Mazatlan 101: Tips for Visiting Another Country

Travel to Mazatlan can be an enriching and rewarding experience as you experience a different culture; however, there can also be some unique challenges as well. This is especially true if you have never traveled to a foreign country. Below are some tips that will help to guide you through the process of arriving in and enjoying Mazatlan.

If you arrive by land or sea in Mazatlan you will not typically need a passport, at least not at the current time. You will; however, need to present two types of identification. A birth certificate and driver's license are generally acceptable. If arriving by air you should be aware that at the current time you will not need a passport in order to enter the country; however, if you are traveling from America you will need a passport in order to re-enter the United States. Generally, if you have a sufficient amount of time before your trip it is a good idea to go ahead and obtain a passport if you do not already have one.

The city of Mazatlan can be easily reached by plane as well as by bus, ferry and car. Most visitors arriving in Mazatlan arrive by air. There are many airlines that serve the airport in Mazatlan. Be aware that when you fly into Mazatlan you will need to make arrangements for transportation from the airport. This can be easily accomplished by either bus or car. You can purchase bus tickets at the airport or take one of the yellow taxis, which are the only taxis authorized to retrieve passengers at the airport. When the time comes to travel back to the airport, you will need to look for either a green or red taxi, as these are the only taxis that are authorized to take passengers back to the airport.

During your stay in Mazatlan, you can rent a car but it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with local driving practices if you choose to drive in town. Taking a bus is a great way to see much of the area and is also quite inexpensive; however, it does not provide you with much flexibility.

It is a good idea to be aware of the importance of practicing good hygiene and sanitary measures while visiting a foreign city and Mazatlan is no different. Make sure you wash your hands frequently or use a hand sanitizer. Exercise caution regarding where you eat and what you eat. Most of the restaurants located in the Golden Zone do use filtered water for washing vegetables, drinking and ice. Generally, it is best to exercise some good common sense and avoid eating anywhere that might appear to be unsanitary. Remember that it is important to stay hydrated in Mazatlan, due to the intense sun; however, you should avoid faucet water. Instead, use bottled water. It can easily and quickly be found at most corner stores.

Many stores and shops as well as restaurants will accept American dollars; however, it is a good idea to keep some Pesos on hand. Banks typically offer the best exchange rates.

When packing for your trip make sure you bring along an English-Spanish phrase book, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and your camera.