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Acapulco Travel Checklist

Acapulco Travel Checklist

Acapulco Central Pacific Coast, Mexico Travel Guide

Chronological Planning Timeline

Organize your trip chronologically to avoid last-minute stress.

+ Months Before Your Trip

Useful steps for a smooth journey.

1

Passport & Visa

Passport Validity

Ensure passport validity for 6+ months beyond return date. Renew if needed, this process takes time.

Visa Research

Research visa needs for your nationality. Begin application at embassy if needed.

Flight & Hotel

Book flights and accommodation well in advance, especially for high season (Dec-Apr).

2

Insurance & Health

Purchase Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. It covers medical, evacuation, trip issues, lost luggage.

Doctor Consultation

Consult for recommended vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid) and general health advice.

Mobile Plan

Arrange local SIM card or confirm international roaming options. Unlock phone for local SIM.

3

Financial & Document Prep

Bank Notification

Inform bank/credit card companies of travel dates. This aids fraud prevention.

Document Copies

Make digital and physical copies of passport, FMM, travel insurance, bookings. Store separately.

Currency Plan

Exchange small Mexican Pesos before departure or plan ATM withdrawal upon arrival.

Month Before Your Trip

actions to finalize details.

Medical & Financial

  • Consult doctor for recommended vaccinations.
  • Arrange for a local SIM card plan or roaming.
  • Inform your bank and credit card companies of travel dates.
  • Make multiple copies of important documents (digital and physical).

Week Before Your Trip

Final touches for a stress-free start.

Logistics & Home Prep

  • Pack climate-appropriate clothing and all other essentials.
  • Reconfirm all flights, hotel reservations, and pre-booked tours.
  • Gather all emergency contact information.
  • Arrange for pet-sitting, mail collection, and home security.

Digital Preparation

Ensure your devices are ready for your trip.

Boarding Passes & Confirmations

  • Print or save digital copies.
  • Include boarding passes and hotel confirmations.
  • Save digital copies on phone and in cloud storage.
  • Store physical copies in a separate bag from originals.

Offline Maps & Language

  • Download offline maps for Acapulco (Google Maps).
  • Download offline Spanish for your translation app.
  • This aids navigation without an internet connection.
  • This aids in conserving data and reliability.

Emergency Contacts & Cash

  • Gather all emergency contact information.
  • Keep it readily accessible.
  • Exchange a small amount of Mexican Pesos.
  • Or plan to withdraw cash from an ATM upon arrival.

Pre-Departure Tip

Exchange a small amount of Mexican Pesos before departure or plan to withdraw cash from an ATM upon arrival at the airport.

Arrival Checklist

These steps guide you from landing at the airport to settling into your accommodation.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration Clearance

    Proceed to immigration counters. Present passport and FMM. Officers stamp passport for authorized stay.

  • 2
    Luggage Collection

    Collect your checked luggage from the baggage carousel.

  • 3
    Customs

    Go through customs. You may press a button on a traffic light system (green means go, red means inspection).

Transportation & Orientation

  • Airport Transfer

    Locate your pre-arranged transport (hotel shuttle) or the official authorized airport taxi stand.

  • Fixed Fare

    Purchase a ticket at the booth for a fixed fare to your destination.

  • Neighborhood Familiarization

    Once at your hotel, take time to familiarize yourself with the immediate neighborhood.

Initial Purchases & Orientation

Currency Withdrawal

Use a reputable ATM at the airport or a major bank in the city to withdraw Mexican Pesos.

This ensures you have local currency.

Water Purchase

Purchase bottled water (agua purificada) immediately upon arrival.

Always stick to bottled water.

Local SIM Card

Consider getting a local SIM card if you did not arrange it beforehand.

This aids connectivity.

Arrival Readiness

Walk around to get a feel for the area, identifying landmarks or helpful businesses.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure for a smooth exit from Acapulco.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

  • Factor in luggage weight and size limits for souvenirs.
  • Distribute items between bags to avoid overweight fees.
  • Research home country's customs regulations and duty-free limits.
  • If you purchased large items, arrange shipping in advance.

VAT Refund Procedures

  • Mexico has a VAT (IVA) refund scheme for foreign tourists.
  • Look for shops offering "Tax Free" or "IVA Refund" services.
  • Ask for necessary paperwork at the time of purchase.
  • Keep all receipts and be prepared to show purchased items.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for a smooth journey to the airport.

Airport Arrival

  • Allow ample time for travel to airport.2-3 hours for international.
  • For domestic flights.1.5-2 hours.
  • Factor in potential traffic congestion on La Costera.Especially during peak hours.
  • Reconfirm your flight details.24-48 hours before departure.

Return Trip Details

  • Check for any schedule changes to your flight.
  • Ensure you have your FMM card.
  • You must surrender it to immigration officials upon departure.
  • Empty your reusable water bottle before security.

Departure Day Cash

Keep a small amount of Mexican Pesos for your departure day.

Use it for last-minute snacks, drinks, or tips at the airport.