Location and Geography
The port of Veracruz (namely Veracruz, or the city of Veracruz) is located in the State of Veracruz, in a region known as the coastal plains of the Gulf. The state itself comprises a land expanse of 72,815 square kilometers (28,114 square miles), which is about half the size of the U.S. State of Illinois. The State capital is Jalapa, while a few kilometers away lies the Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico (5,610 meters/18,500 feet). The World Trade Center and Convention hotels are located in an area known as Boca del Rio, approximately 15 minutes from the city center and 25 from the airport.
Climate
The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico contribute to the local climate, which is generally warm and humid. The average temperature being from 24°C to 28°C (76°F to 82°F). The highest monthly average rain precipitation is in August and September. Weather and temperature forecast and recommendations on what to wear accordingly will be announced on the Convention website.
For Up-To-Date Weather Conditions: The Weather Channel or Weather Underground.
Language and Religion
Spanish is the offi cial language, although English is spoken in hotels, restaurants, and some shops, as well as other resort areas. 73% of the population is Roman Catholic; 6% is Protestant; and 21% reported as having no religion whatsover.
Money Exchange & Credit
The “PESO” is the Mexican offi cial currency. While most businesses will accept foreign currencies, especially U.S. dollars, but using pesos remains your best option. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at one of the many “casas de cambio” (money markets) or commercial banks. Today’s money exchange rate is in the order of 10 to 12 pesos per dollar. As it fluctuates on a daily basis, we recommend you to check on the updated rate to get the right fi gure upon arrival. Commercial banks in Mexico are normally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; however, money exchange timetable is normally from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. “Casas de cambio” remain open after hours and generally off er quicker service.
Credit cards are widely accepted, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express being the most popular. In some establishments travelers checks may also be accepted, but not everywhere. Keep in mind that personal checks are out of the question in Mexico.
Business Hours
Most stores are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily in the Hotel Zone. Stores downtown may be closed between 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and on Sundays.
Electric Current
The electricity standard is 110 volts AC, same as U.S. and Canada.
Time Zone
Veracruz is on U.S. Central Standard Time year-round (GMT/UTC minus 6 hours).
Country and City Codes
The country code for Mexico is 52; the city code for Veracruz is 229.
Tax, Tipping and Bargaining
A 16 percent Mexican VAT will be charged on all purchases made in Veracruz for meals, beverages, restaurants, shopping tours, transportation, etc. Airport porters and bellboys usually get US$1 per bag, and housekeepers receive US$1-2 per day. Tipping is at your own discretion based on the quality of service. Bargaining is expected in the marketplace.
Drinking Water
Although most hotel zone venues have safe drinking water, it is advisable to consume sealed bottled water.
Safety on the Beach
Due to danger from undertows, color-coded flags are used as a measure of swimming safety in the Gulf:
• Green flag: Water safe for swimming, but use common sense.
• Yellow flag: Water somewhat rough. Swim with care
• Red flag: Water very rough. Swim with extreme caution. Stay close to the shoreline. Don´t be adventurous.
• Black flag: Absolutely no swimming. Too dangerous.
If you wish to stroll along the beach, do not go far away from your hotel area. Use common sense.
Public Transportation
Be careful! Avoid at all times urban buses and don´t flag a taxi down on the street. Take the taxis available at the airporttaxi stand or directly from the bellboy at your hotel entrance. We suggest asking for the actual running price uponboarding the vehicle.
Passport and Visa Documentation
A proof of citizenship is required from travelers in order to enter Mexico. All nationalities must have an active passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry, except for U.S. and Canadian citizens, who may choose to use an original birth certifi cate, or certified government issued copy of birth certificate, along with a piece of ID with photo (driver´s license). Many nationalities must have a Mexican visa, prior to entry. You may then contact your nearest consulate for further information. Minors traveling alone or accompanied by one of their parents must present a notarized parental consent to travel issued by the non-traveling parent.
Clothing and Sun Sense
Business casual, and dressy-casual clothing is appropriated in most situations. On sunny days, it is recommended to use a biodegradable sunscreen, because the sun is at its strongest from midday through late afternoon.
Medical Facilities
A medical doctor and first aid supplies will be available at the First Aid Service Room located in the basement of the World Trade Center. Enquire at your hotel´s reception desk about doctor availability.
Temporary Medical Insurance
The Organizing Committee of GCAGS 2011 strongly advises all visitors to Mexico to purchase temporary accident and sickness insurance. For just a few dollars a day, you can rest assured that physician and hospital fees will be reimbursed in the event something unexpected happens, and for the most serious situations you can be repatriated to continue your convalescence or be able to have loved ones join you in Mexico. Coverage diff ers depending on your country of residence, and there are several reliable companies that provide this kind of insurance. For U.S. citizens, one such company is MEDEX Global Solutions. Go to http://www.medexasist.com/Individuals/Products/TravMedAbroad.aspx or call 1-800-732-5309 for more information. Temporary medical insurance is inexpensive and provides invaluable peace of mind.
Discounted Airline Transportation
American Airlines is offering a special 10% discount!
Take advantage of a 10% discount off of applicable published fares on AA and American Eagle to GCAGS 2011.
It’s simple: After you have selected your flights under the “Enter Passenger Details” tab, go to the aa.com “Promotion Code” field and enter in the Authorization number 85H1BJ. This discount is valid for travel October 11–22, 2011, to Veracruz (VER), Mexico.
You may also call 1-800-433-1790 to book via the telephone. Please note that there is a Reservations Service Charge for all tickets issued by phone.
Simply click on www.aa.com to book your flights.
