Sometimes, the agent will give you 180 days in Mexico, even though you didn't ask for it. On the other hand, it's never guaranteed that they'll give you 180 days in the country even if you request it.
The number of days on your visa is more-or-less arbitrary and is at the whim of the immigration officer.
Originally Posted by
Open Jaw
Thanks for clearing up the price for the FMT. Most of my Mexico trips begin and end in MEX so I never realized that the FMT is not free but included in my airline fare.
You are right that someone can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days but you must ask for it at the Immigration counter. I have done this many times. If you do not ask, however, they will give you 90 days. One time a female agent at MEX only gave me 10 days after I told her that I was only in the Mexican Republic for a week. I was shocked but I did not care because it was only short vacation.
After my friend had to pay an $80USD fine in cash for losing his FMT, I always make copies of it.