Before you travel to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
According to Mexican government regulations, as of March, 2010, all U.S. citizens must show a valid passport, book or card, to enter Mexican territory, by any means of transportation, beyond the border zone (20 kilometers, 13 miles, from the border); no exceptions are made for children. No visa or tourist card is required for stays of less than 72 hours within the border zone.
When traveling beyond the border zone, or when entering the country by air, U.S. citizens are required to pay a fee to obtain a tourist card (FM-T), which is available at border crossings, Mexican tourist offices and airports, within the border zone. Major airlines will provide this form during your trip. You must include the following information on the form: numbers of days you will be in the country, passport number, destination, city of origin and other related information.
Business travelers must complete and file form FM-N 30 DAYS, which authorizes them to perform business activities, but not to accept employment, for a period of 30 days. Entering the country for other purposes, besides tourism and business, or for stays of more than 180 days, requires a visa and a valid U.S. passport.
U.S. citizens who plan to work or live in Mexico, must request the corresponding Mexican visa at the Mexican Embassy (1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; telephone (202) 736-1000) or at any Mexican consulate in the United States.
All U.S. citizens who are 16 years old or older must show either a U.S. passport, in a book or a card form, in order to re-enter the country by land or by sea. Children under the age of 16 can re-enter the United States by land with a legal document (naturalization certificate or birth certificate).
Upon entering the United States by air, all citizens, regardless of their age, must show a U.S. passport in book format. A U.S. passport in a card format is not valid for entering the United States by air.
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When traveling beyond the border zone, or when entering the country by air, U.S. citizens are required to pay a fee to obtain a tourist card (FM-T), which is available at border crossings, Mexican tourist offices and airports, within the border zone. Major airlines will provide this form during your trip. You must include the following information on the form: numbers of days you will be in the country, passport number, destination, city of origin and other related information.
Business travelers must complete and file form FM-N 30 DAYS, which authorizes them to perform business activities, but not to accept employment, for a period of 30 days. Entering the country for other purposes, besides tourism and business, or for stays of more than 180 days, requires a visa and a valid U.S. passport.
U.S. citizens who plan to work or live in Mexico, must request the corresponding Mexican visa at the Mexican Embassy (1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; telephone (202) 736-1000) or at any Mexican consulate in the United States.
All U.S. citizens who are 16 years old or older must show either a U.S. passport, in a book or a card form, in order to re-enter the country by land or by sea. Children under the age of 16 can re-enter the United States by land with a legal document (naturalization certificate or birth certificate).
Upon entering the United States by air, all citizens, regardless of their age, must show a U.S. passport in book format. A U.S. passport in a card format is not valid for entering the United States by air.
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Contact numbers in San Miguel de Allende
Useful and Emergency Numbers:
Face Masks & Mask Accessories - wide variety of styles, colors and materials to choose from!
Emergency number for the whole republic: Dial 066
Here you can request assistance from Civil Protection, Police, Red Cross (medical service) and firefighters.
Toll roads accidents, contact the "Green Angels" Dial 01 (55) 52 50 82 21
Attention to crime victims Toll-free number 01 800 0074533
Major emergencies Dial 01 (55) 56 83 22 22
Red Cross Dial 065
Tourist hotline Dial 078
International operator Dial 090
National operator Dial 020
Fire Dial 068
Directory enquiries Dial 040
Emergency number for the whole republic: Dial 066
Here you can request assistance from Civil Protection, Police, Red Cross (medical service) and firefighters.
Toll roads accidents, contact the "Green Angels" Dial 01 (55) 52 50 82 21
Attention to crime victims Toll-free number 01 800 0074533
Major emergencies Dial 01 (55) 56 83 22 22
Red Cross Dial 065
Tourist hotline Dial 078
International operator Dial 090
National operator Dial 020
Fire Dial 068
Directory enquiries Dial 040
Within Mexico:
Calling a cellphone from a landline within the same area code 044 + number
Calling a cellphone from a landline with different area code 045 + number
Calling a landline from different area 01 + area code + number
Calling a landline or cellphone from abroad to Mexico +52 1 + number
Calling a cellphone from a landline with different area code 045 + number
Calling a landline from different area 01 + area code + number
Calling a landline or cellphone from abroad to Mexico +52 1 + number
International Dialling codes ( calling from Mexico )
US and Canada 001 + area code + number
UK 00 44 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
Ireland 00 353 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
Australia 00 61 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
New Zealand 00 64 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
South Africa 00 27 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
UK 00 44 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
Ireland 00 353 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
Australia 00 61 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
New Zealand 00 64 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
South Africa 00 27 + area code (minus initial zero) + number
Important information for San Miguel de Allende
Tourist Assistance Services
By dialing 078 you can obtain free information on tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental agencies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, immigration services and other issues.
You can also request information at the following email:
correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx
You can also request information at the following email:
correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx
Requirements for entering the country
To enter Mexico, all tourists need to have a permit called Customs Form for Tourists, which is valid for 180 days. This document is available at airline offices, travel agencies or Mexican ports of entry. Each passenger must be provided with one.
As of 1999, a Non-immigrant Tax (DNI) is charged in Mexico, which is intended to promote tourism and improving immigration services. This tax must be paid upon leaving the country. Its cost is 294 pesos. For more information, visit the National Immigration Institute’s webpage at inm.gob.mx
Legal, permanent residents in the United States or Canada do not need a visa to enter Mexico.
As of 1999, a Non-immigrant Tax (DNI) is charged in Mexico, which is intended to promote tourism and improving immigration services. This tax must be paid upon leaving the country. Its cost is 294 pesos. For more information, visit the National Immigration Institute’s webpage at inm.gob.mx
Legal, permanent residents in the United States or Canada do not need a visa to enter Mexico.
Customs
Duty-free allowances into Mexico are three litres of liquor and six of wine, plus four houndred cigarrettes, 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
Inserting or taking out the country more than US$10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies is not a crime. Not declaring it is. Any person entering or leaving Mexico and carry than the equivalent amounts to US$10.000 in: cash national or foreign checks, payment orders, any note receivable, or a combination of the cases mentioned, It is obliged to declare to customs authorities, through the following formats: Upon entering the country, the Customs Declaration for travelers arriving from abroad. Upon leaving, the Declaration of Money, Outbound passengers.
As this type of goods are prohibited or regulated, you can not enter: Narcotics. Live fish species of predators of any size. Images of any kind that represent childhood in a degrading or ridiculous way, on attitudes of incitement to violence or destruction. Used clothing and shoes that are not part of your personal luggage. Weapons and ammunition.
You can also file complaints about corruption 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on: Email: denuncias@sat.gob.mx Red phone: located in the Customs and Local Government Taxpayer Services to perform, when a complaint about a possible act of corruption or any issues that may be considered abuse or wrongdoing committed by public servants of the institution. Mobile SAT - Application cell, complaints and reports section. Complaints and Reports SAT: 01 800 80 000 84. International: 1 844 28 73 803
Inserting or taking out the country more than US$10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies is not a crime. Not declaring it is. Any person entering or leaving Mexico and carry than the equivalent amounts to US$10.000 in: cash national or foreign checks, payment orders, any note receivable, or a combination of the cases mentioned, It is obliged to declare to customs authorities, through the following formats: Upon entering the country, the Customs Declaration for travelers arriving from abroad. Upon leaving, the Declaration of Money, Outbound passengers.
As this type of goods are prohibited or regulated, you can not enter: Narcotics. Live fish species of predators of any size. Images of any kind that represent childhood in a degrading or ridiculous way, on attitudes of incitement to violence or destruction. Used clothing and shoes that are not part of your personal luggage. Weapons and ammunition.
You can also file complaints about corruption 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on: Email: denuncias@sat.gob.mx Red phone: located in the Customs and Local Government Taxpayer Services to perform, when a complaint about a possible act of corruption or any issues that may be considered abuse or wrongdoing committed by public servants of the institution. Mobile SAT - Application cell, complaints and reports section. Complaints and Reports SAT: 01 800 80 000 84. International: 1 844 28 73 803
Other requirements
In addition to their personal items, all passengers entering Mexico may carry a maximum of $300 dollars in merchandise; otherwise, they will have to pay a fee. All baggage is subject to review by the Mexican customs authorities.
Tax refund for tourists
If you make purchases in Mexico, you may be able request a refund of your money. To do this, you must make your purchases at businesses affiliated with the tax refund program and you must spend at least 200 Mexican pesos on Mexican goods. There is no refund on services; therefore you will not be able to recover the money invested in lodging and meals.
The procedure is simple. On the day you leave the country, you should visit one of the tax refund kiosks located at certain airports nationwide. There, you must submit a completed form, your bank details, immigration form, plane ticket, purchase receipts and the merchandise you purchased. You will receive a refund of 50% in cash and the other 50% will be transferred to you account within the next 40 days.
Foreigners with tourist status may obtain refund of tax (value added tax) that has been transferred to them in the purchase of goods in stores established in Mexico, provided that the following requirements are met: Returned abroad by air or sea, Have tax receipts, That goods purchased actually leave the country, The minimum purchase per store is 1,200 pesos with electronic payment, The purchase has been made in stores participating in the Tax Refund Program for foreign tourists, Purchased by electronic payment (credit card, debit card or services issued abroad by foreign financial institutions), or in cash purchases provided as long as they do not exceed 3,000 pesos per tourist. Return is done by authorized dealers in attention units they have established for that purpose.
To make the return effective, tourist must:
Ask the store where you made the purchase your tax receipt, it must contain tourist information and tax return request form (also available in attention units).
Go to modules located in ports and airports for this purpose.
Present the goods for which the tax is requested to verify they are leaving the country.
Subsequent to verification, goods with an amount exceeding 5,000 pesos (including tax) are physically validated; In case of a lower amount, this validation may or may not be carried out.
Once the merchandise has been validated and the documentation has been reviewed, the corresponding refund will be paid.
The amount of the refund is paid in Mexican pesos, by reimbursement to the electronic instrument used for purchase, or in cash up to a maximum of 50% of the amount to be paid to tourist, not to exceed 10,000 pesos. Remainder is deposited electronically in the account indicated.
This benefit works in cities with greater influx of foreign tourists, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Majahual, Progreso and Ensenada.
For more information visit:
moneyback.mx
taxfree.com.mxsat.gob.mx
Electricity
110 volts AC, with simple two-flat-pin rectangular plugs - most North American appliances can be used as they are. Travellers from the UK, Ireland, Australia, Asia, South Africa and Europe should bring along a converter and a plug adapter.
Tips
It is customary to leave a tip to thank waiters, valets, gas station employees, bellboys and other service providers. At restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is customary to leave 10% of the total amount of the bill; if the service was very good, you may wish to leave up to 15%. Some restaurants and bars include the tip in the final bill, so be sure to check this in order not to overpay. Not tipping is frowned upon.
Traveling with pets and food products
The importation of live animals, and certain foods, can introduce pests and diseases that are not present in the region and cause ecologic and economic disasters.
In order to avoid this, officialsfrom SAGARPA-SENASICA carry out routine inspections at maritime ports, borders, international airports and crossing points throughout the country, supported by trained dogs to detect any organic product that may represent a health or safety risk.
Before traveling to Mexico, it is very important that you become familiar with the requirements for introducing live animals, or products and byproducts of animal, plant, fishing and aquiculture origin. These requirements can be found on the SENASICA web page:
If upon your arrival to Mexico you DECLARE that you have an agricultural or food product in your baggage (purse, suitcases, bags, backpacks, etc), a SAGARPA-SENASICA official will evaluate the health condition of the item and determine if an importing process is required, or if it must be retained and destroyed in accordance with government ordinance.
Prepare yourself to avoid delays and help keep Mexico safe for yourself and others!
Here are the telephone numbers of some agencies that may be helpful during your trip:
Tourism Ministry
From within Mexico City and the metropolitan area: 5250 0151
Toll free from within the Mexican Republic: 01 800 903 9200
Toll free from the United States of America: 1 (800) 482 98 32
sectur.gob.mx
Embassy of the United States in Mexico
Reforma 305, col. Cuauhtémoc, del. Cuauhtémoc, C.P. 06500
From within the Mexican Republic: 01 55 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
From the United States: 01 15 255 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
www.usembassy.gov/mexico
If you are a U.S. citizen and you find yourself in an emergency situation, you may call the following number:
(From the U.S.) 011 52 55 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
(From Mexico) 01 55 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
You can check the online directory of consulates and embassies here
Tax refund for tourists
If you make purchases in Mexico, you may be able request a refund of your money. To do this, you must make your purchases at businesses affiliated with the tax refund program and you must spend at least 200 Mexican pesos on Mexican goods. There is no refund on services; therefore you will not be able to recover the money invested in lodging and meals.
The procedure is simple. On the day you leave the country, you should visit one of the tax refund kiosks located at certain airports nationwide. There, you must submit a completed form, your bank details, immigration form, plane ticket, purchase receipts and the merchandise you purchased. You will receive a refund of 50% in cash and the other 50% will be transferred to you account within the next 40 days.
Foreigners with tourist status may obtain refund of tax (value added tax) that has been transferred to them in the purchase of goods in stores established in Mexico, provided that the following requirements are met: Returned abroad by air or sea, Have tax receipts, That goods purchased actually leave the country, The minimum purchase per store is 1,200 pesos with electronic payment, The purchase has been made in stores participating in the Tax Refund Program for foreign tourists, Purchased by electronic payment (credit card, debit card or services issued abroad by foreign financial institutions), or in cash purchases provided as long as they do not exceed 3,000 pesos per tourist. Return is done by authorized dealers in attention units they have established for that purpose.
To make the return effective, tourist must:
Ask the store where you made the purchase your tax receipt, it must contain tourist information and tax return request form (also available in attention units).
Go to modules located in ports and airports for this purpose.
Present the goods for which the tax is requested to verify they are leaving the country.
Subsequent to verification, goods with an amount exceeding 5,000 pesos (including tax) are physically validated; In case of a lower amount, this validation may or may not be carried out.
Once the merchandise has been validated and the documentation has been reviewed, the corresponding refund will be paid.
The amount of the refund is paid in Mexican pesos, by reimbursement to the electronic instrument used for purchase, or in cash up to a maximum of 50% of the amount to be paid to tourist, not to exceed 10,000 pesos. Remainder is deposited electronically in the account indicated.
This benefit works in cities with greater influx of foreign tourists, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Majahual, Progreso and Ensenada.
For more information visit:
moneyback.mx
taxfree.com.mxsat.gob.mx
Electricity
110 volts AC, with simple two-flat-pin rectangular plugs - most North American appliances can be used as they are. Travellers from the UK, Ireland, Australia, Asia, South Africa and Europe should bring along a converter and a plug adapter.
Tips
It is customary to leave a tip to thank waiters, valets, gas station employees, bellboys and other service providers. At restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is customary to leave 10% of the total amount of the bill; if the service was very good, you may wish to leave up to 15%. Some restaurants and bars include the tip in the final bill, so be sure to check this in order not to overpay. Not tipping is frowned upon.
Traveling with pets and food products
The importation of live animals, and certain foods, can introduce pests and diseases that are not present in the region and cause ecologic and economic disasters.
In order to avoid this, officialsfrom SAGARPA-SENASICA carry out routine inspections at maritime ports, borders, international airports and crossing points throughout the country, supported by trained dogs to detect any organic product that may represent a health or safety risk.
Before traveling to Mexico, it is very important that you become familiar with the requirements for introducing live animals, or products and byproducts of animal, plant, fishing and aquiculture origin. These requirements can be found on the SENASICA web page:
If upon your arrival to Mexico you DECLARE that you have an agricultural or food product in your baggage (purse, suitcases, bags, backpacks, etc), a SAGARPA-SENASICA official will evaluate the health condition of the item and determine if an importing process is required, or if it must be retained and destroyed in accordance with government ordinance.
Prepare yourself to avoid delays and help keep Mexico safe for yourself and others!
Here are the telephone numbers of some agencies that may be helpful during your trip:
Tourism Ministry
From within Mexico City and the metropolitan area: 5250 0151
Toll free from within the Mexican Republic: 01 800 903 9200
Toll free from the United States of America: 1 (800) 482 98 32
sectur.gob.mx
Embassy of the United States in Mexico
Reforma 305, col. Cuauhtémoc, del. Cuauhtémoc, C.P. 06500
From within the Mexican Republic: 01 55 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
From the United States: 01 15 255 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
www.usembassy.gov/mexico
If you are a U.S. citizen and you find yourself in an emergency situation, you may call the following number:
(From the U.S.) 011 52 55 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
(From Mexico) 01 55 50 80 20 00, ext. 0
You can check the online directory of consulates and embassies here
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