Mexico
Over two million North Americans seek health, medical and dental services in Mexico each year, a figure steadily on the rise. The US-Mexico border is considered one of the best locations for specialist procedures. Mexico has a reputation for providing medical care for plastic surgery, dental care, obesity treatments, and orthopaedic procedures such as knee replacement, hip replacement and back or spine surgery.
With next to no waiting lists, Mexico has become an incredibly attractive medical option for visitors with procedures and pharmaceuticals up to 75% less than you may expect to pay in Canada or the US.
You cannot overlook the fact that cross-border healthcare has been going on in Southern California, Texas and Arizona for more than 10 years. There are US health plans that specifically include and require care to be delivered in Mexico.
Mexico the Country
Mexico has a multi-billion dollar tourism industry as many individuals migrate there yearly as a vacation spot. Mexico offers tourists a vast array of opportunities. Some highlights of Mexico include its gorgeous beaches, historical cities from the time of the Spanish colony, and archaeological sites which include sites such as the Maya, Ulmeca, and Azteca. Other interesting things to do in Mexico are visit one of the National Parks, hike one of their many mountains or enjoy a round of golf.
Language
The official language of Mexico is Spanish, while English is the second most commonly spoken language. Many Mexicans also speak Nahual which is a Native American language.
Religion
Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%
Climate
Mexico has a general tropical climate. The coastal areas receive rainfall but most of the country is dry. The Yucatan Peninsula and areas in the South usually enjoy hot, humid, climates.
Clothing
When travelling to Mexico you will see that individuals dress very similar to how they do in Canada and the United States. Since it is quite hot in Mexico lighter cotton and linens are recommended.
Mobile Phone
A subscriber identity module card (SIM card) is now available for Mexican citizens and tourists. The SIM card must be used with a digital GSM mobile phone within the 900- MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.
All of Mexico’s leading and major hotels and facilities have email access and internet services with translation services available. Many cyber cafes are also becoming very popular in tourist destinations.
Interesting Places to see in Mexico
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is a tourist attraction known for its two pyramids which include Piramide del Sol and Piramide de la Luna. Teotihuacan was Mexico’s biggest ancient city. Teotihuacan is not only a monumental city but it also offers historical art and murals to tourists.
Chichen Hza
Located in the Yucatan, the Chichen Hza is one of the most popular Mayan archaeological destinations in Mexico. Many tourists enjoy making a day trip and walking up the famous piece of Mexican architecture.
Cozumel
Isla Cozumel is a Mexican island located only twelve miles from the coast of the Riviera Maya. This island is a popular destination spot and offers many different things for tourists to do. Some activities include snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, and scuba diving as Cozumel is known for its world-renowned dive sites. It is a beautiful place to visit and brings in tourists yearly.
Emergency Telephone Numbers (Monterrey)
Police: 060
National Directory Inquiries: 103
Government of Canada Emergency Services
After-Hours Emergency Contact
The Embassy at (55) 5724-7900 in the greater Mexico City area
If you are outside Mexico City, you can reach the consular section by dialling 01-800-706-2900.
This toll free number is available throughout the entire country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is reserved strictly for emergency calls concerning Canadian citizens. Please note that no immigration related calls will be answered at these numbers.
After-Hours Emergency Contact
The Emergency Operations Centre of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An experienced officer is always available to respond to emergency calls.
Toll-free from Mexico: 001-800-514-0129, 001-800-514-0129
Canadian Embassy in Mexico
Mexico City (D.F.) - Embassy of Canada
Consulates
Monterrey (Nuevo León) - Consulate General of Canada
Guadalajara (Jalisco) - Consulate of Canada
Consular Agencies and Honorary Consulate
Acapulco (Guerrero) - Consular Agency of Canada
Cancún (Quintana Roo) - Consular Agency of Canada
Mazatlán (Sinaloa) - Consular Agency of Canada
Oaxaca (Oaxaca) - Consular Agency of Canada
Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo) - Consular Agency of Canada
Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco) - Consular Agency of Canada
San José del Cabo (Baja California Sur) - Consular Agency of Canada
Tijuana (Baja California Norte) - Consulate of Canada
