Tips for Travelers

Spanish is the official language in Mexico. English and in less degree, French, are also spoken in high academic/professional levels.

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso ($). Its equivalent in U.S. dollars fluctuates, but normally one dollar is 14 to 14.5 pesos. Currency . Businesses throughout the state accept dollars as well as pesos. To exchange foreign currency to Mexican currency, go to a bank or exchange bureau. Coins in circulation: 20, 10, 5, 2, y 1 peso; 50c, 20c, 10c cents. Bills in circulation: 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 y de 20 pesos.

Credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted in almost all businesses in the city of Monterrey and conurbated area, but not so in regions outside this area.

To enter the country, foreign citizens must demonstrate their nationality, they are required to show a passport or a birth certificate (or certified copy) with a picture ID. We recommend the passport.

In the city of Monterrey, telephone numbers have 8 digits.

Public telephones require prepaid phone cards, which can be bought at convenience stores.

As in the USA, Mexico operates on a 110-volt current at 60 Hz. Plugs in Mexico have two flat parallel prongs and some times also a round grounding pin.

A fast, cheap and easy way of getting around is by taxi. There are many taxi units on the streets 24 hours a day, or they can be requested by telephone. Their rates are usually about 7.45 plus 5.40 per kilometer. Authorized taxis are generally painted green with white a top, and a “taxi” sign. They have and ID number on the side and carry the driver’s driving permit in a visible place.

The airport and bus station in Monterrey, as well as the main hotels, have their own private taxi service.

The state territory has extreme climate conditions with mainly hot temperatures. It has a climate variety because it is formed by three physiographic regions: the North Coastal Plain, the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Mesa del Norte.

The annual average temperature varies from 14° C in the Sierra Madre Oriental, to 24° C in the North Coastal Plain.

The average rainfall varies from 1,010 mm at the station of La Boca in Villa de Santiago, to 217 mm in the municipality of Mina, N.L.

See climate by region

The city of Monterrey has a dry desert type of climate with rainfall during the summer.

Its annual temperature is 21° C and its average rainfall reaches 720 mm per year.

The coldest months are from December to March. The temperate climate (with predominant cold wind) is in the months of April, September, October and November. The months with the highest temperatures are May, June, July and August. Rainfall season is August, September, and October.

Because of the weather, during the summer it is recommended to use light clothes as well as sandals, and in the winter, thick clothes and a coat.

Society in Nuevo Leon is characterized for dressing formally. Although jeans are always fashionable, many restaurants in Nuevo Leon may require casual clothes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sleeveless t-shits and shorts may be forbidden in certain luxury restaurants and nightclubs.

• In the city of Monterrey, shops and malls usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. including Saturdays and Sundays.
  
  
• Banks normally open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., although some branches close until 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Some branches open also on Saturdays but usually close at 02:00:00 p.m.
  
  
• Offices usually work Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 02:00:00 p.m. to 05:00:00 p.m.

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Tipping is voluntary and is not regularly included in the bill.

• Waiters usually receive 10 to 15% on total consumption, depending on the quality of their service.
  
  
• Bell-boys usually get pesos or USD per suitcase. Airport taxi chauffeurs get the same tip as bellboys.
  
  

Alcohol regulation

Under 18 year-olds cannot buy or consume alcoholic beverages in the state of Nuevo Leon. Further, it is unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages on the public street, and to carry an open container inside a vehicle. Fines vary according to the municipality and can go from 530 pesos ( USD) up to ,000 pesos ( USD).

Liquor can be sold from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. only.

Driving regulation

Use of seatbelts

Transit authority regulation for the municipalities of the state of Nuevo Leon require all passengers in a car to wear their seatbelts. Children under five must travel in the back seat on an adequate booster seat and should be properly restrained by a seatbelt.

Speed limits

50 km/h is the normal speed limit within the city. However, in school zones, the speed limit is reduced to 30 km/hr during the following hours: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

As to riding in the highway, the speed limit may vary from 80 to 120 km/h depending on whether it is a toll highway or a freeway.