Executive Travel: SPOTLIGHT ON MEXICO : Steer Clear of Buses, Eat a Filling Breakfast and Don’t Forget to Tip

With the North American Free Trade Agreement now in place, more U.S. companies will be sending employees to do business in Mexico. Here are some general tips for getting around.

For business trips, the most likely destinations are Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. However, NAFTA is expected to bring new business to some of the smaller cities as well, including Villahermosa and Merida in the southeastern section of the country.

Entry Requirements

Though you don’t need a passport or visa if your stay is less than 180 days, you do need proof of citizenship and photo identification to enter the country. Upon entering, business travelers must also complete a business pass form authorizing them to conduct business, good for 30 days. The pass is free. For more information, contact the Mexican Embassy in Washington at (202) 728-1600.

Getting Around

Most business travelers to Mexico advise using cabs to get around. “The roads don’t make much sense down there,” said Chuck Hamilton, senior manager in the parts division of American Honda in Troy, Ohio, who travels to Guadalajara about 20 times a year on business. “They aren’t like anything you’ve ever seen.”

Trains and buses aren’t the best choice, either. “For business travel, this is not the way to do it,” said Jay Rifkin, head of corporate travel for FHP Inc. in Fountain Valley. Trains tend to be slow and unreliable, Rifkin said, and buses, which vary from the antique variety to the brand-new, can be confusing for people unfamiliar with the routes.

Cabs, however, are pretty easy to find, said Susan Devine, director of Mexico marketing for Hyatt Regency. And tips are not expected. Check to see if the cab has a meter. If it does, law says the meter must be used. If it doesn’t, ask whether a fee has been set for your destination. Also make sure the driver knows where you want to go. Some won’t, and many don’t read maps. If in doubt, wait for another driver. Ask the concierge what to expect to pay for cab rides.

If you must drive, the U.S. Embassy advises, don’t travel on Mexican highways after dark, especially in isolated areas, because of the risk of robbery. According to the U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, these criminals may represent themselves as Mexican police or local officials.

You can drive in Mexico with a U.S. driver’s license, but Mexican insurance is required. If you drive to Mexico City, note that cars are restricted to control air pollution. The days you can drive are determined by the numbers on your license plate. If your plate ends in 5 or 6, you can’t drive on Monday. If it ends in 7 or 8, you can’t drive on Tuesday. A plate ending with 3 or 4 means the car is restricted on Wednesday; 1 or 2, on Thursday, and 9 or 0, on Friday. Saturday and Sunday are free days.

Most U.S. airlines serve at least one or two cities in Mexico, and Mexicana and Aeromexico have extensive routes. If you’re flying between cities in Mexico, Mexicana and Aeromexico, as well as regional airlines such as Taesa, Saro and Aerolitoral, have regular flights.

Hotels

Because of the expected increase in business travel, some of the major business hotel chains, including Hyatt Regency, Holiday Inn and Fiesta Americana, are renovating properties or building new ones. Hyatt, for example, has completely redone its hotel in Guadalajara. The renovation includes a new tower of business-class rooms, private concierge and full business services.

All the major business hotels have translation and fax services. Some have separate business centers where travelers can find translators, photocopiers, fax machines, computers and printers. Hyatt, for example, has found that its business centers at its foreign properties get more traffic than those in the United States, Devine said. “I think the U.S. traveler uses it (the business center) more when traveling internationally.”

Some major business hotels recommended by business travelers in Mexico City include the Nikko (Campos Eliseos 204 CP11560; telephone: (52-5) 203-4800); the Marquis Reforma (Paseo de la Reforma s/n CP06500; (52-5) 211-3600), and the Camino Real (Mariano Escobedo 700; (52-5) 203-2121).

In Guadalajara, business travelers can stay at the Camino Real (Ave. Vallarta 5005; telephone: (52-3) 647-8000), the Fiesta Americana (Aurelio Aceres 225; (52-3) 625-3434); the Crowne Plaza Holiday Inn (Lopez Mateos 2500; (52-3) 631-5566), or the Hyatt Regency (Lopez Mateos Sur and Moctezuma; (52-3) 622-6688).

In Monterrey, business travelers tend to stay at the Camino Real (Hidalgo 310 Ote at Carranza; telephone: (52-83) 406-390); the Fiesta Americana (Jose Vasconce 300 Ote; (52-83) 633-030), or the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaze (Constitucion 300 Ote; (52-83) 196-000).

Money

Tipping is customary in hotels and most restaurants and the guidelines are similar to those in the United States. Also expect to tip anyone--from customs officials to traffic police to reservations clerks--who might help you get faster service. Don’t expect them to break the rules for you, however, unless you actually bribe them. Bribing is fairly common, though it is frowned upon in major corporations.

You can exchange money at banks between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. or at casas de cambio (exchange offices) at airports. Hotels will also change money, but you will get a better rate at the bank or exchange office.

Carry a minimum of N$100 (new pesos) in small bills of mixed denominations to cover tipping and miscellaneous expenses. If traveling to remote areas, be aware that large bills may be difficult to change. Credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa and American Express, are widely accepted. Diner’s Club cards are occasionally accepted. Traveler’s checks are also usually accepted, but it is best to ask first.

Safety

The smaller cities are relatively safe for walking around, Devine said. However, you should always check with the concierge of your hotel about areas to avoid, and avoid carrying valuables with you.

According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, street crime is common in urban areas, so be cautious. Travelers should check with the U.S. State Department for the latest security information before embarking. (For recorded travel information, call (202) 647-5225.)

Business Meetings

Business hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Lunch is eaten between 2 and 4 p.m., which takes some getting used to for Americans.

Americans should be aware that many businesses shut down during lunch. However, it is acceptable to do business over meals, and Mexican business contacts generally appreciate being taken to lunch.

Caveat

Remember to drink only bottled water. Don’t use ice cubes, and avoid raw fruit or vegetables unless you’ve peeled them yourself.