Business Hours
Shops: Shopping hours in big towns and cities start at around 10 or 11 am, and continue through to between 8 and 10 pm.   Shops in cities and big towns are open 7 days; smaller places may close on Sundays, except tourist spots at high season.   Christmas & Easter public holidays are observed; on other public holidays you'll find most things open in cities and bigger towns / tourist spots.  Smaller towns will have more limited opening hours, and in hotter, non-tourist regions may close between 2 and 4 pm.  Check locally.

Banks: Banks in Mexico are beginning to get their act together from a commercial view-point.   Branches are now open from 9am to 4pm in many cities and big towns, and some even open Saturday mornings.   HSBC now opens from 8am to 8pm six days a week.   For more information about managing your money in Mexico, connect to the Money Section on Mexperience.

Office Hours:  Commercial Office hours tend to run in line with those of the US and the UK - 8am - 6pm.   Lunch breaks usually last an hour, but business lunches can go on much longer.  Connect to the Business Center on Mexperience for full details about business practices in Mexico.

Churches:  Some churches are permanently open; others are locked up if there is no service going on, especially those hosting valuable art or artefacts.   If you visit a church, be mindful of those inside who may be taking part in a church service.

Museums: Museums tend to have specific opening hours, sometimes close for a day in the week (often Mondays, not always) - so check beforehand!

Archaeological Sites: Most are open 8am to 5pm, and some close for a day in the week (see museums, above).  Check before you go.


Public Holidays in Mexico

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Buying Tape / Film in Mexico
Video tape is readily available for purchase in Mexico.

Film is also widely available.   The most widely sold brands are Kodak and Fuji film.   You can buy film in 35mm as well as all other main (current) formats, including the newer "Advanced Photo System" (APS) film cartridges.

Video & Photography: Rules / Etiquette
Museums: Some museums and all major archaeological sites will make a small charge if want to take a handheld video recorder into the museum or site with you; some make a charge for cameras, although this is rare.   Some will not allow flash photography; especially on ancient stonework and murals as it affects the longevity of the work.   You'll see notices written in Spanish and English that will advise you at each location.

Tripods: The use of tripods at all archaeological sites and some museums requires a permit.  If you want to use a tripod you will need to apply for special permission from INBA (the government department that manages archaeological sites and some museums) and there will be a significant fee and plenty of paperwork involved.   If you are outside Mexico, contact your local Mexican ConsulateMexican Consulate for information and details.    These sites offer a "package hold" facility for people carrying tripods, where they can be left until you leave the site or museum.

Etiquette: Be mindful of people you photograph, and if possible, ask their permission first - especially in small provincial communities and in the State of Chiapas, especially around San Cristobal de las Casas.   Some places have restrictions on photography, and signs will be posted to advise you in such cases.

It's probably best not to photograph the army or any military installations to avoid any misunderstandings.

Churches: Taking pictures inside a church when there is a service going on is considered disrespectful, so you should refrain from doing it.  Taking pictures inside a church at other times is acceptable in Mexico.


Filming Professionally / Research
If you are planning to travel to Mexico to film or take photographs professionally (including research, cultural, artistic and educational programmes), you will need to apply for a temporary filming permit.  Contact your local Mexican Consulate for details.

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Drinking Age
The legal minimum drinking age in Mexico is 18 (3 years before most places in the USA, which is why a lot of older American teenagers fly south to Mexico for a weekend or longer!).

Although it has been rate in the past, requests for proof of age or identification when asking for an alcoholic beverage in Mexico are on the rise.   However, it is still nowhere near as strict as the USA, where anyone who looks under 21 is "carded" - which in practice can mean those up to 30 years of age!

Altitude and Measures
Remember that many places inland Mexico are situated at altitude (for example, Mexico City, Guadalajara and most colonial cities) and at high altitudes, alcohol will have more effect on you than if you were drinking at or close to, sea level. 

For people who are used to drinking in the UK - 'measures' in Mexico can be between 3 and 5 times larger than those served in one "measure" (25ml) in a Public House in Britain.

Licensing Laws
Mexican stores, restaurants and bars are allowed to sell alcohol 24 hours a day.    A dry law is enacted once every 6 years -  just before, during and just after the General Election Day - for roughly 72 hours.   This is an old law, and there is a debate happening now as to its effectiveness and necessity.

Technically, it is illegal to drink on the street, but people do, especially in tourist areas.   If you want to drink a cold beer while walking down a street in the blazing heat - go ahead.  But don't be stupid and get too drunk - it will call attention to yourself, and you may end up having to deal with the police.   Do as the Mexicans do - bend the rules sensibly.

Drinking and Driving
Drinking and Driving is a serious crime in Mexico.   If you drink, take a cab, they're not expensive.   If you're driving at night, (or if you're a pedestrian) near a tourist area with lots of bars, be extra vigilant!   Mexico's police are stepping up their campaign against drunk-drivers, which will reduce accidents and deaths, but it will take time, as these things always do.

Don't drink and drive in Mexico - you will not get any leniency as a foreigner for driving drunk.   If you hurt or kill someone in the process, you will end up in serious trouble.

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English Language Media
The only English Daily in Mexico used to be "The News", which was available from most news sellers.  The newspaper's parent group, Grupo Novedades, went bust early in 2003 and the newspaper is currently unavailable.  There is talk of a buyer taking over the "The News" title, but as of spring 2004 no one has come forward and the paper remains out of circulation.

You may find a day-old copy of the FT (US Edition) for sale at Mexico City's Airport.

British tabloid newspapers can be bought in some tourists areas in Cancun, usually a day or two old.

English-language global news magazines such as Time, Newsweek, People, etc are available in their US editions in cities and large towns in Mexico; The British based magazine 'Economist' is now available at larger news stands.

Newspapers and Magazines can be bought on street corners (you'll see newspapers and magazines hanging all over street cabins).   Many supermarkets are now beginning to stock newspapers and magazines too; but not all of them.

Newspapers & Magazines in Mexico (Spanish)
Mexico has a wide selection of Spanish language newspapers from all side of the political spectrum.  Click on the names in green to view the online versions; all are currently subscription-free except Reforma.

The big daily newspapers are: Reforma, El Universal, La Jornada and the relatively new El Independiente.

Popular Spanish language magazines include: El Proceso & Mexico Desconocido.

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Take your family to Mexico with confidence!
Mexico loves children, and you'll find that your children will be made to feel very welcome in Mexico's hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Mexico is full of bright shapes and colours, and the new sounds and sights they'll encounter will provide great stimulation and experience for your children on a trip to Mexico.

Besides the sea and sand of the coastal areas, archaeological sites provide pyramids to climb, tunnels to explore and wide open spaces to roam about in.

> See the section on Traveling to Mexico with your Children on the Discover Mexico section for details about locations to consider that are good for children.


An Important Note for Lone Parents & Children Under 18 Traveling alone to Mexico: Update: January 2005

Before January 1st, 2005 it was necessary for single parents or parents traveling without their partner to have a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent, giving permission for child/children to travel.  It was also necessary for unaccompanied minors to have a notarised letter from both parents giving them permission to travel.  Widows/widowers needed to carry certified copies of death certificates; and those with estranged partners a court order granting custody of the child/children as proof of legal custody of the minor/s.
Info Reference: Mexican Consulate's Official Website (London)

As of January 1st 2005, it is no longer necessary for single parents, unaccompanied minors, widows/widowers or parents with estranged partners to produce notarised letters or other supporting documentation.   Instead, each child MUST have his/her own passport.  As with adults, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
Also See: Entry Requirements for Tourists

Practical Considerations when traveling with Children in Mexico:

Altitude: Some of Mexico's regions are situated at quite a high altitude, and this can be very tiring for children especially those who are used to living at or near sea level.    If you are visiting an elevated region, plan your itinerary accordingly, building in plenty of restful breaks.

Mexico City: Mexico City's mixture of altitude, heat and air pollution can make the city an uncomfortable place for children for prolonged periods.    Many people spend 2 - 3 days in Mexico City and leave to travel on to the provinces, coastal resorts, or a combination of both.

Age: Older children are likely to get more out of a trip to Mexico than young babies or toddlers.    This is not because younger children are not welcome; they are - but because Mexico's attractions revolve around sights and culture, older children (e.g. 6+) may benefit more from a trip there and will be better prepared for the long haul plane journey (if you're traveling from Europe or Australasia) and fun-packed days!

Babysitters: Babysitters and child minders can be found with ease if the adults want a night out; ask at your hotel.

Consumables: Diapers (nappies) and the usual basket of basic necessities (clean wipes, generic moisturizing creams, etc) are readily available in Mexico at pharmacies, many of which are open 24 hours so there's no need to weigh your bags down with a supply for your trip!   If you have specialist creams, medicines, etc for your children - take these with you.

Sun Care: Children accustomed to living in a temperate climate will burn to a toast in Mexico's blazing sun without the right protection.    Ensure your children are fully protected by making them wear high-factor suntan / sun block lotion especially around midday - and if you didn't pack a hat for them - buy one locally!   The impact of Mexico's sun in very exposed areas - especially archaeological / pyramid sites and beach locations cannot over emphasized!!

> Read more about general Health & Safety in Mexico on Mexperience.

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Tipping
Tipping is common in the United States: it is almost second-nature and practiced frequently at most service establishments.    In Britain and some other European countries, it is not so common or customary to tip people for services.

In Mexico, not only is it customary, it is expected in return for a good service rendered.  Most people working in the tourism / service sectors in Mexico rely on your tips to supplement their basic pay and they give good service to prove that it makes a significant difference to them!

Always keep some loose change in your pocket - you never know when you're going to need some for a tip...  If you did not get poor service, then you should always tip at:

Restaurants - 10 - 15% is normal, depending on establishment and level of service you received.

Hotels - Bellboys should be paid around US$1 per bag; Concierge around US$1 equivalent if they do something for you (book a table at a local restaurant, etc).

Hotels - Maids Many people leave a tip for the Maid - about US$0.50 - US$1 equivalent, depending on the type of establishment, per night's stay.   Leave the tip just before you leave the room for the last time.

Gasoline/Petrol Service Stations - If you rent a car and buy fuel, 3-5% of the cost of the fuel is normal, with 5-10% of the cost of the fuel if the attendant provides additional services (water, oil, tire pressure, etc).   Read related article about Traveling by Road in Mexico.  You'll need to ask for the additional services if you want them.

Car Valets - If you drive to a bar or restaurant and have your car parked by the establishment's valet service, you should tip the attendant around US$1 equivalent in Pesos when you leave, unless the valet a pre-advertised rate (probably higher than this) in which case, pay that and no more.

Bars and Cantinas - Tables at these are often attended (you don't need to go to the bar to order food or drink) - and a tip of 10% of the value of your spending that evening is normal.

Car Park Attendants - Often, car parks will have an "attendant", a man or woman dressed up in a "security type" uniform, who may direct you to a free spot, and see you reverse out.    These attendants are often older men who also keep an eye on things while you're away.  2-3 Pesos is sufficient.

Health Spas: For personal services at Resort Spas, 10-15% of the value of the service (e.g. a Massage) is normal.   If you're staying at a Destination Spa, you can tip good service personally, 5-10% of the service's 'stand alone' value is fine; or you can add a tip to your final bill, to cover everyone - even the 'behind the scenes' people - 10-15% of the bill is sufficient.
> Connect to the Health Spa Section on Mexperience for full information about these great places!

Toilets - Public Toilets (restrooms) are a rare sight, and if you find one, it may not be very pretty!  Some public toilets now make a small charge for entry, and you'll find these are usually clean and tidy.   If one of these is not available, go to a restaurant or bar (even if you're not eating / drinking at it) and answer 'nature's call' there.   You may well find an attendant looking after the place, making sure it's clean tidy and that toilet paper is available on the rolls!   When you wash your hands, you will see a small, flat box, sometimes with a piece of cloth inside (and usually a coin or three on it), placed beside one of the hand wash basins.    US$0.20-0.50 cents equivalent tip, depending on the class of establishment, is sufficient.

Angeles Verdes - Meaning "Green Angels", these are trucks that are painted green and travel along Mexico's interstate highways helping people who have broken down.   Their help is free, but they will charge you for parts, and fuel if your car needs it.     Be sure to tip the attendant; the amount is discretionary, and should relate to how much help they were in a particular circumstance (e.g. more at night) and on how much work they have done for you.   Read more about Traveling by Road in Mexico with Mexperience.

Bargaining & Barter in Mexico
Bargaining and barter are common activities in Mexico, especially at markets and artifact stores and workshops.   If you speak Spanish (even broken Spanish) you stand a much better chance of getting a better a deal on your purchases!   Another good reason to Learn Spanish ;-)

Never accept the first price you're offered, but be realistic with your offers.    Remember that the people selling arts, crafts and artifacts are generally poor artisans making a simple living and often supporting a family.

Department stores and large (chain) hotels will not barter with you - you'll have more luck bartering with the check-out assistant of your local supermarket!  Independent hotels may negotiate with you - especially if it is off-season locally - but if you check the Mexperience Directory for a Hotel, you'll find a great deal anyway!

Some taxis are not metered (especially in small provincial towns) - so agree your price before you get in and bargain down the first quote!  > Complete information about Traveling by Taxi in Mexico including a link to latest taxi prices.

Mexican traders will enjoy bartering with you - but will get upset and feel insulted if you are obviously trying to devalue them or their work into oblivion.  Remember that they may be the creators of the wares they are offering for sale!

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When you're traveling in Mexico, you must take extra care when it comes to drinking water, or fresh beverages that may have tap water added to them.    Also check the ice - ask if it was made with tap water - it is unlikely that your ice will have been made with tap water; but its worth asking in more rustic establishments and rural areas.   Salads can also be dangerous if they have been rinsed with tap water - once again, the rule is... if in doubt, ask first!   All main hotels and good restaurants use purified water throughout.

Why is Mexico's tap water not drinkable?  The answer is a complex one, but it boils down (!) to an issue of old legislation, and low capital investment in water systems and treatment, partly caused by the old legislation.

Most hotels provide bottled water in all rooms, which you can use to drink and wash your teeth with, and many hotels now have potable water delivered through their taps using an on-site purification system; there will be a note in your room to advise you if this is the case.

If you carry a water bottle / canteen, your hotel will usually fill this for you from a large bottle of purified water before you set out on your daytrip.    All street vendors selling refreshments will sell you purified bottled water.    Make sure that the cap is sealed.

All commercially produced beverages, including bottled and tinned water, fizzy drinks, wine, beer, spirits, et al will be perfectly safe for you to drink.

To make tap water safe, boil it for at least a few minutes; perhaps longer in locations situated at higher altitudes as the water boils at lower temperatures there.  Water purification tablets and drops are available, but these generally have an adverse affect on the water's taste.

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Mexico's electricity system is the same as that of the USA: 120 V; 60 Hz.   Any electrical equipment you carry with you that operates at the higher (240v) rate will need to be dual-voltage (e.g. hair driers).   A lot of electrical equipment (like video cameras, digital cameras, laptops) that operate on 12 volts via a product-specific adaptor will happily cope with dual voltage - check the adaptor and the device instructions to be sure.

You may need a socket adaptor.  Most plugs in Mexico are the same as in the US; two flat prongs.   Some have a third, circular prong for earth, and adapters can be sought for these too if the plug you want to connect to doesn't have the third (earth) prong socket.

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What can your consulate in Mexico do for you?
Foreign consulates in Mexico can usually help with administrative tasks like replacing a lost or stolen passport, provide you with a list of lawyers if you get into legal trouble, (and let your family back home know you're in a spot of bother), liaise with Mexico's foreign office to make sure that you are being properly treated if you've been arrested, and in exceptional circumstances, provide you with a loan to pay for repatriation home if you become completely stuck (you will need to pay the loan back).

Foreign consulates and embassies cannot get you out of trouble.   When you are in Mexico you are bound by its laws and customs, and subject to its legal penalties if you fall shy of the law, intentionally or otherwise.

> Directory of Foreign Consulates in Mexico

> Directory of Mexican Consulates Abroad

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Mexico City is always 6 hours behind GMT.

One Hour Domestic Time Difference
Mexico's has one time-zone change which starts just north of Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta itself is not affected) and affects all areas on the coast north of here (including the popular beach destination of Mazatlan) and ALL of Baja California including the popular areas of Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto and Todos Santos.   Chihuahua City (inland, northeast of Puerto Vallarta) is NOT affected by the time zone change as it is too far east.

If you travel further north than Puerto Vallarta (along the coast) and/or to Baja California, you will be 1 hour behind Mexico City / the rest of Mexico.

Clock / Time Changes in Mexico
In 1996, Mexico decided to change its clocks in line with US "Daylight Savings Time", on the same dates that the US change its clocks.  Mexico City therefore remained 6 hours behind the UK (7 hours behind Central European Time) and in-line with US's DST.

However, Europe's clocks go forward one week earlier than Mexico's/US, so, for one week each year, Mexico is 7 hours behind British Summer Time (8 hours behind Central European Time).

1 week after the date the clocks change in Europe, Mexico reverts back to being 6 hours behind BST, 7 Hours behind Central European Time - once its clocks go forward by 1 hour 7 days later

Note: The only exception to the clock change is Mexico's northern State of Sonora, which borders the US State of Arizona, which is one of the States in the USA that does not move its clocks at any time of year to allow for DST; because of this, Sonora does not moves its clocks, either.

In the autumn (fall), Mexico's clocks change (1 hour back) in line with the Europe. So the extra hour is only relevant during the springtime (forward) clock change for a period of 1 week.

Jet Lag
Travelers arriving in Mexico from the east (e.g. from Europe) do not generally experience severe jet lag as they have gained time traveling west.    Returning from Mexico and traveling east (e.g. to Europe) can be tiring, as time is lost traveling east.
> Read the Related Article in the Health and Safety Section on Mexperience for tips and advice on how to minimize the impact of Jet Lag when you travel to and from Mexico.

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