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Should I rent a
car in Mexico?
If you're renting a car in Mexico, your credit card will provide
insurance, but buy the Mexican car insurance anyway. If you get in a car
accident and don't have Mexico car insurance, you might not be able to leave
the country until the damage has been paid for - your credit card will
reimburse you when you get home.
When you rent a car in Mexico, look the car over before you sign
the rental agreement, and have the agent write down every scratch or
non-working part or you'll have to pay for those scratches and parts when
you return the car.
When purchasing insurance your coverage SHOULD INCLUDE
claims adjusters that will come to the scene of an accident, and/or an
attorney. You are not allowed to move your vehicle and the police may detain
you in the event that anyone is hurt until fault can be established.
What does European Plan mean?
European Plan mean the cost of meals, drinks and activities are not
included in the room rate.
What does All Inclusive Plan mean?
An All Inclusive Plan rate includes the room rate, taxes, all
meals, drinks, tipping and in most cases non-motorized water sports fees.
What is the legal
drinking age in Mexico?
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. Excessive alcohol
consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican
authorities. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents,
violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring
Break.
Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving
under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation,
using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting
remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities.
How much should I tip in
Mexico?
Waiter: 10% - 15%. Bartender: 10%. Concierge: $2 - $5. Porter:
$1 - $2 per bag. House Keeping: $2 - $5 a day. Taxi Driver: small change.
Spa Services: 10% - 15%. Hair Dresser: 10% - 15%
What happens if I am
arrested with drugs?
The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe
penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a
case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction. All
individuals 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.
Is drinking water in Mexico
safe?
Most restaurants and Hotels throughout Mexico will serve and sell
purified water (agua purificada). This purified water is the same as what US
and Canadians are used to drinking, so you should not have any problems if
you stick to drinking the purified water.
Tap water in Mexico is not necessarily contaminated, it just may
contain different flora and fauna than US and Canadians are used to, thus
causing possible indigestion. To be safe, you should always use purified
water when brushing your teeth, when rinsing raw foods, or any other time
you use water with the possibility of it being consumed.
If you do experience water related distress, Pepto Bismol or any
anti-diarrheal medication should help. Most of the brand-name medications
used in the US or Canada are also available at markets or pharmacies in
Mexico.
What does Hotel Star Rating
mean?
6 Star or Grand Turismo: A distinction given to those hotels
considered "the best of the best". World class, they have state-of-the-art
technology and elegant, sophisticated and luxurious decor in all of their
facilities. The amenities offered surpass expectations of even the most
discerning traveler. Golf courses, fitness and convention centers, spas with
the latest treatments and a wealth of fine cuisine. Luxury and exclusivity
all in one place.
5 Star: Five Star hotels have superb personalized service
standards and luxurious facilities with a well-defined style. The staff
looks to pamper their guests through the various services, installations and
restaurants that the hotel offers. The furnishings and decor are also of
excellent quality and good taste. Banquet rooms, business centers, spa, gym,
bars and restaurants specializing in certain cuisines are only some of the
services and amenities that may be offered.
4 Star: The priority of this kind of hotel is to meet your
needs with a diverse set of recreational and dining options, such as
restaurants, gardens and swimming pool. The facilities have been carefully
planned to provide harmony in style and concept, relaxation and service. The
rooms are more spacious and include quality amenities and careful detail in
decor. You may also find meeting rooms or business centers with modern
equipment and services.
3 Star: The hotels in this category provide the guest with the
fundamental amenities and services of a clean, secure and pleasant room with
fine decor which provides for a cozy atmosphere at an excellent price. The
facilities usually provide the essential needs for the business traveler.
These hotels also offer a diner or a small restaurant.
2 Star: Fair (Clean, basic, budget property). These properties
meet a traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience while offering
moderate aesthetic enhancements in the property grounds, room decor, and
quality of furnishings. Some may offer limited restaurant service, however
room service is usually not provided.
1 Star: Very limited appeal. These properties meet a
budget-traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience. They tend to be
located near major attractions or thoroughfares and provide clean guest
rooms. Many properties do not have a restaurant on site but are usually
located within walking distance of dining establishments.
Half Star: The "Half Star" is a ranking implemented to all
hotels that cover all the base requirements of a category and offers some
requisites of the next category up. This marks the hotel as above its class
in its category.
Do I need electrical
adapters in Mexico?
The standard electrical current in Mexico is 110 volt AC, the same as USA
and Canada. If you are bringing electronics that require a 3 prong outlet,
you may want to bring an adapter as 3 prong outlets are not always
available.
Is my Credit
Card and Personal information secure?
Yes, all the reservation companies that Si-Mexico affiliates with use
servers with Secure Encryption (SSL) which protects your credit card and
personal information and encodes it into a non-usable form. Please see our
Privacy Policy and
Terms & Conditions.
Does Mexico offer
Country wide Train service?
Rail service from the U.S. and within Mexico does not exist. The only
exception is the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, which runs through
the Copper Canyon area.
Should I exchange my
money for Mexican Pesos?
For vacationers we recommend cash(pesos) and credit cards. You need cash for
making purchases, especially if you want to bargain. There are also numerous
small exchanges that will take place and you will need cash for this. For
major items use a credit card. Taxi cabs and the collectivos require cash.
It is advisable to carry lots of small bills and change because merchants
never have change.
All main towns and cities have institutions willing to exchange
your foreign notes and traveler's checks into Mexican pesos. Most exchange
houses and banks do not charge commissions to exchange currency, but make
money through the spreads - the difference between the rate at which they
sell pesos and the rate at which they buy them. The spread is usually larger
for money orders than travelers' checks or cash. In tourist hot spots, where
there are plenty of exchange houses, it's worth checking several to see
who is offering the best rate. Do not accept torn or damaged pesos
bills. Mexican currency, damaged in any way will not be accepted by any
merchants, money exchanges or banks. If somebody offers you a damaged bill,
refuse to accept it. If you use ATMs be aware that they dispense pesos and
receipts are in pesos.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No, most people in tourist services at the more
popular destinations speak English. If you plan to venture outside these
areas, take along a Spanish-English phrasebook or dictionary just in case.
What are
my alternatives if my cell phone does not work?
Probably the most frustrating thing in Mexico 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 also suggest you buy calling
cards from TelMex. TelMex is the official Mexican telephone company.
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