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General Information Packing List    Health Info    Safety Considerations Immigration In order to enter Mexico, you need to prove that you are a US or Canadian citizen (assuming that your are.) A notarized birth certificate, a voter registration card or a valid passport will suffice. I recommend getting a passport, since generally the cambios, or money exchange places want to see an id with a picture, and a passport will do nicely, thank you. If you fly in, you will be given a tourist card, which you need to fill out and present to the immigration officials. This tourist visa is valid for 180 days, and you will be given a carbon copy of it. Do not lose this copy. Electricity  The electricity in Mexico is the same as the electricity in the USA, 110 volts, 60 cycles. The only difference that you may find down here is that most electrical outlets only have two prongs. If your equipment requires a third ground wire, you may have difficulty plugging it in and should probably bring an adapter. Two-prong polarized plugs are fine. Water This is one of my favorite pet peeves with tourists down here. For some reason, many tourists refuse to add ice to their drinks, and grill each restaurant they dine in about their water supply. Unless you are in the habit of drinking the standing water that may collect in puddles in the streets, you are really going to have to make an effort to get sick drinking the water down here. Any restaurant you might frequent is going to have purified water and ice. Remember, the primary industry in Mazatlan is tourism, and what kind of repeat business would a hotel or restaurant get if it was the business of poisoning it's customers? So relax, and enjoy yourself. After all, you're on vacation aren't you? Currency, Banks & Money Exchange The peso is the national currency, although US dollars are widely accepted in businesses throughout town. Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments. Banks offer currency exchange during business hours, which are generally Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, with a few offering at least morning service on Saturdays. Universal ATMs are broadly available for cash withdrawals from global cash cards; money exchange and hotels also offer currency exchange services. Exchange Rate information. Business Hours Most shopping malls are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., continuously. Many downtown businesses and shops tend to close between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for lunch. Weather Tropical climate year-round, with average daytime temperatures of 80º F (27º C), and cooler evening temperatures in the winter months. Summers are sunny, with afternoon rains - just enough to cool off the air for evening activities. Packing List Money & Documents Cash Travelers Checks Credit Cards Bank Debit Cards Passport and Required Visas Drivers License Airline Tickets & Hotel Vouchers Health Insurance Documents Travel Insurance Documents Travel Itinerary Clothing Bathing Suit Shorts (4 pairs, two light weight cotton, two khaki) Sweat Shirt Pants (4 pairs, two light weight cotton, two khaki type) Polo tops, T-Shirts, Sleeveless tops (8) Dress Shirts (2) Skirts (4) Belts Bras Socks Underwear Pajamas Good Quality Sandals Beach Flip Flops Sneakers Dress Shoes Hiking Boots (waterproof) Rain Gear or Poncho Light Windbreaker Jacket Sun Hat Sunglasses Medical Aspirin Diarrhea Tablets Mosquito Repellent Contraceptives. Band-Aids Water Purification Tablets Vitamins Medicine for Altitude Sickness (if traveling in mountainous areas) Prescription Medicines Necessary Vaccinations (consult your doctor). Toiletries Deodorant Shampoo Hairbrush & Comb Makeup Nail Clippers Razors/Shaving Cream Suntan & Sun Block Lotions Toothbrush Toothpaste Tampons/Tampax Books Novels (for recreational reading) Travel Guide Books Pocket Size Spanish Dictionary & Phrase Book Miscellaneous Items Travel Alarm Clock Digital Camera or Camera & Film Pens & Paper Towels Sewing Kit Water Proof Wristwatch iPod or Walkman Health Info Vaccines All travelers to Mexico or Central America (particularly those who will be traveling with young children) should consult their physician several weeks before departing. Depending upon your itinerary, medical history, age (and other factors), your doctor may recommend that you receive vaccinations for the following diseases: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Rabies Typhoid Fever Yellow Fever During your visit to the doctor, routine immunizations, such as those that protect against tetanus or diphtheria, should be updated, if necessary. Travelers' Diarrhea Travelers' diarrhea is the most common ailment afflicting visitors to Mexico and Central America.   Malaria Malaria is an infection spread by mosquitoes which, if left untreated, can be fatal. Malaria can be prevented by taking prescription antimalarial drugs (such as choloroquine) and by taking measures to protect yourself against mosquito bites. The risk of malaria is highest in certain of the rural areas of the countries in this region . Antimalarial drugs are not normally recommended for visitors who confine their stay to the major resort areas on the Gulf and Pacific Coasts (e.g. Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta). Prescription Drugs If you are taking any prescription drugs, ensure that you pack (in your hand luggage) a sufficient supply of these in their original, labeled containers. If you have a history of significant medical problems, wearing a medical alert bracelet while on your trip is a good idea. Medical Insurance Check whether your current health insurance covers you for medical expenses incurred abroad. If not, the purchase of a travel health insurance policy is highly recommended to avoid the risk of you incurring substantial medical expenses in the event of illness or injury while on your vacation. Animal Bites If, during your trip, you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal, promptly clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately - whether or not you have been immunized against rabies. Insect Repellent If you are traveling to an area where insects may be a problem, bring along a supply of insect repellent and apply it to your clothing and exposed skin before venturing outdoors. Sun Block The sun can be very hot in this area of the world and a bad sunburn will spoil your vacation. Make sure you bring along an adequate supply of a good quality sun block or sun screen lotion and use it frequently. A sun hat is a good idea. Safety Considerations Crime The level of crime in many areas of Mexico and Central America has been rising in recent years, particularly in the larger Mexican and Central American cities. The most frequent crimes against visitors involve pick pocketing, purse snatching, armed robbery and assault. Visitors should take at least the same precautions against these types of crimes that they would take in their home country. For example, a visitor should always keep his wallet in an inner front pocket or in a money belt and a purse should always be carried securely under the arm. Valuables Travelers to Mexico and Central America should always leave valuables in a safe place - make use of a hotel safe if one is available. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry only the cash or credit cards that you will be need for that day. ATMs Be cautious when using ATMs to withdraw cash in Mexico and Central America. Only use ATMs when absolutely necessary and only during business hours. Use only those ATMs which are located on the premises of large banks or other financial institutions - who will generally have security personnel on duty. Beach Activities Observe the warning flags on public beaches. If you see that black flags are up do not go in the water! Be aware that many beaches sometimes have a very strong undertow and that there is no lifeguard supervision on many beaches. Never dive into unknown waters as shallow or hidden rocks below the water surface can cause serious injury or death. Do not take your passport and other valuables to the beach. Leave them in the hotel safe. Be aware that any aquatic equipment that you rent will often not meet the safety standards of your home country and that the rental supplier may not be covered by accident liability insurance. Driving Motor vehicle accidents involving travelers are quite common in the countries of this region and visitors should always drive defensively. If driving in Mexico or Central America, you will often encounter road conditions that are significantly poorer from those in your home country. Always use seat belts and avoid driving at high speeds, in the rain, or at night. Try to stick to the main roads and highways. Also, be aware that stray livestock can unexpectedly cross your path on the road at any time. Bus and Train Travel Restrict all bus and train travel to daylight hours and to conveyances that appear to be safe and well maintained. Be aware that pickpockets are common in bus and train stations. Hiking / Walking Alone Avoid hiking alone in remote areas and sparsely populated beaches. At night, visitors should use only the main, well lit streets and avoid wearing items of expensive jewelry. Hitchhiking In Mexico and Central America, it is unsafe to hitchhike, accept rides from, or offer rides to, anyone you have never met before. Nature Tours Never go on a nature tour (such as a trip into a jungle or rain forest area) without a qualified guide who can advise you on (and help protect you from) the risks of poisonous snakes, scorpions and other dangerous insects and wildlife.   Once you have decided on a destination contact us. Call Us Toll Free: 866-566-8078 Email Us: Jim@MexicoXpress.com