Area
1,959,248 sq. km. (758,449 sq. miles)
Location
Central America
Population
106.4 million (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 54.3 per sq. km.
Capital City
Mexico City with a total population of 21 million (as per estimates of 2003).
Language
Spanish is the official and most popular language of Mexico. English also enjoys some popularity in the country, while almost 8% of the people speak indigenous languages, like Nátinate.
Electricity
AC 110 volts, 60 Hz. American-style two-pin type plugs are commonly used.
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN; Symbol M$). 1M$ = 100 Centavos.
Notes prevalent = M$ 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000
Coins prevalent = M$ 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100; Centavos 5, 10, 20, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is preferable from the exchange houses than banks and hotels, as they tend to give better rates. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards are not widely accepted in the country when compared to UK or US. Among them, Visa and MasterCard enjoy a better acceptability than Diners Club and American Express. Moreover, the card transactions can also be charged 5% extra by different business houses. ATMs are also conveniently situated. However, not all the debit cards are accepted in the ATMs. Thus, the travellers would do well to verify before arriving in Mexico.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques can be easily realised from exchange houses that give better rates than the hotels. They also offer a quick service when compared to Mexican banks. US Dollars, Euro, and Pounds Sterling cheques are equally well accepted in the country.
Banking Hours
Banks in Mexico normally function from Monday to Friday from 0900-1600 with some banks open for longer duration and some open on Saturday afternoon as well.