Population: 86,000,000

Area: 760, 000 square miles

Language: Spanish. English is spoken in many tourist areas.

Time: Mexico City -1 hour from New York

Electricity: 110 Volts at 60 Hz

Geography: Most of Mexico is rugged terrain. The Yucatan area is mostly flat. The northern areas are mostly flat punctuated by occasional mountains and volcanic cones. The central and southern areas of Mexico are decidedly hilly and mountainous.

International Airports:

Mexico City - The International Airport is about 12 miles from the city and takes 30 minutes to reach the city. Busses and taxis are plentiful. Bus rates are about US$ 8 per person and taxis will often charge $20-25. Payment in US$ is usually OK.

Merida - The airport is 8 miles from the city and takes 12-15 minutes to travel into town. Busses operate on a set schedule are inexpensive. Taxis are plentiful and charge about US$ 12-15 for the ride.

Chihuahua - The airport is 15 miles form the city and takes 30 minutes to travel downtown. Taxis are plentiful and cost about US$ 25. Vans cost about US$ 10 per person. Payment in Us$ is OK.

Tipping: Tipping is expected and very much appreciated with present economic conditions. 10% is the usual amount. For porters 50 cents a bag is customary. Taxi drivers should get 5% of the fare.

Shopping: Shops are usually open from 10 am until 7 or 8 in the evening. Many communities will have special days when the closing times are much later. Siesta time, these days, does not mean that all stores will close. With the present economic conditions, many shop keepers have found that remaining open through the lunch hour has been a good idea. Every area has its special items to buy but on average silver, onyx, amethysts and opals are very good. Straw, leather, clothing and pottery are almost found everywhere. Don't forget to bargain. Prices will usually come down immediately 10 - 15% and even more at the end of the day.

Food and Drink: The water is usually not safe to drink except in the larger hotels - even then ask at the front desk. In hotels where drinking the tap water is not recommended, remember not to brush your teeth with the tap water. In many hotels, a courtesy bottle of water is usually supplied. Avoid foods where it would probably have been washed or rinsed with tap water. Avoid ice in drinks making sure to ask if the ice was make with purified water. Imported drinks in Mexico are very expensive. Local beers are good and soft drinks are plentiful. The food is usually very good, but you may have to search beyond your hotel to get away from the meat and potatoes style menu. Lunch is the main meal in Mexico and can last until after 4 pm! Tacos, tamales, enchiladas, tortillas and many other foods which really bring out the flavor of the country are readily available - even though you may have to ask around a bit.

Social: Mexican are a friendly group of people who are very proud of their history - and rightly so. Most do not speak English but in the tourist areas English is almost universally understood. German is emerging as another language especially in the Yucatan area. Most Mexicans are mixed blood with the majority now of Spanish and Indian heritage. Pure Indian or white is in the minority.

Business: A jacket and ties are recommended for the men and smart dress for the women. Darker colors are good. Business cards do not have to have a Spanish translation as most in business speak at least some English. Knowing "Mexican" Spanish here is a real plus. Don't be afraid to try your high school or college Spanish. It will be amusing to your hosts but will be appreciated.

Banking: Banks are open usually from 9:30 am until 1 pm weekdays. Hotels will usually exchange currency for you.

Currency: The Mexican Peso

Money Exchange: Best at banks but hotels will often give you a rate quite comparable to a bank. Avoid black market street vendors who may sell you old currency which may be worthless.

Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club

Climate

Mexico is tropical in the southern areas. The rainy season runs from June to September but varies greatly as to amounts. The coastal resort areas are temperate with swings in temperatures that are not usually extreme. The northern areas, particularly in the mountains can freeze in the winter.