Travel Essentials
Although Mexico is one of our closest trading partners and among the most popular destinations for U.S. tourism, the biggest mistake people make is forgetting that Mexico has a completely differents set of rules, regulations, and cultural norms that govern the country. By being aware of the following basics you will ensure that your trip to Baja Coast is memorable, easy, and worry-free.
General recommendations
Prior to traveling, log on to the Baja California State Tourism Secretariat site: http://www.discoverbajacalifornia.com
- It is strongly recommended that you obtain full coverage insurance.
- In case of an accident notify the insurance company.
- While driving respect and obey traffic signs.
Abbreviations
Dept. (apartments); Apdo. (post office box); Av. (avenida; avenue); c/ (calle; street); Calz. (calzada; boulevard). -C- on faucets stands for caliente (hot), -F- for fría (cold). -PB- (planta baja) means ground floor; in most buildings the next floor up is the first floor (1).
ATMs
ATM machines are conveniently located all along the B. Juarez Blvd. in the tourist center of Rosarito. Most will provide only pesos, automatically using the current conversion rate when taking money from your bank account.
Business Hours
In general, businesses are open between 9am and 7pm; in smaller towns many close between 2 and 4pm. Most close on Sunday. It is common to find stores open at least in the mornings on Sunday, and for shops to stay open late, often until 8pm or even 10pm. Bank hours are Monday through Friday from 9 or 9:30am to anywhere between 3 and 7pm. Increasingly, banks open on Saturday for at least a half-day.
Customs (Mexican)
Tourists are permitted to enter Mexico with their personal effects and other articles necessary for their stay in the country. The Customs General Office, part of the Secretariat of Treasury and Public Credit, distributes brochures describing duty-free articles.
- To carry weapons without a permit is a federal offense in México.
- Importing sports weapons requires an updated permit, which may be granted by any Mexican consulate.
- Upon entry into México, declare all electronics equipment valued at more than $50. This applies to items that will be given as gifts. Provide a receipt for each item showing the value
It is against the law for a tourist to bring into México:
- Firearms, cartridges, bullet clips, explosives, chemical substances associated with weapons, ammunition, munitions, and other weapons (unauthorized buying and selling such items in México is a federal crime carrying severe penalties)
- All substances, products, goods and items regulated by Mexican trade laws
- Narcotics and other street drugs
- Items that carry diseases or harmful biological vectors (such as soil, hay or cattle feed, straw or artifacts made with straw, home made foods, fresh, dried, frozen, or canned meat and meat products, such as cold cuts, or smoked, salted, or preserved meats, coming from unauthorized countries.)
It is against the law for a tourist to take from México:
- Archeological jewels or gems or historical objects.
- Wild flora or fauna.
- All substances, products, goods and items regulated by Mexican trade laws.
- Fruits and vegetables that are not on the permitted list.
- Pork meat (except canned pork meat is permitted).
- Chicken meat (except cooked meat is permitted).
- More than one liter of an alcoholic beverage per person. (Adults Only)
- More that $10,000 (without declaring the amount to U.S Customs)
- For more information visit the customs web site at www.customs.gov.
Customs (United States)
Most people have little to worry about in getting back home through U.S. Customs. You must carry proper identification for yourselves and ownership papers of your vehicle.
However, to bring items back with you that you purchased in Mexico, there are some regulations you need to know about. Recently the duty-free personal exemption was raised to $800 per person and can be combined among family members. There is an excellent booklet online at the U.S. Office of Homeland Security Website that you should become familiar with if you are planning on bringing items back to the U.S. with you.
You will find a lot of information and it can be overwhelming. Once again, if you are just visiting and enjoying an outing or vacation on your own or with your family, or picking up some bargains on your shopping adventure, then returning home through Customs should not be any kind of problem with an $800 personal exemption from duties. Each visitor may take back across the border up to $800.00 worth of goods duty-free, 1 liter of alcoholic beverage, 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes every 30 days. If you bring your pets, just keep their vaccination records with you.
The following information contains excerpts from the U.S. Office of Homeland Security Website, but please visit their site for the most current information. Since medicine is much cheaper in Mexico and can be obtained without a prescription (non-narcotics), please pay special attention to the information on what is prohibited or restricted.
When you come back, you'll need to declare everything you brought back that you did not take with you when you left the United States.
Drug Laws
It may sound obvious, but don't use or possess illegal drugs in Mexico. Mexican officials have no tolerance for drug users, and jail is their solution, with very little hope of getting out until the sentence (usually a long one) is completed or heavy fines or bribes are paid. Remember, in Mexico the legal system assumes you are guilty until proven innocent.
*Note: It isn't uncommon to be befriended by a fellow user, only to be turned in by that -friend,- who collects a bounty. Bring prescription drugs in their original containers. If possible, pack a copy of the original prescription with the generic name of the drug.
U.S. Customs officials are on the lookout for diet drugs that are sold in Mexico but illegal in the U.S. Possession could land you in a U.S. jail. If you buy antibiotics over the counter (which you can do in Mexico) and still have some left, U.S. Customs probably won't hassle you.
Drugstores
Farmacias (pharmacies) will sell you just about anything, with or without a prescription. Most pharmacies are open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm. The major resort areas generally have one or two 24-hour pharmacies. Pharmacies take turns staying open during off hours; if you are in a smaller town and need to buy medicine during off hours, ask for the farmacia de turno. For more information on bringing prescription into the U.S visit the U.S. Customs Website. Remember that if you purchase any medicine requiring a prescription and you buy it over the counter, you are at risk of being detained by the police authorities.
Electricity
The electrical system in Mexico is 110 volts AC (60 cycles), as in the United States and Canada. In reality, however, it may cycle more slowly and overheat your appliances. To compensate, select a medium or low speed on hair dryers. Many older hotels still have electrical outlets for flat two-prong plugs; you'll need an adapter for any plug with an enlarged end on one prong or with three prongs. Many better hotels have three-hole outlets (trifásicos in Spanish). Those that don't may have loan adapters, but to be sure, it's always better to carry your own.
Important Phone Numbers
When calling Mexico from the United States, dial the international code and country code, 011-52, then the 3 digit city code and 7 digit local phone number.
Local Area codes:
-Tijuana (664)
-Rosarito (661)
-Ensenada (646)
Border Crossing Stations:
- San Ysidro Station: (619) 639-7100
- Otay Mesa Station: (619) 661-3249
- Tecate Station: (619) 478-5545
Emergency
-Medical Emergency: 91 (800) 633-42
-Mexican Consulate: (619) 231-8414
-Mexican Ministry of Tourism: (800) 482-9832
Internet Access
In large cities and resort areas, a growing number of top hotels offer business centers with Internet access. You'll also find cybercafes in destinations that are popular with expats and business travelers. Even in remote spots, Internet access is common. Note that many ISPs automatically cut off your Internet connection after a specified period of time because telephone lines are at a premium.
Language
Spanish is the official language in Mexico. English is spoken and understood to some degree in most tourist areas. Mexicans are very accommodating with foreigners who try to speak Spanish, even in broken sentences. For basic vocabulary, refer to appendix B.
Mail
Postage for a postcard or letter is 1 peso; it may arrive anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks later. A registered letter costs $1.90. Sending a package can be quite expensive -- the Mexican postal service charges $8 per kilo (2.2 lb.) -- and unreliable; it takes 2 to 6 weeks, if it arrives at all. The recommended way to send a package or important mail is through FedEx, DHL, UPS, or another reputable international mail service.
Medical Emergency (transfers to the USA)
Emergency Ambulance Transfer Service to the U.S. can be arranged through Medic One Medical: within Baja: 01(800) 027-3320, in the USA (888) 901-7037 and (619) 247-6768.
Newspapers & Magazines
There currently is no national English-language newspaper. Newspaper kiosks in larger cities carry a selection of English-language magazines. The best local English language publications are The Baja Times and the Gringo Gazette.
Public Transit
Taximeters are not widely used in Baja, when using a taxicab make sure to negotiate the fare before boarding. Have exact fare for public transportation.Further assistance can be obtained from the Baja California Visitor Assistance Hot Line 078 or any local office of the State Secretary of Tourism.
Party Tips
"Smart drinking" is always recommended when visiting bars or nightclubs: always be aware of what you are being served, never leave your drink unattended and do not drink excessively. Use common sense and enjoy the experience of Mexico and Baja California. It's illegal to drink on the streets or in your car in Mexico.
Police
If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation, you should always politely insist on a written citation. When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the fine by filing an appeal, either orally or in writing, for a municipal judge to review the fine. To do this, immediately go to the nearest municipal judge, you can also call our Tourist Assistance Hot Line 078.
Remember that Mexican laws are applied equally to local residents as well as visitors who find themselves in Mexican territory. Always remember to carry with you a valid photo ID.
It is unlawful to:
-Drink alcoholic beverages on the streets
-Drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or control substance
-Enter a bar if you are under 18 years old
-Disturb the peace.
-Possess or use of any type of drugs and control sustenance. Possess, use, or transport firearms and narcotics.
Panhandlers
Every major city in the world has panhandlers. This social problem is common to urban areas. Their presence need not prevent people from enjoying Baja California and its amenities. We suggest using a combination of caution and respect around panhandlers and other strangers. Contributing to panhandlers will not help the problem. If you wish to help, contribute to a charity, mission, food bank or social service agency that assists the needy.
Security
The most important thing is to use common sense when traveling, just as you would at home. Our police and security guards throughout Rosarito are here to help you; feel free to ask questions or report suspicious behavior. For additional help, use our 24-hour Tourist Assistance Hotline 078.
Taxes
The 15% IVA (value-added) tax applies on goods and services in most of Mexico, and it's supposed to be included in the posted price. This tax is 10% in Cancún, Cozumel, and Los Cabos. There is a 5% tax on food and drinks consumed in restaurants that sell alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 10%; this tax applies whether you drink alcohol or not. Tequila is subject to a 25% tax. Mexico imposes an exit tax of around $18 on every foreigner leaving the country.
Telephone Calls
To make international calls: To make international calls from Mexico, first dial 00, then the country code (U.S. or Canada 1, U.K. 44, Ireland 353, Australia 61, New Zealand 64). Next, dial the area code and number. For example, to call the British Embassy in Washington, you would dial 00-1-202-588-7800.
For directory assistance: Dial tel. 040 if you're looking for a number inside Mexico. Note: Listings usually appear under the owner's name, not the name of the business, and your chances to find an English-speaking operator are slim to none.
For operator assistance: If you need operator assistance in making a call, dial tel. 090 to make an international call, and tel. 020 to call a number in Mexico.
Toll-free numbers: Numbers beginning with 800 within Mexico are toll-free, but calling a U.S. toll-free number from Mexico costs the same as an overseas call. To call an 800 number in the U.S., dial 001-880 and the last seven digits of the toll-free number. To call an 888 number in the U.S., dial 001-881 and the last seven digits of the toll-free number. For a number with an 887 prefix, dial 882; for 866, dial 883.
Tipping
Most service employees in Mexico count on tips for the majority of their income, and this is especially true for bellboys and waiters. Bellboys should receive the equivalent of 50¢ to $1 per bag; waiters generally receive 10% to 20%, depending on the level of service. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, unless they are hired by the hour or provide touring or other special services.
Toilets
Public toilets are not common in Mexico, but an increasing number are available, especially at fast-food restaurants and Pemex gas stations. These facilities and restaurant and club restrooms commonly have attendants, who expect a small tip (about 50¢).
Toll roads
The Tijuana-Tecate and Tijuana-Ensenada Toll Reads will provide you with ambulance service, towing service, additional night monitoring, and emergency medical service. Emergency phones are placed every mile on alternate sides of the toll read, and are marked with signs.
Traffic tickets
If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay at the police station or by mail. Be aware that speed limits in México are set in kilometers (1 mile= 1.6 kms.) so that the speed limit on highways is 55 Miles per hour and within city limits it averages 15 miles per hour.
When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the fine by filling an appeal, either orally or in writing, for a municipal judge to review the fine. To do this, immediately go to the nearest municipal judge; if you need help to do this call our Tourist Assistance Hot Line 078.
Just like in the United States, you can get a ticket and be issued with a fine for:
-running a red light.
-not having or not using the seat belt.
-using cellular phone while driving.
-driving without a valid driver's license or car registration.
-drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets, sidewalks or public property. exceeding the speed limit.
-driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) In addition to the fine, you may also be detained
