San Fernando is located in the Tamaulipas state of Mexico and only about 85 miles south of Brownsville, TX. This region is known as the breadbasket of Mexico as you will see millions of acres of fertile fields covered with Milo. Within a short drive from the city, you can be hunting ducks on the famous Laguna Madre, flushing bobwhite quail on century old hedgerows, or taking aim on exciting dove hunts. This area is truly a sportsman paradise right out our backdoor.
Entry Requirements
U.S citizens must have a current passport valid 6 months past your date of travel in order to enter Mexico. Non-U.S. citizens must confer with their consulates to verify required documentation for travel.
For more information on US citizens traveling into Mexico and further requirements, please visit the following links:
Banking and Currency
The national currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso. Prices throughout the country are commonly shown with a dollar-sign ($) in front of the Peso amount; and although in some parts of the country businesses willingly accept U.S. dollars, it's almost always more advantageous (less expensive) for travelers to pay with Mexican Pesos. Likewise, certain people on the receiving end of your payment (e.g. waitstaff, bartenders, chambermaids, et cetera) generally prefer Mexican currency, to save them the inconvenience of a trip to the bank or a stop at a Cambio on their day off. Remember there is a difference between the sell rate and the buy rate so your foreign currency tip will be worth less than intended.
It's also strongly advised that travellers call their bank(s) and/or credit-card companies prior to departure, to inform them of their impending travel plans. Otherwise, they might run into some difficulties with their cards. One should also be aware that 'foreign currency transaction fees' and/or 'ATM withdrawal fees' may be incurred when using either type of card.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Navigating Mexico City's vast urban sprawl can be a daunting prospect even with a comprehensive and cheap public transport system. However, the metro makes light work of crisscrossing the metropolis and is at its most efficient when you buy tickets in advance. La Tarjeta del Distrito Federal is the city's reloadable public transport smartcard. There are special women- and children-only carriages which run from 1800 and 2100. The Xochimilco Light Rail is an above-ground system that connects to offer a fast, efficient alternative to bus and taxi travel.
State-run Ruta-100 buses display their destinations on the windscreen. There are also minibuses in Mexico City. Schedules are loose with no fixed stops or departures, so allow plenty of time. Simply hop aboard, pay the driver (correct fare) and shout out 'bajan' when you'd like to get off.
Radio taxis are reliable and safer and are ordered by telephone from hotels and restaurants. Companies include Servitaxis (tel: +52 55 5516 6020) and Radio Taxi Sitio 153 (tel: +52 52 5674 6120). From the airport and main bus terminals, opt for a fixed-price Transportación Terrestre or an authorised taxi. Tickets are prepaid from booths (prices vary according to city zones) and it is not customary to tip the driver.
Car hire in Mexico possible. Drivers must be a minimum of 23 years old (21 in special cases). A valid driving licence from your home country is required, as is a valid passport and a major credit card. Insurance, tax and fuel are an additional cost to the basic daily or weekly hire rate.
There is a growing network of state-funded cycle paths throughout Mexico City. There is also a bike share scheme called ECOBICI, with over 6,000 bikes parked at over 400 stations. One-, three- and seven-day passes are available, after which the first 45 minutes of any journey are free.
Health and Medical Information
Please check with your personal physician or the Center for Disease Control ( 800-311-3435, or WWW.CDC. GOV) regarding inoculation information for the area you are visiting.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
DO NOT drink the tap water anywhere in Mexico. Nowadays, many hotels feature mini-bars with bottled water to keep you hydrated and Montezuma-free along with all lodges providing bottled water.
If you are unsure about any drink or food item when you are in Mexico, it may be your gut talking. Listen to it, trust it and protect it. It is a smart traveler who is aware of their surroundings and meals at all times.
Climate and Weather
Mexico is a great destination to visit throughout the year. Altitude is a determining factor with regards to the weather, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations (Mexico City, Puebla, San Cristóbal de las Casas) and warmer, tropical weather as you descend to sea level (Guadalajara, Cuernavaca, Cancun).
Along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the winter months (November-February) are warm and sunny. Many Europeans visit during this time to escape winter in their homelands. The summer months (June-August), meanwhile, are very hot and humid with heavy rain showers and the occasional hurricane. October and November are perhaps the best months to visit the interior, after the rains have ended and everything is still green.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
This varies from area to area. Natural fibres are best in the heat, but have a sweater on hand as the nights are generally cooler. A sun hat will help to avoid dehydration. In the mountains, heavier clothing will be required.
Internet Availability
Internet is available in all regions. Most hotels in the mid-range and above categories provide Wi-Fi or access to connected computer terminals. There are also many inexpensive cyber-cafés in cities and towns throughout Mexico.
Electricity and Plug Standards
In Mexico the standard voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Mexico, because the standard voltage (127 V) is (more or less) the same as in the United States of America (120 V). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account.
Many older hotels still have electrical outlets for flat two-prong plugs; you'll need an adapter for any plug with an enlarged end on one prong or with three prongs. Adapters are available in most electronics stores. Many better hotels have three-hole outlets similar to the outlets in the US.
