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.

Green Angels of Mexico....The Highways that they cover

 ontheroadin.com

If you have an emergency while driving, call the Ministry of Tourism's hotline or (55) 5250-8221, extension 130/297, to obtain help from the “Green Angels,” a fleet of radio dispatched trucks with bilingual crews. Services include protection, medical first aid, mechanical aid for your car, and basic supplies. 

You will not be charged for services, only for parts, gas, and oil. The Green Angels patrol daily, from dawn until sunset. If you are unable to call them, pull off the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are good they will find you.

 

If you have an emergency while driving, or just wondering for Tourist Info, call the Sonora Tourism Office new hotline 078. 

To obtain help from “Green Angels”, a fleet of radio dispatched trucks with bilingual crews just dial up 078 from anywhere.

The services include protection, medical first aid, and mechanical aid for your car and basic supplies. You will not be charged for services, except for parts, gas and oil. The green Angels patrol daily, from dawn until sunset, so if you are unable to call them, pull off the road and lift the hood of your car, chances are good they will find you.

For the Sonora Tourism Office is very important that every tourist that travels by road trough our state, becomes a preacher not only of our history, culture, values, natural wonders and tourist attractions, but also of our hospitality, and the quality and quantity of the information, assistance and tourist help we provide. There for this new hotline has been promoted.

The “Green Angels Corporation” has been considered as a tourist service since 1960, and has distinguished Mexico world wide for the assistance, information and tourist help provided trough this corporation, to the national and foreign 

tourist that travel by road to different destinies of our country. 

Services provided by Green Angels:

• Mechanic assistance and emergency radio communication.
• Aid in case of accident.
• Advice and information on the destinies (maps), services and tourist attractions of the state and regional.

 

Finally, it is very important to remember that if you travel by road in Sonora and you need assistance or information from The Green Angels you can dial 078.

The Green Angels suggest for your driving trip:
• Check your spare tire, tools and car jack
• Check the engine oil
• Check the electric, and cooling  system of your vehicle
• Drive safely, respect the signs and avoid high speed
• Don’t drive if you are tired
• Don’t drink and drive
• Use your seatbelt
• Do not litter

 

Remember: “Travel safely to your destiny, the Green Angels, guard your road, for them serving you is a privilege.”

Rob’s Ramblings: A Few Things to Watch Out For

jaltembabaylife.com/blog

by Rob Erickson on December 19, 2012 

Besides “don’t drink the water” and “watch out for pink drinks,” there are a few other things to watch out for while enjoying the country and hospitality of Mexico. Living day to day here in paradise, you see some things you would never expect to find up-north. Let’s start the series with a few common scams. I know there are many more to add to this short list.

The first thing you will find on the way south is Pemex gas stations. This state-owned corporation has set fuel prices across the country, other than in the “economic zone” at the frontier with USA, where prices are adjusted for cross-border trade advantages. Here are a few slight-of-hand tricks that might get your attention: When you are fueling your vehicle, always note the pump is reset before starting. The game is to set the nozzle in the tank, then distract you for minute or two. Then the attendant asks again “full?” He points at the current number on the pump, then resets to zero to pump some fuel. He will then try to add the two fills as your bill. It happened to me once, and I showed him my owner’s manual to clearly show it was impossible to pump that much fuel into the truck. Fortunately, I think Pemex has had a lot of hostile replies to this scam, and now it is common for the attendant to get you to acknowledge the pump fully reset. Another is the $500 peso vs $50 peso bill trick. For example, for a $1,000 peso fill, you might give the attendant two $500 peso bills. He does a quick 360 degree spin to show you a $50 peso and one $500 peso note, asking for another $450 pesos. Your other $500 peso note went up his sleeve and he replaced it with a waiting $50 peso note. Instead, count out each note as you hand it to him. The bill colours are very different and it is hard to confuse the two bills.



When driving through Empalme, Sonora (Pemex #2754) this past October, I hold out the pair of $500 peso notes for a fill of up to $1,000 pesos of diesel. The attendant’s English is quite good, and with my Spanish, we both know what I’m looking for. The attendant points out the zeroed pump, which I understand is now a tradition for Pemex, and he promptly delivers $200 pesos (about 18 liters). His buddy shows up to point at the tires, talk about the weather and other distractions. I point at the $200 pesos. No, fill to $1,000 pesos. He starts filling again, and shuts off at $800 pesos. I remind him the pump was not zeroed for the last fill. Right. The pump cuts off at $945 pesos. Between the two of them, they reluctantly scrounge up the $55 pesos change. The buddy asks for “propina?” No. Off we go. Seven years ago, I experienced the same scam at the same Pemex. They haven’t changed their approach, so it must still work with the gringos.

A fairly new scam, that I only heard of this year, is the insurance or vehicle damage scam. An older fellow from up-north had parked his vehicle on a major street in town. Coming out of the store, a young man and a Transito police officer were beside his vehicle, stating he had hit the young man’s car while parking. Upon looking at the scratched vehicle, the old fellow was certain he had not hit the car and didn’t recall the car there at all when he pulled in. Fortunately, the Tourist Police drove by, and after a short discussion, the young fellow admitted he had dented the car elsewhere, and had simply drove by to find and park beside the gringo vehicle. No further actions and the kid just drove away. I guess some gringos might feel sorry for the kid and just pay-up. Not so for this smart old fellow. This is called “Dirty Wake” in boating: whatever you do in another country sets the tone for what is now acceptable for those following you.

Many northerners now take their pets south with them for the winter. While driving down, we have found the border /customs officials to rarely look at animals. However, anyone flying in will find the customs officials will look over the Vaccination Certificate quite closely for current Rabies shots and general health of the animal. One recent case I heard of at the Puerto Vallarta PVR Airport found the Mexican Customs official asking for a current Canadian Health Certificate, as well as confirmation of the Rabies vaccination (in this case, the animal actually originated in Mexico a few months ago). You don’t have one? No problem, you can buy a copy from the Mexican Customs Official, signed in Canada, for just $20. Oh, the beauty of photocopiers and whiteout for a business venture.

The only other annoyance we experienced was the squeegee guys at the toll-booths. For some reason, these guys don’t understand NO! in Spanish or English. At the Los Mochis toll plaza, this went to the bizarre stage as the guys wanted to sell me some weed with a Federal Police cruiser, with an officer on the hood, about 10 meters away. Go figure. We quite often take the free/libre roads, so thankfully don’t get these guys too often. I’ve heard the toll receipt provides you with insurance coverage while on these roads. I’ve often wondered what would happen if these guys dent/scratch your hood, and you went into the manager’s office at the toll-booth to collect an insurance claim for the damages?

Other than the texting cell-phone-warriors ignoring traffic while driving like mad on the Interstate in Tucson, we experienced no problems at all driving south. Nogales had the cleanest streets and least graffiti we’ve ever seen. Mexican road re-conditioning is underway and complete in a number of areas. It was an enjoyable and easy drive south this year.

It’s great to be back in the winter weather of La Peñita!

Staying safe on Mexico vacations

By Maura Wall Hernandez

Chicago Tribune

 

 

As a frequent traveler to Mexico, I’m often asked about the safety issues due to the amount of violence and dramatic imagery shown in U.S. news.

The truth is that anywhere you travel, anything can happen. But being educated about where the risks lie in your travels should quell any apprehension about visiting Mexico and experiencing the country’s world-class cuisine, rich culture and majestic nature.

Of Mexico’s 31 states and one federal district, 14 have no travel warnings, according to the U.S. State Department, and seven have travel warnings for specific areas. The department recommends deferring “nonessential travel” to the remaining 11 due to drug-gang violence.

With most violence occurring in areas near the U.S. border and in the southwestern states of Guerrero and Michoacan, there is still plenty of safe territory to explore.

Almost all of the major tourism destinations — Los Cabos, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Huatulco, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Merida, Chichen Itza and others — are in states with no travel warnings.

And many Americans don’t seem deterred anyway. The 2012 Travel Trends Survey among Travel Leaders agents showed four Mexican destinations in the Top 20 most popular for Americans traveling outside the country. The destinations were Cancún at No. 2, Playa del Carmen at No. 3, Cabo San Lucas/ Los Cabos at No. 11 and Puerto Vallarta at No. 15. (Puerto Vallarta is in a state with a partial travel warning.)

Based on interviews with American expats and Mexicans, here are some tips for a worry-free, safe trip to Mexico.

—Travel documents: Leave a copy of your passport with a relative or friend in the U.S. while traveling to Mexico, as well as the phone number and address for the local U.S. consulate. If your documents are lost or stolen, you’ll need to contact the consulate.

—Cash, debit and credit cards: Call your bank and credit card companies before a trip to Mexico to let them know you will be traveling there; otherwise they may block transactions. For debit and credit cards, you can ask to set a daily spending or withdrawal limit as well as request that they contact you via telephone about any suspicious charges. ATM kidnappings are not uncommon in some urban areas, so having a daily withdrawal limit could help you get out of a jam without losing too much cash. ATMs are best avoided unless inside a bank. Have all of your card numbers and the customer service numbers written down in a secure place in case you need to report lost or stolen cards to have them deactivated quickly.

America may run on plastic, but this is not always the case depending on where you will be in Mexico. It’s safest to always carry some cash on you for times when you won’t be able to use a credit card, and you should exchange your currency before you go. Not only will you typically get a poor exchange rate by changing money at an airport currency exchange, but you’re also alerting others that you’re a foreigner. Mexican airports do not all follow the same security standards of U.S. airports, and currency exchange desks or kiosks sometimes are outside secure areas.

—Attire: Nothing screams “foreigner” more than a pair of shorts and flip-flops. Unless you’re vacationing at the beach or hanging out at a resort, wear pants and sensible shoes so you don’t stick out. Don’t carry your camera around your neck. Also, avoid wearing or traveling with expensive-looking jewelry or watches that can make you easily identifiable as a tourist — and a target.

—Tech gadgets and cellphones: Don’t walk around with your face buried in your smartphone. The best place for it is in your pocket or in an interior secure pocket of a purse or other bag that is not a backpack. Don’t flash your iPad unless you want to be mugged for it.

Wireless data also can be very expensive in Mexico, but you should have it in case of emergency if you can; contact your wireless provider so you’re clear on the cost, whether you need an international data or calling plan, and anything else you might need to know about using your cellphone while traveling.

—Transportation: In Mexico, it’s important to hail a taxi only at a designated sitio because those taxis are registered and designated safe. Typically, the registered taxis are maroon and gold Nissan Tsurus and also can be called via radio dispatch. These taxis are slightly more expensive than the green libre taxis but are much more secure.

—Public transit: Depending on the city you’re visiting, there may be limited public transit options.
Mexico City has efficient and inexpensive public transit, but you need to know where you’re going. Smartphone apps can help (Metro Mexico DF and Via Mx Free are free; the more elaborate MiRoute is 99 cents, all at the Apple store), but you’re better off writing down your routes on a piece of paper so as not to draw attention to your gadgets.

As with any major city’s public transit system, you’ll find plenty of pickpockets. There are multiple kinds of public buses as well; the red metrobus is more of an express, and the green peseros are local routes with frequent stops. It’s not uncommon for women to be groped or sexually harassed, so use good judgment about what you’re wearing (i.e. pants instead of a skirt). In the capital, there are women-only buses (identifiable by their pink placards) and train cars at peak hours.

—Driving: Traffic laws can be lax in many areas of Mexico; drive rental vehicles with caution, and be ready to be a defensive driver. Beware, because traffic signals are not always obeyed. Limit driving to daylight as a safety precaution. Hint: After dark, assume you can’t trust anybody.

Getting around Mexico

 

 lonelyplanet.com

 

Boat

Vehicle and passenger ferries connecting Baja California with the Mexican mainland sail between Santa Rosalía and Guaymas, La Paz and Mazatlán, and La Paz and Topolobampo. One-way passenger seat fares cost from M$550 to M$800; a car up to 5m in length costs between M$1000 and M$2500. There are also ferries from the Yucatán Peninsula to the islands of Isla Mujeres, Isla Coz­umel and Isla Holbox.

Hitching

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is never entirely safe in any country in the world, and is not recommended. Travelers who decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk. People who do choose to hitch will be safer if they travel in pairs and let someone know where they are planning to go. A woman traveling alone certainly should not hitchhike in Mexico, and even two women alone is not advisable.

However, hitching is not an uncommon way of getting to some off-the-beaten-track places poorly served by bus. Always be alert to possible dangers wherever you are. If the driver is another tourist or a private motorist, you may get the ride for free. If it is a work or commercial vehicle, you should offer to pay, something equivalent to the bus fare.

Bus & tram

Bus

Mexico has a good road and bus network, and comfortable, frequent, reasonably priced bus services connect all cities. Most cities and towns have one main bus terminal where all long-distance buses arrive and depart. It may be called the Terminal de Autobuses, Central de Autobuses, Central Camionera or simply La Central (not to be confused with el centro, the city center!) If there is no single main terminal, different bus companies will have separate terminals scattered around town.

Baggage is safe if stowed in the bus’ baggage hold, but get a receipt for it when you hand it over. Keep your most valuable documents (passport, money etc) in the cabin with you, and keep them closely protected.
Highway robbery happens very rarely. The risk is higher at night, on isolated stretches of highway far from cities, and in 2nd-class buses.

Deluxe

De lujo services, sometimes termed ejecutivo (executive), run mainly on the busy routes. They are swift, modern and comfortable, with reclining seats, adequate legroom, air-con, few or no stops, toilets on board (but not necessarily toilet paper), and sometimes drinks or snacks. They usually show movies on video screens.

First class

Primera (1a) clase buses have a comfortable numbered seat for each passenger. All sizable towns have 1st-class bus services. Standards of comfort are adequate at the very least. The buses usually have air-conditioning and a toilet and they stop infrequently. They always show movies (often bad ones) for most of the trip: too bad if you don’t want to watch, as all seats face a video screen.

Bring a sweater or jacket to combat overzealous air-conditioning. As with deluxe buses, you buy your ticket in the bus station before boarding.

Second class

Segunda (2a) clase buses serve small towns and villages, and provide cheaper, slower travel on some intercity routes. A few are almost as quick, comfortable and direct as 1st-class buses. Others are old, slow and shabby.

Many 2nd-class services have no ticket office; you just pay your fare to the conductor. These buses tend to take slow, non-toll roads in and out of big cities and will stop anywhere to pick up passengers: if you board midroute you might make some of the trip standing. The small amount of money you save by traveling 2nd-class is not usually worth the discomfort or extra journey time entailed.

Second-class buses can also be less safe than 1st-class or deluxe buses, for reasons of maintenance or driver standards or because they are more vulnerable to being boarded by bandits on some roads. Out in the remoter areas, however, you’ll often find that 2nd-class buses are the only buses available.

Microbuses or ‘micros’ are small, usually fairly new, 2nd-class buses with around 25 seats, usually running short routes between nearby towns.

Costs

First-class buses typically cost around M$50 to M$70 per hour of travel (70km to 80km). Deluxe buses may cost just 10% or 20% more than 1st class, or about 60% more for super-deluxe services such as ETN, UNO and Turistar Ejecutivo. Second-class buses cost 10% or 20% less than 1st class.

Reservations

For trips of up to four or five hours on busy routes, you can usually just go to the bus terminal, buy a ticket and head out without much delay. For longer trips, or routes with infrequent service, buy a ticket a day or more in advance. Deluxe and 1st-class bus companies have computerized ticket systems that allow you to select your seat when you buy your ticket. Try to avoid the back of the bus, which is where the toilets are and also tends to give a bumpier ride.

Ticketbus (in Mexico City 55-5133-2424, 800-702-80-00; www.ticketbus.com.mx) provides tickets and reservations for many bus companies, chiefly on routes in the center, south and southeast of Mexico. You can book via the internet or telephone, or at any of its many offices in 44 cities and towns.

If you pay for a bus ticket in cash, cash refunds of 80% to 100% are available from many bus companies if you return your ticket more than an hour or two before the listed departure time.

Colectivos & other vehicles

In some areas a variety of small vehicles provide alternatives to buses. Colectivo (collective) taxis, Volkswagen minibuses (combis) and more comfortable passenger-carrying vans, such as Chevrolet Suburbans, operate shuttle services between some towns, usually leaving whenever they have a full load of passengers. Fares are typically a little less than 1st-class buses. Microbuses or ‘micros’ are small, usually fairly new, 2nd-class buses with around 25 seats, usually running short routes between nearby towns. More primitive are passenger-carrying camionetas (pickups) and camiones (trucks) with fares similar to 2nd-class bus fares. Standing in the back of a lurching truck with a couple of dozen campesinos (land workers) and their machetes and animals is always an experience to remember!

Car & motorcycle

Driving in Mexico is not as easy as it is north of the border, and rentals are more expensive, but having a vehicle gives you maximum flexi­bility and freedom.

Bring your own vehicle

Bringing a car to Mexico is most useful for travelers who:

- have plenty of time
- like to get off the beaten track
- have surfboards, diving equipment or other cumbersome luggage
- will be traveling with at least one companion.

Drivers should know at least a little Spanish and have basic mechanical knowledge, reserves of patience and access to extra cash for emergencies. Good makes of car to take to Mexico are Volkswagen, Nissan, Chrysler, General Motors and Ford, which have plants in Mexico and dealers in most big towns. Very big cars are unwieldy on narrow roads and use a lot of gasoline. A sedan with a trunk (boot) provides safer storage than a station wagon or hatchback. Mexican mechanics are resourceful, and most repairs can be done quickly and inexpensively, but it still pays to take as many spare parts as you can manage (spare fuel filters are very useful). Tires (including spare), shock absorbers and suspension should be in good condition.

For security, have something to immobilize the steering wheel, and consider getting a kill switch installed.

Motorcycling in Mexico is not for the fainthearted. Roads and traffic can be rough, and parts and mechanics hard to come by. The parts you’ll most easily find will be for Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki bikes.

Driver’s license

To drive a motor vehicle in Mexico, you need a valid driver’s license from your home country.

Gas (petrol)

All gasolina (gasoline) and diesel fuel in Mexico is sold by the government’s mono­poly, Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos). Most towns, even small ones, have a Pemex station, and the stations are pretty common on most major roads. Nevertheless, in remote areas you should fill up whenever you can.

The gasoline on sale is all sin plomo (unleaded). There are two varieties: Magna Sin, roughly equivalent to US regular unleaded, and Premium, roughly equivalent to US super unleaded. At the time of research, Magna Sin cost about M$7 per liter (US$2.40 per US gallon), and Premium about M$8.75. Diesel fuel is widely available at around M$6 per liter. Regular Mexican diesel has a higher sulfur content than US diesel, but there is a ‘Diesel Sin’ with less sulfur. If diesel drivers change their oil and filter about every 3500km, they should have no problems.

Gas stations have pump attendants (who appreciate a tip of M$2 to M$5).

Insurance

It is very foolish to drive in Mexico without Mexican liability insurance. If you are involved in an accident, you can be jailed and have your vehicle impounded while res­ponsibility is assessed. If you are to blame for an accident causing injury or death, you may be detained until you guarantee restitution to the victims and payment of any fines. This could take weeks or months. Adequate Mexican insurance coverage is the only real protection: it is regarded as a guarantee that restitution will be paid, and will expedite release of the driver.

Mexican law recognizes only Mexican motor insurance (seguro), so a US or Canadian policy, even if it provides coverage, is not acceptable to Mexican officialdom. Sanborn’s and the American Automobile Association (AAA; www.aaa.com) are worth looking into for Mexico motor insurance. Mexican insurance is also sold in US border towns; as you approach the border from the US you will see billboards advertising offices selling Mexican policies. At the busier border crossings, such as those to Tijuana, Mexicali, Nogales, Agua Prieta, Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa and Matamoros, there are insurance offices open 24 hours a day. Some deals are better than others.

Short-term insurance is about US$15 a day for full coverage on a car worth under US$10, 000; for periods longer than two weeks it’s often cheaper to get an annual policy. Liability-only insurance costs around half the full coverage cost.

Insurance is considered invalid if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Maps

Mexican signposting can be poor, and decent road maps are essential. A Mexican road atlas such as Guía Roji’s Por Las Carreteras de México (M$175) is a worthwhile investment. It’s sold at bookstores and some newsstands in Mexico, and is available from internet booksellers for a little more. A new edition is published annually and includes most new highways. Also useful are Quimera publisher’s regional road maps.

Rental

Auto rental in Mexico is expensive by US or European standards, but is not hard to organize. You can book by internet, telephone or in person and pick up cars at city offices, airports, many big hotels and sometimes at bus terminals.

Renters must provide a valid driver’s license (your home license is OK), passport and major credit card, and are usually required to be at least 21 (sometimes 25, or if you’re aged 21 to 24 you may have to pay a surcharge). Read the small print of the rental agreement. In addition to the basic rental rate, you pay tax and insurance costs to the rental company. Note: comprehensive insurance can almost double the basic cost quoted in some internet bookings: you’ll usually have the option of taking liability-only insurance at a lower rate. Ask exactly what the insurance options cover: theft and damage insurance may only cover a percentage of costs, or the insurance might not be valid for travel on rough country tracks. It’s best to have plenty of liability coverage: Mexican law permits the jailing of drivers after an accident until they have met their obligations to third parties. The complimentary car-rental insurance offered with some US credit cards does not usually cover Mexico.

Most agencies offer a choice between a per-kilometer deal or unlimited kilometers. Local firms may or may not be cheaper than the big international ones. In most places the cheapest car available costs M$500 to M$600 a day including unlimited kilo­meters, insurance and tax. If you rent by the week or month, the per-day cost can come down by 20% to 40%. You can also cut costs by avoiding airport pickups and drop-offs, for which 10% can be added to your total check. The extra charge for drop-off in another city, when available, is usually about M$4 per kilometer.

Here’s contact information (with Mexican phone numbers) for some major firms:

Alamo (800-849-80-01; www.alamo.com)
Avis (800-288-88-88; www.avis.com.mx)
Budget (800-700-17-00; www.budget.com.mx)
Dollar (998-886-02-22; www.dollar.com)
Europcar (800-201-20-84; www.europcar.com.mx)
Hertz (800-709-50-00; www.hertz.com)
National (800-716-66-25; www.nationalcar.com.mx)
Thrifty (55-5207-1100; www.thrifty.com.mx)

Motorbikes or scooters are available to rent in a few tourist centers. You’re usually required to have a driver’s license and credit card. It’s advisable to look particularly carefully into insurance arrangements here: some renters do not offer any insurance at all. Note that a locally acquired motorcycle license is not valid under some travel-insurance policies.

Road conditions

Many Mexican highways, even some toll highways, are not up to the standards of US, Canadian or European ones. Still, the main roads are serviceable and fairly fast when traffic is not heavy. Mexicans on the whole drive as cautiously and sensibly as people anywhere. Traffic density, poor surfaces and frequent hazards (potholes, speed bumps, animals, bicycles, children) all help to keep speeds down.

Driving on a dark night is best avoided since unlit vehicles, rocks, pedestrians and animals on the roads are common. Hijacks and robberies do occur.

In towns and cities and on rural roads, be especially wary of Alto (Stop) signs, topes (speed bumps) and holes in the road. They are often not where you’d expect, and missing one can cost you in traffic fines or car damage. Speed bumps are also used to slow traffic on highways that pass through built-up areas. ‘Tope’ or ‘Vibradores’ signs give you a warning about most speed bumps: the deadly ones are the ones with no warning signs – and if you hit them at any speed, you and your car will get quite a shock.

There is always the chance that you will be pulled over by Mexican traffic police for an imaginary infraction. If this happens, stay calm and polite and don’t be in a hurry. You don’t have to pay a bribe, and acting dumb and not understanding Spanish may eventually make the cop give up. You can also ask to see documentation about the law you have supposedly broken, ask for the officer’s identification, ask to speak to a superior, and/or note the officer’s name, badge number, vehicle number and department (federal, state or municipal). Pay any traffic fines at a police station and get a receipt, then if you wish to make a complaint head for a state tourist office.

City parking

It’s not usually a good idea to park on the street overnight. If your hotel doesn’t have parking, it’s best to find a commercial estacionamiento (parking lot). These usually cost around M$50 overnight and M$10 to M$15 per hour during the day.

Motorcycle hazards

Certain aspects of Mexican roads make them particularly hazardous for motorcyclists:
poor signage of road and lane closures
lots of dogs on the roads
debris and deep potholes
vehicles without taillights
lack of highway lighting

Toll roads

Mexico has more than 6000km of autopistas (toll roads), usually four-lane. They are generally in much better condition and a lot quicker than the alternative free roads. Cuotas (tolls) average about M$1 per km. Toll information is available at www.sct.gob.mx: click on ‘Traza Tu Ruta.’

Road rules

Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Speed limits range between 80km and 120km per hour on open highways (less when highways pass through built-up areas), and between 30km and 50km per hour in towns and cities. Seat belts are obligatory for all occupants of a car, and children under five must be strapped into safety seats in the rear. Obeying speed limits, traffic rules and traffic signs will avoid giving police excuses to demand ‘fines’ payable on the spot.

One-way streets are the rule in cities. Priority at some street intersections is indicated by thin black and red rectangles containing white arrows. A black rectangle facing you means you have priority; a red one means you don’t. The white arrows indicate the direction of traffic on the cross street; if the arrow points both ways, it’s a two-way street.

Antipollution rules in Mexico City ban most vehicles from the city’s roads on one day each week.

Train

The spectacular Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico that runs between Los Mochis and Chihuahua, known in English as the Copper Canyon Railway, is one of the highlights of traveling in Mexico. But the remainder of Mexico’s regular passenger train system effectively ceased to exist after the railroads were privatized in the 1990s. The very few services remaining operate on routes that are of no interest to travelers or are special tourist excursion services. Most prominent among the latter group is the Tequila Express (www.tequilaexpress.com.mx) running between Guadalajara and the tequila-distilling town of Amatitán.

Local transport

Bicycle

Most Mexican towns and cities are flat enough to make cycling an option. Seek out the less traffic-infested routes and you should enjoy it. Even Mexico City has its biking enthusiasts. You can rent bikes in several towns and cities for M$100 to M$150 per day.

Boat

Here and there you may find yourself traveling by boat to an outlying beach, along a river or across a lake or lagoon. The craft are usually fast outboard lanchas (launches). Fares vary widely: an average is around M$10 a minute if you have to charter the whole boat (haggle!), or around M$10 for five to 10 minutes if it’s a public service.

Local buses

Generally known as camiones, local buses are often the cheapest way to get around cities and out to nearby towns and villages. They run frequently and are cheap. Fares in cities are rarely more than M$5. In many cities, fleets of small, modern microbuses have replaced the noisy, dirty and crowded older buses.
Buses usually halt only at fixed paradas (bus stops), though in some places you can hold your hand out to stop one at any street corner.

Colectivo, combi, minibus & pesero

These are all names for vehicles that function as something between a taxi and a bus, running along fixed urban routes usually ­displayed on the windshield. They’re cheaper than taxis and quicker than buses. They will pick you up or drop you off on any corner along their route: to stop one, go to the curb and wave your hand. Tell the driver where you want to go. Usually, you pay at the end of the trip and the fare (a little higher than a bus fare) depends on how far you go. In some northern border towns, ‘pesero’ is used to mean a city bus.

Metro

Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey all have metro (subway, underground railway) systems. Mexico City’s, in particular, is a quick, cheap and useful way of getting around. With 175 stations and used by over four million people every weekday, it’s the world’s third-busiest subway.

Taxi

Taxis are common in towns and cities, and surprisingly economical. City rides cost around M$10 per kilometer, and in some cities there’s a fixed rate for journeys within defined central areas. If a taxi has a meter, you can ask the driver if it’s working (‘¿Funciona el taxímetro?’). If it’s not, or if the taxi doesn’t have a meter, establish the price of the ride before getting in (this may involve a bit of haggling).

Some airports and big bus terminals have a system of authorized ticket-taxis: you buy a fixed-price ticket to your destination from a special taquilla (ticket window) and then hand it to the driver instead of paying cash. This saves haggling and major rip-offs, but fares are usually higher than you could get on the street.

In some (usually rural) areas, some taxis operate on a colectivo basis, following set routes, often from one town or village to another, and picking up or dropping off passengers anywhere along that route. Fares per person are around one-quarter of the normal cab fare.

Renting a taxi for a day’s out-of-town outing generally costs something similar to a cheap rental car – around M$500 or M$600.

Air

All large and many smaller cities in Mexico have airports and passenger services. Depending on the fare you get, flying can be good value on longer journeys, especially considering the long bus trip that is probably the alternative. Domestic flights within Mexico are sometimes cheaper if you book them before you go to Mexico, in conjunction with an international round-trip ticket.

Fares

Fares can depend on whether you fly at a busy or quiet time of day, week or year, and how far ahead you book and pay. High season generally corresponds to the Mexican holiday seasons. You’ll often save money if you pay for the ticket a few days ahead or if you fly late in the evening. Round-trip fares are usually simply twice the price of one-way tickets, though some cheaper advance-­payment deals do exist.

Typical one-way fares from Mexico City with nonbudget airlines to most Mexican cities are between about M$1300 and M$2100 including taxes and charges, depending mainly on distance. Low-cost airlines flying from Toluca, 50km west of Mexico City, may charge up to 50% less.

Bicycle

Cycling is not a common way to tour Mexico. The size of the country, reports of highway robbery, poor road surfaces, careless motorists and pedestrians and other road hazards are deterrents. However, biking around is certainly possible if you’re prepared for the challenges. You should be fit, use the best equipment, and be fully able to handle your own repairs. Take the mountainous topography and hot climate into account when planning your route. Bike lanes are rare.

All cities have bicycle stores: a decent mountain bike suitable for a few weeks’ touring costs around M$5000. Don’t expect to get much of that back by selling it afterwards unless you have time on your side.
If you’re interested in a long Mexican ride, consider the bring-your-own-bike tours of the Yucatán Peninsula, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Pacific Mexico and Michoacán, up to a month long, offered by the fun and friendly !El Tour (www.bikemexico.com).

Mazatlan Destination Basics

westjet.com

Climate

Situated south of the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan enjoys temperate, semi-tropical weather year round. 

January, February and March are the coolest months, when the balmy, sunny days cool down during the evenings. If you do plan to visit during these months, be sure to bring a sweater and a pair of pants so you can enjoy the sea breezes when the sun goes down.

If you like to sleep with the windows open, this is the ideal time of year to go. You'll still need a bathing suit or two, flip-flops, hat and sunscreen during the day.

July through to September is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching an average high of 32 C. That's when savvy locals take an afternoon siesta, jump into the pool or head for an air-conditioned bar or cafe.

This is also the rainy season, but it only rains sporadically for short periods. Visitors may experience some exciting thunder-and-lightning shows at night. By late October, the temperature starts to drop again.

 

What makes it different?

In Mazatlan, there are plenty of activities to keep the entire family happy. Check out Latin America's largest aquarium, where you can swim with sea creatures, or why not root for the home team at the baseball stadium?

For sand and surf, Mazatlan has several beaches – Playa Camaron, Playa Las Gaviotas, Playa Sabalo, Playa Brujas and Playa Cerritos, among others. Try surfing on Playa Brujas beach, named for the female witch doctors that used to perform their rituals here.

Sports fans, name your game and you can probably play or watch it here. Want to take a swing? Mazatlan is emerging as a hot destination for golfers. There are currently 72 fairways – and more are always in the works.

Meanwhile, serious snorkellers and divers will find underwater paradise off the shores of Deer Island (Isla de Venados) and Goat Island (Isla Chivos) nearby. And as the billfish capital of the world, Mazatlan seldom disappoints those in search of a trophy angling experience.

If you enjoy getting a sense of local culture, there is a vibrant art, music and theatre scene in Old Mazatlan. You might find yourself dancing to banda, a form of music that injects Latin energy into traditional German polka music. Unique to Sinaloa state, banda was created when Bavarian immigrants arrived around the turn of the 20th century.

Food lovers will enjoy the variety of restaurants here, from funky beach shacks to romantic candlelit courtyards. Shrimp doesn't come any fresher, and the talented chefs all over town have mastered fantastic recipes. Try the shrimp breaded in coconut, marinated ceviche-style in lime juice, smothered in garlic and butter, flambéed in tequila, spiked with a Diablo sauce or just plain steamed.

And when the sun goes down, Mazatlan's night clubs and bars offer everything from discos and karaoke bars to salsa on the beach.

Now, here's the best part – since it doesn't rely solely on tourism, Mazatlan gives visitors a taste of authentic Mexico at prices considerably less than other destinations on the Pacific coast. So live it up in Mazatlan, where your pesos really do go further.

Geography

 

Mazatlan is located on Mexico's Pacific coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains in the state of Sinaloa.

For centuries, the port's strategic location at the juncture of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez attracted foreigners from Spain, France, Germany, America and Asia. Its location provided important access to Mexico's natural bounty, but it also meant the city was frequently besieged by invaders and pirates at different points in its history.

For travellers looking to explore Mexico from a home base, Mazatlan is the ideal gateway to the country. The Baja California peninsula is a short flight or overnight ferry ride away. Magnificent cities such as Guadalajara are approximately 45 minutes away by air, or five hours by coach.

Mazatlan has a great deal of natural beauty as well. Lagoons, estuaries and rivers running through the state are lifelines to rich ecosystems and agricultural fields. Mazatlan's unspoiled nature also attracts avid bird-watchers from all over the globe.

As Mexico's second-largest coastal city, Mazatlan has nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into three main areas: Old Mazatlan (Centro Historico), the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) and New Mazatlan (Nuevo Mazatlan). An 11-km coastal road runs between Old Mazatlan and the Golden Zone.

Culture 

 

For thousands of years prior to the first Spanish arrival, the Native American Nahua tribes migrated through Mazatlan, which they called "land of the deer," after the herds that once roamed along the countryside.

Spaniards founded the port in the early 16th century and it thrived due to the nearby gold and silver mines of El Rosario, Copala and Panuco. However, frequent pirate attacks stifled early development.

The pirates disappeared by 1800, but legends of buried treasures in the caves along the coast still circulate today.

In the 1840s, American settlers passed through Mazatlan on their way to the gold fields of California. By the end of the 19^th century, Mazatlan was a thriving international seaport, attracting people from various parts of the world. To this day, there are strong German, Spanish, French, North American and Asian influences.

In the 1940s, Hollywood discovered Mazatlan and, soon after, tourists came knocking. Most of the development in what's called the Golden Zone around the beaches happened shortly after, in the 1960s.
Today Mazatlan continues to attract visitors from all over the world who love all this city has to offer – an authentic Mexican retreat, plus all the seduction of a beach destination.

Approximately 120,000 Canadians visit Mazatlan each year, many of them returning over and over again. In fact, more than 2,500 Canadians make Mazatlan their winter home and become actively involved in community events and charities. The locals, known as Mazatlecos, are fun, friendly, helpful and justifiably proud of their hometown.

Transportation

 

There are a variety of transportation methods available in Mazatlan that come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Whether it's oversized golf carts (pulmonias), red or green striped "Eco-Taxis" or public buses, there is no shortage of ways to get around this beautiful city.

Open air pulmonias are unique to this area, with hundreds roaming the streets. Popular among locals and tourists, these small carts will take you wherever you want to go in the city. Just be sure to ask for the rate before hopping in since the rates may vary.

Since there is no real pricing grid for pulmonias or Eco-Taxis, you do have an opportunity to bargain your way to a good deal for transportation. However, as the night grows later, the cost for transportation will increase.

Buses usually run from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. To get from the Golden Zone to downtown (Centro Historico), the bus is often your best option. The fare is only around four pesos but make sure you hang on to the ticket the driver hands you – proof of purchase is checked frequently here.

Currency

 

The Mexican peso is the official currency in Mazatlan. Canadian currency and travellers cheques are not widely accepted, and most stores in Mexico do not accept debit cards, so using pesos for purchases is usually simplest.

To exchange your Canadian cash or travellers cheques, stop by one of the many banks, exchange kiosks or your hotel front desk. Just don't forget your passport – it's required to cash your travellers cheques. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs found in banks, grocery stores and hotels.

Although American money is widely accepted, regulations are now in place to limit the amount of U.S. cash both residents and visitors can exchange in Mexico.

By regulation, the maximum visitors can exchange per month is US$1,500. Many financial institutions have imposed additional rules, limiting this amount further to US$300 per transaction.

As for using American money for purchases, local businesses will only accept a maximum of US$100 per transaction; however, there is no limit on the maximum number of transactions per customer. You should also keep in mind that many businesses in Mexico have chosen to forgo accepting U.S. money altogether. The best way to pay is therefore with Mexican pesos or credit card.

Travel requirements 

 

Arrival
During your flight into Mazatlan Airport, you’ll receive two forms to fill out. One is your Customs Declaration Form. The other is your Multiple Migratory Form for Foreigners or FMM for short. One Customs Declaration Form needs to be filled out per family, while each guest must complete an FMM.

In Mexico, there is a tourism tax of US$20 per person. For your convenience, when you fly WestJet, this tax is included in the price of your airfare.

Upon arrival in Mazatlan, a Mexican immigration officer will ask you for your passport and photo ID and for your FMM. The immigration officer may ask you a few questions as to the purpose of your trip, how long you will be staying and if this is your first time in Mexico. The officer will then stamp the card and return a portion of it to you.

Keep your FMM in a safe place – you will be asked for this document when you depart Mexico.

After passing through immigration, you will collect your bags and proceed to customs. A customs agent will ask you for your Customs Declaration Form and ask you to press a button on a device that looks like a traffic light. A green light means "pass through without inspection" and a red light means "your baggage will be inspected." If you get the red light, you will have to open your bags for a quick inspection.

If you've booked hotel transfers with WestJet Vacations, look for a friendly Pronatours representative holding a WestJet Vacations sign once you depart customs. Be sure to identify yourself as a WestJet Vacations guest. As you make your way outside to your hotel transfer shuttle, you will find several representatives from other transfer companies, tour operators and timeshare sellers in the corridor soliciting business. Please ensure you make your way promptly to the Pronatours transportation to avoid delays.

Departure

When departing Mazatlan, you'll need to provide officials with your signed FMM card. Lost FMMs can be replaced at the airport or at the immigration office before you check in for your return flight. However, there is a fee to obtain a replacement card.

Vaccinations

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, typhoid and tetanus are commonly recommended. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that all travellers to Mexico get vaccinated for the H1N1 flu virus before leaving Canada.

Voltage 

 

Mexico uses the North American standard plug, however some properties have only two-pronged receptacles in the room rather than three-pronged receptacles.