VACATIONING IN MEXICO

Mexico has a lot to offer vacationers: beautiful beaches with warm water, temperate weather year-round (75-85F during summer, and 70-75 during winter), and exotic plants and animals. But Mexico may pose some pitfalls to the inexperienced “gringo” tourist. This guide to vacationing in Mexico will help you navigate the places of interest, money exchange, bugs, and legal aspects of traveling in Mexico like a pro.

Places of Interest

Most tourists go to the larger cities, primarily Cancun, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. If you would prefer a quieter, more relaxing vacation, consider the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun as your vacation spot. The beaches are still beautiful, but less crowded, and offer great spots for snorkeling and diving. The fish there are colorful, and the Mayan Riviera is home to the second largest coral reef in the world.

The Mayan Riviera also offers traditional Mexican entertainment complete with small shops and Mexican food, but aside from the beaches, its primary point of interest is the Mayan ruins sites: Tulum, Coba, and the famous Chichen Itza. Explore temples, pyramids, jungles, and other ruins. On the way to Coba, you may even want to visit Aktun Ha, which is a series of large caves.

Disclaimer: This is by no means a comprehensive guide to attractions in Mexico, but is rather designed to give you a sneak peek at some of the exciting points of interest the country has to offer.

Exchange and Money

• When entering Mexico, do not bring more than $300 US in cash, or you will be charged a duty.
• The exchange rate as of Jan 2005 is approximately 8 pesos per US dollar. Any posted rate will probably be lower than this.
• If you are from a country other than the US, you may get a better exchange rate by first converting your money into dollars and then into pesos, or by using a credit card.
• When shopping in Mexico, price tags with a dollar sign in front of the number are probably in pesos rather than US dollars. Usually any price with a decimal sign is in pesos.
• If you see a bill with a high value (in the thousands or millions) it is in old pesos, and you have to subtract three zeros from the end to get its worth in current pesos.
• When you charge an item, write on the charge slip before you sign whether the amount paid was in dollars or in pesos (don’t let anyone charge you 80 dollars when you should pay 80 pesos, the equivalent of 10 dollars).

Bugs

Everyone loves the weather in Mexico…including our six-legged friends. Unfortunately, cockroaches are fairly prevalent, both on the beach and in less-expensive hotels. If you stay in a hotel that’s not the Ritz, you should check the tub/shower for six-legged inhabitants before getting in, such moist locations are their favorites.

If you’re going to do much hiking or walking on jungle trails, wear bug spray, mosquito repellent, and a netted hat. Although the fashion conscious may look at you with scorn, before the end of the day they’ll be enviously wishing they had one too.

Travelers note: A large insect (up to five inches long) which the natives know as the niño de la tierra is quite common in some areas of Mexico. Although the urban legends surrounding this insect have caused many Mexicans to believe it is poisonous, it is actually quite harmless and is related to the cricket. If you are bitten, don’t panic (although it is quite natural to feel grossed out).

Legalities (or not-so-legalities!)

If you plan to bring your own vehicle be aware that your auto insurance will not cover you in Mexico unless otherwise specified in writing. Also be aware that parking and traffic regulations are enforced in Mexico. If you see a sign that has an E surrounded by a red circle with a diagonal line across it, it is an indication not to park in that area. If a policeman accosts you for speeding or other traffic violation, ask to pay the fine on the spot (essentially a bribe, but much better than being jailed or fined more heavily). This is a common procedure in Mexico.

It’s also a good idea to photocopy all your travel documents and leave them with a trusted friend. If you are robbed, or should another disaster occur, your friend can fax these to you.

Items to Bring With You

• Hand sanitizer: Many public restrooms in Mexico do not have soap or paper towels.
• Toilet paper: For the same reason!
• Beach shoes: You should wear these while walking along the beach to avoid being stung by jellyfish.
• Poncho: Especially if you visit during monsoon season, which is July through September.
• Sweatshirts/sweaters: Although daytime is warm all year round, nights may get chilly.
• Bug spray, mosquito repellent, and hat with netting.

You will enjoy vacationing in Mexico much more if you come prepared. Take the time before you leave to familiarize yourself with the customs, geography, and points of interest in the area of Mexico you will be visiting.

By Riannon Cutler

Associate Editor
www.inside-real-estate.com