Official Website:
www.visitmexico.com
Why
Honeymoon Here?
Mexico is easily reached from the US; it's a value destination, meaning
that you’ll usually get a lot for your money; accommodation options
range from inexpensive to ultra-luxurious; beautiful tropical scenery in
coastal
areas;
a diverse and widespread mixture of culture, cuisine, outdoor adventure,
history, and activities.
CIA Background
Notes: The
site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish
rule for three centuries before achieving independence in the early
1800s. A peso devaluation in 1994 threw the country into economic
turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The
nation continues to make an impressive recovery. Ongoing economic and
social concerns include low wages, underemployment, inequitable income
distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely
Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states. The 2000
elections marked the first time since the 1910 Revolution that an
opposition candidate (Vicente Fox of PAN, the National Action Party)
defeated the powerful Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Fox was
followed in 2006 by another PAN candidate, Felipe Calderon.
»» More demographic, political, and statistical info
Climate & Terrain: Varies widely, from tropical to desert. High
and rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; extensive
desert.
Driving: Your US driver's
license is recognized in Mexico, but foreign auto insurance isn't
accepted. This can create big problems if you have an accident—under
Mexico's Napoleonic legal system, you're considered guilty until
proven innocent—so consider buying Mexican coverage if you rent a
car. Before taking the car, look it over with care and make sure the
agent writes down every single scratch, mark, and non-working
function—or you might end up paying for them later. When driving
outside cities, be careful about livestock, a common sight (and
hazard) on roads.
Electricity: Voltage is 110-120,
same as the US.
Language:
Primarily Spanish, but also Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional
indigenous languages.
Taxes, Tipping,
Other Fees: Tip in restaurants and hotels as you would in the US.
If you negotiate a price with a cab driver, assume that the tip has
built into that price—although nothing prevents you from adding a bit
extra if you've had exceptional service. Hotel taxes are high
here—about 17% in most locations (15% tax, plus a 2% lodging tax). In
Quintana Roo, where popular destinations Cancun and the Mayan Riviera
are located, the tax is 10%.
Time Zone:
Mexico utilizes 3 time zones: Central (GMT-6), Mountain Standard
(GMT-7), and
Pacific Standard Times (GMT-8). With the exception of Sonora State,
all Mexico
observes Daylight Savings Time.
Geographic
Coordinates: 23 00 N,
102 00 W
Getting
Married in Mexico:
Here’s
what you'll each need to apply for a marriage license: your Tourist
Cards (issued upon arrival in Mexico); original and 1 copy of birth
certificates; medical certificates with test results of syphilis, HIV,
and blood type, issued in Mexico no more than 15 days prior to
application; valid passports; divorce or death certificate if either of
you is divorced or widowed; official identification of two witnesses
(original ID and 1 copy for each). With this paperwork in hand, apply in
person at the local Registry office for your license and then wait
anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days before the ceremony, depending on
the State in which you’re getting married. After the ceremony, you'll
need a certified copy of the marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio),
so that your marriage is recognized elsewhere in the world. An important
fact: Marriage in Mexico is legal only when a civil ceremony is
performed at a Civil Register Office (Oficina del Registro Civil). If
you choose, you can have a religious ceremony afterward.
Miscellaneous
Notes: When you're away from high-priced hotels and resorts, drink
only bottled water.
»» Back to Mexico on WGH.
