墨西哥

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墨西哥 打印机友好版本

序言 最近更新10/13/2005 下午 3:12

墨西哥提供惊人的并置现代和传统, 世界性和省, 富有和贫寒。古 老Olmec 文明的残余被保存和被尊敬, 金字塔Aztec 教士执行人牺 牲仍然站立的地方, 并且宫殿和纪念碑召回西班牙本地人的徵求和 独立革命的胜利。他们曾经宣告的殖民地镇保留西班牙grandeur 味 道; 其它镇剧烈地保护他们的当地土产遗产。墨西哥城, 令人愉快 气候大都会, 现代大厦在历史的魅力之中, 和凋枯的贫穷, 说谎圈 状由倾斜下来对杉木森林, 沙漠, 和芳香迷人热带海滩的雪加盖的 火山。

第一人民居住这土地也许到达20,000 年在哥伦布之前。 他们的后裔, 包括Olmecs, Toltecs, Mayans 和Aztecs, 建立茂盛 从1200 B.C.E 高度发展的文明的连续。对C.E.1521 。1519 年 Hern..n Cort..s 登陆在现代天韦拉克鲁斯附近。Montezuma 国王 II 邀请西班牙本地人入他的宫殿并且他们及时地采取他人质。在 西班牙conquistadors 毁坏Aztec 帝国之后, 被征服的人民的位置 迅速地恶化。印第安人口跌倒从估计25 百万在徵求之时到一百万在 1605 年以前。从第16 到19 世纪, 一个新殖民地社会涌现, 有层次 由种族和财富。这个上部梯形编队是欧洲, 在中部是混杂的欧洲土 产遗产的人们, 并且于底部是本地人的后裔;这层化痕迹今天忍受。

在早 期1800s, 墨西哥是convulsed 与思慕为自由; 这个国家生许多英雄 , Miguel Hidalgo, Jose Morelos 和其他人。奋斗为独立, 1810 年宣称, 长和一阵阵; 西班牙没有被逐出直到1821 年。独立, 然 而, 在几乎一百年以前跟随不安和鼓动由各种各样派别, 在美国墨 西哥战争和几岁月以前中间加标点法国subjugation 当 Maximillian 由Napoleon 安装III 作为墨西哥皇帝。

1910 年的革命是20 世纪的定义事件; 虽然墨西哥变得相 对地平安和兴旺, 被压迫的农民人口最后喷发, 带来持续直到1917 年的一个混乱革命期间当当前的宪法被起草和被采取。

文化上, 政治上 , 和经济上, 墨西哥正在体验深刻变动。这个国家是处于宽广和迅 速都市化的痛苦中与所有乘务员好处和问题。经济剧烈地关于面对 , 拥抱open-market 政策和自由贸易链接与美国和国家遍及美洲。 与破晓21 世纪, 墨西哥城涌现象世界的最大的城市的当中一个。 这个政治风景由变革标记当各次竞选带来变动的扣人心弦的可能性 。许多寻求适应对新和有为的未来, 虽然其他人保卫教区方式。墨 西哥是一个国家在转折和提供作为模型为发展中国家。


主办国

区域, 地理, 和气候 最近更新10/13/2005 下午 3:13

墨西哥在北美洲位于。它毗邻加勒比海和墨西哥海湾在伯利兹和美 国之间和毗邻北部大西洋在危地马拉和美国之间。它的土地大量包 括大约1.9 百万sq. kms, 或轻微地较不比三乘得克萨斯的大小, 和 有大约海滨地区地产9,330 sq. kms 。这次2000 年人口调查确定 人口是大约97.5 百万。

在墨西哥之内, 有31 个状态和一个联邦区-- Distrito 联邦, 国家的资本。独立日为墨西哥是1810 年9月16 日 , 。它广泛庆祝在这个国家中。这面旗子有三条相等的垂直的带绿 色, 白色, 并且红色与胳膊. . 外套以老鹰的形式perched 在一个 仙人掌与一条蛇在它的额嘴. . 围绕在一条白色带。

与变化从热带沙漠的气候, 这个地形范围从高坚固性山对 低沿海平原和高高原对沙漠。它的最低的海拔点是Laguna Salada 于10 米。高峰是火山, Pico de Orizaba, 于5,700 米。

墨西哥自然危险 包括tsunamis 在太平洋海岸, 火山和破坏性的地震在中心和南部, 和飓风在墨西哥和加勒比沿海海湾。
主要农产品是玉米, 麦子, 大豆, 米 , 豆, 棉花, 咖啡,果子, 蕃茄, 牛肉, 禽畜, 牛奶店和木头产品。

墨西 哥货币是这个比索。2004 年11月交换率是11.3 比索= US$1; 周期 性波动发生与一般经验法则是11 个比索到一美元比率。

人口 最近更新 10/13/2005 下午3:14

墨西哥有估计的人口98 百万。这是世界的最人 口众多的讲西班牙语国家和第次要个人口众多拉丁美洲国家。当代 墨西哥是一个都市社会, 与近75% 总人口居住在城市和23%, 或22 百万人民, 居住在墨西哥城市区。1973 年墨西哥开始进取的和广远 全国计划生育努力减少人口增长率从它的然后空前上流3.4%; 人口 成长被减少到1.9% 在这个十年1990.C2000.

墨西哥并且是一个年轻国家。几乎40% 墨西哥人是较少 比15 年年纪。几乎40% 人口居住在包括14% 土地区域的高高原中央 区域。墨西哥习惯和传统是西班牙人的一个复杂混合物和土产与大 约三分之二人口是" mestizo " (混杂的土产和西班牙血液) 。墨 西哥由骄傲地认为主要避免种族分别它的人口分明墨西哥种族, 庆 祝作为Dia de la Raza 在10月12 日例假。经济情况确定社会阶层 。

罗 马Catholicism 是这种主要宗教。小小组新教徒基督徒经常是附属 的与和由美国教会支持。

西班牙语是这种国家语言, 根据97% 讲话人口 。在一些个遥远区域, 唯一印第安方言讲话。识字率是大约75% 。

公开 机关 最近更新9/30/2005 1:49 下午

国家的正式名字是团结的 墨西哥状态(Estados Unidos Mexicanos) 。这部1917 年宪法赡养 一个联邦共和国, 由31 个状态和联邦区组成资本被找出。这个政府 被弥补执行委员, 立法, 和司法分支。军事强力小和留下出于政治 自1946 年以来。
 
总统, 选举为一个唯一6 年的期限 ("sexenio"), 提议和执行由墨西哥的国会通过的法律; 总统并且有 力量治理由旨令在一些个经济和财政区域。副总统不被选举; 如果 新任去世或辞去职位在期限被完成之前, 国会选举一个临时总统。
 
国会 由二个房子组成: 128 位子参议院, 和代理500 位子分庭。两个房 子被弥补直接竞选和比例表示法立法者的混合; 国会竞选举行每三 年与2006 年是一竞选年。墨西哥没有严密期限极限法律, 允许参议 员或代理寻找重选。司法系统, 根据罗马民法, 包括一个最高法院 和联邦和地方法院。总统任命最高法院法官与参议院认同。州长为 6 年的期限服务并且各个状态有一个unicameral 立法机关。有当地 政府于这个市政水平(没有县) 。市长和市议会成员普遍地被选举为 3 年的期限。

直到全国举动党的(平底锅) 胜利在墨西哥的2000 总统竞 选, 1929 年协会革命党(PRI) 连续控制总统的职务和国会从它建立 。

艺 术, 科学, 和教育 最近更新9/30/2005 1:50 下午

墨西哥城是这个 国家的文化插孔, 但城市在这个国家周围并且开发重要文化节目。 艺术充当一个重要角色在全国生活中和由这个政府沉重给津贴。土 产文化, 西班牙殖民地期间影响, 并且北美洲当代文化, 是显然在 建筑学, 文献, 和艺术。墨西哥的文化遗产丰厚和变化被反射在 murals 由Diego Rivera 和Jos.. Clemente Orozco; 绘画由 Rufino 所着Tamayo 和其它现代大师, 并且一个愈来愈vibrant 当 代艺术场面; 并且文字由Octavio 所着 Paz, Juan Rulfo, Carlos Fuentes, 和Carlos Monsiv..is 。

二个主要艺术节是Cervantino 国际节日在Guanajuato 和墨西哥节日在历史的中心(墨西哥城), 两个带来顶面国际明星。 墨西哥城和墨瑞利亚, Michoac..n, 主持重要国际电影节, 虽然舞 蹈代表以各种各样城市包括Mazatl..n 和San Lu..s Potos.. 。 biennal 跨越边界文化节日叫做inSite 发生在Tijuana 和圣地亚 哥, 虽然每年瓜达拉哈拉书市场是最重要的在讲西班牙语世界上。 World-class 博物馆可能被发现在许多城市和有经常以为特色美国 艺术家临时展评的一个活动程序。Benjamin 富兰克林图书馆的一部 分使馆的公共事务部分, 位于墨西哥城, 但服务观众在这个国家中 。

墨 西哥的兴趣在科学上约会从前西班牙期间当用于一部分做天文学观 察的金字塔被修建。今天, 墨西哥, 在与美国合作下, 正在修建一 台大无线电望远镜在普埃布拉状态, 是在它种最精确的仪器之中在 这个世界。墨西哥提供独特机会为研究在地质, 海洋生物和植物学 方面; 每年上百科学家从美国大学和政府机构参与联合科学研究与 他们的墨西哥同事。

Mexico Printer Friendly Version

Preface Last Updated: 10/13/2005 3:12 PM

Mexico offers a breathtaking juxtaposition of modern and traditional, cosmopolitan and provincial, rich and poor. Remnants of the ancient Olmec civilization are preserved and revered, pyramids where Aztec priests performed human sacrifices still stand, and palaces and monuments recall both the conquest of the Spaniards and the victory of the independence revolution. Colonial towns retain the flavor of the Spanish grandeur they once proclaimed; other towns fiercely protect their native indigenous heritage. Mexico City, a metropolis of delightful climate, modern buildings amid historic charm, and withering poverty, lies ringed by snow-capped volcanoes that slope down to pine forests, deserts, and balmy tropical beaches.

The first people to inhabit this land may have arrived 20,000 years before Columbus. Their descendants, including the Olmecs, Toltecs, Mayans and Aztecs, built a succession of highly developed civilizations that flourished from 1200 B.C.E. to C.E.1521. Hernán Cortés landed near modern-day Veracruz in 1519. King Montezuma II invited the Spaniards into his palace and they promptly took him hostage. After the Spanish conquistadors destroyed the Aztec Empire, the position of the conquered peoples deteriorated rapidly. The Indian population fell from an estimated 25 million at the time of conquest to one million by 1605. From the 16th to 19th centuries, a new colonial society emerged, stratified by race and wealth. The upper echelon were Europeans, in the middle were people of mixed European-indigenous heritage, and at the bottom were the descendants of the native peoples; vestiges of this stratification endure today.

In the early 1800s, Mexico was convulsed with the yearning for freedom; the country gave birth to many heroes, Miguel Hidalgo, Jose Morelos and others. The struggle for independence, declared in 1810, was long and fitful; Spain was not expelled until 1821. Independence, however, was followed by almost one hundred years of unrest and agitation by various factions, punctuated by the U.S.-Mexican War and several years of French subjugation when Maximillian was installed by Napoleon III as the Mexican emperor.

The Revolution of 1910 was the defining event of the 20th century; although Mexico had become relatively peaceful and prosperous, the oppressed peasant population finally erupted, bringing in a chaotic revolutionary period that lasted until 1917 when the current Constitution was drafted and adopted.

Culturally, politically, and economically, Mexico is experiencing profound change. The country is in the throes of broad and rapid urbanization with all the attendant benefits and problems. The economy has dramatically about-faced, embracing open-market policies and free-trade links with the U.S. and countries throughout the Americas. With the dawning of the 21st century, Mexico City has emerged as one of the world's largest cities. The political landscape is marked by transformation as each election brings exciting possibilities of change. Many seek to adapt to a new and promising future, while others defend parochial ways. Mexico is a country in transition and offers itself as a model to the developing world.


The Host Country

The Host Country

Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 10/13/2005 3:13 PM

Mexico is located in North America.   It borders the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico between Belize and the U.S. and borders the North Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and the U.S.   Its land mass covers approximately 1.9 million sq. kms, or slightly less than three times the size of Texas, and has approximately 9,330 sq. kms of beachfront property. The 2000 census determined the population to be approximately 97.5 million.

Within Mexico, there are 31 states and one Federal District -- Distrito Federal, the country's capital. Independence Day for Mexico was September 16, 1810. It is celebrated widely throughout the country. The flag has three equal vertical bands of green, white, and red with a coat of arms ― in the form of an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak ― centered on a white band.

With a climate that varies from tropical to desert, the terrain ranges from high rugged mountains to low coastal plains and high plateaus to desert. Its lowest elevation point is Laguna Salada at 10 meters. The highest point is the Volcano, Pico de Orizaba, at 5,700 meters.

Mexican natural hazards include tsunamis on the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes at the center and south, and hurricanes on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coasts.
The main agricultural products are corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes, beef, poultry, dairy and wood products.

The Mexican currency is the peso. The November 2004 exchange rate was 11.3 pesos = US$1; periodic fluctuations occur with the general rule of thumb being a ratio of 11 pesos to one dollar.

Population Last Updated: 10/13/2005 3:14 PM

Mexico has an estimated population of 98 million. It is the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country and the second most populous Latin American country. Contemporary Mexico is an urban society, with close to 75% of the total population living in cities and 23%, or 22 million people, living in the Mexico City metropolitan area. Mexico began an aggressive and far-reaching national family planning effort in 1973 to reduce the population growth rate from its then all-time high of 3.4%; population growth was reduced to 1.9% in the decade 1990

Public Institutions Last Updated: 9/30/2005 1:49 PM

The country's official name is the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos). The 1917 constitution provided for a federal republic, which is composed of 31 states and the Federal District where the capital is located.   The government is made up of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The military forces are small and have stayed out of politics since 1946.
 
The President, elected for a single six-year term ("sexenio"), proposes and executes laws that are passed by Mexico's Congress; the President also has the power to govern by decree in some economic and financial areas.   No Vice President is elected; if an incumbent dies or leaves office before a term has been completed, the Congress elects a provisional President.
 
The Congress is composed of two houses: a 128-seat Senate, and a 500-seat Chamber of Deputies.   Both houses are made up of a mix of direct election and proportional representation legislators; Congressional elections are held every three years with 2006 being an election year. Mexico has a stringent term-limit law, allowing no Senator or Deputy to seek re-election. The judicial system, which is based on Roman civil law, consists of a Supreme Court and Federal and local courts. The President appoints Supreme Court justices with Senate approval. Governors serve for six-year terms and each state has a unicameral legislature. There are local governments at the municipal level (no counties). Mayors and city council members are popularly elected for three-year terms.

Until the National Action Party's (PAN) victory in Mexico's 2000 presidential election, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) had controlled both the Presidency and the Congress continuously since its founding in 1929.

Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 9/30/2005 1:50 PM

Mexico City is the cultural hub of the country, but cities around the country are also developing important cultural programs. The arts play an important role in national life and are heavily subsidized by the government. Influences of indigenous cultures, the Spanish colonial period, as well as North American contemporary culture, are evident in architecture, literature, and art. The richness and diversity of Mexico's cultural heritage is reflected in murals by Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco; paintings by Rufino Tamayo and other modern masters, as well as an increasingly vibrant contemporary art scene; and writings by Octavio Paz, Juan Rulfo, Carlos Fuentes, and Carlos Monsiváis.

The two major arts festivals are the Cervantino International Festival in Guanajuato and the Festival of Mexico in the Historic Center (Mexico City), both of which bring top international stars. Mexico City and Morelia, Michoacán, host important international film festivals, while dance is represented in various cities including Mazatlán and San Luís Potosí. A biennal cross-border cultural festival called inSite takes place in Tijuana and San Diego, while the annual Guadalajara Book Fair is the most important in the Spanish-speaking world. World-class museums can be found in many cities and have an active program of temporary exhibits which often feature U.S. artists. The Benjamin Franklin Library, part of the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy, is located in Mexico City, but serves audiences throughout the country.

Mexico's interest in science dates from the pre-Hispanic period when pyramids were constructed that served in part to make astronomical observations. Today, Mexico, in cooperation with the United States, is constructing a large radio telescope in the state of Puebla, which will be among the most precise instruments of its kind in the world. Mexico provides unique opportunities for study in geology, marine biology and botany; every year hundreds of scientists from U.S. universities and government agencies engage in joint scientific research with their Mexican colleagues.

Basic and secondary public education is highly centralized under the federal Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), and more than 90% of all students are educated under SEP auspices. Teachers comprise half of the federal workforce. Although the government is working hard, buying books, emphasizing literacy and improving teacher training standards, only about 70% of Mexicans go beyond primary school; about 10% finish some higher education, including university, teaching training colleges, or two-year technical institutes.

Traditionally, Mexican students have attended public universities -- the most prestigious of which is the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the oldest institution of higher education in the Americas. Two-thirds of the older Mexican political leaders are UNAM alumni, but the wider array of choices which have developed over the past four decades was confirmed when the election of 2000 brought the first Mexican president to have obtained an undergraduate degree from a private school -- the Universidad Iberoamericana.

Other public university options include: the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana with its three campuses in Mexico City, and 31 state autonomous universities, many of which have multiple campuses. Today, about 25% of university students are enrolled in private universities. The Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM or the Tec) has 36 campuses linked by satellite across the country. Other important private institutions are the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM

Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 10/13/2005 3:15 PM

The United States-Mexico bilateral relationship is of paramount importance for both countries. It is a broad and complex tapestry reflecting cultural differences, economic disparities, mutual interests, shared problems, and growing interdependence. The two countries cooperate on trade, finance, narcotics, immigration, labor, environment, science and technology, and cultural relations. Beyond these diplomatic and official contacts, extensive networks of commercial, cultural, and educational ties flourish, especially along our 2,000-mile border where state and local governments, as well as citizens' groups, interact closely.

The most outstanding feature of our bilateral relationship with Mexico in the past decade has been the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which created a free trade zone for Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Since the enactment of NAFTA in January 1994, Mexico’s imports from the United States have grown exponentially, totaling $97 billion in 2003. The U.S. share of Mexico’s trade has likewise increased with NAFTA, accounting for nearly 75 percent of Mexico’s total trade in 2003. Mexico is now the second most important U.S. trading partner after Canada. U.S. exports to Mexico are greater than U.S. exports to the rest of Latin America combined.

The Mexican economy, after facing a recession and negative growth, showed positive growth of 1.3 percent in 2003. As Mexico is inextricably linked with the United States, the extent of Mexico’s recovery will depend on U.S. economic performance. The Mexican Ministry of Finance estimates that Mexico will undergo a 3.5 percent growth rate in 2004.

On July 2, 2000, voters elected the PAN’s Vincente Fox Quesada as President. President Fox’s victory was a watershed, ending 71 years of single party rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). However, after three years of what many commentators refer to as political and economic stagnation, President Fox and the PAN party suffered losses in the mid-term elections in July 2003. The PRI currently has a relative majority in the Congress, which will make it much more difficult for Fox to pass legislation. The Fox Administration will be seeking to compromise with the PRI and the PRD (Democratic Revolution Party), which also won congressional seats in the July 2003 elections, in order to pass structural reform widely regarded as needed. What Mexicans most want from the Fox Administration is a vigorous attack on crime and an improvement in both the employment situation and real wages. Spectators remain doubtful that Fox’s administration will be able to implement substantive changes in the remaining two years of his term.

U.S. companies interested in capitalizing on the enormous market opportunities in Mexico should keep the following points in mind when evaluating potential business:

Mexico’s size and diversity is often under appreciated by U.S. exporters. It can be difficult to find a single agent or distributor to cover this vast market. The principal commercial centers of Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Ciudad Juarez, and Tijuana each offer a different mix of leading industries and often a distinctive business culture. In addition, a host of secondary commercial centers offer significant market opportunities.

The Mexican legal system differs in many significant ways from the U.S. system. U.S. firms should consult with competent legal counsel before entering into any business agreements with Mexican partners. The U.S. Commercial Service office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City can provide a list of attorneys with experience in dealing with U.S. corporate clients.

The banking system in Mexico is generally weak and undercapitalized, and interest rates are high. Most importing is conducted on open account. Consequently, U.S. companies need to conduct thorough due diligence before entering into business with a Mexican firm, and should be conservative in extending credit and alert to payment delays. As one element in a prudent due-diligence process, the U.S. Commercial Service offices in Mexico can conduct background checks on potential Mexican partners. There is a fee for this service.

Mexican customs regulations, product standards, and labor laws may entail pitfalls to unwary U.S. companies. U.S. Embassy commercial, agricultural, and labor attaches are available to counsel firms with respect to regulations that affect their particular export product or business interest.

Have patience. Everything takes more time to accomplish in Mexico than what U.S. companies are used to or would like. It is important to take time to develop a personal relationship with a potential business partner

Transportation

Automobiles Last Updated: 10/13/2005 3:17 PM

An automobile is desirable at all posts, both to get to work and for recreation in or out of town. However, some employees use public transportation to avoid contributing to traffic congestion and the problem of air pollution. Buses, taxis, and rental cars are readily available. Official transportation to and from work is not provided.

Types of Vehicles and Servicing. Traffic and parking make power steering and automatic transmissions desirable. Mexico uses speed bumps to control traffic speed; vehicles with high clearances encounter less difficulty in crossing them than do vehicles with low carriages. Use air-conditioning for lower altitude posts, where year-round temperatures reach uncomfortable highs. In Mexico City, drive with closed windows to keep out pollution. In the more temperate climates, such as Guadalajara, air-conditioning is optional but desirable.

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Renault, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mercedes Benz, Maserati, Saab, Seat, Porche, Peugeot, Ferrari, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Infiniti, and Volkswagen cars are sold in Mexico. Adequate repair services are available for those makes and for the American Motors Jeep, which was made in Mexico until 1986. Basic model cars are the easiest to service. The cost of parts is slightly higher than in the U.S., and parts for late model American cars ― even though a vehicle with the same model name is manufactured in Mexico ― may not be available in Mexico and must be ordered from the U.S.

Some cars, especially large ones with optional equipment, can lose up to 25% of their power in Mexico City's high altitude. Tune vehicles for high altitude driving to ensure efficient operation.

Gasoline. Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), the national petroleum company, sells vehicle fuel. There are two grades (both unleaded): Premium (93 octane) in a red pump and Magna (87 octane) in a green pump. Therefore, retain catalytic converters on your vehicle. A few stations in cities and along major highways sell diesel. Keep fuel tanks at least half full, as stations are fewer and farther between than in the U.S. and you may occasionally run out of gas. Fuel is sold by the liter (3.785 liters equal 1 gallon). Use a locking gas cap. Gasoline prices in Mexico are established by governmental authorities in Mexico City and not by individual franchises; in the summer of 2004, one liter of gas costs about seven pesos or $.70, with four liters to a gallon. Since 1991, all cars manufactured in Mexico are equipped with catalytic converters to reduce vehicle emissions that contribute to an acute air pollution problem in the Valley of Mexico ― which includes Mexico City and adjacent areas in the State of Mexico.

Driving in Mexico. Driving is on the right. Traffic congestion is common in cities, and extremely severe in Mexico City.   Mexico honors a valid driver's license, regardless of origin. Dependents who are more than 16 years of age can obtain a driver's permit for a small fee. Road courtesies in Mexico, particularly on the long stretches of two-lane divided highways between Mexico City and the border, are different than in the U.S. Two-way traffic will often move over to the shoulders to allow vehicles to pass in the center of the road. Unwary U.S. drivers risk head-on collisions if they do not pick up on this quickly. Also, drivers wanting to pass will turn on their left turn signal and leave it on until the pass is completed. Large trucks, as well as cars, often use the same signal to inform a vehicle behind them that it is safe to pass.

Toll roads ("cuota") are designated by the letter "D" after the highway number and are faster and safer than free ("libre") routes. The toll roads are more expensive than in the U.S.; in some cases, the tolls are exorbitant.   For example, the drive from Mexico City to Acapulco costs nearly $50 in tolls, prompting some of the hotels to refund their clients the toll costs. However, it is worth the extra cost since the libre routes are very crowded and in very poor condition. Additionally, the Mexican Department of Tourism provides a highway emergency assistance patrol for the cuotas called "Angeles Verdes" (the Green Angels), easily identifiable in a green truck.

Wandering livestock, unlighted vehicles, and unmarked road hazards make nighttime driving dangerous on all highways. For this reason, employees on official travel are prohibited from inter-city driving after dark and personal travel by car at night is strongly discouraged.

Vehicle Insurance and Registration
Mexican law requires drivers entering Mexico to have liability insurance issued by a Mexican company. An employee may obtain coverage under the Embassy's group policy. It becomes effective on entering Mexico if you advise GSO in advance to allow time to mail or FAX the policy. (Calling from the United States, 011-52-55-5080-2579 is the direct GSO number; also see the web site of post: http://mexicocity.state.gov/gso). Then you must formally apply for the policy within 15 days of entering Mexico. The following information is required to apply for the Embassy policy: vehicle make, model, year, serial or vehicle identification number (VIN), and anticipated date of entry in Mexico. An employee who does not have coverage under this group policy should purchase short-term liability coverage before crossing the border. Several U.S. and Mexican insurance companies offer plans that cover a driver for 30 days after crossing the border.

Comprehensive and collision insurance are available from both U.S. and Mexican companies. The Employee Service Center (A/OPR/FMSS/ESC), Department of State, has brochures of the U.S. companies. Be sure your insurance is valid in Mexico, as fender benders are common.

Employees and their families may buy one Mexican automobile tax free in addition to having an imported car (see Notes for Travelers: Customs, Duties, and Passage at the end of this Report). The original title (or an original letter from the bank describing the car and stating that the bank holds the title), bill of sale, and certificate of origin are required to apply for Mexican license plates ― which can take up to 4 months to obtain. The Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE) issues diplomatic, technical and administrative staff, and consular plates upon receipt of the above documentation. SRE will hold the original title or original bank letter until the employee transfers from post; obtain for your records a certified copy of the original title to your vehicle before departing for Mexico. Cars purchased in Mexico come with temporary registration. All imported cars should have foreign registration and plates, preferably valid for at least four months from date of arrival to avoid being stopped by the police until Mexican plates are obtained.

Mexico has no restrictions on types of cars that may be imported. The Chief of Mission and Consuls General can import personally owned vehicles for the term of the assignment, but the value cannot exceed $60,000. These employees also can buy two Mexican cars exempt from value added taxes. All other accredited U.S. personnel are allowed to import only one U.S. vehicle of any brand and its value cannot exceed $40,000. These employees also can buy one Mexican car exempt from value added taxes. If you plan to sell your car in Mexico at the end of your tour, the buyers in all cases would have to pay customs taxes if the free entry permit is less than three years old. Mexican vehicles bought locally may be sold locally; in this case, the buyer is not liable for the IVA tax as long as the vehicle has been in the possession of an accredited individual. However, a car that is 10-years old can only be sold to a diplomat who does not have another car registered in Mexico.

Local Transportation Last Updated: 9/30/2005 1:56 PM

There are two types of taxis in Mexico City, "libre" taxis, and "sitio" taxis. The libre taxis are the green taxis that can be hailed from the street corner. These are very inexpensive and plentiful, but can be unsafe. Embassy security advises that Americans avoid the metered libre taxis and instead opt for the more expensive "sitio" taxis, which operate from a taxi stand with a dispatcher or from a stand in front of a hotel. Radio taxis are also available. The Mexico City airport offers a pre-pay sitio taxi service that is very reliable.

Many employees and family members use city buses and the metro subway system, observing security precautions that are appropriate for a large city. "Peseros," mini buses that carry passengers over assigned routes, provide a convenient service for about 30 cents one-way. Licensed, chauffeured rental cars are also available, at prices comparable to taxi service in the U.S.

Mexico has extensive, inexpensive bus service throughout the country. Quality of service ranges from air-conditioned, luxury buses with reserved seats that serve tourist destinations, to often overcrowded-buses providing the basics.

Regional Transportation Last Updated: 10/13/2005 3:17 PM

Railroad passenger service within Mexico is inexpensive, but covers only a few routes ― including a very limited number of connections with the U.S. ― and is being improved with new equipment.

Air service is good between major Mexican and U.S. cities. Within Mexico, air routes fan out from Mexico City. Domestic air travel, however, is expensive. Air travel between Mexican cities along the border is accomplished more easily by using U.S. airports.

Communications

Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 9/30/2005 1:57 PM

Local and international services are adequate, and both domestic and international calls may be dialed directly. TelMex, the leading private telephone company in Mexico, provides line installation for a reasonable fee. Calls to the U.S. from Mexico are comparable in cost to calls from the U.S. to Mexico. International calls outside of North America are expensive; however, telephone service within Mexico is inexpensive. Telegrams are accepted in English and may be billed to home telephone numbers. Domestic and international FAX service is available.

Long distance service is available by several carriers other than TelMex: Alestra (AT&T-Bancomer), Avantel (MCIBanamex), and Miditel. Most local service is provided by TelMex.

Intercentral office connectivity is by fiber-optics and telephonic equipment is digital, offering such features as three-party conferencing, two calls on one line, and caller identification.

Telephone calls made with a credit card offer a wide variety of applications. Unfortunately, security is not up to the same standards as the U.S., and caution is recommended when using credit cards to place calls.

Wireless Service Last Updated: 9/30/2005 1:57 PM
Along with standard landlines, Mexico has three major providers of cellular phone services: TelCel, Nextel and USACell. All providers are affiliated with major telecommunications companies: TelCel with TelMex (Telefonos de Mexico) and USACell with Avantel, a division of MCI. Prices are very competitive between the three providers and only slightly higher than that which is available in the U.S. Both suppliers offer contracts that provide the phone, "free minutes," and access to the cellular network. At the end of the contract, the purchaser owns the cell phone. Typical contracts run for 18 months. TelCel also offers an alternative to a contract called the Amigo phone, where one buys the phone and pays for the minutes separately to be used as needed. The cell phone units offered for both contract and the Amigo plan are the same phones available in the U.S. They include, but are not limited to: Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson, and Philips with both digital and analog features. GSM technology is available in Mexico.

Internet Last Updated: 9/30/2005 1:58 PM

Dial-up Internet access is now widely available in Mexico from several large providers, and broadband in the form of DSL and cable is growing more and more popular and affordable. Wireless internet service is also available but limited to specific areas of the city.

The dial-up providers include Telmex (which holds a virtual monopoly), Alestra (a division of AT&T), Yahoo, and AOL.   Most providers charge monthly fees in the $20USD range, with no installation charges.   Telmex does charge roughly $0.15 per phone call after 100 calls in a calendar month.

DSL access is offered through Telmex in cooperation with Prodigy. Speeds range from 256kbps to 2Mbps, with monthly rates ranging from $50 to $450 depending on speed. Cablevision provides 256kbps service for $45 monthly in some areas of Mexico City. AT&T is offering high-speed wireless connections with speeds from 128kbps to 512kbps for prices ranging from $40 to $90 monthly.

Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 9/30/2005 2:04 PM

Embassy personnel use the Brownsville, Texas, P.O. Box mailing address as the primary means for sending and receiving mail to and from the USA. Transit time for mail delivery between the Brownsville Post Office and the U.S. Embassy/Consulates is one to two working days for most types of mail. (Standard Department of State pouch restrictions apply to use of the pouch.) Insured, certified, and registered services on incoming mail are available only to the U.S. Post Office in Brownsville. This mail is shipped between the U.S. Embassy warehouse and the post by pouch, at the risk of the sender. Insured and registered service is not available for outgoing mail except for insured service from Mexico City. Outgoing parcels may not exceed 108 inches in length plus girth, or 70 pounds in weight.

Employees may receive packages from the U.S. sent by a parcel express company by using the Embassy warehouse street address in Brownsville (as distinct from the post office box address).

Incoming parcels that exceed the pouch size or weight limits, or contain delicate equipment subject to damage if shipped by pouch, are shipped from Brownsville to post by truck at the employee's expense; costs are reasonable. The mailing addresses are as follows:

Mexico City (Mexico, D.F.)

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Embassy (Office or agency)
P.O. Box 9000
Brownsville, Texas 78520-0900

Parcels via DHL/FEDEX Service:
Full Name
U.S. Logistics Center
225 Vermillion Rd.
Brownsville, Texas 78521

International Mail:
Full name
U.S. Embassy
Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico, D.F., Mexico

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name/Section
8700 Mexico Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-8700


Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate General
Box 10545
El Paso, Texas 79995-0545

Letter mail via pouch:
Full Name
3270 Ciudad Juarez Place
Washington, DC 20521-3270

Guadalajara, Jalisco
Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate General
P.O. Box 9001
Brownsville, Texas 78520-0901

International Mail:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate General
Apartado Postal 39-1044171
Guadalajara, Jalisco

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name
3280 Guadalajara Place
Washington, DC 20521-3280

Hermosillo, Sonora

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate-Hermosillo
P.O. Box 1689
Nogales, AZ 85628

International Mail:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate
Apartado Postal 972
83000 Hermosillo, Sonora

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name
3290 Hermosillo Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-3290


Matamoros, Tamaulipas

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate Matamoros
Box 9004
Brownsville, Texas 78520-0904

Letter Mail via Pouch:
Full Name
3300 Matamoros Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-3300


Merida,Yucatan

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate - MER
P.O. Box 9003
Brownsville, Texas 78520-0903

International Mail:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate General
Apartado Postal 130
97000 Merida, Yucatan

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name
3320 Merida Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-3320


Nogales, Sonora

Mail Direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate - Nogales
P.O. Box 1729
Nogales, AZ 85628-1729

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name
3380 Nogales Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-3380

International Mail:
Full Name
Consulado Americano de Nogales
Apartado Postal No. 267
Nogales, Sonora MEX
C.P. 84000


Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate General
P.O. Box 9002
Brownsville, Texas 78520-0902

International Mail:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate General
Apartado Postal 152
64006 Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name
3330 Monterrey Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-3330


Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U.S. Consulate
Box 3089
Laredo, Texas 78044-3089

Parcels via Parcel Express Service:
Full Name
U.S. Embassy Warehouse
(Post and Office or agency)
620 Logan Street
Laredo, Texas 78041-6246

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name
3340 Nuevo Laredo Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-3340


Tijuana, Baja California

Mail direct via U.S. Post Office:
Full Name
U. S. Consulate General
P.O. Box 439039
San Diego, California 92143-9039

Letter mail via Department of State pouch:
Full Name
3350 Tijuana Place
Washington, D.C. 20521-3350


Unclassified Computer Operations
Post's unclassified Local Area Network (LAN) currently supports approximately 500 customers. Embassy and Consulates are certified OpenNet Plus. Applications include: PER, REMS/RPA, Consular NIV and ACS, CAJE, Exchange E-mail and homegrown applications for the various sections: GSO, ESO, OBO, etc.