© Mexico Connect 1996-2007
MEXICO FAQS
FACTS AND DATA
- Statistical overview of México
- (Reseña informativa de México) From the 1994 CIA World Fact Book .
- What happened in Mexico on this date?
- (Qué sucedió en México en esta fecha?)
- Is there Mexican weather information on-line?
- (Existe información climatológica de México en linea?)
- What are the main Holidays and Festivities?
- (Cuáles son los días de fiesta más importantes?)
- I'm a Canadian/American/German/etc., aren't I exempted from Mexico's laws?
- (Estoy exento de las leyes mexicanas?)
- Are burritos authentically Mexican?
- (Son mexicanos los burritos?)
- What about electricity and appliances?
- (Qué me puedes decir sobre la corriente eléctrica y los aparatos electrodomésticos en México?)
- Mexican place name information?
- (Cuál es el significado del nombre de este lugar)
- What is the Indian population of México?
- (Cuál es la población indígena en México?)
- Can I buy and own property in Mexico?
- (Puedo comprar propiedades y terrenos en México?)
- Are there any Mexican newspaper services online?
- (Existen servicios de noticieros y diarios mexicanos en la red?)
- Where can I get current information on the Chiapas situation?
- (Dónde puedo obtener información sobre la situación en Chiapas?)
- Does México have a national university system?
- (Tiene México un sistema universitario nacional?)
- Are Chicanos the same as Mexicans?
- (Es lo mismo un chicano que un mexicano?)
- Meaning of the name México?
- (Cuál es el significado del nombre de México)
- Where can I learn about Bull Fights?
- (Dónde puedo obtener Información sobre las corridas de toros?
- Where can I learn about fishing in Mexico?
- (Dónde puedo obtener información sobre la pesca de altura en México?
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What about electricity and appliances?
If you are coming from the U.S. or Canada, you have been spoiled by your Power company. Mexico has 60 cycle, 120 amp service - basically the same as in Canada and the US. However, as in most of the rest of the world, the supply of electricity in Mexico is sometimes interrupted; is sometimes subject to surges; and is sometimes subject to "brown-outs", (drops in voltage and/or amperage). You must protect your valuable electronic equipment.
For microwaves and equivalent appliances, a basic household surge protector is enough.
For stereo equipment and your T.V./VCR, buy a power regulator.
For your computer equipment, buy a quality UPS (uninterruptable power supply). The good ones will give you 20 to 50 minutes of reserve power so that you can shut your equipment down without damage. They also protect from surges and regulate the power. Do it!
Finally, make certain you have well grounded circuits in the house you are in. If you are travelling, most wiring is only two pronged plug sockets. They don't have the third ground hole. Bring a couple of three to two prong adaptors with you.
I'm a Canadian/American/German/ etc., aren't I exempted from Mexico's laws?
Not a chance. You are a visitor in Mexico, but that does not give you any special privileges. Nor can your Embassy or Consulate perform any miracles such as rescue you and get you immunity. The laws apply to you as long as you are in the country.
As the laws and legal system here are different than in most English speaking countries, it is in your best interest to not assume things are the same here as at home!
Can I buy and own property in Mexico?
Yes! In the past, buying property in Mexico was difficult. However, the laws have been changed and now things are much easier.
You cannot directly buy or own property that is within 62 miles (100 kms) of the US/Mexican border, or within 31 miles (50 kms) of the coast. Anywhere else you can buy and have the property in Direct Deed in your name.
Always use a reputable Real Estate agency. If it is a private deal, always, always use a Notario to look after the legal issues and the clear title of the deed. Never, ever, pay the full cost until you have the clear Deed.
Too many people have lost money by not following the same common sense rules they would automatically use at home.
Please see Buying Real Estate in Mexico and the Buying Real Estate FAQ.
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