Frequently Asked Questions

Climate
Mexico is made up of several different regions, each with its own type of seasonal weather, climate, altitude and terrain. Generally, rain fall and temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November through May as the more temperate, drier season. Acapulco has 350 days of sunshine per year on average, and the average daily temperature is 80ºF year-round.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard and American Express being the most popular.

Currency
The unit of currency in Mexico is the Peso. Although most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially U.S. dollars, using Pesos is often best.

Check with the hotel cashier for current exchange rates. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses). Mexican banking hours are normally Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; for money exchange, the hours are normally from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Casas de cambio are open later than most banks.

You can also use this website's currency converter under Travel Tools to check exchange rates.

Driver's Licenses
If you are driving your car to Mexico, a permit is required to bring your car into Mexico. The permit is available at the border for a small fee (make sure you have your registration with you). Canadian or American auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. It is highly recommended that you purchase Mexican auto insurance (also available at the border).

Electrical Current
110 Volts, 60 Cycles AC (same as in United States and Canada)

Entry into Mexico
Mexican Tourist Card, passport (valid), birth certificate, naturalization or alien registration, or a voter's registration card along with photo I.D. (for example, a driver's license) are required.

All of the airlines flying to Mexico can and will provide you with the Tourist Card and instructions. Be sure to keep a copy of your Tourist Card in a safe place. You will need this document upon departure from Mexico.

Your tourist card will be endorsed for a 90-day stay. If planning to stay more than a couple weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum entry of 180 days.

Children under 18 years traveling with one parent must have a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent or guardian indicating permission to travel.

Vaccinations are not required.

Health Insurance
It is recommended that you purchase health insurance that is also recognized in Mexico.

Visitors taking medicine prescribed by a doctor should bring a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Mexico.

Public Holidays

Time Zones
Most of Mexico, including Acapulco and Mexico City, is on Central Time (one hour behind Eastern Time).

The Western part of Mexico and the southern Baja are on Mountain Time, while Tijuana and the northern Baja are on Pacific Time.

Water
In major hotels and restaurants, drinkable water is provided. By law, all ice cubes must be made with drinkable water. When outside of your hotel, to be safe, buy bottled water and carry it with you.