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Entry Requirements
Citizens of the U.S.,
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Chile and nearly
all Western European countries do not require visas to enter as
tourists. They do require a tourist card to visit Mexico, which
can be obtained from the immigration officials at airports, piers
or the border. Mexico has also instituted an approximately US$15
visitor fee; this is usually included in your ticket price.
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Language
Spanish is the official language;
English is understood and/or spoken by most people employed in
the tourism industry. French, Italian, German and many other languages
are spoken by tour guides and concierges.
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Climate
Acapulco is hot and sunny all year round.
The average temperature fluctuates between 80°F to 92°F (27°C
to 33°C). July and August are the warmest months and rainy season
runs from June to October, though showers usually last only 15
or 20 minutes and fall at night.
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Dress
During the day, shorts, bathing suits, T-shirts, sandals and like
are acceptable. At night, the code is "dressy casual"
–locals dress to impress, so you might want to follow suit.
Some nightclubs have a dress code, which usually means no jeans,
T-shirts, sneakers or shorts.
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Business Hours
Banks: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some do business on Saturday and Sunday.
Offices: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with two-hour break for lunch.
Shops: Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; those along the major tourist
areas stay open till 10 p.m. and even later.
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Currency and Credit Cards
Mexican Pesos. American funds are widely accepted, though we recommend
buying some pesos, especially for shopping at the Mercado and
tips. Currency can be exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange houses),
banks, and hotels, though the latter usually have the worst rates.
ATMs are readily available and accept
foreign bankcards. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s
checks or letters of credit in U.S. dollars issued by well-known
banks or travel organizations are readily negotiable in
banks and hotels. Sterling traveler’s checks are not readily
negotiable except at head offices of banks in the country's capita,
and may be subject to a considerable discount. To avoid additional
exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s
checks in U.S. dollars.
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International Airport Departure Tax
The airport departure tax is around US$18 (or the equivalent in
pesos). This tax is usually included in the price of your ticket,
but check to be certain.
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Drinking Water
Most hotels have purified water. However, bottled water is recommended
for drinking. Tap water is not recommended.
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Electricity
120 volts, 60 cycles AC (same as the U.S.).
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Medical Attention
Visitors requiring the services of a doctor should contact the
front desk of their hotel. Doctors are on call 24 hours a day.
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Time
Acapulco is on Central Standard Time.
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Tips on Tipping
Restaurant tipping is 15 to 20 percent for good service. Local
sales tax (I.V.A.) is fifteen percent and should not be mistaken
for gratuity.
Porters should get approximately US$1.00 per bag; hotel maids
should get US$.50 to US$1.00 per day. Taxi drivers do not expect tips
unless you hire them for several hours or if they
handle baggage for you. Don’t forget to tip your guides!
It's also customary to tip washroom and parking attendants-even
kids who watch your car-a few pesos are always greatly appreciated.
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Tourist Police
Officers will help with any tourist information you may require,
as well as aid you in case of robbery. They only work in the tourist
areas, and are most frequently seen helping children, seniors
and visitors cross the busy Costera.
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Car Rentals
International Driver’s permits are not required, but they’re a
good idea. You can obtain one from the U.S., Canadian or your
country's automobile associations. You must be at least 25 years
old and have a major credit card to rent. Acapulco is an easy
city to drive around: most hotels and attractions are on the main
avenue, or "Costera", which follows the shore
of the bay from one end to the other. |
