Which are the working hours in offices and shopping malls?
As is the case in most of Mexico, shopping malls in Durango open to the public from 9:00 hours till 20:00 hours approximately; though shops close their doors between 14:00 hours and 16:00 hours in secluded areas of the state for lunch an to take a siesta.
Bank offices open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 hours till 16:00 hours, though only till noon on Saturdays; regarding public and private offices, they work from 9:00 hours till 18:00 hours with a two-hour break for lunch between 14:00 hours and 16:00 hours.
Will I have problems in communicating with my country?
No, in no way because there are public phone booths in almost all the localities of the State of Durango, from where you can complete long distance (international) calls very easily; all you need is to purchase a prepaid phone card (LADATEL) at any newsstand and at diverse convenience stores.
International phone rates in Mexico are usually higher than in other countries; therefore, calling collect is a good option in case you are wishing to save a few pesos. If you are looking for privacy, you can call from your hotel room; however, the cost of the service will be much higher.
The "long distance phone parlours" or locutorios are very popular in isolated towns; all you need to do in order to use them, is give the guy in charge the number you wish to call and the name of the person you wish to talk to; once the communication has been established, the guy in charge will indicate you which phone booth you need to attend.
Regarding the access to the Internet, there are several cyber cafés in the city, in which it is pretty simple to access the web at economic prices; on the other hand, ever more hotels offer this service to their guests.
What do I need to produce in order to rent a car?
A valid driver license and a credit card are enough to rent a car at any of the agencies working in Durango.
Usually the renting contract includes an accident policy; however, such coverage will not be put into effect if you are driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or any kind of illegal drug.
Where can I purchase handicrafts?
There are several handicrafts' shops in the surroundings of the main plaza, between 20 de Noviembre and 5 de Febrero Avenues, where you can acquire delicate leatherworks, with the purses, belts, bags, suitcases, boots, and even saddles, standing out. Many of these objects show the image of Durango's famous son, the most celebrated "Pancho" Villa.
The Gomez Palacios Market (built in 1982) is located nearby the plaza, on Pasteur Street, and there you can appreciate warming wool covers, hats made of palms, delicate vessels made of clay, colourful paintings, carved wooden figures, curious key rings that carry a scorpion and many other things.
Besides, the kiosk sitting on Pasteur Street, nearby the plaza, offers glassworks typical of Durango.
What is the electric power output in Durango?
As is the case in all of Mexico, alternate current in Durango is of 110 volts and 60 cycles; inlets usually have two flat slots.
