Mexico Travel Guide

Full Name

United Mexican States

Former Name

Capital City

Mexico (Distrito Federal)

Government Type

Federal Republic

Area Size

1,958,200 sq km 756,061 sq miles

Time Zone

GMT/UTC -6 (Central Standard Time) GMT/UTC -7 (Mountain Standard Time) GMT/UTC -8 (Pacific Standard Time)

Climate

The Tropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones. Land north of the twenty-fourth parallel experiences cooler temperatures during the winter months. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, temperatures are fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. Areas south of the twenty-fourth parallel with elevations up to 1,000 meters (the southern parts of both coastal plains as well as the Yucatán Peninsula), have a yearly median temperature between 24°C and 28°C. Temperatures here remain high throughout the year, with only a 5°C difference between winter and summer median temperatures. Although low-lying areas north of the twentieth-fourth parallel are hot and humid during the summer, they generally have lower yearly temperature averages (from 20°C to 24°C) because of more moderate conditions during the winter.

Geography

Mexico is situated in the mid-latitudes of the Americas. Its territory comprises much of southern North America, or also within Middle America. Physiographically, the lands east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec including the Yucatán Peninsula (which together comprise around 12% of the country's area) lie within the region of Central America; geologically, the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt delimits the region on the north. Geopolitically, however, Mexico is commonly not considered a Central American country.

Languages

Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages

Culture

Mexican culture is the result of a historical process of violent and peaceful exchange of ideas, the assimilation of exogenous cultural elements and the reinterpretations of the endogenous cultural elements. As was the case in most Latin American countries, when Mexico became an independent nation, it had to slowly create a national identity, being an ethnically diverse country in which, for the most part, the only connecting element amongst the newly independent inhabitants was Catholicism. Many Mexican singers are famous in all of Latin America and Spain. Mexico is often referred to as the "capital of Spanish-speaking entertainment", due to the fact that any Latin or Spanish singer wanting to become an international success in the region, they must seek to enter first to the Mexican music industry.

History

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The nation continues to make an impressive recovery. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states. Elections held in July 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that the opposition defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) was sworn in on 1 December 2000 as the first chief executive elected in free and fair elections.

Travel Information

Mexico's main airlines are Aeroméxico (AM) and Mexicana (MX). Mexico City International Airport (MEX) (Benito Juárez) is 13km east of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city (journey time - 35 minutes). Underground trains are also available. Airport facilities are bank/bureau de change, bar, car hire, chemist, duty-free shops, first aid, left luggage, post office, restaurants, shops, snack bars, tourist information and VIP lounges. Cancun International Airport (CUN) is 22km southwest of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). Airport facilities are bank/ bureau de change, bar, car hire, duty-free shops, first aid, left luggage, restaurant, shops, snack bars, tourist information and VIP lounge. Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) (Miguel Hidalgo) is 25km southeast of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city (journey time - 35 minutes). Airport facilities are bank, bar, car hire, chemist, post office, restaurant, shops, snack bars and tourist information. Acapulco (ACA) (General Juan N Alvarez) is 26km southeast of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city (journey time - 35 minutes). Airport facilities are bank, bar, car hire, post office, restaurant, shops and VIP lounges. Main ports: Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Tampico and Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. Regular passenger ships run from the USA and South America. A huge number of companies operate cruise services to Mexico. There are also riverboat services from Flores and Tikal (Guatemala) to Palenque, Chiapas in Mexico; enquire locally for details. The main points of entry from the USA are Mexicali from San Diego; Nogales from Phoenix/Tucson; El Paso/Ciudad Juárez from Tucson and Alberquerque; Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras from Del Río, San Angelo and El Paso; Laredo/Nuevo Laredo from Houston, San Antonia and Del Río; and Brownsville/Matamoros from Houston and Galveston. From Guatemala, there are two main roads into Mexico. The Pan American Highway crosses into Mexico from Guatemala and continues through Central America and South America. There is also a road border crossing point from Belize near Chetumal and Corozal. Drivers crossing the border in private cars or US hire cars must present originals and photocopies of current car registration and a valid driving licence to obtain a 180-day automobile permit. The cost of this should be charged to a credit card to avoid leaving a large cash deposit. Mexican car insurance is also compulsory - extensions to US policies are not valid. Insurance can be purchased at the border but better deals are available through online brokers. Autobuses Americanos connects several locations in the southern US states to a wide variety of Mexican towns and cities. Autotransportes Tufesa runs from Phoenix and Tucson to northern Mexico, and Transportes Intercalifornias connects California to Tijuana and Mexacali. Various coach operators run from Guatemala and Belize to Mexico.

Accommodation

The enormous growth of tourism in Mexico is reflected in the wide range of hotels available, from large international chains to small boutique establishments. Obtain confirmation in writing or by e-mail when booking a hotel, as tariffs are liable to alteration at any time. It is especially important to make reservations when travelling in the high season. Arriving without a reservation is of course possible, and allows the chance to check rooms and facilities before committing. Every hotel is required to display officially approved rate schedules (rack rates), but these will not normally include meals. In low-season, or if the hotel is not full, it pays to ask around for a discount, or upgrades. In high-season, look for deals on the Internet, even at short notice.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA, who can obtain a Blue Tourist Card for touristic purposes from their airline on direct flights, at port of entry, or from the Mexican Consulate before travelling, for 180 days, except nationals of Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who can stay for up to 90 days. Nationals seeking to visit Mexico on business are advised to check with the consulate regarding visa requirements as they may need to apply for a Non Immigrant Business Visitor carnet. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least six months after date of entry required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Applicants for Blue Tourist Cards should have a valid passport, return/onward ticket and proof of financial means. Tourist Cards must be kept by the visitor during the entire length of stay as they will have to be presented and stamped on leaving.

Getting Around

There is an excellent network of daily scheduled services between principal commercial centres operated by Aero California, Aeroméxico and Mexicana. Many of the smaller airports also have capacity for large planes and some international flights. Departure Tax US$30-60, usually included in the air fare, otherwise payable at the airport. Steamer ferries operate regularly between Mazatlán and La Paz (Baja California) daily; between Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, across the Gulf of California; between La Paz and Topolobampo three or four times weekly; and from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas twice-weekly. Some west coast cruises include Pacific ports such as Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. There are also regular ferries from the mainland to the Caribbean Islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Traffic drives on the right here, but is unpredictable, and only half the road network is paved. Confusingly, toll (CUOTA) and free (LIBRE) roads to the same destination often have the same highway ID number. Drivers in a hurry should follow the CUOTA signs. A third sign, LIBRAMIENTO, indicates a toll-paying bypass road. Cash is preferred at toll-booths. It is advisable to keep car doors and windows closed and locked, especially at traffic lights. Coaches and buses link almost all towns and cities. Central bus terminals in major cities provide service and information on fares and schedules. Major operators include Estrella Blanca and Autotransportes Tufesa. Self-drive cars are available at airports, city centres and resorts. Mexico City: The Metro system is cheap and efficient, with frequent trains, flat fares and smart-card prepaid tickets. However, it is often crowded and some familiarity with the city is necessary to use it successfully. The Metro opens Mon-Sat at 0600 (Sun 0700) and closes at about midnight. There is also a small tramway network, and extensive bus and trolley bus services. The latter system has recently been modernised, and also has a flat fare. 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 journey as rates can be excessive. Peseros (green and white) are share-taxis travelling on fixed routes, for which fares are charged according to the distance travelled. Radio taxis charge double fee but are very secure. Tipping is not compulsory for any of the taxi services.

Health & Safety

Those entering Mexico from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate. There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Mexico. Immunisation against hepatitis A and B and typhoid is generally recommended. A malaria risk exists in some rural areas, but not on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, and dengue fever is on the increase. Other risks include dysentery and diarrhoeal diseases, and sensible precautions regarding food and water are strongly advised, visitors are advised to be cautious of street food and stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are very good, but medical insurance is recommended. Crime is high in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, where robberies and muggings are prevalent. Travellers should avoid displays of wealth and be particularly vigilant on public transport, at stations and tourist sites. Only use authorised taxi services. All bus travel should be in daylight hours and if possible it is advisable to travel first class. Women travelling on their own should be alert, especially in tourist areas; a number of serious sexual assaults have occurred in Cancun recently. Hurricanes may affect the coastal areas between June and November.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 5 Feb - Constitution Day. 19 Mar - Birthday of Benito Juárez. 5 Apr - Maundy Thursday. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 1 May - Labour Day. 5 May - Anniversary of Battle of Puebla. 1 Sep - President's Report. 16 Sep - Independence Day. 12 Oct - Día de la Raza (Columbus Day). 2 Nov - Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). 19 Nov - Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. 12 Dec - Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Electricity

127V 60Hz AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm; lunch breaks usually last an hour but some business lunches can go on for longer.

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance: 08, Fire: 08, Police: 08