Recommendations and Warnings

Recommendations:

Take this in advance of leaving perhaps the acidophilus lactobacillin capsule  and strongly recommend eating Yogurt (pick some up at the store) while your there – Bananas  are good and a secret medicine…. Peppermint Candy to sooth a tummy – tiny pieces of the candy when you feel a little something something coming on will calm it down! – Worst case get CIPRO before you leave of perhaps one of the others traveling with you may have some – however only if you can’t calm yourself in other ways!

You can also buy the CRYSTAL light product a little packet of Hydration to add to your bottle of water!   Can be found at any US  Walmart’s etc.

Don’t rinse your toothbrush with the tap water – fill your water bottles at the Hotel’s or at the Host families large Bottle Water Supplies – all Medical Mission venues will have more bottled water!

p.s.. Don’t worry about the ice or the water – even the Mexicans don’t drink the water! 

 Caution:   Pedestrians have NO Right of Way when crossing, walking, getting out of a car etc.  This cannot be expressed enough for your own safety!  When opening a car door Street Side even if it’s a Taxi let alone a host family’s car – LOOK behind you before you open the door! 

Streets – sidewalks everywhere are slippery when wet!  Crocks do not work well when this happens, take a pair of walking shoes if weather is evident!   Bring an umbrella!

Cash-  American money is accepted in Small amounts like $1 or $5 – take at least $50 -$100 in small bills - $1 - $5 - $10  to get started – you can get money from most ATMS (pick the ATM that you swipe your card rather than insert it- English Instruction are available at most)  in PECOS – it’s is almost $1 to 10 pecos as a conversion rate!   VISA/MASTER CARDS  don’t usually work for large purchases at Soranio or most large stores!  (Again you can cash out on ATM) – there is a small charge for the use.

ATMS  are located at any Bank and Soriano has a quantity of them!  However Government pays workers on about the lst and 15th so there are huge lines at those times. 

Be Aware!  - Credit Cards will work at Hotels in our experience.   Some small stores will accept but consumer, be aware of credit card fraud!  It is recommended you contact your credit card company before traveling if you believe you’ll be making larger purchases or the credit card company may put a hold on any of your charges other than ATM…. If you have the card you can use an ATM to get cash regardless of a hold they would have put on your card so you can access cash.

Bring your own light weight washcloth – there are none even in hotels – or a Luffa or something that would dry out that day – HINT:  Bring a small container of WOOLITE to rinse thru the washcloth or swimsuits!  Keeps them fresh!

A Small spray bottle with a mix of water and liquid starch is an amazing wrinkle free secret!

Laundry services – So pack light!  At all hotels but also on many corners there are drop off and pick up same day – a full load may only be $5 - $8

Bring a very nice dress – pants/shirt for the Fiesta!  Where comfortable shoes and there will be long and loud and did I say “loud” music to dance well past midnight.  Dinner will be amazing, worth every cent!    It is Their Culture and Pleasure to have this party experience for us….Along with the Loud Music (just go with it)  Enjoy the Celebration of the Medical Campaign!

 Break a Nail – Beautiful Nails  831-232-0682 or 831-105-7701 Calle Hidalgo 516 Sur (hard to find – need to ring a door bell and be let in) near the ‘other plaza’

Transportation Town -  Taxis  831-232-0818-  831-232-1250  are  available to  most anywhere  in town area – Cost for nearby areas are generally $2 to $5 at the most –usually 2-4 people.   Best to ask before you leave as there are no standards – if you feel it’s out of the suggested price range for near the town area – do not use the cab, there  are plenty of others.  Doesn’t happen very often as they are truly grateful for our visits.  A tip of .50 to $1 something is appreciated. 

Bus – Transpais Bus Service (bus station next to Hotel Mante) there are amazing connections for travel and easy taxi connections – example – Tampico to Mante is a nice 2 hr. bus ride and cost one way $10 direct (make sure you ask for the Direct) and to get to the Hotel Hampton Inn next to the Tampico Airport is a cost of $5 via Taxi from the bus and about a 15 min. ride. 

Emergency Nos.  – 831-232-0030 Cruz Rojo – the ambulance –

Policia – 831-232-0280

TravelGuard Travelers Insurance – offers Medical Evacuation etc. – Trip Insurance – etc. check out the website www.travelguard.com costs about $30 -$50 – different plans