Discover Mexico A-to-Z
Earthquakes to Exchange
EARTHQUAKES
Although all countries are subject to earth tremors and quakes, some countries are more prone to large earthquakes than others. Mexico is susceptible to potentially very large earthquakes, along with most the western edge of the entire North American continent, due in part (but not exclusively) to the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate that resides near there.
Mexperience: Earthquakes
See Also: Climate
EASTER
Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in Mexico, and more people travel during this time than they do at Christmas. As with Thanksgiving in the United States, Easter is a time when Mexicans travel to be with their families, and it’s also the most popular time of year for family vacations. School is out for two weeks and Mexicans and foreign residents book time off work and flock to Mexico’s beaches, or take vacations abroad.
Mexperience: Easter
See Also: Public Holidays
EL TAJIN
North of the city of Veracruz, is the town of Papantla. Just outside of Papantla are some mysterious and fascinating archaeological ruins: El Tajin, meaning “thunder” in the Toltec language; although other records link the name etymology of the site to mean “place of the dead” or “place of the invisible spirits”.
Mexperience: El Tajin
See Also: Archaeology
EL TULE TREE
About eight miles east of Oaxaca City is the village of Santa Maria del Tule, where you’ll find what can be seen in most towns and villages in Mexico: a quaint church, a small plaza, and local markets. However, thousands of Mexican and foreign visitors flock to this village every month to witness something you cannot find elsewhere in Mexico: the living legend of El Tule, a 2,000-year-old living tree.
Mexperience: Santa Maria del Tule
See Also: Colonial Cities
ELECTRICITY
Mexico’s Electricity works on 120v. Local power cuts are a regular feature, especially during dramatic thunderstorms. If you travel to Mexico on vacation, you’re unlikely to notice as most large hotels and resorts have power back-up systems in place; however, if you plan to live, work, or retire in Mexico, you’ll come to know that localized power cuts are part-and-parcel of the living landscape here.
Mexperience: When the Lights Go Out
See Also: House Maintenance
EMAIL
See: Internet Services
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Over ninety countries have diplomatic missions (Embassies and/or Consulates in Mexico and Mexico is represented in over 85 countries world-wide, including 50 representations in the USA—more than any other country.
Mexperience: Embassies and Consulates
See Also: Consular Assistance
ETIQUETTE
Learning and adapting to local customs and practices is an important—most seasoned expats would say critical—part of assimilating your lifestyle when living in an environment that is foreign to your primary culture. It takes time and patience to adopt the ways and graces of a foreign culture and having some background knowledge can bring additional awareness and understanding ahead of time, so when you find yourself in real-life situations, you’ll be better placed to understand some of the nuances unfolding before you.
Mexperience: Social Etiquette
EXCHANGE, MONEY
Mexican banks and exchange houses will buy and sell all major currencies. US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euros, Australian Dollars and Yen can be readily sold across the counter at exchange houses and many banks. Most exchange houses and banks do not charge commissions to exchange currency, but make money through the spreads – the difference between the rate at which they sell pesos and the rate at which they buy them. The spread is usually larger for money orders than travelers’ checks or cash. In tourist hot-spots, where there are plenty of exchange houses, it’s worth checking several to see who is offering the best rate.
Mexperience: Foreign Exchange
See Also: Mexican Peso