Mexico: Mexico Expo - Mexico Transportation

Airline service to Mexico is similar to domestic flights in the U.S. Sometimes the flights are on time, and occasionally they are running behind schedule. And just like domestic flights, carry-on baggage must be able to be stowed in either the upper storage bins or beneath the seats to be allowed on board.

Although flights with a stop-over in Mexico City are still common, each year there are more direct flights to Mexico's best destinations. These direct flights usually cost a little more, but your vacation time is valuable so it is usually worth it!

NOTARIZED LETTER REQUIREMENTS: Visitors to Mexico who do not have a valid passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate may use a notarized letter (plus a photo ID) to receive a Mexican Tourist Card. The notarized letter must state that the traveler is a U.S. citizen. It is important to have this letter drawn up, signed and notarized before departing on the trip as it will be needed upon check-in at the airline counter or at the Immigration Office when driving into Mexico.

Travelers deparding through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) may utilize the services of the Notary Office at the Bradley International Terminal. It is located on the departure floor (second level) located next to the Information Desk on the north east end of the terminal. The hours of operation are from 6:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. The fee for a notary service is $25.00..

Minors under 18 years of age traveling with non-parent adults require a notarized letter of permission from both parents to enter Mexico. A minor traveling with one parent needs a letter of permission from the parent who stayed home and missed all the fun, as well as a passport or certified birth certificate.

For discounts on package deals to most Mexican resorts check out the folks at
MEXICO TRAVEL NET.
Private pilots can obtain information on flying to Mexico by reviewing the BAJA BUSH PILOTS web site as well as the MEXICAN AIRCRAFT OWNERS web site.
For more information on escorted flights in private planes into Mexico anf the Caribbean visit the web site of AIR JOUNEY or call them toll free at (888) 554-3774.
Additional information of flying private aircraft into Mexico can be reviewed in the RECREATION section of Mexico Expo.
If you think you may need the services of an emergency Air Evacuation company while visiting Mexico visit the web site of SKY MED INTERNATIONAL or call them at (800) 475-9633 for additional information.

AERO CALAFIA

Telephone 011-52 (114) 3-4302.
Flights to: Charter flights in Bag California Usr, Mexico.

AEROCALIFORNIA

Telephone (800) 237-6225.
Flights to: Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Obregon,
Ciudad Victoria, Colima, Culiacan, Durango, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, La Paz, Leon, Loreto, Los Cabos, Los Mochis, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Tepic, Tijuana, Torreon, Veracruz, Villahermosa.

AEROMEXICO

Telephone (800) 237-6639.
Some flights are with partner airlines Areolitoral.
Flights to: Acapulco, Aguas Calientes, Chihuahua, Ciudad del Carmen,
Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Obregon, Colima, Colonia, Culiacan, Guadalajara, Guaymas, Guerrero Negro, Hermosillo, Huatulco, Ixtapa, Ixtepec, Jalapa, La Paz, Lazaro Cardenas, Leon, Loreto, Los Cabos, Los Mochis, Manzanillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico City, Minatitlan, Monterrey, Morella, Nuevo Laredo, Oaxaca, Piedras Negras, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, Reynosa, San Luis Potosi, Tapachula, Tepic, Tijuana, Torreon, Tuxtla, Uruapan, Veracruz, Villahermosa.

ALASKA AIRLINES

Toll free (800) 252-7522.
Flights to: Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta.

ALEGRO AIRLINES

Toll free (877) 443-7585.
011-52 (555) 265-0000.
Flights to: Cancun, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Mexico City.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Toll free (800) 433-7300.
Flights to: Acapulco, Aguas Caliente, Cancun, Guadalajara, La Paz, Leon, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Mexico City.

AMERICA WEST

Toll free (800) 235-9292.
Flights to: Los Cabos.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES

Toll free (800) 525-0280
Flights to: Acapulco, Cancun, Chihuahua, Cozumel, Guadalajara, Ixtapa, Leon, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Pueblo, Puerto Vallarta, Saotillo, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Torreon, Veracruz, Zacatacas.

DELTA AIRLINES

Toll free (800) 221-1212.
Flights to: Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Mexico City, Monterrey.

MEXICANA

Toll free (800) 531-7921.
Flights to: Acapulco, Ciudad del Carmen, Colima, Comitan, Cozumel, Guadalajara,
Hermosillo, Ixtepec, Jalapa, Lazaro Cardenas, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico City, Minatitlan, Monterrey, Morelia, Nuevo Loredo, Oaxaca, Poza Rica, Puerto Escondido, Puerto Vallarta, QuereTaro, Saltillo, San Cristobal, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Tijuana, Torreon, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Zacatecas.

NORTHWEST AIRLINES

Toll free (800) 225-2525.
Flights to: Mexico City, Los Cabos.

SUN TRIPS

Toll free (800) 786-8747.
Charter flights to: Cabo San Lucas.

TACA AIRLINES

Toll free (800) 535-8780.
Flights to: Mexico City, Cancun.

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There are two different types of buses travelers can utilize in Mexico. There are the long distance distance buses to take you to different cities in the country, and there are the local city buses which handle the short hops in and around most major cites.
As a general rule, in Mexico the longer the distance the bus travels the nicer the bus usually is. Some of these long distance buses are quiet nice, featuring air conditioning and even televisions. There are several different bus lines that travel through Mexico, and it is worth it to spend a few extra dollars to get the nicest bus possible.
Each town has it's own city buses, and these are usually a whole different animal than the cross-country buses. These local buses are work horses designed to help the local people get to and from town, to work, and to take on the day. The prices are very reasonable, and for a quick hop into town visitors can enjoy a very unique cultural experience.

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Many travelers to Mexico reserve a car before they leave home. This can often result in a lower fare, especially if the reservation is made more than two weeks in advance. Bringing a copy of the reservation with a confirmation number will help with reservations that get lost in the system (which happens more often than you might expect) and also helps you obtain the rate you were quoted back at home.
It is usually a good idea to walk around the car before taking possession of it, to note (in writing) any existing damage to the vehicle. Checking for a spare tire and a jack is also a good idea.
Before you leave home it can be a good idea to check with your insurance carrier as to your insurance needs on a rental car in Mexico. Your existing policy may cover damage to the car, but it is unlikely that this policy will provide you with any liability coverage which is required by Mexican law.
Most car rental companies in Mexico offer unlimited mileage, so your imagination and time frame are your main limitations. Plan on paying about $2.60 U.S. for gasoline, although it will actually be priced in pesos per liter. U.S. dollars and pesos are accepted for payment, but credit cards are usually not.
Travelers interested in taking a rented recreational vehicle to Mexico can utilize the services of EL MONTE RV RENTALS (800-367-3687) and CRUISE AMERICA RV RENTALS (800-327-7799). Additional information on RV's can be obtained from the web site of GO RV-ING.COM
For more information on driving in Mexico drop by the DRIVING TIPS and MEXICO INSURANCE sections of Mexico Expo.

ADVANTAGE

Toll free (800) 777-5500.
Offices in: Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Huatulco, Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Reynosa, Saltillo, San Jose del Cabo, San Luis Potosi, Toluca.

ALAMO

Toll free (800) 462-5266.
Offices in: Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad del Carmen, Coatzacoalcos, Cozumel, Guadalajara, Huatulco, Ixtapa, La Paz, San Jose del Cabo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico City, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Puebla, Puerto Escondido, Puerto Vallarta, Tampico, Tijuana, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Veracrus, Villahermosa, Xalapa.

AVIS

Toll free (800) 331-1084.
Offices in: Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Cancun, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Cozumel, Culiacan, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, La Paz, Leon, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Oaxaca,Playa del Carmen, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, Saltillo, San Jose del Cabo, Tampico, Tijuana, Torreon, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Zacatecas.

BUDGET

Toll free (800) 527-0700.
Offices in: Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Celaya, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Obregon, Coatzacoalcos, Cozumel, Culiacan, Culiacan Sinaloa, Guadalajara, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Huatulco, Ixtapa, La Paz, Lazaro Cardenas, Leon, Loreto, Los Mochis, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico City, Minatitlan, Monterrey, Morelia Michoacan, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Puebla, Puerto Escondido, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, Ramos Arizpe, Salina Cruz, Santillo, San Cristobal, San Jose del Cabo, San Juan del Rio, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Tapachula, Tijuana, Toluca, Torreon, Tuxtla, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Zacatecas.

DOLLAR

Toll free (800) 800-6000.
Offices in: Aquascalientes, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Ciudad del Carmen, Cozumel, Guadalajara, Huatulco, La Paz, Leon, Merida, Mexico City, Morelia, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, San Jose del Cabo, Tampico, Villahermosa.

HERTZ

Toll free (800) 654-3001.
Offices in: Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Chihuahua, Ciudad del Carmen, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Obregon, Coatz-Minatitlan, Cozumel, Cuernavaca, Culiacan, Durango, Ensenada, Guadalajara, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Ixtapa, La Paz, Lazaro Cardenas, Leon, Los Mochis, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Mexico City, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, Saltillo, San Jose del Cabo, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Tijuana, Toluca, Torreon, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Veracruz, Villahermosa.

NATIONAL

Toll free (800) 227-3876.
Offices in: Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Colima, Cozumel, Guadalajara, Juarez, La Paz, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, San Jose del Cabo.

PAYLESS

Toll free (800) 729-5377.
Offices in: Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Merida, San Jose del Cabo.

THRIFTY

Toll free (800) 847-4389.
Offices in: Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Ixtapa, La Paz, Leon, Mexicali, Mexico City, Monterrey, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, San Jose del Cabo, Tijuana.

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If you haven't been on a cruise ship, you gotta try it! And taking a cruise to Mexico is the perfect combination of convenience and culture. For those who like the idea of enjoying the many aspects of Mexico, but still want to have that comfortable travel format, a cruise in Mexico is the perfect combination!
Mexico offers 3 completely different cruise experiences. For those with only 3 or 4 days to spare, the cruises to northern Baja are a great way to experience the flavor of Mexican cruising without committing a lot of time or money. For a more involved cruise, the Mexican Riviera offers 7 to 10 day cruising adventures that will give you memories of a lifetime. And if you want to experience a bit of the Caribbean, Mexico can accommodate you with it's delicious Yucatan cruise destinations!
Enjoying cruising? Consider signing up for PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE!
For additional information on discounted rates for cruises to Mexico visit the web sites of CHEAP DISCOUNT MEXICO CRUISES and YOUR MEXICO CRUISES.

The 3 and 4 night cruises that slip south of the border from the United States usually depart from Los Angeles and head south to the port of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Some of these getaways drop the hook at Catalina Island and San Diego on the way down, before settling in at Ensenada.
Ensenada is a great port town for cruise ships for several good reasons. The main tourist area is just a couple of hundred yards from the port, so taking an excursion into town for shopping eating or drinking is a very easy process. There are dozens and dozens of shops on Ensenada's main street, Avenida Lopez Mateos. Restaurants and sidewalk cafes are a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and people watch. One could spend hours just exploring all of these options and still not put a dent in the shops available.
Baja also offers special "Eco" cruises in it's unique Sea of Cortez. These cruise ships tend to be smaller and more intimate, and are the perfect way to enjoy the natural wonders of Baja without roughing it.
For further information on the area drop by our BAJA web site!

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Telephone (800) 327-9501.
3655 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33178.
Ports of Call: Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.
Ship: ECSTACY ~ Port of Call Ensenada / Length 855 feet / Beam 103 feet / Speed 21 knots / Guests 2,052 / Staff 920 / Registry Panama.
Ship: ELATION ~ Port of Call Cabo San Lucas (plus Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan) / Length 855 feet / Beam 103 feet / Speed 21 knots / Guests 2,052 / Staff 920 / Registry Panama.
Drop by the web site of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES for more information.
For more information on Cabo visit the CABO SAN LUCAS. section of

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Telephone (800) 327-6700.
Ports of Call: Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
Also stops in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
Check out their web site for more information on PRINCESS CRUISES.
For more information drop by the PUERTO VALLARTA section of Mexico Expo.

CRUISE WEST

Telephone (800) 888-9378.
Fax (206) 441-4757.
E-mail: info@cruisewest.com.
4th and Battery Building, Suite 8700, Seattle, Washington, 98121.
Ports of Call: Magdelana Bay, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Mulege.
Also stops at various Sea of Cortes beaches and islands.
Visit the web site of CRUISE WEST for more information.
For more information drop by the BAJA section of Mexico Expo.

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS

Telephone (2120 765-7740.
Toll free (800) 397-3348.
Fax (212) 265-3770.
720 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, 10019.
Ports of Call: Magdelana Bay, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz.
Also visiting remote beaches and islands in Baja.
For more information visit the LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS web site.
Additional data on Baja can be found in the BAJA section of Mexico Expo.

SEARCHER BAJA TOURS

Telephone (619) 226-2403.
E-mail: searcher@bajawhale.com.
Ports of Call: Cabo San Lucas
Also whale watch trips visiting Sea of Cortez destinations.
Visit the SEARCHER BAJA TOURS web site for further information.
For more information on the Sea of Cortez check out the BAJA section
of Mexico Expo.

VOYAGER CRUISE LINE

Telephone (800) 451-5952.
Fax (206) 623-7809.
226 2nd Avenue West, Seattle, Washington, 98119.
Ports of Call: Cabo San Lucas
Also cruising the remote beaches and islands of the Sea of Cortez.
Drop by the VOYAGER CRUISE LINE web site for more information.

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Cruising Mexico's "Mexican Riviera" is the most popular way to see Mexico by cruise ship. Most of these cruises depart from Los Angeles, and visit the Mexican port towns of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Acapulco. Seven day cruises are the most popular, although 10 day cruises are also available.
On these cruises it is easy to get caught up in the comfort and convenience of the ship itself, and sometimes hard to find the energy to take the jaunt into town. However, most people do make it into town at most ports, and are almost always glad they made the effort!
For more information on these ports of call drop by our web sites for CABO SAN LUCAS, PUERTO VALLARTA and ACAPULCO.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Telephone (800) 327-9501.
3655 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33178.
Ports of Call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas.
Ship: ELATION ~ Port of Call Cabo San Lucas (plus Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan) / Length 855 feet / Beam 103 feet / Speed 21 knots / Guests 2,052 / Staff 920 / Registry Panama.
Drop by the web site of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES for more information.
For more information on Cabo visit the CABO SAN LUCAS. section of

PRINCESS CRUISES

Telephone (800) 744-6237.
Ports of Call: Acapulco.
For a live vacation view check out their "bridge cams".
Check out their web site for more information on PRINCESS CRUISES.
For more information drop by the ACAPULCO section of Mexico Expo.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Telephone (800) 327-6700.
Ports of Call: Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
Also stops in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
Check out their web site for more information on PRINCESS CRUISES.
For more information drop by the PUERTO VALLARTA section of Mexico Expo.

CRUISE WEST

Telephone (800) 888-9378.
Fax (206) 441-4757.
E-mail: info@cruisewest.com.
Ports of Call: Copper Canyon, Los Mochis, Chihuahua.
Also stops at various locations throughout the Sea of Cortez.
Visit the web site of CRUISE WEST for more information.
For more information drop by the BAJA section of Mexico Expo.

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS

Telephone (2120 765-7740.
Toll free (800) 397-3348.
Fax (212) 265-3770.
720 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, 10019.
Ports of Call: Guaymas.
Also visiting cities, remote beaches and islands in Baja.
For more information visit the LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS web site.
Additional data on Baja can be found in the BAJA section of Mexico Expo.

VOYAGER CRUISE LINE

Telephone (800) 451-5952.
Fax (206) 623-7809.
226 2nd Avenue West, Seattle, Washington, 98119.
Ports of Call: Copper Canyon.
Also cruising the remote beaches and islands of the Sea of Cortez.
Drop by the VOYAGER CRUISE LINE web site for more information.

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Ahhh..the Caribbean! One of the best kept secrets of Mexico is that it offers a Caribbean option as nice as or better than the other well known Caribbean destinations! These ports of call include Cancun, Cozumel and Play del Carmen.
Cancun is one spectacular mile of beach after another, with restaurants and nightlife second to none in Mexico. If you like to shop..."Honey, I'm home!". Cozumel offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world, and if you own a mask and snorkel this place has your name on it. Playa del Carmen is Mexico's biggest secret destination! It's a small but growing Mexican seaside village and host to some of the most impossibly clear aqua waters on Earth. Swimming in the warm ocean waters here is like wading in a dream!
For further information on the area drop by our web sites on CANCUN, COZUMEL and PLAYA DEL CARMEN!

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Telephone (800) 327-9501.
3655 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33178.
Ports of Call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas.
Ships: CELEBRATION / FACINATION / IMAGINATION / INSPIRATION / JUBILEE / PARADISE / SENSATION / VICTORY.
Ports of Call: Cozumel, Playa del Carmen.
CELEBRATION and IMAGINATION stop in Cancun.
Drop by the web site of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES for more information.
For more information on Cabo visit the CABO SAN LUCAS. section of

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Telephone (800) 437-3111.
Port of Call: Cozumel.
Also serving other areas in the Caribbean.
Check out their web site for more information on CELEBRITY CRUISES.
For more information stop by the COZUMEL section of Mexico Expo.

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Driving a car in Mexico allows significantly more freedom than having to depend on taxis and buses. There are so many things to see and do in and around each Mexican destination that sometimes it is almost a shame not to be mobile. Along with the freedom of driving a car in Mexico, there are also important responsibilities.
When renting a vehicle in Mexico it is important to bring a major credit card and a valid driver's license.
Whether you are renting a car, or driving down in your own vehicle, these tips will help.
For extensive information on driving an RV into Mexico visit the web site of ON THE ROAD IN MEXICO.
Two web sites to review regarding RV caravans into Baja Mexico include BAJA WINTERS RV TOURS and BAJA AND BACK RV CARAVAN TOURS.
For more information on driving in Mexico drop by the DRIVING TIPS and MEXICO INSURANCE sections of Mexico Expo.

1). Watch for slow moving vehicles at all times. The Mexican people use the same roads that the tourists use, only they are usually going a lot slower.
2). Watch for animals on the road. Cows, horses, mules, goats and dogs all wander around on the pavement. Be particularly careful on curves and at night.
3). Be prepared to pass other vehicles. If the slower moving truck in front of you has his left blinker on, he is probably telling you to go head and pass him.
4). Understand road workers hand signals. When these guys are standing on the side of the road "pushing down" with their hands it means "slow down" for what's ahead.
5). Understand the speed limit signs. Using the "times 6" rule, multiply the kilometers per hour times 6 and then drop the zero. 100 kph roughly equals 60 mph.
6). Comply with insurance requirements. You are not required to have damage insurance for your vehicle, but you must have liability insurance in case you are in an accident.
7). Drinking under the influence is against the law. When partying in Mexico find somebody who is sober to get behind the wheel of the car. The Mexican jails are scary.
8). Enjoy the journey! Bring along music, cold drinks and snacks! Road trips in Mexico are more than just a destination...they are an adventure unto themselves. Enjoy!

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There are two areas in Mexico where ferry service is available. On the west side of Mexico ferry service is available between the mainland and the Baja Peninsula. On the east side of Mexico ferry service is available between the mainland and the island of Cozumel.
Boaters might find Mexico's NAUTICAL LADDER plan interesting. The idea is to build marinas all around Baja and on the northern portion of the Mexico mainland.

WEST COAST FERRY * EAST COAST FERRY

WEST COAST FERRY

Ferry service between the Mexican mainland and the Baja Peninsula is a major economic link between these two areas. The two areas that are serviced by ferry's on the Baja Peninsula are Santa Rosalia and LA PAZ. These ferries handle people and freight, including cars and trucks. The ferries from Santa Rosalia connect on the mainland with Guaymas, and the ferries from La Paz connect with the mainland at Topolabampo and MAZATLAN . For more information on this magnificent peninsula drop by the BAJA section of Mexico Expo.

SANTA ROSALIA FERRY

Telephone for reservations in Santa Rosalia 011-52 (615) 152-1246.
Telephone for reservations in Guaymas 011-52 (622) 222-0204.
Located east of town in the marina.
E-mail: ventas@ferrysantarosalia.com.
Web site:www.ferrysantarosalia.com.
Visit their web site for schedules, rates, destinations and additional information.

BAJA EXPRESS

Located in the harbor at Topolobampo.
Direct speedboat service to La Paz!
Usual overwater time is about 5 hours.
No service on Wednesday.

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EAST COAST FERRY

Unlike the west coast ferry between Baja and the mainland that takes a certain amount of planning, the east coast ferry is a no-brainer. The ferry runs between Playa del Carmen on the east coast of Mexico's beautiful Yucatan Peninsula and connects with Mexico's largest island COZUMEL. The ferry leaves about once every hour, and this e-ticket is over before you can finish your peanuts and cervesa. The cost is very affordable, and the water in the channel is usually pretty smooth.
For more information on this special island drop by the COZUMEL section of Mexico Expo!

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Taxis are an important link in the transportation chain in most Mexican cities. They are relatively affordable, usually safe, and are readily available at most airports and hotels throughout the country.
Taxi fares are often posted at airports, so you have a pretty good idea of the general cost you are going to pay before you commit to a destination. Still, it is a smart practice to lock up an exact fare (or as close as possible) to your location before you get in the cab. Although Mexican taxi rates are usually regulated and most taxi drivers offer similar rates, agreeing on a price before hand can eliminate misunderstandings.
In some Mexican cities the rates may be a bit higher at night. This is more a reflection of supply and demand than anything else, there are simply less cab drivers willing to run around in the evenings looking for fares. These cab drivers are usually not looking to get rich, they are just trying to earn enough money to make a living.
Taxi cabs in Mexico City are a special case. Although the vast majority of taxis in Mexico City are driven by honest and hard working people, the exception of getting into a bad cab is higher here than in most Mexican cities. Good ways to increase your odds of getting a good cab include obtaining a cab from designated taxi areas, or having a cab called by someone who works at the hotel you are staying at. Flagging down a taxi on a side street can be risky.
Almost all taxi drivers will accept U.S. dollars for payment of taxi fares, and of course they will also accept pesos. When paying in dollars it helps to have funds available in smaller bills, especially in smaller towns. The price you are quoted for a fare will probably be quoted in pesos, but most cab drivers are usually happy to provide you with the amount in dollars as well. Credit cards and cashier's checks for payments will get you blank stares but not much else.
Tipping is usually appreciated by cab drivers, but not necessarily expected. If a cab driver has provided you with excellent service or extra information that helps your visit, tipping is a common way to say "muchas gracias".
Taxis are a great way to take a tour of the town! Most cab drivers take great pride in their city, and if you find one that speaks English (most do) you will probably get more than your money's worth on a tour around town. And if you want to stop somewhere for a drink and a fun fish taco, they are usually happy to hang with you until you get back on the road.

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Hitch-hiking has become somewhat of a lot art in the United States, and it's not much more common in Mexico. Bus fares are pretty inexpensive, so most travelers on a budget take the bus. However, there are times when traveling in Mexico where thumbing a ride makes sense, and if all goes well it can be a great way to get around and to meet new people.
Hitch-hiking in BAJA is more common than on the Mexican mainland. The lack of infrastructure on the Peninsula makes Highway One the main route for traveling up and down the highway, which leaves a lot of territory unserviced. Over the years I have given rides to many people hitch-hiking in Baja, from ranchers to surfers, bikers to hookers. It has always been a good experience, and I will probably continue this practice in the future. Of course discretion is always suggested.
Hitch-hiking on the Mexican MAINLAND is a sombrero of a different color. Tales of roaming bandits and thieves are usually somewhat exaggerated, although there have been plenty of cases where individually have gotten into serious trouble. The safety of grabbing a ride with an unknown person generally decreases as one heads further south on the Mexican mainland. Where grabbing a ride from Guaymas to Mazatlan might not offer any problems, thumbing in Chiapas might just get you killed. When in doubt, don't hitchhike!

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WEST COAST FERRY * EAST COAST FERRY

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EAST COAST FERRY