Travel advice & practical information for travelogue:

'Fly and Drive Mexico'

Useful addresses

New York

Consulate General of Mexico
27 E 39th St
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 217-6400
Website: www.consulmexny.org

London

Consulate General of Mexico
8 Halkin St.
London SW1X 7DW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7235 6393
Fax: +44 (0)20 7235 5480
E-mail: consulmexuk@sre.gob.mx

Paris

Ambassade du Mexique en France
9, rue de Longchamp
75116 Paris
Tel: 01 53 70 27 70
Fax: 01 47 55 65 29
E-mail: embfrancia@sre.gob.mx

Visa

You don't need a visa to visit Mexico, but your passport should be valid until at least 6 months after your arrival.

Electricity

The voltage is 110; for most new chargers (for gsm, camera, etc.) it doesn't make any difference whether it's 110 or 220. It is indicated on the charger itself, so look.

The sockets are the same kind as used in the United States. If you're from somewhere else, buy an adaptor in a harware store.

Language

We managed with English everywhere, except in a few places. It's probably a good idea to learn a few words of Spanish. But you can also use your hands and feet to order a Corona or tequila.

Clothes

If you travel in July like we did, the temperatures in the higher lying areas (Mexico City, San Cristobal) are pleasant: 20-25 degrees centigrade. In the evenings it gets cool: 10-15 degrees.

From Tehuantepac to every place in Yucatá we sweated like horses; every piece of clothing was soaked within half an hour. So bring clothes for different climates and some detergent...

Summer is the rainy season in Mexico, but it didn't cause any problems for us. The sporadic downpours (which are impressive) only last for a short while (15-20 minutes) and everything dries quickly afterwards.

Money

If you know in advance which places you're going to visit, you can find out online if and where there are ATM's where you can use your MasterCard and Cirrus or Visa to withdraw money.

Safety and security

Traveling in some countries or regions can be dangerous. That isn't always a reason not to go there, but part of preparing well for a trip includes finding out about possible risks.

The CIA World Factbook: Mexico is a good source. As is the US Foreign Department site. Of course you always should consult your own country's Foreign Department web site.

Health

Find current information on the web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mexico. Always consult your family doctor and your country's Health Department web site.

Plan your trip to Mexico online

Through online reservation systems like À la Carte Vacations you can book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars and holiday houses. You can build a fly-drive itinerary with maximum flexibility, book a flight plus a hotel hotel for a night or weekend. Without the limitations of package deals from travel organisations and most times for a much better price.