Helpful Information

In preparation for your Vacation Getaway, we have a few reminders, suggestions and other information you might find helpful.

Customs

Upon arrival at your destination airport you will be asked to push a button that will determine if you are searched or not. At random the system either gives you a green light meaning you can go on or a red light meaning you must stay and be searched. Please check at the Mexican consulate in your city for proper documentation and requirements.

Ground Transportation

Buses
Getting around the city on a bus is an inexpensive way to travel. (This is recommended for those who are familiar with the destination). Fares from one point to another in town are $5 pesos, roughly equivalent to .50 cents in USD. Urban buses travel through town from early morning until 11:30 pm. Suburban buses reaching southern points (Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán, El Tuito) and northern points (Punta Mita, Bucerias, La Cruz, Sayulita) are also available, departing from the South Side and from Wal-Mart, across from the Maritime Terminal. Buses traveling to other cities, such as Guadalajara or Mexico City, depart from the bus terminal throughout the day.

Cabs
There are over a 1,000 cabs licensed. Needless to say, they are easy to come by. They are all painted yellow and are safe and reliable. Cabs have no meters; fares are based on a zone system. Always ask about the fare before you get in to avoid any problems. Taxi fares are very reasonable and there is no surcharge at night or for extra passengers. Tipping is generally not necessary, but always appreciated. If the driver helps you with luggage or packages, you should always tip him. You may find it helpful to write down the name and address of your destination and where you are staying.

Some restaurants offer cab drivers a commission for delivering tourists to their location. Drivers have been known to divert passengers to another restaurant that pays them commission. If you feel this is the case, simply insist on being taken to your original destination.

Alcohol Consumption

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase beer and liquor at supermarkets, liquor and specialty stores. It is against the law to drink and to be drunk in public in México.

Hospitals and Health Care Coverage

There are excellent medical care facilities in our destinations. Contact your insurance carrier before your visit Mexico and confirm that your policy applies overseas and covers emergency services.

Normal Business hours

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, usually with a two-hour break from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Shopping malls are normally open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

México has a more relaxed view of working schedules. Shops can have working schedules that vary quite a bit from the norm, opening earlier, closing later. Supermarkets and Banks are the exception with set business hours of operation.

Sales Tax - Departure tax

There is a 16% tax applied to all purchases, (restaurants, stores, hotels, tours, etc.)
There is an additional 2% tax on your hotel stay used for the promotion of tourism.