Did you know? Mexico ranks 14th in size among the world's countries. The Mexican coastline is nearly four times longer than the combined coasts of California and Florida. One-quarter of Mexico's total population lives in or around Mexico City. There are four mountain peaks within Mexico greater than 15,000 feet in elevation.   The tallest, the 18,850-foot extinct volcano Citlaltepetl, is the third-highest point in North America. Mexico City is the world's only landlocked metropolis without access to the sea via an important river system. With an estimated population of some 95,000,000, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Mexico is a young nation, gaining independence from Spain 45 years after the United States broke free of England.
	Fast Facts Area: 1,972,554 square kilometers (761,603 square miles) Population: 95,000,000 (estimated) Capital: Mexico City, D.F. Language: Spanish; some 50 Indian languages and many more dialects are spoken outside of major cities and towns.  English is widely spoken, particularly in larger cities and at resorts. Currency: The monetary unit is the peso, which is a floating currency.   The rate of exchange in October 1998 was approximately 10pesos=$1U.S. Bank Hours: Banks are open Mon.-Fri. 9-1:30; in some larger cities, they may reopen 4-6 and are open Sat. 10-1:30.  Some of the large hotels and shops will change money, although at varying rates.  Banks are closed on all national holidays, and also may close to celebrate local holidays. Business Hours: Shops are generally open Mon.-Sat. 10-7; some in smaller towns close for an hour or two in the afternoon.  Shop hours may not always correspond to what is advertised.  In resort areas hours are often extended into the evening and stores are open on Sun.  Shopping malls are generally open daily;   they are closed Jan. 1, Good Friday, May 1(Labor Day) and Dec. 25.  In most cities, businesses operate Mon.-Sat. 9-7; many are closed from 2-4 for the traditional long lunch break. Taxes: Mexico levies a 15 percent value-added (I.V.A.) tax on all goods and services.  The tax is supposed to be included in the posted price or rate; double check if you feel you are being doubly charged. National Holidays: New Year's Day; Constitution Day, Feb. 5; Birthday of Benito Juarez, Mar. 21; Holy Week (Semana Santa), Good Friday through Easter Sunday; Labor Day, May 1; Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo), May 5; Independence Day, Sept. 16; Day of the Race (Columbus Day0, Oct. 12; President's Report to Congress, Nov. 1; Day of the Dead, Nov. 1-2; Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910, Nov. 20; Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Dec. 12; Christmas, Dec. 25.  Banks, government offices and most stores are closed.  Offices also may close the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
	Driving in Mexico: If driving into Mexico, you will need a permit for your car.  This can be obtained at the border, but to get it you must prove that the car is yours.  If it is not, bring a notarized statement saying that you have the owner's permission to drive his car and you should have the valid registration and your driver's license.  A auto permit is good for six months, when you re-cross the border your car has to be with you, barring serious emergency. American and Canadian policies are invalid in Mexico.  you will probably want to pick up a short term policy at the border.  No need to hunt for an office, the salesman will find you. Trailers, small boats, and private airplanes can be brought in under the same regulations that apply to automobiles. When driving in Mexico common sense is required.  Traffic can be terrible especially in cities such as Mexico City.  Try to avoid rush hour (7am-9am/ 1pm-3pm/7pm-9pm).   Always lock your car and never leave valuables in it (the trunk is ok during the day) Driving Restrictions: Due to continuing air pollution caused by emissions released by the enormous number of vehicles, driving in the Mexico City metropolitan area, including the Federal District and parts of the state of Mexico, is restricted 1 day a week based on the last digit of a vehicle's license plate.  The restrictions do not apply from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.  They are in effect until further notice and apply to all vehicles, regardless of license plate origin- not just those with Mexican tags.  Foreign drivers unaware of the driving restrictions face potentially heavy fines- up to $300- and possible impoundment of their vehicle.

Safety Mexico City is like any other big city. Petty crime is prevalent and you should be aware at all times. It is not uncommon to find your wallet or items from your purse missing after walking through a crowded market or standing on a crowded train or bus. It is recommended to carry a money belt which can be carried under your shirt. Be aware of people close to you, often you won't feel a wallet being lifted from your pocket or a zipper on your purse or backpack being opened.  Also be aware of people dropping change on a crowded train or bus and bending over to pick it up. Oftentimes, pickpockets will work in groups and as people are jostled while one bends down to get the change, another will pick pockets amidst the confusion. If you can, maintain eye contact with the people nearest you.  If you are looking directly at them, they aren't likely to attempt a theft. Keep your hands on your camera should you carry one as cameras are a favorite target of thieves.  Women should avoid walking alone along empty streets night or day. Busy streets are usually safe. During the day, parks are an excellent area to relax, but they should be avoided at night. Scam artists are commonplace in Mexico City. Consult your travel agent or a tour book to find out the nature of the most common scams and how to avoid them. Should you need to contact the police, the phone number to call is 672-0606. Theft is not the only safety concern facing tourists in Mexico City. Due to the large population of the city and less stringent sanitary codes, many diseases are far more prevalent in Mexico than in the United States, Canada, or other industrialized countries. Ranging from simple diarrhea to more serious afflictions such as cholera, amoebic dysentery, or hepatitis; disease afflicts tourists often. Be sure to talk with your physician before you leave on your trip about how best to prevent contracting these afflictions.

PHONE DIRECTORY: Numbers listed include the full international code to access Mexico direct. Canacintra: 011-525-503-3400 The Mexican National Chamber of Industry & Manufacturing. FONATUR: 011-525-543-7211 or (U.S.) 202-725-1030 Offering foreign investment in Mexico's tourism industry. Mexican Commerce Department: 011-525-700-0328 The Mexican equivalent to the US Commerce Department. Mexican Tourism: 800-44-MEXICO The Department of Tourism offering information on Mexico. Mexico City Tourist Assistance: 011-525-250-0123 or 250-0151 This agency can assist you with any questions about or problems you may have in the capital. Mexico's Wildlife Department: 011-525-574-5480 Information on hunting in Mexico Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources: 011-525-584-0000 Ministry of Commerce and Industrial Development: 011-525-050-4771 Ministry of Education: 011-525-521-0574 Missing Persons Hotline in Mexico City: 011-525-058-1111 World Trade Center of Mexico City: 011-525-082-0822 Business center & exposition area.

Revised: 1999/01/10