Calling Home from Mexico with Canada Direct

When it comes to calling home from Mexico, Canadians have a real advantage over visitors from other countries. It's called Canada Direct, an automated telephone service that puts you in contact with a Canadian operator. You can dial one of two access numbers from a pay or private phone within Mexico and then speak directly with an operator. The access numbers for Mexico are 01-800-123-0200 or 01-800-021-1994. Make sure to use a pay phone marked LADATEL or TELMEX. Pay phones in Mexico usually take peso coins or pre-paid phone cards that you can buy in local stores.

I've used this service with great success over the years. Granted, with Internet cafes popping up everywhere in Mexico, I don't telephone as much as I used to. But Canada Direct is a terrific option, plus it's nice to pay less expensive Canadian long distance rates.

New Passport Rules for Mexico

At the moment, Canadians do not need a passport to enter Mexico, only a proof of Canadian citizenship and a valid picture ID such as a driver's licence. However, as of January 23, 2007, all Canadians entering the United States by air must have a valid passport. This means that you now need to show a Canadian passport if your flight lands in a U.S. city en route to or returning from Mexico. Personally, I always take my passport with me to Mexico because it can speed up entrance and exit formalities. Also, it can be difficult to do financial transcations such as cashing traveller's cheques if you don't have a passport. My advice is don't leave home without your passport, even if your flight to Mexico is nonstop.

N.B. Your airline will provide you with a Multiple Migratory Form that you have to fill out and show to the Customs authorities when you enter Mexico. This form is good for up to 180 days, and you have to return it when you leave Mexico. If you lose the form, you will be charged a whopping US$42, so keep it in a safe place.

Canadian Money in Mexico

People often ask me whether it is better to use Canadian or U.S. funds in Mexico. Personally, I never take Canadian money. Outside of Mexico City and resort areas such as Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun, Canadian dollars can be very difficult to exchange. On the other hand, U.S. dollars are welcome virtually everywhere. You can change them to pesos either at banks or casas de cambio (exhange booths). The latter may not give as good a rate as banks, but the difference is often minimal and you probably won't have to line up. Don't take 100-dollar bills since they can be difficult to change. Some places are also wary about accepting worn-looking or defaced bills. Be aware that hotels generally offer less than the official exchange rate ("tipo de cambio").

Traveller's cheques issued in U.S. dollars are a bit more of a hassle to use, but most banks and some private exchange outfits will cash them if you show your passport. Don't even think about taking traveller's cheques issued in Canadian funds. They aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Many travellers now prefer to get peso cash advances on their credit card or use a debit card. Check with your bank to find out what the associated fees are and if ATM's in Mexico will accept your current credit and/or debit cards. Also make sure that your PIN numbers are compatible with the Mexican banking system, which requires a four-digit PIN.

Last but not least, it is a good idea to let your banks know that you will be using your cards in Mexico. This will prevent them from thinking that someone might have stolen them and is abusing them abroad.

Safety in Mexico

A spate of murders, traffic accidents, and shootings involving Canadians in Mexico have once again raised concerns about Mexico being a safe destination for tourists. Is traveling in Mexico risky? Yes and no. Over the past 25 years I have visited Mexico countless times without encountering serious problems. Having said that, Mexico’s annual murder rate is 10 times that of Canada, and petty crime is much more prevalent. It’s always possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, in my opinion, the rewards of exploring Mexico far outweigh the possible dangers. Here are a few simple things that I think anyone can do to minimize the chances of getting into trouble while in Mexico.

* Don’t flaunt cash or expensive possessions such as cameras and jewelry.
* Avoid loud and aggressive behaviour in public. Politeness is the norm in Mexico.
* Learn some Spanish before you go. Apart from helping you find your way around, knowing a few words of Spanish can sometimes get you out of tight situations.
* Be very careful crossing streets in cities. Drivers seldom yield for pedestrians.
* Take taxis after dark. Walking alone at night, especially in tourist zones, can be a good way to get mugged.
* Avoid large crowds and political demonstrations.
* Practice cultural sensitivity. A little understanding can go a long way in Mexico.

The Canadian Consular Affairs website has more information on Safety and Security in Mexico.