Office hours in Acapulco are 09:00 until 19:00 which may seem late, but a two hour lunch is often taken. Banks are open at 09:00 and close at 15:00 although most currency exchange offices stay open until 17:00. Shops are open from Mondays to Saturdays and will often stay open late.

Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday and Saturday 09:00 to 13:00
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday
Museums: they all keep different hours so call ahead for information
Business Offices: weekdays 09:00 to 19:00, with a 2 hour lunch break
Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, weekdays and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00

Unfortunately, Mexico has always had a reputation for theft. With the sheer number of visitors, there are ample opportunities for thieves to take advantage of unattentive tourists. This is especially true if you are at the beach, shopping in a market, or flashing your valuables after dark. Although physical harm rarely enters the picture, keep close guard of your belongings while in Acapulco.

The waters around Acapulco are notorious for their dangerous riptides and undertows, which claim several unsuspecting swimmers every year. Stick to Acapulco Bay and Puerto Marques Bay for swimming. If you find yourself caught in the undertow, head back to shore at an angle instead of trying to swim directly back. Signs are posted at every beach, warning of the dangers.

Electricity: 110V/60Hz

The Mexican currency is the New Peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. Coins come in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 centavos, and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos. Notes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 pesos.

There are numerous banks along the Costera which offer pretty good rates. Currency exchange booths (casas de cambio), which are scattered all over the place, usually have better rates than the hotels.

Often, ATMs are the best place to take money out. All major banks, airports, bus stations and large grocery stores have ATMs. Their exchange rates are usually the best available.

When you are on the plane, you will have to fill out a Customs Declaration Form. Some food items such as plants and seeds are not allowed, as well as firearms and drugs. Each visitor can import 20 packs of cigarettes, 3 litres of alcohol, 12 rolls of film and personal medicine if you have a prescription.

The dress code in Acapulco is very casual. During the day, it’s okay to wear shorts, bathing suits, T-shirts and sandals just about anywhere you go. At night, however, the dress gets smarter. Locals like to dress to impress, so you may want to follow suit. Some of the more upscale nightclubs have a strict dress code, which usually means no jeans, T-shirts, shorts or sandals.

The local sales tax, or IVA, is 15 per cent but should not be mistaken for gratuity. Tipping in restaurants is common, and is typically 15 per cent for good service.

Always drink bottled water as tap water will almost certainly be contaminated. Try to avoid drinks with ice, as they were probably made from dirty tap water. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be peeled and washed before eating. Stomach problems are the most common ailment for visitors to Mexico.

The sun in Acapulco is very strong as you are very close to the equator you will be sun burnt very quickly if you’re not careful. Always wear sunscreen and a hat when you hit the beach. Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated, especially if you do any heavy drinking the night before.

If anything serious does happen to you, there is fairly reliable medical service available in Acapulco. Most of the staff speak English and will be glad to help you.

Emergency services: 065

Hospital Magallanes: Tel: +52 744 485 6194

Spanish is the main language spoken in Acapulco. However, English is widely used in any shop or service geared towards tourism as well as most entertainment and commercial centres. Other common western European languages are also spoken in the service industry.

Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and nearly every other western European country do not need a special visa to enter Mexico as a tourist. You will be required to fill out a tourist card, which will be given to you by immigration officials at the airport, pier or land border. Mexico also has a $15 visitor fee, which is typically included in your plane ticket price.

Tourism offices are well-maintained and very helpful in Acapulco. They provide city maps and sightseeing advice and almost always have staff who can speak English, as well as a handful of other languages.

The main tourist office in the Acapulco International Centre can be contacted by telephone on: +52 744 484 4416 or by visiting www.visitacapulco.com.mx.