Zihuatanejo Central Pacific Coast, Mexico Travel Guide
Planning makes for smooth travel.
Travel planning follows a timeline.
Ensure your passport holds validity for at least six months beyond your Mexico departure date. Begin renewal immediately if not.
Determine if your nationality requires a visa for Mexico. If so, start the application process at a Mexican embassy.
Book international and domestic flights to ZIH and preferred accommodations well in advance for better prices, especially during high season.
Acquire a comprehensive travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Notify your bank and credit card issuers of your travel dates and destination to prevent card flagging.
Research international roaming or plan to buy a local SIM card upon arrival (ensure your phone is unlocked).
Reconfirm flights, hotel reservations, and any pre-booked tours or transfers.
Pack all prescription medications (with documentation) and a basic Travel first-aid kit (pain relievers, antidiarrheal).
Download regional maps for Google Maps and Spanish language packs for Google Translate for offline use.
Bookings secure your travel arrangements.
Preparation through knowledge makes your trip smoother.
Arrangements at home before you leave contribute to peace of mind.
Your first hours in Zihuatanejo influence your trip's tone.
Present your passport and completed FMM card. Make sure the officer stamps your passport and returns the FMM portion. Keep this safe; you need it for departure.
Proceed to baggage claim to retrieve your checked luggage.
After luggage, pass through customs. Be prepared to declare items. You may press a "traffic light" button.
Find an ATM at the airport or near your accommodation to withdraw Mexican Pesos.
If planned, find a Telcel or OXXO store to purchase and activate your SIM.
Take a short walk around your accommodation. Locate nearby restaurants, stores, and transport.
Use airport ATMs or designated exchange counters for initial small amounts of pesos.
Avoid large currency exchanges at the airport; rates are often better elsewhere.
Buy a local SIM card for connectivity if you have not already. Purchase a large bottle of purified water immediately upon arrival.
Consider snacks for your initial hours.
Utilize pre-booked transfers or official airport taxis/colectivos from ZIH airport to your hotel.
For bus arrivals, taxis are readily available at the bus terminal.
Following these arrival steps quickly settles you into your Zihuatanejo experience.
Leaving Zihuatanejo, ensure a smooth journey home.
Arriving on time for your departure prevents undue stress.
Preparation minimizes stress for your journey home.
