How are people like in Merida?
Locals are proud of their traditions and habits. They consider themselves from Yucatan rather than from Mexico. In general terms they are kind and peaceful people, hence travellers will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere that will incite them to come back.
Which are the working hours at offices and shopping malls?
Like is the case in most of Mexico's territory, public and private offices work Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 hours till 13:00 hours and from 15:00 hours till 19:00 hours in the afternoons. Just a few offices open their doors on Saturdays and they remain open until 13:00 hours only.
On the other hand, shopping malls open their doors Mondays through Sundays from 10:00 hours till 21:00 hours.
Will I have any problems communicating with my country?
No, there are numerous public phone booths in the capital of the State of Yucatan, from where you can complete national and international long distance calls utilising prepaid cards that can be purchased in supermarkets, shops and drugstores.
Before trying to get connected, bear in mind that telephone rates in Mexico are relatively higher than in other countries; therefore, making collect calls may be a great option if you are willing to save a few pesos.
There is also the alternative of calling from your hotel room, although the communication costs are much higher. The plus is on the comfort and privacy.
On the other hand, there are several public places offering access to the Internet in
Merida, known as cybercafés, which are an economic option to communicate abroad and to navigate through the web of webs. Likewise, most of the hotels offer this service to their guests. Ask for it at your hotel’s reception desk.
Is it easy to drive in the City?
Yes, traffic in the City is pretty calm and usually free of the traffic jams and horn blowers that siege large metropolis. There are traffic jams during rush hours, in downtown Merida only, between 13:00 and 15:00 hours, and between 18:00 and 20:00 hours.
What do I need to rent a car?
You need to be over 21 years of age if you wish to rent a car, have a valid driver license, an international credit card and your passport. There are branches of the main car-renting firms in
Merida, both national and international, such as Avis, Hertz or Alamo.
Once you have chosen your vehicle, verify that it is in optimum conditions and that there is a spare tire in it. Be also informed about the coverage of the insurance, or if it is required to acquire a policy at that moment.
Where can I purchase handicrafts?
Merida offers travellers a great variety of crafted products elaborated in the region, with the beautiful huipiles (blouses) hand embroidered in the old fashion, jewellery pieces made of black coral, seashells and sea snails, and ceramics of the varied shapes standing out, amongst other creations, the same that can be purchased at the House of the Artisans, located on 506-A, 61st Street, which opens to the public from 9:00 hours till 22:00 hours.
You can also visit the Recreo Plaza, on 50, 62nd Street, Condesa Building, downtown
Merida; and Curios Lucy, on the upper floor of the Lucas Galvez Municipal Market. Both places work throughout the week from 8:00 hours till 22:00 hours and from 9:00 hours till 22:30 hours, respectively.
What voltage is the electric output?
Power output in
Merida is of 110 volts and 60 cycles. Outlets usually have flat slots. If you happen to have electric appliances working with 220 volts, ask for adaptors at your hotel’s reception desk.
Will I have problems with the language?
Spanish is the official language in
Merida; nevertheless, some people speak Mayan and a great number of words from that dialect are used on a daily basis. There are guides speaking English, German, French and Italian in the tourist areas.
