We have compiled the following information with great care and faith to help you prepare for your holidays in Mexico. We feel that it is worthwhile for you to read this dossier before your trip. However, this serves as a guideline only, and some of the information may vary during your travel period. Come prepared, and you will have a great time in Mexico.
Passport & Visa
Please ensure that your passport is valid for more than six months before you travel.
Most countries do not require a visa to Mexico if the stay is less than 180 days.
Please refer to your nearest Mexican embassy or consulate to check the conditions or visit the National Institute of Migration.
Safety & Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend you to check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure or take a look here. Always be wary of your personal belongings when you travel through Mexico or anywhere in the world.
Packing your suitcase
Mexico is a diverse country with different climates. That being said, in most parts of the country, you will not need warm clothes. Especially on the coast destinations, you will find tropical weather year-round. To make sure that you have the right clothes for the right destination, please check the climate of your destination.
Remember allowance for traveling on economy class is 20/23kg and 30kg for business class on the major European, American and Mexican airlines. Low-cost carriers have their restriction on baggage.
Money Matters
We recommend the use of cash. (Mexican Peso $) Money changers are available in all big cities, and the ATM’s of significant banks only charge a small transaction fee. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, although they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee as well.
Travel Insurance
Our tours do not include travel insurance. We cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure.
It is advisable to take an adequate coverage for loss of deposit, cancellation charges, curtailment costs, medical expenses, loss or damage to baggage and loss of travelers voucher.
When you join an adventure tour like scuba diving or snorkeling, you must sign a liability waiver before you are allowed to start. You should get your insurance company to cover for full medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation cover for the period you are away.
It is essential to contact us to check the legal Liability (According to Mexican Laws) we provide to assure security and insurance in our services. And to agree with it, otherwise, we can recommend a Travel Insurance company.
Travel Documents & Vouchers
When you book a tour, you will receive a Confirmation Itinerary.
Please ensure that all the services which you have booked and paid for are shown on your travel documents and that all the names have been spelled correctly. If you have booked additional services like extra nights’ accommodation, transfers or excursions, please make sure that these are shown and that you have been issued with a voucher for these services. It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your passport and bring along passport sized photos.
Driver´s License & Scuba Diving
For Scuba Diving, you will need to bring your dive certificate. Other things to bring for diving will be highlighted in the proposal.
An international driver’s license is preferred although most car companies will accept a foreign driver’s license. Driving age limit is between 18-65 years, although you have to pay a fee to the car-rental company if one of the drivers is younger than 25.
Arrival Procedure
When you arrive into any airport in Mexico, you will have filled in all your details on the immigration card. You need to keep this card with you; it will serve as your visa. Go through immigration and collect your luggage. If you have nothing to declare, please go the exit. Once you step out of the arrival hall, please look out carefully for someone holding a sign with your name. Do not walk out from greeting area until you spot your name on the sign. If you are not able to locate our meet & greet staff, please call us at:
Office Hours: +52 55 3689 7600
After Office Hours: +52 1 55 2729 9880 (Emergency Number)
Do not take offers from representatives of other hotels or taxi companies. We will not be responsible for any charges if you decide to take up their arrangement. Again, please call us if you cannot find our staff.
Accommodation
The general check-in time in most major hotels is at 1400hrs. If you arrive very early, you may not be able to check-in. So please check your flight schedule before you book a tour – you may want the option to have your room ready when you arrive.
Our Etiquette
Mexico is a mainly Catholic and amiable country. Women greet each other by giving a kiss on the cheek followed by a hug, so do women and men. Most men greet each other by offering a hand.
Tipping and Service Charges
Tipping is entirely up to you when you dine in a restaurant. We do recommend giving a tip of 10% minimum, as this is not included in the bill. Usually, the locals also provide a tip of 10% minimum.
Medical & Pharmacy
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. Also, check the site of the CDC about the recommendations regarding vaccinations. We recommend that you carry a First-Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements.
There are many hospitals and pharmacies available in Mexico. If you need to be admitted, please ensure you inform your insurance company at home immediately so that the paperwork is processed correctly and there will be no delay in your claims when you get back.
Electricity & Water
Voltage is 127V with frequency 60Hz, the same as the USA, Canada, and many South American countries. The sockets are mostly 2-pin, mainly used in North and Central America, China & Japan.
Tap water is not drinkable. We recommend to always be drinking bottled water.
Time
Cancun EST (Eastern Standard Time) – 5 hours behind GMT
Mexico City CST (Central Standard Time) – 6 hours behind GMT
Baja California PST (Pacific Standard Time) – 8 hours behind GMT
Goods & Services Tax
All goods and services purchased in Mexico are subject to 16% Goods & Services Tax. This is usually included in the price, although some hotels and restaurants may quote prices excluding GST. This tax cannot be claimed back by visitors.
Telephone & Mobile Phone Services
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from the public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telmex office. If you have roaming service, you can use the local network to make & receive calls. The cheaper way is to get a pre-paid SIM card if your stay here is for an extended stay or if you are going on a business trip to Mexico.
Postal Services & Internet Access
Postal service is available all over Mexico.
Free Wi-Fi is available in significant cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Restaurants & Puestos
There is a whole range of restaurants in every place. You can find anything you like to try. For the real experience, explore the different Puestos. (Food Stands) Mexican cuisine has been listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and you can find it everywhere. Try the many tacos, huaraches, consomé or chilaquiles and top it off with a nice glass of tequila or mezcal, our traditional drinks.
Departure Tax
The departure tax is already included in the airfare.
Airport
Place take into account that the airports of Cancun & Mexico City are always hectic. We recommend you to be at the airport 2 hours before national flights and 3 hours before international flights.
Should you have any questions about your stay in Mexico during your tour with us, please feel free to contact our consultant who handled your booking or email to info@satmexico.com.
Office Hours
+52 55 3689 7600
After Office Hour
Mobile/WhatsApp
+52 1 55 2729 9880 (Emergency Number)