TRAVEL TIPS  
      before you go ............. FAST FACTS • BASIC LEGAL ASPECTS • CUSTOMS
        • TOURIST CARD • TOURIST TAX • MONEY MATTERS • FIRST AID • MISCELLANEOUS

  PLUS: Stay Healthy in Mexico  • Travel Insurance  • TSA Security Guidelines   
            • "Know Before You Go" by U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security

FAST FACTS ABOUT MEXICO
• Number of States: 31, plus the Federal District (D.F.)

• Ethnic Make-up: Mexico is a nation of mostly mestizos, a mixture of Native American and European peoples (about 60% of the total population); Native Americans make up close to 30%; European Caucasians make up the remaining 10%.

• Population: 88 million (c.1990). 22 million in Mexico City.

• Largest Cities: Mexico City (the Federal District); Guadalajara; Monterey.

• Political System: Though its constitution allows multiple parties, until recently Mexico was a ‘single-party’ democracy. Serious political pluralism since the 1980’s has seen the rise of at least two additional political powers: the PAN and the PDR. These parties now vie for government seats with the once unchallenged PRI. In the year 2000 the PAN won the presidency with Vicente Fox as their candidate.

• Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic.

• The Economy: Mexico enjoys a strong position among developing nations. However, in the 1980’s the economy was rocked by inflation, debt (both domestic and foreign) and a deadly earthquake (1985). Today the economy is rebounding under a rejuvenated market-oriented system, with less government interference and an orientation toward less protectionism while boosting exports. These reforms have generated a renewal of foreign support and key investment in several important sectors. Mexico’s output is quite diverse. Mining, manufacturing, petroleum (60 billion barrels in reserves), electronics, textiles and tourism are all developed industries.

BASIC LEGAL ASPECTS
• General Aspects: During your stay in Mexico, you will be subject to Mexican laws and if any incident or controversy should arise, it will be solved according to these laws. The Political Constitution of the United Mexican States is the supreme law in Mexico. It grants the same rights and responsibilities to the persons under its jurisdiction, whether nationals or foreigners. In its first article, the Constitution establishes that any individual in Mexico will enjoy the guarantees it grants, which can only be suspended or restricted in the cases and under the circumstances that the said Constitution establishes.

• Mexican Police Corps: In Mexico, there are different types of police in charge of security, which have different duties. The Preventive Police are in charge of surveillance, preventing crime or accidents and assisting citizens; these police wear uniforms. The Judicial Police reports to the Public Prosecutor; they investigate crimes and detain offenders following instructions received from judges; these police do not wear uniforms. The Transit Police survey vehicular transit in cities and towns; they wear a uniform and in some states they are part of the Preventive Police. The Federal Highway Police survey Mexican highways and assist automobile drivers. They are federal corps and have authority in cases of car accidents on federal roads.

• In the Case of Becoming a Victim of a Crime: The appropriate authority to which a crime must be reported is the Agente del Ministerio Publico (Public Prosecutor) who reports to the Procuraduria General de Justicia de los Estados (States’ Attorney General). Offenses can be of a federal type or of common type. The first are very few and it is highly improbable for someone to become a victim of these crimes. Common offenses (theft, rape, murder, injuries, etc.) are regulated by States and Federal District local laws, being the Agentes del Ministerio Publico del fuero comun (Public Prosecutor for common offenses) the appropriate authority to solve this type of crimes. If you become a victim of any crime, you should present yourself before the Public Prosecutor to report it. At this office, you will be provided appropriate certifications and will be instructed on the procedures that need to be followed for the investigation and determination of offenders’ responsibilities. If you do not speak Spanish, request a translator. Any policeman or Mexican government employee can tell you the address of the appropriate Public Prosecutor.

• Mexican Judicial System: The Mexican judicial system is based on Roman law and on the Napoleonic code. A person being judged for an offense is presumed guilty until proven innocent. Tourists committing any offense in Mexico have no special privileges and are subject to trial. If you are arrested, and accused of having committed a crime, request authorities to allow you to communicate with your consulate.

• Drug Trafficking: The possession and trafficking of narcotics is considered a federal offense in Mexico. Only the possession of medicinal drugs prescribed by a physician for treatment is authorized. Mexican law is extremely severe in narcotic trafficking cases. Possession and trafficking of any drug could result in a prison sentence of at least 7 years.


CUSTOMS
Mexico is one of the easiest countries to enter. Inspection of documents and luggage is done quickly, so little time is wasted upon your arrival. Frequently visitors are waived through the customs inspection, meaning an even faster exit for those passengers carrying only hand luggage. Be sure to complete your FMT (Tourist Card*) and Baggage Declaration Form* before arriving in Mexico.
* Tourist Card and Baggage Declaration Form will be distributed at the check-in counter at the airport or on board by your flight attendants.

Tourists are allowed to enter Mexico with their personal belongings and other articles necessary for their stay in the country. Upon arrival, they must complete a ‘Baggage Declaration’ in which the items that exceed the personal allowance must be included in order to pay appropriate duties or to obtain a temporary import permit. The Dirección General de Aduanas of the Secretaria de Hacienda y Credito Publico (Ministry of Revenue) has published brochures that are distributed by airline companies and posters that are fixed at customs offices, stating the articles that can be brought duty-free into the country.

Proof of Citizenship – U.S. Citizens • Valid Passport* – This is the most secure and convenient proof of citizenship. Expired passports are not valid for entry into Mexico. New passports are now valid for 10 years. • Birth Certificate – Must be government office issued and have an official raised seal. • Naturalization Certificate – Or laminated Naturalization Card. • Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship – Not valid to re-enter the U.S. unless signed by two witnesses who have known the passenger since birth. • Original Voter’s Registration Certificate. Note: Alien Residents must present U.S. Alien Registration Card Form I-94 for re-entry to the U.S. Ask your flight attendant on your return flight to the U.S.. * IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTICE from the Department of Homeland Security: New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere

Entry Into Mexico – Duty Free (Partial List)
• 400 cigarettes or 2 boxes of cigars (50) or 250 grams of pipe tobacco.
• One movie camera and one regular camera.
• 8 rolls of film or video cassettes.
• Reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
• 3 liter bottles of liquor or wine for personal use.
• Gift items with combined value of not over $300 (not including electrical appliances).

The following link provides an overview of Customs regulations and procedures that apply to travelers entering or exiting the United States.

Items permitted in aircraft cabins: • Pets (if permitted by airline, check with airline for procedures) • Walking canes and umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed) • Nail clippers with nail files attached • Nail files Tweezers Safety razors (including disposable razors) • Syringes (with medication and professionally printed label identifying medication or manufacturer·s name) • Insulin delivery systems Eyelash curlers

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

What Can I Bring? On Tuesday, September 26, 2006, TSA adjusted the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols.

TOURIST CARD (Form FMT)
Each visitor entering Mexico (including all infants and children) must have a tourist card (Forma Migratoria Turista, or FMT).
• Issued by the Mexican Government Tourism Offices, Mexican Consulates, airlines serving Mexico and/or travel agents.
• There is no charge for the tourist card.
• It is extremely important that passengers do not lose your copy of the tourist card (lower portion of the FMT form). It must be presented to Mexican Immigration before leaving the country on your return to the U.S. If you do lose it, it will delay your departure from Mexico, perhaps causing you to miss your flight.

Instructions to Fill Out Tourist Cards
(Please print – Capital Letters Only)
Name: Print full name, last name first. If traveler is a married woman using a proof of citizenship in her maiden name, print married name and in parenthesis, her maiden name.
Sex: It must be indicated placing an “X” in the appropriate box.
Age: Write the number only.
Martial Status: Indicate it by placing an “X” in the correct box.
Occupation: 10 categories (0 to 9) are given, select the one in which traveler’s occupation fits best and place an “X” over the corresponding number.
Place of birth: City and Province (or State).
Nationality: Present citizenship (e.g., U.S. citizen).
Permanent Address: Street number, street name, apartment number (if any), city, province/state and country.
Passport Number: If not a passport, the space corresponding to this number must be filled in with the name of the document used as a proof of citizenship. Example: Birth Certificate, Voter’s Registration, etc. If passport is presented, write passport number only.
Issued At: The place where proof of citizenship was issued.
Main Destinations in the Mexican Republic: List up to three of all cities to be visited.
Means of Transportation: Means to be used to enter Mexico. Just place an “X” over the corresponding figure.
• Traveler must sign on the back of the Tourist Card.

How to Take Money
Carry a combination of currency and traveler’s check. Cash gives you extended liquidity and traveler’s checks are great for security.
Obtaining change for large peso notes is sometimes difficult. It’s a good idea to carry some one dollar bills (10 to 20). They are great for tipping or for making small purchases.

Where to Exchange Money
Almost every Mexican airport has an exchange booth. Some have bank branches in the terminal. Here you will receive the official rate. If closed, inquire at the rental car counters. They will frequently do the favor, though at a slightly lower rate. Check the official rate when you arrive, then compare this to what your hotel offers. The difference is usually minimal. Some boutiques and shops offer very favorable rates in order to make their merchandise more appealing.
The most convenient place, with the best exchange rates, is the ‘Casa de Cambio’ or currency exchange.

Credit Cards
Nearly all major credit cards (e.g. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Diner’s Club) are accepted throughout Mexico. Make sure to verify that your hotel or restaurant in fact accepts the card you wish to use. Most recently, American Express and Diner’s Club are not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard. Only cash (pesos) is used in the small villages and local markets.
Many credit companies now add on a 2 -3% surcharge for transactions made in foreign countries. ATM surcharge could be as high as 5%. Check with your card issuing bank for details. 

Bank Hours
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some branches do open in the afternoon. Make sure you are in the correct line (‘Cambios’ or ‘Money Exchange’). In some small towns you can only exchange money during certain hours. You may also use your ATM card at several banks. (Look for nearest ready-teller).

Business Hours
Stores are generally open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and normally closed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Offices usually follow the same schedule. In major cities the ‘siesta’ is losing ground to a more conventional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Oaxaca still enjoys the traditional afternoon siesta.

Buying Goods and Services
If you buy goods or hire a service, be sure that the product is in good condition and request a receipt or invoice for the payment of such services or goods. The Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor (Federal Consumer’s Protection Office) is the authority responsible to assist you if the product or service provided by hotels, travel agencies, car rentals, tourist guides or restaurants in touristic areas is unsatisfactory. The Tourism Secreetariat is in charge of surveying the compliance of the services offered.

Value Added Taxes
With the exception of the some basic articles, most consumer products in Mexico are subject to a value added tax (impoesto al valor agregado, or I.V.A.) which is 15% on almost all consumer goods including restaurants, bars and hotels services, to 20% on deluxe articles. To be mentioned is that since January 1996, there is an additional 2% hotel tax charged in most states in Mexico.


FIRST AID
The vast majority of visitors don’t get sick. When there is a problem 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.
If you find yourself in need of medical or dental attention, contact the front desk of your hotel or Oaxaca Tours your Oaxaca Hotel Group Representative. Each will have a directory of bilingual doctors and dentists. Travel insurance is available and highly recommended.

“Moctezuma’s Revenge” — what is it? This ubiquitous intestinal disorder is caused by the entrance of certain unfamiliar bacteria into the digestive track. People suffer the side effects (diarrhea, nausea, sour stomach) because their bodies have not had ample time to adjust to the new bacteria. In fighting this bacteria your body needs plenty of fluids. However, most vacationers become dehydrated (due to lengthy air travel, too much sun and too much alcohol) causing a breakdown in your body’s system. The more you lose fluids, the weaker your body’s resistance to illness. To stop this cycle before it starts, follow this advice:

1. Before, during and after your visit to Mexico take one of the following “natural” remedies:
   • Yogurt tablets or fresh yogurt.
   • Papaya enzyme tablets or fresh papaya.
   • Pepto bismol, tablets or liquid.
   • Drink chamomile tea (te de Manzanilla).
2. Avoid drinking tap water. Mexico has excellent bottled waters.
3. Always wash your hands before eating.
4. Avoid too much sun and alcohol. Especially hard on your system is drinking while in the sun. Check with your doctor regarding medications and sun exposure.
5. Take a “siesta” in the afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Tanning Tips
A great tan is synonymous with a wonderful vacation for many visitors. To protect yourself, allow only 20 minutes of exposure on the first day and gradually increase your exposure to the sun. The burning rays of the sun are at their strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Remember! — you receive the same ultraviolet rays in the water as you do on the beach. To further protect yourself use sunglasses, wear a broad brimmed hat and a coverup, and use a good sunscreen lotion.

• More on STAY HEALTHY IN MEXICO

MISCELLANEOUS
Press
The more important journals are published in Mexico City. The most prominent papers are Novedades, Excelsior, Uno Mas Uno. Mexico has an excellent daily in English, The News. Some resorts sell major U.S. papers (L.A. Times, N.Y. Times, Miami Herald, U.S.A. Today, etc.).

Post Offices
Post Offices in most major cities are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Service is slow.

Telephone Calls
A sizable tax is added to international calls, nearly doubling their cost. Make collect calls or bill the call to your international telephone calling card to avoid this charge. Also, there is now LADATEL, a relatively inexpensive way to call back to the states and Canada. You can purchase LADATEL cards at any pharmacy.

Tipping
Known as ‘propinas’, tips are optional, but the 15% rule generally applies. Tip waiters/waitresses 10 -20%, porters/bellman 1 USD per bag. A nice Mexican custom is tipping chambermaids who daily clean your room ( 1 to 2 USD per day). Tips to cab drivers are optional.
Carry a few one dollar bills. They are great for tips.

Manners and Customs Much importance is attached in Mexico to the forms of politeness – a trend which has sometimes led to the development of overly formal rules of etiquette. Arrogant or inconsiderate behavior is poorly received in Mexico, and tact is of the very essence of social intercourse. Impatience is an emotion the Mexicans do not seem to feel themselves or appreciate in others, and in general punctuality – as that term is understood in North America or northern Europe – is not a Mexican habit. Visitors should be ready, therefore, to allow at least half an hour’s grace in relation to appointments, opening times, etc. An exception to this rule is the bullfight, which always begins punctually at the time stated.

Of all the customs you will encounter in Mexico, none is more important than courteous behavior and polite speech. Wherever you go in Mexico, the air is filled with polite expressions. Those who make the effort to be extra polite in Mexico are amply rewarded with smiles, better service and a distinctly warmer welcome.

Mexicans are very ready with invitations and offers of hospitality. If it is not repeated and no precise time is suggested, the invitation is a merely polite one, and even the person giving it does not expect it to be taken seriously. If a rendezvous is arranged, it is likely to be in a restaurant or caf’: an: an invitation to the host’s home is a great proof of confidence and a genuine distinction. If a guest expresses appreciation of something belonging to the host, the host will often offer it to him; this, too, is a polite form of speech which the guest must not take literally.

Although many friendly offers by Mexicans are mere empty flowers of speech, the helpfulness of local drivers to other motorists in difficulty is very genuine. In certain circumstances, too, an offer of an appropriate sum of money can work wonders. Thus public officials, who tend to be poorly paid, will expect some pecuniary recognition even for services which are part of their official duties. To Mexicans this seems perfectly in order, and they do not see it as implying bribery and corruption.

As in many Hispanic countries, it is common for Mexicans to communicate closer than one arm’s length from each other. Contrary to the U.S. (especially in light of sexual harassment suits), a tap on the arm or a pat on the back is commonplace, and a very acceptable gesture of friendliness.

Handshakes are routinely exchanged by men, women and even small children in Mexico. When done properly, hands are joined together with a very slight, gentle pressure. Don’t mistake this soft touch for a wimpiness. it is simply the Mexican way of shaking hands. In contrast, an Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘man-to-man’ squeeze... is almost as rude to Mexicans as a slap in the face.

In Mexico, coffee is served at the end of the meal, including breakfast. You should request your coffee to be served first if you want it before your meal. Also, not offering the restaurant check until the customer specifically requests it is considered polite, proper service. To Mexicans, the bill is a clear signal that the party is over. Mexican servers are very careful not to rush their customers, or to appear impatient if a group ‘camps’ at a table. If you want the bill to arrive promptly after you’ve eaten, request it while you are still eating. But, really, what’s your hurry?

Electrical Current
Mexico uses the same current as the U.S. (110 volts, 60 cycle, AC) however, the new “polarized plugs” (one prong fatter than the other) may not fit in some Mexican outlets. Converter plugs are available at travel stores. Better hotels have polarized poutlets and converters are not necessary.

Climate
Mexico’s climate is very much influenced by altitude. Although tropical along the low-lying coastline, it is cool to cold at altitudes above 7,000 feet. Throughout the country, the rainy season is from May to September. In most places, the rainy season means brief afternoon showers causing little inconvenience to visitors, since clear skies usually follow immediately.

Time Zones
Most of Mexico is on Central Time. Effective April 1996, México began using the "Daylight Savings" adjustment.
The exceptions are:
Baja California Norte (Pacific Daylight Time/Pacific Standard Time),
Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa and Nayarit (Mountain Standard Time all year).

Packing Tips
Lightweight, color-coordinated, low-maintenance fabrics are the key. Best wrinkle-resistant fabrics are fine wools, cotton knits, parachute silk, and superior synthetics. Patterned or textured garments conceal spots.
Swimming suits are not to be worn away from swimming pools and beach areas.

Weights & Measures
Mexico operates on the metric system. That means filos for pounds, Centigrade for Fahrenheit, and general confusion for most Americans. Below is a start at ending that confusion. With a little practice, you’ll know how big it is, how heavy it is, how far it is, and how hot it is – metrically speaking.

• Temperatures Centigrade 0• 5º 10º 15º 20º 25º 30º 37º 40º 100º  water freezes  cold weather  comfortable  hot weather  body temperature  very hot weather  water boils       Fahrenheit 32  41º 50º 59º 68º 77º 86º 98.6º 104º 212º

• Weight/ measures 100 gram 1 kilogram (kg) 1 liter 3.75 liters 3.5 ounce 2.2 pounds 1.06 quarts 1 gallon • Distance 1 meter 1 kilometer (km) 1 mile 1 hectare 1.10 yards .625 miles 1.6 kilometer 2.5 acres

return to previous page       stay healthy in Mexico        travel insurance and  TSA Security Guidelines