Mazatlan Travel Tips
It's always nice to know if you can use your
cell phone, take public transport,
get a visa, exchange money etc. •CLICK for
area map
TRANSPORT
Pulmonias… Looking like golf carts
these taxis are unique to Mazatlán. Easily waved down they're everywhere.
It's best to negotiate the price first and you can bargain. Enjoy the ride
with Banda music turned up all the way. Locals usually don’t tip but for
tourists a 10% tip might be expected but is not required. Most trips in
El Centro will be around $3-$5, to the Golden $4-$7. There are also regular
cabs for a little less, be sure to agree on price before you travel.
BUSSES
Mazatlan's busses are driver owned and run routes established by the Alianza, a union regulating bus operations in the city. They travel throughout El Centro, the Gold Zone where most tourists stay, and the suburbs. Fares are never more than $7.50 pesos, (about 75¢) regardless of your destination. Be sure to have small notes or coins. Hours of operation are between 5:00 am and 10:30 pm. A separate fare is charged on each connecting bus. You can flag a bus down but they don't always stop,a bus stop is safest. Busses don't always have a stop button, just yell ´bajan´(ba-han). The locals do this all the time. CLICK to download bus route map
IMMIGRATION
A valid Passport is required
Citizens from the following countries may be exempted from tourist visa requirements (a tourist card will be issued instead):
Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Bermudas, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Serbia & Montenegro.
NOTE: As of January 08 US citizens will need a valid passport to re-enter the US.
Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
CELL PHONES
Having a cell phone can be handy when traveling but keep in mind many businesses you call will not speak English. You can usually get International Roaming on your phone to use when traveling but calls can be expensive. If you plan to make a lot of calls a rental cell phone might be cheaper. If you have an unlocked global phone you can buy a TelCel sim card for about $10, this will come with a local number. There are TelCel shops all over Mexico but it's best to get a card in a tourist area, they're sometimes not available elsewhere. The card comes with 10 minutes of calling and you can add time at about 50¢ a minute for calls within Mexico, about $1.50 for international calls. The card will expire after six months if not topped up. For emergency, or help in English, dial 112, CLICK For more about phones
BANK ATMs
You can pick up cash at ATM machines, "Cajas Automaticas" at banks throughout the city, and a few shopping centers. Bank ATMs can only be entered with your card and you are locked in while you make the transaction. If you have a problem do not accept offers from strangers to help. If you make transactions during normal banking hours you can get help from the bank staff.
INTERNET
Cyber Cafes are dotted all over El Centro, open all day and into the evening. Usually $1-$2 an hour. Most B&Bs listed here have internet service.
THE WATER
Most tourist hotels have purified internal water systems, the older El Centro hotels usually have purified water available from coolers placed on each floor. Bottled water is available everywhere. Most restaurants serve only purified water and ice cubes, ask if in doubt.
SAFTEY
Generally Mazatlán is as safe as anywhere else if common sense is used. Wandering the streets late at night, or drinking in some of the rougher Cantinas late is not advisable. Have valuables locked up at hotels and carry your passport.
