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Mexico Travel TipsIdentification and Visas When traveling to Mexico, the most convenient form of identification is a passport, although a valid state ID and a certified copy of your birth certificate is acceptable. Starting in 2008, the US government will require a US passport of all citizens returning from abroad, so it may be wise to go ahead and apply for one. Whenever you travel, it is always a good idea to make photocopies of your travel documents and store them in a safe place separate from the originals in case of loss or theft. If you have access to a scanner you may want to consider storing a digital copy of your passport online for easy access. Visitors to Mexico are required to obtain an FM-T - a tourist card that costs about US $20. These tourist cards are good for anywhere from 7 to 180 days. Remember, you are required to surrender your tourist card when leaving Mexico. If you have lost your tourist card, or if it has expired you are likely to be fined. Money in Mexico Mexico's poverty can be shocking to people who have little experience traveling in third world countries. Remember that the minimum wage in Mexico is less than US $50 per week. Using large bills for small purchases, especially from street vendors and small businesses, is rude and perpetuates the "rich tourist" stereotype. Be aware of the current exchange rate when making purchases. For simplicity, we suggest dividing the cost of an item by ten (ie. $100 pesos = US $10) to give you a rough idea of what the dollar value is. You can also check the current exchange rates for pesos and other currencies online. Most taxis in cities in Mexico have flat rates for transport within certain zones. If you are unsure what the rate should be, ask the hotel staff. Do be aware that calling a taxi for pick up will cost double, as the taxi drivers will charge for the trip from the taxi stand to the pick up and then again to take you to your destination. In San Miguel de Allende, the daytime fare is currently $15 pesos, and after 9 pm, the cost is generally $20 pesos. It is always a good idea to have exact change when taking a taxi, as it tends to eliminate the driver's temptation to overcharge. Be sure to ask the price before hiring someone, including taxi drivers, and day laborers. Even experienced foreign residents have fallen for "bait and switch" tactics when getting a car washed, getting a flat tire patched, etc. The best way to avoid paying "gringo tax" is to have a trusted Spanish speaker negotiate the costs in advance. Remember to always ask the price first, know what the going rate is, and don't be afraid to say "No gracias" if the price seems too high. Visiting San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende is located in the mountainous region of central Mexico. Most of the streets and sidewalks are steep and paved with uneven cobblestones and flagstones. As such, visitors should be prepared for their stay in San Miguel with a pair (or two!) of good, comfortable walking shoes. Also remember that San Miguel de Allende is at high altitude, around 6000 feet. It may take a few days for your body to adjust to the thinner air. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take it easy if you feel dizzy or unusually tired. An additional effect of the higher altitude, visitors to San Miguel de Allende should limit the amount of sun they receive. The UV exposure is far higher than it would be at sea level to due to the thinner air and reduced cloud cover. Sunblock of varying grades is available in most local pharmacies. Although most everyday items can be purchased fairly easily in Mexico, something that is difficult to attain are shoes in larger sizes. Women's size 9 or larger and Men's size 10 or larger may be extremely difficult to find here (or almost anywhere in Mexico.) Name brands also tend to be more expensive than in the United States. Even during the warmest months (March through May) when the afternoons can reach 90� F (33� C) in San Miguel de Allende, the evenings can drop to 50� F (15� C). It is advisable to bring at least a light sweater or jacket for this time of year. The rainy season in San Miguel de Allende begins the beginning of June and generally lasts through the middle of October. When the rain falls, it can rain quite heavily, but don't let this discourage you - not only are the days pleasantly cool, but by August, the desert, which previously only yielded cactus and thorn bushes, is now covered with wild flowers and grass. It is truly a wondrous sight to see the transformation of San Miguel de Allende (read more about San Miguel's weather conditions). Other Online Travel Resources
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