(Last updated: 29 July 2011)

Visas

The most common entry permit for individuals entering Mexico temporarily for business purposes is the FM-3 visa, which is renewable yearly for up to four years. Application for a FM-3 visa will typically need to be supported by a range of documentation, including a description of the locations and type of activities to be carried out by the individual in Mexico. Tourist visas, valid for 90 days, are normally issued on flights into Mexico, or can be obtained at the immigration counter at Mexico’s international airports.

For information about what type of visa or the documentation required, visitors to Mexico should check with:

Embassy of Mexico
14 Perth Avenue
Yarralumla ACT 2600
Australia
Tel: +61 2 6273 3963 or 6273 3947
Fax: +61 2 6273 3905 or 6273 1190

As the most common way to enter Mexico is via the United States, visitors to Mexico should also keep abreast of the latest requirements for transiting via the USA. Please contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

Climate

During the day in Mexico City the temperature averages around 24°C year-round, but temperatures can drop significantly at night to 4-5°C in the dry winter months. There is very little humidity in Mexico City regardless of the season.

The warmest months are March, April and May, immediately before the rainy season that typically runs from June to September. During this period, it rains almost every afternoon from about dusk for two or three hours. Temperatures in the more arid and lower states to the north are generally higher than in Mexico City.

For weather details in Mexico, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Mexico City International Airport (MEX) (Benito Juárez) (www.aicm.com.mx) is 13km east of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 35 minutes. Underground trains are also available.

Cancun International Airport (CUN) (www.cancun-airport.com) is 22km southwest of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 40 minutes.

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) (Miguel Hidalgo) (http://aeropuertosgap.com.mx) is 25km southeast of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 35 minutes.

Acapulco (ACA) (General Juan N Alvarez) is 26km (16 miles) southeast of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 35 minutes.

For general information on Mexican airports, visit www.aeropuertosmexico.com.

International departure tax is usually included in air tickets.

Ground transport

The Metro system in Mexico City is cheap and efficient, with frequent trains, flat fares and smart-card prepaid tickets. However, it is often crowded and some familiarity with the city is necessary to use it successfully. The Metro opens Monday to Saturday from 6am (on Sundays – 7am) and closes at about midnight.

There is also a small tramway network, and extensive bus and trolley bus services. The latter system has recently been modernised, and also has a flat fare.

Four different types of taxis operate in Mexico City:

• Yellow and white taxis (usually Volkswagens) are metered, as are orange taxis (sitio), which are available at taxi stands. These charge slightly more, and it is advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey.
• Turismo taxis with English-speaking drivers are available outside main hotels. They are not metered and fares should be agreed before starting journey as rates can be excessive.
• Peseros (green and white) are share-taxis traveling on fixed routes, for which fares are charged according to the distance traveled.
• Radio taxis charge double fee but are very secure.

Tipping is not compulsory, nor indeed expected, for any of the taxi services.

There is a state-run bus and trolley bus service in Guadalajara, together with extensive private bus services.

Hotels

Mexico has a huge range of hotels, from large international chains to small boutique establishments. Obtain confirmation of the rate in writing or by e-mail when booking. Every hotel is required to display officially approved rates In low-season, or if the hotel is not full, it pays to ask around for a discount, or upgrades. In high-season, look for deals on the Internet, even at short notice.

A 5-star grading system similar to that in Europe is in common use with a ‘Gran Turismo' category that recognises hotels that go beyond 5-star standards. Having said that, the ratings can be overly generous, and tend to stick for life, regardless of whether the hotel in question has gone down hill.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Mexico. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Street crime can be a problem, particularly in Mexico's larger cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Visitors should exercise normal caution and always be aware of surroundings, especially when using banks and ATM facilities. Specifically, visitors should be aware of the following:

• Use ATMs only during the business day at large protected facilities, preferably inside commercial centres
• Carry only enough cash or credit cards for each outing
• Do not hail taxis in the street - only use taxis from authorised taxi ranks or hotels
• Keep car doors locked when in a car or a taxi and keep wallets/purses and valuables out of sight
• Always carry identification
• Avoid wearing expensive or obvious jewellery or watches

Health

No vaccinations are required when travelling to Mexico, however it is important to take normal, sensible precautions:

• Avoid drinking tap water
• Avoid eating at street stands
• Check that vegetables, salads and fruits have been disinfected before eating
• Raw meats and seafood should also be approached with caution

Tipping

Service charges are rarely added to hotel, restaurant or bar bills and many of the staff depend on tips for their livelihood. In general, 15 per cent is expected and 20 per cent if the service has been very good.

Time zones and time differences

Most of the country uses Mexico’s Central Time, which is 16 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). The only exceptions are the States of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Sonora, Chihuahua and Nayarit, which use Pacific Standard Time.

Daylight saving normally starts the first week in April and runs until early September. During that time Mexico’s Central Time is 15 hours behind AEST.

To find out the current time in Mexico City, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Mexico's country code is 52.

For calls to Mexico from Australia dial: 0011 + 52 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Mexico to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Private and business office hours vary but are generally from 9.00am to 6.00-7.00pm. Most executives take lunch hours between 2.00-4.00pm.

Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.30pm, and many of the larger banks keep branches open with limited services on Saturdays from 9.00am to 2.30pm. However, there is an extensive network of automatic telling machines (ATMs), which operate 24 hours a day.

Government offices usually open to the public from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Retail stores are generally open from 11.00am to 7.00pm and large supermarket/shopping centres are open until 9.00pm.

Theatres, most archaeological zones and museums generally close on Monday.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day
February 4 – Constitution Day
March 16 – Benito Juarez Day
April 9 – Maundy Thursday
April 10 – Good Friday
May 1 – Labour Day
May 5 – Anniversary of Battle of Puebla
September 16 – Independence Day
October 12 – Dia de la Raza/Columbus Day
November 2 – Day of the Dead
November 20 – Anniversary of the Revolution
December 12 – Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 25 – Christmas Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican New Peso (MXN).

Electricity and water

Mexico’s power supply is 110 volts, 60Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. Mexican plugs have either two flat vertical slots of equal size or of one larger than the other.

Dining

Mexico offers a great variety of excellent restaurants. Mexican traditional cuisine is the most popular along with Spanish, French and Italian. Most restaurants in Mexico open for dinner around 8.00pm and don’t close until 2.00am.