling in Mexico. If you’re volunteering through Worldpackers, you can count on at least one meal being covered. If you have access to a kitchen, grocery shopping at local supermarkets is the most budget-friendly way to go.
Even Walmart offers affordable basic foods. However, it’s important not to skimp on food, as eating well is essential to travel efficiently. If you’re new to Mexico, avoiding street food is best until your stomach adjusts. But if you venture out, stick to cooked foods and avoid raw vegetables and fruits.
Prioritize local drinks, like flavored waters, over canned Coke for a cheaper option. The best way to find local restaurants is to hang out with locals through Worldpackers and Couchsurfing. While it’s difficult to give an exact budget for food, if you’re willing to stick to simple meals, like bananas for breakfast and tacos for lunch, you can get by on under USD 4 per day.
5- Exploring different regions of Mexico on a budget
Mexico has many regions to explore, but where should you go if you’re on a budget? According to one traveler’s experience, Quintana Roo is a great place to start. Stay in Playa del Carmen and explore nearby areas like Tulum and Cancun. This region is perfect for beach lovers who want to experience the beauty of cenotes and ancient ruins like Chichen Itza.
Yucatan is another region that offers plenty of affordable options. Bacalar and Mahahual are great spots to find cheap hostels and delicious local food while enjoying the stunning Bacalar Lagoon and Mahahual beaches. If you want to explore a spiritual and cultural destination, Chiapas is the way to go. The food is cheap, and San Cristobal de Las Casas is a mountain town filled with magic and culture.
Lastly, Oaxaca is a must-visit destination that offers affordable accommodation in the city and hidden beach paradises like Mazunte and Zipolite. While some beaches may be relatively more expensive depending on the season, each region offers something unique to budget travelers.
6- Enjoying free activities in Mexico City
If you want to save money during your trip to Mexico City, taking advantage of free activities is excellent. Many options are available, from visiting museums like the Soumaya Museum and the National Palace to exploring the Bosque de Chapultepec Park.
Best of all, many places offer free admission on certain days of the week, such as Palacio de Bella Artes, which is free on Sundays. With so many free activities, you can fill your itinerary with fun and exciting things without breaking the bank.
7- Saving money on communication with a local SIM card
When planning your Mexico trip, it’s important to consider your phone usage and how it fits into your budget. International roaming charges from your home phone provider can quickly add up, so a great option to consider is buying a local SIM card.
In Mexico, an AT&T prepaid SIM card can be purchased at the airport for around 200 MXN (9 USD). This SIM card includes 3 GB of data, unlimited social media, text, and talk for 30 days. This option is budget-friendly and allows you to stay connected while on the go and avoid unexpected charges from your home phone provider.
8- Visiting Mexico during the shoulder season for lower prices
If you plan to save money on your trip to Mexico city, consider visiting during the shoulder season. The shoulder season is the period right before and after the rainy season. The best months to visit during the shoulder season are April, May, mid-October, and early November.
During this time, you can find good deals and low prices on accommodations, transportation, and activities. You’ll also avoid crowds during the high season, making it an excellent time to explore the city at your own pace.
The Bottom Line
Mexico is a fantastic destination for budget travelers looking for an affordable yet exciting vacation. With some research and planning, you can save money on accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. You can enjoy Mexico’s offers without breaking the bank by taking advantage of free activities, traveling during the shoulder season, and buying a local SIM card. Remember to budget and plan a trip to Mexico without worrying about your wallet.
FAQs about Budget Your Trip to Mexico
The average price of daily expenses in Mexico is around $90. The expenditures include food and local transportation. The average price of a hotel for two weeks is around $1300 for a couple.
Yes, traveling around Mexico on a budget is safe. Still, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions like not flashing expensive items or carrying large sums of money.
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