Mexico

Country or Region Description

Mexico is an astonishing country that is the result of Native American heritage and influences from the Spanish and US. Its varied terrain ranges from cactus-studded deserts to white sandy beaches and blue waters, tropical rainforest and jungle-clad hills to steep rocky canyons and narrow gorges, and from snow-capped volcano peaks to bustling cities.

Mexico has suffered through Conquistadors, Spanish colonial rule, civil and territorial war, dictators and earthquakes yet the people of this land remain warm and friendly and welcoming. Much of the countryside remains unspoilt by development and as a result of international influences its cities architecture is quite unique.

Mexico is rich in historical archaeology with pyramids, ruins of ancient cities and great stone carvings laying testament to the Aztecs and Mayans. The country's culture displays a similar blend of the traditional and modern, where pagan meets Christian in a series of festivals, or fiestas throughout the year. In addition to this Mexico is host to hundreds of kilometres of pristine coastline extending through both the Pacific and Caribbean.

Country Facts

Area: 1.9 million sq km

Population: 107 million

Adult literacy: 91%

Annual population growth: 1.15%

Time: Mexico spans four different time zones: GMT -6, -7 and -8 with daylight saving, and GMT -7 all year round in the state of Sonora.

Electricity: 130 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs are standard.

Money: Mexican currency is the New Peso (MXN) divided into 100 centavos. ATM's are available in most towns and larger cities. Foreign currency is accepted at the majority of businesses however you could lose out significantly on the exchange rate. Credit cards are widely accepted and foreign currency should be exchanged at the numerous casas de cambio (currency exchange).

Language: Spanish is the official language. Some English is spoken in tourist regions.

Tipping: Similar to the US staff wages in service industries in Mexico are lower as tips are expected to top up the hourly wage. Unless a service charge has been added to your bill you should tip around 10-15%; if you are at an international resort tip 15-20% as a guide.

Things to know about Mexico before you go

Duty Free:

Travellers to Mexico over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g pipe tobacco; 3 litres wine or other alcoholic beverages; perfume, eau-de-cologne or lotions for personal use; a video camera and one standard camera. Non-residents are allowed to bring in 12 rolls of film or video cassettes, and goods to the value of US$300 without incurring duty fees. Prohibited goods include fresh food products and the import of canned food. The export of archaeological artefacts is strictly forbidden.

Communications:

The international country code for Mexico is +52. To dial internationally from Mexico key 00 followed by the relevant country code and area code. Mexico incorporates a mixture of two and three digit area codes for its cities and states. GSM 1900 mobile networks cover most of the country. Internet access is widely available in most of the country, especially in tourist-orientated areas.

Business:

Business in Mexico is usually conducted formally and usually in a face to face manner. Dress is formal however is sometimes relaxed in hotter areas. Being on time to a meeting is important however do not take offence should your counterpart be running late as is often the case. A handshake is standard and do not underestimate the power of relating to your host - asking 'How are you' in Spanish can go a long way to creating trust. Business hours are from 9:00 am till 5:00 pm with siestas at lunchtime not uncommon.

Safety:

Mexico is a haven for crime especially in the larger cities and tourist regions however if you are vigilant and use common sense you shouldn't encounter problems. Always be aware of any wealth you may be displaying and take extra care at stations, tourist sites and when withdrawing cash from an ATM or a currency exchange. As a result of a recent spate of sexual assault in tourist hot spots, women travelling alone should exercise caution. Beware of con artists and people posing a police; if in doubt ask for identification and take note of the policeman's name and badge number. Mexico is not immune to hurricanes and these can be prevalent during the summer months of June - October.

Customs:

It is important to remember that Mexicans are quite laid back in their approach to life and as such you need to be as well. It is not unusual for opening and closing hours and public transport times for example to be fairly flexible. If you are polite and courteous you will find Mexicans will be also and you will enjoy your trip much more!

Visas

Every tourist must have an easily obtainable Mexican-government tourist card. Some nationalities also need to obtain visas. Because the regulations sometimes change, it's wise to confirm them with a Mexican embassy or consulate before you go. Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Norway and Switzerland are among those who do not need visas to enter Mexico as tourists.

Arrival Guide

Bus

Mexico is connected by a comfortable, frequent and reasonably priced bus network. Most towns and larger cities will have a central terminal however in smaller towns the individual companies will have separate terminals scattered around town.

Your bags will be safe if you choose to stow them in the baggage hold however make sure you have a receipt. Keep all your important documents and valuables with you in the cabin.

Car

Driving in Mexico is not for faint hearted however having a vehicle gives you ultimate flexibility to explore the country. Be on the look out for con artists posing as police and threatening jail if you do not pay an immediate 'fine'.

The Mexican Government has a monopoly on fuel supplies and as such you will become used to seeing Pemex stations all over the country. Whilst fuel is readily available, if you are unsure of your route or distance between stations it is recommended to fill up whenever you can in rural areas. Pemex stations have pump attendants who you should tip around 50-100 Mexican Pesos (MXN).

You should never drive in any country without proper insurance however in Mexico if you are involved in an accident you can be jailed and not released until responsibility is determined! Should you be found to be responsible then you can be detained for weeks or months whilst appropriate restitution in arranged with the victims family. Take note when hiring a car that it includes Mexican motor insurance as this is the only insurance recognized under Mexican law.

Renters must provide a valid driver's license (your home license is OK), passport and major credit card, and are usually required to be at least 21 (sometimes 25, or if you're aged 21 to 24 you may have to pay a surcharge).

Metro

Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey all have metro (subway, underground railway) systems. Mexico City's, in particular, is a quick, cheap and useful way of getting around.

Taxi

Taxis are common in towns and cities, and surprisingly economical. At some airports and bus terminals a system exists were you pre purchase the fare from a taxi ticket window; then just give your taxi driver the ticket. This saves haggling and major rip-offs, but fares are usually higher than you could get on the street.

In some rural areas taxis will operate more along the lines of buses, travelling between certain points and picking up and dropping off passengers along that route. You can hire a taxi for the day for around the same price as hiring a car.

Air

Air travel in Mexico can be quite convenient and reasonably priced. All large cities and many small cities have an airport. Check with your travel agent before leaving your home country as you may be able to have some internal flights included on your international return ticket.

When to go

Because of its location Mexico enjoys great weather all year round however May to October is generally hot and wet and is subject to the threat of hurricanes.

July and August is peak time to visit Mexico and at this time expect big crowds in the beach resorts and higher room prices. It is advisable at this time to book as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment.