The official language is Spanish, interspersed with Aztec loan words as colloquial language. There are also over 80 Indio languages; the most important are Náhuatl, Maya and Mixteco. A small part of the population speaks only Indian languages. English is spoken in the larger cities.
[*] Optional Holidays
There are also many regional holidays. More information from the Tourist Office.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Mexico: 10 packets of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 g of tobacco (persons aged 18 and over); 3 liters of spirits and 6 liters of wine (over 18s); perfume/eau de toilette/sanitary products for personal use; Items for personal use such as 2 cameras/film cameras/video cameras, 2 sports equipment, 2 musical instruments, etc. Other goods with a total value of up to US$ 500 (entry by plane or ship) or US$ 300 (entry by land), but no alcohol and no tobacco products.
Import regulations
Psychotropic drugs only with a medical certificate in English and a copy of the prescription. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Imports
Drugs, uncanned food, canned pork, fruits, plants, cut flowers and electronic cigarettes, live predatory fish, used clothing that is not part of one’s luggage, photographs of children wearing them in a compromising manner represent. Note: A special permit from the Secretaria de la Defensa (Estado Mayor 6a. Sección, Lomas de Soleto, México) is required for the import of weapons and ammunition.
Prohibited Exports
It is forbidden to export gold (except gold jewelry), antiques, archaeological finds, cacti, corals and other protected animals. More information is available from Mexican Customs.
Contact addresses
Mexican Embassy
Consulates in Binningen (near Basel), Geneva, Lugano and Zurich.
Office hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00. Public traffic: Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00.
Business
Business etiquette
English is often spoken in business circles, but knowledge of Spanish is an advantage. Spanish business letters should also be answered in Spanish. Proper attire is expected. Mexicans value politeness and the correct form of address; if in doubt, use Licenciado instead of Señor. Scheduling an appointment is common. The best times for business trips are January to June and September to November. The two weeks before and after Christmas and Easter should be avoided.
Opening hours
The business hours are very different, i. In general, offices are open from Mon-Fri 09:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:00/19:00. In the case of business meals during the lunch break, the break time is usually longer.
Business contacts
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland Kasernenstrasse 11, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland Tel. +41 (0)44 240 33 00. Website: www.latcam.ch Cámara Mexicano-Alemana de Comercio e Industria (German-Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry) German Centre, Av. Santa Fe 170, Lomas de Santa Fe, 01210 México, DF, Mexico Tel. +52 (0)55 15 00 59 00. Website: mexiko.ahk.de Confederación de Cámaras Nacionales de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo (CONCANACO) (Chamber of Commerce ) Balderas 144, Centro, 06070 México, DF, Mexico Tel. +52 (0)55 57 22 93 00. Website: www.concanaco.com.mx
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code is 0052. Public phone booths can still be found nationwide in Mexico despite mobile communications. They can be used with phone cards and sometimes also with credit cards. International calls are possible in specially labeled telephone booths (Caseta de larga distancia). Telephone cards (Tarjeta telefónica) are available in shops, department stores, kiosks, hotels and pharmacies, among others. Another option for cheap phone calls is Skype. Emergency numbers: police 066, accident rescue 065 and fire brigade 068.
Mobile phone
3G (1900 / 850) and 4G (LTE and 1700 Mhz). Tri-band cell phones can be used in Mexico. A GSM network (GSM 1900) is provided by AT&T and Telcel. Telcel and Movistar offer a 3G and a 4G network respectively. International roaming agreements exist. It may be worth purchasing a Mexican SIM card. Mobile phones can be rented locally at the airport or bus stations. Telcel offers the network with the widest coverage. Not all parts of the country are covered by the mobile network.
Internet
Internet provider is eg Telcel. Internet cafes can be found in all regions, especially in the main tourist areas.
Post office
Mail to Europe takes about ten to fourteen working days.
