MEXICO
Just like traveling to other parts of the world, there are some general
concepts we suggest you think about while packing your luggage.
Follow these suggestions so your visit to Mexico will be a success.
General Entry Requirements
A valid passport and Tourist Card are the standard acceptable travel
documents. However, if you're an American or Canadian citizen, the
following items are also acceptable:
- An original birth certificate
- U.S. naturalization papers
- A notarized affidavit of citizenship
- A valid voter registration card
Each of these must be accompanied by a photo ID such as a valid
Driver's License.
A special Tip for parents of divorced children. International travel
requires special documentation for hildren or divorced parents. Check
with your air carrier for specific documentation that is required. By the
time you arrive at the airport, its too late.
Upon Arrival By Air
You will receive two forms to fill out before you
can enter Mexico. These are normally
distributed by the airlines either at the ticket
counter or while in transit. I know every airline
representative will appreciate this next tip:
Bring a ball point pen, preferably black. Don't
expect to borrow one. With more than 200
fellow passengers there are never enough to go
around.
The first form is your temporary visa. The form
has recently changed and may not be exactly as shown here. They are
in several languages, you'll need one per person. Familiarize yourself
with this one to avoid embarrassing mistakes later. Upon arrival at the
airport you will first go through Customs, which is a simple review of
your documentation and warm greeting from the Mexican Government
Official. These are nice people, really! Save the stamped copy of which
you will receive to exit the country.
Your tourist card will be endorsed for a 30 day
stay. If planning to stay more than a couple
weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum entry of
180 days. Applying for a longer stay can be a
hassle once in Mexico. Play it safe!
The second form is for Hacienda which sounds
like a nice house to visit, but is actually the
Customs and Taxation arm of the government.
You will need one of these forms per family.
After passing through Immigrations, go to
thebaggage area and collect your bags then proceed to the exit.
Depending on your destination and size of the airport some of the
following may differ. Hand the form to the Customs Agent and push the
button on the 'traffic light'. Yes, that's right, a traffic light. It is set up
to randomly turn green for Go or red for Stop and Inspect. I've never
seen it turn yellow, but you may. If you do get a red light, they will
kindly ask to see the contents of your bags. I don't think it need be
said here, but I will: Don't be so foolish as to bring something illegal
into Mexico. You know what I mean!
Driving
If you are driving into Mexico, check with your auto insurance carrier.
Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country. If you are
involved in a traffic accident:
Do not loose your temper. You're not in Kansas. - Do not leave the
place of the accident. - Cooperate with the legal authorities. - Do not
sign any agreements nor accept any liability. - Contact your Mexican
insurance company immediately.
When to Go
The travel industry designates several business seasons during the
year, High, Swing or Low. If you are coming from the Northern Climes,
you probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons
from others areas of North America, Europe and including the Mexican
nationals find the rest of the year equally enjoyable. They also find it
quite a bit more affordable. Take advantage of these somewhat
arbitrary dates and save yourself some money. The difference between
a High Season vacation and a Swing or Low, may be as little as one
day and it could save you hundreds of dollars. Other vacationers just
prefer the country when there are fewer tourists.
Getting Around the Country
Rental Car
Rental cars are available from the major rental companies. To rent you
must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid driver's license and a
major credit card. Be sure to reserve your vehicle before you leave
home; this will ensure you the lowest rate and availability.
Driving
Hitting the byways in a foreign land might sound challenging to some,
but to many its their favorite means of getting involved. Especially if
you live in the southern reaches of the US, driving deep into Mexico is
less than 48 hours away.
Gasoline is available at stations throughout Mexico. It is sold in liters
(3.78 liters = 1 gallon). Magna Sin (green pumps) is unleaded. Prices
are about the same as in the U.S. Only cash is accepted and there is
no self service (tips are customary for gasoline attendants). Most
stations close by 10 PM.
The highway systems between major cities is modern and similar to the
freeways further North. What makes them unique is their dependence
on toll funding rather than taxation to pay the development cost. So,
you should expect to 'pay as you go'. Have a hefty handful of small
bills available so you'll encounter no problems with making change.
Auto insurance is a MUST, whether you are driving a rental car or your
own. Don't expect your hometown agent to supply you with a policy
that will be valid in Mexico. Most insurance companies explicitly exclude
foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact
your carrier. You will find insurance vendors on both sides of the border
crossings. A better idea is to set up your insurance before you go. You
might also find that it can be considerably cheaper to do it this way.
Major highways are patrolled by Los Angeles Verdes (Green Angels).
These government-operated pickup trucks are driven by mechanics .
To date, Mexico is the only country with this service. It's free, except
for parts and gas!
Buses
Mexico has a vast inter-city bus system that offers inexpensive, timely
and convenient transportation. There are two grades of buses: First
Class, with air conditioning and possibly a TV, and a stewardess
serving soft drinks and snacks. And Second Class- with no frills. As
Second Class costs slightly less than First Class, we recommend you go
with First Class.
Within the metropolitan centers buses offer the natives their primary
means of transportation. For the tourist these can be a bit daunting at
first, but when viewed with fun and adventure in mind, they can
certainly add color and memories to your vacation.
Train
Train travel can be safer and more enjoyable than a trip by bus, but
considerably more expensive. As with bus service, we recommend you
pay for the highest class of travel available. Primera Especial class is
recommended for day trips and the top-of-the-line Pullman
compartments for overnight travel. Pullman service offers sleeping
compartments suitable for one (camarin) or two (alcoba). Each
converts to a comfortable sitting room during the day.
Weather Considerations
Mexico is made up of several different regions, each with its own type
of seasonal weather, climate, altitude and terrain dictating what you
will need to be prepared and comfortable. Generally, rains fall and
temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November
through May as the more temperate, drier season.
Here's a regional climate overview:
- Northern Baja California
Despite the desert landscape, this region resembles Southern
California: mild winters with a little rain; warm, dry summers. The Sea
of Cortes tends to be warmer than the Pacific side of the peninsula.
Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C.
- Southern Baja California
A subtropical desert, with over 350 days of sunshine a year, cool
winter evenings, low humidity, sea breezes. Summer temperatures can
be high, Generally cooler on the Pacific side. Annual average
temperature: 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C.
- Northwest Coast
Similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and some storms. Annual
average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C.
- West Coast
Also known as the Mexican Riviera, it has warm tropical weather year
round. Warm, dry days and balmy evenings from November through
May. The rainy season is June through October, with daily rain showers
and warm temperatures. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or
27 degree C.
- Central Plateau
Due to higher elevation, it has pleasant spring-like conditions most of
the year. Rain is frequent from June through September. Evenings can
be quite cool in winter. Annual average temperature: 65 degrees F or
18 degrees C.
- The Yucatan Peninsula
In this region, proximity to the coast determines temperature and
humidity. In summer, Gulf and Caribbean areas stay cooler due to trade
winds, while interior jungles are humid, with higher temperatures.
Rainfall is frequent from April through May and September through
January; temperatures can be higher. September and October
sometimes bring overcast or rainy conditions. Winters are very
pleasant. Annual average temperature: 80 degrees F or 27 degrees C.
- The Gulf Coast
Somewhat humid, with warmer temperatures. Rainfall and cool brisk
northerly winds (nortes) from September through February. Annual
average temperature: 72 degrees F or 21 degrees C.
What to Bring
Be sure to include the following in your suitcase:
- A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary - A small first aid kit -
Camera and Film - Walking Shoes - Suntan Lotion - Traveler's Checks &
ATM cards - Swim Suits - Casual Dress Clothes for Nightlife and Fine
Dining - Copies of your favorite Mexico Travel Guide pages! -
Sunglasses & Hat - Necessary medications - Passport/Birth Certificate
& Driver's License
Health Tips
In your quest for a good time on your vacation, your eating and
drinking habits are often radically different than what you're used to
back home. In addition, climate and altitude changes can throw your
system off. To ensure you enjoy your vacation to its fullest, consider
the following: Be sure to drink lots of fluids; especially the day before
arriving.
Try not to go overboard your first night. Give your body a chance to
acclimate. Drink only distilled or bottled water.
When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them with
distilled or bottled water before eating; peel them if possible.
Money, Exchange & Credit Click Here For Currency Exchange
The Mexican economy operates on the rise and fall of the Peso. While
most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially US dollars,
using pesos is your best bet. Foreign currency can be exchanged at
one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses).
Mexican banking hours are normally Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to
5:00 P.M. however for money exchange the hours time are normally
from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Casas de cambio are open later than most
banks and they generally offer quicker service.
Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, and American
Express being the most popular.
Check for Current Exchange Rate:
Use Xenon Labs' currency exchange calculator to check the Mexican
New Peso against your currency. Clicking on the search button will
retrieve the current exchange rate for nearly 50 currencies. The rates
are usually no more than a couple of days old.
Tips for Senior Travelers
Retired travelers have a great advantage in planning their vacations.
There are many advantages to having the freedom to plan a vacation
without the hassles of work schedules. Many older travelers find that
their favorite times to travel to Mexico are in off season months when
there is less demand and less traffic through the resort cities. Usually
the summer months are the least in demand due to high temperatures.
This can be an advantage if you enjoy shopping and organized tours
more than spending time at the beach. Most shops and tour buses are
air-conditioned, so the heat shouldn't be much of a concern. The
reduced numbers of tourists in the summer months makes getting
around much easier, and there is usually more peace and quiet at
night.
There are a number of discount packages and group tour options for
seniors. Your travel agent should have a list of the discounts that
you're entitled to in the city that you'll be visiting. There are a number
of senior citizens tour clubs that offer members the opportunity to go
on tours with a familiar group of people in an organized tour that
provides everything that you'll need. There are many senior citizen tour
organizations across the nation, most of which your travel agent
should be able to provide information about.
Even if you don't like traveling in groups or with organized tours, you
are entitled to a number of senior citizens discounts. When booking
hotel reservations, always mention that you're a senior and ask about
discount rates. At restaurants, mention it when you order, not
afterward. Many places will refuse the discount if you don't mention it
before a reservation or an order has been made.
The infrastructure in Mexico is not as well-developed as it is in some
countries. If you have a disability, you may find it difficult getting
around some parts of Mexico. There are few wheelchair ramps and
wheelchair access bathrooms in Mexico currently. In some cities, there
aren't even stairway handrails. The sidewalks are typically narrower
and aren't maintained as well. If you have any problems getting
around, speak with your travel agent about the state of the city you'll
be traveling to.
Your travel agent should also be able to provide information about
hotels which offer accommodations for people with disabilities.
