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Mexico
Limits
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Local | Declare over USD 10.000 |
| Foreign | Declare over USD 10.000 |
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN; symbol M$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of M$1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of M$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos.
The US Dollar is widely accepted; indeed in some instances it can be difficult to pay in pesos. Currency exchange houses give a preferable rate of exchange to hotels and a much quicker service than banks. The exchange rate of the Mexican peso had been relatively stable until 2008, when it took a huge tumble, reaching a record low against the US dollar in 2009.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Cash is always the preferred method of payment. Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Europe or the USA. MasterCard and Visa are the two most widely accepted cards. American Express and Diners Club can sometimes be used, but on a smaller scale. Some companies make an extra charge of around 5% on such transactions. There are ATMs in cities and most major tourist destinations nationwide, although not all debit cards are accepted, so check before leaving, particularly if travelling outside major resorts.
Emergency services
- Ambulance, Fire, Police: 066, 060 or 080
- Missing Persons Locatel: (52) 5658-1111
- Red Cross: 065
Culture
Mexico is a country of colourful celebrations with traditional dances and music. Several celebrations include a procession behind some sacred holy image or a more celebratory secular parade with beautiful fireworks. Mexico has numerous festivities such as:
- Carnival
- Guelaguetza
- Day of the Dead
- Holy Week
- Festival de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
- Night of the Radishes
Weather
Mexico is a great destination to visit throughout the year, though the peak season is July to August when many Mexicans take their annual holiday. On the high central plateau, in cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, the weather is mild throughout the year, though a little cooler from December through to March. The wettest months on the plateau are the summer months, where there will typically be an hour or two of rain per day. Inland, northern Mexico is mostly desert, hot in the day, and cold in the night. In southern Mexico, the mountainous regions blow hot and cold with pleasant climates lower down.