• Do not lose the blue (used to be pink) copy returned to you after the immigration inspection. It must be returned to Mexican Immigration upon departure. Tip: write down your tourist card number and keep it with your travel documents. If the card is lost, having the number will help greatly.
• Keep your tourist card and travel documents in a secure place; do not carry them with you everywhere you go, unless traveling extensively from your point of arrival.
• You can ask to have your card validated for more time than you will actually need. Up to 180 days can be granted.
• Do not mutilate or deface your copy; it must be surrendered upon leaving the country.

Proof of Citizenship:
(Note: information regarding entry requirements is subject to change without notice, and should be reconfirmed with the airline being used for international travel.)

U.S. Citizens must show one of the following:


• Passport- may be expired (up to five years) but not canceled; this secure and convenient document is the one we most recommend.
• Original Birth Certificate- hospital copy is not acceptable; must have an official stamp from the state of birth. A notarized copy of the official document is also acceptable. NOTE: married women with a different last name should carry a marriage license or notarized affidavit with their married name.
• Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship-Okay to enter Mexico, but not recommended due to possible problems with U.S. Immigration upon return.
• U.S. Naturalization Papers- certificate or laminated card (must be an original; photocopy not acceptable).

Citizens of other countries should contact the Mexican Consulate or airlines serving Mexico for details. These regulations change periodically. At a minimum, foreign citizens will need a valid passport. Some nationalities are required to obtain a consular visa from the Mexican Consulate.

When to Go:
Mexico is a year-round visitor destination. Take these factors into account:

Weather: The climate of Mexico ranges from tropical to cool temperate. The seacoasts and the lower altitudes of the interior, with their tropical jungles and swamps, are hot. The mean annual temperature in these areas ranges from 77º to 82ºF (25º to 28ºC.), with maximums rising to 100º (38ºC.) and in some coastal areas to 105º (41ºC). The temperate zone is found at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet (900 to 1,800 m) with mean temperatures of 63ºto 70º F (17º to 21º C). From about the 7,000-foot (2,100 m) elevation upwards is the cool zone, with a mean temperature of 59º to 61ºF (15ºto 16ºC). In the lower cool region are the largest population centers.

Rainfall occurs between the months of May and October throughout most of the country. Cloudbursts or prolonged downpours are rare. These summer rains cause little inconvenience and tend to refresh the atmosphere. It seldom rains during the rest of the year, and Mexico has more hours of annual sunshine than many other countries. Major urban centers—particularly Mexico City—can, however, be plagued with smog during the dry winter.

Crowds: Both U.S. and Mexican holidays impact travel flows to Mexico's beach resorts. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter ("Semana Santa") are traditionally the busiest times for beach resorts. Recommendation: skip these holidays and travel in early December or early January-the weather is great and the crowds are gone.

Prices: Mexico's hoteliers generally work on two seasons: High (Dec. 15 through Easter) and Low (the rest of the year). Look for the best bargains in late spring, summer, and fall. Recommendation: it is common for properties to offer low-season pricing for the first three weeks of January (a traditionally slow travel period); enjoy the great weather at reduced pricing!

What to Pack:
Casual dress is appropriate for nearly all occasions in Mexico. However, the country has some particular customs regarding appropriate dress for certain situations:

• Bathing suits (particularly for women) are not to be worn away from swimming pools and beach areas.
• Flashy or suggestive clothing is inappropriate in smaller resorts and inland cities.
• Shorts should never be worn when entering a church.
• In bigger cities, evening attire tends to be more dressy, while casual dress is generally appropriate for beach resort dining.
• The ever popular guayabera shirt is appropriate for men at almost any occasion.

Seasonal temperature changes should be taken into account. (Remember that nearly half of Mexico is at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. Inland cities (including the Colonial Circle, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Zacatecas) have cool evenings almost year 'round. During the summer "rainy season" temperatures at many inland cities can be cool during daytime hours as well (60's and low 70's).

Transportation Tips:
Taxis are affordable and government-regulated, but it is wise to ask the taxi driver before getting into a cab what the charge will be. In Mexico City, taxis (except for a hotel's shuttle taxi) are the most tightly regulated - and they are required by law to have a working meter.
You can also check the cost of a specific ride in advance by asking at your hotel or accommodation: most concierges can tell you the authorized charge from point to point. Airports generally post taxi rates in the terminal. Your return trip to the airport can cost more, since a different rate structure applies to rides originating from hotels. In general, you do not have to tip taxi drivers in Mexico.

Rental cars are available from the major rental companies. To rent a car, you must be at least 25 years of age, hold a valid driver's license, and a major credit card. In order to get the lowest rates, and to ensure that a car is available, we highly recommend that you reserve your vehicle and rate before leaving home. Call your travel agent or the rental car company in your country direct.

Gasoline is available at stations throughout Mexico. Gas is sold in liters (3.78 liter=l gallon). Nova (blue pumps) is leaded; Magna Sin (green pumps) is unleaded. Prices are about the same as those in the U.S. Only cash is accepted. Most stations close by 10 PM. There is no self-service, and it is customary to tip your attendant.

Mexican Auto Insurance is essential. Check with your insurance agent on getting coverage.

Major highways are patrolled by Green Angels/Los Angeles Verdes. These government-operated green pick-up trucks are driven by mechanics. They have a nationwide 24-hour hotline that can be reached by calling 250-82-21 or 250-85-55, extension 314. To date, Mexico is the only country with this service. It is free, except for parts and gas.

Money Matters:
Mexico’s two largest banks are Banamex (673 branches and 39,940 employees) and Bancomer (754 branches and 37,940 employees). Many branches have spruced up their lobbies, and the number of teller machines in Mexico has quadrupled since 1991.

Mexican bank hours are normally from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, weekdays only. Some branches are open in the afternoon from 4 to 6 PM and on weekends; check with your concierge for the hours of the nearest branch office.

In fact, it is now possible for visitors to access ATM's. Bancomer ATM's are now in the Cirrus and PLUS systems, and even offer Spanish/English menus. Some machines will dispense pesos or dollars.

Money is often exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange houses) that are open longer hours and offer quicker service. Although dollars are widely accepted in resort areas (and often preferred), try to use pesos during your stay. Note that the worst exchange rates are often at hotels, the best at exchange houses. Expect a slightly lower rate for travelers checks. Exchange fees are generally not charged.

Several years ago, as part of its economic reform program, the government dropped three zeros from the currency. New bills were printed at the time, however, you may still find some old bills in circulation and these are freely exchanged with the new currency.

Prices in pesos are often printed as follows: $25.00 M.N. The "M.N." means "moneda nacional", or national currency, i.e. pesos.

We recommend exchanging $20-$30 into pesos before leaving the U.S./Canada. This way you will arrive in Mexico with pesos for cab fare to your accommodation. Also, carry $20-$30 in one-dollar bills—they are great for tipping.

Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being the cards of choice. American Express is also widely accepted. When checking into accommodations, clients are often asked for a charge card for incidental charges, AND asked to sign a blank charge slip. This is a common practice and should not be viewed with suspicion.

It is common practice to wait for the serving staff to return the "customer copy" of the credit card sales slip.

Beach Tips:
Most vacationers are lured to Mexico by the country's glittering collection of beach resorts. With 6,000 miles of coastline encompassing four distinct bodies of water, Mexico has an unmatched array of sunny, seaside destinations. There is truly something for everyone when it comes to Mexican beach resorts. Terrain varies from desert to tropical jungle. Waters range from turquoise bays to deep green and blue oceans. Amenities vary from rustic, thatched seaside huts to some of the world's finest resorts. Wherever you decide to go, keep the following in mind:

• All beaches in Mexico are open to the public, free of charge.
• Nude or topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden. (There are a couple of exceptions: Puerto Angel has a nude beach, and Cancun seems to tolerate topless sunbathing on its beaches).
• Few beaches have lifeguards; take extra safety precautions.
• Be cautious of Mexico's intense sun; use sunscreen and avoid peak sun hours of noon to 2 p.m.
• Do not swim alone or in isolated places; do not turn your back on the sea since waves are often unpredictable.
• If you feel yourself being pulled out to sea, do not panic or try to swim to shore. Instead, swim parallel to the beach, and usually within 50 feet, conditions will change. It is then safe to swim to shore.
• Pay attention to water condition flags posted at many beaches.

Shopping:
Mexico is a nation of extraordinarily talented artists and craftspeople. Few countries display their culture with such color, artistry and creativity. Using an abundant array of native materials and techniques that have endured for centuries, Mexican artists can often be seen at work in markets and workshops throughout the country. There is great regional diversity, with certain areas famous for a particular craft.

Do not miss the chance to experience market day while in Mexico. Nearly every town has one. These are indoor/outdoor mazes of color, sight, and sound that overflow with produce, meats, handicrafts, flowers, clothing, and other essential items. Mexico is most famous for the "artesanias" (handicrafts) and manufactured items, such as ceramics, pottery, resort clothing, woodwork, textiles and weavings as well as items made from copper, leather and silver.

Some haggling over prices is acceptable in certain settings (open air markets, and with beach/street vendors) but not appropriate in resort shops and stores. Prices generally include the 15% Value Added Tax.

Tipping:


• Tips in Mexico generally follow the 15% rule
• It is customary to tip your gas station attendant
• Usually, you are not expected to tip a taxi driver
• In general, tip those service people (hotel maids, bellhops, waiters) that you normally would when traveling elsewhere

Staying Healthy:
Remember, the vast majority of visitors do not get sick. When there is a problem (intestinal illness or "turista") it is often caused by a combination of factors which may gang up on your system.

Consider the fact that in Mexico your eating (and drinking!) habits are often radically different than what you are used to back home. There are also altitude, climate, and time zone changes to throw your system off.

A very simple way to ruin a Mexico vacation is to become paranoid about getting sick. Use common sense, and follow these guidelines:

• Always wash your hands before eating
• When eating from open-air food stands, use discretion
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and do not become dehydrated!
• Drink bottled water
• Take Pepto Bismol, yogurt or papaya enzyme tablets throughout your stay
• Take it easy the first few days
• Take a "siesta" (nap) each afternoon
• Ease into local eating and drinking habits
• Respect the almighty Tequila God (take it easy with the "poppers.")

For some reason, statistics show that most people that become ill in Mexico do so on the third day of their visit. If you have a problem, Mexico has excellent pharmacies (farmacias) which dispense prescription drugs (often without prescriptions) at a fraction of their cost back home. Anti-diarrhea drugs such as lomotil are readily available.
(Note: Consult your physician before taking any prescription drugs.)

Mexico has a nationalized healthcare system, and almost every town and city in Mexico now has either a national hospital or medical clinic. Before you leave home, check with your health insurance carrier - chances are good that your insurance plan can cover you in Mexico.

Or go the natural route with "té de manzanilla" (chamomile tea), fresh papaya, lots of rest, and good-ol' chicken soup (known as "consome de pollo").

Currently no vaccinations are needed to enter Mexico from the United States or Canada.

Medical Emergencies:
In the event of a major medical emergency, jet evacuation services are available, including:

• Air Ambulance America of Mexico: From Mexico dial (95) 800-222-3564
• Air Evac: Offices in Mexico City and San Diego call (619) 278-3822

Important Dates:
Mexico's frequent fiestas are full-blooded, highly colorful affairs which often go on for several days and add a great deal of spice to life. There's a major national holiday or celebration almost every month, to which each town adds almost as many local saints' days and fairs. Carnaval (Carnival), held late February or early March, the week or so before Ash Wednesday, is the big bash before the 40-day penance of Lent. Día de los Muertos is held on 2 November (when the souls of the dead are believed to return to earth), and is perhaps Mexico's most characteristic fiesta. Families build altars in their homes and visit graveyards with garlands and gifts to commune with their dead ancestors. Sweets resembling human skeletons are sold in almost every market.