Mexico Travel Tips

TAXES AND GRATUITIES

If your restaurant bill does not reflect a service charge, a 15 percent tip is customary. It is appropriate to tip guides, porters and others keeping in mind the local wages and the value of the U.S. dollar. Try not to overtip, but do not tip less than 50 pesos.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Mexico's government-run phone system is improving yearly. However, long waits for service and outages are not uncommon. Domestic long distance and international calls made from hotels can have heavy surcharges. These calls are cheaper when made from the local long distance concessionary.

International collect calls can be made to the U.S., Canada and certain European countries. English speaking International operators are available - dial 09. Domestic operators rarely speak English.

Healthy travel in Mexico is not a tremendously difficult task if the visitor keeps in mind the concerns common to traveling in developing tropical countries - sun protection, preventive measures for insects and caution with food and drink.

Drinking bottled water, avoiding raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit are some of the best cautionary measures visitors can take with food and drink. In spite of these, many visitors to Mexico are struck, often early in their trip, with a diarrhea intestinal illness which usually last no more than three days. Various remedies are recommended for "Montezuma's Revenge" including Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate and paregoric for abdominal cramps and Lomotil and Imodium for bowel control. There are treatment options with antibiotic drugs that you may want to discuss with your doctor or travel health center. Plenty of rest and adequate fluid intake are important considerations in recovering from this illness.

English speaking doctors are found in the major cites, contact your hotel or embassy/consulate. Many of the pharmacies, or farmacias, are well stocked. Many drugs are available without prescriptions.

There are reports of malaria on the southern Pacific coast and elsewhere. Check with your health professional for advise on the appropriate malaria prophylaxis. Travelers should consider themselves at an increased risk for polio, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis, particularly in rural areas