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Time: GMT/UTC -6 (Central Standard Time).
Dress Code: The dress standards in Mazatlan are mostly casual, but
appropriate and conservative outfits are recommended when visiting
well-established places like upmarket restaurants or government offices.
Women should keep their legs covered. Also, it is advisable to take
precautions against sun and heat stroke by using sunblock and put on hat and
jacket to protect your skin when going outdoors.
When To Go: Being the renowned spot for Mexico's celebrations,
Mazatlan is swamped with tourists almost all year round. The especially
peak seasons are from July to August, mid-December to early January, a week
before and after Easter, and the period leading up to Ash Wednesday
(February or March). February is an exciting time to be in Mazatlan.
Since 1925 the resort's Carnaval has become one of the country's most
spectacular. Parades, dancing, fireworks and pageants make it a festive
occasion.
Language: Spanish, but English-speaking staff can be found in large
hotels and restaurants as well as in tourist centers.
Banking Hours: Most banks exchange foreign currency Monday through
Friday from 9am to noon. Banks are generally open until 6pm, and some have
limited hours on Saturday.
Currency: Money exchange houses or Casa de Cambios are located
throughout Mazatlan and will exchange money throughout the day and into the
early evening. Most of the larger establishments - from restaurants to
shops, will readily accept US currency. The issue in tha case will be the
exchange rate that they offer; it is advisable to ask first in order to avoid
any disappointments. Also, whether paying in dollars or in pesos, it's a
good idea to carry small bills with you, as it is often difficult for small
shops or stands too make change for large bills. Credit cards are accepted
by some hotels, shops and restaurants, with or without surcharge. However,
a lo of smaller establishments do not accept credit cards, so make sure you have
sufficient cash or traveler's checks with you in case such inconvenience arises.
Hospital: Embassies should be able to provide a list of
English-speaking doctors if necessary, and American Express cardholders can make
use of their Global Assist medical referral service.
Phones: Local, domestic and long-distance and international phone
calls can be made from any public phone with a phonecard. Otherwise, a
number of shops have public phones (for international services look for the blue
"Larga Distancia" signs). You can dial direct from most big
hotels, but the charge will be much higher.
Useful Numbers:
International country code: 52
Mazatlan: 669
Emergency (fire, police, ambulance): 06
International operator: 090
Lost persons information: 658-1111
Secretary of Tourism (multilingual): 5 240-0123-51
Dialing Tips:
National calls: 01 - area code - number
International calls: 00 - country code - number
Dialing Mexico from abroad: +52 - area code - number
Internet Access: Due to the steady stream of international tourists to
this resort, numerous cyber cafes mushroom to provide internet facilities.
Charges range from $2.50 per half hour up to $8 per hour, so it's best to shop
around. Usually cheaper rates are offered in the Centro Historico and the
pricier ones in the Zona Dorada.
Public Holidays:
New Year's Day - 1 January
Constitution Day - 5 February
Day of the Flag - 24 February
Anniversary of Benito Juarez's birthday - 21 March
Good Friday - March/April
Easter Sunday, Labor Day - 1 May
1862 Victory Celebration - 5 May
Dia de la Independencia - 16 September
Dia de la Raza - 12 October
Dia de la Revolucion - 20 November
Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe - 12 December
Dia de Navidad - 25 December
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