GENERAL INFO
Spring Break Acapulco General Info

Currency
Mexican peso. The rate of exchange against the US dollar fluctuates daily.

Population
1.5 million

Languages
Spanish is the official language; English is understood and/or spoken by most people employed in the tourism industry.

Weather
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.

Customs
Declaration forms must be completed upon arrival.

Documentation
U.S. citizens need a valid passport, or a birth certificate plus driver’s license or other official photo I.D.; a visa is not necessary. Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor. Very strict regulations govern travel by minors into Mexico.If traveling alone, the minor must have a notarized consent form signed by both parents.If traveling with only one parent, the minor must have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent not traveling. If traveling with only one parent and the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof.

Dress Code
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.

Drinking Age
The legal drinking age is 18.

Drinking Water
Most hotels have purified water. However, bottled water is recommended for drinking. Tap water is not recommended.

Drugs
To be blunt, don't use or possess illegal drugs in Mexico. Mexican officials have no tolerance for drug users, and jail is their solution, with very little hope of getting out until the sentence (usually a long one) is completed or heavy fines or bribes are paid. Remember, in Mexico the legal system assumes you are guilty until proven innocent. (Important note: It isn't uncommon to be befriended by a fellow user, only to be turned in by that "friend," who's collected a bounty for turning you in.) Bring prescription drugs in their original containers. If possible, pack a copy of the original prescription with the generic name of the drug.

Electricity
120 volts, the same as in the U.S.

Time Zones
Central Standard year round.

Banks and Currency Exchange Facilities
US Dollars are easily exchanged into pesos in banks, major hotels, airports and exchange houses. Mexican Banks are generally open Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some do business on Saturday and Sunday. Exchange houses are open longer and offer quicker service. Most credit cards are accepted in shops, hotels and travel agencies. Major purchases are best made with a credit card. You automatically receive the bank rate of exchange, which is higher than the rates given in town or at the hotels.

Business Hours
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.

Medical Facilities
Mexico has a nationalized healthcare system and almost every town and city has either a national hospital or medical clinic. Most hotel have a 24-hour doctor on call. No vaccinations are need to enter Mexico from the US or Canada. Below is a list of local hospitals and clinics.

Hospital Magallanes which has an English-speaking staff and doctors
Avenida Wilfrido Massieu 2 Fracc. Magallanes
tel. 744/485-6194 or 744/485-6096
Hospital Pacífico
Calle Fraile y Nao 4, Fracc. La Bocana
tel. 744/487-7180 or 744/487-7161

Handicapped Facilities
Most five star and Gran Turismo hotels are wheel chair accessible. Check with individual hotels for specific requirements.

Telephones
From North America to Acapulco: dial 011 (int'l access code) + 52 (Mexico's country code) + 744 (Acapulco's area code) + the local number. From Acapulco calling North America, dial 00+1+area code+local number. Many US long-distance phone companies have access numbers that you can dial in order to use your phone card, usually through the Mexican telephone company public phones, Using LADATEL or TelMex calling cards may be less expensive than direct-dialed calls from your hotel room. (Check with your hotel for surcharges BEFORE calling.)

Public Transportation
Taxis in Acapulco don’t have meters, so it’s important to settle on a fare beforehand. Tipping the driver is optional, but recommended if he assists with luggage. Hotel cabs have fixed fares to major destinations. You can also hire a cab for the whole day -be sure to reach an agreement about the fare before leaving.

Getting Married in Acapulco
People under the age of 18 may not get married in Mexico without parental consent.   With parental consent, boys have to be at least 16 and girls need to be at least 14 years of age. ALL Foreign documents listed below (with the exception of your passport) will need to be:
* Translated into Spanish;
* Notarised by your nearest Mexican Consulate and;
* Be 'Legalised' in the country where you live by the appropriate organisation / authorities: