Mexico Travel Tips
Health
Health problems sometimes affect visitors to Mexico. Information on health precautions can be obtained from local health departments or private doctors.
It is wise to review your travel health insurance policy before you travel. In some places, particularly at resorts, medical costs can be as high or higher than in the United States.
If your travel insurance policy does not cover you in Mexico, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a policy that does. There are short-term health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel.
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| Medical Facilities in Mexico
Medical facilities in Mexico differ from those in the United States and Canada.
Adequate medical care can be found in all major cities. There are some excellent health facilities in Mexico City.
Some remote areas or coastal islands may have few or no medical facilities. For these reasons, in addition to medical insurance that you can use in Mexico, consider obtaining insurance or joining a medical assistance program to cover the very high cost of medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.
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As part of the coverage, these programs usually offer emergency consultation by telephone. They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call for help on your behalf; they may translate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene. The cost of medical evacuation coverage can be as low as $50.00 for a trip of 30 days. Without this insurance, medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars.
If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company, look for information in travel magazines.
Safety Tips
In an emergency, call [91] (5) 250-0123, the 24-hour hotline of the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. They also have two toll free numbers: if calling within Mexico [91] 800-90-392 and from the U.S. 1-800-482-9832. The hotline is for immediate assistance but it can give you general, nonemergency guidance as well. It is an important number to keep with you. If necessary, in an emergency, you may also call the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency. (See telephone numbers at the end of this brochure.) Travel to Australia! Travelcenter.com.au
As a visitor to Mexico, be alert to your new surroundings. Problem situations in Mexico may be different from those you are used to, and safety regulations and their enforcement are generally not equivalent to our standards.
In large cities, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large city. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket; carry your purse tucked securely under your arm; and wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb and carry your purse away from the street.
At the Hotel. Travelers to Mexico should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place. All visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when available.
On Public Transport. Be vigilant in bus and train stations and on public transport. Watch for pickpockets in these areas.
On Streets and Highways. Be wary of persons representing themselves as Mexican police or other local officials. It is not uncommon for Americans to become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials. Mexican authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases.
You must, however, have the officer s name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint. Make a note of this information if you are ever involved with police or other officials.
Do not be surprised if you encounter several types of police in Mexico. The Preventive Police, the Transit Police and the Federal Highway Police all wear uniforms. The Judicial Police who work for the public prosecutor are not uniformed.
At the Pool or Beach. Do not leave your belongings on the beach while you are swimming. Keep your passport and other valuables in the hotel safe.
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