Rest assured thousands of people have already done it. Mexico is where they live, work, and play. People from all walks of life are living the good life for a lot cheaper than they could do it anywhere else.

Indeed, Mexico has it all: Lower healthcare costs, pleasant weather, idyllic lifestyle, and so much more. Mexico will help you save money on practically everything you need right now. Imagine slashing your living costs by a third… or even a half. That’s a lot of money in your pocket!

So what will your life be like in Mexico?

How much does it really cost?

Most importantly, how do you get started?

This article answers all of these questions for you. My newsletter, my free reports and my books provide you all the information you need.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to retire… a place to vacation to… a place to escape the winter months, you’ll discover why more and more people are choosing Mexico to make ends meet — and getting more bang for their bucks.

So read all about it! I’ve got lots and lots of information waiting for you right here, so dig in and enjoy.

Oh yes… and I almost forgot! If you feel like commenting on any article, please by my guest.  At the end of each article, there’s a little “add comment” feature — so feel free to make use of it. I *do* get a lot of email and keep pretty busy, but I guarantee you will always get a reply from me!

How many buses does it take to get to Mazatlan from Puerto Vallarta? Well, in our case, four. That’s not the norm, nor the point of this story.

Before even leaving Puerto Vallarta, we had to exit the first bus we had boarded at 8:15 a.m. for a second one. Then the second bus broke down and nearly incinerated us in the mountains at 10:30 a.m. A third bus came along within 20 minutes and finally delivered us to Tepic. We arrived barely in time to catch the final bus to Mazatlan after a madcap dash through the terminal at noon. That doesn’t mean we were jinxed does it? It’s all in a day’s adventure, no?

We missed the Masked Ball on Friday night, not because of bus delays but because we simply didn’t know about it. In fact, not a whole lot is printed about the Carnival in Mazatlan, especially by or for gringos, and that is the point of the story

Imagine us, a middle-aged gringo couple embarking on an adventure with a minimum of knowledge, traveling by bus from Puerto Vallarta for a five-night excursion into the heart and soul of the Mexican Carnival. At first we were disappointed to discover online that most resorts and hotels were full by January. We tried to book the main five nights of the long weekend at our favorite Bed and Breakfast, but no luck

Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, while celebrated around the world, is known simply as Carnival in Mazatlan and the date, is tied to the Christian calendar, and varies each year. It came early this year on February 5th just 40 days before Easter.

While not on the scale of celebrations in Rio de Janiero, or New Orleans, or even Venice, Mazatlan has has a reputation of enthusiastic attendance, growing over the years. Luckily only a few weeks before the event, our B&B called back and said they had a cancelation exactly for the time we wanted, so at the last minute we took it. We love the location, a block from Olas Altas beach and directly in the heart of Historic Mazatlan.

The B&B is a lovingly restored, two story, 19th century mansion built around a sunny courtyard. It has a beautiful pink marble staircase, a fantastic updated kitchen, a generous serve-yourself-bar, and internet access. The owners, couldn’t be more attentive, gracious or enthusiastic. They shared the party spirit of the moment with us like old friends. We love the place!

When we arrived Friday evening, we were greeted with glasses of wine as the busy, weekly Art Walk, which they help sponsor, was happening. Then they handed us ‘the earplugs’. “So we’ll need these?” we asked naively. Their reply was that we were a ‘bit close’ to one of the bandstands. An understatement indeed!

Although so perfectly situated for walking through the Historic District and accessing the beachfront Malecon, the B&B’s location is directly in-line with the musical pathway of one of at least 10 band stages along the end of the parade route through Olas Altas. In fact, sitting on the roof of the house you look directly at the stage, but also at the sunset and the ocean beyond.

There are two big parades, one on the Avenida del Mar about a mile away on Sunday and one on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) evening right in front of the B&B. There are also two fireworks celebrations; known as the Combate Naval (the first of which was the best display I have ever seen!); one on Saturday (commemorating Mazatlan’s victory over the French Navy in 1864) and another display on Monday evening, along Ave. del Mar.

But getting back to the ear plugs…music is at the heart of the Carnival celebration and is called Sinaloa Banda music. Banda is not Mariachi music but something akin to a blend of many styles; Salsa, Mariachi, Cumbia, Merengue, and maybe you can even toss in some Jewish Klezmer music. Hate it or love it, there are 30 plus bands, over five nights, playing up and down the beachfront on bandstands from about 7 in the evening to at least 2 in the morning, and sometimes til 4!

During the parades or in between acts on stage there are the small bands that didn’t make it into the line up and rather than allow any silence, they play on the street corners when no one else is upstaging them. This is infectious, danceable music and did I give you the impression yet…LOUD!? (And to boot, just jog four or five blocks away from Olas Altas to the Plazuela Machado where there are four more stages – we’ll deal with that location later.)

After a couple of nights, we practically got used to it almost constant music and even caught a few hours of sleep. Banda music has a distinct place in Mexico’s musical heart and creates part of the soul of Carnival, much as Jazz does for New Orleans or Samba and Bossa Nova do in Rio.

Carnival was “family friendly” fun, with clowns and balloons, day and night, in a way that discourages the “skin shows” and drunkenness of other cities around the world. There are loads of beer stands everywhere, setting prices from 10 to 20 pesos a can. ($1 to $2 USD) Pacifico Beer is produced in Mazatlan; so are the Pacifico Girls…you see everywhere. They still use huge 100 pound ice blocks, hauled by ‘men-with-tongs’ and chopped up to cool enormous stacks of beer. The streets ran slick with the melt-off strewn confetti. People dress up with masks but because the date was early in the year, many folks just plain dressed to stay warm in the cool evenings.

In addition to the numerous locations having street fair stuff, there is a whole wealth of entertainment and more of a purpose to Carnival when the local residents crown various Queens of Carnival, presented in stadiums and grand ballrooms. These gala events include much more ceremony, distinction, and are coronations of the most beautiful and talented individuals of the highest order. Past year’s queens are honored for their achievements in a ritual of events.

Food for most, including me, is a priority when I travel. Although street vendors can entice you with an economical plethora of local specialities, we found that real meals are highly important to not only provide stamina for dancing, walking, site seeing and a host of other daily events but also to avoid heartburn. We moved our focus to the Plazuela Machado in a more completely restored section of Historic Mazatlan only a few blocks from our B&B.

That reminds me, while we took the time to walk around Historic Mazatlan; we were enveloped in a wonderful ethereal sense of artistic decay and elegance somewhat akin to what Havana, Cuba is like. The antiquated charm of the abundant and strikingly different architectural styles, the restored buildings, brightly painted and filled with wrought iron works is contrasted with the ancient and deteriorated looking structures sometimes right next door to each other. It truly captured, amazed and thrilled both of us! The revival of the area began with the Angela Peralta Theater anchoring the neighborhood and gentrification has spread outward during the last decade.

The Plazuela is a focal point of Carnival, bounded on its northern side by Calle Carnival filled with locals selling festival goods.

Depending on our timing we either had lunch or dinner in the outdoor cafes surrounding the plaza’s shady strolling area. In the Plazuela you have the choice of sitting on the sunny side or the shady side and are surrounded by fantastic people-watching as you gaze across the central sitting area and fountains. Strolling minstrels and mimes added color, and impromptu songs and poetry by groups kept the place entertaining all day long. At night multiple stages erupted into big music productions the place was packed and rockin’ with the youth of Mazatlan. This became one crowded little plaza!

Additional sight-seeing in Mazatlan filled our daily needs. One morning we hiked to the tallest working lighthouse in the world. Looking out from the top across the ocean and all of Mazatlan we saw the cruise ship terminal and fishing fleet docks in the harbor from which the city has earned the nickname, ‘Shrimp Capital of the World”. We looked northward where the tourist, beach-mecca of high rise hotels and resorts is, known as the Golden Zone and saw the three islands just offshore.

Two different days we took a 15-minute hike to the Old Zocalo and Cathedral for more people watching. The huge, typical Mexican public market, “Mercado Pino Suarez” nearby is jam-packed full of tourist-ware, groceries, meat displays, clothing, and absolutely everything up for bargaining.

A couple of times we took an ‘indigenous’ open-air taxi ride in a golf cart-like contraption known as a pulmonía, commemorated in Mazatlan history by a monument on the Malecon.

Carnival comes to a climax on Fat Tuesday night after the last parade, with revelry exceeding all previous evenings. The noise gets louder and the people crazier. But after throwing the last of our confetti-“In your face, baby!” we went home at midnight, showing our age, long ahead of everyone else.

Before leaving town in the morning we walked the Malecon one last time; watched the cleanup, melted ice and towers of beer still in evidence, the ocean surf pounded on the big rocks off shore, and we were entranced by one of the brave cliff divers from the pavilion near the dolphin sculptures.

After five nights, our bus ride back home was very anticlimactic. There were the same four young guys we rode the bus up with. However, now they were no longer singing, laughing in anticipation, playing loud music on their MP3’s, no more joking at the front of the bus, nor displaying the antics of youth; now they were in the back, behind us, practically soundless and like us probably sleeping much of the ride home, recovering from the exhausting and delightful party known as Carnival!

1) Your passport.

2) Your visa or permit.

Mexico’s General Law of Population sets forth the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as different statuses associated with foreign immigration.

Mexico welcomes most foreign nationals for a specific period of time to take part in non-money-making activities, such as a vacation. Recurring visits or stays over 180 days require special permits from the Mexican Consulate.

There are two kinds of permits, Non-immigrant and Immigrant.

Non-immigrant permits are for people who want to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and length of time and then depart. Immigrant permits are for people who wish to live in Mexico, short or long-term.

You do not have to surrender your natural citizenship to be granted full-resident status in Mexico. Full resident status entitles you to all the rights and benefits of a Mexican National – to live, work, claim state benefits, and pay taxes. But you are not permitted to vote in Mexican elections.

These permits may prohibit work in specific industries such as positions related to bar and waiter/waitress work. Contact a professional for specific advice on immigration. You can also contact the Mexican Consulate of your country.

Non-Immigrant Permits: There are various classifications of Non-Immigrant visitors to Mexico. I’ve listed some Consulates below. They will give you details on how to apply for permits that are required in advance.

Tourist Permits: The Mexican Tourist permit is known at the “FMT”. It is very simple to fill out and available from airlines and ports of entry. This permit allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days. If the officer at the port of entry does not assign 180 days leave of stay at your point of entry, the permit may be extended to the maximum permitted stay by visiting one of the local foreign immigration offices, completing the paperwork and paying the administration fee.

You can use an FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure and also if you plan to scout for and/or invest in Mexican real estate. When you are closing a real estate deal, you will need to show evidence to the Notary Public that your stay in Mexico is legal and an FMT is a valid document for this purpose.

Visitors Permit: For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for the Visitors permit (usually an FM3) through your company and state what the purpose of the visit is, and how long it is likely to take. There are also some forms to fill out and a handling fee to pay. You can download the forms, and find out the latest fees and process by going to Consulate listed. Visitor’s Permits are issued for up to one year, and are renewable four times, for a maximum of one year each time – for a total maximum period of five years.

Artists: Can apply for an immigration permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry’s discretion.

Local Visitors: Special permits for foreigners visiting maritime ports and border cities. The permit allows a maximum stay of 3 days, and you must stay within the 35km “border zone”.

Resident Alien (Permanent Visitor): If you wish to remain in Mexico as a “resident alien” after five years, you must apply for full residency status, and there is a specific procedure to follow and have accepted. Once your application has been accepted and your “FM2″ has been issued, you are entitled to full rights and responsibilities as any other Mexican Citizen, with the exception of the right to vote. Upon receiving this status, you will receive a document that looks like a Mexican Passport (called a “FM2″) -newer versions look like a driver’s license – which enables you pass through Mexico’s borders as if you were a Mexican National.

You do not need to surrender your national passport, which you’ll use when you return to your home country – either for visits, or when returning home to dwell. If you stay outside of Mexico for longer than two years, or for five years in any 10-year period, you will lose your resident status in Mexico.

Retirees: If you are over 50 years of age, and want to engage in “non remunerative activities” and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or fixed income) of a specific set amount, set by the Mexican government, plus a specific required amount for each dependent (e.g. spouse, children) , you can apply for a Retiree Immigration Permit.

Non-Immigrant: When you do NOT want to seek permanent residence in Mexico, for vacations and casual trips toMexico, just fill out and use the tourist permit, available from the airline you travel with or at the port of entry. If you are of retirement age (50+), and have approximately US $1,500 (can vary) or equivalent income per month, then a Retiree permit will be your easiest route. If you are not of a retirement age (below 50) and want to live but not work in Mexico, you will need to contact the Mexican Consulate. Provided that you can prove a permanent steady income in line with the regulations, you may be granted an FM3 permit to live in Mexico, which would be eligible for conversion to an FM2 in 5 years. You will need to state what you intend to do there, e.g. early retirement due to health, etc.

The American Embassy and Consulate in Mexico – Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuahtemoc 06500
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5209 9100

The British Embassy and Consulate in Mexico – Mexico City
Rio Lerma 71
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5242 8500

The Canadian Embassy and Consulate in Mexico -Mexico City

Schiller 529
Colonia Rincon del Bosque
Polanco 11560
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 52 55 5724 7900

These are only a sampling of the divisions of people immigrating – retirees, visitors, artists, and so many more, but I slant info toward retirees, of course.  Info for other visitors/immigrants can be found though the Consulates.

I have, in my files, a picture of the Bull Fighting Ring in Mazatlan. I will probably never see the inside of this facility. Completely against my perception of entertainment.   However – remember that Mexico is a different country, with different traditions and different customs than we are familiar with. While you may never want to see this spectacle either, you should respect the long years of tradition that makes this an important event to many Mexicans, when you are in their country.  

What may be perfectly acceptable actions in the states could offend someone in Mexico.

You’ll find the people of Mexico to be very conscious of everyday manners, both in their actions and their speech. How refreshing!

• Mexicans tend to be more conservative than Americans – this goes for dress, especially in the more Provencal areas of Mexico.

• When having a conversation with a resident of Mexico, you will find they tend to be more comfortable to stand closer together that we are used to – they don’t seem to fear “someone getting in their space” as seems to be the way in America.

• DO NOT use the old O.K. sign – making  the hole with the thumb and index finger – that’s a vulgarity in Mexico and you will offend most people!

• A handshake is acceptable and a back slap. Hugs are usually for friends, but can also be used in business situations. Iin some instances a kiss on each cheek is appropriate. I’d let the other person initiate that.

You may feel that Mexico is, unfortunately, a bit race-conscious. This apparently originates from the fact that the conquering Spanish (light-skins) basically enslaved the indigenous (dark-skinned) peoples. Ergo, for some Mexicans, the concept remains that white is rich and powerful and dark is lower-class. It’s amazing that such ideas still exist in this day and age.   Today, with about ten percent of the population being white, 60% mixed and 30% indigenous, race consciousness sadly persists.

Americans, visiting Mexico for the first time, may be to see the high percentage of darker skinned individuals, rather than the white skinned Hispanics they have become accustomed to seeing in advertisements and on TV.

I believe the easiest way to deal with unwanted attention is simply to ignore it. Being not only light-skinned, but if your appearance proclaims that you are apparently not from Mexico, you may be called a gringo or a guera – there is usually no offence meant, it’s simply a description of what you are.

Gringo – There are many opinions of the derivation of this word – one is that the song “Green grow the lilacs, all sparkling with dew…” was popular during the Mexican/American War in the 1800’s. The Mexicans heard the song so often that “green grow” eventually became gringo for Americans …it’s a possibility.

Anyway, now Gringo is used for anyone with Caucasian features basically. It takes a certain kind of person to live outside the U.S.  If you plan to live in Mexico and enjoy it, you should immerse yourself somewhat in the customs and culture of the country.

In this article I hope I have basically introduced some everyday behavior, appropriate for us Gringos in Mexico:

• Be polite to everyone.

•Don’t assume just because someone doesn’t have a formal education they are not as smart as someone who does.

•Treat others as you would want to be treated!

Basic education is free (and mandatory) from ages six through eighteen. That stipulates a child will receive schooling and books, but all else must be provided by parents (uniforms, pencils, pens, etc.).

Preschool covers children aged three through five and is generally provided in three grades. Preschool is free.

You’ll be happy to know that one of the high priorities of the Mexican Government is education, and the budget has continued to increase in recent years. In fact, the education budget has increased significantly. The budget has increased by almost 25% over the last decade. As a result, there has been a dramatic increase in school enrollments over the past few years

That being said, their education system, like our own, is not perfect. Although educational levels in Mexico have improved substantially in recent decades, the country still faces some problems. (There are private schools available for your consideration if you are worried about the quality of education for your children.)

From Wikipedia:

The Mexican school system is organized into Basic Education, Secondary Education and Higher Education components as follows:

Basic Education comprises preschool, primary school, and lower secondary school. Preschool covers children aged three through five and is generally provided in three grades. Preschool is free.

Primary education provides at least six years of schooling and is compulsory upon the states to provide free education from age six. There are several educational pathways, for specific population groups, including general education, bilingual-bicultural education, community education for children in the isolated regions of the country, and (4) adult education.

Higher-secondary education (3 years) is considered part of basic education and is compulsory upon the states. For entry, students are required to have successfully completed six years of primary education.

Secondary Education: Upper-Secondary Education is separate from Basic Education. This stage is non-compulsory upon the states and has three pathways: General upper-secondary, Technical professional education, and Technological upper-secondary.

Not all Mexican states have compulsory school attendance laws, and “compulsory education” generally means simply that it is compulsory upon the states to provide for it. It is important to understand that Mexico comprises 31 states and a federal district, and these jurisdictions pass their own laws so long as they do not conflict with federal laws. Compulsory school attendance in the state of Sonora went into effect in the beginning of the 2008 school year. The state of Sonora provides 12 years of free public education for its young people.

Higher education: There are four pathways of higher Education in Mexico: (1) Universities (4-5 year colleges and universities, called the licenciatura), (2) Technical institutes (3-year programs in engineering and management), (3) Teacher-training colleges, offering bachelor’s degrees in the fields of education, and (4) Technological universities, offering two-year programs to prepare students as Higher University Technicians

The Consulate of Mexico will issue the Nonimmigrant Visa for multiple entries (FM3) to those who wish to make trips of limited duration.  (And that duration can be a long time.)

If you have now made the big decision to retire in Mexico, and your expenses will be covered by:

• Income brought into Mexico from a foreign country
•  Income resulting from investments, either in Mexico or abroad, you can apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3) for retirees.

The requirements for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3) (we’ve always called this a visa for a “permanent tourist”) for multiple entries are:

• Fill out the Visa Application form, (available at the Consulate website for downloading).
• Appearance in person at the Consulate with a valid passport
• One photocopy of the pages containing personal information
• Photograph of bearer
• two (2) front view passport size photos.
•  proof of economic solvency
• Applicant must prove a monthly income of $1,000.00 USD dollars, or equivalent in Mexican currency.

If the applicant will be accompanied by members of his immediate family, the minimum income required is $500.00 additional per month for each member 15 years of age or older.

The documents accepted as a proof are:

• Bank statement
• Social Security or Pension Receipts.

All documents must documents must be notarized and bear the apostille issued by the Secretary of State where the documents were notarized.

United States passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by an airlines.

Business travelers do not require a visa for up to 30 days if holding a FMN form.

After September 30, 2007:All US citizens traveling to and from Mexico by air will require a passport. By January 1, 2008, the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

An FM-3 costs approximately $98.00 US per year, per person, and is renewed annually. It allows you to keep a U.S. plated vehicle in Mexico, to leave and return at will, open and maintain a Mexican bank account, and can exempt you from capital gains tax when selling and allows you to purchase property in Mexico. (Cost is approximate as of this writing. )

With your FM-3 status, you can bring a car and keep it with you as long as that status is maintained.

The cost for an FM3 – for Retirees – no working permit = $98. 

IMMIGRATION FEES

Some of the fees (taxes) are:  (These can vary, so just consider them approximate osts.) The issuing or renewal of an FM-3 document without the right to work) is approximately 1500 pesos – or approximately 150 dollars, U.S., per year. This can be renewed indefinitely.

You can also apply for an FM-3 with the right towork for a bit more – about 1800 pesos ($180.00 U.S.)

The issuing or renewal of am FM-2 document (with the right to work) is  approximately 1,900 pesos. $190.U.S. 

A permit to leave the country while documents are en tramite (pending approval) is approximately 90 pesos. $9.U.S.

VISAS

For those who want to stay longer than six months  at a time in Mexico, without having to make a semi-annual trip to the border, the next step in theimmigration process is the FM-3. You must be 55 to apply, and you will need six things:

• A completed official application form (FDN1/02) and a copy. These are available at any Mexican consulate and at the Regional Immigration Office in Mexico.
• Your original valid tourist visa.
• Your current passport.
• If spouses are applying, a copy of the couple’s marriage certificate.
• Written proof from a U.S. or Mexican bank that the equivalent of $1030 U.S. is being deposited monthly into the bank account of the applicant. For each dependent, The amount required is approximately $515US

If you own property in Mexico, the amount required is reduced by one half. These minimums are set by the Mexican government and can fluctuate.

You need to realize that the average daily wage in Mexico is a bit under $5 and a few pesos for most tips brings a good smile to faces. The exception is in Americanized resorts and restaurants.

There are basically 6 commonly used coins in Mexico – relate them to our penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar and dollar coins.  Then, there are half cent, two cent, two dollar and five dollar coins.  The coins are issued by Banco de Mexico. 

There are two groups of coins, Type B, minted between 1992 and 1996, and the other, Type C, minted since 1996.  They look very similar, with the exception that the newer coins, known as type “C”, do not have the adjective “nuevos” nor its abbreviation “N” imprinted on them.

Money minted before 1992, has been devalued. That said, basically, you can figure approximately that:

10 pesos are equal to one U.S. dollar
20 pesos equal $2.00 US
50 pesos equal approximately $5.00 US, etc.,

The small coins, 5,10, 20, 50, translate to half a cent, 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents.  Divide everything by approximately 10 – depending on the exchange value, which changes daily so check the exchange rates online.

First,  Mexico is a democracy just like the United States of America. It’s  a federal democratic republic and is divided into 31 states plus the Federal District, which is the seat of government. (Corresponds to our District of Columbia).

The Mexican Constitution is the basic, supreme set of laws on which the country’s overall organization is based.  (Again, corresponds to the United States Constitution.) The constitution governs the people of Mexico. The people of Mexico are holders of national sovereignty and they elect their own officials.

The executive branch of power is headed by the President of the Republic, who is elected through universal, secret vote for a term of six years. By law, there is no possibility of re-election.

The legislative branch of power is exercised by a general congress, known as the Congress of the Union, which consists of a Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Senators. Both Chambers are responsible for drafting, adopting and issuing laws, and for supervising public accounts. (Pretty much like ours).

The Chamber of Deputies is made up of 400 representatives elected through universal suffrage for a term of three years: 300 are elected through relative majority, while the other 100 are elected on the basis of proportional represenation, ensuring the participation of all registered political parties in the Chamber.

The Senate is made up of two representatives from each state and another two representing the Federal District.

The administrative structure of the Judiciary branch of government is centered on the circuit system. There are 21 circuits with a total of 128 district courts.

The government is divided into three main branches:

1. Federal branch, which exercises power over the states,

2. State branch for when state matters are involved, and

3. Municipal branch, which oversees the political and administrative units that make up the states.

The Constitution establishes the municipality as the basis of the territorial division and of the political and administrative organization of the states of the Republic.

A multi-party system forms the basis of democratic coexistence in Mexico.

The main political parties are the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

All registered political parties may nominate candidates for local and federal elections.

 and…

Sure Graft – Mordita – goes on in Mexico…But, if your vehicle is stopped by an officer for no reason and he tries to collect a fine, take the officer’s number and ask to speak to his jefe (HE-feh) – boss – or ask to be taken to the nearest delegacion de policia – police station – to explain the situation.For unfair traffic accusations call 91 98000 90-392 or contact the appropriate State Tourism Department.Report any unfair treatment to your U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or the nearest Mexican consulate office when you return home.