Entry Requirements
Citizens of many countries - including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and virtually all Western European countries - do not require visas to enter México as tourists. However, they must obtain a Mexican government tourist card (tarjeta de turista), available from embassies or at border crossings.
If you're flying to México, you'll be given a tourist card and instructions for filling it out on board your plane - the cost of a tourist card (about $20) is usually included in your plane fare.
As of Dec 2006, US travelers must have passport to exit/enter the country.
Traveling with Children
Mexican law requires that if only one parent (or other guardian) is accompanying a minor under 18 into México, they must bear a notarized letter from the child's other parent (or guardian) granting permission to enter México with the child, including the dates of travel, the accompanying adult's name, contact information, and a notarized signature.
Language
Spanish is the official language in México, but a large majority of tourist services speak English, and in some cases a third language. The rural population is bilingual in the Spanish and Mayan languages.
Credit Cards and Currency
Most of the hotels, shops and restaurants will accept credit cards, with some or no surcharge, but not all of them. However, you have to keep in mind that many other establishments - especially smaller ones with lower prices farther from the tourist zone or out of town, may not accept credit cards. While you are planning your trip, make sure that you carry - or have access to, enough cash or traveler's checks.
Tipping
In the restaurants, as opposed to other countries, the service isn't charged in the account. If the service was of excellent quality the tip is 15% of the consumption, if the service was just good, the usual is to leave a tip of 10% of the consumption.
The porters, doorman, waiters, gas stations, employees, vigilants and other workers, want a tip for their services, since their wages are very low and many times, it represents their only income. The exception are the taxi drivers who receive a tip only if they have made an extra service.
Electricity
Standard current is 110 volt AC, the same as in the US. However, three prong outlets are not widely available, so an adapter is a good idea.
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