last edited Dec 11, 2019
Other practical information for central Mexico
Location Map of Central Mexico
Central Mexico
Open the interactive map
Luggage and equipment to bring
Plan for lightweight clothing year-round, plus a sweater for evenings or air conditioning. For mountainous areas, warmer clothes are recommended. Also bring sun and rain protection, as well as good walking shoes if you plan to hike.
Time difference
Since February 2015, Mexico has four time zones instead of three, ranging from GMT-5 in the east to GMT-8 in the west. Except for the state of Nayarit, which is on "Northwest" time (GMT-7), the entire central part of the country follows "Central" time like Mexico City.
"Central" Time
Local time (Mexico City): .
This is the time for the capital and the majority of the country, serving as the national reference with winter/summer time changes. It is GMT-6, meaning there are seven hours less than in France, give or take a few days during the transitions, throughout the year.
Opening hours
Opening hours are quite flexible and not strictly regulated by law for private shops and services. In cities, you’ll find a wide range of opening times, including supermarkets open 24/7.
Laundromats
Local tourist offices
The Mexican Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) manages information points in major tourist spots and cities.
French language use
While English as a foreign language is generally spoken, as in the rest of the country, French is not widely understood, and you’ll struggle to find people who speak it. In short, it’s best to have some basic Spanish—or at least English—to travel independently in the region