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Visas and
Immigration
A valid passport is required to enter Mexico. If you
are a US or Canadian citizen an original birth certificate is also
acceptable with another photo ID. If you are traveling with children and
you are divorced be sure to verify the requirements with the airline prior
to arriving to the airport. Normally if both parents are not present a
letter from the other parent must accompany them to Mexico. When arriving
to Mexico you first will pass through immigration. You will be given a
Tourist card to be filled out by the airline. Each family member must have
an individual Tourist. Card. An immigration agent will then stamp your
Tourist Card and keep one copy. A copy then will be returned to you which
must be presented upon your departure from Mexico. It is extremely
important that you do not lose your Tourist Card. Do not carry with you
the document. Keep your tourist card in a safe deposit box in your hotel
room.
Visitors Tax
In order to maintain the improvements to the
Mexican Airports the visitors tax has been reinstated. The airport tax is
approximately US$ 15.00 or US$ 20.00. This fee must be paid upon your
departure. If you have purchased a package from a tour operator be sure to
ask if the departure tax or visitors tax is included.
Currency
The currency in Mexico is the Peso. The currency
bills are $20.00, $ 50.00, $ 100.00, $ 200.00 and $ 500.00 pesos, and
coins are: $ 1.00 , $ 2.00, $ 5.00 and $ 10.00 pesos.
Money Exchange
You may exchange US dollars or Canadian
dollars in your hotel reception. However we suggest that you exchange your
money in a bank or an exchange house "Casa de Cambio" for the best
exchange rate. US dollars are widely accepted in Mexico but usually pesos
is the best.
Health
Often during our vacations our drinking and eating
habits are different from what we are used to back home. Besides this the
factors of change of weather and altitude affects our bodies greatly.
Therefore during the first day of your vacation try to take is easy so
your body can adjust to itīs temporary environment. Drink lots of fluids
during your vacations and bring with you the normal home medicines to help
any slight discomfort which may occur. Such as headaches or stomach
problems. If you are traveling to a beach area be careful with the sun it
usually is stronger than it seems. Use sunscreen and take some shade now
and then.
Age scheme
In Mexico the adult age is considered at 18 years
old, this apply for serving drinks. For other services as car rental the
minimum age is 25 years old.
Transportation
Taxis are very affordable in Mexico. We
suggest that you ask the driver before getting in the taxi the fare they
will charge. Usually in your hotel they have a list of the fares so you
can be sure that you are getting the correct price. Rental Cars are
available all over Mexico, and as in the United States you must be 25
years old and have a major credit card. It is best to reserve your rental
car before you leave home. Buses in most tourist areas of Mexico are
economical and very easy to use. Check with the concierge in your hotel
the fares and routes of the local bus system.
Safety Tips
Before you leave home you should make copies of
your passport, tickets, credit cards and travelers checks. Once you arrive
to your destination in Mexico it is recommended to store these items in a
safe deposit box in your hotel and only carry with you the absolute
necessary. Only bring with you the credit cards that you actually will
use. In Mexico generally only Visa, Mastercard and American Express are
accepted. Discovery, Diners etc... are not accepted. The safest is to use
travelers checks and may be purchased before you leave home and are easily
replaced in case of loss.
Beaches
The beaches in Mexico are open to the public and free
of charge. It is important to be extremely careful swimming as very few
beaches have lifeguards. Do not swim alone and keep you eye on the waves
as they can be unpredictable. In all beach destinations the water
condition flags are posted and should be followed. Do not panic if you
feel you are being pulled out to sea. Swim parallel to the beach and
usually in 50 ft. conditions will change.
Climate
Mexico offers many different climates in several
regions. Generally from June to October are the hottest months with the
most rain. Then from November to May it is drier and cooler. However in
some areas cooler is not really cool. Check the specific weather
in your destination. | 
