Travel tips · Guadalajara · Mexico
Guadalajara travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Isacdaavid, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Tapatíos, as Guadalajara's people are known, are proud of their city's place in Mexican identity: mariachi, tequila, the charro horseman and the jarabe tapatío dance all come from Jalisco. The city is also a university and technology centre with a large young population, which keeps its café, music and art scenes active.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- MXN
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or purified water.
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Greet people with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' in shops and when getting into a taxi.
- Mariachis charge per song or per set; agree the price before they start.
- Dress neatly in churches and keep quiet during services.
- Sip tequila slowly rather than shooting it; locals see it as a drink to savour.
- Football matters here; avoid wearing rival club colours on match days near the stadiums.
- Street food and market fondas are excellent and very cheap; a full meal can cost a few dollars.
Tipping
Tip about 10–15% in restaurants and bars, and give small change to car-park attendants and bag packers in supermarkets. Mariachis expect payment per song in addition to any tip.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buenas tardes | Good afternoon |
| Media ahogada | Half-drowned (less sauce) torta |
| ¿Cuánto por canción? | How much per song? |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| Salud | Cheers |
What to wear
Casual clothing is fine; locals dress up a little for evenings in Providencia and the Americana. Bring a light jacket for cool winter nights.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or purified water.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Mobile data coverage is good across the metropolitan area, and many cafés offer free Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- America/Mexico City
Most visitors have trouble-free stays, but watch for pickpockets in markets and on crowded public transport, and stick to busy, well-lit streets at night, particularly east of the Hospicio Cabañas. Ride-hailing apps are a sensible choice for late-night journeys.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Mexico's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Guadalajara?
Tip about 10–15% in restaurants and bars, and give small change to car-park attendants and bag packers in supermarkets. Mariachis expect payment per song in addition to any tip.
+Can you drink the tap water in Guadalajara?
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or purified water.
+What plugs are used in Guadalajara?
Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Guadalajara?
Spanish.