Acapulco is one of the world’s most famous tourist destination receiving around 5 million visitors each year. It’s well-known for its semi-circular bay that boasts of pristine white sand beaches and attracts thousands of tourists all-year round. Being a major sea port located on the Pacific coast of Mexico and one of the best harbors in the area, the city accommodates shipping and cruising lines plying the Panama and San Francisco, California route.
Although its beaches are its major tourist come-on, Acapulco also offers a wide variety of interesting spots for visitors to explore. The city is home to several shopping outlets, restaurants, discos, bars and nightclubs as well as luxury and budget hotels plus, not-to-be-forgotten historical landmarks.
For visiting tourists, tipping at restaurants is normally 10 to 12 percent. Although taxis do not often get tips, giving them extra will surely make the drivers very happy. At nightclubs and bars, tips depend on the service you receive, usually from 10 to 20 percent.
Should you need to make phone calls, better buy a call card at any convenience store and use the Telmex pay phones that normally charge US$0.50 per minute or US$1.00 per minute for a call to the U.S. Doing this can save you money than using other payphones or placing international calls through your hotel that charge exorbitant rates. If you need to go online, visit the numerous Internet cafes available all around the town and in each major shopping mall. For emergencies that need urgent medical attention, ask your hotel’s concierge for English-speaking doctors in Acapulco.
In need of cash? No need to worry because there are banks and ATM machines in Acapulco. Some hotels even have ATMs now. If you need to change your traveler’s checks and cash, you can do so during business hours in banks and money exchange centers or Cases de Cambio. Most hotels and restaurants also accept major credit cards if you wish to use them.
Internet access is also available in many hotels but if you are outside and need to check something on the web, there are Internet cafes around town including the main tourist areas.
While on the beach, avoid going too far from the shore because the tides of the Acapulco bay can be dangerous. The bay’s undercurrents are said to be strong and claim lives every year. To be safe, follow the warnings – a red or black flag on the beach means it is not safe to swim. A yellow flag means caution while a white or green flag signifies that swimming is safe. Just in case you are not comfortable swimming in the open beach, you can always take a dip at your hotel’s swimming pool.
Meanwhile, if you would like to take a tour of the city, you can request for it at your hotel or if you are the adventurous type, you can always take the taxi together with your companion or friends. But be sure that the driver is a good tour guide as well so you can have an enjoyable trip. Some drivers have been certified as tour guides by the local Department of Tourism. Ask first to see their papers if they really claim to be certified guides. The certification, issued by the Secretary of Tourism, should have a picture of the guide and is valid for 4 years.