When going through passport control upon arrival in Mexico, you may be asked how much money you have with you. The financial viability of the traveler — one of the criteria by which the migration service determines whether to let him into the country or not. But Mexico’s migration legislation does not say anywhere how much money should be available in order to enter the country without any problems. It only says that the foreigner must confirm the difference in money for the trip. In other words, there should be enough money to last for the duration of your stay in Mexico.
Different sources, primarily tour sellers, give different numbers — from 50 to 100 dollars for every day in Mexico. The figures, of course, are taken from the ground, but it is permissible to rely on them, since they reflect approximate real costs. But it’s one thing when you fly to an already paid all-inclusive hotel and you won’t get further than the beach on your trip to Mexico, but it’s another thing when you still have to pay for housing and transportation, buy food and excursions. Under any circumstances, we will assume that at the time of entry you must have at least $50 for each day of your stay in Mexico.
The required amount must be adequate to the purpose of coming to Mexico, but has the right to change based on this purpose and from expenses already paid. For example, if you say that you are going to travel around the country for a month and will pay for food along the way, the migration officer will add up a larger amount in his mind than if you just arrived on a tour for 7 days.
How will the migration officer count this money? Most often — no way. To his question, how much money do you have, you should give a quick and extremely clear answer, and preferably without the adverb «about». You must show that you are in control of your finances and are confident that the stated amount will be enough for you.
What if he asks to show money? Always have a few dollars in cash and the rest — on the card(s), or all the money — cash only, not all money — only on the map. Show cash and cards. We hope you understand that cash must be in a freely convertible currency.
Will the amount on the card be checked? Without your help, check is physically impossible. Rarely, but he has the right to ask to prove that there is a named amount. Remember that to confirm financial solvency — your duty. Therefore, we suggest having a bank statement. And preferably, immediately in English — Many banks allow you to download such a statement from Internet banking. If it is in another language — no problem, we do not consider it necessary to advise translation. Certify it with the wet seal of the bank — It’s also unnecessary, just like recalculating the amount on the card into dollars. If the migration officer wants, he will recalculate it himself. Let us remind you that there is no exact criterion for the amount of money needed. The statement should only demonstrate that you did not lie, there really is some money on the card.
Is more money better? No, that doesn't mean it. You have no right to charm the migration officer with an amount with many zeros and use it to ensure your hassle-free entry. Most often, even the minimum amount is enough. It's worse when there is no money at all.
And if a family is traveling, how to count? Multiply $50-100 per day by the number of family members and have the entire amount held by one adult family member or both parents. Statements also have the option of being from one account or from several accounts.
If I have everything paid, do I also need to show money? Yes, it is required. But you can explain that you have paid all expenses in advance, and therefore do not expect to spend a lot of money. Such an explanation will only strengthen the positive attitude towards you.
If I have insurance, can I show a lower amount? Mexico does not require insurance upon entry, so having it does not affect the need to prove financial solvency. In addition, in a number of situations, when an insured event occurs, you will first have to pay expenses from your personal funds, and only then wait for compensation from the insurance company.
And one last thing. You should not give the issue of money key attention when preparing to go through passport control at the airport. Because this will not be the first question you will be asked, if at all. And they will ask you it only if other confirmations or your answers to questions about the purpose of coming to Mexico raise doubts. In particular, you say that you came to visit a friend. This implies that the friend is able to bear the living expenses. And if you don’t meet or don’t plan to meet, will you have the money to stay in the country independently?
You will never know what amount the migration officer means when he says that you don’t have enough money. Not enough — in his opinion, and his opinion cannot be disputed. For this reason, if you are on a budget, don't pretend to be a wealthy traveler. Frugal students traveling cheap and light usually get through border control quite easily. Don’t let your stated purpose of coming to Mexico raise the question: do you have enough money?