Mexico's official language is Spanish, but English is also spoken in tourist areas.
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The official currency is the peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. Most major credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express, are accepted almost everywhere. Traveller’s cheques are also accepted, but they’re best if in US dollars. Most towns and cities have ATMs, but you should only use them during business hours to be safe. Most places will accept foreign currency, but you should use pesos. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaus) tend to have longer hours and faster service than banks.
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The international country code is 52. To call another country from Mexico, dial 00 followed by the appropriate country code (0044 for the UK, for instance). It’s usually cheaper to use a phone card, instead of dialling directly from your hotel room. Beware of fees charged at phone booths. Most of the tourist areas, and much of the country, have Internet.
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Almost always expected in Mexico. If no service charge has been added to the bill, tip waiters and bar staff 10 to 15 per cent. Most of the international resorts expect 15 to 20 per cent. Taxi drivers usually receive a tip if they’ve helped with luggage.
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Crime levels are high in Mexico. Robberies and muggings are serious risks in Mexico City, and you should try to be inconspicuous with valuables. Be vigilant on public transport and at tourist sites. Stick to authorised taxi services and never travel on the bus at night. If you’re a woman travelling solo, be particularly alert in tourist areas; there have been a number of serious sexual assaults. Exchange money only during daylight hours, and be cautious when leaving ATMs or exchange bureaus. Be wary of people identifying themselves as police officers, especially if they are trying to fine or arrest you for no apparent reason. These incidents sometimes lead to theft or assault. Ask the officer for identification, and try to make note of the officer’s name, patrol number and badge number. Avoid all demonstrations, as many become violent. Be very careful in Oaxaca city centre, where there have been a number of violent protests. It’s a good idea to check with the FCO for its current advice before booking flights to Mexico. Between June and December, hurricanes can be a problem on the coast.
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If you’re arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter the country. Otherwise, there are no vaccination requirements. It’s a good idea to get immunised against hepatitis A and typhoid, and you should consult your doctor about malaria prevention. Some of the rural areas have a malaria risk, but the Pacific and Gulf Coast areas are usually fine. Some mosquitoes can carry dengue fever. Be wary of street food and stick to bottled water. Dysentery and diarrheoa are common complaints among travellers. Ensure you are adequately covered by insurance.
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The electrical current in Mexico is 130 volts, 60Hz (two-pinned, flat blade plugs).
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