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Old 07-20-2011, 11:00 AM   #1
aussie
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First Trip To Mexico

I'm about to embark on my first trip to Mexico and I'd love to know what was the one thing you wished someone had warned you about but didn't (spearfishing related or not).

For example; someone suggested I pack insect repellent as the mozi's can get thick down there (something I totally wouldn't have thought of). Could be about currency or heat or drinking water, who knows.

I'll be jumping around a bit so there's no one location to prep for. There may or may not be adequate amenities, I have no idea.

Thanks in advance.
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:04 AM   #2
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

If you might be sleeping outside bring a mosquito net or a mosquito net tent so you wont be stuck in a hot nylon tent and will still be safe from the mosquitos. Repelent is nice but wont work well enough while your seeping. Bottled water is nice oh an some Imodium just in case.
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:07 AM   #3
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Get Pesos! I was amazed how many Americans go down there with greenbacks and expect local shop keepers, restaurants, etc. to take them. Most Mexican people are smart enough to offer you a 10-1 exchange rate (i think the going rate at a money exchange is about 14 pesos to the dollar). If you try to pay in Mexico with American currency, expect a significant "gringo tax".

If you are on a boat, tip your captain and crew. Some are happy with fish, but cash is always king. And just like any boat trip, keep your gear squared away, show up early, and offer to help wherever you can.

Dive safely, have fun, and post some pics afterwards!
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:27 AM   #4
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

In order of importance

Extra Shafts!!!!
Fruit by the foot
Grouper mix (Mixture of snacks from Costco)
Baby wipes! Gotta keep that ass nice and clean.
A lifeguard style hat
Sunscreen
Porno mags for the panguero
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:38 AM   #5
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Cash hidden away,
Duct Tape,
Shirts and or other stuff to give locals.
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:41 AM   #6
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

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Originally Posted by sticknrelease View Post
Get Pesos!
Are banks the best place to exchange money in the states or are there better deals out there?

Thanks.
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:47 AM   #7
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Tanc, I dont think you are going to like Mexico bro. All the food is greasy, fatty, and bad for you... everyone drinks beer and tequila...most girls over the age of 14 are either fat/married/have kids.... and the Aussie accent does nothing for your game because no girls have any idea where/what the hell Australia is. The fishing is good but I recommend going to costco and buying however many days worth of salad you might need or I think you'll starve.

Tanc: "Did you know there are 600 calories in that tortilla"

Balta: "SHUT THE F**K UP!!!"
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:54 AM   #8
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Depending on where you are going....Be careful about the water you are drinking, it is recommended to only drink Bottled Water.
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Old 07-20-2011, 11:57 AM   #9
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Quote:
Originally Posted by aussie View Post
Are banks the best place to exchange money in the states or are there better deals out there?

Thanks.
I do not recall my local bank having foreign currency. I think that some malls have "Currency Exchange Stores".
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Old 07-20-2011, 12:10 PM   #10
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Quote:
Originally Posted by So-Cal Spearo View Post
All the food is greasy, fatty, and bad for you
I'll stick to rice, beans and fish.

Quote:
Most girls over the age of 14 are either fat/married/have kids....
I could do with some time off. It's been a bumper crop with the locals.

Quote:
The fishing is good but I recommend going to costco and buying however many days worth of salad you might need or I think you'll starve.
Good idea. How about I pop by the sandwich shop you work at on the way down? You still make sandwiches for a living, right? Or do they now require a college degree?

Quote:
Tanc: "Did you know there are 600 calories in that tortilla"
Are there really 600 calories in a tortilla? Good to know. Actually you might want to eat a couple of those, I know Balta likes his boys with a bit of meat on them. Bitch.

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Old 07-20-2011, 12:22 PM   #11
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Quote:
Originally Posted by aussie View Post
I
Good idea. How about I pop by the sandwich shop you work at on the way down? You still make sandwiches for a living, right? Or do they now require a college degree?

Only one requires a PHD in Sandwich making artistry. We call it the turbacado. It is extremely difficult to make without years of training and culinary expertise and has been revered as the turning point in the modern culinary revolution. A part-time sandwich maker such as myself can only dream about one day constructing such a culinary masterpiece as this. I'm about ready to give up and pursue my true calling of ice dancing....
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Old 07-20-2011, 12:26 PM   #12
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Your forgetting the important stuff. Some people are not aware that Hong Kong and Paris are both actually in mexico. Please slap some freedive related stickers next to the motorsport stickers at the top of the poles in Paris.
You have to pay a deposit for bottles that is about half the price of the beer so save your bottles.
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Old 07-20-2011, 12:27 PM   #13
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

learn some basic words and numbers in spanish; it helps in showing respect to the locals and will open doors. The basic por favor, gracias, senor usted (shows respect to older men) etc. can change your whole experience as opposed to playing the arrogant traveler.

If you run into shit with the authorities, "?Hay un otro manera por la resolucion de este problema?" it means can I pay your bribe here and now instead of going to the police station and paying you, the prosecutor, judge, shot caller etc. Keep some $50's stashed, like in your shoe, or the brim of your hat, or where ever for this.

Amazon.com: Mexican Spanish Phrasebook: A Rough Guide Phrasebook (Phrase Book, Rough Guide) (Spanish Edition) (9781858281766): Lexus: Books Amazon.com: Mexican Spanish Phrasebook: A Rough Guide Phrasebook (Phrase Book, Rough Guide) (Spanish Edition) (9781858281766): Lexus: Books

This tiny book is worth its weight in gold. Its unlike any other Ive seen, in that it has slang, obscenities, phrases and words, sections for when your car breaks down, food, and insights into regional culture. Mines been on half a dozen trips to mex and is always in my pocket.

Have fun, show respect to the locals, and keep your nose clean (dont drink too much or hang around with rowdies and lodies) and you'll have a great time.

Jeremy
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Old 07-20-2011, 12:28 PM   #14
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

Quote:
Originally Posted by So-Cal Spearo View Post
Tanc, I dont think you are going to like Mexico bro. All the food is greasy, fatty, and bad for you... everyone drinks beer and tequila...most girls over the age of 14 are either fat/married/have kids.... and the Aussie accent does nothing for your game because no girls have any idea where/what the hell Australia is. The fishing is good but I recommend going to costco and buying however many days worth of salad you might need or I think you'll starve.

Tanc: "Did you know there are 600 calories in that tortilla"

Balta: "SHUT THE F**K UP!!!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by aussie View Post
I'll stick to rice, beans and fish.



I could do with some time off. It's been a bumper crop with the locals.



Good idea. How about I pop by the sandwich shop you work at on the way down? You still make sandwiches for a living, right? Or do they now require a college degree?



Are there really 600 calories in a tortilla? Good to know. Actually you might want to eat a couple of those, I know Balta likes his boys with a bit of meat on them. Bitch.

LMAO

Dude why and how am I always in the middle of things.

You guys are something else.
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Old 07-20-2011, 12:53 PM   #15
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Re: First Trip To Mexico

If you have time, go to the doc and get a perscription for:

Antibiotic for digestive problems.

Antibiotic for cuts.

Extra strength pain medication.

There's nothing worse than being stuck in a panga all day with the squirts, or worse, having your digestive distress shorten your day, and you kill it for your buddies too.

You also don't want a cut to get infected and have to return to the U.S. early and blow the trip for everybody.

Likewise, if you get hurt out there you may be thankful you have something to make getting home bearable. There's a famous story of an old time Neptune who, on a rough day, came down wrong on panga seat going over a wave and broke his back. He had to endure the ride back to port and the drive back to the U.S. in excruciating pain.

I had a similar accident a few years ago. I didn't break anything but I had a severely bruised tailbone after slipping while raising the anchor in San Francisquito. If my well-prepared buddy hadn't had a good pain releiver, the 50-mile run to L.A. Bay would have been the longest boat ride of my life.

Explain to your doctor where you're going and why you need the drugs and you'll be good to go. These meds usually have a shelf life of a couple of years, and if you have insurance, in most cases the co-pay is negligible.

I know a lot of guys get their drugs when they get to Mexico, but with the situation down there, it's a good idea to have clearly marked bottles with labels that show that it's a legit perscription.
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