Mazatlan Facts & Travel Tips

Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Time Zone: Mountain Daylight Time Zone
Est. Population: 400,000

TRAVEL TIPS

Mazatlán is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.

The tropical climate lends itself to island casual dress code. Anytime is a great time of the year to travel here. The Pacific Ocean has fewer hurricanes than the Atlantic Ocean, but they occasionally hit this area in the Summer. With the island's tropical climate, brief showers can come anytime.

Currency is the Peso with U.S. dollars and major credit cards accepted by most establishments. Spanish is the official language and some English is spoken by locals. If you use a few key Spanish phrases, then you will have a better experience. You can make phone calls at pay phones around the island. Get a local phone card for the best rates. The main post office is located in downtown Mazatlan. Post office hours are 8am-7pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am-1pm (Saturday).

Banks are open from 9am-2:30pm (Monday-Friday). The most common ATMs are part of the Cirrus or Plus network (Some ATMs only allow PINs with 4 digits). Most stores are open 10am-10pm (Monday-Saturday). Passports are required for U.S. citizens.

You should drink only bottled water. Bring sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Electricity is the same as the U.S. however some outlets may not accept a three prong plug, so bring a converter. If you plan to use a laptop in Mexico, bring a surge protector.

The major holidays in Mazatlan are New Year's Day, Constitution Day, Mexico's National Flag Day, Good Friday, Easter, Cinco De Mayo, Independence Day, Day of the Race, Day of the Dead, Mexican Revolution Day, Christmas Day. For specific dates, go to the Mexico Tourism Board website.

The crime rate here is less than a major metropolitan city, but visitors should use common sense when out and about.

MAZATLAN FACTS & TRAVEL TIPS

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