Language
Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Usually personnel at hotels, shops, restaurants, etc, speak and understand English. If you know some Spanish don’t hesitate to try it, it’s the best way to make new friends among the warm, friendly people of Mexico.


Money exchange
The peso is the legal tender in Mexico ($1 peso = 100 cents, or centavos). You can exchange your currency at the American Express Travel Service Offices or the Foreign Exchange offices. You can also withdraw money from most of the ATMs, in pesos.In this Welcome Kit you will find a flyer to exchange your currency to pesos at preferential rates in all American Express Foreign Exchange and Travel Service Offices in Ixtapa.


Credit cards
Travelers Cheques and major credit cards, such as American Express, are widely accepted in Ixtapa. The large hotels, restaurants, and department stores accept cards readily.

Valuables
It is not advisable to carry large amounts of cash and several credit cards as well as plane tickets, passport and personal documents with you. Take with you only what is necessary and keep the rest in the safe in your hotel. Overall, Ixtapa is a safe destination, but losing money or documents is never a pleasant experience, anywhere in the world.

Transportation
Taxis and buses are the best way to get around. Taxis are plentiful, clean and reliable, and fares are reasonable. You can also take a bus or a taxi from Ixtapa to Zihuatanejo.

Tipping
Service charges are not added to restaurant bills in Ixtapa. A gratuity between 10 and 15 percent is recommended. For porters and other hotel or service staff a tip equivalent to one or two US dollars is the norm. Taxi drivers do not automatically expect a gratuity but an extra ten percent on the fare would be an appropriate payment if desired.

Shopping
Ixtapa’s shopping is located in a series of small malls across the boulevard from the large beachfront hotels on Playa del Palmar and between the two golf courses.The main shopping resources in Zihuatanejo are located within a 5 or 6 block grid in the center of town.You will find plenty of opportunities to purchase gifts, travel needs, sporting goods, fine jewelry, quality liquor, mexican handicrafts and more.

Time sharing
There are many timeshare promoters at the Ixtapa airport and at the resorts. You may be approached with offers of half price tours, free breakfast, etc.; if you accept, you will be obligated to attend a timeshare presentation. Neither American Express nor your travel agency are in any way connected with these associations, and do not endorse their activities.

Water
Most hotels have water filters and purified tap water. Ice cubes are also safe to use and consume. You can always get a bottle of purified water in the tobacco shop of your hotel, if you are going out.