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Important Mexico Travel Tips
Important
Travel Tips and Information for planning your trip to Mexico. Find
tips Mexico tourist travel documentation, information on mixican
immigation and customs documents.
Planning Your Trip
Immigration
Your airline will provide you with a form to
fill out which is a temporary visa. This is also known as your
tourist card. (One form per person) When you arrive in Mexico,
you will go through Customs which is a simple review of your
documentation. Your tourist card will be endorsed for a 30 day
stay, and you will receive a stamped copy of the card to turn
in before exiting the country. If you plan on staying more than
a few weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum stay of 180 days.
Customs
Do not bring anything illegal
into Mexico. Before getting off the airplane, you will be
given a customs form to fill out. (One per family) Once you
claim your bags and proceed to the exit, you will have to give
the form to the Customs Agent. If randomly selected, you will
be asked by the Custom’s Agent to inspect the contents
of your bags.
Departure Tax
Departure tax is equivalent to approximately
$17 U.S. dollars for all passengers over two years of age. Those
under two years of age are exempt from the tax.
What to Bring
Camera and film
Pocket size English/Spanish dictionary
Walking shoes
Sunglasses and hat
SunBlock to avoid sunburn
Health Issues
Don’t overindulge on the first day you arrive.
Climate changes affect your system, so give your body a chance
to acclimate. Peel fresh fruits and vegetables or wash them
with bottled or distilled water. Drink bottled beverages.
Remember that you are traveling close to the
equator and the sun is very strong. Do not let your vacation
get spoiled by to much sun. To avoid sunburn, wear sunscreen
and a shirt/shorts when snorkeling.
All you can drink propositions may not be what
you expect. Be sure to ask what stipulations are involved. Sometimes
the all you can drink is only at certain parts of the bar at
certain times or only on certain drinks. Typically, you won’t
be getting the best quality of liquor in an all you can drink
situation. During these days and night of drinking, remember
to stick together just in case someone needs assistance in getting
back to the hotel.
Financial Issues
Taxes and Tipping
Tips are included in TeamWhite's All-Inclusive-Vaction.
Therefore, while at the Solaris resorts all your tips have been
included for your meals and activities that are part of our
All-Inclusive-Package within the resort. However, it is
also acceptable give an extra tip to your servers, concierge,
bellhops, and housekeeping staff for any extra attention for
special services that you might request.
While visiting outside touriste attactions and
restaurants the accepted gratuity amount is 15% in situations
where the gratuity has not already been included.
Most of the items you purchase in Mexico will
have a value added tax (IVA). This is a sales tax of 10% that
is additional to the marked price. You will see the IVA itemized
separately on your receipt.
Credit Cards
Although paying with a credit card is a good
way to get a favorable exchange rate on dollars for pesos, don’t
assume that everyone takes credit cards. American Express is
the most popular credit card in the Cancun area, but there are
many places that only accept cash. You should always ask.
We think your best deal is to bring down traveler’s
cheques and cash them for pesos in town. Often, when using a
credit card, you are charged a 10% fee on top of your bill.
Banks and ATM machines in Cabo charge a hefty withdrawal fee
even if your U.S. bank does not.
Telephone Calling Cards
Probably the most frustrating thing in
Los Cabos & Canun is the cost of phone calls –
it is best if you don’t call collect, don’t use your
credit card and don’t call from your hotel unless you really
have to.
We suggest you purchase a pre-paid calling card
from the local markets and use the calling card phones. These
phones are everywhere. We suggest you buy calling cards from
TelMex. Tel Mex is the official Mexican telephone company.
Transporation Issues
Car Rentals
Rental cars are available from the major rental
companies. In order to rent a car, you must be at least 25 years
old, have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card.
To ensure the lowest rate and availability, make your reservation
before leaving home.
Although there is little crime in Cancun, cars
do get broken into around the shopping center in the Hotel Zone.
Don’t leave valuables in your rented car.
Rental cars appear to be inexpensive until you
start adding on the insurance fees, taxes, etc. Check with our
own insurance to see if you are covered in Mexico if you are
planning to rent a car.
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is a must even for a rental car.
Most insurance companies exclude foreign countries from their
coverage; therefore, before you leave home, set up insurance
that will be valid in Mexico. If you should be involved in an
auto accident, don’t leave the place of the accident, cooperate
with the legal authorities, and contact your Mexican insurance
company immediately. Don’t sign any agreements or accept
any liability and do not lose your temper under any circumstances.
Driving
In Cancun the speed limit in the Hotel Zone is
approximately 37 mph (60 km), and in town the limit is generally
approximately 25 mph (40 km). Look for speed bumps when entering
and leaving towns and villages. They are very popular for keeping
drivers within the speed limits.
Speed limits on the highways range between approximately
55 mph and 68 mph (90 km and 100 km). If you should run out
of gas or break down, Mexico’s “Green Angels”
patrol the main roads and will provide assistance.
In general, driving in Mexico is not recommended
unless you are used to driving in foreign countries and can
read the Spanish road signs. Road conditions are fairly good,
but people drive somewhat fast and often cut you off. We recommend
that you do not drive at night in the Los Cabos area as there
are no street lights and there are often cows on the roads which
is quite dangerous.
Gasoline
Gasoline is sold in liters and is available at
stations throughout Mexico. Only cash is accepted. There is
no self service, and tips are customary for gasoline attendants.
Expect gas stations to close by 10 PM.
Taxis
Travel by taxi is a popular form of transportaion
in the Cancun area, however, know the taxi rate and negotiate
the cost of your trip before you get into the taxi. If you think
you are being over charged, wait for the next taxi.
Buses
Take a bus instead of a cab if you want to save
money. Most of the busses in Cancun are headed to or from the
Hotel Zone and are a timely and convenient mode of transportation.
Los Cabos has a very extensive bus system that
run between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas all day, every
day of the week. However, don’t expect a first class bus
with air conditioning and drink service.They start running in
San Jose at 5am and in Cabo they start at 5:20am and run until
9:30 or 10pm.
There are official bus stops, with seats and shade,
but the busses can be flagged down from almost anywhere along
the highway by waving your arms. They will usually stop if they
see you in time.
The busses only run on the main highway and pass
each stop approximately every twenty minutes. The fare is about
$1.45 U.S. or 16 pesos between San Jose del Cabo and Caabo San
Lucas, less if you are going half way. There are also express
busses that won’t stop for you (they must be boarded at
a bus station) but wave anyway, they all look alike.
Mopeds
You can rent mopeds at several locations in Cancun
and on Isla Mujeres. When driving in the Hotel Zone, stay on
the biking path, and unless you are an experienced rider, it
is advisable to avoid the congested downtown area. Never ride
without wearing a helmet, and because many streets are narrow
and poorly lit, it’s better to ride only in daylight.
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