Calling Codes

The country code for Mexico is 52. The city code for Acapulco is 74.

In late 1999, a 4 was added to the beginning of all phone numbers.

To call the United States or Canada dial 001 and the area code and the number; to call internationally, dial 00 and the country code, the area code, and the number you wish to reach.

Mexico runs on the 120V, 60Hz system, so U.S. travelers won't need electrical converters. However you may need an adapter, since many electrical outlets haven't been updated to accommodate three-prong plugs. Additionally, in hotels with 110-volt outlets for low-wattage appliances like shavers, be careful not to use them with higher-wattage appliances like blow-dryers, or you'll be shopping for a new one.

Sending or receiving faxes is not a problem in Acapulco. More than likely, the hotel you're staying at can provide this service. If you'd like to have it done less expensively, look for a copy shop or pharmacy or photo store--they often have copy machines--in the old part of town or along the Costera.

The local language of Acapulco is Mexican Spanish, with English spoken widely in tourist areas, especially by those employed in the industry. However, your vacation will be more enjoyable if you are able speak at least a bit of Spanish.

New Year's Day: January 1
Carnaval: February
Constitution Day: February 5
Anniversary of Benito Juarez's birth: March 21
Semana Santa, the Holy Week of Easter: Late March or early April
Labor Day: May 1
Cinco de Mayo (Anniversary of Mexico's 1862 victory over the French): May 5
Independence Day: September 16
Dia de la Raza: October 12
Day of the Dead: November 2
Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910: November 20
Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe: December 12
Christmas: December 25

The time zone for Acapulco is Greenwich Mean Time minus six hours. Throughout Mexico, daylight-saving time is observed.

Australia: Citizens of Australia must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Canada: Citizens of Canada need proof of citizenship for entry into the United States. This can be either a birth certificate with a raised seal or a voter registration card with a photo ID. A driver's license is not enough. Canadian citizens under 16 need notarized permission from both parents.

France:Citizens of France must have a valid passport to enter the United States if th ey are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Germany: Citizens of Germany must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Ireland: Citizens of Ireland must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Japan: Citizens of Japan must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

United Kingdom: U.K. citizens must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.

Acapulco has a warm-weather climate year round, so pack shorts, sandals, and light shirts. It does get breezy in the evenings, so it's a good idea to also bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. There is quite a glitzy nightlife scene, so those inclined might also want to bring something a bit dressy--though still light.

Of course, visitors planning on sunbathing will need sunscreen or sunblock. It is best to stock up before arriving, since prices on the spot are inflated. For travel during the rainy season, bring an umbrella.

High season is officially from January through the end of April, though business begins to slow by April 15. The climate is mildest then, with the least of amount of rain and moderate temperatures. From the middle of May through the middle of November, daytime temperatures soar into the 90s, and there is a fair amount of rainfall--especially in August and September. Still, as in most tropical climes, the rain only lasts part of the day and the rest is quite enjoyable--that is, if you can stand the heat. Furthermore, deals can be had on accommodations, and many find summer, with its smaller crowds, cheaper prices, and natural rhythms, the best time to visit.

One of the busiest weeks in Acapulco is Semana Santa (Holy Week), which takes place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Festivales de Acapulco is a Mexican and international music celebration that takes place one week in May. Festival de la Virgen de Guadalupe, or Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is celebrated December 11 and 12 with fireworks, costumes, and dance.