Documentation: U.S. and Canadian citizens need proof of citizenship (passport is the easiest) and a tourist card (obtainable at the airport as you enter Mexico) to enter Mexico.

Weather: Zacatlán lies at an altitude of 7,500 ft., which gives it a pleasant spring-like temperature with warm days and cool evenings. Average annual temperatures range from 54-80 F. During the summer months, brief afternoon or evening rain showers are common.

Drinking water: Make sure the water you drink has been boiled first(agua hervida). In restaurants, ask for "agua mineral" (mineral water), a "refresco"(soft drink), or "jugo de naranja"(orange juice). Ice cubes may not have been made from purified water. Most families in Zacatlán purify their water by boiling or buy bottled water.

Packing: Pack light! Bring not only a couple of T-shirts, a pair of shorts, and swimming suit, but also a raincoat or poncho, pants, sweaters or sweatshirts, and comfortable walking shoes. We recommend that in town men wear long pants, and women wear pants or skirts. People in Zacatlán tend to "dress up" more, especially for parties and dances, so you may want to pack a few nicer things to wear. Other essentials may include: insect repellent (which you won't need in Zacatlán, but may be appropriate for other areas), a canteen, a small flashlight, a small backpack, sunscreen, and a small calculator to compute exchange rates.

Prime times: You will have more fun if you adjust to Mexican schedules. Breakfast is from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., lunch is the most important meal of the day and is from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and dinner is from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For changing money, it is important to be at the bank when it opens at 8:30 a.m. to avoid long lines. Government offices and some stores are closed
between 2:00 and 4:00 pm., however most stores stay open until 9:00pm.

Currency: Mexico's currency is the peso, and it fluctuates daily. Banks give the best rates. Carry a combination of currency and traveler's checks. Bring your cash cards to Zacatán- They work at their ATM's. Nearly all major credit cards are accepted in Mexico City and other major cities, however, be prepared to pay in cash (pesos) in Zacatlán, and in most of the other rural areas. Always carry one peso coins for small purchases, tips and transportation.

Yahoo's Currency Exchange

Taxes and tips: The international airport departure tax is $10.00 . There is 15% tax on all goods and services, (similar to our sales tax). The customary tip to waiters is 15% of the bill.

Important phone numbers and addresses:
National Operator: 02
Information: 04 (only in Mexico City)
International Operator: 09.
U.S. Embassy, Reforma 305, Mexico City, Phone: (55) 50802000.
Canadian Embassy, Schiller 529, Mexico City, Phone: 254-32-88.
Tourism Hotline: 250-01-23, or 250-0151 (English-speaking operator).
There are several "casetas de larga distancia" (long distance call offices) in Zacatlan.
Please be aware that international long-distance calls from Mexico are
taxed approximately 57%. We recommend calling collect or having people call
you in Mexico.

Letters may be sent to:
Francisco Gaytán / Centro Zactlán
253 Macalester Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105-2031
USA

(651) 695-0658