Time: Mexico spans four different time zones: GMT -6, -7 and -8 with daylight saving, and GMT -7 all year round in the state of Sonora.

Electricity: 130 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs are standard.

Language: Spanish is the official language. Some English is spoken in tourist regions.

Health: Those entering Mexico from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate. There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Mexico, however visitors should take medical advice if travelling outside the major tourist areas. Immunisation against hepatitis A and B and typhoid is generally recommended. Sensible precautions regarding food and water are strongly advised, visitors are advised to be cautious of street food and stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are very good, but medical insurance is recommended.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Mexico as employees rely on tips. Waiters and bar staff should be tipped 10 to 15%. The American custom of tipping 15 to 20% is practiced at international resorts.

Safety: There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public places. Travellers should avoid displays of wealth and be particularly vigilant on public transport, at stations and tourist sites. Only use authorised taxi services, from the taxi rank. Women travelling on their own should be alert, as a number of serious sexual assaults have occurred in Cancun recently. There have been reports of tourists being approached by 'questionnaire agents'; visitors are also advised to be wary of people presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest them, leading to theft or assault. The practice is most common in Cancun where motorists in rental cars have been stopped and threatened with imprisonment if an immediate fine is not paid.

Customs: Mexicans are not impatient and do not appreciate this emotion in others, so travellers should behave accordingly and expect opening hours and public transport times to be flexible and laid back. It is common for Mexicans to communicate closer than one arm's length from each other and that it is not an attempt to be forward.

Business: Business in Mexico tends to be conducted formally, particularly in initial meetings. Dress tends to be formal, though it can be more relaxed in hotter areas. Greetings are polite and formal, using surnames and titles unless otherwise indicated. A handshake is standard, though follow your host's lead - if pulled forward, or your host leans forward, put your left arm around his back and pat firmly (known as abrazo). Business cards are usually exchanged and it can be helpful to have them printed in English on one side and Spanish on the other. English is used in a business context, but an attempt at speaking Spanish will be highly appreciated. Business is Mexico is very male dominated.

Communications: The international access code for Mexico is +52. If calling internationally from a phone booth only use the official TelMex phone booths, as all others charge very high fees. GSM 1900 mobile networks cover most of the country.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com

11/12/07 by visitEarth
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