Profepa to Bring Order to Local Beaches

mazmessenger.com

by Maureen Dietrich

22 Dec 14  

 

The initiative aims to stop irregular practices on national beaches such as unauthorized vendors and illegal sales of wild life.

In an effort to stop irregular practices on national beaches such as unauthorized vendors and illegal sales of wild life, and to guaranty free access to beaches, on Saturday the Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (Profepa) initiated in Mazatlán its environmental program “Playa en Regla Invierno 2014.”

The goal of the operation, said Profepa representative Gemi José González López at the inauguration of the program on Gaviotas Beach, is to respect environmental laws and regulations by not cordoning off sections of beaches for private use.

Other principal problems the program plans to regulate is the illegal sale of wild life (such as iguanas, birds) and beach commerce that is operating without the permission of the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

The rental and operation of vehicles including seadoos and 4X4 dune buggies, paragliding and horse riding and any activities obstructing free access to beaches not authorized by Semarnat will be scrutinized, said Profepa personnel.

The Playa en Regla Invierno 2014 operation went into operation simultaneously in five Sinaloa locations including Mazatlán on Saturday and will conclude on January 5, 2015. (from Noroeste)

Tips for Quicker Holiday Border Crossing Experience

CBP.gov

banderasnews.com
go to original
December 2, 2014

The US Border Patrol is advising international travelers of useful travel tips, and of the traffic management measures being implemented to facilitate their crossing the US/Mexico border this holiday season.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials are anticipating an increase in border traffic as the holiday season approaches. As a result, the agency is adjusting staffing during the weeks ahead to address the anticipated increase. CBP’s Office of Field Operations is offering a number of tips to travelers to expedite the border crossing experience and travel beyond the border zone.

CBP will place as many officers as possible in areas where they will be able to process traffic as quickly as possible and will closely monitor traffic and keep lanes open as the traffic dictates.

"With the holiday season upon us, we are reaching out to advise the community of useful travel tips, and of the traffic management measures we are implementing that can help facilitate their crossing the US/Mexico border" said Director, Field Operations David P. Higgerson, Laredo Field Office. "Obtaining 'radiofrequency-enabled travel documents' to utilize the 'Ready Lanes' is one of the simplest and most effective things a traveler can do that will yield true processing time savings at the international bridges."

The holiday travel season has historically been a period when people who are infrequent border crossers travel to and from the United States. US Border Patrol is urging international travelers to be prepared if they approach an interior inspection checkpoint as they travel away from the border zone.

CBP is also offering a series of tips to help border area travelers. The tips are useful because the holiday travel season is usually a time when people who are unfamiliar with CBP protocols cross the border and travel to the interior of the US. Regular border crossers also typically cross more frequently to shop, visit family and friends, and attend holiday related events. Adopting the strategies provided by CBP can help travelers cross the border quickly, safely, and without incident.

• Tip #1 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Please have crossing documents available for the inspection including a "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" (WHTI) approved document for US citizens. (More information on WHTI available here.)

• Tip #2 – Travelers should declare all items acquired abroad. In addition, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth.

• Tip #3 – Travelers should build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic. This includes SENTRI/Dedicated Commuter Lane users. (SENTRI provides expedited CBP processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Applicants must voluntarily undergo a thorough biographical background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check; and a personal interview with a CBP Officer.)

• Tip #4 – Travelers are encouraged to visit the "Know Before You Go" section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. Know Before You Go brochures are available at border ports.

• Tip #5 – Consult the CBP website at this link to monitor border crossing times. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits.

• Tip #6 – During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative ports of entry.

• Tip #7 – Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the busiest holiday travel periods. This will allow travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the border zone or stay in the US for more than 30 days) to bypass those lines when they formally enter the US. They will still be subject to the inspection process.

• Tip #8 – Travelers approaching an interior Border Patrol checkpoint should have their documents ready to present to the US Border Patrol agent if asked. This will save time.

• Tip #9 – Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers. Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon monoxide.

• Tip #10 – Travelers should consider obtaining radio frequency identification technology-enabled (RFID) travel documents such as a US passport card or newer versions of the laser visa or resident alien card so that they will be able to use the Ready Lane at select border crossings. For more information on Ready Lane requirements and obtaining RFID-enabled documents visit this link.

The principal mission of US Customs and Border Protection is anti-terrorism. CBP officers at border ports of entry and CBP agents at Border Patrol checkpoints are committed to identifying and stopping terrorists and the tools of terror. As a result, border crossers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process.

All international travelers are encouraged to visit the US Customs and Border Protection website.

Millions of Americans and Canadians drive down the roads of Mexico every year. Are they Safe?

 theyucatantimes.com

Bill and Dot Bell have traveled extensively throughout Mexico for over two decades.  Their website www.ontheroadin.com is the most comprehensive Road guide on travel in México on the internet. This what they have to say regarding safe traveling down the Mexican Highways.

The hot sun, the rolling waves crashing against palmed lined beaches and the friendly people of Mexico can lull you into a sense of tranquility and that elusive dream world of “paradise found.”  But is Mexico truly safe for the average American and Canadian traveler? Specifically is it safe for those visitors who travel outside of the tourist resorts by car, bus, and RV; the traveler who wants to experience the “real Mexico.”

What about the stories of kidnappings, roadside hijackings, crooked cops and the ever infamous bandidos?   After 20 years of exploring all 31 states in Mexico via bus, car, train and RV, we would be lying if we said that there wasn’t anything to be concerned about.  After all, in Mexico the average yearly wage of the Mexican would not even make the first down payment not to mention the worth of the cameras, computers, stereos and other equipment that is contained in the average mobile house.  When you drive across the border, no matter how modest your motor home is, it is ostentatious in the Mexican environment and it stands out, sending a signal to all who see it, that you are wealthy.

Much like Canada and the United States, 99 per cent of the Mexican population will look and perhaps be envious of the apparent wealth, but would never dream of robbing you or causing any harm. In our experience, the average Mexican is much more a Good Samaritan and will go out of their way to assist you than is the case north of the border. It is that one per cent or less of the population, which is a concern and requires you to use your common sense and take the necessary precautions. Staying alert is essential to keeping your journey happy and safe.

Merida Downtown

Crime happens in all three countries, but there are cultural and economic differences. Many victims are those who are on holiday and are lulled into a false sense of security.  They forget to put away valuables outside of their rigs at night; something most of us would never dream of doing back home. RVers and campers boon dock by themselves on a deserted beach or they don’t plan their trips wisely and fail to reach their destination well before night fall.  Some tourists not knowing the value of the foreign currency will foolishly open their wallets, fat with pesos, to a clerk and ask how much do they owe them?  Others end a night of drinking Tequila at a disco and decide they want to walk back to their hotel even though they are not familiar with the neighborhood.

*

As a former chair and member of the RCMP Liaison committee back in our home town of North Vancouver, we shudder every time we see a tourist leave a camera or a purse on the restaurant table unattended as they head for the washroom. What are they thinking? Vigilance when one travels anywhere in the world is necessary, even when camping in State and Provincial Parks close to home.

Lets be clear about one thing, there are varying degrees of precaution one should take while traveling Mexico.  The U S State Department’s warnings about travel to Mexican border towns such Juarez, Tijuana and Matamoras should be taken seriously and we certainly recommend that you drive through these border towns early in morning and get through as quickly as possible.   Extra precautions have to be taken in larger metropolitan areas such Mexico City where urban crime is as great if not greater than traveling to New York in the early 1990’s.  Pickpockets here are as numerous as those who ply the Paris Metro and the taxis you take in any large city should only be those recommended by the hotel where you stay.

Mexico on the Road In Website

This is not the case in tourist destinations and small and mid sized communities throughout Mexico where crime rates are similar to those in the same size communities back home. One notable and perplexing difference between cultures is the acceptance in Mexico that police can be bribed, called Mordida, or “the little bite.”  After almost two decades of road travel in Mexico and talking and writing to drivers we find that this practice is getting less and less common. Both State and Federal governments of Mexico are making earnest attempts to stop it but the practice still exists.

If you are pulled over by the police for a real or sometimes imaginary traffic violation; speeding, making an illegal turn or driving through a red, you will likely be faced with two options. You will be faced with your drivers license taken away by the police, having your vehicle impounded and waiting at least 24 hours before being able to pay the fine at the “Ministerio Público or Transito.”  The other option, although abhorrent in our gringo eyes, is to have the policeman do the favor of paying the fine for you. Likely the price of this invisible ticket will be less than the official police station price. While “the little bite” is repugnant to us, it has a long tradition in Mexico. We personally do not agree with this practice but it does occur and many “Norte Americanos” happily pay the officer because it is cheap and expedient and therefore perpetuate the practice.

In the small communities and in the colonial heart land of Mexico, we have rarely felt the need to add up restaurant bills or double check a charge at a grocery store.  Many times waiters and or cashiers have chased after us insisting that they had given the wrong change…too little.   This has not been our experience in major tourist areas where over charging almost seems the norm rather than exception.  When asking a Mexican amigo that spent his earlier days as a waiter in Cancun why this was occurring, his response was simple. “If you can afford to not check your bill, then you can obviously afford to pay the waiter a little extra.”  But that’s stealing we insisted. “No. Stealing would be not correcting the bill when it is pointed out be incorrect,” said our friend. This is an unacceptable rationale for theft most would say, but a little sympathy must go out to the waiter who is serving a table of patrons that individually spends more in one sitting than he or she earns in a month. Check your bills and if you don’t understand a charge ask.

Beach House in Yucatan (Photo: yucatan.quebarato)

Kidnappings in some parts of Mexico do occur and perhaps to us is the most disturbing aspect of the safety question. To date the vast majority of kidnapping has occurred in major centers such as Mexico City and the bulk of those cases have been inflicted on rich Mexicans. As parents of three children, two of whom live us, and who works and lives in Mexico City, this by far creates the most fear. “What if they should change targets?  What if they go after the “gringo community?” Mexico has made every effort to catch these criminals and dispatched special squads to interview victims and those threatened with kidnapping. It is difficult however to apprehend the perpetrators when they use pay or cell phones.

There lies the rub of traveling in today’s world. 9/1l, the London Tube bombings and the disappearance of the American high school girl in Aruba, all prove one thing. There is some inherent danger when traveling abroad and some that you cannot avoid. An event of such enormity is unlikely and should not deter you from travel and adventure. The key to the majority of petty crimes or crimes without violence is to be prepared, never let your guard down and apply basic common sense to your actions.

Lessen the possibility of crime by always taking note of your surroundings and acting appropriately. Don’t flaunt your wealth by wearing a gold bracelet while jogging on a beach or openly carry an expensive digital camera while sauntering through an impoverished village or neighborhood. When visiting or staying in a foreign country, register with your consulate. They will inform you by email if there is a major problem such as a hurricane or other threat that would possibly impede your stay. Read the State Departments warnings on travel to that country and take steps to minimize any potential peril. Report any crime to your consulate so that other travelers can be forewarned.

If you drive, start early and plan your trip daily to give yourself ample time to reach your destination before sunset allowing for extra time in case you have a mishap such as breakdown or flat tire. You shouldn’t drive at night.  We say this not so much because of crime on the road, but because the cattle, horses, pigs and goats free range in the countryside and can wander aimlessly on the roadside, even on the toll highways.

*

Mexico is a fabulous country, filled with superb contrasts, palmed lined beaches, colonial cities, ancient Mayan and Aztec pre-Hispanic treasures. Experiencing it can be a highlight in your life. Traveling carefully can save your life.

Here’s list of some things you should do to avoid being a victim of crime while traveling in Mexico

• After a evening at a restaurant, bar or disco always take a cab back to your room or RV park
• Never walk on a beach late at night
• If you are at a disco or party, never be enticed to leave the establishment for fresh air or a romantic walk with someone you have just met
• If there are drugs present, leave immediately – even if it is in a reputable establishment
• Check with your consulate or go on line to read State Department warnings on criminal activities in the area that you are visiting
• Never give out personal information to strangers (room #, address, phone numbers, etc)
• Do your homework and know the value of the currency you are using
• Only carry the money that is needed for the day (use the hotel safety deposit box to keep your bank and credit cards)
• Never wear valuable jewelry or carry expensive cameras openly
• Travel in pairs or groups whenever possible
• If you are camping or RVing, never boondock on deserted beaches or back country unless you are familiar with the locals in the area or there our other RV’s  parked there as well
• When confronted by a thief with a weapon, never put up a struggle. Your life is far more valuable than anything they could take.
• Never leave anything of value outside of your RV or tent, overnight or when visiting a neighbor, restaurant or even a facility onsite.
• If you find yourself in any situation where you feel uncomfortable for whatever reasons, trust your judgment and leave.

We think this list could be applied to anywhere we have traveled in the world. Mexico is no different. Your responsibility as a traveler is to travel wisely. Ensure you pack your common sense along with your bathing suit and sunscreen.

Source: http://ontheroadin.com/

Documents Required to Fly to Mexico and Canada

getawaytips.azcentral.com

by Rita Kennedy, Demand Media 

(Photo: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images )

Canada and Mexico are the United States’ nearest neighbors and many Americans will cross the northern and southern borders at some point. Although both Canada and Mexico are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, regulations for air travel are tougher than those for crossing land and sea borders. Ensure you have the correct documentation before you travel to avoid problems or delays during your trip.

Passport Book

A passport book is the one identification document you can use at all international borders, including when traveling by air. This is true for all travelers, including children under the age of 16. If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States, your national passport is an acceptable form of identification for travel between the United States and both Canada and Mexico.

Passport Card

Although the State Department advises that passport cards are not an appropriate form of identification to fly to Canada or Mexico, Mexican immigration regulations do allow you to use a passport card to enter the country by air. However, although your passport card is valid for returning to the United States by land or sea, you won’t be able to use it to return by air, making a passport book a more practical option. You cannot use a passport card to fly to Canada, although it is valid for land and sea border crossings.

NEXUS Card

NEXUS is a joint U.S.-Canadian project that aims to streamline the border-crossing process. The NEXUS membership card includes a radio-frequency identification unique to you, and if you consent to undergoing an iris-capture procedure, you can use it to enter Canada by air. You’ll have to undergo law enforcement and criminal history checks in both countries as part of your NEXUS application, but your card will expedite your entry into Canada.

Traveling With Children

If you’re traveling with a child that’s not yours or are alone with your own child, U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends carrying a parental note. If the child’s parents are not present, both should sign it, while for a child traveling with one parent, the absent parent should sign. The note should read, “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so.” Although carrying this document is not a legal requirement, if you can’t show it, Customs and Border Protection staff could detain you until they can verify that the child has permission to leave the United States

What Documents are Needed on a Cruise to Mexico?

getawaytips.azcentral.com

by Leah Waldron, Demand Media 

(Photo: Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images )

The cruise line has you covered when it comes to extra sunscreen, bathing suits and cameras, but if you forget the correct travel documentation, you might be left at port. If you're cruising to Mexico from a U.S. port, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department requires government-issued documentation for adults, children and infant travelers.

One-Way Cruises

As of 2009, U.S. cruise travelers must carry a U.S. passport if they take a non-closed loop cruise with at least one foreign destination. A non-closed loop cruise is a fancy way of saying a one-way cruise. Rarely, a cruise will depart from one port and drop you off in another location. This is usually the case for longer cruises with multiple port stops. If this is the case, all travelers, including infants and children, must show a U.S. passport in order to board the cruise. For information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Round-Trip Cruises

If your Mexican cruise departs from and returns to one port, such as Miami, you are on a closed-loop, or round-trip, cruise. The required documentation for closed-loop Mexico cruises varies by age. Adults (16 years of age and older) must present a government-issued photo I.D., such as a driver's license. A child traveler (under the age of 16) must show a state-issued original birth certificate or copy. If this is not available, you can also provide a certificate of naturalization or a consular report of birth abroad. If an infant's birth certificate is not yet available, cruise lines will accept a hospital-issued birth certificate.

Non-U.S. Travelers

Non-U.S. citizens must show a passport from their country of origin before traveling on any cruise to Mexico. Cruise travelers who are currently in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) might not be eligible for cruise travel to Mexico. For more information on VWP travel requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Tips

Mexican cruises often have port stops in the Caribbean. If this is the case, you might need additional documentation. Some Caribbean islands require U.S. passports for port visits. If you are obtaining a U.S. passport for the first time, allow for lengthy processing time, or be prepared to pay a premium for expedited service.

Mexico to Launch Website Stressing Sportfishing Rules

Sandra Dibble - UTSanDiego.com
go to original
October 7, 2014

Mexico City, Mexico - The Mexican government has announced a new website aimed at helping US tourists understand the steps required to fish legally in its waters. It will be designed towards clarifying the requirements of the country's federal agencies including customs, fisheries, and immigration.

"The message is very clear. You are most welcome in our country because tourists are important in Mexico," said Ana Luisa Fajer, director general of Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretariat for North America. "But at the same time there are very clear and specific rules and regulations."

Fajer and other Mexican federal officials announced the new website last week at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. They expect to launch the website later this year.

On the site, visitors will learn about things such as Mexican customs' rules stating that visitors can bring up to four fishing rods into the country without paying duties. They will also learn that they need to pay about $25 for a tourist visa from Mexico's National Migration Institute. Rodulfo Figueroa, Mexico's top federal immigration official in Baja California estimated that only 25 percent of those who come fishing in Mexico do so with the proper permit.

Failure to comply with the regulations can result in an abrupt end to fishing trips. The new website is expected to provide information about the rules and list specific sanctions that apply for those who violate them.

"Nautical tourists will be informed of which documents they will need to go fishing in Mexico with no hesitation," said Alejandro Santander, a representative of Mexico’s Tourism Board.

San Diego sportfishermen in recent years has expressed concern about the lack of clarity surrounding Mexico’s regulations. At a meeting in San Diego last year with Mexican authorities, boaters said they were confused about how to comply with Mexico’s tourist visa requirements.

Louis Almeida, president of the "San Diego Anglers," a recreational fishing club with 400 members, applauded the announcement. "It would be very beneficial to have a one-stop shop," he said. "Right now we go to multiple websites."

Fred Huber, co-owner of three sportfishing boats in San Diego, said those in the charter business are mindful of following Mexican regulations. "We've had to learn how to do it, because it's our business," he said. "We're dealing with a foreign country, and we're just thankful to be there."

Original Story

Mexico Travel Documents

WHTI-Compliant Documents for Travel to Mexico

By Suzanne Barbezat

gomexico.about.com

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has made passports mandatory for air travel between the United States and Mexico, but for travel by land and sea there are a few different travel documents which are acceptable. Find out what identification and travel documents are valid for travel to Mexico for U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, Canadians, and citizens of other countries.

U.S. citizens:

Passport
A passport is hands-down the best form of identification and proof of citizenship. I recommend that you get a passport for travel to Mexico, and if you'll be entering the country by air, it's necessary. If for some reason you are unable or you do not want to get a passport, for travel to Mexico by land or sea the following documents are acceptable travel documents for US citizens:

• Passport card
  Issued by the U.S. Department of State, this passport substitute is credit-card sized and valid for entry into Mexico by land or sea. The passport card is not accepted for air travel. Read more about passport cards, and find out how to apply for one.
• Enhanced Drivers License
  Enhanced Drivers Licenses are proof of citizenship and identity. These special drivers licenses are valid for travel to Mexico by land or sea, but are not valid for air travel. Only available in some states (Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington). See individual state licensing departments for more info.
• SENTRI Card
  The SENTRI Card is issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to pre-approved travelers who cross the U.S./Mexico border frequently. It has the added benefit of access to dedicated commuter lanes for crossing the border. The card is valid for 5 years.
• FAST card
  The FAST card provides expedited travel to pre-approved commercial truck drivers between the U.S. and Canada, and U.S. and Mexico borders through dedicated lanes.

U.S. Permanent Residents:
For permanent residents of the United States, the I-551 Permanent Resident card is required for return to the U.S. For entry into Mexico, you will need to present a passport.

Canadian citizens:
As of March 1, 2010, a passport is required for Canadian citizens traveling to Mexico.

Citizens of other countries: 
Passport, and in some cases, a visa as well.

What is a passport card and how do I apply for one? 

 

By Suzanne Barbezat

gomexico.about.com

A passport card is an alternative to a conventional passport.

Question: What is a passport card and how do I apply for one?

With the new travel requirements brought into effect by theWestern Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the passport card has been introduced as an alternate form of identification.

Answer: The passport card is a wallet-sized identification card that proves US citizenship. It is an alternative to carrying a conventional passport book and is valid for land and sea travel to and from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The passport card is not valid for air travel.

The new passport card contains an electronic chip that allows immigration officials to access the card holder's biographical information. The chip itself does not contain personal information, it simply allows border officials to access the information which is stored in a secure government database.

The main advantages of the passport card are its cost and practicality. The passport card costs considerably less than a conventional passport, $45 for the first card, which is valid for ten years, as opposed to $100 for a passport. For children the cost is $35 for a card valid for five years. Because of its small size, the passport card will fit in your wallet, as opposed to a passport book which can be impractical to carry.

The application process for a passport card is similar to applying for a passport. 

Practical Tips on Visiting Mexico

1dad1kid.com
By Talon Windwalker

Mexico is an incredibly diverse country. Each region has its own cuisine specialties, some differences in culture, topography, and more. The people are as colorful as their textiles. This nation attracts tourists from all over the world, so it’s usually easy to find great flight deals. Here are some tips and ideas for visiting this wonderful country.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

The country is a very welcoming host, and most visitors will receive an entry for up to an impressive 180 days. If you’re from the US, you do not need an advance visa. Just come on down!

Regions

Mexico is a big country! The frontera (border) and northern region is quite arid and can see some very high temperatures during the summer.

The Baja Cailfornia area is a popular place for tourists. While there are a lot of spots to enjoy the ocean, it’s still very much a desert area. In fact, there are four main desert areas on the peninsula.

My favorite regions are the Yucatan (which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea and has several Mayan ruins), Chiapas (home to the fascinating Palenque ruins), and Oaxaca (pronounced like oh-a-haw-ka).

If you’re a scuba diver, I definitely recommend you head to the island of Cozumel. It has some incredible, world-class diving.

Safety

The media is usually rife with horror stories about Mexico. Mexico is actually a very safe place to visit. If you sell drugs or work for the DEA, then I wouldn’t recommend the northern regions. Otherwise, you’re fine. Almost all violence is between drug cartels and law enforcement. Tourists are usually left alone.

Getting around Mexico

Unlike Europe, you won’t find a lot of truly low-budget flights, and there is no countrywide train system. So if you’re touring the country, plan on taking the bus unless your budget can accommodate some flights. There are some decent airfares if you’re traveling between the right regions.

ADO (site is in Spanish) is my favorite bus company for doing longer hauls. They are generally quite comfortable, inexpensive, and safe. They can be over air-conditioned, so you may want something to wrap around your shoulders or legs.

Volaris often has some good deals for flying.

Taxis within the country are generally not metered, so it can be helpful to ask your hotel what the appropriate rates should be. Occasionally you will be charged a bit extra for a radio-dispatched taxi, so it’s usually cheaper to flag a taxi in motion.

When moving within a city or between nearby cities, make sure to ask about colectivos. These are shuttles that are quite cheap and handy to use. It can get pretty crowded in them, but you’ll save a lot of money by using them. Plus you get to experience more of the local culture this way. Mexico City has a good metro and public bus system.

Money

Prices can be a bit disconcerting at first because they use the dollar symbol to indicate pesos. So when you see a beer is $25 don’t have a heart attack. That’s actually 25 MXN which is less than $2 USD. Tour packages are usually listed in USD, though.

While you can use US dollars in most areas, I don’t recommend it. The exchange rate a restaurant will give you is much less than what a bank will. It’s best to just use your ATM card to withdraw pesos. (Safety tip: Don’t use stand-alone kiosks on the street. It’s always better to use an ATM that is attached to a bank. They’re easy to find and are plentiful.)

Language

Obviously, Spanish is the main language. Some of the indigenous people speak it as a second language. The accent changes a bit depending on what region the person is from, but the only one I find occasionally challenging is from the border area (as in bordering the US). However, it’s usually very easy to find people who speak at least some English, especially if you’re in larger towns or places with lots of tourists.

Phone/Data/WiFi

Telcel is the most popular provider for cellular service in Mexico, but there are definitely others. In my experience, getting phone service through Movistar is less of a hassle as a foreigner, but that may depend on the region you’re in.

In bigger towns, you’ll find plenty of places offering free WiFi. Most of those locales are usually also air conditioned which make them wonderful places to hang around for a bit. Infinitum is a popular internet provider, so you will find many companies using them. This is good because if you pick up a password at a place like Starbucks, that same password will often work all over the region for a few months.

Some popular cities also provide free WiFi in their public parks which makes this a great option if you’re out and about. Data for your phone or tablet is pretty reasonable, though. With Movistar I have unlimited email, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp plus 250 MB of data for around $15 USD/month (which also includes minutes and SMS messages).

Food

Mexican food in Mexico is often quite different from what you eat in the States or almost any Mexican food place in the world. If you order a taco, don’t expect it to come in a hard shell. Nachos and burritos aren’t actually Mexican, so if you do find them they may be a bit different than what you’re used to. A quesadilla is much different than the ones in the US. But they’re all still yummy!

Vegetarians will have a bit more of a challenge finding a variety of foods, especially when it comes to street food. While it is becoming more common, many Mexicans may interpret “I’m vegetarian” to mean you don’t eat beef or pork, so chicken and fish are totally acceptable, right? You may have to try a few times to get them to understand.

Aguas frescas are absolutely divine drinks. They are basically fresh fruit blended with water (almost everyone will automatically use purified water) and some sugar. My favorites are agua de sandia (watermelon), de melón (cantaloupe), and piña (pineapple). A combination of watermelon and pineapple is also quite good. If you’re wanting something like lemonade ask for agua de limón natural.

Licuados are like aguas frescas except that they use milk instead of water.

Food can be quite regional. For example, in the Yucatan you’ll find my favorite Mexican breakfast food, chilaquiles; however, they aren’t common in other areas. The wonderful mole (a sauce that contains chocolate among many other things) is prepared differently in almost every region.

Visitors tend to be overly cautious about the food in Mexico. You might be surprised to find out how much of your produce in the US comes from here, so don’t freak out about eating it. Most places have decent food hygiene. We’ve spent a lot of time in Mexico and have never been sick.

Most restaurants will automatically assume you don’t want food too spicy, so if that’s true in your case you’ll have it made. Often you’ll find a few bowls of different salsas on your table. Just point to the bowls and ask “No pica?” (no pee-kah), and they’ll show you the salsa that is the least spicy.

The water in most of Mexico is potable, but in some cities it is treated quite heavily with chemicals, and in other areas it’s packed with minerals which can be tough on your stomach. I avoid tap water in the Yucatan because it is very hard, and this region has the highest number of kidney stone incidents in all of Mexico. Most locals drink purified water as well, so it’s really easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

If you’ll be in an area for a while, you can get a garrafón (20 L bottle) for 10 MXN (about 77 cents US). These can be refilled/recycled for new ones. It’s cheaper and better for the environment than constantly buying plastic bottles. You’ll often find people riding bicycle carts down the street selling filled ones, or there are refill centers which are usually easy to find.

- See more at: http://1dad1kid.com/practical-tips-on-visiting-mexico/#sthash.lRl1Davz.dpuf