Travelers' Tips and Reminders Vacationscape.com has gathered this handy list of tips and reminders to ensure you have a safe and fun holiday experience. Print out this page and take it with you. Then check with your travel provider to see if any of the requirements or information listed here may be different for you.

Personal Documents	Tourist Card	Notarized Parental Consent	Immunizations
Staying Healthy	Health Care	Personal Medication	Valuables
Electricity	Phone Calls	Money Exchange	ATMs and Credit Cards
Tipping	Sales Tax	Duty Free Exemptions	Time Share
Taxis	Public Transportation	Car Rental

Personal Documents	Top Proof of citizenship (such as a passport, or a certified copy of a government-issued birth certificate) and photo identification are required for entry by all U.S. and Canadian citizens. While a passport is not mandatory for a tourist/transit stay of up to 180 days, it is recommended, as it is the simplest way to prove your citizenship and comply with the requirement for photographic identification. A passport is also convenient identification for other purposes, such as changing money. It is also recommended that you carry a marriage certificate if your name is different from the one on your birth certificate or photo identification. A visa is not required
Tourist Card	Top The Mexican government requires travelers to have a tourist card upon entry. This is available upon arrival if you have not been given one in advance. Keep part two of your tourist card safely with your plane ticket, it must be returned to the authorities upon departure.
Notarized Parental Consent	Top Immigration authorities in most countries are becoming more vigilant about documentation for children crossing international borders. A child under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent must have written, notarized consent from the other parent to travel, or must carry, if applicable, a decree of sole custody for the accompanying parent or a death certificate for the other parent. If there is only one parent named on the child's birth certificate and the child is travelling with that parent, then no additional releases are required. Children traveling alone or in someone else's custody must have notarized consent from both parents to travel, or, if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation that the parent is the only custodial parent. Children must also present a passport (or a certified copy of a birth certificate and photo identification), as outlined above (see Personal Documents above).
Immunizations	Top No special immunizations are currently needed, but consult with your travel agent prior to departure. Travel medical insurance is a wise precaution.
Staying Healthy	Top Staying healthy during travel is usually a matter of common sense. With minimal alteration in lifestyle, your trip can be an exciting, healthy and rewarding adventure. Avoid tap water and ice cubes. Most hotels have purified water, however it is recommended that you drink bottle water.
Health Care	Top For medical attention, call your hotel front desk. Doctors are on call 24 hours a day and are often bilingual. Should you require it, good quality health care is available from private hospitals and clinics in most parts of Mexico.
Personal Medication	Top If you require medication for existing medical conditions, take a sufficient supply for all your needs during travel, as well as a copy of the prescription(s). Over-the-counter drugs are generally available in Mexico but, if you have special needs, it is wise to carry them with you.
Valuables	Top Exercise the same care for your safety and the security of your valuables as you would at home. Leave valuables, irreplaceable items, passport and other travel documents in a safe place, such as a hotel safe or safety deposit box.
Electricity	Top Mexico's electrical current is the North American standard 110 volt, using the same two prong plus outlet. - Outside of hotel complexes, you will find that in some instances outlets have not been adapted for the wider prong of our North American appliances.
Phone Calls	Top The Mexican telecommunications network has improved appreciably since long distance and value-added services were privatized. Be aware that long distance charges are high and sometimes unpredictable. Always check the rate before authorizing the call or providing your credit card number. Call collect for much more reasonable rates. We recommend that you use the AT&T access number (01 800 288-2872), or purchase the prepaid phone cards that are available for sale in most hotel gift shops and pharmacies. Many hotels add a service charge on your bill for your collect long distance calls. Ask your hotel operator about hotel charge or fee policies before placing a call. Look for public phones, marked Ladatel or Larga Distancia, to make your calls from.
Money Exchange	Top Although American funds are widely accepted, it is recommended that you use pesos. Money and traveler's checks can be exchanged at local banks, money exchange facilities, and at most hotels. Currency exchange offices (casa de cambios) usually provide a better rate of exchange than banks, stores, hotels or restaurants. Mexican bank hours are normally from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weekdays only. Some branches may also be open in the afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. and on weekends. Currency exchange offices are generally open longer hours than banks. Canadian currency and Canadian dollar-denominated traveler's checks are not widely accepted in Mexico. While they can be exchanged at some banks and most hotels in major cities, you may find it more convenient to carry traveler's checks denominated in U.S. dollars.
ATMs and Credit Cards	Top Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available for direct cash withdrawals via the Cirrus and PLUS systems. Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants.
Tipping	Top It is customary to tip hotel maids, bellboys, waiters/waitresses,and bartenders. Tipping is normally about 10-15%, bellboys normally receive about $1-$1.50 per bag, and maids about $1-$2 a day. At a restaurant, when you are ready for your bill just ask your waiter for la cuenta, por favor! Note that the tip is sometimes included - verify your bill (normally listed as servico or propina) before leaving the tip.
Sales Tax	Top Mexico has a sales tax ( the I.V.A) of 15%.( 10% in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, and Los Cabos) The tax applies to the purchase of most items and is paid by residents and visitors alike. This tax is included in, rather than added onto, the total cost of restaurant bills, store purchases and excursions
Duty Free Exemptions	Top Citizens of the United States of America, no matter their age, who have been outside the United States for at least 48 hours and have not used their duty free allowance in the previous 30 days are allowed a $400 (US) duty-free exemption. Families travelling together can pool their exemptions, meaning a couple with two children can return to the United States with up to $1 600 (US) worth of merchandise duty free. This Merchandise being declared must accompany you in your baggage. The maximum duty free allowance for U.S. citizens 21 years or older for Alcohol is 1 liter (33.8 fl oz.). The duty free allowance for Tobacco products is 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (Cuban cigars are prohibited). Anything that exceeds these quantities are subject to duty and tax. The value of the alcohol and tobacco products are to be included in your $400 (US) exemption. Canadian citizens who have been outside for a minimum of seven days are permitted a duty free exemption of $500 (Cdn). Citizens are also permitted a duty free exemption of $200 (Cdn) each time they are out of the country for at least 48 hours. The $200 (Cdn) exemption cannot be combined or claimed during the same period as the $500 (Cdn) exemption. Exemptions cannot be pooled among spouses or children. The duty free exemption for alcohol for Canadians meeting the legal drinking age of the province they are entering is 40 ounces of liquor or wine or two-dozen 12-ounce cans of beer. The value of the alcohol must be included in the exemption amount you are claiming.
Time Share	Top Time share properties are becoming increasingly common in Mexico. There have been many complaints about unscrupulous operators in this business, and buyers should proceed with caution. Beware of discounted tours or activities and promotions sold at kiosks on the streets, stores, hotels, and restaurants. You may be subjected to a high-pressure, lengthy presentation with aggressive time share salespeople. Should you attend one of their presentations, it is not advisable to provide your credit card number, in order to avoid pre-authorized debit. Mexican law allows time share contracts to be cancelled within five days with no penalty. But be aware that foreigners purchasing real estate or time shares in Mexico have no protection under Mexican law and should be aware of the high risks involved. Foreigners may be granted the right to own real property only under very specific conditions. It is advisable to use competent local legal assistance for any significant real property or business purchase.
Taxis	Top Taxis are affordable and government-regulated, but customers should always request the rate before setting off. You can also check the cost of a specific ride in advance by asking your hotel concierge. In Cancun, taxi rates are fixed and based on the zone to which you are traveling. While many seasoned travelers rely on taxi drivers to give them the "what's what" on their destination, be aware that many taxi drivers receive commissions for promoting tours, restaurants, stores, night clubs and time share. Their advice may not always be in your best interest.
Public Transportation	Top Buses pass by every 5 minutes or so in Cancun and will take you to your destination for just 50 cents. While buses are an extremely efficient and convenient means of getting around, be aware that they tend to stop suddenly. Mexico has an extensive system of long-distance buses run by private companies licensed to operate on national highways. They are generally modern, comfortable and reliable, and many are equipped with video systems. First class buses make fewer stops but are not necessarily more comfortable than second class. Some deluxe buses on major routes feature food and beverage service
Car Rental	Top Private vehicles can be a good way to reach some isolated locations. Car rentals are available from the major rental companies. It is a good idea to reserve a vehicle through your travel agent before you leave home, in order to ensure availability and the lowest rates. In order to rent a car, you must be at least 25 years of age, hold a valid driver's license, and a major credit card. U.S. and Canadian driver's licenses are valid in Mexico but be aware that insurance issued outside the country is not valid in Mexico. If you rent a car, be certain that you have full insurance coverage. If you have an accident, you will be jailed if you cannot provide proof of adequate insurance. Read for some more handy tips about renting a car: 1. Even if you are in a hurry, you can often save time and headaches by spending a few minutes checking out the vehicle: A. Make sure its spare tire and tools are in place. You may need them-and you could be charged if the car is turned in and they are missing. B. Give a car a visual check to see that it has no dents or broken glass. If you see anything, report it at once to the attendant so it get noted on the contract. C. Inside, check to see that the windows wind up and down, that the wipers, headlights, taillights, dimmer and parking lights work, and there are no mysteries about dashboard controls, especially the air-conditioning, if the car has it. D. Ask the check-out attendant to show you what the registration card looks like and where it is kept, If you are stopped by the authorities they will ask to see it. 2. Sometimes the car will be delivered with just enough gas to get to the nearest filling stations. Whatever the gas gauge registers, fill it up to that same point when you turn the car in. Otherwise, you may be charged extra for the difference. 3. If you receive a dirty car-one, that has just turned in, for example, and you don't want to wait to have it cleaned-most companies will be glad to have it washed the next day. 4. Check the oil level at the first gas fill up (as well as levels in cars with power brakes and power steering) and make regular subsequent checks if the car is in use for several days. 5. Keep tire pressure at the recommended levels to assure better road control and mileage. Make sure the spare tire has air. 6. If you rent a car in Mexico City, or at any other point well above sea level, and drive to lower altitudes or to sea level, the motor may start to "ping" during acceleration or when it's pulling, A certain amount of this is normal because the car's carburetor is adjusted for rarefied air at the higher altitudes. Conversely, if the car is rented at a lower altitude and goes up to the 7,000-foot levels of Mexico City (or into surrounding mountains with altitudes up to 10,000 feet), it will probably perform sluggishly on hills and during acceleration. This, again, is normal. 7. Even though it is expensive, you should take insurance. Remember there is a deductible amount, so there is no reason to be less careful of the rental car than you would be if it were your own. And never leave it open, or with the keys in it! 8. Reservations: If you have confirmed reservations, make sure you carry the confirmation slip when you claim your car. If you change your schedule, advise the rental company to insure that your car will be available.

These quick tips and reminders are provided as a general information guideline only. Check with your travel agent for current and detailed information regarding all subject matter.