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1. Entry Requirements -
2. Passports -
3. Language -
4. Climate -
5. Dress -
6. Currency and Credit Cards -
7. Drinking Water -
8. Electricity -
9. Medical Attention -
10. Time -
11. Tips on Tipping -
12. Tourist Police -
13. Transfer -
14. Taxis -
15. Bus -
16. Car Rentals -
17. Getting to Acapulco -
18. By Land -
19. By Air -
20. By Sea -
21. Sport fishing -
22. Golf and Tennis -
23. Shopping -
24. Nightlife -
25. Airport Departure Tax -
26. Weather
Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Chile and nearly all Western European countries do not require visas to enter as tourists. They do require a tourist card to visit Mexico, which can be obtained from the immigration officials at airports, piers or the border. So far they have provided a Mexican tourists card on the airplane on the way down there. This tourist card comes in two parts, one you leave with the Mexican customs agents and the other you give to them when you leave. I have not experienced it before but they say not to loose that card or you will not be allowed the leave the country. At least that's what we were told by our tour representatives every time we go down there. Mexico has also instituted an approximately US$15 visitor fee; this is usually included in your ticket price at least it is with our Canadian tickets. TOP While you do not need a passport at this point, I do believe that it is a good idea. You will also find that there is less waiting to go trough customs as with a passport all they have to do is scan the barcode and your done. Without a passport they will need to do more paper work. TOP Spanish is the official language; English is understood and/or spoken by most people employed in the tourism industry. French, Italian, German and many other languages are spoken by tour guides and concierges. Some of the people from outside of the tourist area are also eager to learn the English language, so you will find most people very helpful and of course true to their nature very friendly. Personally if you can ask for “dos cervezas, por favour” (two beers please) you can always get along. TOP Acapulco is hot and sunny all year round. The average temperature fluctuates between 80°F to 92°F (27°C to 33°C). July and August are the warmest months and rainy season runs from June to October, though showers usually last only 15 or 20 minutes and fall at night.
There have also been a couple of times that there was a little humidity and it was very hazy, not so pleasing for photography. But all in all, it is the one place I know of that you can go from January to April and be guaranteed of great weather. After all it is the only place that I know where you get 360 rain free days a year.
During the day, shorts, bathing suits, T-shirts, sandals and like are acceptable. At night, the code is "dressy casual" - locals dress to impress, so you might want to follow suit. Some nightclubs have a dress code, which usually means no jeans, T-shirts, sneakers or shorts. And if you are going to go out for a great night out, why not dress accordingly. After all there are some great places to eat and take in a show.
Business Hours Mexican Pesos. American funds are widely accepted, though we recommend buying some pesos, especially for shopping at the Mercado and tips. Currency can be exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange houses), banks, and hotels, though the latter usually have the worst rates. ATMs are readily available and accept foreign bankcards. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler's checks or letters of credit in U.S. dollars issued by well-known banks or travel organizations are readily negotiable in banks and hotels. The last few times we have used the ATMs to exchange our money from Canadian to Mexican Pesos and I have found that I get the best exchange rate this way. Also the casas de cambio or exchange houses except Canadian Money just as well as US currency, so it does not make sense to me to pay the extra charges to change my money from Canadian to US funds. Just a note of interest, when you bring Canadian or US funds, make sure the bills are in good shape as they will not except any money that has smallest corners missing or small tear. TOP Most hotels have purified water. However, bottled water is recommended for drinking. Tap water is not recommended. Generally most of the restaurants have purified water and the wash their salads in purified water, but if you are not sure just ask. I can still remember the first time we took our children, we told them make sure not to drink the water anywhere except from bottled water. But sure enough the first time we go to pizza hut, my youngest came back from the bathroom and with his head hanging low, says “I made a booboo, I drink the water”, but after finding out from the waitress, everything was ok and they had their water purified. By the way Pizza Hut has great pizza. TOP 120 volts, 60 cycles AC (same as the U.S.). TOP Visitors requiring the services of a doctor should contact the front desk of their hotel. Doctors are on call 24 hours a day. And many of the hotels have doctors right on premises. But one thing I know for sure, better have insurance since they will not do anymore for you there than they do back home.
Hospital del Pacífico (Calle Fraile and Calle Nao 4, Costera, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. PHONE: 744/487-7170). Hospital Privado Magallanes (Calle Wilfrido Massieu 2, Costera, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. PHONE: 744/485-6194).
Acapulco is on Central Standard Time, meaning that people coming from Toronto and Montréal will gain an hour unless you go when we are on light saving time.
Restaurant tipping is 15 to 20 percent for good service. Local sales tax (I.V.A.) is fifteen percent and should not be mistaken for gratuity. Porters should get approximately US$1.00 per bag; hotel maids should get US$.50 to US$1.00 per day. Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless you hire them for several hours or if they handle baggage for you. Don't forget to tip your guides! It's also customary to tip washroom and parking attendants-even kids who watch your car-a few pesos are always greatly appreciated. And just to add another note of interest, don't wait to tip until the last day, thinking that you will leave any pesos you have left, after all if you want service and extra favours from the bartender or the maid, tips work like magic. TOP Officers will help with any tourist information you may require, as well as aid you in case of robbery. So if you need to call the police, choose the tourist police (in white shirts and black shorts) instead of the city police (in blue uniforms), who are sometimes less than scrupulous.
They only work in the tourist areas, and are most frequently seen helping children, seniors and visitors cross the busy Costera. I know that in 1996 we were there with my friends John and Ann. John had his scoter as he has MS, well any time we crossed the street the tourist police would stop all the traffic to let John cross the Costera. Regular taxis are banned from the airport, but you can rely on Transportes Aeropuerto, a special airport taxi service. Look for the signs as you exit - their staff is helpful and bilingual. The taxi fare to the downtown area is approximately US$25-30 for all of you, so you might try and get together with someone and split the fare. There is also a shuttle service with a return fare of approximately US$10. Buses are also available and of course if you came with a tour package the transfer from and to the airport are included. The only drawback by using the tour bus is that they stop at every hotel along the way and it might take some time before you get there. Now I'm not saying you should do this, but if you get a taxi you will be checked in and sitting at the pool or bar before the bus gets there with the rest of the tourists, hey maybe I might just try this next time we go down. Taxis in Acapulco don't have meters, so it's important to settle on a fare beforehand. Tipping the driver is optional, but recommended if he assists with luggage. Hotel cabs have fixed fares to major destinations and they do charge a little more, however they are larger cars and more comfortable. But if you like economy, well you don't have to look far, every other car is a VW Bug and 95% are taxis and of course they are the most reasonable. If we want to use a cheaper taxi all we do is step away from the hotel a few feet. It does not take much to hail a taxi and more likely they will find you. It has been my experience that will slow down and honk anytime they see a foreigner and really just anyone walking down the street.
Thinking of taking a day tour? Why not hire a cab for the whole day - be sure to reach an agreement about the fare before leaving. Think about, say you want to take a day tour to Pie de la Cuesta & Coyuca Lagoon how much will it cost? Say it will cost you $75-80 US dollars, how much would it cost if you hire a taxi for the day, or 5-6 hours. On our last trip we paid $50.00 for the day, for all three of us, that is a big savings even after paying for a great meal and entry to whatever we wanted to see. But most important we had more control of the tour because we stayed as long as we wanted in each location and also stopped each time we seen something worth photographing. So why not get together for the day with friends and hire a taxi. We do this often and find that we can not only take a better priced tour as a group, but get a better tour, for with your own personal driver you go and stop when you want and as long as you want.
Since we lost contact with Francisco we are using another taxi driver. Meet our new taxi driver for 2007, Sebastián We prearranged to have a taxi pick us up at the airport this time around. Usually we use a prepaid package from Toronto and that includes transportation to our hotel. But depending on where you are staying they might stop a few places along the way to other hotels using the same tours. Using our own taxi driver, Sebastián took us directly to our apartment plus a stop along the way to exchange money. Sebastián stopped at a money exchange booth with the best rate, and of course much better that we could get back home or at the airport.
We paid 300 pesos or about $30.00 US from the airport to our apartment in the Las Americas area, but that is almost an hour from the airport. Whereas the hotel zone and the Diamante area are closer and are only like 15 to 30 minutes from the airport. It should not cost you more than about $200.00-250.00 pesos, or $20-25 US. Not to much different but the taxis have to pay for parking and a fee for going to the airport. So like is said our driver was Sebastián and he was very good and knowledgeable, however there are many available on TA at Rent.A.Car.Van.And.Driver.html But what I found most impressive about Sebastián is that he returned out email right away and at least within 24 hours. Sebastian's email address it is eskp_rsh@hotmail.com Have a great time in Aca as the locals refer to Acapulco. Just one extra point, I would say that about 90% of the taxis are blue and white Volkswagens beetle. Well in 2004, Volkswagen shut down the last factory in the world that still made the beetle so 10 years from now Acapulco's going to be a very different place. Something to think about right! Just hope to be back to see it.
Here is a great article by Tripadvisor.com on the different taxis serving Acapulco and area Getting around on the bus is both inexpensive as well as fun and it could be quite exciting, just make sure that your holding on to something as soon as you get in. There basically two different kinds of buses, the ones are yellow in color and say Acapulco on the side and all the others.
Most visitors to Acapulco stay close to the coastal strip, the Costera Miguel Alemán which hugs the bay from Caleta in the west/northwest and the Base Naval at the east/southeast. Several bus lines operate along this street, and the specific route is painted on the windshield: Caleta -- Hornos -- Base. There is an alternate route, Caleta -- Cine Río -- Base, which leaves the Costera at the Zócalo and runs through the business district along Cuauhtémoc to return to the Costera at La Gran Plaza Mall. The latter route may be convenient if you want to shop at Sears or The Home Depot. There are bus stops at intervals all along the Costera and Cuauhtémoc but most drivers will stop virtually anywhere if you signal that you want to board. Here is a great article by Tripadvisor.com on the Buses International Driver's permits are not required, but they're a good idea. You can obtain one from the U.S., Canadian or your country's automobile associations. You must be at least 25 years old and have a major credit card to rent. Acapulco is an easy city to drive around: most hotels and attractions are on the main avenue, or "Costera", which follows the shore of the bay from one end to the other. However if you are not from the city and an aggressive driver, better leave the driving to others, for I would rather drive in New York city than I would in Acapulco. This may be hard to believe that a country that is usually very laid back, can be so aggressive when they get behind the wheel. On the other hand, Acapulco is an easy city to drive around: most hotels and attractions are on the main avenue, or "Costera", which follows the shore of the bay from one end to the other.
If you ar going to drive in Mexico, i would recommend that you have a look at Mexico Mike's page at Driving In Mexico. Through air, sea or road, there are many options to get to Acapulco. Acapulco is connected with Mexico City via 2 different highways. Most major airlines have either direct or connecting flights to Acapulco and all world-class cruise companies include the unique Acapulco experience among their ports of call. TOP Driving time from Mexico City on the new toll road takes approximately 3½-4 hours on the new scenic superhighway, the "Highway of the Sun". The “old”, scenic route takes about five hours, but you can make pit stops at the lovely colonial cities of Taxco and Cuernavaca. Very comfortable, modern air conditioned buses with accessible prices are available. Built with the most modern technology, Acapulco's “Maxitunel” was inaugurated in 1996. This is the largest tunnel (2,950 meters long) in Latin America, in itself reducing driving time by 25 minutes; offering the most sophisticated and up-to-date equipment, telephones, fire extinguishers, a rescue team and a closed TV circuit that monitors all the cars from its entrance to the exit. We had the opportunity to travel the new highway to Taxco and it is indeed a very good road. One interesting thing about the trip is that we went trough some interesting differences in climates anything from subtropical to dessert climate. TOP You can certainly get here from wherever you are. Some 700 weekly flights connect Acapulco to principal world cities during the summer season; the number increases sharply during the winter season. The newly renovated Juan N. Alvarez International Airport (ACA) is located about 20 minutes east of the city. From New York via Dallas, the flying time is 4½ hours; from Chicago, 4¼ hours; from Los Angeles, 3½ hours, from Toronto the flying time is about 4½ - 5 hours. TOP Acapulco is the second largest, port in Mexico after Cozumel, receiving an approximate average of 140 calls a year. The Maritime Terminal is undergoing a millionaire renovation. Several magnificent international liners pull into port yearly. TOP 
Sport fishing in Acapulco is as good as it is in most other Mexican resorts. Acapulco is just not promoted as a sport fishing resort anymore. In the not so distant past sport fishing was heavily promoted here and the good news is that - the fish are still here. So, if a day on the water and the sound of a reel going off is your thing, go for it. You will most likely not be disappointed. Look for the sport fishing fleet on the docks near the zócalo and near the marina. The boat we took was the Queen Mary, docked in frond of the zócalo. The cost was $150.00 US for the four of us, so check out the different boats and see what you can get. Click here to check our fishing trip
For more information on my friends restaurant Fuasto Mondragon Rosas at Caleta Beach and our 2006 Acapulco Trip, Click Here
Acapulco is one of those places in Mexico that can be a pleasant surprise to anyone who enjoys a round of golf or a game of tennis. Acapulco is home to four championship golf courses and another 9 hole course that is located right in the tourist zone. The four championship courses are all located to the south of town, near the airport. If you are staying in town, the short trip south will be well worth your time. If you are on a tight schedule, two of the courses, The Acapulco Princess and The Pierre Marqués adjoin each other and one can be played within minutes of finishing the other. Do not overlook the fine course at the Mayan Palace or Tres Vidas, the most southerly of the courses. Tres Vidas in an incredibly beautiful course that is built along the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean.
Tennis buffs will find more courts than most other Mexican resorts. A new modern tennis complex at the Mayan Palace is open to the public It is located directly adjacent to the golf course. There are many other locations within Acapulco proper, including Campo de Golf and Tennis on Av. Costera M. Alemán, that will be happy to let you use their courts, for a small rental fee.
Acapulco will not leave you wanting when it comes to shopping, in fact Acapulco might even surprise you. You can find everything from designer items for your home to original designer dresses. A little searching in Acapulco can uncover many unique items that would not be considered normal resort fare. The prices in this city seem to be lower than those of other Mexican resorts.
With modern air conditioned malls and many smaller shopping centers and an endless numbers of shops and open-air markets to choose from, you should be able to find whatever it is you are seeking along with surprising number of unique gift items. Click here to check out the flea markets. Of course now the also have two Wal-Mart's and Costco, plus a number of other large stores. Acapulco's proximity to Taxco (see Taxco) has created a large market for unique silver creations of every imaginable shape and size.
Let there be no doubts about the local nightlife, Acapulco is a party town when the sun goes down. The world famous party scene starts late and ends early the next morning. Do not expect much action in the many discos until around 11 PM; be prepared to stay until sunrise or even later. If you are an early riser it is not unusual to see the last stragglers on their way home well after the sun has come up. 5 AM traffic jams are common on weekends along the Condesa area of the Costera. Acapulco's entertainment is varied, with wild discos, piano bars, tropical extravaganzas, live shows and concerts. TOP The airport departure tax is around US$20 (or the equivalent in pesos). This tax is usually included in the price of your ticket, but check to be certain. So far it has been included every time we have gone to México. TOP Weather can't be forecast more than a week or so in advance, but weather averages are good indicators of what to expect any month. We usually go to Acapulco in January and a few times in April. Of all the times we have been there we had no rain that we can speak about as it has rained only ones in the over twenty times, and that was only for a few hours one evening. Unlike the six days of rain (all day long) we had in out holiday in the Dominican Republic. As well as the cold weather we had in Cancun of January 2005, yes to cold even to lie on the beach.
Check this out for for surface temperature around the world. For additional hints on Acapulco go to Acapulco: Twenty-one Hints |
If you don't speak Spanish, many will try to practice their English with you which once in a while is pretty good. If you speak Spanish, look out, you may be in for a conversation ranging from the weather to politics to the best places to the best strip clubs in town. To get an English speaking taxi does not take much as less that a minute another taxi will be honking their honking their horn. I don't speak much Spanish but I find it handy just to say “usted habla ingles” or just “habla ingles”. Meaning, do you speak English or speak English. If the taxi driver says no, just say No Gracias and wave him on.
Meet our taxi driver Francisco Romero, taxi # 2969 for 2003. He took us around for the morning and knew many of the interesting places that most people would not see going on a regular tour, plus he stopped whenever we asked and as long as we wanted to stop. 
If it was not that we had prearranged to have our fridge full of food we most likely would have stopped and picked up a few groceries. And as long as you arrange it ahead of time there should be no problem. Sebastián actually asked us if we wanted to stop and pick up a few things. He emailed us where to meet him and had a sign with our names. Ones we passed customs we were on our way in less than 5 minutes, much, much faster than waiting for a group and much quicker than anything I have ever taken.
The yellow Acapulco bus is air-conditioned and is not so mush in a hurry. They run all the way on the Costera Miquel Aleman or better known as the “Costera”.
The Costera runs all the way down the beach front from the Navel base to Caleta beach, so you can take that bus to just about any place you want to go. The cost to take that bus is 4.00 pasos at this time at a time when the pasos was just over 6 pasos for a Canadian dollar and just over 10 pasos for a US dollar. Now for the other more interesting buses, they come in all shape and sizes as well as some that work and others that.....
Well let just say that back in Canada or the US they would be declared unstable and a danger to the public. Now we did use these buses, as many are in good shape and go to some of the other places that the Yellow Acapulco bus just does not go. Oh and yes, they are painted in all different colors and pictures or cartoon characters. Hey at 3.5 pasos, its worth the experience. 
Just a couple of things to remember when you take the bus; One is look for the painted on direction on the bus windows, they will say Base, Cici, Wal-Mart, Zocalo, Caleta. These are the main stops along the Costera and depending on which way you travel it will take you from one end to the other end. There are bus stops clearly marked, but the regular bus will pick you up just about any place along the way. And the other don't take the bus that says hospital, unless you want to go there, or they will take you up the hill and away from the Costera, not a good idea until you get to know the city a little.
