Saturday, December 27, 2008

Understanding Mexican Laws While Vacationing in Mexico

Each year, millions of individuals travel to Mexico. Many travel to Mexico for a vacation or a business trip. Whatever your reason for traveling to Mexico, there are a number of important things that you must consider. Perhaps, the most important is the laws in Mexico.

Whether you are driving to Mexico or flying there, you will need to have the proper forms of identification. Picture identification and proof of citizenship will be required. To prove citizenship, a birth certificate or passport can be used. Without the appropriate documents, you may be denied entry.

Before leaving for Mexico, it is advised that you make multiple copies of your identification documents. You are encouraged to leave a copy at home and carry another copy with you, in addition to the original documents. If you should have a problem with the Mexican authorities, these documents will come in handy.

Out of all of the people that to travel to Mexico, most will not encounter a problem with authorities. To prevent a problem from occurring, you are encouraged to know and understand some of the laws that are currently in place in Mexico. Knowing and abiding by these laws will not only keep you safe, but it will make your vacation enjoyable.

As with any country, Mexico has a large number of laws that are currently enforced. While it may be impossible for you to examine each and every one of these laws, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the most important ones. For instance, many individuals believe that checking in at the boarder is all they have to when they arrive in Mexico.

If you are like most of the other individuals who visit Mexico, you are there on a vacation. Arriving in Mexico by car is different than arriving there on an airplane. If you plan on driving yourself around Mexico, you will need to register your vehicle. This can be done by obtaining a vehicle import permit. Car owners that do not have the proper approval can be fined or lose their vehicle.

If you are traveling to Mexico for a business trip, you will be required to fill out a business form. In Mexico, you are not allowed to conduct business in the area, without first making your intentions known. Business travelers are required to fill out a conduct of business form. If you are self-employed or work for a small company, you will often be responsible for this paperwork. If you work for a larger, international company, the paperwork may already be taken care of.

Once in Mexico, you are encouraged to use alcohol with caution. Mexican authorities often arrest individuals that illegal purchase alcohol, cause a public disruption, or drink in areas where alcohol is not permitted. In the United States, illegal drinking activities are taken serious, but it is nothing compared to Mexico. All punishments will vary, but you easily spend a number of months or years in jail. That is why all tourists are encouraged to use their best judgment when alcohol is involved.

While in Mexico, it is likely that you will take risks. For that is what Mexico is all about. There is a difference between taking risks and breaking the laws. It is always important to keep in mind that the laws in Mexico vary from the laws in the United States and other countries. In addition the laws, the way they are enforced and the punishment for breaking them vary.

If you are vacationing in Mexico and you find yourself in a predicament with the Mexican authorities, you are urged to contact your nearest embassy. If you are from the United States, you will need to be in contact with the United States Embassy. By contacting your nearest embassy office, you can seek assistance on what to do next.

As previously mentioned, the best way to stay out of trouble in Mexico is not to cause it. When partying or participating in other activities, be sure you know what you are doing. When in doubt, it is best to avoid any activities that may land you jail. If you are interested in learning more about Mexican laws, you can easily do the research online.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Visiting Mexico? Don’t Be a Victim to Crime

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, there are a number of important factors that you should first consider and prepare for. These factors are considered safety precautions. Traveling to Mexico is fun, but it can be also dangerous, especially if you don’t know what to do or how to protect yourself.

When visiting Mexico it is important to register with the United States Travel Registry to ensure that the government knows that you are leaving the country. This is the first step to staying safe while in Mexico. In the event that you become the victim of a crime, you will receive immediate government assistance. When using the internet to register with the United States Travel Registry, be sure to leave a detailed itinerary of your plans on your computer.

You should also make sure that you leave information regarding your travel plans with a close friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor. You are encouraged to make copies of your airline tickets, as well as your passport. You want to take a copy with you and leave another copy at home. This will help verify your location if something should go awry. You should also designate someone you know as your emergency contact.

Use common sense in the hotels, on busses, or walking in the streets of Mexico. Don’t take taxicabs that you have just waved down on the streets. Many crimes are being reported of people who haven’t previously arranged for taxis. You should also never carry large amounts of cash, flashy jewelry, or extra credit cards with you. When you are a tourist, shady people will already notice you and single you out. Be on the lookout for and avoid these individuals at all costs.

If you think that you know all there is to Mexico you are most often wrong. Public drinking is often shown in films as the norm, however this is a crime and you can be arrested for being intoxicated in public. You should also use caution when drinking in nightclubs or bars during the evening hours. People who wish to victimize tourists often drug them.

You should always use caution, no matter where you are. Despite being cautionary at all times, you should also use caution when traveling by bus and other forms of public transportation. You should always stay alert during nighttime travel and while traveling during busy bus hours. It is becoming more common for tourists to be mugged while riding on the busses in Mexico. The busses where these crimes are taking place are often the cheapest forms of travel. You may want to ride first class and have someone that you know and trust with you.

If you need help while in Mexico you should contact the United States Embassy. There is also a twenty-four hour hotline for the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. There is also a Mexican version of 911; it is 060 for Mexico City, and 066 for other areas of Mexico. This will put you in contact with Mexican officials immediately. There is also a Mexican Red Cross that will help if you are injured and need medical help. The Red Cross is free of charge and they will provide basic medical attention.

The above mentioned precautionary measures and important phone number are just a few of the many that you should know. Despite what you believe, staying safe while on vacation in Mexico shouldn’t begin as soon as you arrive. You should start taking precautionary measures before you leave for your vacation.