Tips for Tourists in Mexico

by Deepika Garg
(Chandigarh, India)

Travelers can be broadly classified into two categories: Those who systematically plan every bit of the trip and those who travel the ‘hippie way.’ However, for anyone who travels far from his home turf, it is important to find out detailed information about his destination so there are no unpleasant surprises. Below are some tips for tourists in Mexico:

• One should see to it that the passport, visa, identity proof and past medical records are in place.
• US and Canadian citizens are required to carry a valid passport and an original birth certificate or a valid photo ID such as driving license.
• Tourists from the US can easily drive down to the border towns of Mexico like Tijuana, and Los Algodones in Baja California. Many low fare flights from the US to Mexico are also available.

• If traveling beyond 20 miles of the border zone, and planning to stay for over 72 hours in Mexico, you might need a tourist card. The tourist cards can be picked up from the Mexican tourist offices. The card is stamped and processed at the border. The validity of a tourist card is usually 180 days, and the card must be handed over to the authorities at the time of your exit from Mexico.
• Mexico is safe for tourists but one should not take chances.
• One should not drive alone to remote areas of Mexico, which could be the disturbed zones of the country.

• One should not depend upon strangers. Independent research on different matters of Mexico could be a good idea for the visitors.
• Avoiding street food and opting bottled water is advisable.
• Although the US dollar is widely accepted, carrying the Mexican Peso would be a safe bet.
• Winters are considered as the “high” tourist season of the year in Mexico, when many foreigners flock here. However the hotel rooms could get expensive during the peak season. To save on lodging costs, you may want to time your trip a month ahead of the peak season.

• One should not carry any weapon along. There could be chances of getting arrested on grounds of social security. A small pocket knife could also get you into serious trouble with the Mexican law.
• Be clear about the calling rates and other details regarding your mobile service network before stepping into Mexico.
• Spanish is the local language in this country. Learning few Spanish terms could be a good idea. However English is understood by many in Mexico. Carrying a pocket dictionary could be helpful.
Now let us see what Mexico has in store for the travelers:

• The Meso-American ruins, colonial cities, and the beaches are some of the most attractive sights in Mexico. The favorable climate and colorful culture make Mexico an interesting destination.
• In the recent past Mexican medical tourism has grown drastically with patients, especially from the US, traveling to Mexican hospitals for various surgeries. Surgeries such as the hysterectomy surgery, facelift surgery, and bariatric surgery in Mexico are far cheaper than they are in the US. The proximity of this country to the US makes it practical for the medical tourists to travel to this nation for various surgical procedures.

• According to the data stated by the US Census Bureau in 2008, 46.3 million people were medically uninsured in the US. Availability of quality medical services at affordable prices draws patients to Mexico, as here they can opt for self pay weight loss surgeries, cosmetic procedures, and dental treatments, which are usually not covered by insurance plans.
• Mexican cuisine is certainly tempting. Street Vendors or Kiosks can give you the real Mexican experience, but those with delicate stomachs should best avoid it. There are many other joints which also serve various other cuisines for those who like to stick to their conventional tastes.

• A trip to Mexico for medical assistance could be a great idea for those who are seeking affordable treatments abroad.
A well planned trip could help you have a comfortable stay in Mexico, whether you are going there for some low-cost surgery or just for a nice vacation.