Can I Drink in Mexico? Ages and Rules You Should Know
Wondering what the legal drinking age in Mexico is? No worries, I’ve got ya covered!
As a travel advisor who has traveled to Mexico multiple times, both on cruises and not, I understand how important it is for travelers to know the legal drinking age in Mexico. After all, you don’t want your vacation ruined by accidentally breaking the law!
That’s why I’m here to help give you expert insight into this topic so that you can make informed decisions when planning your trip.
With my experience of traveling to Mexico many times over the years and booking clients there as well, I have come to trust what I know about their laws.
So let me share with you some essential information regarding the legal drinking age in Mexico!
The legal drinking age in Mexico
The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old.
Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver’s license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.
Be prepared to have your ID at most resorts, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, even though most are not strict in their practice of checking.
Just be aware that some establishments may not serve people under the age of 18.
The drinking age in Mexico: Cancun
The drinking age in Cancun is the same as in the rest of the country, which is 18.
While Cancun is a famous spring break destination for college students across the United States, you should still be 18 to purchase or consume alcohol in Cancun.
Even if it isn’t enforced heavily, you never know when it will be enforced, and breaking the law in a foreign country is a surefire way to ruin your spring break plans.
The Drinking age in Cozumel
The legal drinking age in Cozumel is also 18. Like Cancun, the drinking age law is usually not heavily enforced, but it’s still important to be aware of the laws before you visit and make sure that your group adheres to them.
Remember, breaking the law in a foreign country can have serious consequences, so it’s best to be on the safe side and only drink if you’re over 18 years old!
Drinking age in Cabo Mexico
The drinking age in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is 18. This law is strictly enforced and visitors who are not of legal age will be prevented from purchasing and consuming alcohol.
It’s also important to note that you must always have your ID with you when going out for drinks or buying alcohol from a store in Cabo San Lucas.
The legal Drinking age in Mexico Resorts
The legal drinking age in Mexico Resorts is 18. You will typically find that resorts are more strict in enforcing the rules than beach bars or other locations around Mexico.
All-inclusive resorts in Mexico will check your ID when you arrive and give you a colored wristband to wear during your stay to signify if you are of proper drinking age or not.
Drinking on a Cruise to Mexico
The laws on cruises are different than the laws on land. For US-based cruises, you must be 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. This is true even if your cruise has a port in Mexico.
While on board your cruise ship, even if it is docked in Mexico or the Bahamas, you will need to abide by the laws of the ship and be over 21 to drink alcohol.
However, if you are 18 or over, you can debark from the ship, and enjoy a cocktail in ports such as Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Costa Maya, Progresso, and Cozumel.
Just remember, you can not bring any alcohol back with you on board.
Drinking age in Mexico with Parents
Some countries have lower drinking ages when a minor is accompanied by a parent, however, Mexico does not have this.
In Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18 regardless of whether or not a minor is accompanied by an adult. So even if you are traveling with your parents, you must be 18 to drink legally in Mexico.
Are drinking laws enforced in Mexico?
Ehhh… sometimes yes, sometimes no. This makes it tempting to break the rules. I always tell my kids, it’s best to just go with what is legal and right even if others are “getting away with it”.
While it’s true, that in some areas, the laws aren’t enforced as strictly, you really won’t know that until it’s too late.
It’s best practice to wait until you are 18 before heading to Mexico to drink!
Can you drink in public in Mexico?
No, you cannot.
The law in Mexico is that alcohol can only be consumed in areas where it has been legally sold and consumption is allowed.
This means it must be done at a bar or restaurant with a liquor license or inside your own home.
So while it’s perfectly fine to have a drink while out to dinner, you can’t just wander around with a beer in your hand. That’s illegal and could land you in quite a bit of trouble!
You are also not legally allowed to drink in parks, beaches, or other public areas.
Countries you can drink in under 18 of age
If you are looking to drink under the age of 18, there are a few countries that do allow it.
Countries that have no minimum drinking age:
- Angola
- Antiqua and Barbuda
- Anguilla
- Bahrain
- Cambodia
- Kosovo
- Togo
- Tunisia
Countries that allow drinking at the age 16:
- Barbados
- British Virginia Islands
- Cuba
- Luxembourg
- Panama
- Serbia
- Zimbabwe
- Seychelles
- Saint Vincent and Grenadines
- Palestine
- Italy
Countries that have a drinking age of 17:
- Malta
- Gambia
- Cyprus
- Brunei
Safety Tips for Drinking in Mexico
🥃 Always Drink Responsibly.
🍹 Refrain From Buying Drinks from Unlicensed Establishments.
🧉Avoid Drinking Tap Water, but drink water frequently to avoid dehydration.
🍻Know Your Alcohol Limits and Pay Attention to What You Consume.
🍸Stick to well-lit areas, and don’t leave the company of your travel companions.
What age can you drink in Mexico?
Bottom Line on Mexico’s Drinking Age:
The bottom line is that the legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. To buy or consume alcohol, you must show your photo ID with proof of your age. This law is enforced differently depending on where you are, but it’s still important to be aware of the law and to follow it.
Now that you know the legal drinking age in Mexico, you can make sure to enjoy your trip responsibly and stay safe! Have fun out there!
