One handy website to remember is http://travel.state.gov This is the
US State Department of Consular Affairs. You will find information on
proper travel documents and what places things to avoid at your travel
destination.
If I was traveling to a location where I have been before and know
several of the hotels, I might wing it. But, you are better off
selecting a base of operations and reserving for those nights.
If you plan to rent a car and drive, you might want to do a crash course
in Spanish. Once you leave the tourist zone of any destination the road
signs are only in Spanish. If you get lost don't count on the locals
knowing English. Make sure that you get a good road map in both
English and Spanish.
Mexicans are like the Irish in that they like to be hospitable and
helpful to strangers. If you ask someone for directions, they may give
you directions even if they are not sure of the direction. It's a good
idea to discretely ask more than one person for directions and then
follow the consensus.
Regarding driving, Mexicans do left hand turns a lot differently then we
do in the US. It varies from area to area, but sometimes a left turn
signal may mean "it's ok to pass me". Or it could mean something other
than a left turn.
To execute a left turn, signal with hand. Look in side and rear view
mirror, if there's traffic behind you then move over to the far right
(shoulder or grass). Allow them all to pass. When the road is clear,
move back into position. If there is no on coming traffic, check your
mirrors again. If both sides of the road are clear, make your turn.
Fun, huh?
Then there are the "Topes", or speed bumps. These seem to be
arbitrarily placed on both super highways and main streets. The fun
part is they are more like speed ditches, instead of going up they go
down. They are demarcated in the road by a band of reflectors goinging
across the road. Sometimes in the rain they fill up with water and look
like big puddles. At night it almost helps to know where they are in
advance, as sometimes the reflectors don't give enough warning.
Mexico follows the Napolionic Code of Justice. Get involved in an
accident and you are guilty until proven innocent. This is one major
reason for buying Mexican Insurance when you rent a car. You are not
allowed to leave the country until claims by all parties involved are
settled. With the insurance it's a lot easier as the rental agency will
assist in getting any claims settled.
On 01/26/2004 12:49 PM Kenny-Z, made frenium gestures and then wrote:
>Thanks again for all the replies to my first post regarding a first
>trip to Mexico...
>
>I have a few more questions (for now)...
>
>1. I understand I need proof of US citizenship and ID. I have no
>passport and don't plan on needing one in the near future again (and
>may be running out of time for application), so an alternate proof of
>citizenship would be my preference if possible. What can I do?
>Something with a birth certificate, I hear? What is the process?
>
>2. Is it truly not recommended to drive/rent a car?
>
>3. Following up on #3, how about the bus system? This sounds like
>planning an itinerary could be a challenge without knowing bus
>schedules in advance. For instance, how long should one allow from DF
>to Oaxaca, or Acapulco, etc... Any suggestions on finding schedule
>info/travel times between cities?
>
>4. I also wonder about accommodations. I'm tempted to reserve only
>first and last nights and wing the rest in between in favor of a
>flexible itinerary/bus schedule concerns.
>
>5. Would anyone suggest an airport entry point other than Mexico City
>for a trip that may include Mexico City to Oaxaca to Acapulco and
>maybe even Veracruz....
>
>
>6. Now this question may sound down-right silly, but does Mexico use
>the same point-of-use electrical specs (120 VAC, 60Hz)? Otherwise this
>gringo needs to learn to use a razor blade...
>
>thanks for any assistance!
>
>Ken
>
>
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