Calling Codes

The country code for Mexico is 52. Most local public phones use a prepaid card system. The cards can be bought at most convenience stores and at the airport. The system works much like those elsewhere: insert the card and dial the number. Units are deducted from the card depending on the length of the call. Most hotels have private phones in each room, but check with the operator or front desk for prices on long-distance charges before you get a surprise when the bill comes. Major phone carriers allow you to access their phonecard systems from Mexico, but you'll need to bring along the access code. Don't expect all establishments to have high-tech equipment.

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.

The commonly used language is Mexican Spanish, differing from Castillian Spanish spoken in Spain, mainly because the lisp is dropped and regional Indian words are incorporated. Travelers will find that many Mexicans can speak some degree of English, usually in larger cities and resorts. It is a great advantage, and common courtesy, to at least have a few prepared responses for greetings and basic requests. The locals will be amused, helpful, and impressed with your willingness to try to use the native tongue and your overall travel experience will be greatly enhanced.

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 Mexico City is Central Standard Time, which is Greenwich Mean Time minus six hours. Mexico observes daylight-saving time the first Sunday in April through the first Sunday in October.

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.