We know you’ve got questions! And we hope our selection of Frequently Asked Questions answers your most important ones. Of course, you are always welcome to Contact Us directly. Where is Mazatlán located? What’s the weather like? How do I get to Mazatlán? Do I need a passport? What time is it in Mazatlán? Is the water safe to drink? Is English spoken in Mazatlán? What’s the money exchange rate? How do I change money? Can I use my credit card? Can I get a cash advance from a bank or ATM? How much should I tip? Do you have safety deposit boxes? Do I need a converter for my electric appliances? How do I get around town? Is it safe to walk around at night? What events are happening in Mazatlán? What if I get sick? Where are the American and Canadian consulates located? Can I get married in Mexico? Where is Mazatlán located? Mazatlán, Mexico lies just a few miles below the Tropic of Cancer and shares the same latitude as Honolulu, Hawaii. It is due east of the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, about 720 miles south of the Arizona border. [top] What’s the weather like? Mazatlán enjoys a mild, year-round climate, with an average temperature of 80° F (26.7°C.) Check out today's Weather How do I get to Mazatlán? Mazatlán is served by a variety of airlines from many cities within the U.S. and Canada. Flights arrive daily. Mazatlán’s international airport is a 30-minute drive from Hotel Playa. Taxis are available directly in front of the airport and cost about $22 U.S. For airline contact information, check out Getting Here. For further information, please contact your travel agent. [top] Do I need a passport? A passport is by far the most convenient and widely accepted form of identification for customs officials, especially for changing money (where a photo I.D. is required.) However, your original, U.S. or Canadian birth certificate is also considered legal I.D. For further questions on proof of citizenship, please check with your travel agent or the Mexican consulate. [top] What time is it in Mazatlán? Mazatlán is in the Mountain Time Zone and observes daylight savings. Check out Mazatlán’s Local Time. [top] Is the water safe to drink? Yes, Hotel Playa Mazatlán has its own purified water system and all of our water—from your shower to the ice cubes—is perfectly safe. Elsewhere in Mazatlán, many hotels, restaurants and bars have internal water purification systems as well. When in doubt, however—ask! ("Agua purificada?") You will also find bottled water readily available. [top] Is English spoken in Mazatlán? Yes, Hotel Playa Mazatlán has a bilingual (English/Spanish) staff, as do most resorts and restaurants in the Golden Zone. Don’t let this stop you from practicing some Spanish—a little effort goes a long way with the locals! [top] What’s the money exchange rate? The peso is the national currency of Mexico. Check Today’s Exchange Rate. [top] How do I change money? For your convenience, money changing is available at the front desk of Hotel Playa Mazatlán’s main lobby. Elsewhere, casas de cambio (money changing stations) and banks will change U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks for pesos. While casa de cambio rates may run a few pennies higher than banks, they are found everywhere, open longer hours and usually have much shorter lines. Some of the larger restaurants, hotels, and shops may accept U.S. dollars. [top] Can I use my credit card? Can I get a cash advance from a bank or ATM? Yes, Hotel Playa Mazatlán accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Most other large hotels, shops, and restaurants also accept credit cards. However, smaller establishments often do not. It is a good idea to carry (or have access to) either cash or traveler’s checks, as well. All banks will perform cash advances from a credit card, and many have ATM machines on site for after hours cash. [top] How much should I tip? For restaurants and bars, 10-15% is standard. Be aware there is a national consumer tax of 15%, known as I.V.A., added to food and most other purchases—it is generally included in most prices. Any extra or exceptional service welcomes your gratuities. [top] Do you have safety deposit boxes available? Yes, we offer complimentary safety deposit boxes to all of our guests. They are located at the front desk inside the lobby. [top] Do I need a converter for my electrical appliances? Electricity in Mexico is 110 volts/ 60 cycles (same as U.S. and Canada) so your 2-pronged appliances (electric razors, hair curlers, etc.) will work just fine without a converter. [top] How do I get around town? From Hotel Playa Mazatlán, you´ll find most restaurants, bars, shopping and banks only a short walk or taxi ride away. Mazatlán´s famous mode of transport is the pulmonia, an open-air taxi resembling a golf car and usually playing colorful music. Just like regular taxis, they will take you anywhere within the city. For only $7.00 pesos, the city´s air conditioned buses will take you downtown (Route: Sabalo Centro) or to the mall for shopping and groceries (Route: Cerritos-Juarez). For more information, check with our front desk. [top] Is it safe to walk around at night? Generally speaking, Mazatlán is very safe. Hotel Playa Mazatlán´s location in the heart of the Golden Zone—a popular, tourist district—is readily patrolled by the local police force with friendly, English-speaking officers. Most restaurants, bars, shopping and banks are just a short walk or taxi ride away from the hotel. As with any vacation, do exercise your common sense and personal safety. [top] What events are happening in Mazatlán? To find out what´s going on around town, check out the Event Calendar. To receive e-mail updates on special events and activities happening each month in Mazatlán, join Club Playa. It’s free—and you won’t miss a thing! [top] Where are the American and Canadian consulates located? Conveniently, both the American and Canadian consulates are located on the premises of Hotel Playa Mazatlán. [top] What if I get sick? Hotel Playa Mazatlán has an on-call, English-speaking doctor available 24 hours a day for our guests. There is also a First-Aid Station and small pharmacy located on hotel premises. Pharmacies are generally well-stocked and staffed by knowledgeable, English-speaking staff. There are two, large hospitals in Mazatlán (Clinica del Mar and Sharp Hospital), both with excellent facilities, doctors and specialists. For more information, contact the Front Desk. [top] Can I get married in Mexico? Yes, marrying in Mexico is legal, official, and a popular destination to "tie the knot" for hundreds of couples each year. Check out Requirements for Marrying in Mexico. [top]