o The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso. The average exchange rate is 20 pesos to one US dollar. o Use ATMs at the airport or near hotels to get the best exchange rate o Pre-order pesos from your bank to also get the best exchange rate
o Mexican telephony can be expensive, please call your service provider to find out about data and roaming charges o T-mobile customers: Mexico voice and data plans are already included in your plan!
o Tipping in Mexico usually happens in cash, so it’s a good idea to have small bills!! o Tipping in Mexico is usually 10%. Extraordinary service receives 15%
o The hotel has an in-house physician that can attend to any need for a minimal service fee o Covid-19 testing is available directly at the hotel for a service charge of $30USD.
o We have always found Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo to be very safe. Proving to be safer than many parts of Los Angeles! But it is a good idea to be safe and be vigilant. o When traveling abroad, it is recommended to leave valuable jewelry or items at home. o The host hotel is very safe and offers in room safety lock boxes o When in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, we encourage you to be aware of your surroundings and avoid attracting attention Leave jewelry at the hotel Carry only limited cash or credit cards Leave passport and other non essential IDs at the hotel Travel in groups
o Ixtapa has a large mall called los Patios. You will find a super market, pharmacies, restaurants, clothing stores, jewelry stores, liquor stores. o Ixtapa Artisanal market. All sorts of Mexican handi-crafts are located in this afternoon market in the outskirts of Los Patios mall o Zihuatanejo city center: as a larger town, zihuatanejo offers all kinds of shopping and stores o Zihuatanejo Artisanal Market: a much larger version of the Ixtapa market, this day and evening market has many stands and vendors o Zihuatanejo pier maritime market: if you are interested in things with marine or nautical themes (shells, conchs, etc) go to this market for one of a kind items.
o Always have your hotel or restaurant call you a taxi if possible. o Always find out the cost of your ride before you get in o Always travel with a few friends o Street Taxis are ok, just negotiate rates before you go and bring a friend
o Senor Frogs: Ixtapa los Patios o Christine’s: Ixtapa o Kopados: Ixtapa o Bandidos Bar & Restaurant: Zihuatanejo o El Charco de las Ranas: Zihuatanejo