Advice on spending money

[ThinLizzy]

Hi all,

I'm going to Mexico on Wed for 7 days (3 of which are a work conference) -- could anybody advise me on how much money I should exchange to survive for this time -- I'm not normally so clueless when it comes to spends abroad, but I've never been to Mexico and wonder what things cost over there... I plan to stay close to the hotel for the duration (apart from a couple of excursions) so it'll just be food and drinks really.

Any advise from people who have been there recently would be great)

[candj]

Hi Thinlizzy,

Where in Mexico are you going? If you stay near to the touristy areas, it will be more expensive, but still very inexpensive compared to London! Their economy, which relies a large portion on tourism, has taken a hit because of the spate of violence on the border with its American cousins (an area for any tourist to stay away from). Assuming you pay your hotel bill by credit card, I'd say $500 would be plenty. Try to exchange as little as possible into Pesos as they are basically worthless. Many places take American dollars and in fact would rather have them.

Have a lovely time.

Best,

-C

[????]

Avoid swine

[charliecharlie]

take ?100 in local currency to get started

take your debit card and use an ATM to get cash as you go...

take one extra card as back up

call bank before you go so they don't put a stop on your card

likewise credit card company

spend what you want/need... you only live once

xxcc

[ThinLizzy]

...thanks for excellent advice you guys -- going to Cancun...should I buy a face mask do you think??!!

Looking forward to trying a place I've never been to before :)

[bawdy-nan]

I thought public gatherings had been cancelled (football matches my only example and I'm not clear where this applies - ie if its only in the area affected by the flu) - are you sure your conference is still going ahead ...?

[bawdy-nan]

... and as for face masks you should be able to get those from the army ...

[ThinLizzy]

...Yes, I got an email yesterday saying it hasn't got to Cancun (although I think it is unlikely that no-one has contracted it). Stupid question -- I guess the flu jab we get in England wouldn't cover an exotic strain -- just thinking whether it was worth getting it before I go??

[Tony.London Suburbs]

You lucky swine Lizzy...::o

[bawdy-nan]

FRom the bbc website:

There is currently no vaccine for the new strain but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.

It is unclear how effective currently available flu vaccines would be at offering protection against the new strain, as it is genetically distinct from other flu strains.

[Mikecg]

We could all just wear one of these if it gets really bad.

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/GEAR_CBRN_Suit_UK_Desert_lg.jpg