Mexico-Travel Warnings

Holidays and Days off

When traveling to Mexico there are a few dates one might keep in mind. If your study abroad or volunteering program happens to be during some of the holidays you will have a great chance to learn even more about rich Mexican culture and traditions. Some of the celebrations happen on January, 1st (New Year), September 16 (Independence Day), November 1-2 (All Souls' Day), December 12 (Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe), December 25 (Christmas Day). In addition to these holidays, the country celebrated Holy Week (March or April); great popular Carnival, held in March or February.

Customs Rules

When visiting Mexico for your study abroad program, there are a few tips that might help you make your travel smoother and less stressful. It is prohibited to import fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds of plants, flowers, and medicines. Additionally, it is prohibited to export archaeological treasures, antiques, rare animals and birds, and the national currency of more than $10,000 dollars. Among the duty-free items are personal belongings, cigarettes of up to 200 (or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco), alcohol of up to 3 liters, domestic appliances, cameras, audio, radio and video equipment of 1 item per person is allowed, souvenirs and gifts whose value does not exceed 300 dollars are also considered duty-free items.

Tipping

When traveling to Mexico you will have a chance to taste some of the delicious dishes that this country has to offer. It is customary to tip in restaurants, bars, taxi cabs; about 10% of the total is considered to be a good tip in Mexico. In some of the more expensive restaurants the tip is often included in the bill.

Safety and Health

Tourist areas are quiet and safe parts of towns, but the usual precautions as in any foreign city would not be redundant. Most hotels, especially high-class, have a clean and safe drinking water, but nonetheless recommended to use drinking water in plastic bottles, industrial spill, which is sold in all grocery stores and bars.

Emergency Numbers

When traveling to Mexico, keep the emergency phones near you. If it is necessary to notify proper authorities of a certain incident these are some of the numbers one might use:

Fire protection – 224-7701

Police - 06

First aid – 222-1533