TRAVEL TIPS for Mexico Travel Documents
Begin to assemble all your travel documents, and keep them together in a safe accessible area of your home. If you keep your passport in a bank safe deposit, now is the time to retrieve it to avoid last-minute rush. We recommend that you carry photocopies of all your important travel documents, (information page of your passport, airline tickets, credit card numbers, insurance information, etc.), in a packet separate from the originals. Additionally, if you are not a U.S. citizen, a visa may be required for you to enter Mexico. If you are required to obtain a visa, you should double-check that it is valid for your dates of travel. If you changed the date of your trip after you obtained a visa, double-check that the visa is still valid for your new dates. Proper visas and documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.
Baggage, Airline & Flight Information
Airline tickets: For security purposes, the name on your airline ticket must exactly match the name on your passport. Double-check your tickets carefully, and call us immediately if the name is not identical to the name on your passport. You could be refused boarding, if there is a discrepancy. It is important that you reconfirm your flight information. Call your airline 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Below are details you should reconfirm: · Flight schedule: International and domestic flight schedules are subject to change by the airlines at any time. Verify that there have been no changes to your flight schedule. Seat assignments, routings and flight times are subject to change by the airline at any time.
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Check-In Time: In general, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 ½ hours prior to your scheduled departure to complete check-in and security procedures. Baggage: Double-check the current checked baggage and carry-on limitations and restrictions with your airline. Locking Checked Baggage: For your checked baggage, follow the instructions of the airlines for U.S. domestic and international flights. Special Services: Requests for seat assignments, special meals and wheelchair or other services must be requested by you or your travel agent directly with the airline. Frequent Flyer Miles: Granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. To ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. Baggage Loss & Damage: If your luggage is damaged on arrival or does not arrive with you, a report must be filed with the airline representative before you leave the baggage claim area of the airport.
An overview of the TSA regulations restricting carry-on liquids: · · · · Liquids and gels must be stored in individual containers of three ounces or less and placed inside one clear, quart-size, plastic, zip-top bag. Medications, baby formula and milk are exempt from these rules. Makeup is subject to the same liquid and gel rules as all other substances. Duty-free liquids, such as perfume or alcohol, are subject to the same rules as all other liquids and gels when it comes to U.S. security checkpoints -- containers must be no larger than three ounces, and they must fit into your clear, quart-size, plastic zip-top bag.
Go to the Transportation Security Administration website (www.tsa.gov) for even greater clarity details on these restrictions. If an airline misplaces your luggage, it may not be possible to purchase the kind of necessities you might immediately need. You should pack your carry-on bag accordingly. In addition to all your prescription medications, your carry-on should contain basic toiletries such as toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a change of clothes.
Phone Numbers
The codes you will need to dial are different depending on whether you are calling from Mexico or from the States. This can be confusing if you are accustomed to dialing 1 + an area code. To call from the States: dial 011 + 52+ 984+ number. If you are phoning from Mexico: U.S. country code: 001 then 1 + Area Code +number
Weather, Clothing and Packing Tips
Average temperatures in June in Riviera Maya features highs in the lower 90’s and lows in the upper 70’s. Clothing: In general, you want casual leisure clothing that is comfortable and wears well. At your discretion you may choose to bring items such as rain jackets, an umbrella and a sweater for cooler nights, etc. Packing Tips: Take only what you need, don’t over pack. Save room for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match around one or two colors. Don’t pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase.
Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.
· · · · · · · A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes. A pair of shoes for restaurants, (loafers, sandals, etc). In some restaurants sneakers and similar sport shoes may not be acceptable for evening dining. Sunglasses, sun block, sun hat or visor. Toiletries: all your daily essentials. Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip. Keep all medications in their original labeled container. Always pack your medications in a carry-on bag. Eyeglasses, (including a spare pair), contacts, contact lens solution. Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, Neosporin or other anti-bacterial medication, antibacterial wipes.
Optional Items: The following items might be things you wish to bring with you.
· · · Travel alarm clock with illuminated face. Pocket-sized calculator for calculating foreign exchange. Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember that scissors must be packed in your checked luggage!
Photography Equipment: Don’t forget your camera and extra supplies, including
chargers if applicable.
Money Questions:
Currency: Mexico uses the peso, but U.S. dollars and travelers checks are accepted. Exchange Rates: You can find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You can find a number of websites by typing “foreign exchange rates” into your search engine Currency exchange: Many locations will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need some local currency. ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted debit cards and/or credit cards. They are usually conveniently located in large cities, but are more limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
You can also exchange cash and traveler’s checks for local currencies at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus. Most establishments charge a fee to perform exchanges. Credit Cards: If you do not travel overseas and use your credit card abroad on a regular basis, your credit card company may refuse to honor charges you make while on your trip. We strongly recommend that you confirm with your bank prior to your departure that your ATM or credit card and PIN number will work abroad.
U.S. and Foreign Customs
Customs Regulations Luggage is examined on entering and leaving Mexico. Prohibited/Permissible items upon re-entry to the U.S. : 1. All articles acquired in Mexico must be declared. 2. $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, including one liter of alcoholic beverage per person over twenty-one every thirty days. 3. Cuban cigars are prohibited. 4. Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about importing any medications prior to crossing into Mexico. 5. CPP has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Any type, in any amount may result in serious fines, seizure of vehicle, federal record and/or imprisonment. 6. Switchblade knives, sea turtle boots or any other articles of endangered species (i.e., spotted cats, coral, crocodile, elephant, etc.) are prohibited. IT IS IMPORTANT TO RETAIN PURCHASE RECEIPTS ON ALL GOODS. Visit the U.S. Customs and Borders Protection website for more information. www.CBP.gov .
Staying Healthy
Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in enclosed areas such as an airplane. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes. Prior to travel, it is important to do a health and safety assessment. Underlying illnesses makes travel more risky. Contact you doctor with any health concerns prior to travel.
Jet Lag Precautions
There is really no way to totally avoid jet lag, but there are some things you can do to lessen its effects. Once onboard your international flight, change your watch to the destination time zone, and attempt to eat and sleep at times appropriate to the new time zone. Airlines generally assist with this by serving meals accordingly. Just before and during your flight, avoid heavy meals and minimize consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeine. Drink plenty of water and fruit juice during the flight.
Try to sleep on overnight flights-even catnaps are better than remaining awake for the entire flight. Do not remain sedentary throughout the flight. When the seat belt sign is off, get up and walk around the cabin periodically. While awake in your seat, do some isometric exercises of your neck, face, feet, calves and arms. Stretch often. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes-and bring a pair of socks to keep your feet warm during the flight.
Your Home While You re Away
Don t Forget: Remember to make arrangements for the care of your home while you’re away. Make sure mail and newspaper delivery is stopped or collected by a neighbor. Arrange for yard and pet care, and check automatic timers on lights and other appliances.