| 
Just like traveling to other parts of the world, there are some
general concepts we suggest you think about while packing your
luggage. Follow these suggestions so your visit to Mexico will
be a success. |
|
|
General Entry Requirements
A valid passport and Tourist Card
are the standard acceptable travel documents. However, if
you're an American or Canadian citizen, the following items
are also acceptable:
- An original birth certificate
- U.S. naturalization papers
- A notarized affidavit of citizenship
- A valid voter registration card
Each of these must be accompanied
by a photo ID such as a valid Driver's License.
A special Tip for parents of divorced
children. International travel requires special documentation
for children or divorced parents. Check with your air carrier
for specific documentation that is required. By the time you
arrive at the airport, its too late.
Back to top
|
 |
 Upon Arrival By Air
You will receive two forms to fill out before you can enter
Mexico. These are normally distributed by the airlines either
at the ticket counter or while in transit. I know every airline
representative will appreciate this next tip: Bring a ball
point pen, preferably black. Don't expect to borrow one. With
more than 200 fellow passengers there are never enough to
go around.
The first form is your temporary visa.
The form has recently changed and may not be exactly as shown
here. They are in several languages, you'll need one per person.
Familiarize yourself with this one to avoid embarrassing mistakes
later. Upon arrival at the airport you will first go through
Customs, which is a simple review of your documentation and
warm greeting from the Mexican Government Official. These
are nice people, really! Save the stamped copy of which you
will receive to exit the country.
Back to top
 Your
tourist card will be endorsed for a 30 day stay. If planning
to stay more than a couple weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum
entry of 180 days. Applying for a longer stay can be a hassle
once in Mexico. Play it safe!
The second form is for Hacienda which
sounds like a nice house to visit, but is actually the Customs
and Taxation arm of the government. You will need one of these
forms per family. After passing through Immigrations, go to
thebaggage area and collect your bags then proceed to the
exit. Depending on your destination and size of the airport
some of the following may differ. Hand the form to the Customs
Agent and push the button on the 'traffic light'. Yes, that's
right, a traffic light. It is set up to randomly turn green
for Go or red for Stop and Inspect. I've never seen it turn
yellow, but you may. If you do get a red light, they will
kindly ask to see the contents of your bags. I don't think
it need be said here, but I will: Don't be so foolish as to
bring something illegal into Mexico. You know what I mean!
Driving
If you are driving into Mexico, check with your auto insurance
carrier. Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country.
If you are involved in a traffic accident:
- Do not loose your temper. You're
not in Kansas. - Do not leave the place of the accident. -
Cooperate with the legal authorities. - Do not sign any agreements
nor accept any liability. - Contact your Mexican insurance
company immediately.
For detailed information please read
Driving
Into Mexico article.
|
When to Go
The travel industry designates several business
seasons during the year, High, Swing or Low. If you are coming from
the Northern Climes, you probably consider winter the only time
to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America, Europe
and including the Mexican nationals find the rest of the year equally
enjoyable. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Take advantage
of these somewhat arbitrary dates and save yourself some money.
The difference between a High Season vacation and a Swing or Low,
may be as little as one day and it could save you hundreds of dollars.
Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists.
Back to top
Getting Around the Country
|
Rental Car
Rental cars are available from the major rental companies.
To rent you must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid
driver's license and a major credit card. Be sure to reserve
your vehicle before you leave home; this will ensure you the
lowest rate and availability.
Driving
Hitting the byways in a foreign land might sound challenging
to some, but to many its their favorite means of getting involved.
Especially if you live in the southern reaches of the US,
driving deep into Mexico is less than 48 hours away.
Gasoline is available at stations
throughout Mexico. It is sold in liters (3.78 liters = 1 gallon).
Magna Sin (green pumps) is unleaded. Prices are about the
same as in the U.S. Only cash is accepted and there is no
self service (tips are customary for gasoline attendants).
Most stations close by 10 PM.
Back to top
The highway systems between major
cities is modern and similar to the freeways further North.
What makes them unique is their dependence on toll funding
rather than taxation to pay the development cost. So, you
should expect to 'pay as you go'. Have a hefty handful of
small bills available so you'll encounter no problems with
making change.
Auto insurance is a MUST, whether
you are driving a rental car or your own. Don't expect your
hometown agent to supply you with a policy that will be valid
in Mexico. Most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign
countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact
your carrier. You will find insurance vendors on both sides
of the border crossings. A better idea is to set up your insurance
before you go. You might also find that it can be considerably
cheaper to do it this way.
Major highways are patrolled by Los
Angeles Verdes (Green Angels). These government-operated pickup
trucks are driven by mechanics . To date, Mexico is the only
country with this service. It's free, except for parts and
gas!
Back to top
Buses
Mexico has a vast inter-city bus system that offers inexpensive,
timely and convenient transportation. There are two grades
of buses: First Class, with air conditioning and possibly
a TV, and a stewardess serving soft drinks and snacks. And
Second Class- with no frills. As Second Class costs slightly
less than First Class, we recommend you go with First Class.
Within the metropolitan centers buses
offer the natives their primary means of transportation. For
the tourist these can be a bit daunting at first, but when
viewed with fun and adventure in mind, they can certainly
add color and memories to your vacation.
Train
Train travel can be safer and more enjoyable than a trip by
bus, but considerably more expensive. As with bus service,
we recommend you pay for the highest class of travel available.
Primera Especial class is recommended for day trips and the
top-of-the-line Pullman compartments for overnight travel.
Pullman service offers sleeping compartments suitable for
one (camarin) or two (alcoba). Each converts to a comfortable
sitting room during the day.
Back to top
|
Weather Considerations
|
Mexico is made up of several different
regions, each with its own type of seasonal weather, climate,
altitude and terrain dictating what you will need to be prepared
and comfortable. Generally, rains fall and temperatures rise
from June through October, leaving November through May as
the more temperate, drier season.
Here's a regional climate overview:
- Northern Baja California
Despite the desert landscape, this region resembles Southern
California: mild winters with a little rain; warm, dry summers.
The Sea of Cortes tends to be warmer than the Pacific side
of the peninsula. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F
or 20 degrees C.
- Southern Baja California
A subtropical desert, with over 350 days of sunshine a year,
cool winter evenings, low humidity, sea breezes. Summer temperatures
can be high, Generally cooler on the Pacific side. Annual
average temperature: 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C.
- Northwest Coast
Similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and some storms.
Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C.
Back to top
- West Coast
Also known as the Mexican Riviera, it has warm tropical weather
year round. Warm, dry days and balmy evenings from November
through May. The rainy season is June through October, with
daily rain showers and warm temperatures. Annual average temperature:
77 degrees F or 27 degree C.
- Central Plateau
Due to higher elevation, it has pleasant spring-like conditions
most of the year. Rain is frequent from June through September.
Evenings can be quite cool in winter. Annual average temperature:
65 degrees F or 18 degrees C.
- The Yucatan Peninsula
In this region, proximity to the coast determines temperature
and humidity. In summer, Gulf and Caribbean areas stay cooler
due to trade winds, while interior jungles are humid, with
higher temperatures. Rainfall is frequent from April through
May and September through January; temperatures can be higher.
September and October sometimes bring overcast or rainy conditions.
Winters are very pleasant. Annual average temperature: 80
degrees F or 27 degrees C.
- The Gulf Coast
Somewhat humid, with warmer temperatures. Rainfall and cool
brisk northerly winds (nortes) from September through February.
Annual average temperature: 72 degrees F or 21 degrees C.
Back to top
|
What to Bring
Be sure to include the following in your
suitcase:
- A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary
- A small first aid kit - Camera and Film - Walking Shoes - Suntan
Lotion - Traveler's Checks & ATM cards - Swim Suits - Casual
Dress Clothes for Nightlife and Fine Dining - Copies of your favorite
Mexico Travel Guide pages! - Sunglasses & Hat - Necessary medications
- Passport/Birth Certificate & Driver's License
Health Tips
In your quest for a good time on your vacation,
your eating and drinking habits are often radically different than
what you're used to back home. In addition, climate and altitude
changes can throw your system off. To ensure you enjoy your vacation
to its fullest, consider the following: Be sure to drink lots of
fluids; especially the day before arriving.
Try not to go overboard your first night.
Give your body a chance to acclimate. Drink only distilled or bottled
water.
When buying fresh fruits and vegetables,
be sure to wash them with distilled or bottled water before eating;
peel them if possible.
Back to top
Money, Exchange & Credit
The Mexican economy operates on the rise
and fall of the Peso. While most businesses will accept foreign
currency, especially US dollars, using pesos is your best bet. Foreign
currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange
houses).
Mexican banking hours are normally Monday-Friday
from 9:00 AM to 5:00 P.M. however for money exchange the hours time
are normally from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Casas de cambio are open
later than most banks and they generally offer quicker service.
Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa,
MasterCard, and American Express being the most popular.
Tips for Senior Travelers
Retired travelers have a great advantage
in planning their vacations. There are many advantages to having
the freedom to plan a vacation without the hassles of work schedules.
Many older travelers find that their favorite times to travel to
Mexico are in off season months when there is less demand and less
traffic through the resort cities. Usually the summer months are
the least in demand due to high temperatures. This can be an advantage
if you enjoy shopping and organized tours more than spending time
at the beach. Most shops and tour buses are air-conditioned, so
the heat shouldn't be much of a concern. The reduced numbers of
tourists in the summer months makes getting around much easier,
and there is usually more peace and quiet at night.
Back to top
There are a number of discount packages
and group tour options for seniors. Your travel agent should have
a list of the discounts that you're entitled to in the city that
you'll be visiting. There are a number of senior citizens tour clubs
that offer members the opportunity to go on tours with a familiar
group of people in an organized tour that provides everything that
you'll need. There are many senior citizen tour organizations across
the nation, most of which your travel agent should be able to provide
information about.
Even if you don't like traveling in groups
or with organized tours, you are entitled to a number of senior
citizens discounts. When booking hotel reservations, always mention
that you're a senior and ask about discount rates. At restaurants,
mention it when you order, not afterward. Many places will refuse
the discount if you don't mention it before a reservation or an
order has been made.
The infrastructure in Mexico is not as well-developed
as it is in some countries. If you have a disability, you may find
it difficult getting around some parts of Mexico. There are few
wheelchair ramps and wheelchair access bathrooms in Mexico currently.
In some cities, there aren't even stairway handrails. The sidewalks
are typically narrower and aren't maintained as well. If you have
any problems getting around, speak with your travel agent about
the state of the city you'll be traveling to.
Your travel agent should also be able to
provide information about hotels which offer
accommodations for people with disabilities.
If you aren't content just to visit Mexico,
it is possible to retire to Mexico permanently. Please click here
to see an overview of how to begin the process of retiring to Mexico.
Back to top
|
