With both the most populous city in the world, and some of the most beautiful beaches, Mexico is a lively destination. A variety of natural wonders from lush tropical rainforests to mountains and deserts make Mexico a gem for the adventurer, but its real treasure is in the spirit of its people.

They say that Mexico is a country no one ever leaves. Every year, millions of tourists pass through, and Mexicans jovially warn that a part of them will remain behind forever. Most visitors are vacationing North Americans who wind up on the beaches, of course, which are among the world's best - but those who venture inland are rewarded with the true soul of Mexico, which has always resided firmly in the interior.

The Republic of Mexico is vast, comprising nearly two million square miles of coastline, desert, rain forest, mountains, and fertile plains. From the American borderlands of the wide, agriculturally rich north, the country narrows gently as it sweeps south and east.

The two main mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental, hug the west and east, finally merging into the volcanically active central highlands and the capital, Mexico City - the most populous city in the world. Further south, the country narrows to only 100 miles, then broadens again before reaching the Guatemalan border.

There are two major peninsulas in Mexico that are almost countries themselves. In the west is the poetically barren Baja Peninsula, which seals in the biological riches of the Sea of Cortes; to the east, protruding into the Caribbean like the end of a fish hook, is the Yucatan peninsula, bursting with rain forests, Mayan ruins, and white powder beaches.

The population is about 93 million, and the generosity of the Mexican people is unsurpassed. Knowing a few simple sentences in Spanish will win hearts.

Is Mexico Safe?
The people throughout Mexico are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The unit of currency is the peso (P), which is divided into 100 centavos. (Note: The dollar sign is often used as a symbol for the peso, which can create confusion for visitors).

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Canadian/US citizens: A birth certificate or other document of national identity with a photograph is required for entry. A tourist card will be issued, free of charge, upon entry. Note: A tourist card is an entry-departure document and visitors are required by law to carry their tourist cards at all times.

If you stay in Mexico longer than 72 hrs, you are subject to a tourist tax. The amount to be paid is about $180 (peso) but changes frequently. This tax needs to be paid at a Mexican bank.
IMPORTANT: it is very important to pay this tax well before you plan to leave Mexico. Especially when you are planning on leaving Mexico by land, not every border crossing will have a bank where you can pay the tax.

How do you get there from here?
Mexico City is easily reached by direct flights from most major US. and Canadian cities. Internally, Mexico City has flights to all major and many minor cities throughout the country. The two major Mexican airlines, Aeromexico and Mexicana, as well as several regional Mexican airlines, fly the domestic routes.

How do I get around Mexico?
Domestic Flights: Mexicana and Aeromexico airlines are the major domestic carriers in Mexico. Most cities have airports and most receive some service from these major carriers. However, the major carriers offer only limited connections among the smaller cities. Fortunately, regional airlines have been filling in the service gaps.

Trains: During the 1980s, Mexican National Railways undertook the renovation of its first-class and Pullman cars on certain trains. The improved, air-conditioned service is available only on some specially named trains and only in their special first-class cars called primera especial. It includes reclining seats with snacks or a boxed, inedible meal and/or Pullman roomettes (dormitorios) for overnight trains (extra fee) on which there are also dining cars. The price is inexpensive. However, trains remain the slowest form of transportation, and those without primera especial service are even slower (and often without any comforts, especially in second class).

Buses: If you can, reserve your seat at least a day in advance and ask for the most direct (directo) route. Bring a sweater in case the air-conditioning is working too well. On long-distance trips, you might want to bring your own snack in the event you don't like the restaurant where the bus stops. Also, bus station bathrooms vary in cleanliness and supplies, so bring your own tissues. In a few instances, the second-class system can approach first class in comfort, but never in efficiency. These buses make more stops and seldom have reserved seats. However, they do run more frequently than, and go to towns not served by, first class.

Taxis: Taxis are very affordable for most travelers, although certainly not as cheap as local buses. Few taxis operate with meters, yet they do have set rates÷which may not be easy to determine except at airports. The best tactic is to establish the fare before getting into a cab. Doing this not only avoids brutal surprises, but also can actually reduce the fare.

What is the weather like?
Mexico enjoys a temperate climate that averages 27 degrees centigrade or 80 degrees Fahrenheit the year round.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Current is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard. Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items, should consider bringing a plug adapter and a transformer.

What is the best way to phone home?
It is smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Mexico at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

What major holidays are there in Mexico?
Banks and most businesses close on New Year's Day (1 January), Constitution Day (5 February), Birthday of Benito JuarZz (21 March), Good Friday through Easter Monday (four days in March or April; date varies), Labor Day (1 May), Anniversary of Battle of Puebla (5 May), Independence Day (16 September), Columbus Day (12 October), All Saints' Day (1 November), All Souls' Day (2 November), Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 (20 November), and Christmas Day (25 December).