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Mexico

Overview

’¡Viva Mexico!’ was how Miguel Hidalgo rallied his fellow Mexicanos to the struggle against colonialism, and it is a cry that is repeated by the president and echoed throughout the land every 15 September - Independence Day. As slogans go, it could not be more apt; Mexico is bursting with life.

While many nations live to work, Mexico does the opposite. The people are vivacious lovers of free time and socialising, and work will never have the importance that friends and family do. The mother, giver of life, is honoured and respected, and all children, whether belonging to locals or visitors, are doted upon.

The country’s past seems to live at one with its present. In Mexico City, the Plaza de las Tres Culturas celebrates the three major cultures that have shaped Mexico: there are Aztec ruins, the 17th-century colonial church of San Diego and several late 20th-century buildings. Even the dead are alive here, at least once a year; on the Day of the Dead, the living bring gifts to their dearly departed and spend the night in their company, remembering and celebrating how things used to be.

Where the Caribbean Sea meets the Yucatan Peninsula, coral reefs come alive, with sea creatures, great and small. The Pacific coast attracts elephant seals and spectacular grey whales, who choose Mexico to breed and give birth, year after year.

Nor is the desert a barrier to life - it is home to agave, the mother of all tequilas. The blue plant has a lot to answer for in Acapulco and Cancún, where humans come ashore after a day in the surf to flirt in bars and nightclubs.

The biggest mass of teeming life in the whole of Mexico, is of course, its capital, where 20 million people (a fifth of the whole population) squeeze in together to work and play, live and love, die... and come back to life.

Author

Jan Lee

General Information

Central America.

Area

1,959,248 sq km (758,449 sq miles).

Population

106.4 million (UN estimate 2005).

Population Density

54.3 per sq km.

Capital

Mexico City. Population: 21 million (2003 estimate).

Government

Republic since 1917. Gained independence from Spain in 1821.

Mexico is at the southern extremity of North America and is bordered to the north by the USA, northwest by the Gulf of California, west by the Pacific, south by Guatemala and Belize, and east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Mexico’s geographical features range from swamp to desert, and from tropical lowland jungle to high alpine vegetation. Over half the country is at an altitude greater than 1,000m (3,300ft). The central land mass is a plateau flanked by ranges of mountains to the east and west that lie roughly parallel to the coast. The northern area of this plateau is arid and thinly populated, and occupies 40% of the total area of Mexico. The southern area is crossed by a range of volcanic mountains running from Cape Corrientes in the west through the Valley of Mexico to Veracruz in the east, and includes the magnificent volcanoes of Cofre de Perote, Ixtaccíhuatl, Matlalcueyetl, Nevado de Toluca, Orizaba and Popocatépetl. This is the heart of Mexico and where almost half of the population lives. To the south, the land falls away to the sparsely populated Isthmus of Tehuantepec whose slopes and flatlands support both commercial and subsistence agriculture. In the east, the Gulf Coast and the Yucatán peninsula are flat and receive over 75% of Mexico’s rain. The most productive agricultural region in Mexico is the northwest, while the Gulf Coast produces most of Mexico’s oil and sulphur. Along the northwest coast, opposite the peninsula of Baja California, and to the southeast along the coast of Bahía de Campeche and the Yucatán peninsula, the lowlands are swampy with coastal lagoons.

Language

Spanish is the official language (spoken by more than 90%). English is widely spoken. 8% speak indigenous languages, of which Nátinate is most common.

Religion

89% Roman Catholic, 5% Protestant and 6% other denominations.

Time

Central Standard Time: GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).
Mountain Standard Time: GMT - 7 (GMT - 6 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).
Pacific Standard Time: GMT - 8 (GMT - 7 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. Casualwear is acceptable for daytime dress throughout Mexico. At beach resorts, dress is very informal for men and women and nowhere are men expected to wear ties. In Mexico City, however, dress tends to be smart in elegant restaurants and hotel dining rooms. Smoking is unrestricted except where notified. Mexicans regard relationships and friendships as the most important thing in life next to religion and they are not afraid to show their emotions. A large Mexican family always seems to find room for one more and a visitor who becomes friends with a Mexican will invariably be made part of the family. Visitors should always remember that local customs and traditions are important.

Electricity

110 volts AC, 60Hz. American two-pin (flat) plugs are usual.

Head of State

President Felipe Calderon since 2006.

Passport / Visa

YesNoYesYesNoYesYesNoYesYesNoYesYesNoYes

Passport Note

(a) Applicants for Blue Tourist Cards should have a valid passport, return/onward ticket and proof of financial means. (b) Tourist Cards must be kept by the visitor during the entire length of stay as they will have to be presented and stamped on leaving.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months after date of entry required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above, who can obtain a Blue Tourist Card for touristic purposes from their airline on direct flights, at port of entry, or from the Mexican Consulate before travelling, for 180 days, except nationals of Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who can stay for up to 90 days.

Visa Note

(a) Nationals seeking to visit Mexico on business are advised to check with the consulate regarding visa requirements as they may need to apply for a Non Immigrant Business Visitor carnet (FM3). (b) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Money

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN; symbol M$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of M$1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of M$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos.

Note: The M$1,000 note is difficult to change and often not accepted. The M$100 and M$50 coins are rarely seen.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange houses give a preferable rate of exchange to hotels and a much quicker service than banks. The exchange rate of the Mexican peso has been relatively stable recently.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Europe or the USA. MasterCard and Visa are the two most widely accepted cards. American Express and Diners Club are accepted on a smaller scale. Some companies make an extra charge of around 5% on such transactions. There are ATMs in cities and most major tourist destinations nationwide, although not all debit cards are accepted, so check before leaving.

Traveller's Cheques

ATMs and credit cards mean traveller’s cheques are less necessary as a means of carrying money. However, traveller’s cheques issued by well-known brands can be cashed in exchange houses, which again give a better rate than hotels and a quicker service than banks. Traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling and Euros are now as readily accepted as those in US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1600; some banks are open longer hours and others are open on Saturday afternoon.

Exchange Rate Indicators

Date	Jul 07
£1.00=	M$21.76
$1.00=	M$10.78
€1.00=	M$14.70

Transport

Getting Around By Air

There is an excellent network of daily scheduled services between principal commercial centres operated by Aero California (website: www.aerocalifornia.com), Aeroméxico (website: www.aeromexico.com) and Mexicana (website: www.mexicana.com). Many of the smaller airports also have capacity for large planes and some international flights. A plethora of budget airlines have sprung up recently, although they do not fly to all destinations.

Getting Around by Water

Steamer ferries operate regularly between Mazatlán and La Paz (Baja California) daily; between Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, across the Gulf of California; between La Paz and Topolobampo three or four times weekly; and from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas twice-weekly. Some west coast cruises include Pacific ports such as Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. There are also regular ferries from the mainland to the Caribbean Islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Ferry operators, their names, websites and schedules are in a constant state of flux. Advance bookings are very rarely needed or available.

Getting Around by Rail

Apart from a couple of minor services in certain areas, almost all long-distance passenger train services were discontinued in 2000. A spectacular route still in service is the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, commonly known as El Chepe (tel: 01 (614) 439 7272 or 01 800 122 4373; website: www.chepe.com.mx). This runs between Chihuahua and Los Mochis and includes a stop in the Copper Canyon region. The Tequila Express (tel: 01 800 503 9720; website: www.tequilaexpress.com.mx) is a themed train journey between Guadalajara and Amatitan, run at weekends only.

Apart from these, the surviving scheduled passenger trains are state-subsidised social services for residents of remote areas. Reliable schedules for these are very difficult to obtain beyond the local area and should be checked when there for the most up-to-date information. Unsurprisingly, most people travel by bus since it is considerably faster and provides a far more extensive service. For further details and additional luxury services consult Mexlist (website: www.mexlist.com).

Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right here, but is unpredictable, and only half the road network is paved. Confusingly, toll (CUOTA) and free (LIBRE) roads to the same destination often have the same highway ID number. Drivers in a hurry should follow the CUOTA signs. A third sign, LIBRAMIENTO, indicates a toll-paying bypass road. Cash is preferred at toll-booths. It is advisable to keep car doors and windows closed and locked, especially at traffic lights.

Coach: Coaches and buses link almost all towns and cities. Central bus terminals in major cities provide service and information on fares and schedules. Major operators include Estrella Blanca (tel: 01 800 507 5500; website: www.estrellablanca.com.mx) and Autotransportes Tufesa (tel: 01 800 737 8883; website: www.tufesa.com.mx).

Car hire: Self-drive cars are available at airports, city centres and resorts. All the established international agencies operate in Mexico. Reputable Internet-only agencies are worth a look for cheap deals. Beware of hidden extras with local firms.

Regulations: Speed limits are 30-70kph (19-43mph) in towns, 80-90kmph (50-56mph) on expressways and outside built-up areas and 110kph (68mph) on motorways, except in Chihuahua where the limit is 100kph (62mph). Car use in Mexico City is restricted so as to reduce pollution. The last digit of the car number plate determines when that car cannot be driven.

Emergency breakdown service: Rest areas at toll-booths provide ambulance and breakdown services. The Green Angels (tel: 01 800 903 9200) provide breakdown assistance to tourists, with free labour and parts at cost.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit or a full national driving licence is required. The minimum driving age is 18. Check insurance is included in hire-car agreements. Mexican vehicle insurance is compulsory (see Getting There).

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Mexico City: The Metro system is cheap and efficient, with frequent trains, flat fares and smart-card prepaid tickets. However, it is often crowded and some familiarity with the city is necessary to use it successfully. The Metro opens Mon-Sat at 0600 (Sun 0700) and closes at about midnight. There is also a small tramway network, and extensive bus and trolley bus services. The latter system has recently been modernised, and also has a flat fare.

Four different types of taxi operate in Mexico City. Yellow and white taxis (usually Volkswagens) are metered, as are orange taxis (sitio), which are available at taxi-stands. These charge slightly more, and it is advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey. Turismo taxis with English-speaking drivers are available outside main hotels. They are not metered and fares should be agreed before starting journey as rates can be excessive. Peseros (green and white) are share-taxis travelling on fixed routes, for which fares are charged according to the distance travelled. Radio taxis charge double fee but are very secure. Tipping is not compulsory for any of the taxi services.

Guadalajara: There is a state-run bus and trolley bus service in Guadalajara, together with extensive private bus services.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Mexico City to other major cities/towns in Mexico.

	Air	Road
Acapulco	0.35	3.30
Cancún	2.20	30.00
Chihuahua	2.20	34.00
Puerto Vallarta	1.55	14.00

Entertainment

Food and Drink

Corn, beans and potatoes are the main staples of Mexican cuisine, with fish and chicken on most menus. International cuisine is available at large hotels and many restaurants. US and Mexican fast food chains are easy to find. Imported spirits are expensive, and cheap local spirits can be an acquired taste, but rum and tequila are relatively safe bets. Corona and Sol are the most popular beers - light and refreshing, and often drunk with a wedge of lime.

National specialities:
• Mole refers to several very different sauces, based around garlic and chilli. Mole poblano is a chocolate sauce poured over turkey. Green mole verde is made from fresh herbs. Guacamole is an avocado mole with red peppers, onions and tomatoes.
•Tortillas are corn pancakes often eaten like bread.
•Enchiladas (soft tortillas) and tacos (crispy tortillas) are filled with pork, chicken, vegetables or cheese and chilli.
•Look out for exotic fruits like zapote (brown fruit resembling an avocado), and tuna (juicy prickly pear, fruit of the cactus).

National drinks:
•Tequila is a double or triple-distilled spirit made from the blue variety of agave, which is not a cactus, but a plant related to the lily. Young blanco tequilas can have a rough ‘cowboy edge’ to them. Older añejo varieties are woody and sometimes as smooth as a fine brandy.
•Mezcal is similar to tequila, but is distilled only once and can be made from different varieties of agave. It is not generally used in cocktails like tequila, but consumed in shots. Sip slowly to savour the taste.
•Mexico’s coffee liqueur, kahlúa, is world famous.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Service charges are rarely added to hotel, restaurant or bar bills and many of the staff depend on tips for their livelihood. 15% is expected and 20% if the service has been very good.

Nightlife

Like any Latin American destination, things in Mexico do not really get going until late, with nightclubs often opening around midnight and closing at daylight. In family resorts, planned entertainment begins earlier; expect to be entertained at dinner with live mariachi music, Spanish flamenco dancers, gypsy violinists and Aztec re-enactments.

Mexico City attracts international rock and pop acts, Latin music stars, and the world’s best ballet and orchestra companies. Zona Rosa, in the centre, is the traditional home of chic, but has expensive bars and restaurants. West of there, hip new bars have been popping up in the wealthy residential district of Polanco. Further south is the arty district of Coyoacan (where Trotsky used to live). The bars here are relaxed and cheaper than the Zona Rosa. West of Coyoacan is San Angel, a traditional neighbourhood with decent reasonably priced bars and restaurants. Connecting this area back to the Zona Rosa is the longest avenue in the capital, Avenida Insurgentes. Along its length are a wide selection of international restaurants, lively bars and nightclubs to suit the diverse tastes of the 20 million people who live here.

Acapulco is known as ’the city that never sleeps’ with bars and discos lining the streets. Worth seeing is the impressive light show, with accompanying sound show, at the archaeological site of Teotihuacán. The history and mythology of this ancient civilisation are recreated through a gorgeous display of coloured lights, poetic dialogue and music. The season runs from October to May.

Cancún conjures up images of US spring-break college students going wild in carefree all-night beach parties. However, with hurricanes causing damage here almost every season (September to October), it is a perennial struggle to piece things back together in time to welcome America’s youth. Every year however, top-name international DJs come to the city’s megaclubs - one of which has a capacity of 15,000.

Shopping

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Mexico, from fashionable clothing boutiques to bustling market places selling traditional indigenous crafts. Taxco is renowned for its fine jewellery, and silverware - Oaxaca for its gold. The best woodworkers are in Guadalajara, but furniture from the region is on sale in Mexico City, as are crafts from all other parts of the country. For large items, overseas shipping can be arranged at reasonable rates.

In the markets, good buys include ceramics and pottery - particularly black clay dishes from the Oaxaca region. Woven wool blankets (sarapes), brightly coloured scarves in wool or silk (rebozos) and richly embroidered charro hats make great presents.

In Mexico City, head to the artisan’s markets in La Ciudedala and Plaza del Buen Tono for the best bargains. Hammocks, rugs, baskets, carved wood and embossed leather can be found almost everywhere, but are overpriced close to beach resorts. Skip the stalls in Cancún’s Hotel Zone and head downtown instead, to the Ki Huic Open Air Market.

For women’s clothing, try on some huipiles (white Mayan dresses embroidered with colourful flowers); for men, look for a guayabera (a fine pleated shirt in cotton voile) or huaraches (traditional sandals).

In Acapulco, the Mercado de Artesanías is a good bet, but haggle. Guadalajara’s sprawling Mercado Libertad is one of the biggest in the country, a bustling metropolis of commerce, selling everything from bananas to monkeys.

Malls are very popular in all the beach resorts, and range from pricey palaces full of designer boutiques, such as Plaza Caracol in Cancún to more modest affairs such as Acapulco’s Marbella Mall. Most have a mixture of local shops and international chain stores.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 (big towns and cities); Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 (rest of the country). Check locally for details.

Top things to see

• Wonder at the scale of colonial splendour in Mexico City’s Zócalo. This gigantic main square is overlooked by the Catedral Metropolitana - one of the biggest churches on the planet and the first to be built in the ‘new world’.

• Take plenty of time to explore the Museo Nacional de Antropología - the exhibits cover 20,000 years of human life (website: www.mna.inah.gob.mx). Visits to Mexico’s pre-Colombian sites are more meaningful after seeing and understanding the priceless art on show here, including the 3,000-year-old Tlatilco Acrobat.

• Visit Teotihuacán, the ‘City where the Gods are born’, 48km (30 miles) northeast of Mexico City. Here are the ruins of an imperial centre that matched ancient Rome and peaked around the same time. The Pyramid of the Sun is the fourth largest in the world.

• See ‘boiling water’ and a frozen waterfall at the Hierve el Agua mineral springs, near San Lorenzo Albarradas. Here, water percolates calcium carbonate and magnesium, creating bubbles. Where the spring pours down a cliff face, mineral deposits have formed a petrified cascade over thousands of years.

• Amble around Tepoztlán (’place of copper’), a relaxed town overlooked by steep, jagged cliffs and a pyramid dedicated to Tepoztécatl, God of the Harvest. In the centre, the imposing Convent of the Nativity (1580) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Cast an appreciative eye over the ornate silver jewellery produced in Taxco. Fortunes were made from the silver mines here, and one was poured back into the Church of Santa PriscaandSan Sebastián, a jewel of Churrigueresque architecture.

• For chic colonial style, look no further than Puebla, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. Church domes and house walls are covered in talavera, colourful glazed tiles that are still produced by the town’s artisans.

• Arrive late to watch the sun set over Monte Albán, a sacred prehistoric city and centre of the Zapotec culture, which flourished 2,000 years ago. The remarkable Central Plaza, the Ball Court, and many of the tombs are open to the public.

• Get up early to watch the sun rise over the Mayan ruins of Tulum, near Playa del Carmen. Explore in peace then take a pre-breakfast dip in the turquoise sea - the ruins are practically on the beach.

• Meet up with manatees (and watch out for alligators) in Chetumal Bay, Gulf of Mexico. Distant cousins of the elephant, manatees like to live in warm shallows - a habit that has seen many of them killed by boat propellers.

• Off Mexico’s other coast, spot grey whales at the Parque Natural de la Ballena Gris. This Pacific reserve is where they come to breed between November and March.

• Watch the serpent god climb his pyramid in Chichén-Itzá. The ceremonial city was built over 1,000 years ago, but the Mayan magic still draws crowds. Each spring and autumn equinox, shadows show Kukulcan (the snake) working his way up the steps.

• Catch the professionals in action at the charreada(rodeo) in Guadalajara, held every October. The famous ‘Mexican Hat Dance’ originated in this area - locally, it is called Jarabe Tapatio.

• See more from the air, with an exciting Ultralight flight over the Caribbean island of Cozumel, or an air excursion from Puerto Vallarta round the peaks of the Sierra Madre.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top things to do

• Climb the high volcanic peaks of Popocatépetl and Nevado de Toluca, and then go scuba-diving in their craters.

• Hire a brightly painted trajinera(gondola), usually accompanied by mariachi singers, to cruise the tree-lined canals and Aztec-engineered floating gardens of Xochimilco.

• Get into the spirit of Mexico’s Day of the Dead or rather Los Días de Muertos, since this is a two-day festival. On 1 November, the angelitos (dead children) are remembered, and the next day, dead adults. Celebrations range from sombre and quiet affairs with candlelit visits to cemeteries, to raucous remembrances, drinking and carousing.

• Grasp the Column of Life - legend has it that the column tells visitors when they will die. If the hands overlap, the visitor is living on borrowed time. This curious relic is situated in the prehistoric site of Mitla, a pre-Colombian complex of tombs decorated with striking murals.

• Bask in the sun at Mexico’s best beaches. On the Baja Peninsula head for the CabosSan Lucas and San José del Cabo. On the Caribbean side, make for Cozumel, an island with nothing but beaches in every direction - Playa Bonita is one of the best.

• Retreat to a luxury guest ranch, for days in the saddle and evenings of fine cuisine and tequila tastings.

• Dive in for a closer look at the reefs of Los Manchones, Cuevones, Chital or La Bandera - prized diving spots, known for their extraordinary marine life and unusual cave structures.

• Take a ride on the remarkable Copper Canyon Railway (see Getting Around). For the best views of the ravines and mountains, do the 13-hour trip from Los Mochis on the Pacific coast to Chihuahua City, rather than the other way around.

• Sleep all day. Those with a ticket to one of Cancún’s 15,000-capacity beach parties will need all the energy they can get. Take a break for sunrise.

• Nourish the senses with a trip to the Ballet Folklórico, performing Wednesdays and Sundays at Mexico City’s Palace of Fine Arts. Performers dance their way through Mexico’s rich traditions and ancient rituals, and the headdresses are stars in their own right (website: www.balletmalia.com).

• Pick up a new skill. Mexican resorts offer a full range of watersports, including jet-skiing, windsurfing and sea kayaking. Surfing can be enjoyed on the Pacific breakers and parasailing is another exciting sport.

• Follow in the footsteps of the Aztecs with a relaxing spa break. The ancients knew what was good for them and made full use of the country’s countless hot springs.

• Give something back. Mexico is a poor country, enjoyed by predominantly rich tourists. Buy souvenirs direct from local artisans, keeping their craft alive. Politely ask permission before taking photos of locals, and offer to send a copy.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Business

Statistics

•GDP: US$768 billion (2005).
•Main imports: Metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, car parts, repair parts for motor vehicles, aircraft and aircraft parts.
• Main exports: Manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruit, vegetables, coffee and cotton.
•Main trade partners: Canada, China, Japan, Spain and USA.

Economy

The agricultural sector, in decline for decades, now accounts for only 5% of the country’s GDP yet employs about 20% of the workforce. However, US moves towards ethanol power have pushed up the world price of corn (from which ethanol is produced). Mexico, the birthplace of corn and the world’s fourth largest producer, is well placed to benefit.

In the service sector, tourism is the biggest industry. In 2005, it had largely recovered from a downturn in the wake of the 9/11, when hurricanes Emily, Stan and Wilma caused millions of dollars worth of damage, and closed resorts on both coasts.

Oil and manufacturing are big contributors to the country’s economic health, but are at the mercy of price fluctuations, and the state of the US car industry.

Inflation is currently around 4% but rising, after a 30-year low in 2005. This combined with higher unemployment has left Mexicans feeling nervous.

Business Etiquette

English is widely spoken in business circles although it is preferable for the visitor to be able to speak Spanish. Letters written in Spanish should be replied to in Spanish. Business wear is formal. Mexicans attach much importance to courtesy and the use of titles. Prior appointments are necessary and if in doubt about a correct title it is advisable to use licenciado in place of señor. Best months for business visits are January to June and September to November. Avoid the two weeks before and after Christmas and Easter.

Office hours: These vary considerably, but are usually Mon-Fri 0900-1800; lunch breaks usually last an hour but some business lunches can go on for longer.

Commercial Information

Confederación de Cámaras Nacionales de Comercio Servicios y Turismo (CONCANACO)
3rd Floor, Balderas 144, Colonia Centro, 06079 México DF, Mexico
Tel: (55) 5722 9300.
Website: www.concanacored.com

Trade Commission of the Mexican Embassy (BANCOMEXT) in the UK
5th Floor, Queen Anne’s Business Centre, 28 Broadway, London SW1H 9JX, UK
Tel: (020) 7340 9538.
Website: www.buyinmexico.com.mxor www.investinmexico.com.mx

Conferences & Conventions

The meetings, conventions, exhibitions and incentives planner’s kit issued by the Mexico Tourism Board lists over 70 convention venues in Mexico City, Acapulco, Taxco, Morelia, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Guadalajara, Mazatlán, Cancún and Mérida. Taxco, Acapulco, Morelia and Cancún have dedicated centres, the largest of which, in Acapulco, can seat up to 8,000 people.

Communications

Telephone

Country code: 52. Long-distance calls are very expensive.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Handsets can be hired. Coverage is variable.

Internet

Internet is available in all regions, particularly the main tourist areas.

Media

In the 2006 ‘Press Freedom Index’, issued by Reporters without Borders, Mexico was close to the bottom of the league, the worst country (excepting Cuba) in the Americas. Mexican reporters who get too close to drug-cartel or political corruption stories have a habit of ending up dead or disappeared.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes about six days. Surface mail is slow. Within the capital, there is an immediate delivery (entrega inmediata) service, which usually takes two or three days.

Post office hours: Typically Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some larger branches open on Saturday morning for a reduced range of services. In Mexico City, the Correo Mayor (main post office) is behind the Palacio de Bellas Artes and opens Mon-Sat 0800-2100 and Sun 0800-1900.

Press

• The major daily newspapers published in Spanish are Esto, Excélsior, EL Financiero, El Heraldo de México, La Jornada, La Prensa and El Universal.
• The English-language papers available are Mexico City Times, New York Times, The News and USA Today.

Radio

•Grupo ACIR has stations in Mexico City and across the country.
•MVS Radio operates in the capital and elsewhere.
• Grupo Radio Centro operates a large network of stations.

Climate

On the high central plateau, in cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, the weather is mild throughout the year, though a little cooler from December through to March. The wettest months on the plateau are the summer months, where there will typically be an hour of two of rain per day. Inland, northern Mexico is mostly desert, hot in the day, and cold in the night. In southern Mexico, the mountainous regions blow hot and cold with pleasant climates lower down. Baja California, Mexico’s pacific peninsula gets very little rain throughout the year. Winters are comfortable, and summers are very hot, though resorts like Cabo San Lucas benefit from a sea breeze. The country’s central pacific coast, home to resorts such as Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco is hot, sunny and humid almost throughout the year, but the coast and comfortable climate, but in the late summer months, heavy rains come with the hurricanes. The beach resorts of the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancún, enjoy similar summers to Acapulco, but suffer even more from hurricanes.

Required Clothing

This varies from area to area. Natural fibres are best in the heat, but have a sweater on hand as the nights are generally cooler. A sun hat will help to avoid dehydration. In the mountains, heavier clothing will be required. In general Mexicans are casual about dress, but for visits to churches, long sleeves and long skirts or trousers are required, while theatres and upmarket restaurants may have specific dress codes.

Map

While you're there

Climate
Map

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