-
Leave a detailed itinerary
and your passport numbers (or other citizenship documents)
with a friend or relative
-
Bring either a valid passport
or a certified copy of your birth certificate and photo identification
-
Always carry your photo
identification a couple names (and numbers) of people to contact
in the event of serious illness or other emergency
-
Be sure to make copies
of your airline and other tickets, as well as a list of your
travelers cheques in a separate place from the originals (i.e.
the hotel safe) and leave copies with someone at home
-
Discreetly use cash and
avoid flashing it around. Try to avoid using bank machines
and choose ones in busy locations if you must.
-
Do not walk anywhere alone
at night. Either take a taxi or shuttle to and from your destination(s).
-
Avoid beaches at night
unless there is visible security staff. Never sleep or camp
on the beach.
-
Do not bring expensive
jewelry with you – it’s safer at home
-
Downsize your wallet!!
Bring only necessary identification and a couple (1 or 2)
credit cards. It is a lengthy, time consuming process to replace
everything
-
Bring travelers cheques
and use them. They are much safer and discreet then cash.
-
Consider using a money
belt to conceal currency, identification and other valuables.
-
Tip for services even
if you are staying in an all-inclusive hotel/resort. Remember
that most locals work long hours in the hot climate for many
consecutive days – for very little money. Even a few
dollars during your stay will show your appreciation and will
undoubtedly, be well taken care of.
-
When purchasing goods
in markets, always remember that the products may not be authentic.
If the price seems to good to be true, it is probably an imitation
product. Be sure to look for certificates or tags that prove
the quality of the product.
-
Bartering is custom in
Mexico. Never pay the full asking price for goods on the street.
Always start at half the asking price and negotiate from there.
Most merchants are willing to sell for considerably lower
then the tagged price, but will be offended if you are too
cheap or unreasonable. Be polite and fair when making a deal,
you’ll save in the long run.
-
Carry a second wallet
with only a few pesos in it. This can become a useful tool
if someone tries to rob you or the policia stop you. What
we consider a bribe, Mexicans consider an honest tip. If the
police stop you, take this wallet out and show you only have
a few pesos to pay the bribe.
-
DO NOT, under any circumstances,
bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico with out the written
permission from the Mexican government. Doing so carries a
minimum of a five-year jail sentence, even if done unintentionally.
-
Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles,
including all rental vehicles. Be sure that you are covered
before driving and always carry a copy of insurance with you.
-
Always carry extended medical insurance
when traveling in Mexico. Uninsured travelers may face extreme
difficulties without the proper coverage. It’s always
better to be safe, then sorry.
-
Drink bottled water or water you can be
sure has been purified. Avoid street food vendors and be aware
of ice cubes that may not have been made with purified water.
Fruits and vegetables should always be peeled and washed thoroughly
with a purifying solution.
-
Remain alert while driving in Mexico.
It is not uncommon to see livestock or people walking on or
along the road. In case of an emergency you may call the Ministry
of Tourism at (55) 5250-8221, extension 130/297. This will
connect you with the “Green Angels”, a fleet of
radio-dispatched trucks similar to CAA in Canada. They will
provide services including first aid, protection, basic supplies
and mechanical services for your vehicle. You will have to
pay for any parts, oil or gas they provide, but their service
is free.
-
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE IN MEXICO! If caught,
there may be severe penalties including your insurance being
considered invalid. If caught with invalid insurance, the
police will confiscate the vehicle, which, in most cases,
will not be returned (to the owner or the rental company).
You may be then faced with a hefty bill for the cost of the
vehicle.
-
The Consular Section of the Embassy of
Canada in Mexico is responsible for providing general assistance
to Canadians, including emergency services, the issuance of
passports, citizenship applications and other consular related
services. You can reach the Canadian Embassy anywhere in the
country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 01-800-706-2900.
Please note that this number is strictly reserved for emergency
calls concerning Canadian citizens.
-
For all other emergencies you can call
the 24-hour Mexican Ministry of Tourism Hotline at (55) 5250-0123
or toll free at (01) 800-903-9200. If you are in Mexico City
you may dial 5346-8733, 8730, 8154 or 8734 for police with
English translators.
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Do not purchase
souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. This would include
(but is not limited to) the following…
- Mexican birds, such as parakeets, parrots
and birds of prey (stuffed or alive)
- Black coral jewelry
- Any products made from sea turtles
- Caiman or crocodile leather
- Stuffed wildlife
- Fur from spotted cats
