|
Page 1 of 2 Mexico is a very beautiful and hospitable country, here follows a list of tips and tricks that will make your visit to our country much more easier, please take time to read this section, who knows, it may help you avoid any shameful inconvenience.
A
AIRPORTS
It is not possible to take baggage carts out of the arrival halls at México City or Toluca airports, although there are porters to assist with luggage. A small tip will be expected. It is also wise to reconfirm all flights in advance.
B
BANKS & CREDIT CARDS
Banks are generally open from 09:00-16:00 hrs Monday to Friday and a few from 09:00-13:00 hrs on Saturday.
All international credit cards (Visa, Master Card and American Express) are commonly accepted in major cities (Toluca and Valle de Bravo).
Small businesses in small towns will not take credit cards.
Most Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are open 24 hours a day and can be found curb side in banks, some hotel lobbies and shopping centers.
Changing Traveler Checks is best done in the morning, as a number of banks will not accept them after 14:00 hrs. A passport is also required.
For the most favorable rates, change money through banks, although we recommend doing it before living the airport (Toluca or Mexico City)
It is somewhat difficult to exchange European currencies (including the Euro) in Toluca and Valle de Bravo. Dealing with US Dollars is much more easy.
BARGAIN
Bargaining is a common practice in tourist areas. In smaller towns away from the tourist sites bargaining is not recommended as it can be seen as disrespectful.
BEHAVIOUR
Basically it is not difficult to act respectably in México; in general people are friendly and quite informal. As when traveling to any foreign country, friendliness and a desire to respect local customs is appreciated.
C
CLIMATE
The climate in July in Valle de Bravo is typically tropical. July is in the middle of the rain season and although it rains mostly every day after 3:00 pm, during the morning hours the sun shines and it is normally warm with temperatures around 25ºC, during the evening hours the temperature may get down to around 9ºC.
CLOTHING
Although dress code is not an issue in México, we do not suggest any liberal dressing.
Raincoats and gumboots are a must for this time of the year in Valle de Bravo as all fields are wet, and humidity is at a high percentage.
CUSTOMS
All things of personal use do not incur duty. Other articles are allowed with some limitations: 2 liters of alcohol, souvenirs and gifts not exceeding USD$300. Foreign currency is limited to USD$10,000 or equivalent without declaration.
All persons (riders, managers, doctors, mechanics, media, etc.) related to the event are traveling in a special immigration agreement, even though the purpose of the trip will be related to some kind of job at the racing event, all persons related to the race must AVOID AT ANY IMMIGRATION OFFICE (first entrance point of all countries in the traveling itinerary) SAYING THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP IS WORK.
D
DRIVING
Cars are left-hand driven in México and you drive on the right side of the road. While driving on any kind of road either in a car or on a motorcycle always remain aware of possible road hazards such as animal crossing, potholes, chasing dogs, uncivilized drivers and the omnipresent speed reducer bumps called “TOPES”. The right of passage in corners and roundabouts is not observed in México City and surrounding areas such as Toluca, and usually the biggest, or the bravest, goes first. There are no stoplights in Valle de Bravo.
The speed limit in towns is 40 km/h and is indicated everywhere else by road signs.
Highway speeds can vary between 80 to 110 km/h. Speed limits are usually posted, and must be observed.
Carry your Driving License at all times.
Wearing seat belts is compulsory.
E
ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in México is 110 volts (60 Hz) and sockets accept plugs with two flat parallel pins. Most laptop computers and electrical devices operate equally on 110 or 220 volts since their own AC power supply regulates the current and only require a travel plug adaptor (American type).
ELEVATION
The elevation around the central part of the country (around Mexico city) is very high and goes from 1,800 MASL (meters above sea level), Toluca is the highest city in the country with an altitude of 2,550 MASL, traveling from Mexico city to Toluca and from Toluca to Valle de Bravo the road crosses several mountains above 3,200 MASL this could lead to a small headache and/or dizziness in some people.
The town of Valle de Bravo sits at an altitude of 1,821 MASL. The elevation of the special tests varies from 2,000 to 2,200 MASL, and the highest point of the course will hardly reach 2,500 MASL.
F
FESTIVALS
Mexicans celebrate a number of festivals and seasonal events throughout the year and it is worthy of note if planning a vacation. Any festivals or holidays during the week of the WEC will be notified in advance.
|
