rules for prepositions

[jenna]

I was asked today in class if we say -

Have you been to Mexico?

Have you been in Mexico?

Can we use both? What is the rule here. I would appreciate any help you have.

[JapanG]

We would use "in" only to mean inside a place physically. We wou;d use "to" to say experience. Have you ever been in a prison (have you seen the inside) vs. Have you been to China (have you experienced it)