Most banks are open from 9am to 4pm Monday-Friday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. American and Canadian traveler's checks are generally cashed at banks until 2:00pm (2pm on Saturday), but only with photo ID. American cash (no Canadian cash*) can be exchanged for pesos, but only bills (no coins) are accepted. Debit card and credit card cash advances are available 24 hours daily at automated tellers (ATMs) only, but you must have your personal identification number (PIN). Bital, Banamex, Bancrecer and Serfin banks are authorized for ATM transactions. *To exchange Canadian cash (no coins) you can do it just at Santander and Banamex banks or go to a casa de cambio (money exchange).
Several casas de cambio can help you change dollars (and occasionally other currencies) for pesos. Casa rates are sometimes not as good a deal as the banks (usually by a few cents) but they are generally open longer hours with much shorter lines. The American Express office located on Camarón Sábalo Ave. is open from Monday - Friday from 9a.m. to 6p.m. & Saturday from 9a.m. to 1p.m. Tel: 913-0600. Some hotels offer exchange services.
Pharmacies are generally staffed by knowledgeable people. Many will deliver and some are open 24 hours. Ask your hotel clerk for information on in-house doctors.
Although hotels can assist with long distance calls, dialing direct can be expensive. Call collect or bill the call to a calling card for the best rates. Dial 090 to reach a TELMEX international operator and ask for an English speaking operator. When calling cell phones, dial 044669 before the number. Most phones work by using LADATEL cards, which can be purchased at various supermarkets for 30 or 50 pesos. Mexican Phone Codes: Long Distance (Dial Direct): Domestic 01, USA & Canada 001, Rest of the World 00, Long Distance (Through Operator): Domestic 020, International 090, Special Services: Time 030, Wake-Up Call 031, Info - Domestic Directory 040, Line Repair 050, Cust. Service (Long Dist.) 055, Emergencies 066, *verify this information with your local phone book. If you require additional information for your Long Distance calls, please dial 055 or for Special Services, dial 040
Red 2000 and Megared offer you this service. Megared: Mon. to Fri. from 9:30 am. to 7 p.m. and Sat. from 9am. to 2pm. They are located on Lola Beltran near Ejercito Mexicano. Red 2000: Mon. to Fri. from 8:30 am. to 6 p.m. and Sat. from 8 am. to 2 p.m. They are located en Plaza Las Americas local 2 (multicinemas.) There are numerous cyber-cafes in the tourist areas.
The post office is located downtown, across the street from the main plaza & the other one inside the Central Bus Station.
A national consumer tax of 15% known as IVA is tacked onto most purchases, although it is generally included in most restaurant menu prices. Hotels charge a 17% tax.
Unless money is no object, negotiate the price before entering the vehicle. The red & white, or green & white ECO TAXIS have standard rates of $20 - $40 pesos anywhere in town. The open-air taxis, or pulmonias, generally cost a little more than a regular taxis.
The Sábalo Centro bus runs from the hotel zone to downtown and costs $3.70 pesos. As with most buses, an extra 50 or 70 centavos is charged depending the distance. The buses begin running at 5:30am and start their final route about 10pm and are spaced at intervals of about 10 to 15 minutes. During rush hour (5 to 7pm) this bus fills up and two or three may pass you up for lack of space. If your destination is within the hotel zone, any of the buses passing in front of your hotel will do. The Cerritos Juarez bus stops at La Gran Plaza and Soriana shopping malls and near the baseball stadium. The Sábalo Cocos bus stops at Gigante Super Market, Plaza Ley del Mar, across the street from Soriana, Ley I and the Bus Station. THE NEW TOURIST BUSES (air conditioned) run the routes Sabalo Centro and Sabalo Cocos from the hotel zone to downtown and cost $ 7.50 pesos
At restaurants, 10 to 15% is standard, but check to ensure a tip has not been included in your bill. Be sure to differentiate between the 15% tax and a tip. Bellmen usually receive about 3 pesos per bag and maids 4 to 5 pesos per day. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers unless they have rendered special services, such as waiting while you go into a store or business. Tour guides should be tipped for a tour well done. The young boys and girls at major supermarkets typically receive 1 to 2 pesos for helping bag and carry groceries - they receive no salary. Delivery people (farmacia, pizza, fast food, flowers) should also be tipped.
Purified water and ice are available in all restaurants. Bars and lounges also serve only purified water and ice. Purified water can be purchased in almost any small supermarket.
All beaches in Mexico are federal property up to high tide lines, and thus, public. Watch for signs regarding safety. A color-coded flag system is used on some beaches to inform swimmers of the surf conditions. Weaker swimmers should always use caution. Swim only where you see a lifeguard stationed. Don’t forget the importance of a good sunscreen protection, and don’t forget to shower before you enter the pool.
Check the delivery policy with your hotel. Some allow the deliver to the lobby, others request that you wait outside the door of the lobby.
Where to report misplaced or stolen international credit cards in Mexico. American Express: Ave. Camaron Sabalo 1500 Local 15 & 16 (Next to Dairy Queen) Zona Dorada, Mazatlan, Sin. Local Phone: (669) 913-0600 Travelers Checks: 001-800-828-0366 Credit Cards: 001-800-333-3211 Visa: Credit Cards: 001-800-847-2911 Collect: 001-410-581-9994 Mastercard: Credit Cards: 001-800-622-7747 Collect: 001-314-542-7111 All these numbers are easily accessed from a payphone with a telmex or ladatel card.
