| TIPS
ON TRAVEL TO MEXICO |
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| Citizenship:
It's necessary to provide proof of citizenship for travel to Mexico.
You will be required to show this upon arrival in Mexico and upon
return to the US. Acceptable proof is an Original or certified copy
of your birth certificate or a valid passport. A valid government
issued photo ID will also be required. Any questions must be answered
and special situations cleared through a government agency. Failure
to produce the required documents will result in your boarding being
denied. Tip: The phone number for immigrations is 1-800-375-5283. |
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| Children:
All children
under 18 years of age NOT traveling with both parents must have a
notarized letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the
child/children to leave the country. Tip: For any questions
or clarifications on the two topics above, please contact the Mexican
Consulate at 312-855-1380 (Chicago) or 303-830-0601 (Denver). |
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| Weather:
The weather is warm and tropical year-round with averages between
80 and 100 degrees. Sun is intense, so bring a good sunscreen. |
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| Electricity:
110/120 volt,
same as the US; you will not need adapters. |
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| Currency:
It isn't necessary to convert US dollars to pesos before leaving.
Take a supply of small US bills to cover taxi fares and other small
purchases you may make. Once settled, you may exchange dollars at
the exchange houses (Casas de Cambrio) or at the hotel; service fees
tend to be lower there. The worst place to exchange money is the airport,
as very high fees are charged. Banks in Mexico are government operated
and not very convenient, with limited hours. Tip: Buy pesos
in increments as needed; do not exchange all your money at once. The
exchange rate varies at times and you may not get the same exchange
when converting your pesos back to USD. |
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| Credit
Cards: The most
common cards used and accepted in Mexico are Master Card and Visa. |
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| Telephone
Calls: We recommend
limiting calls to the US, as they are expensive. Use an international
phone card or prepaid international phone card to avoid a tremendous
tax or surcharge fee that nearly doubles the cost. You may also be
able to purchase low-cost phone cards in Mexico. Always ask the hotel
operator about any other charges before placing the call. Tip:
Email service may be available at your hotel. In addition, cybercafes
will charge a nominal fee for use of their Internet services. |
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| Drinking
Water: Most hotels
offer "purified water", but you still may be more comfortable
drinking bottled water. Use your own discretion. |
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| Dress:
Casual resort
wear is usually appropriate for beach resorts, although there are
some standards, such as bathing suits for swimming or sunbathing only
and not for strolling through town. Some all-inclusive resorts and
some restaurants may require slacks and semi-dress shirt to be worn
for meals, although this is not common. |
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| Shopping:
The talents of Mexican artists and craftspeople are legendary. Browse
and buy items from silver (should be stamped ".925"), ceramics
from trinkets to masks, woodwork, pottery and paintings. |
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| Bargaining:
Haggling over prices is fun and appropriate in open-air markets, but
not in resort shops and stores. Keep in mind if offering a lesser
amount for an item and it is accepted you should be prepared to buy
the item. |
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| Tipping:
Tips are optional
and the 15% rule applies. Restaurants may include the tax and tip
on your bill; ask the maitre d'. Taxi drivers do not require a tip,
but use your own discretion as a tip is always appreciated. Porters
should be tipped about $1 US per bag, and it's a nice gesture to leave
behind $1 US per day for your chambermaid. |
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| Beach
Vendors: Many
resorts have cordoned off areas for sunbathers to relax in peace;
however, beach vendors are tenacious. Once you show an interest in
one's wares, be prepared for an onslaught of other vendors. Remember,
a stern but polite "No, gracias" will fend off most vendors'
sales attempts. |
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| Timeshares:
Soliciting timeshares is a common practice in Mexico. When you arrive
at the Airport, or walk down the street you may be approached by salespeople
offering free gifts or discounts on sightseeing if you will attend
a sales presentation. All you need to say is NO if you are not interested
in purchasing a timeshare. When buying a vacation from us, you are
in no way obligated to participate in a timeshare presentation. We
express no opinion at all on vacation timeshare ownership. Our only
concern is that you, our valued clients, enjoy your vacation! |
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