PGAFC Travel Tips
The following are some basic travel tips to consider while you enjoy your stay at the Pacific Golf and Fishing Club.
Arrivals & Departures into Mexico
Everyone who visits Mexico must have a tourist card, which is issued on your flight, or available free from travel agents, airlines and Mexican Government Tourist Offices, and is valid for six months. The card must be accompanied by proof of citizenship; a valid passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
Keep the copy of the tourist card safe throughout your trip. Both the tourist card and proof of citizenship must be shown when leaving the country.
Currency
The currency of Mexico is the peso, however American and Canadian currency, as well as travelers cheques, can be exchanged either at the Meson or the local currency exchange office located in Barra de Navidad. All major credit cards are generally accepted, and the ATM at the bank in Melaque will allow you to withdraw funds from you account at your resident bank.
Taxes
Mexico has a Value Added Tax (VAT), which adds 15 percent to all goods and services, except surface transportation. A fluctuating domestic airport tax is also charged on separate flights within Mexico, but not on those connected to international flights. Be advised that long-distance phone calls are subject to a 39 percent federal tax. Use a phone card or call collect.
Health
Everyone who goes to Mexico thinks they'll get sick. Some do. While it used to be blamed on the water, in most cases today visitors get sick because of overindulgence in the rich food. For the first 24 hours of your trip, eat as you would at home, avoiding hot and spicy foods and all tropical fruits, especially papaya.
As for beverages, drink beer or sodas (they are always served cold), coffee or tea. Avoid unpeeled fruits and food sold by street vendors. The Meson has a state of the art water purification system but it is always advised to drink and brush your teeth with bottled water. Before your departure, you may want to purchase acidophilus tablets (yoghurt cultures) at a health food store, and take two a day to build up the bacteria in your digestive tract. The Meson has a doctor on call should you get sick.
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