Tipping Etiquette

travelsense.org

When it comes to your vacation, it's the littlest details, such as tipping etiquette, that can become the most confusing. Whom should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all? Never fear! With this simple guide to tipping, TravelSense will take the guesswork out of tipping etiquette and help you focus on more important things - like enjoying your vacation.

TIPPING AT AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS

Upon arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the standard porter rate of $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy. Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special services, such as carrying your bags.

 

 

HOTEL TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car, give the valet parking attendant $1 to $2. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person.

The bellman, who will be more than happy to assist you with your bags and the door, should receive $1 to $2 per bag. Tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout.

Tip more if he provides any additional service. The concierge, who can get you anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves $5 to $10 for such feats. You may tip at the time of service or at the end of the trip. To ensure good service throughout your stay, add a $20 tip to the bill.

Add 15 percent of the bill to a room service charge, unless a gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply $1. If you requested something delivered to your room such as a hairdryer or iron, tip $1 per item received. Typically, the maid deserves a $2 tip each day, as well.

TOUR TIPPING ETIQUETTE

If you're taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included, tip a local guide $1 per person for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour. Tip a private guide more.

If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager - someone who travels with the group for several days and is essentially in charge - tour operators suggest anywhere from $3-8 per person per day. Don't forget the bus driver either - $2 per person per day.

CRUISE TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When on a cruise, tip according to your comfort level and only on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the dining room assistant waiter should receive $2.00 per person/per day, the dining room maitre'd $3.50 per person/per day and the dining room manager $1.50 per person/per day. 

The room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.

 

 

RESTAURANT TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Although excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill, most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip. In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional 15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a "service charge") and do not expect tips.

At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table - more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.

This tipping etiquette will hopefully give you a general idea of the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey. You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent, and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment all the way. Enjoy your vacation, and don't forget to tip!

Using Dollars or Pesos in Mazatlan Mexico

mazatlansource.com

Dinero (MONEY)Everybody needs it, here are the best ways to get it,  and carry it, while in Mazatlan! Don't be afraid to operate  in pesos. You will get your best deals this way, and  it's pretty easy to get the hang of it: More or less,  10 pesos = 1 dollar; 100 pesos = 10 dollars;  1000 pesos = 100 dollars, etc.

Any international currency can take a while to get familiar with, and the Mexican Peso is no exception. At first glance, to the first-time visitor, all the bills look like Monopoly money, but you’ll get over that feeling as soon as you start spending it. While US and Canadian dollars will be accepted by most stores and vendors in Mazatlan, it will be at an exchange rate that is definitely not to your advantage, so plan on working with Pesos. For visitors from the USA and Canada, the easiest way to make ‘on-the-go’ conversions between prices in Mexican Pesos and the value ‘back home’ is to divide by 10…10 Pesos = 1 Dollar, 100 Pesos = 10 Dollars, 230 Pesos = 23 Dollars, etc. Depending on the exchange rate, in actuality 10 Pesos is a little less (about 90 cents) in USA money and a little more (about a Dollar and 15 cents) Canadian, but using the “Rule of Ten” will make it very easy to get an idea of prices. Mexican Pesos bills come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Pesos denominations (see graphic). The newer 20’s are actually made of plastic, and even have a little clear ‘window’ in it. It’s the look of the future for currency in Mexico (and probably the rest of the world), as it lasts a long time and is very difficult to counterfeit. 20’s and 50’s are slightly smaller than the rest, making them easier to distinguish from large bills. 1000 Peso notes should be avoided at all times. This is a ‘new’ denomination (introduced in early 2005), and once issued was immediately counterfeited. More importantly, it is extremely difficult to pass these as payment except at banks, because most small stores, vendors, and restaurants will not have sufficient cash to make change. If you receive a 1000-peso note at a bank or money-exchange, pass it back and insist on smaller bills (say “cambio mas chico, por favor” roughly meaning “change for smaller bills, please”). 500 Peso notes can also present a problem in change-making at smaller shops and restaurants, so make sure you carry bills smaller than this at most times. 100’s and 200’s are not too large for all but the smallest vendors and stores. Also know that nearly nobody will accept a bill which is not entirely whole, and ripped or torn bills may be refused as well. You should not accept them as change, either. Common coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, and 10 Pesos. The 10 is especially easy to identify…it’s a nice thick, substantial coin, bronze on the outside and silver on the inside. (Gringos often wonder why the US Treasury can’t come up with an easily-distinguished Dollar coin like this.) There are also 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavo (cents) coins, but you’ll rarely see these. They are roughly the US and Canadian equivelent of ½, 1, 2, and 5-cent coins, and the smallest ones have the look and heft of toy money. Indeed, 5- and 10-centavo coins are more than occasionally simply tossed on the street, and nobody but the smallest children bother to pick them up. You’re only likely to receive these small coins as change at larger stores, like groceries and pharmacies…prices at almost all other stores are in even-pesos. There are also 20 and 100 Peso coins (each slightly larger than it’s next-smaller denomination), but as a visitor you are not likely to encounter them unless you are visiting in September – the very slowest of tourism months. These coins tend to be hoarded in jars and piggy banks until the tourists leave, then the income of money slows down, and the jars are opened to tide people through until the tourists return. CHANGING MONEY: You can change money at banks or at any of the dozens of “Casas de Cambio” (or simply “Cambios” – “Change Houses”) located throughout Mazatlan. Banks will give you the best exchange rate, but lines tend to be LONG…it’s not unusual to wait ½ hour or more in line. Banks will allow you to cash traveller’s checks, but usually only if you present your passport. The difference in exchange rates paid by the cambios versus the banks really is minimal, unless you are changing thousands of dollars. A cambio will generally pay about ½% less…so saving the half-hour in line at the bank will only cost you a few dollars per $100 US/Canadian at the cambio. The cambio at the front desk of your hotel will typically have the worst exchange rates, so plan ahead and use the cambios on the street. ATMs: The best way to get money in Mazatlan is to use your ATM card. You get the absolute best exchange rate, even though you may have to pay a transaction fee. There are quite a few ATM’s all over Mazatlan, and in every major supermarket throughout town. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO what your daily withdrawal limit is, and know that most ATMs here will only dispense a maximum of 3000 pesos (roughly 300 Dollars US/Canadian) per transaction. HOT ATM TIP #1: When an ATM asks you how much money you want, it’s in PESOS, not dollars or whatever your ‘home’ currency is. If you want (roughly) FIFTY DOLLARS, request FIVE-HUNDRED Pesos. There are just a few ATMs in town that will ask you if you want ‘Local Currency’ or U.S. Dollars…be sure you select ‘Local’, or else you’ll get US Dollars that you’ll then have to change at a bank or cambio. HOT ATM TIP #2: Avoid getting a stack of hard-to-spend 500 Peso bills at the ATM: After you’ve inserted your card, entered your PIN, and chosen “withdrawal”, you will usually be presented with several withdrawal amounts to choose from – 100 Pesos, 300 Pesos, 1000 Pesos, etc – and an additional choice of “Other Amount”. Choose “Other” and enter an odd number divisible by 50 or 100 Pesos bills…for example, 2950 or 2900 Pesos…this will force the machine to dispense at least a few bills other than 500 Peso notes. CREDIT CARDS: You’ll find that your credit cards are accepted only at most hotels and large stores and restaurants. As a general rule, plan on carrying enough cash for your purchases unless you have inquired in advance at the restaurant or store you plan to visit. Where credit cards are accepted, it is usually restricted to MasterCard and Visa. Acceptance of Discover cards is very rare, and while American Express has an office here,, it is difficult to use you ‘AmEx’ card except in the larger hotels and a few restaurants. Mazatlan is not immune to a world-wide credit card fraud called ‘swiping’, where the magnetic strip of your card is recorded on a special device and then duplicated (nearly immediately) on another card in another city, and then used to run up all sorts of charges. While most all U.S. and Canadian credit card companies will reimburse you for this fraud, it’s a hassle to try to do while you’re on vacation. With this in mind, we suggest taking your card to the cashier of the restaurant or store so that your card never leaves your sight. Also, it’s good advice to use DEBIT cards ONLY at ATMs. HOW TO SPEND IT: Spending your money won’t be difficult, but the concept of ‘bargaining’ over prices may be new for you. Do not feel uncomfortable about this…it is a way of life across Mexico, even in ‘non-tourist’ areas. If a store’s wares have marked prices, then generally these are ‘fixed’ prices. It won’t hurt to ask about a lower price though, especially if you are buying several items. If prices are not marked (and always with the vendors on the beach), then it’s time to begin the game of bargaining. This can be one of the most enjoyable parts of shopping for some people, and for the Mexican shop-keeper, it’s an enjoyable tradition. Here’s how it works: You start admiring an object, and the shop-keeper asks you if you like it. You ask how much it costs, and he replies that it is 200 pesos. At this point you tell him that this is far too much money, and he replies by explaining about the fine quality of the item, how many days it took the craftsman to create this piece of art, and then asks how much you want to pay. You suggest that you might like to take it home with you if it were 75 pesos. He chuckles and tells you that this is simply not possible, as he has children to feed, but allows that he could bring his price down to 180 pesos. You in turn offer to pay 100 pesos, and on and on. This can, if you like, go on for quite some time, until you reach a price at which you can both agree. Or, you can simply put the item back on the shelf at any time and say that it’s just more than you can afford. Be aware that the shopkeeper may, as you are leaving the store, agree finally to sell it to you at your last-offered price (which you are rather obligated to now accept), but to “please don’t tell anybody else”. This can be a way for both of you to save face and complete the transaction. This is the way business is and has been done in Mexico for years and years, and how friends are made as well! Bartering should never be insulting. For the Mexican it is normal and fun; if it is not fun for you, stick to the stores with price tags on their stuff. To insult someone's merchandise is down-right rude, and will only make you, and your fellow countrymen, look bad. GRATUITIES / TIPPING: The Mexican people are friendly and eager to help you. They enjoy it, really!! But that does not mean they also do not enjoy receiving a tip for their services. The tip, "propina" in Spanish, is the recognized way of saying thank you. It is the thought that counts almost more than the amount. Tips can be in Pesos or Dollars, but please NO American/Canadian coins, as they are not exchangeable here, even in the banks, and thus hold no value. Below are some guidelines for who you should tip, and how much. 1. House Staff: Tipping the housekeepers is not common, nor is it un-common. Experienced travelers will tell you, though, that a small tip after the first night will insure attentive extra service should you require it; another tip at the end of your stay, if you appreciated the overall housekeeping service, is appropriate. Leave your tip on a piece of paper and write "para tu servicio...gracias!" (for your service...thank you!) so they know it's a tip and not your pocket-change, unintended for a tip. The housekeeping staff generally works hard for small salaries to make you comfortable...a few dollars (in pesos, of course) will be most appreciated. 2. Waiters/Waitresses: Gratuities for wait staff are comparable to gratuities here. The standard tip is 15%, 20% for exceptional service. As you will likely be serviced by many people through out your meal, you can expect that the gratuity you leave will be divided between all of them. Also know that in Mexico, going out to eat is an event. You will RARELY be offered the check until you ask for it! Do not assume that the waiter/waitress is being rude or ignoring you, this is simply customary. When you are ready for your bill, simply signal the waiters with a small wave, and ask for "la cuenta" (pronounced "la kwenta"). 3. Taxi Drivers: It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers unless they perform an extra service for you (help you with your luggage; wait for you while you exchange money or get something from a store, etc.). If they do, then your tip should be appropriate to the amount of service they provided for you ($2 for waiting, $3-$5 for helping with luggage, depending on how much luggage you have). 4. Airport Porters: Figure about $1 per bag is a reasonable tip for airport porters if you use their services. $5 or $50 pesos should be your maximum tip unless you have an excessive amount of baggage. 5. Salon Staff: Similar to the US, the standard tip for salon services (massage therapy, hair cuts, pedicures etc…) is 10-15%. 6. Grocery Store: In the large supermarkets it is customary to tip the young boy or girl who sacks your groceries...two to five pesos is fine.

Dining in Mexico

frommers.com

Markets & Restaurants

Exploring the culinary delights of a tianguis, or traditional market, is one of my favorite pastimes. The people-watching is top-notch, and the food stalls harbor creative surprises ranging from strawberry shortcakes covered in fresh cream to juicy cheeseburgers and onion rings. To ensure your chances of getting the healthiest food possible, visit stands that seem to be popular among the locals. Word spreads fast in Mexico, so it doesn't take long for customers to root out the stalls with less than stellar hygiene practices. On the other side of the spectrum, avoid eating at those inviting sidewalk restaurants that you see beneath the stone archways that border the main plazas. These places usually cater to tourists and don't need to count on any return business. But they are great for getting a coffee or beer and watching the world turn.

In most nonresort towns, there are always one or two restaurants (sometimes it's a coffee shop) that are social centers for a large group of established patrons. Over time, they become virtual institutions, and change comes very slowly. The food is usually good standard fare, cooked as it was 20 years ago, and the decor is simple. The patrons have known each other and the staff for years, and the charla (banter), gestures, and greetings are friendly, open, and unaffected. If you're curious about Mexican culture, these are fun places to eat in and observe the goings-on.

You'll see multitudes of taquerías (taco joints) everywhere in Mexico. These are generally small places with a counter or a few tables set around the cooking area; you see exactly how they make their tacos before deciding whether to order. Most tacos come with a little chopped onion and cilantro, but not with tomato and lettuce. Find one that seems popular with the locals and where the cook performs with brio (a good sign of pride in the product). Sometimes a woman will be making the tortillas (or working the masa into gorditas or sopes, if these are also served) right there. You will never see men doing this -- this is perhaps the strictest gender division in Mexican society. Men do all other cooking and kitchen tasks, and work with already-made tortillas, but will never be found working masa.

Dining Tips

• Nearly all restaurants and bars that serve middle-class Mexicans use filtered water, disinfect their vegetables, and buy ice made from purified water. If in doubt, look for ice with a rough cylindrical shape and a hollow center, produced by the same kind of machinery across the country. Street vendors and market stalls are less consistent. I've never gotten sick on any of my travels to Mexico, but people who live there say a good way of keeping your stomach happy is by drinking one of the tiny Yakult yogurt drinks found in the dairy section of just about every grocery store or corner market.

• For the afternoon meal, the main meal of the day, many restaurants offer a multicourse daily special called comida corrida or menú del día. This is the most inexpensive way to get a full dinner.

• In Mexico, you need to ask for your check; it is considered rude to present a check to someone who hasn't requested it. If you're in a hurry, ask for the check when your food arrives.

• Tips are about the same as in the U.S. You'll sometimes find a 15% value-added tax on restaurant meals, which shows up on the bill as IVA. This is effectively the tip, which you may augment if you like. Just make sure you're not tipping twice.

• To summon the waiter, wave or raise your hand, but don't motion with your index finger, which is a demeaning gesture that may cause the waiter to ignore you. Or if it's the check you want, you can motion to the waiter from across the room using the universal scribbling motion against the palm of your hand.

Meals

desayuno -- Breakfast.
comida -- Main meal of the day, taken in the afternoon.
cena -- Supper.
Courses
botana -- A small serving of food that accompanies a beer or drink, usually served free of charge.
entrada -- Appetizer.
sopa -- Soup course. (Not necessarily a soup -- it can be a dish of rice or noodles, called sopa seca [dry soup].)
ensalada -- Salad.
plato fuerte -- Main course.
postre -- Dessert.
comida corrida -- Inexpensive daily special usually consisting of three courses.
menú del día -- Same as comida corrida.
Degree of Doneness
término un cuarto -- Rare, literally means one-fourth.
término medio -- Medium rare, one-half.
término tres cuartos -- Medium, three-fourths.
bien cocido -- Well done.
Note: Keep in mind, when ordering a steak, that medio does not mean "medium."
Miscellaneous Restaurant Terminology
cucharra -- Spoon.
cuchillo -- Knife.
la cuenta -- The bill.
plato -- Plate.
plato hondo -- Bowl.
propina -- Tip.
servilleta -- Napkin.
tenedor -- Fork.
vaso -- Glass.
IVA -- Value-added tax.
fonda -- Strictly speaking, a food stall in the market or street, but now used in a loose or nostalgic sense to designate an informal restaurant.
Popular Mexican Dishes
a la tampiqueña -- (Usually bistec a la t. or arrachera a la t.) A steak served with several sides, including but not limited to an enchilada, guacamole, rice, and beans.
adobo -- Marinade made with chiles and tomatoes, often seen in adjectival form adobado/adobada.
albóndigas -- Meatballs, usually cooked in a chile chipotle sauce.
antojito -- Literally means "small temptation." It's a general term for tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, and the like, which are usually eaten for supper or as a snack.
arrachera -- Skirt steak, fajitas.
arroz -- Rice.
bistec -- Steak.
bolillo -- Small bread with a crust much like a baguette.
buñuelos -- Fried pastry dusted with sugar. Can also mean a large, thin, crisp pancake that is dipped in boiling cane syrup.
cajeta -- Thick caramel sauce made from goat's milk.
calabaza -- Zucchini squash.
caldo tlalpeño -- Chicken and vegetable soup, with rice, chile chipotle, avocado, and garbanzos. Its name comes from a suburban community of Mexico City, Tlalpan.
caldo xochitl -- Mild chicken and rice soup served with a small plate of chopped onion, chile serrano, avocado, and limes, to be added according to individual taste.
camarones -- Shrimp. For common cooking methods, see pescado.
carne -- Meat.
carnitas -- Slow-cooked pork dish from Michoacán and parts of central Mexico, served with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa or pickled jalapeños.
cebolla -- Onion.
cecina -- Thinly sliced pork or beef, dried or marinated, depending on the region.
ceviche -- Fresh raw seafood marinated in fresh lime juice and garnished with chopped tomatoes, onions, chiles, and sometimes cilantro.
chalupas poblanas -- Simple dish from Puebla consisting of handmade tortillas lightly fried but left soft, and topped with different chile sauces.
chayote -- Spiny squash boiled and served as an accompaniment to meat dishes.
chilaquiles -- Fried tortilla quarters softened in either a red or a green sauce and served with Mexican sour cream, onion, and sometimes chicken (con pollo).
chile -- Any of the many hot peppers used in Mexican cooking, in fresh, dried, or smoked forms.
chile ancho -- A dried chile poblano, which serves as the base for many varieties of sauces and moles.
chile chilpotle (or chipotle) -- A smoked jalapeño dried or in an adobo sauce.
chile en nogada -- Chile poblano stuffed with a complex filling of shredded meat, nuts, and dried, candied, and fresh fruit, topped with walnut cream sauce and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.
chile poblano -- Fresh pepper that is usually dark green in color, large, and not usually spicy. Often stuffed with a variety of fillings (chile relleno).
chile relleno -- Stuffed pepper.
chivo -- Kid or goat.
cochinita pibil -- Yucatecan dish of pork, pit-baked in a pibil sauce of achiote, sour orange, and spices.
col -- Cabbage. Also called repollo.
consomé -- Clear broth, usually with rice.
cortes -- Steak; in full, it is cortes finas de carne (fine cuts of meat).
cuitlacoche -- Variant of huitlacoche.
elote -- Fresh corn.
empanada -- For most of Mexico, a turnover with a savory or sweet filling. In Oaxaca and southern Mexico, it is corn masa or a tortilla folded around a savory filling and roasted or fried.
empanizado -- Breaded.
enchilada -- A lightly fried tortilla, dipped in sauce and folded or rolled around a filling. It has many variations, such as enchiladas suizas (made with a cream sauce), enchiladas del portal or enchiladas placeras (made with a predominantly chile ancho sauce), and enchiladas verdes (in a green sauce of tomatillos, cilantro, and chiles).
enfrijoladas -- Like an enchilada, but made with a bean sauce.
enmoladas -- Enchiladas made with a mole sauce.
entomatadas -- Enchiladas made with a tomato sauce.
escabeche -- Vegetables pickled in a vinegary liquid.
flan -- Custard.
flautas -- Tortillas that are rolled up around a filling (usually chicken or shredded beef) and deep-fried; often listed on a menu as taquitos or tacos fritos.
gorditas -- Thick, fried corn tortillas, slit open and stuffed with meat or cheese.
horchata -- Drink made of ground rice, melon seeds, ground almonds, or coconut and cinnamon.
huazontle -- A vegetable vaguely comparable to broccoli, but milder in taste.
huitlacoche -- Salty and mild-tasting corn fungus that is considered a delicacy.
jitomate -- Tomato.
lechuga -- Lettuce.
limón -- A small lime. Mexicans squeeze them on everything from soups to tacos.
lomo adobado -- Pork loin cooked in an adobo.
masa -- Soft dough made of corn that is the basis for making tortillas and tamales.
menudo -- Soup made with beef tripe and hominy.
milanesa -- Beef cutlet breaded and fried.
mole -- Any variety of thick sauce made with dried chiles, nuts, fruit or vegetables, and spices. Variations include m. poblano (Puebla style, with chocolate and sesame), m. negro (black mole from Oaxaca, also with chocolate), and m. verde (made with herbs and/or pumpkinseeds, depending on the region).
pan -- Bread. A few of the varieties include p. dulce (general term for a variety of sweet breads), p. de muerto (bread made for the Day of the Dead holidays), and p. Bimbo (packaged sliced white bread).
panuchos -- A Yucatecan dish of masa cakes stuffed with refried black beans and topped with shredded turkey or chicken, lettuce, and onion.
papas -- Potatoes.
papadzules -- A Yucatecan dish of tortillas stuffed with hard-boiled eggs and topped with a sauce made of pumpkinseeds.
parrillada -- A sampler platter of grilled meats or seafood.
pescado -- Fish. Common ways of cooking fish include al mojo de ajo (pan seared with oil and garlic), a la veracruzana (with tomatoes, olives, and capers), and al ajillo (seared with garlic and fine strips or rings of chile guajillo).
pibil -- See cochinita pibil. When made with chicken, it is called pollo pibil.
picadillo -- Any of several recipes using shredded beef, pork, or chicken and onions, chiles, and spices. Can also contain fruit and nuts.
pipián -- A thick sauce made with ground pumpkinseeds, nuts, herbs, and chiles. Can be red or green.
poc chuc -- A Yucatecan dish of grilled pork with onion marinated in sour orange.
pollo -- Chicken.
pozole -- Soup with chicken or pork, hominy, lettuce, and radishes, served with a small plate of other ingredients to be added according to taste (onion, pepper, lime juice, oregano). In Jalisco it's red (p. rojo), in Michoacán it's clear (p. blanco), and in Guerrero it's green (p. verde). In the rest of Mexico, it can be any one of these.
puerco -- Pork.
quesadilla -- Corn or flour tortillas stuffed with white cheese and cooked on a hot griddle. In Mexico City, it is made with raw masa folded around any of a variety of fillings (often containing no cheese) and deep-fried.
queso -- Cheese.
res -- Beef.
rompope -- Mexican liqueur, made with eggs, vanilla, sugar, and alcohol.
salbute -- A Yucatecan dish like a panucho, but without bean paste in the middle.
sopa azteca -- Tortilla soup.
sopa tarasca -- A blended soup from Michoacán made with beans and tomatoes.
sope -- Small fried masa cake topped with savory meats and greens.
tacos al pastor -- Small tacos made with thinly sliced pork marinated in an adobo and served with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
tamal -- (Not "tamale.") Masa mixed with lard and beaten until light and folded around a savory or sweet filling, and encased in a cornhusk or a plant leaf (usually corn or banana) and then steamed. Tamales is the plural form.
taquitos -- See flautas.
tinga -- Shredded meat stewed in a chile chipotle sauce.
torta -- A sandwich made with a bolillo.

Fast Facts about Mexico

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Business Hours -- Most businesses in larger cities are open between 9am and 7pm; in smaller towns they may close between 2 and 4pm. Many close on Sunday. In resort areas, stores commonly open in the mornings on Sunday, and shops stay open late, until 8 or even 10pm. Bank hours are Monday through Friday from 9 or 9:30am to anywhere between 3 and 7pm. Banks open on Saturday for at least a half-day.

Doctors -- Any embassy or consulate staff in Mexico from an English-speaking country can provide a list of area doctors who speak English. If you get sick in Mexico, consider asking your hotel concierge to recommend a local doctor -- even his or her own. Some hotels even have in-house medical personnel. You can also try the emergency room at a local hospital or urgent care facility. Mexican doctors may not always have access to the latest technologies, and the quality of medical facilities varies, but they usually spend considerable time with patients and charge much less than their North American counterparts. Before choosing a doctor, you can ask for his or her qualifications and where he or she was trained.

Drinking Laws -- The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18; however, asking for ID or denying purchase is extremely rare. Grocery stores sell everything from beer and wine to national and imported liquors. You can buy liquor 24 hours a day, but during major elections, dry laws often are enacted by as much as 72 hours in advance of the election -- and they apply to tourists as well as local residents. Mexico does not have laws that apply to transporting liquor in cars, but authorities are beginning to target drunk drivers more aggressively. It's a good idea to drive defensively.

It's illegal to drink in the street; but many tourists do. If you are getting drunk, you shouldn't drink in the street, because you are more likely to get stopped by the police.

Electricity -- The electrical system in Mexico is 110 volts AC (60 cycles), as in the United States and Canada. In reality, however, it may cycle more slowly and overheat your appliances. To compensate, select a medium or low speed on hair dryers. Many older hotels still have electrical outlets for flat two-prong plugs; you'll need an adapter for any plug with an enlarged end on one prong or with three prongs. Adapters are available in most Mexican electronics stores. Many better hotels have three-hole outlets (trifásicos in Spanish). Those that don't may loan adapters, but to be sure, it's always better to carry your own.

Embassies & Consulates -- Citizen services provided by country missions include passports, notaries, lists of doctors and lawyers, regulations concerning marriages in Mexico, emergency preparedness information, and other valuable assistance. Contrary to popular belief, your embassy cannot get you out of jail, provide postal or banking services, or fly you home if you run out of money. Consular officers provide advice on most matters and problems, however. Most countries have an embassy in Mexico City, and many have consular offices or representatives in the provinces.

It is a good idea to register with your embassy or consulate when visiting Mexico. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows them to enter information about their upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist them in an emergency, and also allows Americans residing abroad to obtain routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Visit https://travelregistration.state.gov.

The Embassy of Australia in Mexico City is at Rubén Darío 55, Col. Polanco (tel. 55/1101-2200; www.mexico.embassy.gov.au). It's open Monday through Thursday from 9:30am to noon.

The Embassy of Canada in Mexico City is at Schiller 529, in Polanco (tel. 55/5724-7900, or for emergencies 01-800/706-2900; http://mexico.gc.ca); it's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm. The website above also lists consulates and consular agencies in Mexico.

The Embassy of Ireland in Mexico City is at Cda. Bl. Manuel Avila Camacho 76, 3rd floor, Col. Lomas de Chapultepec (tel. 55/5520-5803; www.irishembassy.com.mx). It's open Monday through Thursday from 8:30am to 5pm, and Friday from 8:30am to 1:30pm.

The Embassy of New Zealand in Mexico City is at Jaime Balmes 8, 4th Floor, Col. Los Morales, Polanco (tel. 55/5283-9460; www.nzembassy.com/mexico). It's open Monday through Thursday from 8:30am to 2pm and 3 to 5:30pm, and Friday from 8:30am to 2pm.

The Embassy of the United Kingdom in Mexico City is at Río Lerma 71, Col. Cuauhtémoc (tel. 55/1670-3200; http://ukinmexico.fco.gov.uk/en). It's open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm and Friday from 8am to 1:30pm.

The Embassy of the United States in Mexico City is at Paseo de la Reforma 305, next to the Hotel María Isabel Sheraton at the corner of Río Danubio (tel. 55/5080-2000); hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Visit http://mexico.usembassy.gov for information related to U.S. Embassy services. A U.S. consulate is at Calle 60 No. 338 K x 29 y 31, Col. Acala Martin, Mérida (tel. 999/942-5700). In addition, there are consular agencies in Cancún (tel. 998/883-0272) and Cozumel (tel. 987/872-4574).

Emergencies -- In case of emergency, dial tel. 066 from any phone within Mexico. Dial tel. 065 for the Red Cross. The 24-hour Tourist Help Line in Mexico City is tel. 01-800/987-8224 in Mexico, or 55/5089-7500, or simply dial tel. 078. The operators don't always speak English, but they are always willing to help.

Hospitals -- Many hospitals have walk-in clinics for emergency cases that are not life-threatening; you may not get immediate attention, but you won't pay emergency room prices. The quality varies, but is often quite high, especially in resort towns.

Insurance -- For travel to Mexico, you may have to pay all medical costs upfront and be reimbursed later. Before leaving home, find out what medical services your health insurance covers. To protect yourself, consider buying medical travel insurance.

For information on traveler's insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and medical insurance while traveling, please visit www.frommers.com/tips.

Language -- Spanish is the official language in Mexico. English is spoken and understood to some degree in most tourist areas. Mexicans are very accommodating with foreigners who try to speak Spanish, even in broken sentences.

Legal Aid -- Embassies and consulates can often provide a list of respected lawyers in the area who speak English.

Mail -- Postage for a postcard or letter varies by destination; it may take from a few weeks to over a month to arrive. The price for registered letters and packages depends on the weight. The recommended way to send a package or important mail is through FedEx, DHL, UPS, or another reputable international mail service.

Newspapers & Magazines -- The Miami Herald is published in conjunction with El Universal. You can find it at most newsstands. The News is a new English-language daily with Mexico-specific news, published in Mexico City. Newspaper kiosks in larger cities also carry a selection of English-language magazines.

Packing -- In general, Mexico is an easy destination to pack for, as weather is consistent and predictable, and the style is casual and accepting. Check forecasts before you go and bring something for cool nights. For more helpful information on packing for your trip, download our convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the Travel Tools icon.

Police -- Several cities, including Cancún, have a special corps of English-speaking Tourist Police to assist with directions, guidance, and more. In case of emergency, dial tel. 060 or 066 from any phone within Mexico.

Smoking -- In early 2008, the Mexican president signed into law a nationwide smoking ban in workplaces and public buildings, and on public transportation. Under this ground-breaking law, private businesses are permitted to allow public smoking only in enclosed ventilated areas. Hotels may maintain up to 25% of guest rooms for smokers. Violators face stiff fines, and smokers refusing to comply could receive up to 36-hour jail sentences. The law places Mexico -- where a significant percentage of the population smokes -- at the forefront of efforts to curb smoking and improve public health in Latin America. So before you light up, be sure to ask about the application of local laws in Mexican public places and businesses you visit.

Taxes -- Mexico has a value-added tax of 16% (Impuesto de Valor Agregado, or IVA; pronounced Ee-bah) on most everything, including restaurant meals, bus tickets, and souvenirs. (Exceptions are in Cancún, Cozumel, and Los Cabos, where the IVA is 11%; as ports of entry, they receive a break on taxes.) Hotels charge the usual 16% IVA, plus a locally administered bed tax of 3% (in most areas), for a total of 19%. In Cancún, Cozumel, and Los Cabos, hotels charge the 11% IVA plus 3% room tax, for a total of 14%. The prices quoted by hotels and restaurants do not necessarily include IVA. You may find that upper-end properties (three or more stars) often quote prices without IVA included, while lower-priced hotels include IVA. Ask to see a printed price sheet and ask if the tax is included.

Time -- Central Time prevails throughout most of Mexico, including the Yucatán, Tabasco, and Chiapas. The states of Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora fall in the Mountain Time Zone, while Baja California uses Pacific Time. All of Mexico observes daylight saving time.

Tipping -- Most service employees in Mexico count on tips for the majority of their income, and this is especially true for bellboys and waiters. Bellboys should receive the equivalent of 5 to 15 pesos per bag; waiters generally receive 10% to 15%, depending on the level of service. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, unless they are hired by the hour or provide touring or other special services.

Toilets -- Public toilets are not common in Mexico, but an increasing number are available, especially at fast-food restaurants and Pemex gas stations. These facilities and restaurant and club restrooms commonly have attendants, who expect a small tip (about 5 pesos).

Water -- Tap water in Mexico is generally not potable and it is safest to drink purified bottled water. Some hotels and restaurants purify water, but you should ask rather than assume this is the case. Use ice with caution as it may also come from tap water.

Money Tips for Mexico

frommers.ccom

Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency (unless rates are given in U.S. dollars).  However, rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.

In general, the southern region of Mexico is considerably cheaper than not just most U.S. and European destinations but also many other parts of Mexico, although prices vary significantly depending on the specific location. The most expensive destinations are those with the largest number of foreign visitors, such as Cancún and Los Cabos. The least expensive are those off the beaten path and in small rural villages, particularly in the poorer states. In the major cities, prices vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. As you might imagine, tourist zones tend to be more expensive.

The currency in Mexico is the peso. Paper currency comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos, and 20 and 50 centavos (100 centavos = 1 peso). The current exchange rate for the U.S. dollar, and the one used in this guide, is 12 pesos; at that rate, an item that costs 12 pesos would be equivalent to $1.

Many establishments that deal with tourists, especially in coastal resort areas, quote prices in U.S. dollars. To avoid confusion, they use the abbreviations DLLS. for dollars and M.N. (moneda nacional, or national currency) or M.X.P. for Mexican Pesos. Note: Establishments that quote their prices primarily in U.S. dollars are listed in this guide with U.S. dollars.

Getting change is a problem. Small-denomination bills and coins are hard to come by, so start collecting them early in your trip. Shopkeepers and taxi drivers everywhere always seem to be out of change and small bills; that's doubly true in markets. There seems to be an expectation that the customer should provide appropriate change, rather than the other way around.

Don't forget to have enough pesos to carry you over a weekend or Mexican holiday, when banks are closed. Because small bills and coins in pesos are hard to come by in Mexico, the $1 bill is very useful for tipping.

Note: A tip of U.S. coins, which cannot be exchanged into Mexican currency, is of no value to the service provider.

Casas de cambio (exchange houses) are generally more convenient than banks for money exchange because they have more locations and longer hours; the rate of exchange may be the same as at a bank or slightly lower. Before leaving a bank or exchange-house window, count your change in front of the teller before the next client steps up. Also, most major hotels will change money for you.

Large airports have currency-exchange counters that often stay open whenever flights are operating. Though convenient, they generally do not offer the most favorable rates. The bottom line on exchanging money: Ask first, and shop around. Banks generally pay the top rates.

Banks in Mexico have expanded and improved services. Except in the smallest towns, they tend to be open weekdays from 9am until 5pm, and often for at least a half day on Saturday. In larger resorts and cities, they can generally accommodate the exchange of dollars (which used to stop at noon) anytime during business hours. Some, but not all, banks charge a 1% fee to exchange traveler's checks. But you can pay for most purchases directly with traveler's checks at the establishment's stated exchange rate. Don't bother with personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank -- the bank will wait for your check to clear, which can take weeks, before giving you your money.

Travelers to Mexico can easily withdraw money from ATMs, called cajeras, in most major cities and resort areas. The U.S. Department of State recommends caution when you're using ATMs in Mexico, stating that they should only be used during business hours and in large protected facilities, but this pertains primarily to Mexico City, where crime remains a significant problem. In most resorts in Mexico, the use of ATMs is perfectly safe -- just use the same precautions you would at any ATM. However, beware of using ATMs in dubious locations as there have been reports of people having their card numbers "skimmed" (where information is copied and monies stolen or cards fraudulently charged). The ATM exchange rate is generally more favorable than at casas de cambio. Most machines offer Spanish/English menus and dispense pesos, but some offer the option of withdrawing dollars.

In Mexico, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most accepted cards. You'll be able to charge most hotel, restaurant, and store purchases, as well as almost all airline tickets, on your credit card. Most Pemex gas stations now accept credit card purchases for gasoline, though this option may not be available everywhere and often not at night -- check before you pump. Generally you receive the favorable bank rate when paying by credit card. However, be aware that some establishments in Mexico add a 5% to 7% surcharge when you pay with a credit card. This is especially true when using American Express. Many times, advertised discounts will not apply if you pay with a credit card.

Beware of hidden credit-card fees while traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions. Recent reform legislation in the U.S., for example, has curbed some exploitative lending practices. But many banks have responded by increasing fees in other areas, including fees for customers who use credit and debit cards while out of the country -- even if those charges were made in U.S. dollars. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

For help with currency conversions, tip calculations, and more, download Frommer's convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the "Travel Tools" icon.

A Few Words About Prices -- Many hotels in Mexico -- except places that receive little foreign tourism -- quote prices in U.S. dollars or in both dollars and pesos. Thus, currency fluctuations are unlikely to affect the prices most hotels charge.

Money Matters -- The universal currency sign ($) is sometimes used to indicate pesos in Mexico. The use of this symbol in this guide, however, denotes U.S. currency.

What Things Cost in Mexican Pesos (US$ where indicated)

Cancún beachfront double room, moderate US$120

Puerto Vallarta beachfront double room, expensive US$250

Mexico City dinner for one, expensive 300-400

Merida dinner for one, moderate 100-150

Tacos from market or street vendor 20-30

Cozumel two-tank scuba dive US$70

Admission to most archaeological sites 50

Night dancing in Cancún US$40

Night dancing in Mazatlan US$20

Travelers Tips on Tipping

gocurrency.com

For many travelers, one of the central sources of angst and confusion is how to tip in a manner that is neither miserly, nor extravagant. Travelers run into far more situations where tipping is a concern than they would in their everyday life at home. And it’s made more uncomfortable due to the fact that when visiting abroad, the customs are foreign and easily misunderstood. Taxi drivers, porters, valets, waiters, and barbers/hairstylists are just some of the people you will encounter who will provide you with a service, and may or may not expect or require a gratuity.

The first key to understanding tipping is realizing the situation at hand. Starting with restaurants, the general rule is between 10-20% of the bill before taxes. Some people choose to tip extra if they feel the service is outstanding, while many will leave a small tip or not tip at all if they feel the service is terrible. However, not leaving a tip because the service did not meet expectations can often lead to a confrontation. It is often better to leave some kind of a tip; but be sure address the situation with the manager. It is also vital to know the local customs when it comes to tipping. In America, tipping is expected, and we are known to be some of the most generous tippers around. Many people in the service industry depend on tips to supplement their wages, which are often set artificially low in expectation of the tips they will receive. The key thing to remember is that tipping is a personal decision, but it affects others. So the idea of treating others as you would want to be treated clearly resonates. Be wary of restaurants that add a tip to the bill automatically: no one should pay two tips for the same meal.

In Europe, workers in the service industries are generally paid higher wages than in America, and therefore tipping is not always customary. When people do tip they generally tip less than in the states. However, it varies from country to country. Central European countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Holland tip between 5-10% as a common practice, although it is not always required to tip. Countries like Spain and Italy are not advocates of tipping. In France and the Scandinavian countries, a service charge is included in the bill, while Ireland and the U.K. generally adhere to an optional tipping policy. When traveling in Europe, unless you are in Spain or Italy, it is generally a good idea to leave a tip close to 10% unless the charge is included, or the service was not satisfactory.

Traveling in Asia is often a culture shock, and this is magnified when it comes to tipping. While most of the globe follows the thinking that gratuities are required, or at the very least expected, many countries in Asia strictly forbid it, and many service workers will be offended if you attempt to tip them. Tipping is not the custom in India, China, Korea, Taiwan, and especially Japan. Likewise, in Australia and New Zealand, tipping has not historically been a custom and it is not expected, although the practice is growing, and has become especially common in the tourist areas.

Other parts of the globe also have some guidelines for tipping. Canada is very similar to the U.S., as is Mexico. The key thing to keep in mind when traveling is to be respectful of the customs in the country you are visiting. It is also better to lean towards generosity rather than stinginess when in doubt. Also, keep in mind that many restaurants and hotels add on a charge for gratuity, so carefully inspect the bill before leaving a tip. Furthermore, if you are traveling on business it is especially important that you represent yourself well.

Always be sure to tip well when it is called for, and give your client the impression that you are interested in seeing others succeed. Tipping is definitely a touchy subject for many, but if you can master it, then you will enjoy yourself far more, and also ensure the happiness of those around you.

10 Biggest Travel Ripoffs

By Jamie Beckman, Wednesday, Sep 18, 2013

(Pioneer111/Dreamstime)

Getting fleeced anywhere, whether in the states or abroad, is never fun—especially when you're trying to travel conservatively. Different languages and customs, however, can send even the smartest traveler into a financial tailspin. "Being gloriously overwhelmed by novelty and excitement at every turn leads us to be less perceptive than perhaps we might be back at home," says travel psychologist Michael Brein, Ph.D. "After all, the money is Monopoly play money—it isn't that real—so it's no wonder that it goes relatively more quickly than we think or expect." Recognize the world's top 10 worst travel ripoffs and you can save your cash for meaningful experiences that are worth the coin.

Excess Baggage Charges

When you're at home riffling through your closet for the perfect attire for daytime, nighttime, and every time in between (you never know, you might be invited to the opera or a picnic, right?), toting along an extra piece of luggage can seem sane—if not downright practical. Not the case, says travel expert Terry Trippler, founder of the consumer website The Plane Rules. "Chances are you aren't going to wear all that stuff you packed and end up paying more in baggage charges," he says. "In a lot of hotels, you can have clothing laundered for less than taking more and paying excess baggage charges."

Trip Insurance

Travelers can occasionally get a deal by purchasing travel insurance, but only buy it if you read and completely understand the policy. Otherwise, it can be worthless. "Travel insurance used to be basically flight insurance, but with the advent of non-refundable tickets, et cetera, businesses saw a market to sell insurance to cover expenses associated with the traveler's entire trip," Trippler says. (Medical care is one example.) "Watch this one—closely."

Shady Taxi Drivers

The ways that unsanctioned cabs take more than their share of your money by unscrupulous means are many, including high unstated charges, less than efficient routes, and incorrect change returned, says Brein. Instead of hopping into the car of the first person who offers, he suggests asking yourself these questions: "Is the cab marked or not? Is there a license or permit visible? Is there a price chart available? Is the taxi parked with others or hidden away? Is the driver with the cab or hustling elsewhere?"

Eating Like a Tourist

It sounds simple, but try to eat like the locals eat whenever you can, and that means deliberately avoiding the tourist traps. Specifically, watch out for incongruous cuisines, like an Italian joint next to a Caribbean beach, or restaurants that brag about their exquisite panoramic vistas. "What you might lose in atmosphere or views, you will gain in price and authenticity," says Laura Siciliano-Rosen, founder of Eat Your World, a website dedicated to finding the best local eats around the globe. To avoid shelling out cash for sub-par food, she suggests chatting up the locals—and not necessarily the hotel concierge. "Ask regular people: your taxi driver, your waiter, the guy next to you on the bus, the woman in line with you at the supermarket," Siciliano-Rosen says. "Also, you can probably tell where locals are eating by the look of a place. Does the place seem like it's trying to attract tourist money? Who's at the tables? Do you see any guidebooks or cameras?"

Manhattan Hotels

A hotel room in the Big Apple can sound enticing no matter what neighborhood you're in, but for the amount of money you plunk down, you don't get much. What you do get is often an older hotel with tiny rooms. Trippler calls it "probably the worst 'value' in travel." Before you book, research exactly what you're getting, or branch out to reputable hotels in other boroughs.

Airport Airline Clubs

When you picture a members-only portion of an airport, replete with its own bar, your first instinct might be to expect smoking jackets and the tinkling of a grand piano in the background. Not so these days. The reality can be anything but a sophisticated zen environment, which is not worth spending your money on, especially if you're paying a pricey day rate. "More and more people are joining and too often you can find a club that is just as crowded and loud as the airport departure gates," Trippler says. "The 'value' of any airline club depends on how often you will use it and the cities you will generally visit."

Uniformed "Guides" at Airports

A fancy uniform does not a reputable guide make. After deplaning in your destination, you might be accosted by "guides" who look official in dress, but actually are paid to take you to high-priced, touristy locales. "They all lead you to think that they are who they say they are, but in reality they are not," Brein says. "More often than not, they lead you not to places to stay, markets and shops, and sights that have merit or good value, but rather to places that more often than not suit their own purposes." If you need help navigating a city, seek out guides from official bureaus, Brein says.

Changing Money on the Black Market

Trying to beat the system—and more specifically, the exchange rates—by changing money with locals on the black market is only going to hurt your wallet in the end. "Often, a few good bills are mixed in with money padded with either folded smaller bills, older illegal money, newspaper, and whatnot, and the money changers are usually out of there so quickly that the duped tourist has little or no recourse," Brein says. Stay on the straight and narrow and, if it helps you to know before you go, research exchange rates before you leave the country to avoid sticker shock at the counter.

"Minimum" Fees at Restaurants or Clubs

In some countries, "minimum" charges for entering a sought-after (or salacious) nightclub are commonplace—and some restaurants bill you for what seems to be free, like mineral water. The last thing you want to do is blow your budget without getting anything in return. "These tourist-only fees seem to exist in restaurants around the world, particularly in Europe," Siciliano-Rosen says. "The charge may or may not be listed on the menu. When in doubt, gently refuse the bread if you didn't ask for it."

Insanely High Booze Taxes

When in a country like India, which imposes an exorbitant tax on alcohol, skip the cocktails at restaurants, which can easily cost upward of $15. Go for virgin refreshments instead, such as India's traditional yogurt drink: "Stick to a lassi and save the beer for the hotel fridge," Siciliano-Rosen says.

Survival Spanish

mexico.com


No one expects you to be fluent in Spanish, but it shows a great respect for the people and the country if you at least try to make basic conversation. You'll be surprised how pleased people will be when you can say "Muchas gracias" and "Buenas tardes." Don't worry: no one will make fun of your accent. Speaking bad Spanish is better than speaking no Spanish at all.

Mexicans are very polite and friendly, so we suggest you do the same and address people formally, using "señor" "señora" or "señorita" when you can.
¡Suerte! (That's Spanish for good luck!)

As opposed to English, the Spanish language has a formal and an informal way of addressing a person. You have probably heard the tú form, which is informal: "¿Cómo estás?" (How are you?) The formal version would be to leave the final "s" off the verb. "¿Cómo está?" If this is more than you need to know, see below for a table of common phrases. If you can, it's best to use the formal way of addressing people you meet.

English	Spanish	English	Spanish
One	uno	Monday	lunes
Two	dos	Tuesday	martes
Three	tres	Wednesday	miércoles
Four	cuatro	Thursday	jueves
Five	cinco	Friday	viernes
Six	seis	Saturday	sábado
Seven	siete	Sunday	domingo
Eight	ocho	January	enero
Nine	nueve	February	febrero
Ten	diez	March	marzo
One hundred	cien	April	abril
Two hundred	doscientos	May	mayo
One thousand	mil	June	junio
In the morning	En la mañana	July	julio
In the afternoon	En la tarde	August	agosto
In the evening	En la noche	September	septiembre
Now	Ahorita	October	octubre
Earlier	Más temprano	November	noviembre
Later	Más tarde	December	diciembre
Before	Antes	In Spring	En la primavera
Soon	Pronto	In Summer	En el verano
A little while	Un ratito	In the Fall	En el otoño
		In the Winter	En el invierno

English	Spanish
Please	Por favor
Thank you	Gracias
You are welcome	De nada
What time is it?	¿Qué hora es?
Where are the restrooms?	¿Dónde están los baños?
Where is the airport?	¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
Where’s a bank?	¿Dónde hay un banco?
I need to make a phone call	Necesito un teléfono
How are you?	¿Cómo está?
Hello	Hola
I am American	Soy noreteamericano
Good afternoon	Buenas tardes
Good morning	Buenos días
Good evening	Buenas noches
Excuse me	Disculpe
I	Yo
You	Usted
He	Él
She	Ella
They	Ellos
We	Nosotros
Mr.	Señor
Mrs.	Señora
Miss	Señorita

English	Spanish
Stop!	¡Pare!
Help me!	¡Auxilio!
Fire!	¡Fuego!
Listen!	¡Escuche!
Look!	¡Mire!
It’s an emergency!	¡Es una emergencia!
Police!	¡Policía!
U.S. Embassy	Embajada de Estados Unidos
U.S. Consulate	Consulado de Estados Unidos
I need a doctor	Necesito un doctor
To the nearest hospital	Al hospital más cercano

English	Spanish
I am here as a tourist	Vengo de turista
I need a cab to hotel X	Necesito un taxi para ir al hotel X
What time does the next shuttle leave?	¿A qué hora sale el próximo servicio de transporte?
Where is luggage claim?	¿Dónde está el reclamo de equipaje?
Where is the exit?	¿Donde está la salida?
What’s the local time?	¿Cuál es la hora local?
Where can I rent a car?	¿Dónde puedo rentar un coche?
Do you have any rooms available?	¿Tiene habitaciones disponibles?
How much is a single room?	¿Cuánto cuesta una habitación sencilla?
How much is a double room?	¿Cuánto cuesta una habitación doble?
I’d like to make an international phone call	Quisiera hacer una llamada internacional
Can you get me a taxi, please?	¿Me puede conseguir un taxi, por favor?
Can you clean my room later, please?	¿Puede limpiar mi habitación más tarde, por favor?
	The short version: ¡Más tarde, por favor!

English	Spanish
Can I have bottled water, please?	¿Me puede dar agua embotellada, por favor?
Not too spicy, please	No muy picante, por favor
What time do you open?	¿A qué hora abre?
What time do you close?	¿A qué hora cierra?
One beer, please!	¡Una cerveza, por favor!
A glass of wine, please	Un vaso de vino, por favor
Seafood	Mariscos
Beef	Carne
Chicken	Pollo
Vegetarian	Vegetariano
How much do I owe you?	¿Cuánto le debo?
I don’t have change	No tengo cambio
Can you make change?	¿Tiene cambio?

English	Spanish
How much is it?	¿Cuánto cuesta?
Can I get it cheaper?	¿Me lo puede dejar más barato?
No, that’s too much	No, es demasiado
I will give you half	Le doy la mitad
It’s very expensive	Es muy caro

English	Spanish
How much is the admission?	¿Cuánto cuesta la entrada?
Is it open today?	¿Está abierto hoy?
Which are the historic sites?	¿Cuáles son los sitios históricos?
Can I climb the pyramid?	¿Me puedo subir a la pirámide?
I want a guide	Quiero un guía
Let’s go swim	Vamos a nadar
Where are the beach towels?	¿Donde están las toallas para la playa?
Beach	Playa
Ocean	Mar
Water	Agua
To swim	Nadar
Swimsuit	Traje de baño

English	Spanish
You are beautiful	Eres muy bella (guapo if you are talking to a guy)
Can I have your phone number?	¿Me das tu teléfono?
Call me!	¡Llámame por teléfono!
I will call you!	¡Yo te llamo!
What do you want to drink?	¿Qué quieres tomar?

English	Spanish
I have a hangover	Estoy crudo/cruda (if you are a girl)
I need sleep	Tengo que dormir
I have a sunburn	Estoy quemado/quemada
My stomach hurts	Me duele el estómago