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Traveling to Mexico - Travel Tips
Currency – Exchange rates
When you travel to Mexico there are basically three tiers of the exchange rate: the "official" rate
(the highest), the local bank rate (median) and the "street" rate (lowest).
Tips: Use caution when dealing with informal money traders!
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
ATM
ATMs in Mexico dispense peso notes just as ones in the U.S. give dollars.
Tips: Use the same precautions as you would at your local bank to protect yourself
and your PIN number.
http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp
Altitude
If your vacation takes you up in the mountains, bear in mind that alcohol's
potency is higher and the sun's UV rays are stronger at high altitude. You
don't want to end up drunk and sunburned! Much of inner Mexico is at high
altitude; Mexico City is at 7,000 feet! If you are a workout maven and live
in the lowlands, allow your body to adjust a bit before you resume your
activities.
Attitude
While most people you will encounter in Mexico will be welcoming, especially
in the tourist areas, it behooves you to be on good behavior while
traveling. Tips: This is true whether you're going to Acapulco or Boise, Idaho.
The pace of life tends to be somewhat slower in Mexico, so relax, you are on
vacation and take a deep breath …perhaps have a
margarita or three!
English is widely spoken in the cities and resorts, but if you'll be
traveling in the country you would do well to learn some Spanish or take a
translator along.
Business Hours in Mexico
The siesta break is widely observed in Mexico, with normal business hours
being from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., then 4 p.m. until 6 or 7 p.m. or later. Banking
hours usually do not observe the siesta, and many banks close at 4 p.m.
Driving in Mexico
If you are driving to a border area or the Baja peninsula, no special
permits are required. Note: If you are driving to Guerrero Negro, or below,
there is the slight possibility that Mexican officials will note on your
tourist visa that you are driving a car. This can be a problem if you try to
fly out of the country.
If you are driving to mainland México there is a temporary import permit
that is required to drive your car into México. The state of Sonora offers a
"Sonora Only" permit that requires slightly less documentation. The permits
are issued at special inspection stations, once you get away from the border
area.
Insurance - Car
It is highly unlikely that your U.S. car insurance is valid in Mexico, and
you most certainly do NOT want to drive uninsured. You can buy insurance at
most border crossings, but you'll get a better deal shopping ahead of time
through online brokers.
Taxis – in Mexico
Four different types of taxi operate in Mexico City. Yellow and white taxis
(usually Volkswagens) are metered, as are orange taxis (sitio), which are
available at taxi-stands. These charge slightly more, and it is advisable to
agree on the fare before starting the journey. Turismo taxis with
English-speaking drivers are available outside main hotels. They are not
metered and fares should be agreed before starting your trip, lest there be
a misunderstanding. Peseros (green and white) are share-taxis traveling on
fixed routes, for which fares are charged according to the distance
traveled. Radio taxis charge double fee but are very secure. Tipping is not
compulsory for any of the taxi services. Most cab drivers in Mexico are
friendly and knowledgeable about their cities or towns. Talking to them can
yield some of the best places to eat and explore! However, be sure that if
the fare is open to negotiation that you come to an agreement before you set
out.
Drinking Water
Most larger hotels and restaurants have state-of-the-art purification
systems that make the water safe to drink. Tips: Do NOT assume, however, and
never, ever drink water you are not sure of. Bottled water is a cheap price
to pay for vacation insurance!
Walking
Traffic can be a bit more random in behavior in Mexico than what you may be
accustomed to. Keep your wits about you when traveling by car and watch out for the same sort of
reckless or incautious drivers you might avoid in the U.S. Tips: Use your street
smarts when it comes to walking alone at night or carrying valuables,
especially in off-the-beaten-path areas.
General Societal Information
Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. Casual clothing is
acceptable for daytime dress throughout Mexico. Travel to beach resorts, the dress
code is
very informal for men and women and nowhere are men expected to wear ties.
Mexico City is the exception, because it is the seat of the government and
the home base for many of the corporations. Tips: The "no smoking" sign is rarely
seen in Mexico, and any zones where smoking is forbidden will be clearly
marked. Resorts, especially those catering to a U.S. audience, usually have
more lung-friendly policies.
Be prepared to be greeted warmly, especially by those with whom you've made
friends. A reserved demeanor is not at all a common thing in Mexican
society!
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