Mexico

The currency majorly accepted is Mexican Pesos. However, some of the areas bordering the US and having a considerable amount of US tourists will accept US Dollars and as well. The bills in circulation come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 and coins are available in the denomination of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20. Major credit and debit cards are accepted at all big shops, shopping centres, hotels and restaurants. To avail the best deals, it is strongly advised to convert your currency in Pesos and carry a good amount of cash.

The best method for exchanging currency is via ATMs which can be easily found in the main cities throughout the country. Currency exchange centres or 'Casa de Cambio' can be found at airports and hotels and are often more convenient than getting currency exchanged in banks.

Mexico is a dream destination for party lovers, be it in its major cities or its beaches. The vast multitude of nightlife options results in people from all age groups flocking to the bars and clubs after the sun goes down. The exuberance of Mexico city's nightlife has gained the city over more than a million visitors. The nightlife scenes are at its peak on weekends and start after eight, lasting until morning. Cancun which is known as spring breaker's paradise promises an unparalleled nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs and discos. Other cities promising an action filled nightlife scene in the country include Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Tijuana and Guadalajara.

Shopping in Mexico is often a delightful experience due to the warm and welcoming nature of its residents. Mexico City tops the list when it comes to the number of options available as it has everything to offer from local art and souvenirs to designer boutiques. Souvenirs are easily available in resort towns and are inexpensive. Taxco is famous for its silver jewellery, Talavera for its ceramics and the town of Guadalajara for its sophisticated decorative items. Haggling in markets is a common practice, and you must bargain when it comes to certain products to avoid being ripped off.

Mexican celebrations knows as 'Fiestas' are an experience worth cherishing. Marked by fireworks, parades, dances and food, these fiestas cannot be missed and leave the attendants full of joy. One of the main festivals of the country is Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe which is dedicated to the patron saint of country and celebrated on 12 December of every year. The Day of the Dead celebrated on 2nd November is an eccentric festival in a sense that it honours the dead. The Mexican independence day is celebrated on September 16 and is a public holiday.

Mexico has a rich and complex history which dates back to around 1000 BC and has been home to some of the most famous civilizations on the planet. Olmecs were the first known society of the country and were settled near the present day town of Veracruz. Olmecs further influenced later cultures and then came the Mayans of Yucatan, Aztecs, Toltecs and Zapotecs. Aztecs being last of the pre-ColumbianÊcivilizations controlled most of the present-day Mexico in a highly structured way until the Spanish colonizers arrived in 1519. The technical and scientific prowess of these civilizations is reflected in the temples and pyramids which have survived till date and are world heritage sites today. The colonization brought Catholicism to the country and influenced the local traditions and culture resulting in a great diversity that is found in the country today. Much like the other Latin American countries, Mexico's struggle for independence ended in the early 1800s.

Visiting Mexico required travellers to adjust to its climate and cuisine. Traveller's Diarrhoea or Montezuma's Revenge is common and is mostly due to contamination of water. Thus it is strongly advised to go only for packaged drinking water. There are no mandatory vaccines as such, but getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid is recommended. Make sure that you carry a mosquito repellent as they might carry viruses in addition to Malaria and other diseases. Carry a small first aid kit and avoid contact with street animals as they might carry rabies.

There are no specific dress codes as such to be followed in Mexico, however one should choose pants or jeans over shorts or not so fancy clothing to stand out as tourists which are often easy targets. Tipping is part of the Mexican culture much like America. Since most the people working there in the tourism industry earn modest wages, tips contribute significantly to their income. In restaurants, one should tip up to fifteen percent of the bill amount if they are happy with the service. Small gifts can be given as a tip to those working for room service. Mexicans are friendly and helpful people. However, its also a class-conscious society, so greet people formally by shaking hands or a low bow.

Avoid using ATMs at nights, especially those located on streets. Try paying in Mexican Pesos to get the best deals on products and services. Haggle in central markets, agree to pay half the quoted price. Carry clothes made from cotton and linen as Mexico has hot and humid weather throughout the year. Consider travelling by buses as they are safe, cheap and good for sightseeing. Avoid drinking tap water.

The country's culture is a unique mixture of Mesoamerican and Spanish cultures which is a reflection of the country's rich history. The customs and traditions vary as widely as the geography of the country. The Mexican society is hierarchal, and family holds utmost importance in the society, as a result of which one can easily find large families everywhere. The country's main religion is Christianity, and Roman Catholicism is practised by 89% of the population. Mexicans hold their religion in high regard. Spanish is the official as well as the local language. Most Mexicans speak and understand English; some also speak French and Italian. Use Spanish greetings such as Hola for Hello, Gracias for Thank you. The locals will appreciate por favor for Please as a sweet gesture.

Mexican cuisine is amongst one of the spiciest cuisines in the world. The cuisine is characterised by the useÊof ingredients such as corn, wheat, peppers, tomatoes, red and white meats, potatoes, beans and rice. Even though there are minor variations in cuisine from region to region, the ingredients remain same throughout the country. Some of the most popular items which are common in both households and restaurants include Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales and pozole. Mexico is renowned for its Tequila and other beverages such as Horchata, Pulque and Tepache.