Preparing for Mexico: Tips & Hints

1. Tourists are advised to keep all valuables in special vaults, which are usually installed in each room. Unfortunately, theft in Mexico blooms not only on the streets, but also in hotels.

2. When you plan to make a walk, you should not take many valuable things and large sums of money with you. Always pay close attention to your bags and suitcases, especially in crowded places.

3. In any case do not drink tap water. It is best to buy drinking water in stores.

4. Taxi drivers, who are not registered in official organizations, overrate their rates significantly. If you want to use a taxi to make a ride in the city, it’s better to call it in advance, rather than trying to catch a taxi on the street.

5. Subway remains the most convenient type of transport. You can also move around the city by trolley buses and buses.

6. Car rental is available for people aged 25 or older. When you rent a car, it’s necessary to have an international driver's license, and your driving experience should be at least one year.

7. Parking a car is allowed on specially designated areas only. Parking in the wrong place can result to a penalty – quite a large fee.

8. Despite the fact that Spanish is the official language in the country, the local people can speak many different dialects.

9. When you need to exchange currency, the best place to do it are the specialized locations - «casas de cambio» - which offer most favorable rates and charge a minimal fee.

10. Many government offices and shops do not work on Sunday, and Saturday is considered a short working day.

11. Large restaurants, shopping centers and hotels accept credit cards. In many restaurants and shopping centers you can pay in U.S. dollars.

12. The amount of tips in local restaurants estimates 10 - 15%. It is also recommended to leave small cash reward to hotel workers, taxi drivers and tour guides.

13. Those, who plan to travel on city’s suburbs by car, are recommended to use paid highways as they are more secure.

Other articles about Mexico:
Traditions and lifestyle
Mexico sightseeing
Best restaurants and cuisine
Mexico attractions and leisure
Mexico cityguide
Photogallery of Mexico