Acapulco Tips | | |  | Entry Requirements
Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Chile and nearly all Western European countries do not require visas to enter as tourists. They do require a tourist card to visit Mexico, which can be obtained from the immigration officials at airports, piers or the border. Mexico has also instituted an approximately US$15 visitor fee; this is usually included in your ticket price.
|  | Language
Spanish is the official language; English is understood and/or spoken by most people employed in the tourism industry. French, Italian, German and many other languages are spoken by tour guides and concierges. However, most retail clerks do not speak English. Your American Marketing Driver is also your translator. You can rely on him for assistance.
|  | Climate
Acapulco is hot and sunny all year round. The average temperature fluctuates between 80°F to 92°F (27°C to 33°C). July and August are the warmest months and rainy season runs from June to October, though showers usually last only 15 or 20 minutes and fall at night.
|  | Dress
While at the villas, dress as you would at home...as comfortably as you wish! Most guests spend the day in a bathing suit and add a t-shirt for dinner.
While touring around Acapulco during the day, shorts, bathing suits, T-shirts, sandals and the like are acceptable. At night, the code is "dressy casual" –locals and vacationers from Mexico City dress to impress, so you might want to follow suit.
Most nightclubs have a dress code, which usually means no jeans, T-shirts, sneakers or shorts.
|  | Business/Service Hours
American Marketing staff are generally on duty each day until approximately 10:00pm. Pre-arranged escort services may extend as late as you wish, just ask!
Banks: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some do business on Saturday.
Other business offices: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with two-hour break for lunch.
Shops: Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; those along the major tourist areas stay open till 10 p.m. and even later.
|  | Currency / Credit Cards / Spending Credit
Mexican Pesos are the preferred currency. American dollars are widely accepted, though we recommend buying some pesos, especially for shopping at the Mercado and for tips. The standard policy at most retail stores, restaurants and shops is to exchange the American Dollar for 10 Pesos, regardless of the exchange rate, in which case you'll lose a few points in the exchange.
Currency can be exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange houses), banks, and hotels, though the latter usually have the worst rates. ATMs are readily available and accept foreign bankcards. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks or letters of credit in U.S. dollars issued by well-known banks or travel organizations are readily negotiable in banks and hotels. Sterling traveler’s checks are not readily negotiable except at head offices of banks in the country's capita, and may be subject to a considerable discount. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars.
If your travel program includes a "Spending Credit" or "Villa Dollars" you may use these funds for a variety of services while in the villas, including: golf, spa services, boat trips, fishing and of course, tips for staff!
|  | International Airport Departure Tax
The airport departure tax is around US$18 (or the equivalent in pesos). This tax is usually included in the price of your ticket, but be sure to check to be certain.
|  | Drinking Water
All the American Marketing Villas provide bottled water for drinking and use purified water for all cooking and kichen needs. Most hotels have purified water. However, bottled water is recommended for drinking. Most local food shops, especially beach restaurants use tap water. Tap water is not recommended.
|  | Electricity
120 volts, 60 cycles AC (same as the U.S.).
|  | Medical Attention
Visitors requiring the services of a doctor should contact their American Marketing host, your houseman or driver. A Doctor is on call 24 hours a day.
|  | Time
Acapulco is on Central Standard Time.
|  | Tips on Tipping
The "tip" was born in Mexico. Tipping is customary for good service and expected for most common services. Local sales tax (I.V.A.) is fifteen percent and should not be mistaken for gratuity.
The gratuities for staff in the American Marketing Villas is included in the total price of your trip. However should you wish to recognise your staff for outstanding service, tips are most welcome. Your American Marketing host will provide a guideline for handling tips for villa staff. Just ask!
Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless they are hired for several hours or if they handle baggage or packages for you. Don’t forget to tip your driver/tour guides! They are your translators, security guards and tour guides during your trip.
It's also customary to tip washroom and parking attendants-even kids who watch your car-a few pesos are always greatly appreciated.
|  | Security
American Marketing has earned a Four-Star security rating by Xerox Corporation for its unique security system.
The residential community in which you are staying is serviced by private security at each entrance gate with additional officers posted along the streets near your villa. If you are out for a walk, these officers will gladly assist in finding your way back to ther villa, to the club or the nature-walk.
The whereabouts of all villa guests are maintained on a constant vigil. Each driver is equipt with a radio or cell phone for immediate contact with the headquarter villa and your American Marketing hosts. Trips into the city, to the beach, shopping, etc, are generally accompanies by your driver or other American Marketing staff personnel.
Local Tourist Police Officers will help with any tourist information you may require, as well as aid you in case of an emergency. They only work in the tourist areas, and are most frequently seen helping children, seniors and visitors cross the busy Costera.
|  | Transfer Between the Airport and Town
All guests of the American Marketing Villas are transported by private vehicles. However, you may wish to know the policy on transportation at the Acapuilco Airport. Regular taxis are banned from the airport, but you can rely on Transportes Aeropuerto, a special airport taxi service. Look for the signs as you exit -their staff is helpful and bilingual. The taxi fare to the downtown area is approximately US$25-30. There is also a shuttle service with a return fare of approximately US$10. Buses are also available.
|  | Taxis
Your personal driver will handle all your transportation needs during your trip, however a taxi may be needed in a crunch! Taxis in Acapulco don’t have meters, so it’s important to settle on a fare beforehand. Tipping the driver is optional, but only recommended if he assists with packages or luggage. Be sure to reach an agreement about the fare before leaving. 50 pesos "cinquenta pesos" should be enough to get you just about anywhere in Acapulco. When returing to your villa from the city, simply tell your driver. "Las Brisas - Club Residentiale, then the name of the villa" When you arrive at the guard gate, you will needd to announce the name of your villa to the guard on duty. He will then tell the driver how to get to the villa.
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