Mexicali has become an important city of business because it can cater to any need and is equipped with a modern infrastructure, which guarantees success for tourist-related event, promotions, expos or conventions.

Temporary Importation of vehicles into southern Mexico has a refundable fee that goes from $400 dls. for previous 1994 models, $600.00 dls for models from 1994 to 1998 and $800.00 for 1999 and 2000 models, the payment can be made in cash US dollars or with a credit card,the permit has a cost of $16.50dls.

Mexico Non Immigration Fee

As of July 1999, a Mexican Government legislation establishes a fee of $173.00 pesos (or it's equivalent in US DLLS.) for foreigners visiting Mexico, this applies if you travel beyond Ensenada, if you stay more than 72 hrs. and if you are not a mexican citizen living abroad, the visitor vard is available at any of the offices of the National Institute of Immigration or the Mexican Consulate in the USA, one time payment offers you multiple entries for 6 months. It can be paid through the airline when you purchase your ticket, by sea in the inclusion of the cruise package (only if you stay for more than 72 hours) or at any bank in Baja California

Clothing

Mexicali welcomes both tourists and business people; so how you dress depends on your own comfort and the nature of your visit. Some restaurants and nightclubs observe dress codes, so we suggest that you call before you go. Mexicali’s climate tends to be on the warm to hot side, but winter temperatures, day or night, can be quite chilly. So it’s advisable to bring a sweater or jacket.

Store Hours

Most stores are open from 10 in the morning to 9 at night, and almost all are open on Sundays.

Restaurant Hours

Hours vary depending on the type of restaurant, but generally, they are open from Noon to Half Past Midnight, except for those serving breakfast, which open at 7 in the morning.

Office and Banking Hours

Businesses generally operate from 9A.M. to 5P.M.; banks from 9A.M. to 4P.M., although some branches remain open until 7P.M.. Banking services for currency exchange and checks are offered between 9A.M. and 1:30P.M.

Tipping

As in many parts of the world, tipping is customary in Mexicali. It is absolutely expected in restaurants and hotels, and the usual amount is 15% of the bill. In hotels, the tip to the bellboy is in proportion to the number of pieces of luggage. In other cases, it is at the discretion of the guest. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, unless they are giving you a tour or providing some special service.

Taxes

The sales and service tax, is known as the Value Added Tax, and is 10% of the bill. Hotels, moreover, add another 2% tax.

Monetary and Exchange System

The Mexican peso is the official currency, and its rate of exchange in relation to the dollar fluctuates from day to day. Dollars and travelers checks can be exchanged for pesos at any bank or currency exchange house, but not personal checks. WITHOUT EXCEPTION, ALL BUSINESSES ACCEPT DOLLARS.

Credit Cards

Most commercial establishments accept Mexican and international credit cards, such as Master Card, Visa and American Express.

Postal Service

Most mail is sent by airmail, but the postal service also services places not served by airmail. Post Office hours are from 8 in the morning to 7 in the evening during the week, and on Saturdays from 9A.M. to 1:00P.M.

Customs

Every person purchasing goods in the United States who wishes to bring them into Mexico, is entitled to a quota of up to fifty dollars a day free of customs duties. Persons buying goods in the Mexican border zone are entitled to take up to $300 dollars worth of goods into the interior of Mexico free of customs duties. This quota is cumulative within a family, with respect to father, mother and children.

Telephone Calls

Mexico has one of the most modern and efficient telephone systems in the country. Public telephones accept Mexican telephone systems. Public telephones accept Mexican coins, as well as U.S. twenty-five cent coins. Prepaid long distance calling cards are available and can be purchased at the airport and at many commercial establishments. To call from the United States to Mexico, one must dial Tel: 011-52-686, followed by the seven digit local Mexicali phone number. Calls from Mexico to any part of the world can be made from any telephone which can access "lada" or the country telephone code. For example:

U.S.A. 001 area code and 6 or 7 digit number
Mexico 01 city code and number
Rest of the world 001 country code and number
To make a call, verify the country, city and number that you wish to call.

What to Do and What Not to Do

• Whenever you contract for a service or buy a product, always ask for a receipt or invoice.
• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• If you drink, don’t drive, and if you drive, don’t drink.
• Always use your safety belt.
• When leaving your vehicle, do not leave valuable articles in sight.
• Always carry a valid photo ID with you.
• No policeman is authorized to receive money.
• Fines can be paid by mail.
• You may be arrested for:
  - Ingesting intoxicating beverages on public streets.
  -Disturbance of the peace or harassing persons.
  -Fighting or causing commotion.
  -Immoral behavior.
• It is prohibited in Mexico:
  - To carry or use weapons.
  - To possess or use drugs